MF - Ruined Hopes (Rixon High #3) by L.A. Cotton

 

Amazon Link 

Goodreads Link

Ashleigh Chase has always had big dreams.

But when she wakes up in hospital with no memory of how she got there, her bright future dissolves around her.

Ezra Bennet has always felt like the odd one out.

But this time, he really screwed up and he has no choice but to face the consequences.

Forced to retake their senior year, Ashleigh turns to Ezra only to find him cold and cruel and determined to keep her at arm's length.

He's the guy she always wanted.
She's the girl who was never good enough for him.
But now there's a secret between them, one that she's determined to uncover.

She thinks she can save him. But she doesn't realize yet...

He's the one who ruined her.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Damn! Ruined Hopes is another fantastic story in the Rixon High series. This LA Cotton story is one hell of a rollercoaster. 

Everything between Ashleigh and Ezra is complicated, messy, and passionate. Everything between these two is intense and riveting.

There's a lot going on between these two, and with Ashleigh having amnesia, it takes the reader a while to overcover the depth of their past. 

These two have a million things in their way, but rest assured, they finally get their happy ending. 

Yes, Ashleigh has amnesia, which causes a slew of issues and obstacles for her. But Ezra's the one who's really the complex one. Imagine that! He's his own worst enemy, with his past always standing in his way. Saying he has baggage in an understatement. He's a broken young man who has yet to feel that he's lovable. 

This is a second chance romance for Ezra and Ashleigh, with one of the best aspects being how far apart they are at the beginning. Their story starts with them being worlds apart emotionally and physically. As a reader, it seems impossible that they could ever get past their pain, cut through the distance, and even become friends again, let alone more. But, fear not, LA Cotton is a master at bringing messy relationships through the wringer, while ultimately working them towards a happy ending. 

This entire LA Cotton world is messy and multi-layered, with the best characters. I continue to be in awe of the way LA brings the characters towards redemption and creates amazingly strong couples. And yes, you will get to spend time with all the original characters who we've all come to love. 

Ruined Hopes is another riveting installment in the Rixon High series. If you're a fan of LA Cotton, you will love this book. Just getting to spend time with all these amazing characters is a treat. Don't miss it. 

RELEASE BLITZ - MF - A Scandal in Homeroom (Haddonfield High # 2) by S. Doyle

 

A SCANDAL IN HOMEROOM (Haddonfield High Book 2) by S. Doyle

Release Date: September 9th 

AVAILABLE NOW!!!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eOVrWq

Add to Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58278120-a-scandal-in-homeroom

Nothing is as it seems at Haddonfield High.

Locke

Haddonfield High was full of intrigue. Nothing like I expected when I transferred from London. I realized very quickly the game was afoot.

The person teaching me the rules of that game: Irene Adler.

A cheerleader and the hottest girl in school, she was totally out of my league. I had no clue why she was talking to me until I realized she’d gotten herself into trouble with a shady character named Moriarty and needed my help.

Tough and sexy, sweet and vulnerable, and hiding a host of secrets, Irene quickly became the only puzzle I wanted to solve.

No joke, my romance writing career started when I was ten and realized that Leia and Han were the true couple in Star Wars.

It's been about thirty years and over forty books and I still love it.

Connect w/S. Doyle: 

Website: https://www.sdoylerw.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephDoyleRW

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephDoyleRW

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdoylebooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/998338.S_Doyle

Amazon: https://amzn.to/37d07lc

The Friendship Equation by J.R. Gray

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

I never thought I’d go to college a virgin, but unless something changes, and fast, that’s what’s going to happen. In comes Harden Hart, my All American boy-next-door best friend with an offer to help in a way I’d never imagined.

The boy who turned everything he touched to gold had a filthy side to him I’d never seen. Oh, and did I mention he’s straight?

We could keep this fun but we had to hide it from both our fathers. We could smile for the cameras, focus on winning the state swimming championship and maintain Harden’s image. Easy enough, right?

Only Harden didn’t want to hide. His addiction to our not-so-private hook-ups put everything at risk with his father’s planned presidential run, and I risked losing my best friend if anyone found out.

But the biggest risk of all—the risk of breaking my own heart by falling for someone who was never mine to begin with.

Maybe love just isn't in the equation.

***The Friendship Equation is a childhood best-friends-to-lovers, bi for you, forbidden sports romance standalone, featuring a dirty-talking boy next door and his sweet virginal best friend. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Friendship Equation is a fabulous new adult romance by JR Gray. 

This story is that of two best friends, one of whom is a virgin. 

I was really excited going into this one. Although I enjoyed it, it took me a while to get into it. Later on though, when things get in their way, I became fully invested and loved it. 

This is just one of the those feel good, friends to lovers romance that you can't help but to internally swoon over. Best friends since kindergarten, these two have a bond as strong as one can have. And god, I love these two together. The feelings that develop are just perfect, and it's a fun ride as they fall in love. 

I always enjoy when a political family gets in the way of their child being out. And this one has just that, as Harden's father wants to run for president. This sets up a great dynamic, as the boys have always been best friends, but for appearances sake, Vance knows he's beneath him. 

This is a story with a virgin, some sexual exploration, and best friends to lovers. There's political issues involved, as well as sports, and being separated for the first time because of college. 

As always, the writing is good and the JR's storyline will keep you reading late in the night. 

The Friendship Equation is a wonderful friends to lovers new adult romance. JR Gray does a fabulous job creating a strong friendship and testing these men on the strength of their love. It's a great feel-good story with enough angst to keep things interesting. 

He Made Me Do It by Zee Shine Storm

 

Amazon Link  

Goodreads Link

Zayn

What is it like to be both Muslim and gay? Honestly? It feels like I've been cursed for all eternity. And then I had to go and fall for Asher Hannes and make it even more complicated.

Not only was he a guy, he happened to be my cocky and rebellious stepbrother who became the reason I began to get in trouble for things that weren't even my fault.

Just seven months of his mother having married my dad, seven months of living under the same roof with him and sometimes even sharing the same bed and I already knew I was going to hell. Because I couldn't keep fighting who I was around him. I couldn't keep ignoring how I felt.

Wanting him was wrong. I never intended to cross any lines. But he made me do it anyway.

Note: This is a high school romance but with 18+ content. It does contain controversial themes relating to religion and homophobia but overall, it's a feel-good love story.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

He Made Me Do It is a fantastic stepbrother romance by Zee Shine Storm. 

And yes, the author had me at stepbrothers!

There's a lot going on in this book. Taboo. Forbidden romance. Illegal work. Risky sex. And plenty of religious homophobia.

The forbidden relationship aspect is the main aspect throughout. First, they are new stepbrothers and that certainly is an issue in itself. But to make matters worse, Zayn is Muslim and is torn between his true feelings and his religious stance on homosexuality. 

This story is tough to read. The tension is large and ever looming throughout. 

But damn it's hot. If you enjoy stepbrother romances, this is a must read. 

Asher is quite badass. He's certainly capable of a lot and very self assured. But poor Zayn struggles with his self esteem and his conscience. 

Overall, I love this book. The boys are so damn good together and you can't help but to root for them to find happiness. I questioned how the author could ever help them find their happily ever after, but damn, they did and it's a fabulous ending.

He Made Me Do It had me engrossed throughout. I couldn't put this book down. This Zee Shine Storm romance is totally compelling and wonderful, yet definitely full of the stress of what's going to happen. I love it!

You're My Home by Katie Moore

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

A love story you can live in…

Zach
Brady is my overprotective best friend, and I love him like this. He’s so much bigger than me and makes me feel safe. We are opposites in so many ways, but when I’m cuddled up against him and he reads to me, all those differences fade away. Brady promises to be friends forever, but what will he say when he finds out my secret? Will I lose my best friend and the boy I love more than life itself?

Brady
Zach is so tiny and tenderhearted. All I want to do is protect him from the world. He’s my sweet bookworm and never wants to hurt anyone. I love my best friend, but how do I give him all of me when I don’t understand myself yet? If nothing else, I can shower him with all the acceptance and love he deserves.

Zach and Brady come from completely different social and religious backgrounds, but they don’t let that weaken their friendship. Both teens have to go through a journey of self-discovery, including all the heartaches and joys that come with growing up. As they get older, will they find themselves and how they fit together? 

You’re my Home is a sweet and emotional coming of age story. It’s a slow-burn, hurt/comfort, teen best friends to adult lovers romance. There will be tears, laughter, new friends, and steamy lovemaking as Zach and Brady learn the meaning of true acceptance of oneself and others. 

**Trigger warnings: domestic violence, trauma, PTSD, and religious homophobia. 

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

This book! Oh my god, this book! You're My Home is a debut novel for Katie Moore. And it's mesmerizing, riveting, and all consuming.

This book is long. No question about it. It is detailed, complex, and covers many years. Set plenty of time aside to read this.

This book is serious. Extremely serious. It touches on abuse, family issues, bullying, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and a connection between two people unlike anything I've ever seen before. It thoroughly explores one's need to define their sexuality, and the elements of demi-sexuality.

This story is that of Brady and Zach, two boys who are worlds apart. But the connection between them is absolute. The first time Brady meets Zach, he knows he is there to help save him. From his father. From the bullies. From the ugliness of the world. And fortunately for Zach, Brady's family feels the same way.

I don't want to go into any details. It's best to just discover them as you read. But the story is amazingly beautiful and touching.

And it's as emotional as can be. Every single moment of this book, every single sentence, is weighed down with emotion. The emotions jump off the pages throughout.

It's a long, ugly, emotional journey for these two. But this is a romance, so ultimately it's no surprise that they eventually get together. I think it's fair to say this isn't a spoiler.

And when they do, oh my god. Seriously, I just can't even begin to explain how torturously emotional the sex scenes are. I thought the emotions carried this story before. But gah! The sex scenes. I've never read anything so full of emotion before.

Just read it.

Their journey starts as kids, carries them through the teen years, and ultimately looks at their futures. It's long. It's detailed. It could easily be a three part series. But it's pure perfection read all together.

You're My Home is absolutely addicting. From the first page, Katie Moore held me hostage with her words. This isn't like my typical review because this isn't a typical book. Zach and Brady grabbed my heart from the very first page and I lived and breathed every single moment of their journey with them. It's a spectacular book.

MF - Broken Trust (Pacific Prep #1) by R.A. Smyth

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

My name is Hadley Parker, and today is the first day of the rest of my life.
Today I start school at Pacific Prep. This is my new lease on life, and I won’t be wasting it.
I need this, now, more than ever. I need the education, the promise of a future that I wouldn’t get anywhere else.
These rich kids don’t like me though.
When Hawk Davenport decides he doesn’t want me here, his friends back him.
Along with Hawk, Westley Warren, Cam Rutherford, and Mason Hayes rule this school and nobody dares go against them.

They don’t know the real me. I won’t back down.


***This book is a reverse harem, meaning the FMC will have three or more love interests.
The book also has trigger warnings for emotional/physical bullying, abuse, violent scenes, reference to self-harm and mature content/swearing, so please do not read if you are easily offended or have the mentioned triggers.
This book is intended for 18+

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Broken Trust is the first book in the Pacific Prep series by RA Smyth. 

Oh, this book is a tough one for me. It's everything I hate in a book. But I couldn't put it down. 

This is a young adult story that is disturbing and dark. It's messy, complicated, and not a sweet story. 

But the writing is full of suspense and intrigue, keeping me turning the pages quickly. I hate the different povs, as it isn't easy and clean. But again, I couldn't put it down.

This world of Pacific Prep is one hell of a messed up one. The boys rule the school and everyone does what they say. Until Hadley shows up. 

And then...things get strange. She bucks the system. She messes up everything for everyone. And nothing is as it seems. 

If you hate cliffhangers, stay clear of this book until the series is completed. 

Broken Trust is fun and hot. RA Smyth will keep you up late into the night with all the layers and twists and turns. And when it ends, I have absolutely no clue what is going on, with the author leaving me clueless about all the mysteries. Well done. But now I hate that I have to try to remember all the details until I get my hands on the next book. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - You're My Home by Katie Moore

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
You're My Home
By Katie Moore

A love story you can live in…

Zach

Brady is my overprotective best friend, and I love him like this. He’s so much bigger than me and makes me feel safe. We are opposites in so many ways, but when I’m cuddled up against him and he reads to me, all those differences fade away. Brady promises to be friends forever, but what will he say when he finds out my secret? Will I lose my best friend and the boy I love more than life itself?

Brady

Zach is so tiny and tenderhearted. All I want to do is protect him from the world. He’s my sweet bookworm and never wants to hurt anyone. I love my best friend, but how do I give him all of me when I don’t understand myself yet? If nothing else, I can shower him with all the acceptance and love he deserves.

Zach and Brady come from completely different social and religious backgrounds, but they don’t let that weaken their friendship. Both teens have to go through a journey of self-discovery, including all the heartaches and joys that come with growing up. As they get older, will they find themselves and how they fit together?

You’re my Home is a sweet and emotional coming of age story. It’s a slow-burn, hurt/comfort, teen best friends to adult lovers romance. There will be tears, laughter, new friends, and steamy lovemaking as Zach and Brady learn the meaning of true acceptance of oneself and others.

**Trigger warnings: domestic violence, trauma, PTSD, and religious homophobia.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

This book! Oh my god, this book! You're My Home is a debut novel for Katie Moore. And it's mesmerizing, riveting, and all consuming. 

This book is long. No question about it. It is detailed, complex, and covers many years. Set plenty of time aside to read this.

This book is serious. Extremely serious. It touches on abuse, family issues, bullying, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and a connection between two people unlike anything I've ever seen before. It thoroughly explores one's need to define their sexuality, and the elements of demi-sexuality. 

This story is that of Brady and Zach, two boys who are worlds apart. But the connection between them is absolute. The first time Brady meets Zach, he knows he is there to help save him. From his father. From the bullies. From the ugliness of the world. And fortunately for Zach, Brady's family feels the same way. 

I don't want to go into any details. It's best to just discover them as you read. But the story is amazingly beautiful and touching. 

And it's as emotional as can be. Every single moment of this book, every single sentence, is weighed down with emotion. The emotions jump off the pages throughout. 

It's a long, ugly, emotional journey for these two. But this is a romance, so ultimately it's no surprise that they eventually get together. I think it's fair to say this isn't a spoiler. 

And when they do, oh my god. Seriously, I just can't even begin to explain how torturously emotional the sex scenes are. I thought the emotions carried this story before. But gah! The sex scenes. I've never read anything so full of emotion before. 

Just read it.

Their journey starts as kids, carries them through the teen years, and ultimately looks at their futures. It's long. It's detailed. It could easily be a three part series. But it's pure perfection read all together. 

You're My Home is absolutely addicting. From the first page, Katie Moore held me hostage with her words. This isn't like my typical review because this isn't a typical book. Zach and Brady grabbed my heart from the very first page and I lived and breathed every single moment of their journey with them. It's a spectacular book. 

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Special Release Excerpt:

 

“I want to talk to you.” Dad walks down the hallway to his office, knowing I’ll follow him. I lean against the doorframe, staying just far enough out that Zach will know where I am if he comes back into the kitchen.

Dad sits on the edge of his desk, facing me. “Who were the kids that were being mean?”

“Derek Sanders, the one I asked to leave here when he called Zach a stalker. Along with a few of JV freshman players that I don’t know well.”

“Not surprising, he seemed like a dick.”

My dad doesn’t usually call someone a dick, and it catches me so off guard that an abrupt laugh escapes from my chest.

“What were they making fun of him about?”

“His size…being a fourth-grader…a hobbit. Then they called him queer, and he got up and left.”

“No wonder he was so upset.” Dad rubs the back of his neck, and I realize that I have that same habit when I’m stressed.

“He was upset because he thought it would embarrass me. He never wants to hurt anyone, and when he thinks he’s the cause of it, he can’t handle it.”

“That’s why it makes me livid that someone would hurt him, even with words. God knows the kid has been through enough already.”

I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and turn to see Zach in the kitchen, looking lost. I wave my arm so he sees me, and he smiles. I watch him walk over to help Mom with the ice cream before looking back at Dad.

“He trusts you, Brady. The kind of trust that most people will never give. Be sure to treasure that and not do anything to break it. I’m not sure you could get it back if you did.”

Dad’s words feel heavy, like I need to memorize them and keep them close. “I wouldn’t do anything to break his trust.”

“I know you never would intentionally, but you’re young, and teenagers do stupid things. I think you’re mature beyond your years, and I am so proud of the young man you’re becoming. I’m only cautioning you because I see the bond you have with Zach, and I’m not sure you truly understand what it would mean to lose that. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of friendship…love…and so many go through life searching for what you’ve found so young. Many never find it.”

He walks over to put his hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. “All I’m saying, Son, is that when it comes to Zach, think before you react and don’t take all the love and trust he gives you for granted. Someday you’ll truly understand the depth and beauty of what he gives you. And what you give him.” His hand moves down over my heart. “You’ve given him a lot of space in here. Take care of your heart, Son, because that boy in the kitchen is most of it.”

I nod, speechless at my dad’s words.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the Katie's debut release & cover reveal, we are giving away a 3 copies of You're My Home!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57241/?

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Katie Moore is a writer of romance and happily ever afters. She is very compassionate and tries her best to show others kindness. She loves to write and escape into some imaginary world she's created in her head. If she's not writing, she's reading a book. Preferably one with emotion that makes her laugh and cry. Katie is usually snuggled up with her four dogs, Izzy, Bess, Violet, and Skye.

Katie Moore is the author of You're My Home, a gay romance novel. She let her heart write Zach and Brady's story. She hopes all her readers love them as much as she does.

Connect with Katie:
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21577348.Katie_Moore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatiemoore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatiemoore/

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BLOG TOUR & REVIEW - MF - Tragic Lies (Rixon High #2) by L.A. Cotton

TRAGIC LIES (A Rixon High Novel) by L.A. Cotton

Release Date: June 8th

Genre/Tropes: Age gap, forbidden romance

He's not the hero of her story... no matter how much she wants him to be.

From bestselling author LA Cotton, comes a forbidden age-gap romance. Angst... drama... friendship... and football. Will you survive senior year?

TRAGIC LIES AVAILABLE NOW!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/33cotck

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3ufhAmC

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2Sol8oA

Nook: https://bit.ly/337MHV5

Google: https://bit.ly/3ccroXA

Universal: https://books2read.com/rixonhigh2

Check out the the other books in the Rixon High Series!

Blurred Lines available for FREE!

http://bit.ly/BlurredLinesFREEBIE

______________________________________________________

OFF-LIMITS AVAILABLE NOW!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2KXvqIX

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/3ocdk4f

Apple: http://apple.co/3b0yv5v 

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3rMtrrr 

Nook: https://bit.ly/3hB81Zz

Google:https://bit.ly/3rm1sxk

My Review

_________________________________________________________________

Add to Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51003698-tragic-lies

Peyton Myers has always been the life of the party.

But behind her smile and sass is a girl lost and alone, searching for her place in the world.

Xander Chase has always been on the outside looking in.

But behind his cool indifference and hard exterior is a guy afraid to open his heart to anyone.

 

When he saves Peyton from a tragic accident, their lives are entwined forever. But Xander's not the hero of her story... no matter how much she wants him to be.

She’s a girl with her whole life ahead of her.

He’s a guy who is drifting through life.

And although these two lost souls might be able to heal each other, there's one glaring problem.

She's still in high school...

And completely forbidden.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Tragic Lies is the second book in the Rixon High series. In classic LA Cotton magic, we're transported right back into this amazing world, where we first met the parents in the Rixon Raiders series, and now we are getting to know the next generation. 

Since reading Off Limits, I have been anxiously awaiting this story. We knew that Zander saved Peyton's life after tragedy struck her world. And we knew that meant a messy tale was coming. But, damn, this story is super messy and complicated. 

And I love it!!! 

I have to note that it comes super close to blurring a line I don't approve of. I don't want to give it away. But, damn, I am not in love with everything that happens to this two. That part is definitely not cool.

But, hell, these two are both broken and lost and their story shouldn't be clean and easy. 

I love this book. 

It's fucking hot, but again, I definitely struggle with her age here. 

Overall, Tragic Lies is a fabulous romance. LA Cotton brings all the emotions to this age gap tale. 

Author of over thirty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.

Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life. 

Connect w/L.A. Cotton: 

Website: https://www.lacotton.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlacotton

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LACottonReadersGroup

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