Review: Just a Boyfriend by Sariah Wilson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The rules of love and second chances are due for a major-league shake-up in a warm, witty, and unpredictable romance by the bestselling author of The Friend Zone.

Ian “Bash” Sebastian and Ember Carlson were high school sweethearts…until their single parents got married. With one thorny twist of fate, a secret young crush went from on fire to off-limits. What could a new stepbrother do but bail? Now, after almost four years, Bash has returned to Seattle, and he’s back in Ember’s orbit at End of the Line. EOL is the go-to college for second-chance scholarships. But what about love?

Sure, the old hurts are there. So is the attraction—and it’s more magnetic than ever. Still, they’re adults now, levelheaded and just fine with the friend thing. If only to make family dinners less awkward. But when they agree to start dating other people, moving on threatens to bring them closer together than ever.

Is it time to admit their past to their parents? Even trickier, their hope for the future? Because Ember and Bash deserve a love story of their own. With all their defenses down, can they make it a happy ever after?

My Review

What an angst-fest of emotion! Bash and Ember have quite the history- sweet first love mixed with heartbreak and zero closure. I was worried in the beginning of the book as I read that dating others would be the main plot and they would just avoid the feelings, but thankfully the author dives into their messy relationship and the reader gets to hang on for the ride as they work through their issues. They have awesome chemistry and the flashbacks helped establish their foundation of friendship and romance as they explore that territory again. Themes of trust, healing, forgiveness, family loyalty, and personal autonomy made this book deeper than I expected and increased my reading enjoyment!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Don't miss the previous book in the End of the Line series . . .

Review: The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Disgraced college quarterback Logan Hunt was on his way to NFL stardom when he messed up big-time. Now the Texas star player with a bad temper has a new option: Seattle’s EOL College—as in End of the Line, to his fellow misfit recruits. It’s Logan’s last chance. If he can follow the rules. No parties, no fighting, no swearing, and oh, no dating the coach’s daughter, Jess. Simple. Yeah, right. For Logan, there has never been a rule he’s more tempted to break.

The deal is “just friends.” The pretty, confident, and fiercely smart math whiz is fine with pizza, tutoring, and keeping Logan in line. But the closer Jess gets, the more receptive she is to his warm heart and spirit—not to mention his irresistible off-field passes. With defenses down, they’re both heading into the danger zone.

It’s more than thrilling. It’s love. It’s also a game changer that could sideline Logan’s NFL goals—and more important, a future with Jess. But dreams are worth fighting for, right?

My Review

This is a fun, angsty, chemistry-filled college romp! Logan and Jess have both been through some rough things in their pasts, and have both changed in fundamental ways. I liked the depth to their characters and the great banter. There were also things I didn't really get about them, but it made the story interesting even if it prevented me from fully connecting with the characters. There's tons of romantic tension as Logan helps Jess get Ben while falling for her himself, and Jess is slow on the uptake to figure out what she really wants and needs. I love the idea of a valued coach working at a junior college and recruiting players who need a second chance, sending them back into the big leagues more prepared for life.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own. 

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Don't miss the next book in the End of the Line series . . .

Falling in Love Event: Author Sariah Wilson & Giveaway

  

 

 #Moonstruck by Sariah Wilson 

 Over one million “likes”—but only one of them matters. After pop star Ryan De Luna praises Maisy Harrison’s YouTube cover of his classic hit, he offers Maisy and her fledgling band the opportunity of a lifetime: to be his opening act. Music may be Maisy’s life, but she has one ground rule: never date a musician. That goes double for a heartbreaker like Ryan. If only she didn’t feel so vulnerable to his larger-than-life charm. And maybe now more than ever, when he asks for her help to shake off his playboy image. How can she resist playing the part of his fake girlfriend for the duration of the tour? 

Ryan’s never met anyone like Maisy. She sees past all the star-studded fame and treats him like any other guy. And the more time they spend together, the more he finds himself falling for her. Now he’d like to make their imaginary fling an IRL thing. But can he convince her to take a chance and trust him with her heart?

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My feet weren’t cooperating, and neither was Ryan. He stood there, immobilizing me with his hotness. 

“So, uh, thanks again. Especially for earlier with the shoulder. And for, you know, letting me cry all over it.” 

 “My shoulders are available anytime you want. I’ve got two of them.” He sure did. Two amazingly broad, well-sculpted shoulders. That were totally distracting me. 

“Right. I’ll see you tomorrow, probably.” 

“Tomorrow,” he agreed. Before I could talk myself out of it, I moved across the room and felt his gaze on me with every step. Like he was touching me even though he was twelve feet away. 

As I walked down the hallway, I had a serious conversation with myself. Rule #1—never date a musician. That hadn’t changed. I wouldn’t actually date Ryan. I could pretend to, for the sake of his career and my mother, but I wouldn’t let it be more than that. Nothing deep or real. Just a light, mutually beneficial friendship. 

I had to stay strong. Remember my rules. Not fall in love. 

And never, no matter what I wanted, let him kiss me.    

  

“Wilson has mastered the art of creating a romance that manages to be both sexy and sweet, and her novel’s skillfully drawn characters, deliciously snarky sense of humor, and vividly evoked music-business settings add up to a supremely satisfying love story that will be music to romance readers’ ears.” —Booklist (starred review) 

“Making excellent use of sassy banter, hilarious texts, and a breezy style, Wilson’s energetic story brims with sexual tension and takes readers on a musical road trip that will leave them smiling. Perfect as well for YA and new adult collections.” —Library Journal    

     

Author Sariah Wilson 

Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mt. Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soulmate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters--which is why she writes romance. She has published many happily ever after stories. She grew up in southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University (go Cougars!) with a semi-useless degree in history, and is the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children. She currently lives with the aforementioned soulmate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster that is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers). 

    

   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 10/5/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

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Book Release Tour & Giveaway: Royal Design by Sariah Wilson

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Release Celebration for

Royal Design

By Sariah Wilson

ROYAL DESIGN is releasing as a Kindle in Motion ebook. Go to Amazon to see a preview of some of the special video features included. It's so fun! And in case you need a teaser, here is one of the heroine, Bellamy Sullivan:

Learn more below and enter the fabulous giveaway...

Royal Design

(The Royals of Monterra Novella)
by Sariah Wilson
Contemporary Romance

ebook, 217 pages
February 14th 2017 by Montlake Romance

Bellamy Sullivan’s life is hardly regal. She’s a waitress from Ohio who’s been on her own since she was sixteen, working several jobs while her dreams of being a fashion designer stay just that. But everything changes when PR maven and soon-to-be-royal Lemon Beauchamp drops in to announce that Bellamy is a princess. Unfortunately, Bellamy’s newly assigned bodyguard is the last man she wants to see.

A year ago, the royal family of Monterra tasked Enzo Rannalli with confirming Bellamy’s heritage, which meant he had to get very close to her. Enzo got the confirmation he needed, but he didn’t expect their connection to be so meaningful. And he didn’t expect his sudden departure to break the young princess’s heart.

In exchange for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to kick-start her fashion career, Bellamy agrees to star on a royal reality show that will match her with the world’s most eligible bachelors. But after a series of disastrous dates make her even more grateful for Enzo’s company, she wonders if her fairy-tale ending is waiting to happen off camera.

Goodreads│Amazon

The Royals of Monterra Series

Nestled in the Alps between Switzerland and Italy, the small kingdom of Monterra is ruled by a loving and loyal family. Thanks to magical good fortune, the gorgeous and charming royal Fiorellis always know when they have found their true love and partner, and they won’t let anything get in the way of their happily ever after. Along with their friends and extended family members, they travel the world in pursuit of love and adventure. Full of relatable heroines, irresistible heroes, and glamorous backdrops, these sweet modern-day fairy tales offer a perfect romantic escape in a world where money is no object and love conquers all.

— Sariah

Other Books in the Series

  

About the Author

Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mount Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soul mate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance. She grew up in Southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University (go Cougars!) with a semi-useless degree in history, and is the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children. She currently lives with the aforementioned soul mate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster that is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers). Learn more about her and her work at www.sariahwilson.com.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon

Release Celebration Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Ends February 17th

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Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Blind Date Collection by Annette Lyon, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Victorine E. Lieske, Rachel Branton, Sariah Wilson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

THE PROMISE THAT KATY DID, by Annette Lyon
After the death of Sue Ellen, the closest thing she has to family, Katy knows it’s time to leave the house she’s lived in as a guest and start over in the city. She quickly secures a job, but before leaving, she must honor the unusual promise she made to Sue Ellen on her deathbed: meet with Mr. Balmer. The elderly gentleman arranges for his grandson Barrett to escort her to a town dance. That evening, shy Katy quickly feels at ease with her partner. If her new position weren’t taking her from town morning after next, perhaps something could develop between them. But Barrett may not feel the same about her, and besides, they don't enough time to find out. 

A LADY OF SENSE, by Sarah M. Eden
Eleanor Sherwood has lived her entire life under her parents’ thumb with little hope of escape. When they choose the unbearable Mr. Broadstead to be her future husband, she begs her father for another option. He arranges for her to meet Peter Havensham, who quickly proves himself a good and kindhearted gentleman, completely different from Mr. Broadstead, and utterly undeserving of a forced engagement. Eleanor cannot bring herself to prey upon Peter’s honor, but neither can she imagine a life with Mr. Broadstead. What is a lady to do when faced with such an impossible choice? 

A SECOND CHANCE, by Heather B. Moore
Virginia needs a new start in order to recover from her broken marriage and vicious gossips of her neighborhood in Chicago, so when her best friend Millie invites Virginia to Boston, she goes to live with her friend’s family. But when Millie asked Virginia to participate in a double-date, Virginia knows she’s not ready to start dating again. Reluctantly she agrees, only to find out that Max might just be the man who can repair the cracks in her heart.

BRAELYNN’S BLIND DATE, by Victorine E. Lieske
When Braelynn agrees to go on a blind date, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. Tyler is gorgeous and the perfect gentleman. Of course she should have known it was too good to be true. It turns out that Tyler really wasn’t Tyler, but a random stranger who went along with Braelynn’s mistaken assumption. So, she chalks it up to a dumb mistake until she gets to work Monday morning and discovers that her gorgeous blind date is now her new boss. 

BIANCA’S HOPE, by Rachel Branton
A blind-date-gone-wrong is not the way Bianca would have chosen to celebrate the news that she might be losing her business, but saying no to the sister who took care of her after their mother’s death proves impossible. So for one date, one torturous evening, she’ll endure the company of an infuriating, heartless man she has no intention of ever seeing again. She doesn’t expect her heart to have other plans. Bianca soon learns that sometimes the unexpected is not only what you need, it’s exactly what you’ve been waiting for all along. 

BLIND SPOT, by Sariah Wilson
Ria has prepared most of her life to meet her prince, trouble is, her mother keeps yanking her back to reality. So when Ria reads about a country teeming with princes, she drops everything and applies to grad school. But every blind date goes wrong, and while Ria commiserates with her roommate Tessa and Tessa’s totally un-prince-like brother Paolo, Ria discovers that all the things she thought she wanted in a man are far from what she really needs.

My Review

I've never been on a blind date, so it was fun to live vicariously through these characters who bravely take a chance on a stranger. I especially enjoyed all three historical stories since "blind date" seems like more of a modern term, but the concept really isn't all that new. Each novella allowed the reader to quickly get to know the main characters and added a unique twist to the blind date plot. A couple of the contemporary stories were a little over the top, but I look forward to reading more by Victorine E. Lieske and it turns out I have one of her books waiting for me on my Kindle! Seriously, too many books, too little time. I think that's why I love these novella collections so much, they are the perfect quick fix during brief moments of downtime during a busy day or a great way to unwind after the kids are in bed. The Blind Date Collection is a great compilation of sweet romantic stories full of emotion and hope.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)