Professor Romance

Overall Grade: 4.5 ⭐️

I said this with her A Bridge Between Us, but I have to say it again. K.K. Allen can write the heck out of an extended metaphor. Like, truly. For people who simply want to know about Allen’s newest book, Over the Moon, this story is a beautiful romance about two people who simply need love in their lives. Isolated, alone, they’ve survived their worlds by shoring up emotional walls and imaginary Rottweilers to attack anything that could torpedo their ability to move forward without attachments. When the professional defensive end and the camp nurse meet, this ability becomes more and more difficult, making vulnerability look $exy even when there is no $ex on the page. Over and over again, Allen’s book is an apt reminder of her giftedness at storytelling, as she grabs your heart, churning it through the trials of her hero, Kingston, and her heroine, Silver/Sylvia. Using the metaphor of the moon, Allen drives her story forward, showing the development of Kingston and Silver, not just as a couple, but also their growth as individuals, and it’s delectable in its presentation. 

The level of detail that Allen pours into her stories makes them special. From the distinct titles of the parts of her book to the graphics at each story’s new moment, you find yourself lost to her craftsmanship. 

Her hero, Kingston, is my favorite type of hero. At the book’s beginning, he is not very likable. He makes choices in his life that are driven by his ID, and they find trouble for him. However, as he encounters Coach Reynolds, a beloved character from Allen’s BelleCurve stories, his journey begins, and it isn’t an easy one. Through meeting Silver, Kingston is humanized, moving away from being only a football god with high emotional walls set in place to a man who loves deeply that he wants to save Silver from herself. When a hero journeys this path, it is like my own personal catnip, and Allen has crafted him so well. 

Now, I will say – my only criticism for this book – lies in Silver’s revelation. I won’t add it here, but in my opinion, it was underwhelming. I would have liked for Allen to spend more time developing the emotional impact of that moment, but she gave that space over to the chronology of her story, which I understand given all the elements of this book. However, I wanted more emotional pop during the moment when she reveals her secret. Silver is a special character given her circumstances. I would love to speak to all that makes her special, but it’s her ability to see Kingston’s true self that makes her the most special. Allen has drawn her beautifully in Over the Moon. 

Needless to say here, but I couldn’t put K.K. Allen’s book down. This is not unusual. She writes characters that pull at your heart and make you fall madly for their story, and her ability to craft a book that is nuanced and detailed is her superpower. This should be on your Kindle, and it is the PERFECT read for this coming weekend. 

In love and romance,

Professor A

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Gah, I adore how female positive Jessica Peterson romances are. Story after story about women and the issues involved in living life as women hit your Kindles hard. She pairs these insightful, intelligent women with men who are still incredibly masculine but yet they have an emotional intelligence that allows them to partner with this type of woman. Southern Sinner, Peterson’s newest book, is more of this. Following the story of Hank, as he travels the world as a means to overcome the damage of his actions with his brother Samuel’s girlfriend, this book does so many things well. Let me tell you about all of its charms and the reasons WHY this should be on your Kindle this minute:

1. By my estimation, Southern Sinner is one of Peterson’s steamiest books. Her hero, Hank, and her heroine, Stevie, cannot keep their hands off of each other, and this aspect of their relationship is the barometer for their eventual coupling. When these two meet in Vegas, they make a clear distinction about their physical needs: to basically “get off” and have fun. From the moment they become physical, they know that it is something different, but both of them are not interested in a relationship, given the challenges of their pasts. What I love about these moments is Peterson’s permission for her heroine to be both independent and $exual without consequence. This is powerful because it equalizes her partnership with Hank. 
2. Peterson is so careful in recognizing the impact of perceived gender roles and the attached expectations. This is mostly seen through the lens of Stevie’s characterization, and it takes up much of the story for this to find reconciliation. Even then, Stevie has to have an epiphany (thanks to her friends) in order to see it. The worry and fret that consumes Stevie’s character as she navigates her connection with Hank is insightful and provides much of the angst of this story. It’s never heavy in its exemplification. Instead, it acts as an impetus for thinking, for recognition, and for reconciliation.
3. Peterson also uses Stevie’s character to discuss the ways that women often make themselves small as a means to create “harmony” within relationships and the detriment of this on those same relationships. I felt every one of Stevie’s words with this insight. 
4. Through Hank, Peterson deftly illustrates the challenges of a work-life balance, something that feels endangered with our own pandemic. Through his characterization, as it relates to this issue, one of my favorite parts is Stevie’s leadership towards helping Hank live a better life, focusing on self-care over industry.
5. There is a beautiful message about loving the messes in life and in people. Life is not perfection; it is an amalgamation of messes, and true love means loving people in their message. It’s one of the most profound ideas of Southern Sinner.
6. And of course the rest of the Beauregard family is here. It is here where the heart of the book resides. Through the love of this family, you’ll find healing and accountability, meted out in ways that will touch your heart. 
7. Lastly, and not most importantly, is an homage to Bridgerton. Calling upon the cultural phenomenon, Peterson uses it well to illustrate the complications of Stevie and Hank’s pairing. 

I’m always ready to be underwhelmed by Jessica Peterson, and yet, each book reminds me why the moment her ARC sign-ups post, I sign up immediately. There are so many talented writers in romancelandia, but they don’t all write romance that challenges societal norms as they relate to women (and men by extension). Her stories, ones like Southern Sinner, challenge you and ask you to reconsider your accepted norms. Even more, in the end, you’ll find yourself a little bit changed at her book’s end. 

In love and romance, 

Professor A

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I have been along for the ride with Monica Murphy’s The Callahans series. I’ll be honest; I’ve struggled with some of the books, but there has always been something redemptive with each of her characters even after acting like some of the worst people imaginable. All along this journey there are two characters who have stood out to me: Tony Sorrento and Jackson Rivers. With Murphy’s newest series, The College Years, you earn access to their stories, beginning with Tony’s in Murphy’s latest book, The Freshman. 

Unlike the stories of The Callahans, Tony, as I suspected, seems less obnoxious. In this story, we find Tony, a freshman in college, struggling to find his place. Without a distinct position on the football team, with his animosity toward a dad who hasn’t been a part of his life, with a step-mom who “comes onto him” at every corner, and with a future that feels ambiguous and tenuous, Tony doesn’t know where he begins and ends. One day, while having his new Range Rover serviced, Tony meets Hayden, who is also having her Range Rover serviced. These two have insta-chemistry and a clear attraction to each other. They realize quickly over the course of the beginning of Murphy’s story that their families “run” in the same circles except their dads are business enemies. Additionally, Hayden and Tony both attend Fresno State, even though they have never seen each other. One of those reasons is Hayden is two years older than Tony. Even more, Hayden and Tony’s thoughts about relationships are the same: neither of them is interested in relationships given their families’ issues with dating and marriage. In a nutshell, it’s clear that Tony and Hayden will feel drawn to each other, but they will fight it every step of the way. And that is exactly the case….until they don’t.

For me, this is my favorite of this crew’s stories. Like I mentioned above, Tony is one of the best characters, and I’m thankful that Murphy crafted a story that shines a light on his depth of character. Also, I liked Hayden as a heroine for Tony. We find out more about his break-up from his high school sweetheart, ex-girlfriend, Sophie in this story, and Murphy created the perfect match for Tony. 

Once again, though, there are parts of Hayden and Tony’s story that feel drawn out and repetitive, which, for this reader, tends to be the case with this series of books and causes the story to drag a bit. I’d like to think that Jackson’s story might be different, but I’m reticent to believe it will be different. 

If you’re a fan of YA/new adult romance, then you should check out Monica Murphy’s The Freshman. It has her crew from The Callahans stories, along with all the qualities that new adult readers love about that sub-genre.

In love and romance,

Professor A

 Southern Sinner by Jessica Peterson is now live! 

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Until I brought my fake girlfriend home.

When I took a seat next to the gorgeous brunette at the blackjack table, I had no idea it would be the start of the hottest weekend of my life. By day, Stevie and I dominate the casinos of Sin City.

By night, I dominate her in my penthouse suite.

Then my brother Samuel ruins it by asking me to come home for his engagement party.

Because he’s not just getting married. This isn’t a normal celebration for me. His future bride is my ‘one who got away.’ The girl I may or may not still be in love with.

The catch? He wants me to prove I’m over his fiancée before they set a date. So I ask Stevie to double down on our chemistry and pretend to be my girlfriend.

We set our ground rules: lots of sex, plenty of pretend smiles, and no strings.

But we’re not only gambling with the truth. We’re gambling with our hearts.

They say every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. But Stevie’s past may force us to fold on our future before it’s even begun.

SOUTHERN SINNER is a full-length, standalone novel in the North Carolina Highlands Series. Coming April 22 to KindleUnlimited!

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

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Meet Jessica

Jessica Peterson writes smokin’ hot romance set in her favorite cities around the world. She grew up on a steady diet of Mr. Darcy, Edward Cullen, and Jamie Frasier, and it wasn’t long before she started writing swoon-worthy heroes of her own. She loves strong coffee, stronger heroines, and heroes with hot accents.

She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband Ben and her smelly Goldendoodle, Martha Bean. Her most recent release, SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN, is a steamy accidental pregnancy romance. She’s hard at work on SOUTHERN HEARTBREAKER, coming in fall 2019. Check out all her books at http://www.jessicapeterson.com!

Connect with Jessica

Website: https://www.jessicapeterson.com/

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 The Freshman by Monica Murphy is now live! 

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy kicks off her new College Years series with a forbidden romance between two people who are undeniably drawn to each other…

I started flirting with a guy while waiting for my car to be serviced. Now granted, he wasn’t just any guy. Tall. Dark. Hot. Mysterious. Can you blame me for wanting to talk to him? He’s in town visiting his parents. So am I. He goes to the same college as I do. Such a coincidence. Almost as if our meeting is destined…

But I shouldn’t believe in that sort of thing. I am single as a Pringle and always ready to mingle. Until I keep running into Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious everywhere I go. Tony Sorrento. Turns out he’s on the football team. I mean, I’m not one to chase after a sexy jock but, okay. I’m down. And did I mention he’s only a freshman?

Our fathers are business rivals, and they forbid us from dating. We need to keep this on the low. Can we remain friendly? Sure. Maybe turn our friendship into friends with benefits? Most definitely. Here’s the thing though. I didn’t plan on catching feelings for him so quickly. Seems like he’s falling pretty hard for me too.

Defying our fathers’ wishes is only asking for trouble, but is being with Tony worth the risk?

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

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Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheFreshman

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Meet Monica 

Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance. She’s also known as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, two kids, one dog, and four cats. When she’s not writing, she’s an assistant coach for her daughter’s high school cheer team, which is a two season sport. Meaning, she’s at practice with a bunch of teenage girls all the time. Or she’s at a football game. Or a basketball game. Maybe someday, she’ll even write about this experience.

Connect with Monica

Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MonicaMurphyGR

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Grab Your Copy Here! 

Free in KU

Meet K.K. Allen

 

K.K. Allen is the USA TODAY Bestselling and award-winning contemporary romance author of sweet, sexy, and inspiring stories that evoke emotion at every turn. 

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⭐ℕ𝔼𝕎 ℝ𝔼𝕃𝔼𝔸𝕊𝔼⭐

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐥𝐨𝐯 𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝!

𝐺𝑒𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐺.𝐷. 𝑇𝑎𝑦𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑠!

#𝟙ℂ𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕜: http://mybook.to/WantedWedOrAlive

𝐴 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑚. 𝐴 𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑏𝑜𝑟. 𝑇𝑜𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑥𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑢𝑛-𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑜𝑓.

Mya…

I came to New York for a fresh start.

A new job. A new apartment. A new life.

The last thing I’m looking for is a man.

Been there.

Done that.

Jesse…

I flee for my life when I leave Chicago.

Escaping a lifetime of misery.

But from the moment my eyes land on Mya Whitfield—I’m done for.

And don’t even get me started on watching her play the cello.

I’ve never envied anything the way I envy that enormous piece of wood between her legs.

Move over, cello…

There’s a new man in town.

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/WantedWedOrAlive-GR

𝔽𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕤!

Willow Aster

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Laura Pavlov

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Living at 40 by L.B. Dunbar

Lakeside Cottage series

An all-new contemporary romance from L.B. Dunbar centered around lifelong friendships, a lake house, and second chances at love over 40.

Making a splash: June 3, 2021.

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BLURB:

Is it an accidental pregnancy, if it’s purposefully planned?

Autumn Kulis wants a baby. It’s that simple and that complicated because one thing stands in her way – she doesn’t have a man in her life. And at almost forty, she isn’t getting any younger. On a two-week trip to her brother’s lakeside cottage, a plan forms. Make a list of three men. Sleep with each of them. Allow nature to take its course. Only, a certain someone gets in her way.

Logan Anders goes with the flow of life. Divorced, single dad, he works hard, and occasionally plays harder. When his college roommate invites him to Lakeside Cottage for two weeks, he hadn’t remembered his best friend’s little sister being so hot. Nor was he a fan of her plan to find a baby daddy. He’s determined to make her list then tear it to shreds leaving him the only man horizontal with her.

When we were forty, we had so much life to live, and a simple proposition could be the start of a second chance at really living.

PLAYING DOCTOR J.D. Hawkins

Release Date: April 29th

Genre/Tropes:Contemporary, Workplace Romance

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57583802-playing-doctor

Excerpt:

He shifts a bit more on the couch until he fishes out an ice cube from between his thighs, then holds it up like evidence. He looks at me blankly, I look back at him, but when our eyes meet this time there’s another undefinable but powerful charge between us. A force that pushes and pulls.

I draw my gaze as slow as a touch from his face to his arm, to the twisting muscles of his forearm, and then the wet ice cube held in his square fingers.

I can’t fight it anymore. This is more than horniness. More than simple attraction. It feels wrong to be this close but still not touching him. The real sin is pretending I can resist.

The knot inside of me is as tight as it’ll go. Something has to give.

Blurb:

Why, yes, I am a doctor. Want me to kiss it better?

It’s always been an unacknowledged perk of the MD behind my name that it’s also a kitty magnet. I’ve got my pick of the litter. I only have one rule, and that’s to keep dating and work in different sandboxes. I learned that lesson the hard way once, and I wouldn’t have made it through med school if I needed to be told twice.

But everything about Mia makes me dumb.

Everything about the hot, bookish gynecologist makes me think NSFW thoughts that just won’t quit.

I try throwing myself into my work. Playing as much pickup soccer as I can handle. But it isn’t long before I’m breaking all my rules to get just one more taste of Mia.

We’re headed for a reckoning.

I’m about to earn a new degree: in love.

About the Author:

JD Hawkins writes erotic romance with modern-classic alpha males and strong, independent women. He currently lives with his wife in Austin, TX. He loves to travel and has lived in many places, including LA, New York City, India and Thailand. When he isn’t writing, JD enjoys surfing, training in Mixed Martial Arts, reading and taking naps. He once dreamed of becoming a ballerina. He’s always loved making up stories, especially ones inspired by real life.

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PLAYMAKER BY SIERRA HILL

Release Date: June 7, 2021
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3iFVKDT
Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonPlaymaker
Moo U Hockey: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/
Cover Design: Christine Coffey

BLURB:

There’s no faking it in love or hockey…

Transferring to a new school under false pretenses is harder than I expected, especially when my cocky new housemate, Callan Thomas, annoys me at every pass. He’s treated like a god and revered by everyone on campus. Too bad he made me feel like a rejected fool the first night we met.

But that doesn’t stop me from accepting his offer to become his fake girlfriend, because he has skills that I need. Only Callan can help me improve my game and make the USA women’s hockey team.

I try to keep despising him, but he keeps proving my first impression was wrong. And the more time I spend with him, the more complex my feelings become. I need to tell him the truth about who I really am before anyone finds out and things go too far.

Problem is, I think they already have…

SNOWBALLED BY MELANIE TING

Release Date: June 7, 2021
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/366wdyu
Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonSnowballed
Moo U Hockey: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/
Cover Design: Christine Coffey

BLURB:

She needs Prince Farming . . . but she got me instead.

Sure, life’s been easy for me. Growing up in an oceanside house in SoCal, playing top-level college hockey, driving a luxury car with a generous allowance—sounds like the dream, right? Turns out what I didn’t have was freedom. And when I decided to transfer to Moo U for my last year of hockey, my controlling father cut me off. 

No money, no car, no friends. I’m just another student struggling to make ends meet. The only place I can afford to live is the Meyers’ farm, where I’ll work in exchange for room and board. Farm work is so exhausting that I don’t even have time to wallow in the crappy turn my life has taken. Zoe Meyers is a hot blonde Amazon with all the energy of a chipmunk on crack. And her positivity is making me realize how lucky I really am, even though I’m broke. Too bad she’s not impressed by a guy who can’t figure out which end of a goat to milk.

Because suddenly I want to impress her. I want to do a lot more with her too . . . if I can get her out of the barn and into my arms.

GOALKEEPER BY ANDI BURNS

Release Date: June 7, 2021
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/39Xy4H2
Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonGoalkeeper
Moo U Hockey: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/moo-u-hockey/
Cover Design: Christine Coffey

BLURB:

Winning games has always been his focus, but will winning her heart become the ultimate goal?

Everyone at Moo U knows the party doesn’t start until Paige Underwood arrives. Not only is she beautiful, she’s fun and charming too. Guys want to date her, and girls want to be her best friend. All Paige wants is to have a good time and make videos for her beauty channel–and maybe get that girl down the hall to do her eyeliner correctly. Is that too much to ask? 

According to her parents, yes. They’ve said the party’s over and that it’s time to get focused.

Spencer Briggs knows all about focus. He’s had one goal since he set foot on the ice as a kid: make it to the NHL. After years of hard work and endless practice, he’s the starting goalie for Moo U and mere steps away from his dream. He can’t afford distractions, and isn’t interested in relationships. And he definitely can’t afford to flirt back with the gorgeous girl in his lit class. 

He needs to stay serious. She needs to get serious. But now serious sparks are flying . . .