Sure Shot Review Tour

* * * 3/4

A new stand-alone hockey romance from USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen.

On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, sports agent Bess Beringer is ready to make some changes. Armed with a five-year plan—indexed and color coded—she’ll tackle her personal life with the same zeal that she brings to her successful agency.

A big, tall, ripped hunk of hockey player who’s just been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers is not a part of that plan. Mark “Tank” Tankiewicz has a lot of baggage. He’s a ride-or-die loner with a bad reputation. He’s on the rebound. He’s also the sexiest thing on two legs, and for some crazy reason it’s Bess that he wants.

She knows better. But then she falls stupid in love with him anyway. And for a while it seems like maybe he’ll do the same.

Until she asks him for the one thing he can never give her…


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


Tank and Bess are at two drastically different stages in their lives. Tank's coming off a divorce, relocated to Brooklyn after being traded from Dallas, and dodging all the rumors surrounding his failed marriage and clashes with former teammates. Bess is just turning 30 and is a successful sports agent who has now branched out to start up her own agency. After years of putting her career first, she's ready for the next phase - meet a great guy with whom she can have a future. Tank is not that guy right now. Right now what they have is great spine-tingling, rock-their-worlds chemistry in the sheets and that's as far as it'll go. That's all Tank can offer and Bess knows there's no future there. Even though they know this they still keep circling back to each other. Years might have passed since their original interlude and brief hookup but there still remains this effortless companionship and ease when they're together. It's like they understand what they need in that moment, and that's comfort and the need to feel wanted. 

They really do have great chemistry and Tank's maturity since they first met when he was 23 shows. Bess has also grown from that starry-eyed youngster she was to become a determined, successful woman in a male-dominant industry. As older and wiser versions of themselves, they bring more to the relationship that they appreciate about each other. I was with the story up until it kind of veered off in a different direction for me. I'll have to delve into a bit of spoilery in order to explain ...

Like I said, the story worked for me when Tank and Bess hit it off again. He was getting used to his new life and she was kicking butt at her job. What threw me off was that all of a sudden Bess wanted kids when they'd only just reached the decision to become official. It was mentioned at the beginning of the story that she had put a plan together for her life but - and herein lies my problem - there was absolutely no inkling about this particular detail until she dropped that bombshell on Tank. I can't help wondering if I missed something earlier because apparently it was something she had wanted for a while but I don't think I came across a hint of it in her POV prior to that revelation. When they realized that their individual goals for their future didn't mesh, it made sense that they'd part ways. The the next thing you know, they got back together a month later with that "having children" elephant still in the room (and she had been researching her options while they'd been apart). Tank explained what he was feeling emotionally and Bess finally understood where he was coming from, and it seemed like they were going to take their time. Instead, things seemed to move even faster. 

I guess I felt I was suddenly reading a different book with completely different priorities that sprung up overnight. Maybe if there was a physical section break with a "Part 2" that happened a few months (or even a year) later that would've allowed for more time and introspection rather than just the one month pause, then I would've felt it a more organic progression in their relationship. Tank's emotional baggage about children seemed to be glossed over too easily by Bess' idea of a compromise. I'm all for happily ever afters but the second half of the book fell into place way too suddenly for me. 

My reservations aside, I was still won over by the tight-knit Bruisers hockey family that provided laughs and what felt like a massive group hug. There's always joy and guaranteed ridiculousness when they're around, so you're hard pressed to not love them. Although aspects of the story confused me, I still liked Bess and Tank, and had fun reading Sure Shot. I know that a lot of fans will be excited for this!

Bel

Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen

* * * *

A sexy new standalone from USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen.

You’d think a billion dollars, a professional hockey team and a six-bedroom mansion on the Promenade would satisfy a guy. You’d be wrong.

For seven years Rebecca has brightened my office with her wit and her smile. She manages both my hockey team and my sanity. I don’t know when I started waking in the night, craving her. All I know is that one whiff of her perfume ruins my concentration. And her laugh makes me hard.

When Rebecca gets hurt, I step in to help. It’s what friends do. But what friends don’t do is rip off each others’ clothes for a single, wild night together.

Now she’s avoiding me. She says we’re too different, and it can never happen again. So why can’t we keep our hands off each other?

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



Nate and Becca - FINALLY!! A coupling a long time in the making is what makes Brooklynaire an especially exciting read and one that I've been waiting for all this time. We've always gotten a hint of what lay simmering underneath in the previous Brooklyn Bruisers books and Brooklynaire delivers the goods!

The wrench thrown at this highly anticipated union is that this is a blossoming romance between a boss and his employee. Even though they go way back to when Nate hired Becca and they've become good friends since, it's still a precarious line to cross. It's a crucial fact neither of them can afford to ignore though they both come at it differently. Not going to lie, when they first hook up it is hot. But it's the aftermath that leaves everyone unsettled.

Once again Sarina Bowen does what I love best about her: she brings the hard realities, allowing her characters to fumble their way through. For Becca, it's the horror of being a cliché that holds her back from going further with Nate. "Secretary gets it on with owner" is not the headline she wants broadcast and neither does she want to deal with the inevitable rumours and gossip. Nate is also aware that he has to be mindful of the current climate and how he woos Becca. It's nice that Bowen brought these two perspectives here where the woman has to worry about her reputation (personally and professionally) and the man has to be concerned with how his actions are viewed. There's also that cynicism that comes with being rich: does she like me for me or for my money? And speaking of the man, there's something different about how Bowen has crafted Nate. He's gentler, he reveres Becca and it's never more apparent that during their first love scene. There's no vulgarity, no overabundance of testosterone, just pure, simple adoration and pleasure. I was so charmed by it that I read it again before continuing on. Also, it was scorching hot. Did I mention that already?

Bowen is an auto-buy for me. She has never let me down and I've read a lot of her stuff. She continues to write amazing stories that are sometimes punctuated by current hot topics and she does so in a lowkey way. Brooklynaire's added charm is Nate and Becca's connection. Friends-to-lovers is always a fun trope and here their penchant for palindromes is hilarious showing how well they get each other. They're creative and saucy with them, too. The ending, while fantastical from a real-life perspective truly works for them in the Brooklyn Bruisers universe. If you're a Sarina Bowen fan like I am, you'll need to get on this immediately!

~ Bel

EXCERPT

I grab a towel off a waiting stack of them and toss it onto the edge. “You can sit and put your feet in.”

She’s wearing a short little knit dress that’s been making me crazy all evening, so it would be easy enough for her to strip off those stockings, sit on the towel, and drop both feet in.

And that’s what she does. She eases one stocking down over a smooth knee and tugs it off.

I don’t want to stand there staring like a middle-school boy. Okay, I do want to. But I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. So I go over to the sound system instead, and I set my phone on the speaker and cue up a really old playlist. One she’ll recognize.

When I turn around again, she’s seated on the towel, both legs hanging down into the churning water. “Ah. Wow.” She looks up at me, her eyes sparkling. “Nice place you got here.”

“Isn’t it?” I toe off my shoes and kick them to the side.

The first song comes on, and it’s a Macklemore tune that we used to play far too often in our first office. Rebecca laughs immediately. “You didn’t! I haven’t heard this playlist in forever. But I’ll bet I still know every transition. Lady Gaga is next.”

“She sure is.”

Rebecca kicks her feet, making a splash. “I have a little confession to make.”

“What’s that?” I loosen my tie and slide the knot out.

“Well…” She grins up at me. “I used to have a crush on you. Back in the early days.”

My hands freeze on the tie silk. “Get out of town. You did not.”

“No, I really did.” Her cheeks are pink. “That first year especially. But you were taken, and you were my boss. Those two things made it pretty easy to tamp down, when you’re a practical girl like me.”

I walk over and drop down beside her, my back to the water, though, because I’m still wearing trousers and socks. “So how does that work, exactly?”

“What?” She gives me a sidelong glance, but then looks away again and won’t meet my eyes.

“How do you stop wanting someone? I’m a practical person, but I don’t see how that makes it any easier. Nothing seems to mute the raging attraction I have for you.”

Her chin turns quickly toward me, and I seize the opportunity to kiss her. And it only takes one kiss—one slide of my lips over hers, and I’m on fire again.

We’re facing opposite directions, so it’s awkward as hell. But I don’t even care. I take greedy sip after greedy sip of her mouth, until she pulls back to stare at me. Her color is high and her eyes are bright and happy. “This is like Twister.”

“It’s better,” I correct. Lady Gaga comes on, just as Becca said she would. “Are we getting into this pool or what?”

Becca kicks a foot in the water. “I’m tempted. But I don’t have a bathing suit.”

“Oh, snap.”

She smiles and shakes her head. “Are you really getting in?”

“We don’t have to.” I’m never going to pressure her.

Her fingers trail across the surface of the bubbling water. “But this is an adventure, right?”

“Right.” I stand up and remove my socks. She’s watching me. And I can’t read her expression. “What?”

“Just wondering what else you’re going to take off.” She smiles.

“Come here.” The order rolls off my tongue.

But Rebecca doesn’t blink. She gets up and turns toward me, curiosity in her eyes.

“You tell me. What am I taking off?”

She puts two hands tentatively on my chest, and I make myself be patient. Everything I ever wanted is on the other side of this moment. I just need us to break through this awkwardness—the “will we or won’t we” tension.  

Her fingers find the top button of my shirt. “I’m not getting in the water unless you are.”

That’s a compromise I can live with. I find my lower shirt buttons and work upwards, until we meet in the middle. She pushes the two halves of my shirt apart and runs a hand down my bare chest.

My inner caveman stands up and cheers.

Bountiful (True North #4) by Sarina Bowen

* * * *

No last names. No life stories. Those were the rules.

Once upon a time a cocky, copper-haired tourist sauntered into Zara’s bar. And even though she knew better, Zara indulged in a cure for the small-town blues. It was supposed to be an uncomplicated fling—a few sizzling weeks before he went back to his life, and she moved on.

Until an accidental pregnancy changed her life.

Two years later, she’s made peace with the notion that Dave No-Last-Name will never be found. Until one summer day when he walks into her coffee shop, leveling her with the same hot smile that always renders her defenseless.

Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach.

Or does it? Vermont’s countryside has a way of nurturing even tortured souls. The fields and the orchards—and hard won love—are Bountiful. 

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


You latch on to a series and by the fourth book wonder what the author can do differently to keep you tuned in. In Bountiful, Bowen expands the True North universe she's created by introducing a crossover from her hockey romance series, Brooklyn Bruisers. It's exciting to see how she melds these two different worlds in this lovers-to-friends-to-lovers story.

Zara agrees to a one-night stand with Dave that winds up lasting a few weeks long because, why not? There's really nothing else going on at the moment. She's an adult and Dave brings something refreshing to the mix. They agree not to share personal information so that it'll be easier to make a clean breakaway once their arrangement ends and he returns to wherever he came from. That plan blows up when Zara discovers she's pregnant shortly after Dave's left and she has no way to contact him. A couple of years later, he returns to the area with his teammates for a vacation. He's all but given up on finding Zara when he finally runs into her. It's more of a scary fright than a happy reunion at first and that's before she drops the bomb that he's her baby daddy. Saying that's the last thing he expected is an understatement.

I have to give props here because I like that the story isn't mired in sex the entire time. There is plenty of magic time but I feel the bulk of it is spent with Zara and Dave getting to know each other for real this time and establishing how to move forward now that the truth is out. Neither of them have memories of perfect childhoods themselves so they don't have good examples to fall back on which fills Dave with dread. Overcoming their insecurities as adults and doubts of their parenting abilities, along with what aspects of their lives are negotiable to them is the overall essence of Bountiful.

Bowen brings back familiar characters as well as introduces new ones through Zara's family that I'm hoping will make appearances in subsequent books if she plans on having any. I've said this repeatedly: Bowen is my go-to, autobuy author. I admire her way with words and the how her stories always flow so easily. Once I start one of her books, I can't stop. I'm in it until it's over, and then I'm sad that it's over but also content that I got to experience what I've read and will be happy to re-read again!

~ Bel

Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) by Sarina Bowen

* * * 1/2

A goalie has to trust his instincts, even when taking a shot to the heart…

Mike Beacon is a champion at defending the net, but off the ice, he’s not so lucky. A widower and a single father, he’s never forgotten Lauren Williams, the ex who gave him the best year of his life. When Lauren reappears in the Bruisers office during the playoffs, Beacon sees his chance to make things right.

Lauren hates that she’s forced to travel with the team she used to work for and the man who broke her heart. There’s still undeniable sexual tension running between her and Mike, but she won’t go down that road again. She’s focused on her plans for the future—she doesn’t need a man to make her dreams of motherhood come true.

Lauren plays her best defensive game, but she’s no match for the dark-eyed goalie. When the field of play moves to Florida, things heat up on the beach.

One of Mike’s biggest fans doesn’t approve—his teenage daughter. But a true competitor knows not to waste the perfect shot at love.

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


I seriously do not know how Sarina Bowen has the time to write so many books but I'm glad she does. She's one of a few of my must-read authors; I'm so there whenever they have a new release out. 

So here I am talking about Pipe Dreams, book 3 in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. I'm predicting some burst ovaries with this one because it's a second-chance romance featuring a single dad and the woman he had to give up in order to take care of his family. There's some heartache from the past mixed in with deep desires that never went away. Give those ingredients a good shake and you have some major sexual tension vibes flowing through the pages.

Mike and Lauren are both extraordinary people for all their strength and weaknesses having been through a disastrous breakup that saw both of them come away with broken hearts and dreams. So one can understand why Lauren wants to stay the hell away from hockey, the Brooklyn office and most of all Mike, Mr. Heartbreak himself. But she's forced to be there and even the most strong-willed person in the world would have trouble facing off with him. Mike is naturally ecstatic to see her again though cautious about how the interaction will go between them. He knows he left her in pieces but he doesn't get the full picture until now when she finally throws it all at him. Yikes!

I think one of the positives of their story is that it's about perspective, the kind that you gain with distance and time apart. Having been through the worst both Lauren and Mike can look back and say what they did and didn't handle well. And this go round nothing is left unsaid. Once they get through that awkward and painful ceremony of asking for and receiving forgiveness, they can start over though with some changes.

I thought Pipe Dreams was a good read even if I was iffy about how badly Mike wanted to accelerate things with Lauren. For example, I was a bit surprised that he insinuated himself into a major decision in her life and that she initially went along with it without either of them discussing the impact of that decision on some important people in their lives. That's solely my hang up and how I read that particular situation, and to be honest I liked that it had me thinking about how I might respond in such a scenario.

There is no shortage of love for Sarina Bowen here at Bibliojunkies. We adore her and everything she does. I believe there's a fourth book in the works and frankly, I'm hoping that's Nate and Becca's story. They've been in the background this entire time and we've caught glimpses of Nate's distant pining and Becca's adorable obliviousness. I want more, and I have to know, please! Anyway, Pipe Dreams, read it and enjoy yourself!

~ Bel

Hard Hitter (Brooklyn Bruisers #2) by Sarina Bowen

* * * *

He’s a fighter in the rink, but he’s about to learn that playing nice can help you score... 

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O'Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O'Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O'Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O'Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good...


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


It's been a bit of a tough week and I wanted to throw myself into something that's familiar, so that would be a world of hot hockey players who are aggressive on the ice and surprisingly sensitive off the ice.

Patrick has always put himself through the wringer during all their games. That's his role - to take the hits without complaints. But after years of being roughed up, his body needs some tlc. In comes, Ari, the team's well-respected yoga instructor and massage therapist. Patrick is forced to see her as part of his rehabilitation but it unnerves him to have anyone touch him. It confuses Ari but she's willing to work patiently with him to help him get better. Spending time with each other is what they need. He's not used to companionship and she could use a friend after a disastrous break up with her shady boyfriend. Unfortunately, things get complicated between them thanks to the ex-boyfriend whose interference could unravel their relationship and careers.

What can I say? I'd be hard-pressed to come across a Sarina Bowen book I didn't like. In Hard Hitter, I enjoyed seeing Ari work to reclaim herself after being in a long-term relationship, and an unhealthy one at that. She faltered a bit but I had to admire her for the courage it took to stand up for herself. Once again, kudos to Bowen for addressing a sensitive issue with such finesse. And Patrick? It's different to see someone who's such an alpha morph in to this sensitive, wannabe boyfriend seeking out romantic advice from his teammates. Really! They're funny! And of course, the sexy times are as scorching-hot as ever which include some fun props ...ahem...massage table.

Hard Hitter is an excellent follow-up to Rookie Move. Aside from Ari and Patrick, there are a couple other subplots of interest in the background that I got excited about. This sports romance has it all - the good guy, the bad guy, the tough girl, best friends, laughs and lots of heat.

~ Bel

Rookie Move (Brooklyn Bruisers #1) by Sarina Bowen

* * * *

The first novel in a sexy new series featuring the hockey players of the Brooklyn Bruisers and the women who win their hearts—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Ivy Years series.

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold... 

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast....

Source: advance e-galley from publisher (Berkley Publishing Group) in exchange for an honest review


If Sarina Bowen has a book out you know I want to read it. Rookie Move bridges the gap between her NA series, The Ivy League and this new adult series, Brooklyn Bruisers. If you read The Fifteenth Minute (Ivy League #5) you might remember Leo in there. He didn't have a big role in it but it set the stage for this next leap.

Georgia is a publicist with the brand new expansion team, Brooklyn Bruisers. Her plate is currently full because the head publicist left and she has to prove to her boss that she can handle the workload. She also has to prove that she can break away from her father's shadow who just happens to be the team's new coach. If that weren't enough pressure, she finds out at the last minute that the team's latest player acquisition is none other than her ex-boyfriend, Leo Trevi. As high school sweethearts they were on fire but Georgia ended things abruptly by the time they graduated. Georgia is a hot, blubbering mess initially until she regains control of her senses. Leo is kind, warm and patient. He never understood why she broke up with him so the situation is just as crazy for him as it is for her. The only difference is that he's willing to start over whereas she's feeling guilty and awkward about them working together.  She tries to keep it professional at the office and cordial outside but they just have too much history between them (read: chemistry) for it to be ignored. 

Folks, I don't necessarily get hockey but I appreciate the athleticism that's involved and the rabid fan base that surrounds it. Which is why I enjoy reading Bowen's series because she gives me just enough of hockey - the behind the scenes and the actual playing time - balanced by the main storyline. Something else I feel she does well is introducing social themes. She excels at showcasing life-changing events through someone else's eyes doing it respectfully and with finesse. (A shining example of this is, The Shameless Hour.) She does it here with Georgia's backstory which goes a long way to explaining why she and Leo fell apart. It'll make you look at these two differently seeing them with even more substance and depth.

Rookie Move has all the things you enjoy from Bowen - humor, action, romance and hot magic time! It's fun, too, when some of the characters from the Ivy League books pop in for a visit. Do I really need to say anymore? Now I just need to sit patiently and wait for the next one, Hard Hitter that comes out next year. 

~ Bel

Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen Release Week Blitz

Congratulations Sarina Bowen on the release of Rookie Move! 

We've all been waiting for this for months now. People if you like your romance hot and steamy and featuring a drop dead gorgeous hockey player, here it is. You will love Leo Trevi!

~ Order your copy here ~ 

Amazon     I     Barnes & Noble     I     iBooks     I     Kobo     I     Google

~ Enjoy this lovely excerpt! ~ 

“Come right this way,” Georgia heard her coworker and roommate Becca say, the clomp of her Dr. Martens echoing through the grand old passageway. “Nate is excited to meet you.” Becca was the owner’s assistant, and Georgia lingered half a second to wave her down and offer her a donut, too.

But Becca didn’t happen to look in Georgia’s direction as she led a tall man down the corridor. Something about his gait snagged Georgia’s subconscious. So she took a second look.

And that’s when her heart took off like a manic bunny rabbit. Because she knew that man. She knew the chiseled shape of his masculine jaw, and the length of his coal-black eyelashes.

Oh my God.

Omigod, omigod, omigod.

“How was your flight?” Becca asked him, oblivious to the fact that Georgia was spying.

“Not too bad. I got in late last night.”

The sound of his voice fluttered right inside Georgia’s chest. It was the same smoky sweet timbre that used to whisper into her ear while they made love.

She hadn’t let herself remember that sound in a long time.

Now it was giving her goosebumps. The good kind.

“Welcome to Brooklyn,” Becca said while Georgia trembled. “Are you familiar with the area?”

“Grew up about thirty miles from here,” he answered while chills broke out across her back.

Holding her breath, Georgia eased her office door further closed, until only a couple of inches remained. She could not be caught like this—freaked-out and speechless, hiding behind a door.

The movement caught Becca’s eye, though. Georgia saw her turn her head in her direction and then pick her out in the crack where the door was still open. Becca raised one eyebrow—the one with the barbell piercing in it.

All Georgia could do was close her eyes and pray that Becca wouldn’t call out a greeting.

There was a pause before Georgia heard Becca say, “Right this way, please.”Quietly, Georgia stepped into her office and shut the door. After flipping on the light, she let her briefcase and pocketbook slide right to the floor. Only the folder that Nate had given her was still in her shaking hands. She flipped it open, her eyes searching for the new player’s name on the page.

But she didn’t even need the paperwork to confirm what her racing heart had already figured out. The newest player for the Brooklyn Bruisers was none other than Leonardo “Leo” Trevi, a six-foot-two, left-handed forward. Also known as her high school boyfriend, the boy she’d loved with all her heart until the day that she’d dumped him. And now he was here?

“Thanks, universe,” she whispered into the stillness of her office.

And we're not done. Feast your eyes on Leo's trading.card. We wouldn't mind collecting these now, would we, ladies?

Waiting on Wednesday (194)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights future releases that we are excitedly anticipating.


By Sarina Bowen
Publication Date: September 6, 2016

The first novel in a sexy new series featuring the hockey players of the Brooklyn Bruisers and the women who win their hearts—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Ivy Years series.

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold... 

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast....

By Michelle Falkoff
Publication Date: October 25, 2016

A girl’s quest for perfection results in dangerous consequences in this layered, suspenseful YA novel by the author of Playlist for the Dead.

How far would you go to be perfect?

Kara has the perfect life. She gets perfect grades. She never messes up. Until now. Because perfection is an illusion, and Kara has been struggling to maintain it for as long as she can remember. With so much pressure to succeed, it’s hard not to do whatever it takes. 

But when Kara takes a new underground drug to help her ace the SATs, she doesn’t expect to get a text from a blocked sender, telling her to follow a set of mysterious instructions—or risk her dark secret getting out. Soon she finds herself part of a group of teens with secrets of their own, who are all under the thumb of the same anonymous texter. And if they don’t find a way to stop the blackmailer, their perfect futures will go up in flames.

This dark, emotionally resonant contemporary YA novel is perfect for fans of We Were Liars and The Secret History.




By Cassandra Clare
Publication Date: October 15, 2016

The New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling collection of short stories chronicling the adventures of Simon Lewis as he trains to become a Shadowhunter is now available in print for the first time with ten brand-new comic illustrations!

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. The events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. At least Simon’s trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. Written by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, these moving and hilarious short stories are perfect for the fan who just can’t get enough of the Shadowhunters. 

Hard Hitter (Brooklyn Bruisers #2) by Sarina Bowen Cover Reveal

Happy Wednesday! And it's made even happier because we have the cover reveal for Hard Hitter, the second book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series by Sarina Bowen! Mark your calendars - it comes out January 3rd, 2017.

You may now proceed to drool away ...

He’s a fighter in the rink, but he’s about to learn that playing nice can help you score...

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O'Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O'Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O'Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O'Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good... 

   

     

    

HARD HITTER PRE-ORDER LINKS:

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Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen Cover Reveal

Can't get enough hockey romance in your life? No problem - Sarina Bowen is looking out for you! We're pleased to present the cover reveal and teaser for Rookie Move, book 1 in her brand new Brooklyn Bruiser series. 

Scroll down to enter the giveaway to win a signed paperback of Sarina's (your choice) and also the right to name a teammate in the next Brooklyn Bruiser book! How cool is that?

COMING SEPTEMBER 6th: A sexy new hockey series from Sarina Bowen.

    

     

   

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold...

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast...

"Romantic and hilarious, Rookie Move will hook you from page one. Nobody does hockey like Sarina Bowen." --Elle Kennedy, New York Times bestselling author of the Off Campus series.

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