2018 Top Books and Audiobooks

The Real by Kate Stewart

Once again, Kate Stewart landed at the top of my favorite list. I love quirky characters, and I love when romance starts via text, so this was right up my alley!  5+++++ Stars.

Blurb:
They say it happens when you least expect it.
It did for me.
It started the moment I saw the simple message pop up on my computer screen:
Cameron’s Mac: Hi.
And when I met the eyes of the gorgeous man messaging me from across the coffee shop, I never thought my reply would lead to the most intense, sexual, and passionate relationship of my life.
We both agreed to check our bags at the door and put our future hopes and aspirations on the table.
It worked.
I fell in love with his no holds barred attitude, sexy smirk, and undeniably good heart . . . and for a while we forgot about our baggage. We happily tripped over it to get to the other, neither of us willing to show the contents of our pasts in the off chance it could ruin us.
We built our love on a foundation of gray.
It was life in black and white that threatened to tear us apart.

“Abbie’s Mac: You would kiss me for the first time in a coffee shop?
Cameron’s Mac: In front of God and everyone. At this point, I’d kiss you anywhere you let me. Are you ready for that, Abbie? Because once I get access to those lips, I’m going to suck them dry.”

The Down & Dirty:
Unique, real, raw, compelling, romantic, heartbreaking, and honest, The Real by Kate Stewart hit every single button in one book. Humor, romance, mystery, banter, text chats, angst, emotion, surprise twists and OMG the wooing!!! This slow burn romance with quirky, flawed characters will absolutely be near or at the top of my favorite books for 2018, and completely earns a rare 5++++ star review. I can’t wait for it to come out on audio so I can experience it all again.

See My Full Review 

Amazon | Audible

Atticus: A Woman’s Journey with the World’s Worst Behaved Dog by Sawyer Bennett

Blurb:
This is a love story between…
A woman and a man
A woman and her family
A woman and her friends
A woman and a very special dog that led her to her happily ever after.

Through the haze of vodka and self-loathing, Hazel Roundtree saw the poor creature lying in a ditch.

One brown eye. One blue.
Covered in mud and crying from pain, the puppy was desperately trying to free itself from a hopeless situation.

She almost kept walking by. She had her own problems and besides… no one had ever stopped to help her.

Who we’re ultimately meant to be is a journey without end, but there’s always a defined start…

Hazel had no idea the dog would be her beginning, her second chance, the miracle she never saw coming. She named him Atticus. He grew up to be a very bad—and completely awesome—dog. He took Hazel on a life-changing journey filled with mischievous adventure to find her happily ever after. In the end, Hazel grew up to be completely awesome, too.

“But seriously… they can’t leave a yummy, savory, pork-smelly piece of food out and think I’ve got the willpower to resist. Hazel had it in a pan while the oven was pre-heating. She went to the bathroom… and the opportunity presented itself.”

The Down & Dirty:
I think Atticus may be a new all-time favorite. It’s nice to have a book you love that you can recommend to anyone whether they read romance or not. If you are a dog lover (or any animal), you will especially love Atticus. If you aren’t, you will become one after reading it. I couldn’t shut up about Atticus to my family, and I think I read my son half of it. Getting in Atticus’s head was so much fun because my dog Lucy reminds me of him in many ways. She is crazy in love with me, she won’t go out with anyone but me, goes bonkers when I get home (way more than anyone else), sleeps on my head, growls at my husband when he touches me and gets into all kind of trouble even when she knows the rules. For goodness sakes, she poops right in front of her doggy door when I leave because she is mad at me. Until I had this dog, I never really understood how smart and in-sync an animal can be with its owner, and I think that made Atticus even more special to me.

While Atticus is a story about a dog, it is SO MUCH MORE. This was such a strong story about how love and family can come in the most unlikely forms. About recognizing your self-worth and living up to it. About how much unconditional love for another being can change you profoundly. It was about love and friendship and self-worth. It brought out every emotion and made me feel so deeply that my dog had to lick my tears away. Atticus was a saga that spanned around 7 years, so don’t expect it to be a quick, fluffy read about a dog, and grab your tissues. I literally hugged my Kindle (and my dog) when I finished. I can’t help but give Atticus ALL the stars. He’s such a GOOD BOY!

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Perversion (Perversion Trilogy Book 1) by TM Frazier

This entire 3-book series blew me away. Once again, TM Frazier ended up on my favorite list with her unique and gritty anti-hero stories. The Audible for Perversion was amazing too! I read it then listened in audio.

Blurb:
Love is supposed to be a fairy tale.
Ours is a death wish.

I’m the executioner for the Bedlam Brotherhood.
She’s a con artist working for my greatest enemy.

I use her.
She manipulates me.

We find ourselves on opposite sides of a bloody war.

My heart and head tell me I have to stay away.
My lust for her doesn’t give a sh*t.

Nothing’s fair in love and gang war.

“That kind of girl is gonna either take over the world someday—” She lowered her sunglasses from the top of her head over her eyes. “—or be the one who fucking destroys it.”

The Down & Dirty:
Perversion is TM Frazier’s best work to date and that’s saying a lot. I was completely riveted from start to finish and had to go right back and read it again as soon as I finished. One thing you never have to worry about with a TM Frazier book is that it will be similar to any other book. Her style and stories are completely unique and a have a genre of their own. It took me a few years to read my first (and hers) TM Frazier book, The Dark Light of Day because I was afraid of the “dark” in the title. I don’t do dark books normally, but I feel like her books are more gritty, violent and depraved than dark and depressing. TM Frazier’s brain is a scary place. There is a reason they call her “The Evil Ginger”, and I am so glad for it because she totally delivered a brilliant, adrenaline-filled thrill ride that had suspense, twists, surprises, and a hot forbidden romance. Don’t wait on this one, the wait for Possession will just make it even more intense when you read it.

See My Full Review and Interview with TM Frazier

Amazon | Audible

Possession by TM Frazier

Blurb:
The story of Grim and Emma Jean continues.

War is on the horizon.
We’ve come so far.
We’ll have to fight for what we have.
Or die trying.

“Tricks is all innocence and attitude. Both fearless and terrified. Rebellion with a side of caution. I’m not worthy of her. Of this dangerous life-altering thing between us. Never will be. It doesn’t matter. Worthy or not, I’m fucking taking her. Consequences be damned. Tricks is mine. She always has been.
Always will be.”

The Down & Dirty:
Once again, TM Frazier had me glued to my kindle breathlessly following every surprising, gritty, deadly, violent and sexy twist and turn. She had me gleefully wishing horrible violent deaths, swooning over the romance, crying over the family love, and freaking out over what comes next. I love how her world is fake enough for us to put aside reality and go with it, yet real enough to feel like you are right there with them. The bonus cameos brought some fun and lightness into the non-stop violent action. I am already counting the days (27) until Permission! I need it NOW! Honestly, I am really glad I didn’t wait to binge, because the anticipation is just making it even better. Thank goodness it’s a short wait!

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible not available yet

Permission by TM Frazier

Blurb:
Permission is the conclusion of Grim and Emma Jean’s story.

He was my first.
But since then I’ve been programmed to enjoy torture.
Being watched.
Being taken two at a time.
I feel nothing now. I’m empty. Hollow. Lost.
He knows it. He knows I need more.
So, he gives it to me.
My body has never felt such pleasure.
My heart has never endured such pain

“I’ve always known that Grim a dangerous man, but I’ve never felt it in my bones before now. He’s all brutality and loyalty. A murderer and a lifesaver. My heart thumps out a warning in my chest that my brain doesn’t receive because all I’m thinking is how much I love this man. How much I need him. Not despite who he really is but because of who he is.”

The Down & Dirty:
The Perversion Series is another amazing ride from TM Frazier. I love how her writing is almost urban fiction without the paranormal side. She builds these worlds that make us fall for the bad guys and excuse all sorts of heinous crimes that the heroes commit. Permission was a perfect end to the series. I loved the surprises and the amazing epilogues. I love that all questions were answered and we have a very satisfying end to one of my all-time favorite series. I can’t wait to see what TM Frazier has in store for us next!

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible not available yet

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

*Best Author Debut*

Completely original and fun, this won a TON of awards last year for good reason.

Blurb:
Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases–a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice–with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan–from foreplay to more-than-missionary position…

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but crave all of the other things he’s making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic…

“With the labels, he might be more understanding, but he’d quit viewing her as Stella Lane, awkward econometrician who loved his kisses. In his eyes, she’d become the girl with autism. She’d be … less.”

The Down & Dirty:
I can’t tell you how many people I messaged personally about this book. I think it’s an important read, not only because it features an autistic character written by an autistic author, but it also has a diverse cast of characters. But forget about why it’s an “important” read and let’s focus on why it was a great read. It was a hopeful book, filled with pain, joy, sexy times, love, friendship, family, culture, and diversity. It made me laugh, it tugged at my heartstrings, it made me think, and it made me swoon. I reveled in the uniqueness it brought to a common theme (falling for your escort). The topic of autism could have overpowered the story, but it was more about Stella’s personality and the unique qualities that make her special. It was about overcoming labels, accepting that labels don’t make the person. I loved how they both learned to love themselves as they learned to love the other and accept the other’s love. The Kiss Quotient is truly a book I will remember for a long time and I really look forward to the next standalone in the series, The Bride Test, coming in 2019.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Three Blind Dates by Meghan Quinn

This was my first book of 2018 and let me tell you, Meghan Quinn set a very high bar! I loved everything about this book as well as the next and even the spin-off novella. While I really enjoyed the 3rd book, it didn’t get 5 stars, so I won’t be listing it here.

Blurb:
A modern day take on You’ve Got Mail with a twist. This laugh out loud and heartwarming romantic comedy from bestselling author Meghan Quinn will keep you on the edge of your feet as you fall in love with each and every blind date.

“Good Morning Malibu, it’s another beautiful day on the west coast! I’m Noely Clark, your host: and I’m in the market for love…”

When the publicity team of the new local restaurant, Going in Blind, began their search for a hot, local celebrity to promote the wildly popular eatery, they couldn’t have found a better person than me.

Outgoing? Check.
Single? Check.
Open to finding love? Check.

I signed up immediately.

A hopeless romantic with an exceedingly demanding schedule, I’ve found it impossible to find the man of my dreams—so Going in Blind seems too good to be true! That’s until they start setting me up on dates—three very different, very attractive, very distinct blind dates—and only one thing is for certain . . .

I’m in big trouble.

“Good Morning Malibu,
I’m Noely Clark, and I have a choice to make.
The question is who will I choose; the suit, the rebel, or the jock.”

The Down & Dirty:
Three Blind Dates by Meghan Quinn is already on my Best of 2018 list and it was my first book of the year! The whole concept of the book(s) is brilliant, and I’m so excited for more. Meghan has become a top favorite author for me, and this book is the perfect example of why. Sexy, romantic, sweet, silly, smart, and laugh-out-loud funny with characters you completely fall in love with, Meghan totally brought it all to this one. If ever a book should turn into a movie (series), this should. It felt like it was written a little more like a movie…like I was watching it rather than reading it. And speaking of movies, you will have the best reading experience if you brush up on watching You’ve Got Mail first.

“I wanted it to be you. I wanted it to be you so badly.”

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Two Wedding Crashers by Meghan Quinn

Blurb:
A wild, sexy, and heart-filled adventure of two strangers who meet in the most unlikely of places. This laugh out loud and heartwarming romantic comedy from bestselling author Meghan Quinn will keep you on the edge of your feet as you fall in love with the second book in the Dating by Numbers Series. **CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE**

I don’t know what love is anymore.

Well, that’s not entirely true, but I’m going to tell you a little secret: I’ve lost the spark.

You know the kind of spark I’m talking about?

Where butterflies take flight in your stomach from two hands innocently colliding. Or catching your breath when you first meet someone attractive. Yeah, that spark.

Except I haven’t felt that feeling in forever; there is nothing left inside of me.

Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem–but I’m a writer on a serious deadline, and my editor is breathing down my neck for a romantic, Nicholas Sparks type love story. No pressure, right?

That’s how I find myself flying across the country to crash a wedding in the name of research, dress and heels stuffed into my small suitcase.

It should be the easiest book research ever. Drinking some free champagne, basking in the love of two strangers, and tapping into my romantic side. That’ll be a breeze. I’m a pro. I can handle this.

Until I mistakenly end up in the wrong hotel room, naked as the day I was born, with the sexiest human I have ever met staring me down, wondering what I’m doing taking a shower in his bathroom.

I don’t think calling it “research” will get me out of this mess.

But it will make for one hell of a story.

“There is nothing that’s going to get in my way of taking what I want. And what I want is you, Rylee. I want all of you, all night. It’s going to happen, the only question is….when.”

The Down & Dirty:
Once again, Meghan Quinn proves why she is a top 5 author for me with Two Wedding Crashers. I didn’t think she could top Three Blind Dates, but I think this may have! I laughed out loud and have a note that says “Funniest Meghan Quinn book to date”. But I also cried my eyes out. Beck’s past is heartbreaking, but what he has done with that past is completely amazing. Two Wedding Crashers stands perfectly fine on its own, but reading it after Three Blind Dates is even better. Meghan Quinn’s writing just keeps getting better, so I can’t wait to read One Baby Daddy!

See My Full Review 

 Amazon | Audible

Back In The Game by Meghan Quinn

But all that changes the minute Rachel Perry runs into him in the most unlikely of places, right outside the men’s bathroom. Vibrant and enchanting, she captures his attention, making it impossible for him to walk away without scoring her number.

Their connection is immediate, their attraction palpable, and their relationship undeniable. But Rachel isn’t the only girl in Calder’s life which scares him, because Calder’s daughter already lost her mother. He doesn’t want Shea to lose someone close to her again, making Rachel’s task of breaking through Calder’s wall that much more difficult.

The Down & Dirty:
Back In The Game by Meghan Quinn incorporated all of my favorite things into one short novella. First, Meghan Quinn. Her writing never fails to suck me in and make me happy. She has become one of my top 5 authors, and Back in the Game kept her there. Second, Banter. I freaking LOVE banter! This whole story was basically bantering from the moment single dad and professional Hockey player, Calder, met Rachel when he was dressed as Wanda the Fairy for his daughter. Third, texting. I absolutely LOVE a book where the characters get to know each other via messages or emails. I think it’s my favorite thing to read in a book, and in this audiobook, I especially loved how the texts were read duet style!

Rachel: Oh okay then. Good morning prickly penis.
Calder: Prickly penis? Uh, how is that a term of endearment?
Rachel: I have no idea, it’s a legit the first thing that came to mind.

See My Full Review 

Amazon | Audible

At the Stroke of Midnight (The Naughty Princess Club Book 1) by Tara Sivec

This is my Seventh Best of the year list (since 2012), and Tara Sivec has been on every one of them. FOUR of her books are on my list this year, including all three of the Naughty Princess Books, some of the most clever books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Note: I listened to the audibles as well and they are some of my favorites of the year also.

Blurb:
Meet the Naughty Princess Club: a brand new series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that introduces readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that ensue when three women start a new business to make it rain.

Once upon a time Cynthia was the perfect housewife. Between being the President of the PTA and keeping her home spotless without a hair (or her pearls) out of place, her life was a dream come true. Her husband was once her knight in shining armor, but now he’s run off with all their money…and the babysitter.

Dressed as a princess at the annual Halloween block party on Fairytale Lane, she meets two other “princesses” also facing money troubles: antique store owner Ariel and librarian Isabelle. When the women are invited to wear their costumes to a party where they’re mistaken for strippers, Cindy, Ariel, and Belle realize that a career change could be the best way to make their money problems go bippity-boppity-boo.

But can structured Cindy approach a stripper pole without sanitizing wipes? And could the blue-eyed anti-prince that has been crossing her path become Cindy’s happily ever after? At the Stroke of Midnight is a hilarious, empowering story where princesses can save themselves while slaying in stilettos.

“We are not going to be strippers, have you lost your mind? I’m a housewife and the president of the PTA. You owned an antique store, and Isabelle is a librarian. We are not strippers.”

The Down & Dirty:
After living in Parkland since the tragedy here, there is nothing like reading a Tara Sivec book to make me smile, laugh, and temporarily forget the horrors outside. The three women reminded me a lot of the three moms in Bad Moms, and I loved that movie, so this was a totally fun book to read. I love the creativity of the modern take on three princess stories, it’s so cute and creative! At the Stroke of Midnight by Tara Sivec was the perfect blend of humor, friendship, romance, emotion and sexiness and I can’t freaking wait to read In Bed with The Beast and Kiss the Girl. Once again Tara reinforced her spot at the top of my favorite authors list.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible *

*I listened to the audible after and loved it just as much! Amazing Narration!

In Bed with the Beast (The Naughty Princess Club Book 2) by Tara Sivec

Blurb:
A tale as old as time: she needs a place to stay, he’s a grump with a secret and an extra room…can love find a way?

Meet the Naughty Princess Club, a series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that brings readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that three women fall into once they decide to strut their stuff and bring on their own happily ever after.

Living in her overprotective dad’s basement, shy Belle lives her life through books. Being a part of the Naughty Princess Club is the first adventure she’s ever had, plus she desperately needs the money to save one of her favorite places – the local library.

But when her new friends and new business gets her kicked out of her dad’s house, Belle is rescued by the surly Vincent “Beast” Adams who invites her to be his house guest until she gets back on her feet. Despite his attitude problem and long list of rules, Belle finds herself warming to the muscled man with a penchant for growling and starts seeing a gentle side to him that wasn’t there before.

Yet there’s a room that Beast keeps locked and Belle keeps getting hints that Beast is hiding something…can a nerdy librarian tame the beast or will their romance be over before it has a chance to blossom?

“Boys in books do it better,” Vincent reads aloud.
“True story.”
He takes a step towards me and leans forward, placing his hands on either side of the counter, caging me in. “That’s because they’re boys. Maybe you should try a man.”

The Down & Dirty:
I LOVED At the Stroke of Midnight, and I loved In Bed with the Beast MORE! This is a modern take on Beauty and the Beast and I felt like the first book had more subtle nods to Cinderella. I loved the way this one tied into the original fairy tale in so many little ways. It was SO CLEVER! The Naughty Princess series is like Bad Moms and Disney Princesses had a mash-up. Ariel is my favorite of the three, and I have seen Tara post that Ariel’s book, Kiss the Girl, is her favorite of the three, and I know it will be mine too. I CAN’T FREAKING WAIT.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Kiss The Girl by Tara Sivec

Blurb:
A struggling antiques collector finds herself falling in love with a millionaire playboy; but can she ever be a part of his world?

Meet the Naughty Princess Club, a series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that brings readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that three women fall into once they decide to strut their stuff and bring on their own happily ever after.

While her friends have broken free of their insecurities, Ariel Waters is struggling to come out of her shell. Her ex-husband took away her voice and her self-confidence, and Ariel is drowning under a sea of debt to afford the alimony she has to pay him. She refuses to ever fall for a man’s charms again, and is determined to make her own way.

When her house and her beloved antiques are taken by the bank after too many missed payments, Ariel finds herself adrift until the infuriatingly charming Eric Sailor comes to her rescue. Although she can’t stand the millionaire playboy, Eric’s kindness and unconditional support reveal hidden depths and a love that Ariel never imagined she could find.

But there are outside influences who will stop at nothing to keep them apart; can Ariel and Eric weather the storm and find a way to be together in Kiss the Girl?

“Then for the love of God, why in the actual fuck are you calling me? Hang up and text me like a normal person or I will slit your throat.”

The Down & Dirty:
Kiss The Girl is my favorite of the three books in the series, and that’s saying a lot because they are all 5 stars. Out of 125-150 books a year, only about 15 or less get 5 stars, but in this series all three did. The combination of Tara’s snarky, immature humor and hot and sexy fairytale romance with heart, mixed with tons of details from the Disney princess movies made this series one of the most creative I have read. Kiss the Girl kind of hit closer to home for me because I struggle with my self-esteem and I totally got Ariel. I loved seeing her start to heal with Eric. One of the things I enjoy so much about Tara’s romcoms are the friendships between the characters, and this series had it in spades. I want to be best friends with them! The Naughty Princess series is empowering, fun, sexy, romantic, and ridiculously clever. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Rock Chick Reborn by Kristen Ashley

This was the best surprise of the year! An amazing book about an older woman we have grown to love over the years! What a beautiful addition to an all-time favorite series.

Blurb:
As a Rock Chick, Shirleen Jackson lived through all the kidnappings and explosions. Along the way, she also watched the dramatic love stories that came with those rides unfold.

But long ago, Shirleen made her choice. It affected who she was and would always be. She decided to settle for what she had and not want more. She had good friends. She was raising two fine young men who weren’t hers, but she loved them anyway.

She was good.

And then Moses Richardson crashed into her life, literally…and deliberately.

Moses has different ideas about Shirleen. He’s more interested in the Shirleen of now, mostly because she’s interesting. And funny. And loyal. Smart. Beautiful.

But Moses has a big challenge on his hands.

He has to convince Shirleen of all that.

And then convince her she deserves to have more.

“For the first time since I could remember, I could not wait for what was next up in my life.”

The Down & Dirty:
What an amazing gift to readers! Shirleen’s story needed to be told and I honestly wouldn’t have wished for it to turn out any different than it did. Since the shootings in my town of Parkland and being right at crunch time for planning Wicked Book Weekend I have had a really hard time reading. Books are taking me 4 weeks instead of days. But then Kristen Ashley comes along and writes perfection. I was immediately sucked in and read it in a day! Rock Chick Reborn is funny, fast-paced, poignant, emotional and a wonderful gift to her long-time readers. I loved seeing Shirleen grow and find her self-worth. I loved seeing behind the tough act. I just loved everything. The only thing I wished for was a little more!

See My Complete Guide to Kristen Ashley

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren is (are) becoming a can’t miss author for me!

Blurb:
Most men can’t handle Hazel. With the energy of a toddler and the mouth of a sailor, they’re often too timid to recognize her heart of gold. New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Roomies, Beautiful Bastard) tells the story of two people who are definitely not dating, no matter how often they end up in bed together.

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them…right?

“Do you know how many guys like to date the cute wild girl for a few weeks before expecting me to chill a little and become more Regular Girlfriend?”

The Down and Dirty:
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by the writing duo of Christina Lauren is a 2018 Top Pick for sure. It was a fresh, funny, adorable modern friends-to-lovers/opposites attract romance that will absolutely stick with me. Hazel is one of my favorite characters ever and I loved how Josh never tried to dim her light. This is one book I can’t wait to re-read in audible format when it comes out because I totally want to hang out with Hazel more!

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

The Simple Life by Tara Sivec

Once again, Tara Sivec!

Blurb:
Brooklyn Manning thought her life was perfect in every way, until it crumbled down around her and turned into a dumpster fire. With her pride wounded and her tail tucked between her legs, she leaves New York and goes back to her tiny hometown of White Timber, Montana.

No more twenty-four-hour taco trucks, no more shopping at the best designer stores within walking distance, no more giving taxi drivers the finger when they angrily honk at her. She didn’t think it could get any worse. But then Clint Hastings walked into the room and insulted her.

Her arch nemesis from high school is no longer a nerdy computer whiz, masturbating to pictures in PC World magazine in his free time (allegedly). He’s grown up to be a hot-as-hell cowboy, and she has no other choice but to be a smart ass right back to him. After all, it’s what they do. It’s what they’ve always done, and twelve years apart hasn’t changed anything.

Only this time, getting under each other’s skin is a hell of a lot more fun than it used to be.

“Fighting with you every day for a month has made me happier than getting along with someone else all my life.”

The Down & Dirty:
Books like The Simple Life are the reason I love reading so much, it was a perfect feel-good Fall indulgence. The Simple Life made me laugh and swoon and smile and just enjoy every single word. It’s got some of my favorite themes: A single dad, enemies-to-lovers, and friend’s big brother, but it was a creative take on all of them. Once again Tara Sivec proved why she has been a top three author of mine for 6+ years. I highly recommend indulging in The Simple Life. You won’t regret it.

See My Full Review

Amazon

Heartbreak Warfare by Heather M. Orgeron and Kate Stewart

Blurb:
Briggs,

Remember when we parted ways in Germany? It was the day I broke your heart. What you didn’t know was that I was breaking mine too.

I thought they’d be enough-my husband and my son. That I’d get home and everything would go back to the way it was . . .

Before the war.
Before the ambush.
Before you.

But, no matter how hard I try, I can’t erase the trauma we shared. I can’t seem to forget the way my heart beat in time with yours.

The truth is I’m lost without you.

I thought the nightmare was over when they pulled us from that hole in the ground, but nothing could have prepared me for the war I’d face at home.
I know it’s selfish of me to ask, but, please, I have to see you one last time. . .

All my love,
Scottie

The Down & Dirty:
Heartbreak Warfare is an epic story that will rip you to pieces and put you back together again. This is an INTENSE and EMOTIONAL read, and I ugly cried through the whole book (I admit, I am a bit of a crybaby, but if you didn’t tear up during this book, I worry for you). It was completely out of character for me to read a book like this, but I am SO GLAD I took the chance (and ran out to buy tissues before I started). This is a book about WAR. You can’t go to the Middle East and not come back scarred and changed in some way. It’s also a love triangle and kind of a love letter to the military. It’s everything I usually avoid in a book, yet it will absolutely be on my 2018 Best of the year list. I promise, Heartbreak Warfare is worth every tear.

See My Full Review 

Amazon

Verity by Colleen Hoover

One of the best-written book of the year, but completely out of my comfort zone.

Blurb:
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of the night their family was forever altered.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.

Due to graphic scenes and mature content, this book is recommended for readers 18+.

“There is no light where we’re going. This is your final warning. Darkness ahead”

The Down & Dirty:
Verity is the total opposite of what I like to read. I read a Stephen King book in High School and I had nightmares for a year. I don’t watch scary movies either. But I do love suspense and mysteries. Verity was all of that. It was not an easy read by any means. Verity was disturbing and creepy, but it was brilliant. I really enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone for something so different, but this is not a book I’d really want to read again…but yet, after that end, maybe I kind of do? I wholeheartedly recommend Verity for a change of pace from any book you have recently read.

See my review and interview with Colleen

Amazon

Wild Like The Wind by Kristen Ashley

The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars is because of the Kristen Ashley scale, a 4.5 KA star is like a 5++++ star from anyone else. If I didn’t do this, every Kristen Ashley book would be 5++++ stars and I’d never remember which were my favorites.

Blurb:

The brother known as Hound has a reputation. He’s all about cracking heads, having a good time, and when the Chaos Motorcycle Club needs someone to do the tough job, they call on him.

But Hound has a secret. He fell in love with a woman years ago. She’s untouchable. Unattainable. And even when her status changes, for Hound, it remains the same.

Keely Black had it all early and lost it all not long after. Thrown into an abyss of loss and grief, she’s faced a life of raising two sons alone and battling the rage at all that had been ripped from them.

And why.

Words spoken in anger open Hound’s and Keely’s eyes. For Hound, he sees he’s wasted his life loving the wrong woman. Keely sees she’s wasting her life not opening herself to the love of a good man.

“Wild like the wind,” she whispered…
“Baby?”
“I was once that,” she told him. Yeah she was. Wild and beautiful and happy and carefree.
“I know you were,” he replied.
“Feels like centuries ago.”
Where his thumb could reach, he stroked her face. “I know.”

The Down & Dirty:
Sigh…there is nothing like reading a Kristen Ashley book. Wild Like The Wind took a while to read because it’s longer and more detailed than most books, but I was also traveling, and it was so dirty I couldn’t read on the plane for fear of who might read over my shoulder! I love books with older kids, and seeing Keely’s boys growing up to be loyal Chaos boys was pretty awesome. But it was Hound’s relationship with Jean that really stole my heart. Once again, Kristen Ashley had me swooning, laughing, crying and hugging my kindle. Wild Like The Wind is the perfect addition to the Chaos series, effortlessly weaving together the past and the present to bring us a refreshing and new story with familiar characters we love.

See My Complete Guide to Kristen Ashley

See My Full Review

Amazon | Audible

Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell
Narrated by Sebastian York and CJ Bloom

*Favorite (tie) new-to-me author*

If you were to write the perfect book for my tastes, Shimmy Bang Sparkle would be it! It has an older couple (He’s 40, she’s 30s), humor, banter, some action and adventure with some suspense, likable characters with great friends, good sexy times, an adorable dog, and it made me feel good and happy reading it. What more could I ask for? Amazing narration! And this may be my favorite narrator combination! My only 5++++ Star Audiobook in 2018.

Blurb:
To catch a thief…or fall for one?

All Nick Norton wants is to stay on the straight and narrow…and never get caught stealing again. Then he lays eyes on her: Stella Peretti-100 percent sexy and absolutely irresistible. Especially when he sees her smooth moves lifting a two-karat diamond. Nick realizes he’s found the sparkling woman of his dreams-one so perfect for him it’s almost criminal.

The Shimmy Shimmy Bangs are master jewel thieves who are planning the heist of the century. And Shimmy leader, Stella, isn’t about to let anyone-even if he is a hunky, tatted-up studmuffin-get in her way. But when two of her girls are put out of commission, Stella realizes that Nick isn’t just a red-hot distraction. He might be the answer to her pilfering prayers.

Now, Nick and Stella are putting everything on the line for one last job. But when two thieves have this much chemistry, it’s only a matter of time before somebody’s heart gets stolen.

“Never in my whole life had I seen anything so goddamned smooth. She seemed sweet, she looked so sexy, and to top it all off, she was utterly badass. I needed to get my hands on her. Now.”

The Down & Dirty:
Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell is a new 2018 favorite! It is everything I love in a book and more. A completely unique story with great characters, some adventure, romance, hot sex, banter, great pacing and little angst. Shimmy Bang Sparkle is everything a summer beach read should be, and I read the whole thing with a big smile on my face. As soon as I finished I wanted to listen again!

See My Full Review

Audible | Amazon

*Audiobook is in KU

Once Upon A Real Good Time by Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt

Blurb:
That smoking hot one-night stand with a former rock star?

Turns out he’s my son’s new music teacher. Oops.

But I didn’t know that the night I met Campbell. All I knew was he played my body the same way he played a guitar – like he owned it.

My libido is still high-fiving me after being self-served for too many years, and we’re both ready for another night or two of fun, especially since we don’t just have chemistry in bed – we connect over everything.

That is, until I learn he’s the man who’ll be coming to my house twice a week to teach my son – the best music lessons money can buy.

Time to turn down the volume on our shenanigans. Only that’s easier said than done.

***

I can rock a guitar solo in front of thousands, I can write chart-topping tunes, and I can absolutely stop thinking about my student’s mother naked.

After all, I’m a single parent too, and I know what it’s like to put your kid first. That’s what I do every damn day.

Trouble is, now that I’ve had Mackenzie, it’s hard – and I do mean hard – to stop wanting her. Harder too when I get to know her, and learn she’s an awesome mom, a great friend, and, oh yeah, she happens to get along perfectly with my daughter.

All we have to do is set some rules. No dating, no nookie when the kids are around, and no one gets hurt.

It’s all working out beautifully. Until we start breaking the rules, one by one.

Making music with her in the bedroom is easy. But will we be more than just a real good time when the music stops?

“Former teen sensation at your service. How may I pleasure you?”

The Down & Dirty:
Whether male POV or dual POV like Once Upon a Real Good Time, Lauren Blakely totally nails the romantic comedies. With strong, likeable women and dirty alphas who respect the women they are with, Lauren never fails. Once Upon a Real Good Time was extra-special to me because they are a bit older with teenaged kids plus he’s a rock star. It honestly doesn’t get much better than that to me. An inked, sexy, dirty-talking single-dad musician, a smart, funny, successful single mom plus fun, happy teenaged kids and great side characters is my recipe for a perfect book, and Lauren Blakely is the best chef to make it. Once Upon a Real Good Time is the perfect start to what is sure to be a new favorite series.

See My Full Review

Audible | Amazon

Once Upon a Sure Thing by Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt

Blurb:
It’s so easy being best friends with a gorgeous, talented, charming guy.

Said no woman ever. Except me.

My friendship with Miller is a sure thing – he’s my plus one, my emergency contact, and my shoulder to lean on. He’s also been by my side helping me raise one helluva awesome kid who’s the center of my world.

Nothing will change our easy breezy friendship. Until I have the bright idea to convince him to start a new band with me.

Trouble is, our sizzling chemistry in the recording studio is getting harder to ignore, no matter how risky it might be.

***

Sing sexy songs with the woman you’ve been lusting after? Get up close and personal as you croon to the woman you’ve wanted for years?

Piece of cake.

NOT.

Performing with the sweet, sassy and insanely wonderful Ally is like one gigantic obstacle course of challenges for my libido. And my libido is one sexy love song away from kissing her senseless and taking her home.

But, I’m not a serious kind of guy, and she’s not a one-night-stand kind of woman. If we cross the horizontal line, we might risk our sure thing and end up out of tune forever….

“Singing with your best friend seems like a surefire way to torpedo a relationship. I’ve been there, done that, and have a truckload of medals to prove it. If there’s one woman I want to keep in my life, it’s Ally.”

The Down & Dirty:
Once again Lauren Blakely delivered a favorite! I almost feel like I could copy and paste my review from book to book because all I do is rave about the prolific writer. But if Lauren can keep coming up with new and different stories, I can keep giving new and different reviews. Once Upon a Sure thing was everything I love from Lauren. An amazing friends-to-lovers story, older characters, funny and sexy banter, a charming and sexy leading man, a heroine you want to be buddies with, great kids, super hot bedroom scenes, and a smile on my face the whole time. I loved the first in the Heartbreakers series, and I think I love this one even more! What will the third bring? Thank goodness I only have to wait 2 weeks.

See My Full Review

Audible | Amazon

Once upon a Wild Fling by Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt

***This audiobook includes the bonus short story A Little Big Rock, produced exclusively in audio for this title and narrated by a full cast including Andi Arndt, Sebastian York, Joe Arden, and Erin Mallon!***

Blurb:
A brand new sexy stand-alone romantic comedy from number one New York Times best-selling Author Lauren Blakely! Includes a bonus short story narrated by a full cast!

There are a million reasons why Miles Hart isn’t the man I should date but allow me to enumerate the top three. He’s friends with my brother; he’s a single dad; and he’s a sexy, in-demand rock star. He might as well wear an off-limits, totally unavailable, and don’t-even-attempt-to-ride-this-ride sign.

And there’s one more little itty-bitty thing – he’s never asked me on a date.

That is, until he asks me to be his plus-one when his band plays at his high school reunion. It shouldn’t be a big deal. After all, we’re just friends, and no one is giving us our own hashtag. Except me.

I have three good reasons to keep my hands off Roxy Sterling – her brother’s my business manager; my kid is the center of my world; and the last time I fell hard for a woman, I was burned so badly that my interest in relationships has gone up in flames. But once I bring Roxy’s body next to mine on the dance floor, I want all the not-safe-for-work things I can’t have with her.

My brain knows there’s no way for us to work, but tell that to my big mouth. Because the second she plants a hot, sexy kiss on me, I have the bright idea to ask her to keep being my plus one – turning one night into a few.

What’s the harm in spending a little more time with her and having her by my side at all these events? Nothing at first, until I learn exactly how risky we might be.

“Let’s see. Sexy rocker and hot single dad? Bring it on.”
I lift an eyebrow. “You think I’m hot and sexy?”
“Most of the female population does.”

The Down & Dirty:
It’s so hard to say something new that I haven’t said about Lauren Blakely before. She is a crazy prolific writer. I think this is her 9th release this year and you would think that with that many releases there would be lower quality, but she seems to get better with every release! I think I only have one other series where all three books are 5 stars, but I can’t find one single fault in The Heartbreaker Series. It’s everything I love about reading. This series has especially grabbed my heart because each book has a single parent, and I love kids in books. But Ben? OMG, he is adorable times 10! If I were to recommend one romance series from this year to anyone, The Heartbreaker Series by Lauren Blakely would be it. It’s filled with heart, humor, smart characters, banter, kids, rockers, romance, single parents, friendship, totally hot times and I listened to every book with a goofy smile on my face. RUN to Amazon and get these books ladies, you can’t go wrong.

See My Full Review

Audible | Amazon

Unbreak My Heart by Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon

I chose this Lauren Blakely book because it is different from her norm, and it gave me all the feels.

Blurb:
I didn’t break her heart, and she didn’t break mine – we broke each other’s.

I never stopped loving her, but time and distance played its cruel role in ripping us apart three years ago when she moved halfway around the world. Now after all those endless miles away, she’s returned…but I’m not the guy I was before.

Beautiful, kind, and loving, she’s the same – my hope. The only one who can make a day better, who can make me feel again with one kiss, one touch, one night.

There’s so much I have to put back in place now that I’m alone and on my own. Things I never wanted at the age of 25. When I receive an unexpected letter that might hold the clues to everything I desperately need to understand about my family, I’m sure I have to follow it. But that means leaving her once more.

She says she’ll come with me, and having her by my side will unbreak my heart…or destroy it.

That’s the chance I have to take.

“Then I go one way, and she heads another.
Two directions.
Two lives.
Two apartments.
We’re together, but we’re not at all.
Perhaps it’ll always be this way. I cross the intersection and join the sea of people fanning out in all directions. I’m with all these people, but I’m still alone.”

The Down & Dirty:
Read this book! Seriously, don’t be afraid because you see the words “heartbreaking” and “healing” thrown about. Lauren Blakely delivers an emotional, powerful story of family love, healing, living life to the fullest, second chances, and going after your bliss. Though Unbreak My Heart is a more serious, emotional read that most of Lauren Blakely’s other books, she delivered a wonderful blend of hope and friendship that ran throughout the story, so the emotions never threatened to pull me under. We still have Lauren’s trademark crisp and witty dialogue and inner thoughts, smart and realistic characters, rich location descriptions and a swoony couple with tons of chemistry, but Unbreak My Heart delivered even more. Listening to this story made it even better. While I normally like to listen to lighter books than I read, Joe Arden’s portrayal of the broken-yet-seeking Andrew was one of the best audiobook narrations I have had the pleasure of listening to. Either way you get it, via print or audio, don’t miss out on this fantastic read from Lauren Blakely.
PS: While this may be one of my favorite Lauren Blakely books, that doesn’t mean I want her to stop the romcoms though, I can only take so much emotion!

See My Full Review

Audible | Amazon

Royally Yours by Emma Chase
Narrated by Shane East and Andi Arndt

Royally Yours is a recent historical (1950s) and is a prequel to her Royally Series which is a favorite. This is about when the Queen first became Queen. Because this is told much more like a contemporary romance and it is in first person, even if you don’t like historicals, this one will appeal to all.

Blurb:
New York Times best-selling author Emma Chase returns with a sweet and sexy stand-alone in the Royally Series.

Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook had an unusual childhood. She was raised to be a queen – the first queen of Wessco.

It’s a big deal.

When she’s crowned at just 19, the beautiful young monarch is prepared to rule. She’s charming, clever, confident, and cunning.

What she isn’t…is married.

It’s her advising council’s first priority. It’s what Parliament is demanding, and what her people want. Lenora has no desire to tie herself to a man – particularly one who only wants her for her crown. But compromises must be made and royals must do their duty.

Even queens. Especially them.

Years ago, Edward Langdon Richard Dorian Rourke, walked away from his title and country. Now he’s an adventurer – climbing mountains, exploring jungles, going wherever he wants, when he wants – until family devotion brings him home.

And a sacred promise keeps him there.

To Edward, the haughty, guarded little queen is intriguing, infuriating…and utterly captivating. Wanting her just might drive him mad – or become his greatest adventure.

Within the cold, stone walls of the royal palace – mistrust threatens, wills clash, and an undeniable, passionate love will change the future of the monarchy forever.

Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.

This is theirs.

“God damn, how I want her. Not even in my wildest, most selfish adolescent days did I want to take and take a woman like I want to take her.
Wild and hard, lazy and long.”

The Down & Dirty:
I think Royally Yours by Emma Chase is my favorite of the Royally Series. It can easily stand alone since it takes place 40+ years before the other books. I loved how fierce and independent the Queen was, but we also got to see first hand why she is a bit cold in the future. She has lived a lonely, extremely sheltered existence, and meeting the dashing, adventurous Edward could not have been better for her. I loved how this was very much Queen Lenora’s story, but it was also a sexy, swoony and funny romance. Bravo Emma Chase, it’s another 5-star favorite!

See My Full Review

Audible | Amazon

*Audible Romance Package

Let’s Get Textual by Teagan Hunter
Narrated by Emma Wilder

*Tied for Favorite New-To-Me Author*

I’m so glad I fit this one in at the end of December so it could make the list!

Blurb:
A wrong number is supposed to be just that – a wrong number. Delete. Done. Do not continue to text. Do not flirt.

A wrong number shouldn’t be the first person on your mind in the morning or the last at night…and you’re definitely not supposed to talk them into buying a baby goat. Because that would be weird.

When Zach Hastings and I get into a wrong-number mix-up, we don’t follow the rules. We keep texting and flirting because he’s wicked funny and perfectly nerdy and a wonderful distraction.

I’m not looking for love, and Zach definitely had the wrong number. But maybe…maybe he’s the right guy.

“He touched my ass cheek, Delia. Your hand was on my dick and he touched my fucking ass cheek.”
I shake with laughter, tears running down my cheeks as I watch Zach stand there and glare at an innocent baby goat.

The Down & Dirty:
After listening to this audiobook twice, I can tell you for sure that it’s an absolute favorite. Teagan Hunter is absolutely one of my favorite new-to-me authors of 2018 and I have no doubt that it will continue because I am already in love with the next in the series, I Wanna Text You Up. If you love witty, flirty banter, lots of dialog and texting, you will love Let’s Get Textual by Teagan Hunter.

See my Full Review

Audible | Amazon

*Note: I loved the next in the series, I Wanna Text You Up, as well, but have not reviewed yet it as of this posting.

Faking It by K. Bromberg
Narrated by Rupert Channing and Erin Mallon

It was hard for me to choose between K. Bromberg’s Combust and Faking It for this list, but Rupert Channing’s narration made this one so unique, and Erin Mallon’s male Australian accent was amazing.

Blurb:
Zane Phillips mistook me for his dog walker. It shouldn’t surprise me that the man with a suit more expensive than my rent would assume that I was there to serve him. The positive? I put him in his place. The negative? I missed my job interview because of it.

Now I find out he’s a rich Australian entrepreneur, and he wants to make up for tanking my interview. Yes, he’s impossibly hot – but he’s also an arrogant jackass—so . . . no thanks.

But after a little white lie I tell spirals out of control, I’m somehow offered the chance to play Zane’s girlfriend to help promote his new dating website – and the best part? He can’t say no because he’ll get caught in his lie too.

Little did I know this would entail sharing a tour bus with him for the next few months. The fact that the bus has just one bed isn’t the most ideal of circumstances, but this spokesperson gig might be the kick in the pants my career needs, so why not take a chance?

Famous last words.

Now I’m crisscrossing the country–and sharing that bed—with the one guy I can’t stand. And even worse, my traitorous body is wondering at every turn what it’s like to be down under the gorgeous Australian. But as the miles unfurl, so does our passion…and if I’m not careful, I might end up believing that fairytales really do come true.

“(Men have) a serious case of needing to one-up each other just to prove who has the biggest dick. And in case you wondered, I win. Always. But then again, does size really matter? Spoiler Alert: Yes it does.”

The Down & Dirty:
I absolutely LOVED Faking It by K. Bromberg. I think the audiobook made it stand out even more because Zane’s Australian accent was sexy as hell. While it seems like K. Bromberg is using a number of tried and true tropes including hate-to-love, fake relationship, workplace, friends-with-benefits, forced roommates and maybe more, she combined them all together in a fresh, fun and sexy way. Faking It by K. Bromberg is one of my favorite audios this year, and it was a perfect one to go into audio first because you don’t want to miss this sexy accent!

See My Full Review

Audible | Amazon

*Audible Romance Package

Pucked Love by Helena Hunting
Narrated by Sebastian York and Stella Bloom

The end of a favorite series!
Blurb:
As an NHL player, relationships haven’t been my thing. Shrouded in secrecy and speculation, they never last very long. But then that’s what happens when you require an NDA before the first date.
Until Charlene. She’s like a firefly. She’s elusive, and if you catch her she’ll burn bright, but keeping her trapped dulls her fire and dims her beauty.

I caught her. And as much as I might want to keep her, I’ll never put the lid on her jar. Not at the risk of losing her. So I’ve let her set the rules in our relationship.

But as long-hidden secrets expose us both, I discover exactly how fragile Charlene is, and how much I need her.

We’re all broken. We’re all messed up. Some more than others. Me more than most.

“It’s always going to be me and you, Charlene. Whatever you need, I’ll be that for you.”

The Down & Dirty:
Pucked Love was really a wonderful end to the Pucked Series. I normally will not go this far into a series, but I love that Helena didn’t release them so close together that I was able to keep up. I will be sad to say goodbye to the Pucked characters, and I was so glad we got to visit them all in Pucked Love. I loved the way we really got to know the final two in the group of friends, and how we got to understand why they were so messed up. Pucked Love was as much about friendship as it was about love, and let me tell you, I totally want to hang with these friends!

See My Full Review

Audible | Amazon

*Audible Romance Package

Good Luck With That by Kristan Higgins
Narrated by Xe Sands, Lori Gardner and Suzy Jackson

This was a very controversial read. Some people found it insulting. I found it completely relatable and one of the most memorable books of the year.

Blurb:
New York Times best-selling author Kristan Higgins is beloved for her heartfelt novels filled with humor and wisdom. Now, in her newest novel, Good Luck with That, she tackles an issue every woman deals with: body image and self-acceptance.

Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it’s coming to terms with the survivor’s guilt she’s carried around since her twin sister’s death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it’s about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother’s and brother’s ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson’s dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

A novel of compassion and insight, Good Luck with That tells the story of two women who learn to embrace themselves just the way they are.

“Let’s make a list when we get back,” Emerson said. “All the things we’ll do when we’re not fat anymore. Things we can’t even dream of now.”
“We can dream,” Georgia said, pulling on the oars. The boat slid forward, and Marley trailed a hand in the water. “Nothing wrong with dreams.”
“A list sounds like fun,” Marley said. “It’ll motivate us to lose weight. We can call each other when we cross stuff off.”

The Down & Dirty:
Good Luck With That was an emotional read that was also one of the most relatable books I have ever read. The women’s growth from self-hatred to self-acceptance wasn’t easy to read at times, but at times it was also funny, heartwarming and empowering. I think Kristan Higgins had a lot of guts to write this story. It felt so good to read a story about fat girls that wasn’t sugar-coated, and Kristan’s sharp insight into each woman’s psyche was what made it so fantastic. She pointed out how much the judgments from other people affect us, but more so how our own judgment of ourselves and others can cause so much pain. Good Luck With That changed my thinking in general and made me realize how horrible I am to myself, and hopefully helped me on my journey to self-acceptance. I hope it lasts!

See my Full Review

Audible | Amazon

Man Hands by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby
Narrated by Teddy Hamilton & Erin Mallon

5+ stars
My top favorite book of 2018! I listened to this story three times and even had my husband listen to it with me. So incredibly funny, a great story and the narration is EVERYTHING!

Purchase on Audible | Amazon

The Last Guy by Ilsa Madden-Mills and Tia Louise
Narrated by Brooke Hayden & Patrick Garrett

5 stars
Exactly everything you want in a romantic comedy! Fun, light hearted and with the perfect amount of hot & sexy!

Purchase on Audible | Amazon

Girl Crush by Stephie Walls
Narrated by Julia Duvall

I loved everything about this book. It was so easy to relate to and I couldn’t stop laughing. A definite must read.

See Ana’s Book Review (on her 2017 Top Picks List, the audible released in 2018)

Purchase on Audible | Amazon

Pucked Love by Helena Hunting
Narrated by Sebastian York and Stella Bloom

5 stars
Nothing what I expected and the perfect ending to a favorite book series.

See Ana’s Review | Purchase on Audible | Amazon

*Audible Romance Package

Wait With Me by Amy Daws
Narrated by Erin Mallon and Teddy Hamilton

4.5 stars
It’s sassy & laugh out loud funny. Knowing the back story of Amy Daws & Tires Tires Tires, I can’t help but picture Amy herself as the main character which just makes this all that much more awesome!

See Ana’s Book Review | Purchase on Audible | Amazon

Shimmy Bang Sparkle by Nicola Rendell
Narrated by Sebastian York and CJ Bloom

4.5 stars
This was fun and heart warming, mixed with a little action.

See Ana’s Review | Purchase on Audible | Amazon

Drive by Kate Stewart
Narrated by Ava Erickson

4.5 stars
This book pulled every emotion from me and kept me hanging until the very end. A twist that I didn’t see coming! I laughed, cried, swooned and maybe even got a little angry. Listen to the playlist with each chapter, the songs match the story so well and helped bring on the feels.

See Ana’s Book Review | Purchase at Audible | Amazon

Books Raegan Loved in 2018, but released prior to 2018

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See Ana’s Review
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