Uncategorized – My YA & NA Book Obsession

Review: Get Me (The Keatyn Chronicles #6) by Jillian Dodd

Title: Get Me
Author: Jillian Dodd
Series: The Keatyn Chronicles #6
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Links:

Blurb:
From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the final book in the addictive Keatyn Chronicles series. Discover a breathless fairy-tale romance with swoon-worthy characters, suspense, and a glittering celebrity world. Fans of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and reality TV shows like Keeping up with the Kardashians will devour this pulse-pounding, sexy teen drama set against the backdrop of Hollywood and an East Coast boarding school.

Keatyn’s crazy life comes together in one perfect script.

Will Keatyn get her life back?
And if she does, which life (and boy) will she choose?

My Review:
Initial Thoughts: A brilliant ending. I have SO MANY FEELS.

For me, this was probably the best book of the series, and I enjoyed it immensely. This was much more fast-paced than previous books and I loved how Jillian tied everything up at the end. While it’s not quite a neat little bow (Brooklyn’s story made me really sad and Riley doesn’t get his HEA but I’m not complaining as he has a spin-off series, yay) it brought a fair amount of happy endings.

Of course, the two main threads were wrapped up in this one – who is Moon boy and did she choose him, and the stalker plotline. It looked like it was going a certain way on the romance and I was feeling an actual pain in my chest but thankfully it all went my way. I had been mad at the other boy for most of this series and one of the things I really liked about Get Me was how Jillian brought me to a point of understanding in that relationship. Both of them thought they were in love, wanted to be in love with one another as they had been crushing so hard in secret for so long but the reality vs the fantasy was very different. Both also had a lot of growing up to do over the series and it was beautiful that they came to the same realization at the same time: They would always love each other and be a part of each other’s lives but only as friends. All my frustration with him melted away at that and, in hindsight, I have to admire how Jillian crafted that relationship.

And I was incredibly happy she chose the right boy because he was perfect for her and with every book I just fell more and more in love with him so I was jumping for joy (even if Keats did give me a heart attack with how she was acting at this part of the story.)

The stalker plotline ended explosively although I think some of those scenes could’ve been a bit more developed but it was great to see Keatyn take control of the situation and take back her life.

Probably the thing I enjoyed most about this series was Keatyn’s development (as well as Aiden because come on, The God of All Hotties!) Keatyn was an immature, spoiled little brat in the first book and she has matured into a responsible, confident young woman who knows what she wants and takes steps to achieve it.

I adored the ending and how Jillian tied in Captive Films and the trilogy on the big screen and I thought it was very cleverly done.

Having read this series now, I can happily recommend it. I loved the angst-driven romance throughout this series and all the love interests were fun even if I was frustrated at certain points. It meanders a bit in some of the books and the stalker aspect could’ve been executed better but for swoony romance and high-school drama, it gets ten out of ten. Overall series rating: 4 stars.

Actual Rating for Get Me – 4.5 stars.

As an aside, I’ve hummed and hawed over whether to comment on the pricing because, as an author myself, I always try to maintain respect in my reviews. I understand how much work goes into writing, publishing, and marketing a book. However, I feel strongly that this series is overpriced and it’s the one thing holding me back from reading the spin-off Captive Films series. I don’t usually read any e-books priced more than £3.99/$4.99 as it’s my cut off point and I only ended up reading this series because I picked up the first three books in a boxset for £5.49. I wish they were cheaper, and my personal belief is the author would sell more books in this series if she lowered the prices a little. I mean no disrespect when I say this.

I did pick up Fame a few months back for 99p so I’m going to read that even though I’m scared it will suck me in like this series did and I won’t be able to stop myself from one-clicking the rest.

Blog Tour: Rock King (Nothing But Trouble #1) by Tara Leigh

Today is my stop during the blog tour for Rock King (Nothing But Trouble #1) by Tara Leigh. Read on for my review of this book and some teaser images.

Title: Rock King
Author: Tara Leigh
Series: Nothing But Trouble #1
Rating: 3 stars
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Links:

Blurb:
Fans of Kristen Callihan and Kylie Scott will scream for this sizzling bad boy rock star romance!

I’m not who you think I am.

Shane Hawthorne has it all. At least, that’s what the headlines say about me. I have millions of fans, awards, more money – and women – than I know what to do with. But what you don’t see is the wreckage I’ve caused. The memories and pain I can’t escape, even when I pour them into music and spin them into gold.

I tried to forget. To lose myself in booze and groupies. It didn’t work. It hurt me and – worse – it hurt my band. That’s the last thing I want to do, so I’m cleaning up my act… starting with Delaney Fraser.

Gorgeous, smart, drama-free, and even nice – Delaney is the perfect “girlfriend.” When I’m with her I don’t have to pretend. It’s like she sees the real me. And I can see a future with her. But that’s dangerous. Because the truth is, Shane Hawthorne doesn’t actually exist. He’s a shield to hide who I really am. Fraud. Runaway. Addict. Murderer.

And it’s impossible to love a lie, right?

My Review:
Rock King by Tara Leigh is the first book in her Nothing but Trouble series and it is sure to please readers who enjoy a well-written rock star romance with the usual themes. Shane is the tormented rock star who hires fake girlfriends to help keep him on the straight and narrow, and Delaney is the girl down on her luck who finally manages to catch a break. Our pair hit it off straight away but they both have their demons and fight the inevitable. True love wins out in the end. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and it fits well within the genre.

I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary copy of this book as supplied by Inkslinger PR.

About the Author:
Tara Leigh writes steamy contemporary romance featuring tortured heroes worth lusting after and the women they didn’t know they needed. She attended Washington University in St. Louis and Columbia Business School in New York, and worked on Wall Street and Main Street before “retiring” to become a wife and mother. When the people in her head became just as real as the people in her life, she decided to put their stories on paper. Tara currently lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut with her husband, children and fur-baby, Pixie.

Links:

Review: Teach Your Heart (Bounty Bay #3) by Tracey Alvarez

Title: Teach Your Heart
Author: Tracey Alvarez
Series: Bounty Bay #3
Rating: 5 stars
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Links:

Blurb:
Some lessons are harder to learn than others…

Doctor O-for-Awesome Owen Bennett is all about fixing broken things. Then the arrival of his orphaned nieces and nephew for twelve weeks causes his workaholic life to plummet into chaos. Hiring the beautiful but unpredictable Gracie Cooper as a live-in nanny might just get him out of a tight spot…or it could seduce him into a reckless affair.

After four years flitting around Europe, waitress/dog-walker/au-pair Gracie Cooper has returned home to New Zealand. Her plans to hang out with her big brother change when Owen offers a perfect solution to her crippling university debt. In spite of her sexy-stick-in-the-mud boss, she’ll spend fun days playing in Bounty Bay’s sand and surf with three cute kids. At summer’s end she’ll follow the sun overseas again.

Gracie and Owen’s opposites-attract connection is so unexpected and powerful that their foundations are rocked. But some things aren’t easy to fix. Some past hurts can’t be run from forever. And the lessons they teach each other risk breaking their hearts.

My Review:
Every time I start a Tracey Alvarez book, I set aside plenty of time to read so that I can really savor the experience because I know it’s going to be an amazing read and Teach Your Heart was no exception. Tracey has a wonderful ability to create complex, multi-layered characters that dig their way into your heart and you can’t help rooting for them and praying they get their HEA. She also writes gorgeous romance and creates wonderful community-led settings and I always finish one of her books buzzing and chock-full of warm feels.

Owen is a workaholic who ends up having to take care of his two nephews and niece. Gracie is visiting her brother Glen and his fiancee, Savannah, and she ends up getting hired as a nanny to the kids. On the surface, both Owen and Gracie seem like polar opposites. She appears carefree and spirited and very easy going and laid back. He is quite stiff and set in his ways and initially came across as quite serious. However, as the story develops, and their relationship progresses we begin to see them in a slightly different light. Yes, they have those traits but they also have avoidance issues with neither of them facing up to problems choosing to flee (her) or bury their head in work (him) instead of tackling things head on.

The romance was sweet and sexy and I like the slow-burning nature of it.

There is a great cast of secondary characters, and I ADORED Charlie, William, and Morgan. You can tell Tracey is a mother because she writes very believable children’s characters. It was the same with book two in this series – I loved the kids and really warmed to them. In this book, their characters add so much to the story. Loved William and his HP obsession and some of Morgan’s carry-ons had me laughing. The House Rules were also hysterical. It’s this focus on the little details that really allows Tracey’s work to shine, that really make her books stand out from the crowd.

Things go a bit pear-shaped before they work out but it ended perfectly and that epilogue was AWW, so gorgeous, and now I’m in that happy-sad place because I loved it but I hate that it’s over.

Another fab read, Tracey – thanks so much!

In summary, this was an amazing read from an author who never fails to deliver. Thoroughly, Highly Recommended.

Review: His to Love (Fireside #1) by Stacey Lynn

Title: His to Love
Author: Stacey Lynn
Series: Fireside #1
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Links:

Blurb:
In the explosive debut of Stacey Lynn’s irresistible Fireside series, a pair of estranged lovers are reunited by dangerous loyalties—and intoxicating desire.

Tyson Blackwell never saw it coming when his Mafia princess girlfriend dumped him and disappeared at the age of eighteen. He never forgot her, either, even after what happened next: the killing of his father, a Detroit PD officer, at the hands of one of her father’s men. Tyson swore revenge, and now, ten years later, the kid who dreamed of a pro football career is a hard-nosed FBI agent, back in town to take down the Galecki crime family once and for all. But Tyson’s mission gets complicated fast—because going undercover means seducing the only woman he’s ever loved.

Gabriella “Blue” Galecki has been in hiding for a decade. She finally comes home to spend time with her terminally ill mother, only to receive a blast from the past when she runs into Tyson. His brooding eyes and electrifying touch still send chills down her spine. But as heir to the family empire, Blue has been promised to another. Caught in a web of deception, she is tempted to pull the trigger on the boldest risk she’s ever taken: trusting Tyson with her life, her body, and her heart.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

My Review:
Superb. 4.5 Stars.

I really enjoyed this book although it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. Blue and Tyson (Blackbird) were childhood sweethearts cruelly torn apart by lies and deception. Fast forward ten years and their paths are set to cross again. This time, ex-NFL up-and-coming star Tyson is now Agent Blackwell and he’s sent back to Detroit to investigate Blue’s Mafia father and his corrupt, illegal empire.

I love second chance romance and this one was superbly written. The chemistry between our couple was off the charts and I adored their natural banter. Even though they hadn’t seen each other since that fateful night ten years ago, it was obvious their love never died. They can barely stay away from one another so it doesn’t take much for them to reconnect. It’s not without its challenges, though. Her father wants to step down and has hopes that Blue will marry his mafioso successor. Ty is hiding his true persona and real agenda from the love of his life and the weight of it is a heavy burden.

What I enjoyed most about this story was the complexity of the main characters and the intensity of the emotional development. I felt everything they felt! Her heartache and pain when his betrayal is revealed, his inner turmoil at the thought of losing her again. The scene where her mother passed was extremely well written. Tears were pouring down my cheeks, it felt so real.

The romance is very much front and center stage which I didn’t mind because it was so beautifully written. However, I was expecting romantic suspense and it was very light on the suspense/mystery aspect of the story. It would have benefitted from stronger world building. It was only toward the end of the book that we got a proper look at the horrific criminal empire her father presided over, and saw Tyson in his professional capacity. I did also feel like the friends were kinda thrown into the story to set up the next few books and I would have liked more character development of the secondary characters.

The writing was great and I had no issues with pacing either.

If you go into this book as a contemporary romance you will adore it. It is deftly crafted and expertly executed with strong emotional development and sublime characterization. The romance is sizzling and you can’t help but root for our couple. All in all, a fantastic read.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Wedding Contract (The Ferro Family) by H.M. Ward

Title: The Wedding Contract
Author: H.M. Ward
Series: The Ferro Family
Rating: 3.5 stars
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Links:

Blurb:
A Stand Alone Ferro Novel by New York Times Bestselling Author H.M. Ward

After I get the witch at the front desk to hand me my room key, I head for the shower. I was supposed to shoot my best friend’s wedding alone, and I couldn’t wait to escape New York and Nick Ferro.

Yeah, he’s beautiful, sexy, and completely charming, but he’s stealing my clients. He’s done so much damage that I’m going to be lucky if I can keep my studio open for a couple of weeks. This wedding means everything to me, and I refuse to let a spoiled brat with a shiny new MBA put me out of business. Screw that.
But then I find myself wearing nothing but a smile when the person I hate most walks through the hotel room door. Nick Ferro. Two adversaries, shooting one wedding and sharing one room for one week. What could possibly go wrong?

My Review:
Actual rating 3.5 stars.

I’ve heard a lot about this author so when I saw this book was on sale I grabbed a copy and was intrigued enough by the blurb to get stuck right in.

It was a decent read though I had some issues with inconsistent characterization (Yes, Deegan, I’m talking about you) and parts of the plot were nonsensical and wouldn’t hold up to scrutiny. The romance also didn’t really kick in until the last part of the book, so it was a little on the light side for me.

But I did enjoy it despite those issues! Honestly! I adored the love/hate theme, really enjoyed the author’s writing style, and some of the dialogue was hysterically funny and it had me shaking in bed. There are also some scenes that were downright cringeworthy, but, again, so funny to read.

This is marketed as a standalone, but I disagree. It left off in the middle of a scene and there was no sense of closure for our couple. Damn you, H.M. Ward, now I need to continue the series. As if I don’t have enough unread books already on my Kindle.

In summary, this was a great read if you overlook the minor irritations with plot and characterization. Superb writing and witty banter were the highlight for me.

Review: Chaos (The Four Horsemen #5) by L.J. Swallow

Title: Chaos
Author: L.J. Swallow
Series: The Four Horsemen #5
Rating: 5 stars
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Links:

Blurb:
Questions will be answered. Trust will be rebuilt. And the true threat to the world will be revealed.

The threat to the Four Horsemen and the world continues, but now they have solid leads and are closer to uncovering who is behind the attacks. Vee and the Four become closer as barriers fall and trust grows, yet one person remains worried about what will happen if Vee reaches full power.

An opportunity to regain Portia’s trust, some help from a supernatural mercenary, and an investigation into the Myriad Foundation reveal more answers about the chaos surrounding them.

Suddenly, everything slots into place but the big picture isn’t what they expected. What will happen if the only way forward for the Horsemen is an alliance with their enemies?

The Four Horsemen: Chaos is book five in the series. The other books in this series must be read first.

Have you discovered The Four Horsemen series?
Don’t miss out on reading this year’s hottest reverse harem urban fantasy series. Prepare to follow the lives of Vee and the Four Horsemen through addictive books filled with action, paranormal suspense and magic. Start the series with Legacy and discover why readers have fallen in love with the books–and the Horsemen!

The series contains strong language, steamy scenes, a kickass heroine and four guys who’ll do anything for the girl who’s the centre of their world.

My Review:
Another amazing book in this enchanting series. I honestly can’t get enough of Vee and her pony boys. Lisa has executed the perfect balance, moving the plot along at a steady, consistent pace while also giving the right amount of focus to development of the relationships. Plenty of heart-pounding moments and sexy times. Love, loved it. I never want this series to end. I’m completely addicted. One of the best reverse harem series out there right now, in my opinion.

Review: Brave (A Wicked Saga #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Brave
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: A Wicked Saga #3
Rating: 4 stars
Genres: Paranormal Romance/ fantasy
Links:

Blurb:
Ivy Morgan hasn’t been feeling like herself lately. Not like anyone can blame her. After all, being held captive by a psychotic fae prince hell-bent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld is bound to leave some mental scars.

It’s more than that, though. Something dark and insidious is spreading throughout Ivy, more powerful than she could ever imagine… and it’s coming between her and the man she’s fallen deeply in love with, elite Order member Ren Owens.

Ren would do anything to keep Ivy safe. Anything. But when he makes a life altering choice for her, the fallout of his act has far reaching consequences that threaten to tear their lives apart. If Ivy is going to have any hope of surviving this, she must put aside the hurt and betrayal she feels, and work with not only those she loves, but with an enemy she would rather kill than ever trust. War is coming, and it soon becomes clear that what Ivy and Ren thought they knew about the Order, themselves, and even their enemies, has been nothing but a cluster of dangerous, deadly lies. Ivy knows she must be more than just brave to save those she loves–and, ultimately, to save herself.

Because behind ever evil fae Prince, there’s a Queen…

My Review:
Brave is the third and final (I think) installment in Jennifer’s Wicked Saga and it was a very fitting ending. I loved the first book in the series, but was a tad disappointed in Torn so I was a little apprehensive starting Brave, but I needn’t have worried. Jennifer isn’t one of my all-time fave authors for nothing.

Ivy isn’t in a great place when we catch up to her, not surprising after the ordeal she suffered at Prince Drake’s hand in the last book. Ren is amazingly patient with her, even if I wanted him to push her a little more to open up. When she finally let him in, it was great to see them gel again as a couple and they presented a united front from that point on, and I loved it! They are so perfect together and the romance was gorgeous and spot on.

Tink is fantabulous again, and his interactions with Prince Fabian were so funny! Don’t even get me started on the trunk full of trolls; I laughed so hard at that scene.

Brave had plenty of the action which I felt was missing from Torn and it was a seamless blend of action-adventure, romance, mystery, and fae politics.

Is it just me or was it left quite open-ended? Don’t get me wrong, we have closure for Ivy and Ren and a potential happy future, but the story of the evil Queen, the crystal, and the portals between realms isn’t resolved indefinitely. I wonder if Jennifer plans to write a spin-off at some point?

Anyway, while this series isn’t at the top of my list of favorite JLA series, it’s still an entertaining read, with great characters, witty banter, swoony romance, and decent world building.

Overall, Brave is a solid conclusion to the Wicked Saga. Fans of this series, and this author, won’t be disapponted.

I received an ARC from the author (thank you so much, Jennifer) and I am voluntarily reviewing same.

Saven The Complete Series Box Set Release Day!

I am so excited to announce that today is the release day for the Saven Complete Series Box Set! This box set includes all five books in the Saven Series and is available for a limited time for only 0.99! That is a MASSIVE 94% discount off the individual books. The set is also FREE to read in Kindle Unlimited.

Saven Series Box Set (The Saven Series #1-5)
by Siobhan Davis

Genre: Science Fiction Fantasy Romance
Age Category: Young Adult
Release Date: September 26, 2017

Book Description:
This box set includes all five books in the captivating Saven series from USA Today bestselling author, Siobhan Davis, and is over 1,300 pages of heart-stopping adventure, intriguing mystery, and swoony romance.

A girl with a hidden past. An alien prince. Their unlikely attraction could save two worlds… or doom them all…

Sadie Owens desperately needed a do-over. When she’s chosen for a six-month residency in a government-run undersea city, she willingly drops everything to participate. After all, the experiment could be a huge step forward for her overcrowded planet and her life. She also doesn’t mind living next door to a hot alien with ocean-blue eyes…

Logan Chandler has kept a lot of secrets for his species. If humans knew the real reason the Saven were on Earth, then their coexistence would be anything but peaceful. But he can’t help falling for the different and beautiful Sadie. Unfortunately, protecting the girl of his destiny could destroy his own kind…

As Logan gives Sadie mixed signals, the mystery of the Saven starts to unravel.

When she finally understands what’s at stake, is it too late for Sadie to save her heart and the human race?

Grab your copy on Amazon!

Review: Tell Me How This Ends (Tell Me #1) by Victoria De La O

Title: Tell Me How This Ends
Author: Victoria De La O
Series: Tell Me #1
Rating: 5 stars
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Links:

Blurb:
Brothers Jude and Ryan McAllister are inseparable. When Jude stepped in to raise Ryan after the death of their mother, it became the two of them against the world. But the scars it left were bone-deep. Then Lizzie Price comes along.

Lizzie hopes Ryan’s kindness can help heal her wounds from a toxic relationship. But when she meets Jude, their powerful attraction makes him difficult to resist. The problem is, Lizzie doesn’t realize Jude and Ryan are brothers, and they don’t know they’re falling for the same girl.

By the time the truth comes out, everyone is in too deep. Ryan is in love, Jude is in denial, and Lizzie wants both brothers. All of them agree that no one deserves to get hurt. But love and desire have a way of testing even the strongest bonds.

My Review:
I cannot believe this book is a debut work because it is an absolute triumph and Victoria writes like a seasoned pro. I am blown away by the complex characterization, witty prose, intense emotional connection, and the overall exemplary execution of this story.

I hope to God we don’t have to wait too long for the next book because I am already DYING to read it, especially after that little sneak peek we were given at the back of this book. I’m also really happy to read that the other brother is getting a book too because I would’ve been upset if there was no potential for him to get a HEA.

I don’t like giving away spoilers in my reviews so I’ll try to keep this spoiler-free even though it’s quite difficult to talk about the relationships without giving anything away.

Lizzie has relocated to start afresh after a toxic relationship that almost destroyed her. Having grown up in a houseful of brothers, she needs to forge her own path in life and start making plans for her future. She is naturally wary of boys after her most recent experience but has had a little crush on Ryan, a boy with a stutter who is in one of her classes. She plucks up the courage to ask him to tutor her as a way of starting something with him.

As this happens, she meets Jude on a night out with her girlfriends. Jude is hot with a player rep and he’s currently bedding one of her friends. It’s immediately obvious that Jude and Lizzy share an intense chemistry but she won’t give him the time of day. After a steamy dance, they agree to stay away from one another because he can’t give her what she wants and she doesn’t want to take a risk that he might change his mind because she can’t afford to get hurt again. So they walk away from one another.

Lizzie’s relationship with Ryan is hotting up and she really likes him. He is hot, sweet, and adorable and the type of nice guy you have no hesitation in bringing home to meet the folks.

She discovers he is Jude’s brother when she wanders into Jude in the kitchen of his house in the middle of the night. This is the part where everything turns extremely messy and I’d love to delve into it but, as I said, I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone.

The three main characters were expertly crafted with flaws and weaknesses that were gradually revealed. The inner dynamics of this tangled relationship were fraught with delicious tension and conflict that had my heart racing and my stomach tied into knots. I knew how I wanted it to end, had a strong sense of how it was going to end, and I could scarcely read it in parts because I was so caught up in the beautiful torture, but I adored every single page and I really didn’t want the story to be over by the end.

Jude and Lizzie were both very selfless people who cared deeply about Ryan. Ryan was secure in Lizzie’s love because Jude did such an admirable job of raising him after his mother and uncle died. My heart broke for Jude – he was always willing to sacrifice his own happiness for his brother, even if it was killing him on the inside. Lizzie was the only person who seemed to be able to get through to him, to connect to him in a way he never even knew he wanted, but he couldn’t have her.

Lizzie, for her part, wanted to do the right thing but it was so hard. I love how the author explored the notion of being able to love more than one person at the same time. It’s never happened to me but I’ve always believed it possible. The fact that the two boys in this love triangle were brothers only added to the story. It felt so impossibly tragic at times and although my heart lapped up all the angsty-drama, I worried it would all be too much.

The ending did kinda go as I expected but it was heartwarming because I wanted that brother to reach that conclusion, to do the right thing by his brother, even though it was hurting him. Bravo.

My only complaint (and it’s not really a complaint) is that when they finally get their act together (after they leave the nightclub) the scene is completely skipped over and we are given a recap by Lizzie the next morning. OMG! I was waiting the entire book for that! That was a little disappointing but it still doesn’t detract from the fact that this was an utterly addictive read. I literally CANNOT WAIT to read the next two books.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book as supplied by the publishers via Netgalley. All the opinions expressed are my own.

Sneak Peek: Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland

Today I am giving you a sneak peek of Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland! First there’s some information about the book, then a teaser and an excerpt.

Title: Beautiful Mistake
Author: Vi Keeland
Series: standalone
Genres:
Links:

Blurb:
The first time I met Caine West was in a bar.
He noticed me looking his way and mistakenly read my scowling as checking him out.
When he attempted to talk to me, I set him straight—telling him what I thought of his lying, cheating, egomaniacal ass.
You see, the gorgeous jerk had wined and dined my best friend–smooth talking her into his bed, all along failing to mention that he was married.
He deserved every bit of my tongue-lashing and more for what he’d done.
Especially when that lazy smile graced his perfect face in response to my rant.
Only it turned out, the man I’d just told off wasn’t the right guy.
Oops. My mistake.
Embarrassed, I slunk out without an apology.
I was never going to see the handsome stranger again anyway, right?
That’s what I thought…until I walked into class the next morning.
Well, hello Professor West, I’m your new teaching assistant.
I’ll be working under you…figuratively speaking.
Although the literal interpretation might not be such a bad thing—working under Professor West.
This was going to be interesting…

An excerpt from Beautiful Mistake:

The class was completely empty. I wasn’t even sure he knew I was still in my seat. If he did, he was good at ignoring me as he packed up his laptop.
“Contrary to the rumors you’ve probably heard, I don’t bite.”
I jumped when he spoke. Now that the lecture hall was no longer filled with students, the acoustics of the large space bounced his deep voice all over the walls.
I stood and began my walk of shame down to the front of the classroom. There was no doubt I owed the man an apology, even if he wasn’t a professor—a professor who would be my new boss for at least the next fifteen weeks. I wanted to kick myself in the ass for not apologizing last night before I left the bar. Now it would seem like I was only doing it because of the situation I was in.
Which was true, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t want it to seem that way.
I took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry about last night.”
His face was unreadable. “I figured you might be, right about now.”
“I obviously thought you were someone else.”
“So I assumed. You thought I was the asshole. The one with the big dick, was it?”
I shut my eyes. For the last ninety minutes, I’d replayed the entire exchange from last night over and over in my head. I thought I’d remembered everything I said, but apparently I hadn’t. When I reopened my eyes, Professor West was still watching me. His stare was pretty damn intense.
I started to babble. “My friend Ava went out with this guy Owen for a month or so. He was full of shit from day one, but she didn’t see it. Actually walked up to her when she was leaving work one night and said, ‘Do you mind if I walk you home? My mother always told me to follow my dreams.’ She fell for it, the entire act, from the first day. Then one Saturday, he was supposedly out of town on business, and she was across town running errands for her mother. She took a shortcut through Madison Square Park on her way back from the grocery store and ran into him. He was with his wife and kids.”
“And you thought I was him, apparently?”
I nodded. “She came in during my shift and started drinking Long Island iced teas. When Owen walked in, she pointed to where he was standing and said he was the one in the blue shirt.”
“And we were both wearing blue shirts, I take it?”
I couldn’t help but smile, thinking of Ava last night. “Actually, no. Ava’s not much of a drinker. Turned out she was more sloshed than I thought. Owen’s shirt was brown—not even black that could be mistaken as navy or something.”
I saw Professor West’s lip twitch.
“Anyway, I’m really sorry. I barely gave you a chance to speak, and then when I realized what had happened, I was so mortified I didn’t even stop to apologize.”
“I accept your apology for last night. Even though you shouldn’t be approaching a man in the hallway to tell him off alone, your intentions were admirable.”
I should have shut up and been grateful he’d accepted my apology. Should have. “Why can’t I approach a man in the hallway?”
He leveled me with a stare. “Because you’re five foot nothing in a loud bar, and no one would have heard you if I’d dragged you into the men’s room and locked the door.”
I folded my arms over my chest. “I can take care of myself.”
“I didn’t say you couldn’t. I said you shouldn’t put yourself in those situations.”
“But you insinuated that I couldn’t by making that statement.”
He zipped his leather bag closed. “Ms. Martin, I just accepted your apology for calling me an asshole last night. Would you like me to retract that acceptance?”
God, I really was an idiot. Being around this man seemed to turn me into a psychopath. “No. I’m sorry. I acted like a jerk, and I’d like to start over, if that’s possible.”
He nodded. “Everything prior to this morning is forgotten.”
“Thank you.”
“But this morning is not. I won’t accept lateness. Don’t let it happen again.”
I swallowed. “It won’t.”
He lifted his worn, brown leather laptop bag over one shoulder. “Meet me here at five tomorrow. We’ll go over the syllabus and the classes you’ll teach, as well as my grading rubric.”
That was smack in the middle of my shift, but I’d figure something out. “Okay.”
“Are you done for the day?”
“I am. I actually have to get to work. I’m covering Ava’s shift because she isn’t feeling too well after last night. We both work at O’Leary’s.”
“You waitress there?”
“Waitress, bartend, occasionally tell off patrons.”
That earned me a full smile from Professor West. God, he should do that more often. No, forget that. He definitely shouldn’t.
“I’ll walk out with you.”
We walked through the halls together and out to the parking lot. When we arrived at my car, I stopped. “This is me. So…five o’clock tomorrow?”
Professor West looked at my beat-up old Subaru. “You’re parked in a spot reserved for the Provost. You got a parking ticket.” He squinted. “Actually, it looks like you have two parking tickets. Was your inspection expired or something?”
Crap. “Umm…no. I keep an extra ticket in the glove compartment and stick it on my windshield when I’m forced to park illegally.”
His brows shot up. “Inventive.”
“Obviously it doesn’t always work.”
“Obviously.”
“They need more parking. When you’re late, it’s impossible to find a spot.”
He studied me. “Lateness is a frequent occurrence for you, I take it?”
“Unfortunately, it is.”
“Then I should clarify something I said earlier.”
“Oh, no, that’s not necessary. I won’t be late for your class.”
He took a step closer and leaned in. “I’m glad to hear that, Ms. Martin. But that’s not what needs clarification.”
I swallowed. God, he smells good.
“Earlier I told you I didn’t bite students.” He smiled, and I felt the wickedness from it shoot down to some interesting places. “I don’t. But I make no promises about not biting feisty TAs.”

About the Author:
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author. With more than 1.5 million books sold, her titles have appeared in over eighty Bestseller lists and are currently translated in sixteen languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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