Wicked Bite Blog Tour

In the newest Night Rebel novel, set in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress world, beautiful, daring vampire Veritas risks all to protect Ian…

Some promises are meant to be broken…

Veritas spent most of her life as a vampire Law Guardian. Now, she’s about to break every rule by secretly hunting down the dark souls that were freed in order to save Ian. But the risks are high. For if she gets caught, she could lose her job. And catching the sinister creatures might cost Veritas her own life.

Some vows are forever…

Ian’s memories might be fragmented, but this master vampire isn’t about to be left behind by the woman who entranced him, bound herself to him, and then disappeared. So what if demons, other Law Guardians, and dangerous, otherworldly forces stand against them? Come hell or high water, Ian intends to remind Veritas of the burning passion between them, because she is the only person seared on his mind—and his soul…out the Book

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Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of WICKED BITE by Jeaniene Frost, we're giving away a paperback copy of Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost to one lucky winner!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Books.  Giveaway ends 2/29/2020 @ 11:59pm EST.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Excerpt

“What’s so amusing?” I asked in my chilliest voice.

“You,” he said, still chuckling. “Knew you must fancy me to convince Crispin to lie his arse off to protect me from a demon I can’t remember, but I didn’t realize this.”

“Realize what?”

He gave me a sunny smile. “You’re madly in love with me.”

“What?”

He waved away my gasp. “Nothing to be ashamed of. You’re in the company of multitudes, though none of them got me to the proverbial altar the way you did. Have I mentioned how impressive that was? Blimey, talk about making the impossible a reality.”

Outrage had me sputtering. “You are such an ass—”

“Can’t blame it on the Red Dragon, either,” he went on as if I hadn’t spoken. “I’ve been high on that several times, yet never woken up with a wife before. Means I must have wanted to marry you, too, shocking though the thought may be.”

“Your arrogance is astounding—”

“Then again, I do know you’re mine,” he continued, eyes gleaming now. “Did I tell you I sometimes feel things before they happen? Ah, I can see from your expression that I did. Imagine my surprise when I felt that you were mine the first time I saw you. Felt it again with every memory I had of you. Felt it when you were lying your arse off to the council about me, too, and I really felt it when I walked into your hotel room and breathed in your true scent.” He came close, letting me see him inhale again. “Knocked me right off my feet,” he murmured. “’Course, that also could have been the new memory it elicited, but either way, I know you’re mine. And so do you.”

“Bullshit,” I said with all the emotion I was denying.

Ian only smiled. “Keep pretending, then. I don’t need you to admit what you feel in order for you to help me recover what I’ve lost. You can show me.”

I regained enough control to ask, “How will I show you?”

“Being near you has already inspired one new memory. I expect more will come the longer we’re together.” His gaze turned knowing. “Did you realize that? Is that the other reason you’ve tried so hard to avoid me?”

“No.” But now that I did know, it would be.

If Ian remembered everything, he’d never let me pay the price for his resurrection alone. His sense of honor would demand that he hunt down the other souls along with me, danger be damned. I had to get away from him before that happened. But now that he could teleport, how could I escape him?

Of course. Ian was formidable, but he did have one rather large weakness.

I came toward him and dropped my glamour. My skirt suit was already ripped from the ghoul fight and being buried alive, so my real curves almost overflowed the torn fabric, now too tight. His gaze raked me from the top of my streaked, silvery hair all the way to my feet, and his nostrils flared when he caught my real scent.

“There you are,” he said in a throaty voice.

“Here I am,” I agreed softly.

Then I put my arms around him, steeling myself not to get lost in the feel of him. He pulled me close, his body flush against mine. Every nerve ending I had caught fire. So much for me maintaining control. Still, I couldn’t stop now. I tilted my head back and parted my lips, an invitation for him to kiss me.

His eyes glowed emerald as he took me up on it.

About the Author

JEANIENE FROST is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress and Night Prince series, as well as the Night Huntress World novels. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in Florida with her husband, Matthew, rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling — by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon

This promotion was brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

Whiteout (Survival Instincts #1) by Adriana Anders

* * * * *

Angel Smith is ready to leave Antarctica for a second chance at life. But on what was meant to be her final day, the research station is attacked. Hunted and scared, she and glaciologist Ford Cooper barely make it out with their lives…only to realize that in a place this remote, there's nowhere left to run.

Isolated in the middle of a long, frozen winter with a madman at their heels, they must fight to survive in the most inhospitable—and beautiful—place on earth. But the outside world depends on what Ford and Angel know and, as their pursuers close in and their new partnership burns bright and hot, they will stop at nothing to make it out of the cold alive.

Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review


As someone who does not like the cold or enjoy winter I cannot think of a more nightmarish scenario - being stuck on a hostile, frozen continent with a bunch of bad guys after you. No, thank you. But I'll happily read about it if it's an Adriana Anders book!

After witnessing a gruesome murder, Angel, originally set to depart from Antarctica after her months-long stint as the cook - a role she fulfilled with purpose - misses her flight and becomes the prey. Not only did she witness the murder, she also got away with what the murderers were after: vials containing a deadly virus that was collected by scientist, Ford Cooper aka Coop. Angel hasn't had much contact with him as he prefers to be out in the harsh elements alone with his scientific equipment than seek the company of people. But she knows he is her only salvation at this point even if he's barely said two words to her or looked at her the entire time she's been there. Coop knows something is definitely wrong when he finds traces of abandoned and broken equipment out in the elements but no signs of one of his fellow researchers. When he returns to his research station, he knows something is definitely amiss, and once he runs into Angel, all his suspicions are confirmed. They need to seek out safety by travelling to a distant Russian research station that's over 300 miles away. The vehicle they travel in doesn't take them far and then the rest of the perilous journey has to be taken on foot, or skis rather, while lugging equipment, food and those much sought-after vials. Keeping them out of the wrong hands is imperative. 

It's hard to decide which is worse, the mercenaries they're escaping from or the hostile weather environment they're in. In some ways, the weather is an unlikely ally by grounding planes or decreasing visibility. Surviving in it is a different story completely. I was surprised by Angel's grit just as she was. She came to Antarctica to distract herself from what she lost or left behind. She didn't expect to find this extraordinary version of herself who's willing to push the limits of her mind, body and endurance to protect something that could destroy the world. Every mile walked is a mile conquered but comes with unforeseen dangers. Coop knows what's out there. This is his life and he thrives in these elements. He's used to it but to be responsible for someone who never sought this out is something entirely alien to him. Angel tests his fierce discipline. He's someone who prefers solace because he can't handle excess stimulus and Angel has always been more than his senses could take. Now here in the middle of nowhere he employs his knowledge of this inhospitable landscape and his instincts to keep them both alive. What he doesn't anticipate is Angel's proximity to chisel away at his tough exterior. Fully aware of what's at stake, she astounds him with her determination and unwillingness to give up. Thankfully Anders can always be counted out to increase the heat factor between her heroes and heroines. If forced proximity is your jam, then you'll feast off of this literal life and death situation where the tension is amped up all the way to 11. There's nowhere to go to hide from it.

Whiteout is high-octane adventure with numerous twists and turns that propel the action the entire time. Even in the downtime there's that heady feeling of anything can happen in a split second. Antarctica is the other main character in the book, ambivalent towards everyone but a major player in what is to come. If it's not the imminent evil chasing after them, it's the hazardous conditions, depleting rations, and unexpected dangers that could do them in. Then there are additional POVs adding another sinister element to the overall story. The evil mastermind has a heartbreaking motivation behind their nefarious plans which blurs all moral lines. 

I couldn't read Whiteout fast enough and I had to contain my own anxiety for Angel and Coop which was spiking all over the place! Anders is a sensational writer for letting her characters get under your skin and deep into your veins. The ending which promises of a happily ever after is shattered by a cliffhanger that left me startled and excited. If this is how the first book went, I can't even begin to imagine how much more high stakes and crazy it will get in the next one!

~ Bel

The Sinful Scot Release Blitz

THE SINFUL SCOT by Maddison Michaels is out now! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy of this historical romance today!

About The Sinful Scot:

Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask...even from her childhood friend, Alec. Dr. Alec McGuinness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder. Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about before, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?

Order Your Copy Today!

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Catch Up on the Series:

Book 1 – The Devilish Duke

Book 2 – The Elusive Earl

Exclusive Excerpt:

Taking a deep breath, she turned around, only to be caught in Alec’s penetrating gaze. She’d forgotten how handsome he was. A strange combination of rugged athleticism mixed with the air of a scholar. But there was also a steadiness to him, a gentle strength, that Connie felt drawn to. This was a man who would have no need to take out his anger on anyone weaker than he. She’d never met a more honorable or honest man. 

She cringed with the thought of how badly she’d once treated him. Often ignoring him at assemblies and the like, simply because he hadn’t fawned over her like the other men had. 

She’d been a fool. 

“Sophie sent you, then?” was all Connie could think to say. She must sound like an imbecile. 

“She asked me to check on you.” He paused, staring steadily at her. “So how are you, Lady Connie?” 

He was still calling her by her maiden title, and there was something so familiar about him doing so, it reminded her of a time long ago. A time she wished she could escape back to. 

Unable to withstand his close scrutiny, she strode over to the hearth and closed her eyes for a second, fighting the urge to cry again. She’d thought her tears from earlier were well and truly dried up. 

It would be so easy to tell Alec what had been happening. He would believe her. Probably try to save her, too. But what could he do, when up against the powerful Duke of Kilmaine, whose word was law in these parts? And though she knew Alec could defend himself in a fight, Duncan never fought fairly. Her husband had enough servants and guards around the estate to ensure that Alec would be outnumbered.

No. She couldn’t risk getting him hurt. She’d never forgive herself if he did.

Filling her lungs with a hearty breath, she turned back to face him, and once again, she plastered a serene smile on her face. “Everything is fine. Absolutely fine, in fact.” 

But Alec didn’t smile back. Instead he frowned. “Don’t lie to me, Connie.” He strode across to her, until she found herself staring at the crisp white cravat covering his neck. 

She gasped softly as his hand gently tilted her chin upward, until her eyes met his. Warring with the frisson of fear from having a man touch her was a giddy sensation fluttering in her stomach. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone had touched her with such tenderness. If ever, actually. 

“What’s going on? And I’ll have the truth this time, please.” Alec’s voice was firm, but she could hear the concern in it. It had been so long since she’d felt that anyone cared. 

“As I said before, everything is fine, Doctor McGuiness.” She carefully reached up and very deliberately pushed his hand away from under her chin. “And you take too many liberties touching me and calling me by my first name. I am a duchess now. Or have you forgotten?” Perhaps if she sounded condescending, as she’d often done in the past with him, he’d believe her, and go. 

“Aye. I’m well aware of that fact.” He stepped back and bowed stiffly. “Forgive me, your grace.” 

There was contempt in his voice, and Connie felt her heart sink. He would forever remember her as being a coldhearted shrew, she was sure of that. And though a part of her hated knowing he would, at least he’d be safe.
“You can tell Sophie that all is well.” She was glad her voice sounded steady, when inside she felt like she was shattering into tiny pieces. “Now if you will excuse me, I have duties to attend to.” She inclined her head at him before sweeping past him toward the door.

She extended her hand toward the doorknob when, from behind her, Alec reached over her shoulder and pressed his palm against the wood. Preventing her from opening it and leaving. 

“You’re not going anywhere, duchess. At least not until you tell me what the devil is going on.” 

 

   

About Maddison Michaels:

 Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager, Maddison Michaels is a bestselling, award-winning Australian romance author, who loves to write sexy history with a dash of mystery! Her debut novel, THE DEVILISH DUKE, won the 2019 RWA Australia Historical Romance Book of the year. Maddison lives in Sydney with her gorgeous hubby and daughter, and always starts her day with a cup (or two) of liquid gold… coffee (just quietly, she’s addicted to the stuff)!

Connect with Maddison:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | 

Amazon Author Page | Bookbub

The Sinful Scot Pre-Release Blitz

THE SINFUL SCOT by Maddison Michaels is coming soon! Check it out and be sure to pre-order your copy of this historical romance today!

Title: The Sinful Scot

Author: Maddison Michaels

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: January 27^th

About The Sinful Scot:

Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask...even from her childhood friend, Alec. Dr. Alec McGuinness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder. Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about before, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | GooglePlay | Indigo

Catch Up on the Series:

Book 1 – The Devilish Duke

Book 2 – The Elusive Earl

Exclusive Excerpt:

She took in a deep breath of air. You can do it, Connie, she began to say to herself, over and over again. After all, she had to do it. She had no other choice. 

Turning back into the room, she hurried over to the bed and gathered up the makeshift rope she’d hidden under the bed frame, which she’d made from knotting together the sheets. She tied one end of it tightly to the leg of the bed and then dragged the rest across to the window before throwing it over the sill. 

The lock to the door suddenly turned, and the door opened. Connie felt her heart stop, and she had to stifle the scream about to burst out of her mouth as she swiveled around to face the threat. 

There, standing at the entrance, was Alec, with a rather purposeful expression on his face. He glanced to the open window and the rope hanging through it. “I thought they used bedsheet ropes to escape only in those gothic horror novels you used to read as a girl?” 

“How the devil did you get in here?” Connie demanded, ignoring his question, though slightly thrilled he had remembered something he’d oftentimes teased her over in the past. “You nearly frightened me to death!” 

“I’m here to rescue you. I did mention to be ready.” There was a grim determination in his voice, before a small smile twisted at the corners of his mouth, transforming his already altogether too handsome face into something even more compelling. “Though I think we can leave via the staircase, rather than with that.” He glanced down at the bedsheet rope, now dangling loosely from her hands. “Were you really going to use it?” 

“I didn’t have a lot of options,” she replied, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of knowing that she had in fact gotten the idea from one of the gothic novels she’d read years ago. 

Alec picked up the length of rope from her hands. “The knots do seem strong enough, so I daresay they would have held your weight.” His eyes met her own. “Rather resourceful of you.” He sounded impressed. “Come on, we need to go.”

About Maddison Michaels:

 

 Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager, Maddison Michaels is a bestselling, award-winning Australian romance author, who loves to write sexy history with a dash of mystery! Her debut novel, THE DEVILISH DUKE, won the 2019 RWA Australia Historical Romance Book of the year. Maddison lives in Sydney with her gorgeous hubby and daughter, and always starts her day with a cup (or two) of liquid gold… coffee (just quietly, she’s addicted to the stuff)!

Connect with Maddison:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | 

Amazon Author Page | Bookbub

Headliners (London Celebrities #5) by Lucy Parker

* * * *

Sparks fly when two feuding TV presenters are thrown together to host a live morning show in Lucy Parker’s latest enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance.

He might be the sexiest man in London, according to his fan site (which he definitely writes himself), but he’s also the most arrogant man she’s ever met.

She might have the longest legs he’s ever seen, but she also has the sharpest tongue.

For years, rival TV presenters Sabrina Carlton and Nick Davenport have traded barbs on their respective shows. The public can’t get enough of their feud, but after Nick airs Sabrina’s family scandals to all of Britain, the gloves are off. They can barely be in the same room together—but these longtime enemies are about to become the unlikeliest of cohosts.

With their reputations on the rocks, Sabrina and Nick have one last chance to save their careers. If they can resurrect a sinking morning show, they’ll still have a future in television. But with ratings at an all-time low and a Christmas Eve deadline to win back the nation’s favor, the clock is ticking—and someone on their staff doesn’t want them to succeed.

Small mishaps on set start adding up, and Sabrina and Nick find themselves—quelle horreur—working together to hunt down the saboteur…and discovering they might have more in common than they thought. When a fiery encounter is caught on camera, the public is convinced that the reluctant cohosts are secretly lusting after one another.

The public might not be wrong.

Their chemistry has always been explosive, but with hate turning to love, the stakes are rising and everything is on the line. Neither is sure if they can trust these new feelings…or if they’ll still have a job in the New Year.

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


Enemies-to-lovers who are forced to work together to salvage a morning show that's been receiving low ratings - sure, this will be no problem for Sabrina and Nick.  They're professional, right? They know a whole country is watching so they'll be on their best behaviour, right? Well ...

It's a tall order to ask especially of Sabrina who's always had a competitive and antagonistic relationship with Nick but especially after he revealed her family's darkest secret to the public. It was a scandal of epic proportions that she'd only just learned about herself and barely had time to digest when Nick pulled that trick and upended her world and that of her sister's, famed stage actress, Freddy Carlton whom we met in book 4. When the dust settled, Sabrina's integrity as a journalist was called into question. That's not easily forgiveable. Nick also managed to get himself into trouble when he was caught maligning their new boss live on the air. Yep. Their careers are in dire need of help but when their boss calls them in and tells them that they only way to dig out of the mess is to co-host a failing morning show, even they're hesitant to take that on. Two sworn enemies working side by side is a nightmare scenario for them but a potential ratings bonanza for the show as it would reel in viewers curious about their on-air dynamic. They're given a short period of time to turn things around and come deadline day, a decision will be made about who will get to see their career shine on.

By working in such close proximity you know they won't be able to help themselves and will get to each other. Every day on the show brings some ridiculous mishap that finds them embarrassing themselves or fanning the tabloid flames that they're actually an already an item and that they have this act going simply for ratings. The mishaps come often and it's like watching a physical comedy show. (Just wait til you meet a certain stuffed animal!) I couldn't help but laugh a few times. In between the work, Sabrina and Nick start to thaw towards each other. At some point they set aside their issues when they start to suspect that someone is sabotaging their morning show. Nothing like a bit of sleuthing to have them join forces. 

Sabrina and Nick are not a cutsie couple like Freddy and Griff. (I think Griff might have a word with me about referring to him as "cute".) I got the impression that they're more the rough and tumble type that would have it out on a wrestling mat if it came down to it.  I didn't think that there was as much witty humour in Headliners as there were in previous books, however, whenever Sabrina delivered zingers they were more biting than funny which conveyed her still blistering fury at Nick. Nick could deliver a few punches, too. Despite their strained history, there was also a lot of heat between them though they'll deny it until they're blue in the face. Nick came off as smooth and generally put together (except for that one incident that landed him in hot water). A man who has a distinct picture in his mind of his career path and what he wants his legacy to be. Like all Lucy Parker's heroines, Sabrina is impressive for her confidence and ambition. She's someone who knows her worth and doesn't suffer fools. Though he initially finds the morning show beneath him, he begins to appreciate his time on the show. It has him reconsidering his career plans and eventually calls his loyalty in to question. I liked that their individual ambitions were equally important and neither were given short shrift. Establishing trust between them is the crux of the the plot that's also filled with funny moments and loads of sexual tension that's sure to please.

This is the fifth book in the London Celebrities series and it's just as enjoyable as the rest of the books. I liked that we moved away from the stage and ventured into a different venue with television though there are lovely appearances by some fan favourites. I lit up when they came on the page remembering how fond I am of them. I adore this world that Lucy Parker has built and how she continues to creatively expand it. The fact is, I can count on her to deliver deliciously sweet, sexy and funny stories that make me feel so happy when I'm done. If there's ever a reason to escape from reality for a bit, it's this series, for sure!

~ Bel

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

* * * *

The first rule of book club:
You don't talk about book club.

Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him. 

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it'll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.

Source: complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

I rather liked this book's approach to mending a strained marriage. Gavin finds out his wife Thea has been faking it in bed and his entire world just crumbles. It's a massive blow to his ego and stirs up every insecurity he's ever had about himself throughout his life. His immediate reaction is to leave and then Thea asks for a divorce. The book opens with the guys - his teammates and other assorted gents - visiting him at his hotel room and telling him that they're going to help him save his marriage but he has to be a willing participant and keep an open mind. Their solution is rather unconventional - reading romance novels, in this particular case, a Regency that seems to perfectly fit his current messy love life. 

Just like Gavin, I was skeptical. I felt a lot of it was wishful thinking that the guys would talk this way and discuss serious feminist issues with sincerity. I'm not saying it's not possible but personally, it forced me to reconsider whatever conditioned thought I had about guys and their opinions on romance. I didn't know what to make of their romance reading except that it was rather original and intriguing. Segments from the Regency title (Courting the Countess) make an appearance throughout the book providing a framework for Gavin to follow. He really is hopeless but bless him, he's honestly trying. I have to say the guys are hilarious in this and Gavin's initial cluelessness gives them plenty of fodder but their hearts are all in the right place. I think it was almost halfway through that I started to really enjoy the story.

As silly as the guys' shenanigans were, there were elements of the story that gave me much to ponder. The book started out with Gavin firmly in the wrong by overreacting and walking out on Thea. It heavily focused on his transgressions but barely touched her issues until a couple chapters towards the end. Thea has so much baggage brought on by her parents' dysfunctional marriage and subsequent relationships such as fear of abandonment and feeling like an outsider. There is a ton, A TON, to unpack there and when she finally has that much-needed moment of introspection, it seems to fix itself rather quickly. It felt flippant to me especially since Gavin did most of the heavy lifting to improve himself when her backstory was just as crucial to the problems in their marriage. The problem being that she never communicated her feelings to him. They never talked. It feels like a huge power imbalance to expect the world of your partner when you never clue them in to your needs or worries in the first place. I empathized with Thea at the start but once I got to the end I wished she had been more a part of rebuilding the marriage in the first place. I kind of resented her later because of that. But not as much as I resented her sister's presence. The protective sister (understandable) who keeps inserting herself between Thea and Gavin (not okay) and stirring things up about him to her (definitely crossing the line). Once again, there's a backstory but until you get there, Liv is too much.

The Bromance Book Club presents an unorthodox and entertaining way to looking at marriage and what it takes to make it work. It also hints at something broader, so yes, I'd happily recommend it to others. I believe it initiates a deeper discussion about the characters and communication in relationships, and I'm certain that every reader will have a different take on them that I would love to hear!

~ Bel

The One For You (The Ones Who Got Away #4) by Roni Loren

* * * *

The highly-anticipated fourth book in Roni Loren's unforgettable The Ones Who Got Away series.

She got a second chance at life.
Will she take a second chance at love?

Kincaid Breslin wasn't supposed to survive that fateful night at Long Acre when so many died, including her boyfriend—but survive she did. She doesn't know why she got that chance, but now she takes life by the horns and doesn't let anybody stand in her way

Ashton Isaacs was her best friend when disaster struck all those years ago, but he chose to run as far away as he could. Now fate has brought him back to town, and Ash doesn't know how to cope with his feelings for Kincaid and his grief over their lost friendship. For Ash has been carrying secrets, and he knows that once Kincaid learns the truth, he'll lose any chance he might have had with the only woman he's ever loved.

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


It seems almost weird to be such an avid fan of this series that follows the lives of four friends years after they survived a school shooting. Weird because it's a god-awful event that brought these people together, otherwise they might not have ever crossed paths. The friendships that sprouted from that brought hope and love into their lives, and the strongest of bonds that'll stand up to any challenge.

Kincaid and Ashton are both survivors. Best friends in high school with Aston nursing the biggest crush on Kincaid but never coming forward with his feelings. Things changed dramatically after that night and later when Ashton couldn't take it anymore, he moved away. Kincaid always felt that he left her behind so she had to heal and get on with life on her own without her most trusted friend by her side. Now that he's moved back to Long Acre temporarily after a break up and to write his next book, they have to make peace and get along. Ashton still loves her but Kincaid has been in love with a ghost this entire time - her boyfriend who died in the shooting. That's always stood between them. But now that they're older, and Ashton is not as timid about expressing his feelings, he's willing to let it all out there even if he hasn't quite figured out the rest of his plans.

I loved that these two had a friendship before this. They clearly got each other and had fun. Their reunion may be uncomfortable for a bit but at least they're working through it. I like that there is communication between them instead of waiting for a good portion of the book for them to be honest about their feelings. Kincaid, for all her bravado and upbeat personality hides her insecurities well which is obviously harder to do when Ashton knows her best and knows how her family history affects her. And Kincaid knows why, other than the shooting, that it's hard for Ashton to come home. The toughest part of this unexpected reunion is that they finally have to confront certain truths about that dreaded night. They have to separate fact from fiction which is painful but necessary if they are to repair and rebuild their relationship. 

The reason this series is so powerful to me is because it looks at what the survivors go through years after a shooting. The repercussions don't go away with thoughts and prayers. They are intrinsically tied to that event forever and it's hard to carve out an identity away from that, something that Kincaid, Ashton and the town of Long Acre know too well. Long Acre is still perceived as a morbid tourist destination attracting spectators rather than investors, and its town folk have to figure out how to re-brand itself, so to speak.

I knew The One for You was the last book but I was surprised by how I was not ready for it to end. I actually had to read the epilogue twice to accept it. I also had to wipe away a tear after that. Kincaid, Bec, Taryn and Liv thought they were alone after their tragedy but together the found friendship and unending support. The epilogue was so satisfying for me because they each got their happily ever after and that's the most you can wish for someone who's thriving after overcoming the worst. 

~ Bel