Book Review: Cocky Roommate by Claire Kingsley

Cocky Roommate

Author: Claire Kingsley
Series: Book Boyfriends, book 2
Publisher: ?? (june 27, 2017)
eBook, 278 pages
Goodreads     Amazon (available on Kindle Unlimited)

Summary
This roommate thing was a terrible idea.

Kendra is a messy-haired, pajama-pants-wearing little ball of sass. The first thing she does is try to make friends with my random from the night before—giving her all sorts of bad ideas.

I don’t date. I don’t use words like girlfriend, or I’ll text you later. F*ck that. Relationships aren’t for me. I’ll give a woman a night she won’t forget, but once it’s over, I’m out. 

I keep people at a distance, and I have my reasons. But Kendra starts getting under my skin. And when my life crashes and burns—literally—Kendra is the only person I can count on. 

I’m not built for relationships, and Kendra is not a one night stand. But living with this girl sleeping one room away might just be the thing that kills me.

Monthly Wrap-up: January 2019

2019 Reading Challenge

Book read in January: 19

Total books read: 19

Goal: 100

Discussion posts in January: 4

Total discussion posts: 4 

Goal: 31-40

Backlist books read in January: 11

Total backlist books read: 11

Goal: 100

Contemporary romances read in January: 12

Total contemporary romances read: 12

Goal: 21+

Status post with reviews linked up is here. 

Retellings read in January: 2

Total retellings read: 2

Goal: 21-25

Bingo card progress:

Status post is here. 

Overall, I feel pretty great about my progress on all my challenges for this year! And yes, I KNOW I keep saying "no more challenges!" but MAN, how was I supposed to pass up a challenge geared toward retellings?! I'm hoping I can stack the Retellings Challenge with the Beat the Backlist challenge so I read some of those (often larger!) books off my TBR shelves (and not just all the romances, haha). 

Book Review: First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Philips

First Star I See Tonight

Author: Susan Elizabeth Philips
Series: Chicago Stars, book 8
Publisher: Avon (June 27, 2017)
(first published August 23, 2016)
Paperback, 273 pages
Goodreads     Amazon

Summary
A star quarterback and a feisty detective play for keeps in this sporty, sexy, sassy novel—a long-awaited new entry in the beloved, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author’s fan-favorite Chicago Stars football series.

Piper Dove is a woman with a dream—to become the best detective in the city of Chicago. First job? Trail former Chicago Stars quarterback, Cooper Graham. Problem? Graham’s spotted her, and he’s not happy.

Which is why a good detective needs to think on her feet. “The fact is . . . I’m your stalker. Not full-out barmy. Just . . . mildly unhinged.”

Piper soon finds herself working for Graham himself, although not as the bodyguard he refuses to admit he so desperately needs. Instead, he’s hired her to keep an eye on the employees at his exclusive new nightclub. But Coop’s life might be in danger, and Piper’s determined to protect him, whether he wants it or not. (Hint: Not!) If only she weren’t also dealing with a bevy of Middle Eastern princesses, a Pakistani servant girl yearning for freedom, a teenager who just wants of fit in, and an elderly neighbor demanding Piper find her very dead husband.

And then there’s Cooper Graham himself, a legendary sports hero who always gets what he wants—even if what he wants is a feisty detective hell bent on proving she’s as tough as he is.

From the bustling streets of Chicago to a windswept lighthouse on Lake Superior to the glistening waters of Biscayne Bay, two people who can’t stand to lose will test themselves and each other to discover what matters most.

Blog Tour: Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis (Review, Excerpt)

If you’re planning on falling in love…

When it comes to the confident, charismatic Caleb Parker, Sadie Lane feels the spark—the kind that comes from rubbing each other the wrong way. She’s a tattoo artist, he’s a straight-laced mogul. But after they accidentally co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm, Sadie sees a vulnerable side to the seemingly invincible hottie.

you’d better be sure…

Caleb doesn’t do emotions. Growing up the underdog, he’s learned the hard way to build up an impenetrable wall. Perfect for business. Disastrous for relationships. He’s never worried about it before—not until he finally gets behind Sadie’s armor and begins to fall.

… someone is there to catch you.

Both guarded and vulnerable, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Or are they? Shocked at their undeniable connection, can they ever admit to wanting more? That all depends on what they’re each willing to risk.

About the Book

Playing For Keeps
by Jill Shalvis
SeriesThe Heartbreaker Bay Series
GenreAdult
Contemporary Romance
PublisherAvon Books
Publication DateJanuary 22, 2019
Purchase Your Copy Today!
Amazon  |  Avon Romance  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks

Book Review: Engaging Mr. Darcy by Rachel John

Engaging Mr. Darcy

Author: Rachel John
Publisher: ?? (May 12, 2018)
eBook, 189 pages
Goodreads     Amazon 
(available on Kindle Unlimited & Prime Reading)

Summary
“Angry people are not always wise.” – Jane Austen 

After a standoff in the pizza parlor, Elsie Bennet has decided Fitzwilliam “I-Throw-Fitz” Darcy is the worst customer she’s ever encountered. Also the best looking, but that’s beside the point. She’s horrified to discover Will is not just passing through her small town, he’s her new neighbor. 

Will Darcy has all the money and time he could ask for, and yet life never seems to meet his expectations. When his best friend, Charlie, starts dating Jane Bennet, Will becomes their unhappy third-wheel. The solution? Bring along Jane’s sister, Elsie, a girl who challenges him, makes him laugh, plagues his thoughts, and unfortunately, hates his guts. 

Will might control a lot of things, but he won’t control her. Elsie’s already been warned away by her new friend, Jeff Wickham, who found out the hard way that Will is not someone to be crossed. Things would be so much simpler if she was attracted to Jeff. But she’s not. She’s attracted to Will, and the tug-o-war between her mind and her heart is going to drive her mad. 

A modern day take on Pride and Prejudice with all the characters you know and love."

Book Review: Book Boyfriend by Claire Kingsley

Book Boyfriend

Author: Claire Kingsley
Series: Book Boyfriends, book 1
Publisher: ?? (April 4, 2017)
eBook, 226 pages
Goodreads     Amazon (available on KindleUnlimited)

Summary
He's too hot for words. 

Mia
Alex Lawson might as well be the hottest book boyfriend imaginable. A fun, romantic, possessive, panty-melting man. And the best part? 

He’s real. 

For a girl like me—a slightly awkward book addict—Alex is a dream come true, straight off the pages of my favorite romance novels. But our story is turning into a whirlwind romance—the kind that only exists in books. 

And I wonder if we’re heading toward our own happily ever after, or if he’s too good to be true.

Alex 
Here’s the thing. I’m not a bad guy. Lying to Mia wasn’t part of the plan. Finding success as a romance author using a female pen name wasn’t part of the plan either. But sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Like realizing the woman you’re falling for is your alter-ego’s online best friend. 
Online, she thinks I’m a woman named Lexi. In person, she knows I’m all man. I want to worship her body and claim every inch of her. 

But if she finds out the truth, I could lose everything.

Book Review: Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson

Then There Was You

Author: Miranda Liasson
Series: Angel Falls, book 1
Publisher: Forever (May 29, 2018)
Mass Market Paperback, 360 pages
Goodreads     Amazon     Barnes & Noble

Summary
Fresh from her residency, Serafina Langdon returns to her hometown to join her father's general medical practice a year after her fiancé jilted her. More than anything, Sara just wants to move on, but that becomes impossible once she discovers that the man who was responsible for her broken engagement, and who is also her ex-fiance's best friend, is now the Angel Falls chief of police.

As police chief, Colton Walker is devoted to his small town, and he's equally determined to avoid its newest resident. He and Sara have always gotten along like oil and water, and since the bachelor party incident, he's her Enemy #1. But after sharing an unexpected--and unexpectedly hot--kiss, avoiding Sara becomes the last thing he wants to do. She's not the woman he used to know, and he's falling for her. But when her ex-fiancé returns to Angel Falls, Colton will have to decide if the woman he's always fighting with is also worth fighting for. 

Book Review: Just This Once by Mira Lyn Kelly

Just This Once

Author: Mira Lyn Kelly
Series: The Wedding Date, book 3
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 2, 2018)
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages
Goodreads     |     Amazon

Summary
He can’t have her.
So he moves in with her…
What could possibly go wrong?

As heir to a chain of luxury hotels, Sean Wyse III always gets what he wants. So when he sees a freeloading roommate taking advantage of his spunky best friend, Molly Brandt, he doesn’t hesitate to step in. He kicks out the roommate…and moves himself in. 

Molly loves quality time with Sean, but spending nights with him one wall away threatens to wake the crush she thought she’d gotten over. A crush Sean knows nothing about, which might be a problem…considering how hard Sean’s been working never to think of Molly that way.

Blog Tour: Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole

Alyssa Cole returns with a fun, sexy romance novella in the Reluctant Royals series!

While her boss the prince was busy wooing his betrothed, Likotsi had her own love affair after swiping right on a dating app. But her romance had ended in heartbreak, and now, back in NYC again, she’s determined to rediscover her joy—so of course she runs into the woman who broke her heart.

When Likotsi and Fabiola meet again on a stalled subway train months later, Fab asks for just one cup of tea. Likotsi, hoping to know why she was unceremoniously dumped, agrees. Tea and food soon leads to them exploring the city together, and their past, with Fab slowly revealing why she let Likotsi go, and both of them wondering if they can turn this second chance into a happily ever after.

About the Book

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy
by Alyssa Cole
Series
Reluctant Royals
Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance
Publisher
Avon Impulse
Publication Date
January 8, 2018
Purchase Your Copy Today!
Amazon  |  Avon Romance  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks

Book Review: Just for Show by Jae

Just for Show

Author: Jae
Publisher: Ylva Publishing (February 21, 2018)
Paperback, 312 pages
Goodreads     |     Amazon

Summary
What happens when an overachieving psychologist with OCD tendencies and an impulsive, out-of-work actress start a fake relationship?

Claire Renshaw thought she had it all: a successful career as a couples therapist, a publishing contract for her self-help book, and a happy relationship. But her perfect world falls apart when her fiancée calls off their engagement. Because of that, even her book deal might be off the table. After all, readers don’t want relationship advice from someone who can’t even make her own relationship work.

So Claire sets out to hire herself a fake fiancée.

Lana Henderson, the actress who shows up to audition for the role, is not exactly Claire’s ideal woman. Her frankness and the messes she leaves everywhere drive Claire up the wall. At least she won’t fall in love with someone like Lana.

But soon, Lana starts to win her over with her big heart, tickle fights, and—gasp!—carbs after six. The longer they pretend to be a love-struck couple, the less fake their kisses feel and the more the lines between reality and role begin to blur.

Once the book contract is signed, will they walk away or is their relationship no longer just for show?

A lesbian romance where role-playing has never been so irresistible.

2019 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge (#ContRom2019)

OK, OK, I *know* I said I was limiting myself to 3 challenges in 2019, but this one will go hand in hand with #BeatTheBacklist so it's really fiiiiiine. ;)

Hosted by Andi's ABC's

Reading Challenge Details:

• Runs January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019 (books read prior to 1/1/2019 do not count towards the challenge). You can join anytime you want, though the sign up linky will close Nov. 15, 2019. 
  
• The goal is to read as many Contemporary Romance books as you’d like. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. You can move up a level as often as you’d like but no moving down. Remember, the idea is to challenge yourself.
• Books that qualify for this challenge can be young adult, new adult, or adult. Books can be M/F, M/M, or F/F. Books must be a work of fiction (sorry, nonfiction does not qualify for this challenge).
• Romances with the following elements do not qualify for this reading challenge: paranormal, historical, time-travel, fantasy, science fiction, or mystery/suspense/thriller.
• Books can be any format (print, ebook, audio).
• Novellas that are 100 pages in length (give or take), as well as full-length novels, will count for this reading challenge.
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
• Use the hashtag #ContRom2019 when posting your reviews/updates/re-caps/monthly topics on social media.
• To join this challenge, grab the 2019 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge button below and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. This will be your “update post” when doing the monthly link up.
• You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, LibraryThing, BookLikes, etc., so as long as you have a dedicated shelf for the 2019 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge (your designated “update post” for the monthly link up) and your profile is not private. The point of linking up is to have a place where people can see what you’re reading.

Levels:

• 1st Base: read 1 – 5 books
• 2nd Base: read 6 – 10 books
• 3rd Base: read 11 – 15 books
• Home Run: read 16 – 20 books
• Grand Slam: read 21+ books

My goal: 21+ books for the GRAND SLAM level
Here's a link to my 2019 Contemporary Romance Challenge shelf on Goodreads.

Progress:
1. Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole (read 1.3.19) - review
2. Just for Show by Jae (read 1.5.19) - review
3. Just This Once by Mira Lyn Kelly (read 1.10.19) - review
4. Crazy on You by Crystal B. Bright (read 1.17.19) - review
5. Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson (read 1.19.19) - review
6. Book Boyfriend by Claire Kingsley (read 1.20.19) - review
7. Engaging Mr. Darcy by Rachel John (read 1.20.19) - review 
8. Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis (read 1.26.19) - review
9. First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (read 1.26.19) - review
10. The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker (read 1.27.19) - review will be linked closer to release date
11. The Whole Package by Marie Hart (read 1.30.19) - review
12. Cocky Roommate by Claire Kingsley (read 1.31.19) - review 
13. Hot Single Dad by Claire Kingsley (read 2.3.19) - review
14. Finding Jack by Melanie Jacobson (read 2.3.19) - review coming soon
15. A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole (read 2.7.19) - review will be linked closer to release date
16. Crashing Into Her by Mia Sosa (read 2.13.19) - review
17. Devoted to Pleasure by Shayla Black (read 24.19) - review
18. My Very '90s Romance by Jenny Colgan (read 2.27.19) - review
-. Bad for the Boss by Talia Hibbert (currently reading)


February status: 18 books read (Home Run!)