Release Day Review ~ Exposed: A Romance Anthology ~ Karen Stivali, et al. #2018NewRelease

Exposed: A Romance Anthology featuring: Annabeth Albert, Karen Booth, Amy Jo Cousins, Robin Covington, Tamsen Parker, Vanessa North, Tiffany Reisz, and Roan Parrish
Release Date: March 13, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, M/F Romance, M/M Romance, F/F Romance, Menage Romance
Source: I received an ARC of Karen Booth's contribution to the anthology. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily. 
I also purchased the entire anthology on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms (Rating of Wishing only)
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Hot. Naked. Guys. Reading.
When the sexiest Top 30 Under 30 men agree to post naked for the "Expose Yourself To A Good Book" charity calendar, their hot bodies aren't the only thing that gets EXPOSED. Nine brand new romances with M/F, M/M, F/F and menage pairings from bestselling and award winning authors, there's something for everyone in this limited release anthology.

Annabeth Albert
LEVEL UP
When Landon, a genius physicist, is picked for a charity calendar, he must deal with an inconvenient attraction to Bailey, his rising-star photographer. Can he slay enough demons from his past to ensure a future together with him?

Karen Booth
WISHING
Jobless and painfully single, Samantha agrees to drive musician Duncan to a photo shoot. He's in town for only five days, so sexy, and she's eager for a no-strings fling. But Duncan shoots straight for the heart, making her unsure how she'll ever survive his goodbye.

Amy Jo Cousins
KATE LIKES GIRLS
Garden center manager Kate Rhee is on a mission. No more hook ups with women or second-guessing her recent break up with an unavailable man. Too bad the foxy, pink-haired bar owner she meets at a naked calendar photo shoot has sworn off girlfriends. Because Kate isn't doing casual. She can totally resist that temptation. Totally.

Robin Covington
GHOST
Oliver Burns publicly bragged he'd sign the reclusive artist "G" - creator of the First Nations graphic novel, Ghost Warriors - to his comic publishing company. But that gets tough when "G" is Gareth Rain - the man he pulled a post-one-night-stand runner on years ago and the man has never forgotten.

Vanessa North
RIGGED
For Kaitlyn, seeing her best friend Gordon naked is no big deal - until watching Sean tie him up changes everything.

Tamsen Parker
THROWN OFF TRACK
Teague has been License to Game's bassist for over a decade, during which time he's slept with almost everyone in his path. But it's always felt like going through the motions. Until he sees his bandmate Christian naked at a charity photoshoot and suddenly, he knows what it is to want.

Roan Parrish
NATURAL ENEMIES
When buttoned-up botanist Stefan Albemarle meets freewheeling urban gardener Milo Rios, it's hatred at first sight. But hatred quickly turns to lust as Milo shows him how exquisite it can feel to lose control. When opposites attract, love blooms in unexpected places.

Tiffany Reisz
THE WATERMARK
Jason "Still" Waters' life looks perfect from the outside - money, fame, and the words "World Champion Bull-Rider" after his name. But Jason has a secret, one he never planned on telling anybody...until he meets Simone. She's the kinky girl of his dreams...and his conservative family's worst nightmare.

Karen Stivali
LEGAL BRIEFS
When organizing a naked charity calendar puts Rose's tenure bid in jeopardy, the last person she wants help from is Michael, the gorgeous, arrogant lawyer she butted heads with during his shoot. He'll defend her for free, but if their secrets come out they could both pay with their hearts.

A few things...
1) This anthology is ONLY 99 CENTS during release week. Go one-click it NOW! You're welcome. :)
2) My review today is only for Karen Booth's Wishing. I did purchase the anthology though, so I'll be reviewing more of it as I get the stories read.
3) There is controversy swirling around this anthology since Santino Hassell was originally set to be included. However, in light of the situation, the other authors involved decided to remove Hassell from the lineup. You can go here to see the statement released by the authors. 

***

Wishing is a story set in the world of KBooth's Bring Me Back series. You do not have to have read Bring Me Back to enjoy Wishing but I think having that backstory made Sam's story all the sweeter! This anthology sets out to prove that love is love no matter what and KBooth did that with a romance that blossoms in only a couple of days. Love doesn't follow a set of rules though. It doesn't always make sense. It's just...love.

Sam has come home after losing her job and her boyfriend. She's feeling disillusioned with life and is a little disappointed when she arrives home only to find her mom and step-dad have another house guest. Luckily the house guest is a hot guy - a musician no less. And she gets to chauffeur him to a photo shoot...where he's posing naked.

Duncan is in town not only for the photo shoot but also to put the finishing touches on his solo album. He's experienced tragedy fairly recently and hasn't had much to feel happy about. However, he admires and feels close to Chris Penman, Sam's step-dad who's producing the album, and he's almost tongue-tied at meeting Sam.

Although Wishing is a novella, KBooth did a great job with character growth and I delighted in seeing how both Sam and Duncan experienced personal discovery while also falling in love. They were mature in how they handled their feelings and worked at giving each other space - room to grow - as well as building a strong foundation for their relationship. They may have fallen quickly but they took things slowly.

Would I like more? Absolutely! But I'm quite satisfied with Sam and Duncan's story. Love follows its own path and when you know, you just know...it's love!

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #75 ~ Between Marriage and Merger ~ Karen Booth

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is a weekly meme hosted by my blogger wife, Lexxie, @(un)Conventional Bookviews. It's a way to highlight a book using quotes that revolve around food and/or drinks. Every Thursday, post a line or two...or heck, a whole paragraph, that spoke to you in some way using food or drinks. *wink* Don't forget to link up!

My pick this week for Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is from:

Between Marriage and Merger by Karen Booth

I chose this passage for its humor. The owners of the hotel where Lily and Noah were staying (for a wedding) were trying to help them celebrate their engagement, which would've been great if it'd been a real engagement. Lily hasn't been able to get Noah to enjoy any part of their weekend...

***

There were three bottles of champagne in their fridge - one from yesterday, one from last night after the rehearsal dinner and a third that had shown up with that morning's room service alongside a beautiful tropical fruit platter and some omelets. They hadn't ordered the bubbly, but Marcy and Lyle had sent it anyway. They were apparently highly invested in Noah and Lily's engagement. At least someone was. Noah had shown no interest in at least enjoying their odd predicament in paradise.

And Lily was sick of it.

Pop. She waited until the wispy mist had trailed out of the bottle before pouring herself a glass of glorious golden bubbles.

"Oh. You decided to open one," Noah said, walking into the room all dressed for the wedding. He looked perfect, of course. Whomever had designed the modern-day men's suit had clearly had Noah in mind when they'd come up with the idea. He was straight out of the pages of a magazine.

"Can't let all this champagne go to waste."

"We could pour it out before we leave."

Lily took a sip. The effervescent sweetness was delightful on her lips and tongue. It was quite frankly the first blip of pleasure she'd had in the last several hours. Being around Noah was killing her. "We are not pouring this out. It's way too good. In fact, I'm pouring you a glass right now." She didn't bother to wait for his response. Maybe it would loosen him up a little bit. 

"Fair enough." He took a sip and nodded. "Okay. You're right. It's delicious. We should drink every drop."

"That's the spirit."

New Release Review ~ Between Marriage and Merger ~ Karen Booth (@karenbbooth, @DesireEditors) #2018NewRelease #COYER

Between Marriage and Merger by Karen Booth
The Locke Legacy #3
Release Date: February 1, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or rating. I voluntarily provided a review. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
From boardroom to bedroom...and back?

Hotel magnate Noah Locke has worked too hard to let a PR scandal ruin the biggest deal of his career. If a fake engagement will fix his image, he's in. So is Lily Foster, his assistant - and the one woman he's wanted for years. Soon there's nothing fake about their heated kisses and steamy nights together. Can this arrangement turn real...or is Lily playing for a different prize?

Having met Noah and Lily in the previous books of the series, I'd been eager for their story. KBooth didn't let me down, delivering a fun story with a few of my favorite romance tropes. :)

Noah is the Locke sibling that's always felt the effects of living in Sawyer's shadow. With how their father treats him - and even Sawyer and Charlotte to a certain degree - Noah feels like he's never quite good enough. So when he's attracted to his assistant, Lily, from her first day on the job and Sawyer warns him away, he does his best not to let his brother down. Lily came to NYC to escape a mortifying incident - one she doesn't like to think about. She has lived the last two years determined to focus on work and creating her own security while fighting the intense attraction she feels toward Noah.

One of the best things about Noah and Lily denying their attraction is that they've spent a lot of time together and have become really good friends. So when a video showing Noah in a less than favorable light threatens an important deal for the business, Lily agrees to be Noah's fake fiancee. 

So, Office Romance? Check
Friends-to-Lovers Romance? Check, check.
Fake Engagement Romance? Check, check, check.
Which all equaled a sweet, romantic story.

My favorite parts were watching Noah and Lily's friendship blossom into more - which, honestly, didn't take much after a scorching kiss. ;) I also enjoyed seeing how they each helped the other overcome insecurities, accepting their vulnerabilities. They were both strong as individuals, whether they realized it or not, but together they were a powerhouse team!

A thing that bothered me was that Lily said she was close to her family but she never let them know about her engagement, which even if it was fake, they were sure to see on social media. Overall though, Between Marriage and Merger was a satisfying installment in the Locke Legacy.

New Release Review ~ Little Secrets: Holiday Baby Bombshell ~ Karen Booth (@karenbbooth, @DesireEditors) #2017NewRelease

Little Secrets: Holiday Baby Bombshell by Karen Booth
The Locke Legacy #2
Release Date: November 1, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or rating. I voluntarily provided a review. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
From Rivalry to Revelry...to Romance?

Competitive swimmer turned real estate magnate Michael Kelly is tastier than a Christmas cookie. But now Charlotte Locke's sexy former lover is her top business rival...and the father of her unborn child. Determined to keep her professional cool, the hotel heiress hides her delicate condition from her family--and from her commitment phobic ex. Until Michael moves in next door, exposing a desire left unquenched and Charlotte's pregnancy secret.

Michael may not be daddy material, but losing Charlotte and their baby isn't an option. He'll close the deal at any cost--even if it takes a Christmas miracle to prove this playboy is reformed for good!

Karen Booth delivered yet another delight continuing her reign on my list of guilty pleasure reading. I was eager for the continuation of the Locke Legacy series having enjoyed Sawyer's story so well and having met his siblings, Charlotte and Noah. The surprise baby trope is well-played in Holiday Baby Bombshell. :)

Highlights

• Characters
  Both Charlotte and Michael have pasts that greatly impact how they approach relationships. Despite Michael feeling that Charlotte was "different" than anyone who came before her, he was determined not to commit. Charlotte's approach was rather opposite. What I appreciated about their second chance is that they each discovered a few things about themselves along the way. They showed emotional growth and that set them on a path to being able to work things out.
• Setting
  NYC at the holidays was a brilliant backdrop. Add to that Sawyer and Kendall's wedding at The Grand Hotel? I adored feeling like I was alternately walking the streets of Manhattan, walking along the Hudson, or through the lobby or hallways of the hotel. Booth brought the location to life.
• The Competition
  The race between Charlotte and Michael to sell apartments in the hotel was a fun element. It clearly brought out the competitive sides of both. They were each kinda ruthless in what they wanted. Luckily, despite things not going to plan, they both achieved their goal.

My only complaint is the length. With a few extra pages the resolutions could have felt more solid. But overall, I was pleased and I'm anxious for Noah's story as well as crossing my fingers for Chris' (Michael's brother) story.

New Release Review ~ Pregnant by the Billionaire ~ Karen Booth (@karenbbooth) #2017NewRelease #COYER

Pregnant by the Billionaire by Karen Booth
The Locke Legacy #1
Release Date: July 1, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or rating. I voluntarily provided a review. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
From playboy to papa!

Kendall Ross's latest PR assignment is the perfect jump start for her career. But her client is hotel magnate Sawyer Locke--the no-holds-barred one-night stand she had six weeks ago. Sawyer knows the feisty redhead is the key to successfully launching his new hotel, but with his meddling father sabotaging his business plans, they have to keep their arrangement strictly professional. As in, no kisses. No fondling. And certainly no mind-blowing sex! Yet when their best-laid plans end with an unexpected pregnancy, the rebel billionaire must choose between his bachelor ways or losing Kendall and his baby for good!

Karen Booth, and her Harlequin Desire titles, are fast becoming guilty pleasures of mine. Her stories are always entertaining and make for easy reading. Pregnant by the Billionaire was no different.

Kendall and Sawyer spent a night getting acquainted - dancing, laughing, and eventually heating up the sheets - at a mutual acquaintance's wedding. That was six weeks ago and although neither has made contact, neither can get the other out of their head. Then they're brought face-to-face when Sawyer hires Kendall's PR firm, where Kendall's boss assigns her to his project. Will they be able to keep things professional?

These two made for a perfectly engaging couple. Kendall's fire, always giving it straight to Sawyer, was fun. He wasn't used to that so it kept him off-balance at times. She's also intelligent and fiercely independent, as well as loyal. She doesn't believe men have staying power though so tends to steer clear. Sawyer is also intelligent and tenacious in building the life and legacy he wants. His family life, his father in particular, has shown him how he doesn't want to live his life and he's worked hard at not being like his dad. As Kendall and Sawyer work together on the reopening of his hotel, the obstacles they face, both professionally and personally, show them their feelings about relationships and love might be skewed. And maybe they just hadn't found the right person. ;)

So I have to say that the trope of the pregnancy is a little tired, but it worked for the story. I wished for more time between Sawyer and Kendall, more development with Sawyer's family, too, but since this is the first book in the Locke Legacy series, I have feeling I'll get my wish even if Sawyer and Kendall aren't the focus of the story. 

Pregnant by the Billionaire was an easy and engaging read, one that has me invested in Sawyer, Kendall, and the Locke family. I look forward to Sawyer's siblings' stories.

New Release Review ~ The Ten-Day Baby Takeover ~ Karen Booth (@karenbbooth) #2017NewRelease

The Ten-Day Baby Takeover by Karen Booth
Release Date: April 1, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or rating. I voluntarily provided a review. 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
A billionaire's baby deal!

One look into his infant son's trusting blue gaze and Aiden Langford knows his wild, carefree days are over. If only he can get Sarah Daltrey, his son's temporary guardian, to give him daddy lessons... Certainly the soft-hearted entrepreneur will agree to his ten-day proposal to stay as the nanny. Aiden just needs to keep his mind on parenting and off Sarah's seductive curves...

Being in the handsome tycoon's arms puts up Sarah's emotional defenses even as her body begs her to let go. But being a babysitter with benefits isn't on her agenda - especially for a father and son who might steal her heart...

There is nothing sexier than a man with a baby!

Sarah became Oliver's guardian when her best friend died She has been trying to contact Aiden about his having a son but he's been elusive. And honestly, she doesn't mind having Oliver. She adores him. She just needs to take care of her best friend's final requests where Oliver is concerned. So she camps out in LangTel's lobby determined not to leave until she sees Aiden. 

Sarah is a sweetheart. She's smart, caring, and she's determined to make her business a success. A former nanny, Sarah is now launching a successful lingerie business. She has no time or desire for romance not trusting her instincts when it comes to men.

Aiden is busy making LangTel even more successful. He's savvy, handsome, but doesn't date. And he certainly gave no thought to becoming a dad. But when he sees Oliver, he can't deny he's a daddy. But he doesn't know the first thing about babies. So he does what he does best - makes a deal with Sarah. Ten days of baby training in exchange for help with her business. What's the worst that could happen?

This story was heartwarming and fun! I immensely enjoyed watching Aiden and Oliver bond and watching as Aiden opened up to Sarah - something he's never done with anyone. It was also interesting to see Sarah, who was deadset on ever offering her heart to anyone again, slowly put it on offer to Aiden. Oliver though, he'd had her heart from day one.

Oliver was adorable! I could perfectly envision his chubby little legs holding him up while he drooled. I liked Anna's and Jacob's presence in the story as well as seeing Adam and Melanie, and Mother Langford, too. I felt like Aiden's issues with this past were dealt with well and i helped me get a better understanding of him.

Of course, this all takes place over the course of ten days and while it's fast, it felt genuine. The banter between Aiden and Sarah was fun. And I could see the connection between them - a solid friendship foundation - for the romance to build on.

I hope for more from this series as I'd like to see more of the Langford siblings and their spouses in the future.

New Release Review ~ The Best Man's Baby ~ Karen Booth (@karenbooth)

The Best Man's Baby by Karen Booth
Release Date: January 3, 2017
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author. I voluntarily reviewed.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
It's a second-chance baby!

Julia Keys has everything going for her: beauty, brains and a Hollywood career. So why does she keep ending up in Logan Brandt's bed? The sexy former pro baseball player has wreaked havoc on her heart for years. But when their latest fling ends with a plus sign on the pregnancy test, Logan makes the case for marriage.

Julia knows the only wedding in their future is the one they're both attending, no matter how hot the chemistry between them still burns. Can two high school sweethearts who've made a mess of love finally get it right even if the baby isn't Logan's?

Alright, as I've said before about Harlequin, this isn't a title I'd necessarily pick up myself. Cheesy title aside, it's by Karen Booth and y'all, the woman knows how to write a romance! The Best Man's Baby has a lot going for it...second chances, small town setting, close-knit families... Oh! And it happens to feature an interracial couple. For all that, I can overlook the title.

I'm a sucker for second chances and Julia and Logan's story offered up a wonderful one. These two essentially grew up together and were high school sweethearts. But Julia broke things off before they both left for college feeling a break up was inevitable and not wanting her heart broken later. They've kept in contact over the years though and hook up yearly at their high school reunion. However, following the most recent reunion, Logan decided to break things off for good, feeling Julia doesn't have it in her to commit for the long haul. Cut to the present: they're both in town for Julia's sister's wedding (who happens to be marrying Logan's best friend) and Julia has quite a bomb to drop on Logan. It doesn't take long for the flames between them to reignite.

I immediately liked both Julia and Logan. They both fiercely loyal to their families and friends. Logan doesn't want to let anyone down and Julia is out to save everyone. They're both giving but Julia, for some reason, doesn't trust easily. Probably because in her effort to save people, she keeps getting into relationships with the wrong men.

I also liked their families. I could tell they were close and always had each others' backs. However, Julia's sister, Tracy, did get on my nerves at times. She acted rather bratty quite often and her being the bride didn't excuse her behavior in my book.

The interplay between Julia and Logan was fun but also poignant. Their chemistry was combustible but they were truly a match - everyone seemed to be waiting for them to figure it out.

The only issues I had aside from Tracy's behavior is that Julia's career and the repercussions from being pregnant were never resolved. Otherwise, I found the characters realistic and the story engaging. Another winner from Booth!

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #54

My pick this week is from:

The Best Man's Baby by Karen Booth

"Unless you want to find a sit-down restaurant, your options are chain fast food or biscuits."
Ooh. The dilapidated sign for Sunset Biscuit Kitchen was straight ahead. It'd been years since she'd eaten there. It wasn't exactly camera-friendly cuisine, but her pregnant appetite had her salivating at the thought of their fluffy, buttery pieces of heaven. "Biscuits."
"I was hoping you'd say that." Logan pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, which was really more like a shack, with a battleship-gray exterior and a faded red roof. There was no drive-thought or dining room - just a walk-up window and if memory served, lightening-fast service. "The usual? Fried chicken biscuit and a hash brown?"
"How do you remember this stuff?"
"I remember everything."
That was indeed her standard, very unhealthy order. But she wanted more than that. "Can you also get me a sausage and egg biscuit? And an extra biscuit with honey? You know. Just in case."
Logan nodded and smiled. "I like this whole pregnant and hungry thing. It's adorable."

New Release Review ~ The CEO Daddy Next Door ~ Karen Booth

The CEO Daddy Next Door by Karen Booth
Release Date: August 9, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
He wants a mother for his child. She won't settle down. And they're living together...

After one disastrous date, reality TV personality Ashley George and devastatingly handsome British billionaire Marcus Chambers are roommates! When a fire destroys her apartment, Ashley leans on her Manhattan neighbor for help--and soon finds herself falling for the father and his baby. But despite their off-the-charts attraction, Marcus only dates women who would be suitable mothers for his daughter. His free-spirited neighbor is completely unsuitable. So why can't he seem to keep her out of his bed...and out of his heart?

The CEO Daddy Next Door is the perfect summer read - a sort of frenemies-to-lovers romance with playful banter, sparks flying strong enough to make me worry about shorting out my ereader, and genuine characters I couldn't help but love. This story is a delight!

Ashley and Marcus live across the hall from one another. They had one date that ended badly and have been each other's nemesis ever since. If only neither of them felt the strong spark of attraction. Things would be far less complicated. Marcus is living in NYC to launch an American division of his family's gin company. He suffered an excruciating divorce and is determined to choose more wisely the second time around in order to protect his infant daughter. Ashley has been burned badly before as well. A hit that the Matchmaker of Manhattan took hard - she finds true love for others but can't seem to do the same for herself.

When an opportunity arises that is professionally mutually beneficial to both Ashley and Marcus, they take off their gloves and play nice. This leads to more than either bargained for - even their becoming roommates.

Booth did an excellent job in creating real characters. I felt for both Ashley and Marcus, understood the motivations behind their actions, and was cheering for them. Ashley had Southern charm which I enjoyed and Marcus, well, he's British so you know I adored his stodgy yet charming self. Watching their walls crumble as they got closer was a treat.

While this is only a novella in length, the story is well-crafted and felt finished when I reached the end. There was a tiny plot thread left unraveled but that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. Booth seems to have a knack for delivering a great story with appealing characters no matter the number of pages!

99 Cent Sale ~ Bring Me Back ~ Karen Booth

"It's not a glam story about a rock star's life...it's real life and it's very poignant." -Bookworm Brandee

Bring Me Back by Karen Booth is a fabulous read featuring a woman who, in her late 30s, gets to meet the rock star she crushed on as a teen! (you can check out my review here) It, and its sequel Back Forever, recently got a new covers and Bring Me Back is currently ON SALE! You can grab it for only 99 cents now through May 15.

Here's the synopsis:

Music critic Claire Abby is a single mom dreading her daughter’s departure for college and worried that turning forty will leave her career running on fumes. She’s floored when she lands a Rolling Stone cover story on 80s British rock legend Christopher Penman. She spent her teenage years fantasizing he was her boyfriend.

In person, Christopher is everything Claire feared he’d be—charming, witty and unwilling to address the rumors he’s dodged for a decade. Still, she contains her adolescent fantasies and manages to earn his trust, unearthing the truth and the devastating secret behind it. His blockbuster story is her first priority when she returns home, a nearly impossible task when Christopher starts calling and flirting. She knows she should maintain a professional distance. She knows she should focus on the story. She knows it would be best to simply walk away. But how can she say “no” to the man she could never forget?

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon Canada

Release Day Review ~ Pregnant by the Rival CEO ~ Karen Booth

Pregnant by the Rival CEO by Karen Booth
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: COYER B2B, Blogger Shame, New Release
Goodreads

Synopsis
It was just business. And then she got pregnant...

Anna Langford is ready to be CEO of the family business, but her brother won't give up control. When she sees the opportunity for a major deal, she goes for it, even though it means working with Jacob Lin, her brother's former best friend, the guy she's never quite gotten over--the man her brother now despises. A successful venture capitalist, Jacob makes ruthless moves. And Anna has given him the perfect chance to take revenge on her brother...

What starts as business turns into romance--until Anna learns of Jacob's motives. And an unplanned pregnancy presents them both with the greatest challenge they've ever faced.

I've read and enjoyed Karen Booth's novels before so when she asked if I'd review Pregnant by the Rival CEO, I quickly agreed. And Booth didn't disappoint. While Pregnant by the Rival CEO differed from the previous novels I'd read (those were aging rock star romances) she proved that she can deliver compelling characters no matter the setting and a pleasurable story as well.

Anna Langford and Jacob Lin shared an easy friendship and one kiss ages ago. But since Jacob's best friend was Anna's brother, Adam, he rebuffed Anna's advances. Then Jacob and Adam's friendship hit the skids and Anna thought she'd never see him Jacob again. Six years later, Jacob appears back in her life as she tries to land a business deal that will cement her place as CEO of her family's company.

I am completely delighted with this story. Booth delivered fairly robust characters in Anna, Jacob, and Adam. Anna is no shrinking violet. She knows what she wants and sets out to get it - in both business and pleasure. Jacob, despite being ruthless in his career, is an honorable man. And Adam seems exactly as overprotective and overbearing as any older brother would be. The business dealings felt very realistic as well - right along with the tension Anna felt in thinking of how Jacob and Adam would react to one another. The romance developed at a nice pace - as did the whole story. And I felt the predicament Anna and Jacob found themselves in - an unexpected prenancy - was also portrayed realistically.

Pregnant by the Rival CEO is a feel-good romance. It's a quick read with the perfect blend of drama and romance. And I'm left very curious about Anna's brothers, Adam (who has his own book already) and Aiden. I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with the Langford family.

**Contest ~ Win a Custom Handbag from Karen Booth**

Hey y'all! Karen Booth, the fabulous author of Bring Me Back and Back Forever, to name a few, is running a contest. And it's so easy to enter to win. All you have to do is sign up to receive Karen's newsletter. Easy-peasy, right? 

Here's the link to Karen's blog, where you can sign up for her newsletter. The contest ends on July 28th, so go sign up NOW!

http://karenbooth.net/news/contest-win-handbag-made

And here's a look at those handbags!

**Release Day Review ~ Hiding in the Spotlight ~ Karen Booth**

Hiding in the Spotlight by Karen Booth
Release Date: May 29, 2014
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Alex Halford's rock-star husband, Glenn, steals away in the middle of the night, leaving her with their two boys, a mountain of debt, and one person to turn to -- his lifelong friend and band mate, David Callahan. David helps Alex pick up the pieces of her shattered life, happy to have any time wtih the woman he's loved for seventeen years. Every moment with her is ripe with opportunity, and every last idea running through his mind would destroy his brotherly bond with Glenn.

Out from under Glenn's thumb, Alex can see the person she was before marriage, finding feelings for David she thought she'd left behind in high school. A single kiss and the floodgates open, giving her new hopes of happiness. But when David and Glenn's band has a chance to be back on top, David must convince Glenn to return. With every passing day, success comes closer, Glenn's ego inflates, and David and Alex find it more difficult to hide. One misstep and the secret comes out, forcing David to choose between his life's work and the woman he doesn't want to leave behind.

There's just something about Karen Booth's storytelling that makes her books so inherently readable. There's little to no angst, no nail-biting tension - just comfortable characters and an engaging story. Hiding in the Spotlight is another worthy read added to her repertoire.

Alex Halford awakens one morning to find that her husband, Glenn, the man she's been married to for the last 17 years, the only man she ever been with, has up and left her and their sons. She and Glenn have had a troubled marriage for years - he is a rock star, after all - but she wasn't expecting him to disappear. And he left her with no way to pay the bills. So Alex turns to David Callahan, Glenn's best friend and the guitarist for their band. David, being the man he is, immediately steps up to help. And Alex and the boys end up living with him.

David has been in love with Alex since they were seventeen. He was too slow in making his move and Glenn beat him to it. So he's suffered in silence for almost two decades as he watched his best friend treat the woman he loves terribly. Now that Glenn is out of the way, he feels like he may finally have a shot at love and happiness.

Alex and David together? Oh, this is the good stuff. David stepped right in, helping with the boys and being supportive of Alex without hesitation. I loved seeing this as all the interaction between Glenn and Alex was calculated, on Glenn's part, due to Glenn's sizable ego. I also adored seeing Alex really blossom under the love and care David showed her. She made some startling revelations about herself, her relationship with Glenn and the feelings she'd always harbored for David. The way in which the relationship developed and progressed felt very organic and real. It's all in the details and Ms. Booth did an excellent job making sure her characters took into consideration all the various elements that their relationship would affect. Of course, all is fair in love and war and divorce can be war - especially when an egomaniacal rock star  find out his best friend and wife have been intimate. But all the characters behaved in ways befitting their personalities. ;)

One of the things I always enjoy about Ms. Booth's stories is that she includes children and they are in no way one-dimensional or gratuitous additions. Page and Tyler are well developed and add texture and realism to the story. Another thing I adore is the story revolving around the music industry - in this case, a band who's had it's hay day but is seeing a revival. Ms. Booth also incorporates some of the elements surrounding a band, such as managers, touring, groupies, egos, and the media.

I thoroughly enjoyed Hiding in the Spotlight - I just realized that if you take the first letters of each word in the title, it spells HitS. And yes, Ms. Booth HitS the top of the charts with this one. The story includes all the HitS from David's band. And the love story between Alex and David HitS all the right notes. Okay, enough of that silliness. :) Ms. Booth, keep 'em coming...I'll read 'em!

Karen Booth is a Midwestern girl transplanted in the South, raised on music, Judy Blume, and the films of John Hughes. An early preoccupation with rock 'n' roll led her to spend her twenties working her way from intern to executive in the music industry. Much of her writing revolves around the world of backstage passes and band dynamics. 

When she isn't creating fictional musicians, she's listening to music with her kids, honing her Southern cooking skills or sweet-talking her astoundingly supportive husband into whipping up a batch of cocktails.

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter

**That's What HE Said ~ #4**

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

This week's That's What He Said is from Hiding in the Spotlight by Karen Booth.

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"I don't think you know how incredible you are. I don't think you have any idea how beautiful and sexy you are."

-David, Loc 1134

**Release Day Spotlight ~ Love Finds a Way Box Set ~ Karen Booth**

I'm so excited to spotlight the Love Finds a Way Box Set. It includes several talented authors, including a favorite of mine, Karen Booth. Karen's book Bring Me Back is included in this box set, and if you haven't read it, you can check out my review here. It's a fantastic read! AND the best part is you're getting FOUR novels for **ONLY 99 CENTS** That's a heckuva deal!

LOVE FINDS A WAY Boxed Set—Release date: April 29, 2014

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Four unconventional love stories from popular and best-selling
romance authors, all with sequels from Turquoise Morning Press

BRING ME BACK by Karen Booth

Claire Abby was a starry-eyed teenager when she fantasized that British rock star Christopher Penman was her boyfriend. More than twenty years later, she's about to fall in love with him for real.

“Fast-paced, sexy and altogether irresistible. A flat-out fabulous read!”–New York Times Bestselling author Celia Rivenbark

“Ms. Booth has hit a home run with this riveting story that’s full of life, trials and tribulations, joy, but most of all, love.”–5 stars and a recommended read, BlackRaven’s Reviews

“If you are a fan of drama, humor and heart with a wonderful blend of bittersweet and delicious sensuality, then you need to read Bring Me Back. I’ve added it to my absolute favorites, the ones I curl up with when I’m down and need to remember to love and laugh and believe in magic.”–5 Stars, The Book Tart

Included on the Top Ten Romances of All Time list by Patience Bloom from Harlequin. 

An All-Romance bestseller.

Karen Booth is a Midwestern girl transplanted in the South, raised on 80s music, Judy Blume, and the films of John Hughes. A former music industry exec, she loves to write about the world of backstage passes and band dynamics.

CONTENTMENT by Margaret Ethridge

Fifteen years after saying, “I do”, Tracy Sullivan feels lost in a tangle of marriage, family, home, and career. Poised on the verge of losing it all, she embarks on a quest to redefine her life. With the help of a few good friends and the enduring love of her husband, she discovers that while happiness is fleeting, contentment can last a lifetime.

“The story is honest, well told, and so sweet. I loved it.” –5 stars, Amazon bestselling author Jennifer Johnson

“You'll want that Hollywood ending that never happens in real life. What you will get a story that is so true to real life that it'll make your stomach twist and your heart hammer.” –5 stars, Another Look Book Reviews

“This is story-telling at its best.” –5 stars, Amazon customer review

“Have you not read Margaret Ethridge? Hop to it! Although she is a new author, her work is consistently intriguing, even while writing different romantic genres.” –Booking It

Margaret Ethridge is the Amazon bestselling author whose stories of life and love have made her a fan favorite and a Booksellers Best finalist.

MEANT TO BE by Karen Stivali

Sometimes you're already committed to the wrong person when fate finally brings you the right one. Daniel and Marienne's friendship has helped them weather every hardship---now they're both secretly wondering if it can survive a first kiss.

Best Books of 2012 –Literati Literature Lovers (Meant To Be and its sequel Holding On) 

Books That Rocked My World 2012 - Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews (Meant To Be and its sequel Holding On)

“Meant To Be is simply an amazing story that is heartwarming and genuine, it is one that will make you believe in soul mates.” –5 stars, Jersey Girl Book Reviews

“If you're looking for engaging, soulful characters, enough drama to take you through a myriad of emotions that entail everything from laughter to anger to crying, and enough passion to make you sizzle in all the right places, then Meant To Be is the book to read.” –5 stars and a Recommended Read, BlackRaven's Book Reviews

Karen Stivali is a multiple award-winning author of contemporary and erotic romance. She writes novels about love...like real life, only hotter.

′TIL ST. PATRICK’S DAY by Holly Gilliatt

Over the course of one winter, three best friends encounter what happens when love doesn’t go according to plan.

“With the author's ease of putting words on paper, the story flows through your mind, connecting on a deep emotional level. You will find yourself hoping, gasping, shedding a tear or two and smiling with happiness as the story unfolds.” –Literati Book Reviews

“Gilliatt creates characters who you connect with… The reader is placed in the middle of these three women’s lives; you experience their ups, their downs and their own journey of self-discovery.” –BestChickLit.com

“The main theme of this novel was friendship, but it’s followed very closely by love—and not just romantic love. …It’s fantastic.” –5 stars, Pink Fluffy Hearts

Holly Gilliatt writes funny, heartwarming tales of love and friendship. She is the author of two published novels with a third due out in July.

Length: Four full-length novels, Boxed Set

Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press

ISBN: 978-1-62237-291-1

Ebook Price: $0.99 (Special Promotional Price)

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | IBOOKS | SMASHWORDS | ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS | PUBLISHER