Title: Fix You: Books 1-3 The McDaniels Brothers
Author: Christine Bell
Publisher: Frog Prints Publishing
Publishing Date: May 24/2014
Genre: Coming of Age, Sports, Romance

Synopsis: 

Book One: She's worth the fight... 

Olivia Beckett's once-charmed life is falling apart. Her family is about to lose everything, and she has almost no chance of going back to college next semester. She can't even seek solace from her high school sweetheart. He's changed. She doesn't recognize the boy she used to know--his violent behavior is escalating and it scares the hell out of her. Her whole world is crumbling, and she has no one to turn to... 

Sebastian "Bash" McDaniels is an up and comer in the boxing world working nights at the local college bar until he can land the fight of his dreams that will get him the hell out of Boston and away from his family's tragic past. He's weeks from his goal when Olivia Beckett comes tumbling into his life in a flash of silky dark hair and haunted eyes. When he saves her from a potentially brutal beating, they begin to grow close, but Olivia's ex isn't ready to let her go so easily. 

Bash can't bring himself to walk away, but fixing Olivia just might leave him broken... 

Book Two: Everything she believed in was a lie… 

After facing the fact that her boyfriend was an abusive sociopath and their entire relationship was a sham, Olivia Beckett is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. If she was the only one suffering for her mistakes, she might be able to handle it. But when she went down, she dragged the one person she never wanted to see hurt down with her… 

Bash McDaniels was just weeks away from finally blowing out of his hometown to make it as a boxer and never coming back. Saving Olivia Beckett from her violent boyfriend should’ve been a speed bump at most, but love stopped him in his tracks. Now, instead viewing Boston in his rearview mirror, he’s viewing it through prison bars… 

Bash was her savior when she needed him most. Now, Olivia has to find a way to repay the favor, knowing all the while that freeing him might mean losing him forever… 

Book Three: If he's going down, he's going down swinging… 

Now that Bash has a second chance with Olivia, he doesn’t want to blow it, but if he tells her the truth about his nighttime activities, he could lose her forever. 

Olivia loves that Bash is willing to stick his neck out for those he loves, but not when it might ruin his career...or worse. When she finds out he’s left her bed in the middle of the night to compete in an illegal, bare-knuckled fight run by a notorious Boston mobster, Mickey Flynn, in order to get his brother out of debt, she’s furious. 

How can she trust Bash if he keeps lying to her? And how many more times can he put himself at risk before it finally catches up with him?

My Review: 

Bash is a knight in shining armor, though his shining armor consists of a t-shirt he wears as a bouncer at the local bar and he hardly rides in on a white horse. Instead, he saves Olivia from becoming a victim of her abusive boyfriend in the ladies room at the bar. Olivia has enough going on in her life at the moment and doesn't need the complication of being saved by this very hot guy, but she is thankful for his interference because for the first time ever, she is afraid of Andy. 

Olivia is a damsel in distress and Bash isn't sure why he does it, but he swoops in and frees her from the grip her rich, entitled boyfriend has on her throat. He knows it is going to be trouble and it's confirmed when he loses his job because the jerk's father knows a lot of people. And instead of Olivia walking away and leaving him in peace, she feels the need to prove to him that she isn't a helpless female. She hounds him until he agrees to teach her self-defense. It's just the beginning of a wild ride. 

Throughout the three books, they learn to trust each other and fight side-by-side when life throws obstacles in their path. Their families create issues neither of them are prepared to handle, the justice system seems to be playing against them, and their general distrust of each other may just end their relationship. It takes a lot of hard work to get past the pitfalls, but they are up for the challenge. 

Oh! And besides Bash, there are two more McDaniels brothers who have a story to tell as well. Their books are the following: 
Trust Me: Books 1-3 ~ Matty and Kayla's story, and Between Us: Books 1-3~ Reid and Lola's story

 Title: Wings of Gold: Beyond The Call of Duty
 Author: Tracy Tappan
 Publisher: B. Reed Publishing
 Publishing Date: September 25, 2015
 Genre: Military Romance, Suspense

 Synopsis: 

 Eric “LZ” O’Dwyer, a senior lieutenant stationed out           of San Diego, is in command of his own helicopter  detachment out of the HSM-75 Wolf Pack. Deployed  off the coast of South America on a counterdrug  operation, Eric jumps at the chance to take down a ruthless drug lord. But to do it, he’ll have to join forces with badass DEA Agent Nicole Gamboa.
Infiltrating the drug lord’s mansion is crucial to the mission, and to pull it off, Eric and Nicole have to play out an intimate scene together that leaves them both reeling. In the aftermath, Eric wants to foster something real with Nicole, but there is a secret part of Nicole’s life that makes a relationship impossible. The mission erupts again, and Nicole and Eric end up relying on each other in ways they’d never predicted. The stakes are raised to their highest when the drug lord gains the upper hand, and living or dying hinges on a final showdown between Nicole and her past…and whether Eric can get to her in time! 

Content warning: contains profanity and adult situations.

​My Review: 

Absolutely, hands down, the best military romance book I've read this year. Tappan hit it out of the park with this book and as is true with her other books, I can't wait for the next installment. She has a way with words and a knack for weaving a tale.

This tale is nothing short of brilliant. There is a perfect blend of action, suspense, sex, romance, and hot military men. My favorite character has to be Nicole though. She is a tough, fierce DEA agent who doesn't let anyone stand in her way. She is determined to prove herself in a world of men who want to use her for her feminine assets rather than her abilities. She has her emotional walls up and is going to guard her heart at all costs. She meets a man who will challenge her on every level, especially when they are thrust together on a job that will push their boundaries both personally and professionally.

Enter O'Dwyer. He's sex on a stick and works hard to be at the top of his game, but Nicole throws him for a loop and he can't get her out of his mind. Their lives are on the line throughout most of the book and I love their clear avoidance anything but the job for as long as possible. Eric has a soft side and a fiercely loyal side that is nothing short of hot. He is a born leader and others follow him without question, but Nicole tends to push against his leadership, making him slightly crazy. They clash, drift apart and come back together in a beautifully crafted dance. 

There are two short stories that are bookends to this book: 
Eightball Two-Three: Military Romance Suspense Novella (Wings of Gold Book 1) - (This novella now includes a second novella titled Cleared Hot.) 
AND 
The Reckoning Day - (A free novella for her subscribers.)

Title: Eightball Two-Three: Military Romantic Suspense Novella (Wings of Gold: Book 1)
​Author: Tracy Tappan
Publisher: B. Reed Publishing
Published: August 10, 2015
Genre: Military Romance

Synopsis: 

**Please note: EIGHTBALL TWO-THREE is an introductory novella to the Wings of Gold series ONLY. It gives you an exciting glimpse of the men who will become the heroes of the first two full-length novels. This is not a complete romance story with a happily-ever-after…YET! 

Ensign Eric O’Dwyer is on the verge of graduating from naval flight training, with only one flight left to complete at training squadron HT-8 “Eighballers,” before he earns himself his wings of gold. The day of his final solo, Eric’s copilot, Ensign Kyle Hammond—a new student on his first hop in a helicopter—is to act as no more than a warm body… 

Until everything goes horribly wrong. 

Fresh from the cockpit of his near-death solo flight, Eric makes it to graduation, only to find that he is a lone man in a sea of his buddies’ celebrating relatives. He finds solace in the arms of a most unlikely woman the night before shipping out to San Diego…and learns more about himself than he ever planned. 

Content warning: Contains profanity and adult situations. 

In the first full-length book of the series, BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY, Eric O’Dwyer is now a senior lieutenant in command of his own helicopter detachment. Deployed off the coast on a counterdrug operation, Eric will face the most challenging mission of his life with DEA Agent Nicole Gamboa. 

My Review: 

This was a fun introduction to the series. I can't wait to get my hands on the first one and learn more about these heroic men. But....I digress. Eric is a confused man struggling to get his life back on track. He's finally graduated and ready to take on the world and all it has to offer him, but he's not sure he's ready. Enter Leslie, the Barracuda. She's known around the bar as the woman who takes home one student from the class of graduates and having a night with them, then taking off. 

Eric is sure its all talk, but he's not sure he cares at this point. She's hot. She's intriguing. And she wants him. He only wants to forget everything for a night and Leslie gives him that opportunity, but once she gets what she wants, she walks out the door and out of his life. I loved that she left him slack-jawed and wanting more. That's it. Much like Eric, I was shocked that it was over and if Tappan wanted a loyal reader, she's garnered one. Well played! 

 
Author: Elizabeth Montgomery
Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly    Publishing
Publishing Date: June 24, 2015
​Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Synopsis: 

For those of us who come into the world different, we see it for what it really is. Harsh. 

Avery Chamberlin is special, unique. Beautiful words to gloss over the fact that she is different. She has never felt like she fit in. Why should she? 


She was reminded on a daily basis that she was not like her peers. 
Flawed. Damaged. A freak. 
Avery will have to come out of her shell to prove that even the bullies 
have their own insecurities. 

LIFE ISN’T ABOUT LABELS

My Review: 

This is a short, sweet book. I am always looking for new books for my students to read and was excited to get my hands on it. It has everything that kids worry about in school: bullies, something about themselves that makes them a target, parents who are supportive but don't know what to do to help, a friend who is there through thick and thin, and that guy everyone falls for. 

I enjoyed the characters and the premise of the story. Each of them is likable and has a lot of potential. I wanted more. There was so much that could have been done to develop the characters further. We only get a glimpse of who they are and a superficial one at that. Avery is a sharp protagonist who has a strong sense of self. Blake seems to change out of nowhere and there was little explanation offered until later in the story. Dylan is a great best friend and I would have liked to know more about what happens next with his prom date. Harper is a shrew in my opinion and Avery is very forgiving. I liked what I read, but felt it was lacking depth. I was disappointed because the pieces of the story wrapped up almost too neatly. It went too quickly. 

While it sounds like this is a bad review- it isn't. The characters are interesting and the story itself is well thought out with a lot of potential. I was disappointed that it was over and was looking for more. 

,Title: 1001 Dark Nights: Stroke of Midnight~ A Midnight Breed Novella
Author: Lara Adrian
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts Incorporated
Published: October 13, 2015
​Genre: Erotica, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis: 

Born to a noble Breed lineage steeped in exotic ritual and familial duty, vampire warrior Jehan walked away from the luxurious trappings of his upbringing in Morocco to join the Order’s command center in Rome. 

But when a generations-old obligation calls Jehan home, the reluctant desert prince finds himself thrust into an unwanted handfasting with Seraphina, an unwilling beauty who’s as determined as he is to resist the antiquated pact between their families. 

Yet as intent as they are to prove their incompatibility, neither can deny the attraction that ignites between them. And as Jehan and Seraphina fight to resist the calling of their blood, a deadly enemy seeks to end their uneasy truce before it even begins….

My Review: 

I've been a huge fan of the Midnight Breed series for years and am honored to do a review of this novella. To say I was excited to receive this is an understatement! On with the gushing....

​Jehan is interesting in that he has a life beyond the group of warriors he's chosen to work with side by side. He's a noble in his other life, but likes working with the other warriors and finds his true calling fighting for their race. The last thing he wants to do is fulfill the obligation his family has honored for generations. Seraphina feels the same way and has her own life to pursue, but because they both feel obligated and don't want to disappoint their parents, they step up and put on a show, agreeing to get through the handfasting one way or another. 

Both are equally stubborn and both find a strong attraction causing issues for them. Seraphina wants to remain detached, after all he is a warrior and a killer, how could she be attracted to him? And as far as Jehan goes, he believes she is after money for personal gain, which is not the type of woman he wants in his life. He doesn't have time for a self-centered female. In their time together though, they each discover that the other is not what they seem and sparks fly. 

There is mystery, some humor, a hotblooded vampire, a sexy Breedmate, and as usual, a wonderful story. Well done!

Title: 1001 Dark Nights~ 
Hard As Steel: A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover Novella
Author: Laura Kaye
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. 
Published: September 22, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Synopsis: 
After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him--and always has. 

Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he's ever known, one he's purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike's not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself--or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.



My Review: 


Great, fun read! If you are a fan of the Hard Ink series or the Raven Riders, you'll enjoy the crossover. There is suspense, sexual tension, and lots of alpha male with Ike that leads to his own brand of romance.  He's hot and makes Jessica's temperature rise in more ways than one. I loved the banter going back and forth between the two of them throughout the book, but Jessica gives him a run for his money. 

Ike is used to giving orders and having them followed, but Jessica is not a wall flower, nor is she a woman to accept directions without knowing there is a purpose behind them. She's stubborn as a mule and he isn't exactly sure what to do with her. He knows what he'd like to do with her, but he's promised himself he would be hands off when it came to protecting her from those who would destroy the club, the tattoo shop and their version of a family. 

Hot story and even hotter biker! The stories included in the 1001 Dark Nights series are a temptation that are hard to resist. 

Blurb:

The past and present meet, a lover's secret is revealed, and doors to forbidden places 
open as the Shadowstone's power awakens. 

Rebecca never believed in the Fae or Faerie legends, let alone considered she was descended from one. Becoming embroiled in a dangerous quest with an invisible foe, Rebecca has no choice but to rely on the assistance of the cocky Scottish laird to stay alive.

Torn from his time, Cailen is thrust in to the mystical role of Guardian by an ancient pledge. Sworn to protect the bearer of the enigmatic Shadowstone, he must unravel the magic and power of the sacred Fae object before the Fae can reclaim the stone and the one who bears it.

As undeniable passion ignites, and the talisman's secrets are revealed, Cailen and Rebecca must confront the looming heartache that threatens their future. 

*A Fantasy Romance full of Magic, Mystery and Sizzle!*

* Adult content.*

Excerpt from The Guardian ~ Shadowstone Legend

Rebecca opened the heavy library doors and slipped inside the darkened room. She could see Cailen's silhouette sitting at the desk and stepped toward him cautiously. As she drew close, she could see he was wide-awake, watching her as she approached. He sported a rough growth of beard; she thought looked pretty sexy. His eyes held the tale tell strain of a massive headache, as did his hand, which was rubbing his temple. 

"I brought you some coffee." 

"I have not acquired a taste for this drink." 

"Maybe you should start. It helps with a hangover." 

"If you refer to the morning after a drinking binge, then aye." 

Cailen lifted the steaming mug to his lips. 

"You look like shit, by the way," Rebecca commented on his disheveled state, 

"but the beard is nice." 

Cailen half-heartedly smiled. 

"So did drinking yourself into oblivion help?" 

"What do you think?" 

"I think you're mad I know what transpired with your brother. I think this is the 

reason you keep pushing me away." 

"You know nothing." 

"Why don't you enlighten me, then?" 

Cailen just glared at her, a scowl furrowing his brow. 

"Cailen, your intentions were honorable. You acted in the best interest of your 

clan." 

"But what of my brother? Did I act in his best interest? Blood comes first, and I 

failed him. I am not a good person, Rebecca." 

"Yes. Yes, you are." 

"Donnae make me a saint. Your assumption that I accepted the role of guardian to atone for not helping my brother is incorrect. My purpose is nothing more than vengeance toward the Fae. My actions are nae noble, only necessary retribution." 

 "Cailen, the sacrifices you've made in order to ensure the safety of Brynn's bloodline are the epitome of noble. I've seen firsthand the heartbreak you suffered at being displaced, of seeing everything you defended reduced to a pile of stones. I've seen your willingness to protect me, to be taken to Fae with me, to die for me. Those aren't the actions of a spiteful person. Those are the essence of nobility and speak volumes of your loyalty to your brother. You said yourself you wondered if you played the role fate had in store for you. Maybe everything happened the way it was supposed to." 

Cailen's face had the most pained expression; it reached right inside her chest and twisted her heart. She sighed. "I'm so sorry I brought up these memories. There's 
more I wanted to tell you, but it can wait." 

"More? Tell me." Cailen requested. 

Rebecca rose and picked up her coffee cup. "It can wait until you feel better." 

"Tell me, Rebecca," Cailen demanded in a much firmer tone. 

"Not now. Not when you are hung over and pissed." She turned to leave. 

Cailen rose from his chair and came around the desk, standing right in front of her, blocking her exit. 

"God's blood, Rebecca. Tell me," he bellowed, grabbing her arm to turn her around. Coffee splashed over the edge of the mug. 

This moment was the second time in her life Rebecca felt like she was in a Hollywood movie, anticipating the action of the scene. The first time was when she first walked into John's pub, and she knew all eyes would be upon her, and now as Cailen's stormy eyes bore right into her. She knew he would kiss her the instant he grabbed her arm. His whole body exuded sexual tension. He was rigid with frustration on so many levels, and her reluctance to speak of what she saw in the stone only added to his already pent-up rage. He had reached the end of some self-imposed limit, and now crossed over that invisible barrier. 

His lips slammed down on hers with such heat and desperation, the intensity stunned her. And just like the first time he had grabbed her and kissed her to keep the Fae from seeing her, denying him was not an option. He ripped the coffee mug from her grasp, dropping it on the desk with no regard for the liquid sloshing over the sides. His arms encircled her, pulling her tight against him. He tasted of Scotch and coffee and unleashed fury that rolled off him in waves she could not resist. Every part of him was hard with need as he backed her up against the desk, moving between her thighs, grinding his hips against her. 

His kiss was hot and passionate and left fiery trails along her jaw and neck. His tongue demanded entrance to her mouth, tasting, exploring…claiming. His hands roamed the length of her, stroking and caressing as if reacquainting themselves with something that had been lost. 

Everywhere he touched, she burned with total surrender, and she would have capitulated right then and there to anything he wanted of her. However, through her passion-induced haze, Rebecca became aware that Cailen stiffened, and his movements ceased as the voices of Ewan and Fenora reached them. They entered the library, unaware of what was transpiring. 

"Oh," Fenora exclaimed. 

Everything froze in that awkward instant, until Cailen stepped back. Regret washed over his features like a veil falling into place. He took another step back, allowing her room to scoot off the desk. She discreetly straightened her shirt and returned her gaze to Cailen. 

"Don't do this," she whispered, knowing exactly what he was about to do. He took another step back, increasing the space between them. 

"Don't." 

Cailen glanced back over his shoulder at Ewan and Fenora who were making a hasty retreat. He spun his head back toward her, his eyes boring deep into her. 

"I let my need overshadow reason," he gave her an apology of sorts. 

"Oh, Jesus, Cailen. Cut the self-sacrificing crap. I was just as caught up in the moment as you. Twice you've done this to me. Twice you've retreated from me. Don't let this happen again. You can't do this to me." Her voice fell away. "Please don't do this to me. Whatever it is that makes you pull away from me, tell me." 

Cailen turned away from her. 

"Don't walk out of here." 

 Ignoring her plea, Cailen strode to the door and walked out of the library.

 

~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~

Description

Try a little dragon tenderness.

I am Glheanna the Decimator. I am a warrior. A soldier. I know no fear. No pain. No mercy. I do, however, know acute embarrassment! How could I not after getting dumped by a bastard dragon in front of my own troops? So I tuck tail and return to my cave, drowning my sorrows in ale—as is my family’s way. But instead of leaving me to my misery, I’ve been summoned to the Dragon Queen’s court.
​
As if my life wasn’t pathetic enough, Her Majesty now has me escorting the highborn Bram the Merciful through dangerous territories—not exactly the best use of my military training. And just so he can negotiate with enemy dragons instead of battling them? Honestly, what has my world come to? Then again…Bram is quite easy on the eyes. And the perfect distraction for what ails me. Perhaps I’m looking at all this the wrong way. Maybe there is a place for a little “mercy” in my life…

**Note: This novella was originally released in the Supernatural anthology in 2011***​

 

​~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Website  *  Facebook  *  Goodreads  *  Twitter  

Published By: Jennifer Comeaux
Release Date: August 2014
Pages:  308 (Paperback)
Genre: Fiction/Romance/New Adult
Language: English
Purchase Links:
Amazon • B&N • Goodreads


Synopsis

Falling hard never felt so good.

Pair skaters Courtney and Mark have one shot left at their Olympic dream. They vow not to let anything get in their way, especially not Josh and Stephanie, the wealthy and talented brother and sister team.

The heart doesn’t always listen to reason, though…

The more time Courtney spends with sweet, shy Josh, the harder she falls for him. But they are on opposite sides of the competition, and their futures are headed in opposite directions. Will their friendship blossom into more or are their paths too different to cross?

This is the first book in the ICE series. The series continues with book #2, LOSING THE ICE.

My Review

After finishing Rock Addiction there were two things that I knew were coming down the chute when it came to the Rock Kiss series.

1. That Noah and Kit would end up with a book
   
   
2. That it would send me on a roller coaster of an emotional ride.
   
   

Both have come to pass in Rock Redemption and while their story is definitely filled with heart wrenching moments (I got a little teary, I’ll admit) it is also filled with heart breakingly sweet and funny ones that beautifully balance out the angst and sorrow showing the reader that while the road to redemption isn’t easy, it can be attainable when you have the right people helping you along the way.

I already loved both Kit and Noah after devouring Rock Addiction and jumped to adoration with this book. Learning about Kit’s background and the steps she took to attain the status as an actress to be looked at in Hollywood was admirable and showed that she wasn’t, and isn’t, about getting a free ride. She understands how the system works and will use it to her advantage, but doesn’t go overboard. She is also a warm, loving and caring person who will give the shirt off her back for those she cares about and is loyal to the extreme to those who are loyal to her.

Noah. I think chasing oblivion is an understatement when it comes to the choices that he’s made to quiet the demons of his past. There was quite a bit that I didn’t agree with, what happened with Kit being one of them, but he has his reasons and dear lord when you finally found out what he went through and it’s aftermath all you want to do is hug him tight and throttle those involved in it. But what we come to learn about the damaged guitar player is just how sweet he is. His loyalty to the guys in School Boy Choir and those he considers friends was already known, but his seet, considerate and even vulnerable side make him someone that you’d go to the ends of the earth to save.

Noah and Kit’s journey to their HEA is admittedly a long one. They were friends first and had an undeniable connection and chemistry with each other that hinted that there could be something more, but was squashed by the choice Noah made one fateful night, so what much of this book is about is the two of them becoming friends once more and moving forward. As I said, their journey is a long one and some may not care for the pacing of it, but I found it to be perfect for the situation that Kit and Noah find themselves in and shows once again why Ms. Singh is one of my favorite authors, she stayed true to her characters and didn’t rush their courtship and showed why they belong together.

The writing, as always, was amazing! I don’t think there has been a book by Nalini Singh that I haven’t experienced some level of a book hangover upon finishing and Rock Redemption is no different. Not only do we get a beautifully written second chance-ish romance that shows that forgiveness and redemption are possible, but a nice little look into the life of a Hollywood starlet, a dash of mystery/suspense  (I did try to solve it and failed miserably) and we get some quality time with the School Boy Choir gang and extended friends and family, which is probably my favorite part of the book outside of the H/h’s story. If you didn’t love Fox, Molly, David, Thea and Abe before, you will after finishing this one. They truly are a family. They push when necessary and are honest even when it may hurt, but no matter what they have each other’s backs.  And while Charlie is only mentioned briefly, we do get to spend a little time with Maxwell and get a little more knowledge about Abe.

The Bottom Line: Loved Noah and Kit and can’t wait to for Abe’s story and will keep my toes crossed that we get to catch up a bit with Ms. Baird and The Bishop *Grins*

~ ARC received. in exchange for an honest review ~

Description

Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he’s got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can’t take his eyes off her.​

Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as just one of the guys. Since she’s learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope’s resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they’re just fooling around—or starting something real.

Description

Callie

Blood, sweat, hard work, and a disconcerting lack of tears—my entire life—was meant to culminate in a flourish of glory and significance.
I’d thought I’d always known exactly what that meant.
But I’d had the timing wrong by about three minutes.
I knew now.
This moment wasn’t everything. The one person I found myself wanting more than anything during it was.

Nik

One preconceived notion can haunt you for the entirety of your life.
I thought I owed it to myself and to everyone who’d ever backed me to do what was expected. What was right. What I was supposed to do.
But nothing is forbidden in love. Not circumstances or propriety or the denial of the object of said affection.
I knew now.
This was it.
If I wanted it, I had to take it.

This gymnastics love story is more than grips, rips, and battered hands.
For Calia Nickleson and Nikolai Bagrov, it was everything.