Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 118

Book Review: Imber by Tyffany Hackett

Imber (The Thanatos Trilogy #1) by Tyffany Hackett Blurb:The locks are failing.
The keys are calling.
The Titans are waking.
Crowned before her time, nineteen-year-old Natylia is thrust into an unpleasant reality—her people don’t want her, her family doesn’t need her and, despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to shake an incorrigible suitor. But when rumors begin to swirl throughout her kingdom the young queen shifts her focus and realizes that the world she loves could be destroyed in an instant.
An ancient enemy, long thought gone, is trying to return.
Forgotten legends have resurfaced, stories that tell of three scepters: the keys to unleashing these foul beings. Across Araenna the hunt rages for this trio of formidable power—to command the keys is to hold the power of mortal gods.
Aided by her snarky elven bodyguard, an unassuming blacksmith, and a clever nature witch, Natylia races to correct the mistakes of the past… before they can destroy her people’s future.
My Review:I've been excited to read Imber since I first heard about it and it was well worth the wait! 
19-year-old Natylia is about to ascend the throne of Thrais after petitioning the Council to let her take over for her sick mother who may not live the five years until Natylia is supposed to take over. Unfortunately, the people of Thrais think Natylia is stealing the throne from her mother, their beloved Queen - and they're not happy about it. 
When Natylia overhears her mother and Kathryn, the Queen of Wydus talking about mysterious scepters that have the ability to awaken and control Titans long thought gone and her mother is murdered mere days later, Natylia knows she has to find the scepter hidden somewhere within Thrais to save her people - even as accusations and unrest from subjects intensify.
After her mother's funeral, Natylia leaves the palace aided by her elven guard, Jyn, the palace witch, Meryn, and a blacksmith/Natylia's sparring teacher, Camion to enter the dark and forbidding forest where they believe the scepter is hidden.
Natylia will have to be strong and rely on her friends as she faces the dangers ahead if they have any hope of surviving their adventure...
This book is a definite must-read. I loved the characters and as mentioned before, the plotting, world building, and pacing are well-developed keeping the reader hooked on the story. I liked the slow-burn romance between Natylia and Camion, even though in the beginning I was sure Jyn had feelings for Natylia himself. The romance didn't overwhelm the story, it was just enough and I hope it's delved into a little more in the next book now that we know how Natylia and Camion feel about each other. I do foresee Lucian causing grief in books to come however...
I liked how this book ended, giving you a reprieve while at the same time setting up nicely for the next book and making you want to see what's going to happen next. Will Natylia find the next scepter before someone else does? Who are the Cloaked Shadows working for and why? Are the King and Queen of Kalum involved or is someone just making it look like they are? What if Natylia's true enemy is disguising themselves as an ally? So many questions and I can't wait to find out more in the next book! 
Overall, I highly recommend Imber. It's a fantastic debut novel. You'll love the characters and quickly become addicted to the story. Natylia reminded me slightly of Aurora in Roar by Cora Carmack, (a girl who felt unprepared to take over her kingdom who goes on a grand adventure). Fantasy lovers will also fall in love with the world of Araenna!
My Rating:

Cover Reveal: JUST PRETEND by J.P. Nicholas

Today I'm helping InkSlingerPR and J.P. Nicholas  reveal the cover of his upcoming release, JUST PRETEND! Read on for the gorgeous cover and more info and be sure to grab your copy June 8th!******
 Title: JUST PRETENDAuthor: J.P. Nicholas Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: June 8th
About JUST PRETEND:When yet another publisher rejects Hannah’s most recent book due to poor love scenes, she concocts a fail-proof plan to increase her creativity… spine-tingling, no strings attached sex. 
How can she write about love and lust if she's never really felt it? As the only man in her life she truly trusts, Logan is the perfect one to help her find this new side of herself—and stand in as her pretend boyfriend at an upcoming reunion. 
For Logan, a Broadway actor by trade and passion, Hannah’s proposal is both outrageous and intriguing—especially since he's fought for nineteen years of friendship to avoid thinking of her in a physical way. 
Against all reason, Logan takes the bait and agrees… then ups the ante by turning their pretend relationship into a pretend engagement in front of her entire family. 
Now, they just have to navigate their new situation while playing house… and somehow remember this is all Just Pretend… 

Exclusive Excerpt:
I swipe the green circle to the right and bring the phone up to my ear. "God, I've never been so happy to hear that song." 
He sighs in disgust. "Don't tell me you still have The Golden Girls song set as my ringtone."
I smile just at the sound of his voice. "Yep. And I'm never gonna change it." 
He laughs. "You're a weird one." 
I hold my phone with my cheek and shoulder as I pull my hair up into a ponytail. 
"And you're stuck with me."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
It could just be me or my shitty cell connection, but Logan's voice sounds much deeper than usual. I reach under my bed and retrieve my basket of nail polishes. 
"What color?" He ponders my question for a minute before he answers. "Red. Wait. Toes, or fingers?" I laugh. He always knows just what to say to split my sides. 
"Toes."
"Toes? What's the special occasion?" The shock in his voice amuses me. 
"Why does it have to be a special occasion?" 
"Because I know you, Han. The last time you painted your toes was homecoming. And then the time before that it was your birthday."
I see his point. "Fine, you got me. I'm leaving for Daytona Beach in a couple of hours. The girls and I are having a beach day to kick off Spring Break."
He lets out a long oh before he speaks. 
"In that case, better make it blue." He peaks my interest, causing me to furrow my brow.
"How come?" 
"Blue is less noticeable. And since I'm not there to kick whichever sorry ass tries to hit on you, blue it is."
I contemplate whether or not to fight him on his protective stance. Oh, what the hell. It'll be fun. "So, purple it is." 
"Don't you fucking dare paint them purple," he growls, catching me off guard. 
The assertiveness in his tone causes my legs to tingle. 
I ignore it. "Too late. The first coat is on already." 
His voice remains stern as he reprimands me. "Don't make me fly my ass down there and rip every speck of purple off your nails." 
"You wouldn't," I tease, trying my best not to laugh at his overreaction. 
He clears his throat. "Don't test me."
 

About J.P. Nicolas:J.P. Nicholas has the great misfortune to be A Male Romance Writer. Turns out, men are also hopeless romantics, given half the chance, and Nicholas’ fascination with love began long before he could write. His parents—high school sweethearts who are still mad for each other—left him enamored with the idea of true love, and its ability to transform and redeem even the most jaded soul. Nicholas lives to capture this magic, lust, and passion on the page; his characters known for their sizzling chemistry and chest-squeezing plot lines. When J.P. Nicholas isn’t tapping away at his laptop, he can be found in his home state of Florida, binge-watching This Is Us with his girlfriend, or devouring Italian food with his family. His latest novel, Just Pretend, is a friends-to-lovers drama and the first in his new Sandy Heights series, to be released in June.   
Connect with J.P.Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Books and Main

Book Mail Thursday: May 17

After much consideration I've decided to restore my weekly Book Mail posts. It was becoming that I'd reach the end of the month and not remember which books I'd gotten in that particular month or the previous one. So without further delay this I'm opening up my mailbox for the past two weeks' book mail...

BOOK BOXES: Whimsify April Box Theme: Heart of A Rebel  Featured Book: Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian
Fairyloot April Box Theme: Whimsical Journeys Featured Book: Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake
Virtual Signing Orders:Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
Preorders:Imber by Tiffany Hackett Also included: a bookmark & 4 Character Cards
Surprise Book Mail:Bring Me Their Hearts Book Box from Entangled Teen
Book Mail Still To Come:Virtual Signing:Legendary by Stephanie Garber

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #118

I'm really excited about the book I'm reading this "WIR"-Wednesday. It's an upcoming release by a writer I met on #bookstagram!

Imber (The Thanatos Trilogy #1) by Tyffany Hackett Blurb:The locks are failing.
The keys are calling.
The Titans are waking.
Crowned before her time, nineteen-year-old Natylia is thrust into an unpleasant reality—her people don’t want her, her family doesn’t need her and, despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to shake an incorrigible suitor. But when rumors begin to swirl throughout her kingdom the young queen shifts her focus and realizes that the world she loves could be destroyed in an instant.
An ancient enemy, long thought gone, is trying to return.
Forgotten legends have resurfaced, stories that tell of three scepters: the keys to unleashing these foul beings. Across Araenna the hunt rages for this trio of formidable power—to command the keys is to hold the power of mortal gods.
Aided by her snarky elven bodyguard, an unassuming blacksmith, and a clever nature witch, Natylia races to correct the mistakes of the past… before they can destroy her people’s future.
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:I've been excited to read this book since I first saw Tyffany talking about it on Instagram. She's put a lot of time, care, and love into this book and I was eager to get a copy so I ordered a signed copy as soon as I could from her website. I started reading on Sunday and it is really good! I love the characters and right now I can't decide if my favorite character is Meryn or Camion. The plotting and pacing is really good and I'm eager to see how it will end and set up for the next book. Imber comes out June 12th and you can preorder an ebook edition on Amazon or order a signed copy from Tyffany's website (and you'll probably get the signed paperback before the release date like I did

{Excerpt Reveal} MARKED by Drew Elyse

Today I'm helping Drew Elyse and InkSlingerPR reveal the excerpt of Drew's upcoming novel, MARKED!

MARKEDAuthor: Drew ElyseSeries: Sailor’s Grave #1Release Date: May 17, 2018
Blurb:“MOVING ON” IS JUST ABOUT ACTING THE PART. 
I would never say as much to the people I love, but it’s the truth. 
They want to see me doing better. 
They want to see me living for more than just my son. 

So I let them. 
Everyday is about putting on a face, 
pretending to get over the loss of my husband. 
And every day is a lie. 

UNTIL MOVING ON IS A TEMPTATION THAT CAN’T BE DENIED. 
I’m not about to claim I’m a genius, 
unless we’re talking with a tattoo gun or woman in my hands, 
but I’m smart enough to know the beauty serving up my cupcake fix is off limits. 

Really, I know. 
Too bad the lure of putting a real smile on Kate’s face is so strong. 
When she visits Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor, 
I can’t help but want to leave my mark.

EXCERPT: Liam Christ, I really needed to stop doing this to myself. 
Not give up the desserts, because fuck that, but stop torturing myself with the gorgeous woman that served them. 
I knew the deal. She was a single mom, widowed a couple years back. She was under the protection of the club because Daz was her late husband’s brother. I also knew that despite conversations I’d overheard about her doing better, about her starting to move on, that she was nowhere near that place. 
Maybe it was because I’d been old enough to understand everything as it happened when we'd lost Dad and after. I recognized what the people in her life couldn’t: that she wasn’t moving past a goddamn thing. 
It was achingly familiar, seeing that fake smile. It was even more so to see the one she gave her son, knowing that if I were seeing it closer, there would be that lingering sadness behind her eyes that I saw in my mom’s for too long. 
And that whole thought process made it sound like I had some fucked Oedipus complex. 
Desserts, asshole. 
There was a cinnamon braid left. That never happened. Sugar’s Dream was more of a dessert place than full-service bakery. The few things Avery made that worked for breakfast were usually snatched up before I ever got there in the afternoons. The cinnamon braid specifically was a favorite at Sailor’s Grave—it was the reason we had an actual kitchen knife in the back after we’d all fallen on one and had to rip off pieces by hand. 
“Gotta take that back to the shop,” I told her, pointing to it. 
Unable to hide the fact that she was relieved to have a task that involved moving farther away from me to prep a box for it, she jumped right to it. I wasn’t enough of a gentleman to not glance up from considering what else to get in order to take a look while she had her back to me. Kate looked fucking incredible coming and going. I liked a woman with curves, and she was far from lacking in that department. She had light brown hair that danced around her shoulders when she wore it down, porcelain skin that looked like silk, and amber eyes that usually looked brown, but stood out when there was enough light to see them properly. 
She was easily the most delicious thing in this goddamn bakery. 
She was also the only thing in the place I was sure I wasn’t getting a taste of. 
A minute later, she came back with the tied up box, setting it on the counter by the register. 
“Anything else?” She tried to avoid my eyes but ended up looking right at my mouth. My cock took notice, fixing to fight for attention. 
I was so fucking tempted to answer with something like “a taste test” just to get a rise out of her, but I bit my tongue. 
“Two of the lemon cupcakes, one raspberry chocolate, and” —I peeked around her— “are those the mocha ones you’re working on?” 
She glanced over her shoulder like she wasn’t sure what she’d been doing when I walked in. “Um…yes.” 
“Can I get one of those?” 
“Of course.” 
Again, it was full hustle to get away from me. I got it. If I were a better man, I might stop coming in. Of course, I’d probably lose it if I tried going cold turkey from my preferred sugar fix, but I could at least talk someone else into coming for me. Jess would probably do it if I bankrolled her own cupcake habit. 
Turns out, I wasn’t that good of a person. I wouldn’t push her, but I couldn’t deny myself at least getting to see her beyond just the Disciples’ parties. These little visits were like a fucking drug. 
“How’s your boy?” I asked, grasping at anything to get her to talk to me. 
“He’s good. He’s telling everyone at his daycare that he’s going to be a biker when he grows up.” It was impossible to miss the love and pride in her voice. 
“Probably not a stretch. I wouldn’t be surprised if the brothers had him on his own bike the minute he’s old enough.” 
“His dad had a bike, too. Owen’s been around them since he was born.” 
I watched as what she’d said registered. I saw her freeze, every inch of her tightening up. She was still facing away, keeping her expression hidden, but I didn’t doubt it was a mix of shock and devastation. I hadn’t known what a minefield the topic was, though I couldn’t be sure I’d have avoided it if it was. Mom told me time and again as she got better that talking about Dad helped, even as much as it hurt. 
“I’m sorry. I know that doesn’t help at all. I know it still hurts and all the sympathy in the world doesn’t touch that, but it’s true.” 
For a long moment, she didn’t move. I didn’t even see her breathing from my vantage point. Then, she turned around with the box of cupcakes in her hands. She didn’t adopt that benign smile she always had at work, but that didn’t mean she was giving me any glimpse of the real grief. 
No, Kate’s face was fucking blank. 
Shit. 
It wasn’t my fucking place to try to “help,” especially not while she was at work. Suddenly, if I could take the words back, if I could undo even the reminder of her husband, I’d do it in a heartbeat. 
Before I could dig my foot out of my mouth and figure something out to say, she went over to the register and started ringing up my order. “That’ll be $17.56.” 
Even her voice was flat, lifeless. 
Rather than push and make a bigger ass of myself, I pulled out my card and paid without a word. I kept my mouth shut as she wordlessly handed it back with my receipt, and then slid the boxes toward me. 
Only when I had them in hand did she say, again in that dead voice, “Have a nice day.” 
I’d fucked up. Royally.
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EhjA2J
About the Author:
Drew Elyse spends her days trying to convince the world that she is, in fact, a Disney Princess, and her nights writing tear-jerking and sexy romance novels. 

When she isn't writing, she can usually be found analyzing every line of a book, binge watching shows on Netflix, doing strange vocal warm ups before singing in a variety of musical styles, or screaming at the TV during Chicago Blackhawks games. 

A graduate of Loyola University Chicago, she still lives outside Chicago, IL, where she was born and raised, with her boyfriend and her fur babies Lola and Duncan. 

Website – http://www.drewelyse.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrewElyseAuthor/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/drewelyseauthor
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drewelyse/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8378370.Drew_Elyse

{Release Day Blitz} Brother's Keeper III: Luke by Stephanie St. Klair

Today I'm helping InkSlingerPR and Stephanie St. Klaire spread the word about her newest release BROTHER'S KEEPER III: LUKE! This is a romantic suspense title that you can't miss. Check out purchase links for it and the previous books in the series below, and grab it now while it's just $1.99. Sign up for Stephanie's newsletter for exclusive news and details about the series.
Purchase Now for just $1.99 onAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
BROTHER'S KEEPER III: LUKE by Stephanie St. Klaire AVAILABLE NOWSynopsis:Luke O’Reilly has seen it all, done it all, and lived through it all. When a career ending injury forces him to retire from the military, he struggles to adapt. Luke was born to be a soldier, not conform to the nine-to-five mediocrity of everyday life. He needs to protect and serve like he needs his next breath. 
Angry, with a bitter taste of civilian life, he finds himself searching for purpose in dangerous operatives through the family business that is Brother’s Keeper Security. Working alongside his brothers, protecting them and those they love, gives him satisfaction. But he still wants more – needs more – and struggles to find it. That is, until the one thing he didn’t think he was searching for, lands on his doorstep. Literally. 
Daisy King lives life on her own terms, just the way she likes it. A free spirit, until she finds herself in the protective clutches of Brother’s Keeper, one frustrating brother in particular. As the key witness to a high-profile murder, the stakes turn dangerous and take an unpredictable twist leaving her once simple life an existence she’ll never reclaim. 
In a true tug of war between good and evil, Luke fights to overcome his past, to protect his future. Can Luke and Daisy save each other and find a happily ever after? Or, does murder and mayhem prevail, robbing Daisy of her freedom and sentencing Luke to a life alone?----------------------------

Purchase Now for just $1.99 onAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
------------------PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES
BROTHER'S KEEPER I: DECLAN Available Now Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

BROTHER'S KEEPER II: LIAM Available Now 
Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo ---------------------AUTHOR INFORMATION:  Stephanie St. Klaire debuted in 2016, launching her writing career with Rescued, the first book in the widely popular, five book series known as McKenzie Ridge. Stephanie is a Pacific Northwest native currently living in Oregon with her husband, five children, and two ferocious lap dogs. As a writer, Stephanie brings realistic circumstances to the pages, and fills them with real emotion, reactions, and outcomes. Her characters are passionate, have bold personalities, and full of life. She writes happily ever after’s, with plenty of twists, turns, drama, and of course, steamy romance. Stephanie has always been a story teller, with the gift of “gab”, and a life-long goal to be a writer. Unfortunate circumstances with her health, finally afforded her the time to do so. Irony at its best, she began writing her first novel at an adverse time, to escape her circumstance and explore the stories in her imagination for relief. She is happy to share those stories with her readers, and bring a little fun, entertainment, and of course smexy characters to the pages. Follow Stephanie St. Klaire on Social media to learn more about her, and to keep up with her work.
AUTHOR LINKS:Sign up for Stephanie's NewsletterWebsite | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon 

"What I'm Reading" Wednesday #117

This "WIR"-Wednesday I'm reading the second book in a duology I finally gave a chance last month...
Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows Duology #2) by Leigh Bardugo Blurb:When you can't beat the odds, change the game.
Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.
Why I Chose This Book | What I Think So Far:I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved Six of Crows and the day I finished it and returned it to the library I ordered Crooked Kingdom signed from Books of Wonder and I'm just getting around to reading it now. I'm enjoying it so far, and I'm loving Jesper's father's arrival in Ketterdam. I wonder what's going to happen there and I'm eager to see whether the crew will be able to rescue Inej, collect their money, and have a happy ending... though from the non-spoilery things I've heard from other people, the happy ending might end in let down. Either way, I can't wait to see... 

{Release Day Blitz} BARE by Sarah Robinson

Today I'm helping InkSlingerPR share the release blitz for Sarah Robinson’s BARE! Check it out and grab your copy today!
Title: BARE: A Hollywood RomanceAuthor: Sarah RobinsonSeries: Exposed, Book 2Genre: Contemporary Romance, StandaloneAbout BARE:Following the popular series debut—NUDES was praised as “passionate, emotional and uplifting” by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Lauren Blakely—contemporary romance author Sarah Robinson weaves a new standalone story where a second chance at romance is found on a Hollywood film set and secrets always have a way of being…exposed. 
Reed Scott is the hottest actor in LA…
Being a Hollywood heartthrob has its perks, and I’ve damn sure enjoyed every one of them, both on and off the silver screen. The tabloids loved every second of exploiting my privacy, chronicling my mistakes in ink for the whole world to see. Accepting the lead role in a romantic dance film was guaranteed to make me a box office hit and help me rewrite my image, until the choreographer hired to train me turned out to be the only woman I’d ever loved and lost. As beautiful and enticing as ever, Tegan walks in and reminds me of the worst mistake I’ve ever made. She should hate me, and now she has the power to destroy everything I am.
Tegan Reynolds is picking up the pieces…
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…never going to happen. I fell in love with Reed Scott once and it nearly killed me—literally. The last thing I want to do now is teach him how to dance, but I need this job and there’s no way I’m letting him take yet another thing away from me. Reed is in my world now, and this time we’re dancing by my rules.

Get Your Copy Today!Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks | Goodreads | PAPERBACK
AUDIOBOOK:Audible | Amazon               

Read NUDES Now! Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play Signed Paperback | Universal Links | Goodreads Author Website
Exclusive Excerpt:Am I cursed? Teagan stared at herself in the mirror of her small apartment bathroom. She felt cursed. Reed-Scott-freaking-cursed. 
Life certainly hadn't handed her the easiest go, and now, just when she'd thought things were finally turning around because she'd landed a fantastic job as a film choreographer, fate was still proving it had other plans for her. This job was supposed to be her big break—well, break-ish. Sure, it wasn’t what she'd wanted out of her life, but her dreams were no longer an option. 
And this job? Most people would kill for it. So, she was choosing to be grateful. 
She had to choose to be grateful a lot, actually. If she didn't, then life would have gotten the better of her years ago. Teagan glanced down at her legs, tracing a finger across the long scar that stretched from her knee to her hip. She tried to hide it under leggings and skirts, but it wasn’t always possible. 
When she'd almost died in a car accident at the age of twenty-one, she'd thought she'd never walk again. Hell, the doctors had told her exactly that. And dancing? That was an impossibility. 
The years and years she'd spent training to become a professional dancer had all been wiped away in less time than it took for that car to slam hers into a ditch. Despite the doctor's predictions that her wheelchair would become a permanent fixture, though, she'd proved them all wrong. She'd spent years learning to walk, and then dance, again. Sure, she'd probably never have the agility to become the famous dancer she'd always dreamed of being, but she could at least teach. And with that, she'd found a way to keep doing what she loved…even if it was not exactly what she loved. 
So, she chose to be grateful. 
But seeing Reed Scott again? The man who made her believe in everlasting, soul-deep, earth shattering love and then left her standing alone at the altar on their wedding day? The man who had left her just to star in a movie that would make him famous? 
She was not grateful for that—or for him—one bit. 
Teagan finished putting on the last touches of her makeup then changed into a new pair of leggings and a leotard. Glancing one last time in the mirror, she fluffed out her wavy brown hair nervously. As much as she might hate him, she found herself wanting to look her best for him anyway. Make him eat his heart out. Make him regret ever leaving her like that in the first place. 
She swallowed, trying to push away her frustration. That didn’t seem possible right now, though. Sighing, Teagan grabbed her car keys off the small table by her front door and gave one last glance around the small Los Angeles apartment she called home. Benson, her incredibly fat tabby cat, was lounging on the windowsill, lazily yawning and watching her. "Bye, Benson. Be good." 
He didn't even blink at her. He'd probably still be lying in that exact same spot when she came home later. 
Teagan blew him a kiss then headed out, locking her front door carefully behind her. Within a few minutes, she was behind the wheel of her car and heading toward the studio. It was still dark outside, but she didn't mind one bit. She enjoyed early mornings when the world was quiet and the roads were clearer. Driving was still something that made her a little tense after her car accident, and traffic in Los Angeles was always horrendous. But, at five o’clock in the morning, it was a lot more manageable and didn't make her feel so…terrified. 
Luckily, her commute was short and she arrived on set twenty minutes later. She headed straight to the studio where she'd told Reed to meet her, but he wasn't there yet, which she'd expected since she was a bit early. Placing her dance bag on the shelf to one side of the studio, she pulled out her heel dancer shoes with a cute buckle T-strap over the top of her foot and put them on. She pulled on a loose fitting, light sweater over her leotard for some coverage, since it reached almost to the bottom of her ass. 
Next, she began to shimmy out of her leggings, since she was able to work a lot better in her leotard without restriction to her legs. She got down to her knees before she realized that being bare legged would reveal the scar on her leg. Quickly, she slid them back up her legs. 
"Shit." 
Teagan whirled around, looking for the person who'd just broken the silence around her. 
Reed Scott. Of course. 
"You scared the crap out of me," she told him, grateful that he hadn’t been able to see her scar from where he was standing for the brief moment her leggings had been down. 
"Sorry," he replied, clearly making an effort to look anywhere but at her. "I didn't know you'd be…uh, I mean, I wasn't expecting…" 
She rolled her eyes. Actors were so dramatic. "I'm not getting naked, Reed. I was just, uh, putting on my leggings to dance." 
"Sure. Right. Yeah." He was rambling, clutching the gym bag over his shoulder. "So, time to get started?" 
"Yep. Put your stuff on the shelf and we'll get started," she instructed, doing her best to ignore the butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the very sight of him. Fuck, he looked even better than he'd looked the last time she'd seen him. Tall, broad shoulders, olive skin under thick black hair with a scruffy beard she remembered was very soft. And those eyes…God, the way those light green eyes pierced through her. 
He stood you up at the altar, she reminded herself. For a damn movie. 
"Sure." He headed toward her and placed his bag on the shelf. "What are we practicing today?" 
"It's a pretty short routine today, actually. It shouldn't take us too long." Though she doubted he'd be the quickest learner after his warning yesterday. "Ready?" 
He turned around to look at her, his eyes trailing down her body in a way that made her heart pound faster and faster. Suddenly his gaze stopped, pausing on her legs. 
Her heart pounded, terrified he could see through her thin leggings to the bump of her scar. But he said nothing, and his gaze kept traveling. She was safe. 
Honestly, she was a little surprised he didn't already know about her accident. It hadn’t been a secret. Everyone in her life knew, and she'd certainly expected someone to pass along the message. Or for him to check in, even once. 
She'd waited for him in the hospital, expecting him to come. Expecting him to apologize. Expecting him to beg her forgiveness, realize what an idiot he had been and take her back, care for her, return her to health with his love and affection. 
That hadn't really worked out. 
Finally, his eyes returned to his face, and his tongue slid across his bottom lip. “You look…damn, Teag. You look amazing.” 
"Listen, Reed," she began, setting her jaw and sticking out her chin. "We work together. That's it. You don't get to look at me like that anymore." 
Reed looked startled, taken aback at her abruptness. Then the saddest look she'd ever seen passed over his face. "You're right. I'm sorry." 
"Let's get started." She moved to the center of the studio. "I'll show you today's sequence, and then we'll go through it step by step. Okay?" 
He nodded, but said nothing. 
Carefully, she posed herself in the center of the room with her toes pointed and her arms around her waist. In one slick move, she sidestepped and kicked one leg out to her left, flipping her hair with the motion. She then tucked her foot, her knee pointed out horizontally from her body and spun in a circle. 
On her second spin around, she kicked up high, like an incredibly tall karate kick. When her foot touched back down on the ground, she lunged to the right and threw her arms out, tossing back her head with the motion. She curved her spine outwards, pulling her stomach in as she moved her arms in a circular motion toward herself. 
She twirled then, spinning on the tips of her toes while keeping her eyes on one stationary spot so she didn't get dizzy. After her fourth spin, she shoved her arms down by her sides and lifted her chin. With that, she spun back in the direction she’d just come from and leaped multiple times across the room with her arms out and her fingers pointed. 
Finally, she came down on one foot and spun in several circles before coming to a stop in front of Reed. "Annnnnd, that's it." 
"Shit, that looked complicated as hell," he admitted. "Though you looked incredible doing it." 
She ignored his compliment. Or, rather, she tried. Admittedly, her heart pounded a little harder. But, that was being ignored for now. "Let's go over the first step." She repeated the side steps and kicking her leg to the left. "Just like that. Let's see what you can do." 
Reed followed in her footsteps, and honestly, it wasn't terrible. It wasn't great either. "Like that?" 
"Close," she admitted. "Let's go through it again."
   About the Author:Aside from being a Top 10 Barnes & Noble and Amazon Bestseller, Sarah Robinson is a native of the Washington, DC area and has both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in forensic and clinical psychology. She is newly married to a wonderful man who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiasts as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescues including everything from mammals to reptiles to marsupials, as well as volunteering and fostering for multiple animal shelters. Subscribe to her newsletter at www.subscribepage.com/sarahrobinsonne... Visit the author's website for more information about Sarah and her books: http://booksbysarahrobinson.net/   
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Book Review: Bad Boy Brody by Tijan

Bad Boy Brody by Tijan Blurb:One punch took him from Hollywood’s Golden Boy to Bad Boy Brody.
The media didn’t care he was grieving his brother’s death. They descended on him, but to change his reputation, his manager got him a deal.
Act in an indie film, one that already had Oscar buzz, and he’d get the movie roles he needed to secure his future.
He took the deal.
Yet he wasn’t prepared for the real-life people behind the script. He wasn’t prepared for the murder the movie was based on. And he really wasn’t prepared for her, the biggest secret of all.
She was wild. She was beautiful. She defied gravity.
But was she the leading role that would tame him?
My Review:Brody Asher went from Hollywood Heartthrob to Hollywood Bad Boy in the seven months since he listened to his brother die in a car accident on his way to Brody’s latest movie premiere. He’s been on a downward spiral of drinking too much, sleeping around, and starting fights. 
To clean up his act, his latest movie is set in the Montana wilderness; a movie that’s already gaining Oscar buzz so he can’t screw it up. What he never expected was falling in love. On the drive up to the Kellerman mansion, where the woman the movie is centered on lived and where the movie will be filmed, a herd of wild mustangs races across the road in front of the car and for a split second he locks eyes with a girl riding on the back of one of the mustangs. But was she really? Or another ghost he’s seeing.
Morgan is wild and untamed. She’s preferred to among the wild mustangs ever since her mother was murdered. A part of her humanity died that day and she doesn’t know how to be around people anymore so she stays away, living with the herd that took her in like a second family. But when she sees the star actor playing her stepfather in the movie they’re making about her late mother everything begins to change. She is curious about him and the more time she spends with Brody the more she can’t stay away. But could she leave behind her life in the wilderness with the herd?
This is the second book I’ve read by Tijan and I loved it just as much, if not more than the first. The blurb was what initially drew me into the story - I’m drawn to characters like Brody but the plot was well written, the characters well developed, and the story kept me engaged. 
I liked Morgan as a character, her connection with the herd and her feelings about her past seemed well researched and plotted and at times I forgot that she’d had an education because she’d been with the horses so long. Matthew was a majorly creepy character and Peter was a true villain but fit well with the storyline. 
Overall, I liked everything about this book. Now having read more than one book by this author I can really say this is an author you need to check out! This book gave me all the feels and made me want to keep reading to see how things would play out.
My Rating:

Book Review: A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOTAR #3.1) by Sarah J. Maas Blurb:The Winter Solstice. In a week. I was still new enough to being High Lady that I had no idea what my formal role was to be. If we'd have a High Priestess do some odious ceremony, as lanthe had done the year before. A year. Gods, nearly a year since Rhys had called in his bargain, desperate to get me away from the poison of the Spring Court to save me from my despair. Had he been only a minute later, the Mother knew what would have happened. Where I'd now be. Snow swirled and eddied in the garden, catching in the brown fibers of the burlap covering the shrubs My mate who had worked so hard and so selflessly, all without hope that I would ever be with him We had both fought for that love, bled for it. Rhys had died for it.
My Review:It's hard for me not to think of ACOFAS as a "Christmas Book" since its' set at Winter Solstice. A departure from the rest of this series ACOFAS is told mainly in Feyre and Rhysand's perspectives with a few chapters in Cassian's perspective, several in Mor's perspective, and one in Nesta's perspective. With no real pressing threat - except for some distention in the Illyrian camps - this book is mainly about the Inner Circle post-war as they settle back into their lives, help rebuild Velaris, set the groundwork to strengthen alliances with their allies, and prepare for Winter Solstice.
ACOFAS is a quick read, much shorter than SJM's other books and I enjoyed it, although for me it was missing a little something. Action maybe? I know this is supposed to be a ACOTAR series novella but it felt sort of like a filler book - an in-between book before we get to the next book that although nice and enjoyable doesn't really serve any purpose. I mean when Feyre's biggest concern is not knowing what to get her family for Winter Solstice and Rhysand's biggest concern is not having enough time to take Feyre to bed you know there isn't much going on there. 
Overall, I liked this book but I didn't enjoy it as much as some of the author's other books. Of course, my favorite book in this series will always be ACOMAF.
My Rating: