Release Day Review ~ Good Girl ~ Jana Aston @JanaAston #2018NewRelease

Good Girl by Jana Aston
Release Date: May 15, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Source: I received an ARC from the author which had no influence on my rating and my review is provided voluntarily. I also purchased my own copy on Kindle. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
I've always been a good girl.
I work hard, I follow the rules, and I always achieve my goals.

But sometimes good girls want things that aren't good for them.
Or someone who isn't good for them.
Like their new boss.

And sometimes they do very bad things to get his attention.
Like sell their virginity in an auction.

Who knew he'd be so very, very mad?
Maybe this was not my best laid plan...

Y'ALL! Ms. Aston does endearingly awkward so well! Good Girl was hilarious but also sweet, heartwarming, and so utterly entertaining. I loved every minute!

Lydia and Rhys' first meeting goes down as one of the best I've read - in the comedic category anyway. Lydia is a recent college grad and she's smart, quirky, and a little socially challenged. She and her BF/roommate, Payton, moved to Vegas to work at a new casino. One night, after Payton tricks Lydia into going to dinner only to take her to a bar, she sets eyes on Rhys. Things get very interesting from there.

Rhys is a guy who thinks he's in touch with his feelings - thinking he has none - but is so clueless as to be ridiculous. It's the only area where he is though. He's handsome, wealthy, about to open a casino in hopes of making a name for himself within his family - oh, and he only does one-night stands...until he meets Lydia and she challenges everything.

These two together are magic...and awkward moments...and passion...and humor. I don't know that I've ever laughed so hard at a book than I did at a particular scene in this one. I was grateful it was only my cats who witnessed i. But seriously, Lydia and Rhys are able to teach one another quite a bit about love and what it means to have a committed relationship. And while it took Rhys a little time to get it all together, he showed glimpses of the gem he was underneath. And Lydia - well, Rhys brought out a different kind of passion in her. They each uncovered the whole person in each other. It was honest, genuine, and on occasion, giggle-inducing.

Ms. Aston's supporting cast rocked as well. t seems we'll be seeing Lydia's BF/roommate Payton next and that promises uproarious antics. But I also hope Canon, a friend of Rhys', gets a story, too. *hint*hint*

It's been a hot second since I last read something from Ms. Aston. I've missed her but Good Girl was worth the wait. 

Favorites of 2017 ~ Couples

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*Couples*~*

• Eva and Gideon - watching them fall for one another and learn to be strong enough in themselves to build a relationship strong enough to last was a wonder.
• Silver and Logan - I've so enjoyed watching as Logan courts Silver. They're each growing so much even while enduring so much. It's been a challenge but it's great to see them together.
• Greer, Embry, and Ash - okay, I realize it's a trio rather than a couple but still...they were a pleasure to get to know and to watch change, mature, and fall in love.
• Nora and Soren - this couple is making the list two years in a row! Their's is an unconventional relationship if ever there was one and yet I still adore them
• Charles and Anna - their bond keeps getting stronger and stronger 
• Will and Layken - I really enjoyed reliving all their best and worst memories along with them. These two are just meant to be together!
• Tate and Logan - their love is swoon-worthy, y'all!
• Lily and Lo - these two broke my heart and put it back together again. They're each so broken and yet still perfect together. No, they don't fix each other - their love just makes them want to be better for the other. *sigh*
• Violet and Jennings - this couple made me laugh out loud all the while rooting for them to end up together!
• Jamie and Claire - I felt so much for these two! They're amazing individuals and as a couple? I'm not sure I've ever rooted for an historical couple more.
• Tabby and Shy, Lanie and Hopper, Joker and Carissa, High and Millie, Brock and Tessa, Hawk and Gwen, Tack and Tyra, and Mara and Mitch (I know it's cheating, right?)

Can you guess which books these couples starred in?

Release Day Review ~ Sure Thing ~ Jana Aston (@JanaAston) #2017NewRelease

Sure Thing by Jana Aston
Release Date: October 10, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Source: I received an ARC from the author which had no influence on my rating and my review is provided voluntarily. I also purchased my own copy on Kindle. 
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Have you ever set out to have a one night stand with a sexy stranger?
No? I'm the only one?
Just kidding, I would never.
Ever.
Not usually.

But then I figured, why not? My entire life I've been good and it's gotten me nowhere.
No job.
No apartment.
No boyfriend.

I'm owed a little fun, aren't I? A reward for being good.
Sure, a new pair of shoes would be more appropriate, by Mr. Sexy Stranger is more appealing. And when he speaks - in that British accent - it's a done deal. Every American woman has a hot British guy fantasy. Well, most do. I haven't taken a poll or anything, but I'm pretty sure it's a fact.

Except...
You know that saying about best-laid plans?
Good, because I don't either, but I assume they go awry.
Like my one night stand...

Omigosh! Sure Thing was a proper bit of fun (said with a British accent)! Aston combines a twin-switcheroo, an awkward Anglophile of a girl, and a sexy British man and it all combined for a genuinely captivating story!

Violet (aka Daisy) is a bit down on her luck. She lost her job, her boyfriend, and her home in one fell swoop. In an attempt to get her groove back, she's reluctantly agreed to switch places with her twin at her job as a tour guide for a week AND she's decided to have a one night stand. Her one night stand just happens to be British, can turn her on by simply uttering any British expression...oh, and he just happens to be booked on her tour.

Jennings is immediately smitten with this girl who shyly smiled at him in the hotel bar before brazenly declaring she was a "sure thing". The chemistry between them exploded so he's thrilled she's going to be his guide for the next week.

Violet/Daisy, endeared herself to me, and Jennings, right off the bat. As Jennings said, she has no game, and the things that come out of her mouth. I was giggle-snorting! And they shouldn't have been so endearing but she's such a rule-follower, planner, and is in way over her head. She's just so darn cute!

Jennings - well, he's not only British and finds Violet/Daisy adorable. He also is on vacation with his Nan. He was batting 500 with just those attributes. ;) Then there's the fact he's handsome, has a magic mouth (according to Violet), and *gasp* he listened to her. It was obviously about more than sex for him.

Of course, it's not all roses. There's the fact Violet isn't Daisy although Jennings thinks she is, and he has a secret of his own. It all added up to such a fun and entertaining read. Aston seems to have a knack for romantic comedy and I'm eager to see what comes next. *cough* Daisy *cough*

New Release Review ~ Love in Transit ~ Jana Aston (@JanaAston) #2017NewRelease

Love in Transit by Jana Aston, Ainsley Booth, Kitty French, BJ Harvey, Raine Miller, Liv Morris
Release Date: June 1, 2017
Genre: Adult, Anthology, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle 
Rating: 4 Bookworms (overall)
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Find out what happens when you give six authors the SAME blurb and they write their OWN story.

The blurb:

You know those people that have a house full of motivational slogans? Embrace Every Moment, stamped on their coffee mugs. Always Kiss Me Goodnight painted above their perfectly made beds.

I'm not one of those people.

This morning I overslept, then slipped on a stray sock and banged my toe into the nightstand. The elevator in my building broke and I had to run down six flights of stairs. And then my local coffee shop was closed. For health code violations.

What's that? Not the end of the world? You want me to suck it up?

Did I mention I'm wearing a wedding dress... on the subway?

It's a Good Day for a Hot Mess.

Someone embroider that on a pillow.

I don't read anthologies that often but when I pick up one like this one, it makes me wonder why. The idea for Love in Transit was simple - same blurb given to six authors who then write their own stories using said blurb. The results were engaging and entertaining overall and I was able to sample some new-to-me authors as well. 

Times Square by Jana Aston
Max and Lauren's story proved a smile can change lives. This story is my favorite because it had it all - compelling characters and a story that gave me all the feels. I laughed, cried, swooned... it was just excellent!  (5 Bookworms)

St. George Station by Ainsley Booth
Cara and Toby's story was one that had me cheering loudly. I adored the geeky Cara and the techie nerd in Toby. Their story was touching as well as fun.  (4.5 Bookworms)

The Hammersmith and City Line by Kitty French
Connie and Ryan's story revolved around a Survivor-type game show where the contestants were vying for the perfect wedding...in this case, their friends' wedding. While this story was a little far-fetched, it was fun and some steam for good measure.  (3.5 Bookworms)

The Loop by BJ Harvey
Sarah and Cameron's story proved the power of first love and that it's never too late for second chances. I'm a sucker for second chance romances and Harvey delivered on that pulled at my heartstrings.  (4 Bookworms)

Capitol South by Raine Miller
With Reese and Grayson's story, Miller made use of her talent at writing legacy families and delivered a riveting story revolving around famous families. It was compelling and fun...and I fell for Reese and Gray!  (4 Bookworms)

Wall Street Station by Liv Morris
Seraphina and Seth's story captured me at the start. Then it veered a little off-course but eventually got back on track. There were elements that gave me pause, and this story is the most serious in tone, but I liked it overall.  (3 Bookworms)

Each of the novellas was satisfying and I've found some new authors to check out. Love in Transit was so worth the ride!

New Release Review ~ Trust ~ Jana Aston

Trust by Jana Aston
Wrong #3
Release Date: November 8, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Source: I received an ARC from the author but also purchased my own copy on Kindle
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
"Knock knock!"
"Um... Who's there?"

Yeah. That was me, on my last date. Before you feel sorry for me you should know that I was the one telling the jokes. Jokes as in plural, because I didn't stop with just one. Of course not.

Hi, I'm Chloe Scott. The most awkward single girl in the city.
But I'm going to get it together. I am.

I'm going to learn how to date like a grown up.
I'm going to have an orgasm not given to myself.
I'm going to fall in love and live happily ever after.

Right after I get out of this interrogation room.

I have adored every moment I've spent in the world Aston created in the Wrong series. These characters - I feel like they're my all my friends. But Chloe and Boyd - these two characters and their story will forever hold a special place in my heart.

We met Chloe and Boyd in the previous installments but spent little time with them. I knew enough about Chloe to like her but I had no idea I'd relate to her on such a personal level. And Boyd, well, I knew he was an upstanding guy. I mean, he's an FBI agent and he took the time to build a relationship with his half sister, Sophie. But the patience (saintly patience) and creativity he showed with Chloe was heartwarming.

trustnoun1. firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something

I think trust is something we sort of take for granted but its an integral part of any relationship. And it's an element Chloe has a hard time granting - especially with a relationship that might turn intimate. She gets very anxious in new social situations - and starts telling ridiculous jokes. And she thinks something's wrong with her - that's she's not normal.

Boyd knows he's attracted to her and that he'd like to get to know her better from their first meeting in an interrogation room. After crashing one of her dates, he realizes he'll have to tread carefully and creatively to get to where he wants to be with Chloe. Being witness to his gameplan, watching it unfold, was so much fun. And I fell just as hard for him as Chloe did.

Aston really outdid herself with Trust, incorporating her comedic talents while digging deeper and dealing with something that afflicts many people - social anxiety. As a person who suffers from it, although not to an extreme degree, she nailed it.

I'm kinda sad to say goodbye to these characters. But I'm also extremely eager to see what Aston comes up with next. I have complete and total trust whatever it is, it'll be golden!

New Release Review ~ Fling ~ Jana Aston

Fling by Jana Aston
Wrong #2.5
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Comedy
Source: I received an ARC from the author but also purchased my own copy on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
I have a crust on my boss' best friend.
At least it's not my brother's best friend.
Or my best friend's brother.
Or... never mind. It's all pretty cliche.

And worse? My boss' best friend is his business partner. Which sort of makes him my boss too. Okay - it's not sort of. It's definite. Gabe Laurent is off limits. Totally off limits.

Which is fine. I make do with my imagination. He'll never know. Ever. Unless my work bestie passes me an eighties-style teen movie sex quiz during a meeting and I fill it out.

And it ends up in Gabe's hands...

Good golly was this a fun read! Aston seems to have romantic comedy down to an art. And I loved the nod to John Hughes she incorporated in Fling!

We met Sandra and Gabe in Right. Sandra has a huge crush on Gabe but believes he'd never look twice at her since he's gorgeous, rich, an the CFO of the company where she works. Add to that, it'd be unprofessional to have a fling with someone who is technically her boss, and Sandra is nothing if not professional. But she's wrong about Gabe not looking twice. ;)

What ensues is a fun little interlude in the Wrong world told in dual POV - Sandra's and Gabe's. The fall - for them both - was highly entertaining with antics from best friends and partners-in-crime. And as this story unfolds in the same timeline as Right - in fact, we relive a scene from Right through Sandra's and Gabe's eyes - I got to spend a little more time with Everly and Sawyer. A true pleasure!

Fling was a delightful little morsel of a read. And now I'm gearing up for Trust!

New Release Blitz, Review, & #Giveaway ~ Right ~ Jana Aston

Happy Release Week, Jana Aston!!
RIGHT released on April 6th!
Today, I have an excerpt, my review, and a giveaway for y'all!
 Sit back, enjoy, and get your one-click finger ready! ;)

Right by Jana Aston
Release Date: April 6, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased my own copy. :D
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis

My childhood was perfect.

I’ve led a charmed life, and I’m not going to blow it now by picking the wrong guy.

I’ve got my sights set on my brother’s best friend.

He’s known my family for years. He’s reliable and kind and handsome.

Sure, he’s been avoiding me since I was six.

I’m a bit aggressive for him, maybe.

But he’s the one… right?

"What about you, Everly?'
"What about me what?" I ask, confused.
"Are you seeing anyone?" He looks over at me. "At school?"
Not successfully, I think to myself. "No, not right now. I'm kinda taking a break this semester."
"Taking a break," Eric repeats, glancing over at me. "That's not like you. At all."
I shrug. "It's exhausting."
"What's exhausting?" he asks, frowning.
"Um--" Breaking and entering, I think. But I can't tell him that.
"You know, the whole 'does he like me' thing."
"If you have to wonder if a guy likes you, then he's not the right guy for you, Everly."
"Maybe it's more complicated than that."
"It's never more complicated than that."

Oh my goodness! Right was laugh-out-loud funny and also managed to wring a few tears! Ms. Aston, I'm happy to say, is *not* a one-hit wonder, y'all. She delivered another well-written story!

When I met Everly in Wrong, I adored her. She's nothing like me but the kind of person I wish I could be. She lives in the moment while also meticulously scheming planning both for herself and anyone else she things she can help (usually with laughable results). She has no filter - what she's thinking typically comes out of her mouth. She's a girl who uses her nail polish to set the mood - whether it be for a job interview or a date. She's a girl with a huge heart. She's delightful and I adore her!

Sawyer...*swoon* I loved him from the start. He wasn't afraid to call Everly on her shit, which was hysterical. He was her match. He saw what he wanted and went about getting it - even employing some of Everly's tactics to do it. With him and Everly - it was a lightning strike. And the repercussions were delicious.

What they had together though - what they built - was solid. There may have been a few doubts, but not on my part. As Sawyer said,

"Life isn't always that neat, Everly."

And they proved they'll be able to weather storms.

The interplay between them was so fun...it was hilarious! Ms. Aston nails the humor in the dialog and in the action. Some of their conversations had me rolling in laughter. And Everly's reactions to Sawyer's wooing techniques - he really was just like her. And it was a pleasure to watch.

Ms. Aston proved she's a voice that's here to stay. And I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!

Jana Aston is the New York Times bestselling author of WRONG.

She quit her super boring day job to whip up another book & is hoping that was not a stupid idea.

In her defense, it was really boring.

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♥ OTHER BOOKS BY JANA ASTON ♥

WRONG

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Cover Reveal & #Giveaway ~ Right ~ Jana Aston

I am so excited to share the cover for RIGHT,
the highly anticipated 2nd book by Jana Aston,

releasing on April 6th!

My childhood was perfect.

I’ve led a charmed life, and I’m not going to blow it now

by picking the wrong guy.

I’ve got my sights set on my brother’s best friend.

He’s known my family for years. He’s reliable and kind and handsome.

Sure, he’s been avoiding me since I was six.

I’m a bit aggressive for him, maybe.

But he’s the one… right?

RIGHT is a standalone novel by Jana Aston

Goodreads

Release Date: April 6, 2016

Cover Designed By: J.A. Huss

Jana Aston is the New York Times bestselling author of WRONG.

She quit her super boring day job to whip up another book & is hoping that was not a stupid idea.

In her defense, it was really boring.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

♥ OTHER BOOKS BY JANA ASTON ♥

WRONG

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU |

B&N | Kobo | iBooks

#OctobeRecFest Review #8 ~ Wrong ~ Jana Aston

Wrong by Jana Aston
Release Date: October 7, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved it so much I bought my own copy!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Goodreads
Recommended by: Okay, so technically I got this book for review BUT Naomi @Naomi's Reading Palace AND Lexxie @(un)Conventional Book Views both recommend it! ;)

Synopsis
I have a history of picking the wrong guy. Gay? Player? Momma's boy? Check, check and check.

Now I can't stop fantasizing about one of the customers at the coffee shop I work at between classes. It's just a harmless crush, right? It's not like I ever see this guy outside of the coffee shop. It's not like I'm going to see him while attempting to get birth control at the student clinic. While wearing a paper gown. While sitting on an exam table. Because he's the doctor. Shoot. Me.

But what if, for once, the man I've had the dirtiest, most scandalous fantasies about turned out to be everything but wrong?

Wrong is a full-length, standalone novel by Jana Aston.

*This book was first recommended by Naomi @Naomi's Reading Palace. Then, Lexxie @(un)Conventional Book Views also gave it a great review!*

Oh, what to say about Wrong?!? Maybe that it felt wrong to enjoy it so much? But I got over it...quickly! This book had me laughing hysterically, swooning, and blushing like a 12 year old girl. It's witty and fast-paced, snarky and sweet. And just so much dang fun!

Sophie is your typical college girl. She's near graduation, has a boyfriend, a hot crush, oh, and her v-card. Now, I like this sort of virgin heroine. Sophie has a very valid reason for hanging on to it for so long and she is no shrinking violet. This girl is honest and rather outspoken. She's someone you can look up to.

Luke, Sophie's hot crush, is, well...HOT. He's sophisticated, dresses well, and he just happens to end up examining Sophie when she decides it's time for some birth control. *cue mortified face*

I liked the backstory Aston gave both Sophie and Luke. It provided them depth and complexity. I also liked that Luke went all alpha on Sophie but she didn't become some meek girl. The banter between them was sharp and witty. And the supporting cast was fleshed out just enough to make them interesting.

I do wish the end had been expanded a little more. It felt a little rushed because it wasn't but I'm not complaining...really. I couldn't be happier with this delightful debut. I hope to see more from Aston soon!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Wrong ~ Jana Aston

Ooh! Check out the cover for Jana Aston's Wrong. What do y'all think? I rather like it. I like the pink as well as the font used. And I'm a sucker for a man in a suit. There's just enough man shown to tantalize. I'm anxious to get my hands on a copy! :)

***

Wrong by Jana Aston
Release Date: October 7, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Goodreads

Synopsis
I have a history of picking the wrong guy. Gay? Player? Momma's boy? Check, check and check.

Now I can't stop fantasizing about one of the customers at the coffee shop I work at between classes. It's just a harmless crush, right? It's not like I ever see this guy outside of the coffee shop. It's not like I'm going to see him while attempting to get birth control at the student clinic. While wearing a paper gown. While sitting on an exam table. Because he's the doctor. Shoot. Me.

But what if, for once, the man I've had the dirtiest, most scandalous fantasies about turned out to be everything but wrong?

Wrong is a full-length, standalone novel by Jana Aston.

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