Showing posts with label All In. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All In. Show all posts

Thursday, 3 June 2021

[Review] A KISS FOR A KISS (All In, #4) by Helena Hunting

Source: Received an egalley to participate in the blog tour,
and also pre-ordered a Kindle version.
Release Date: May 27, 2021

DESCRIPTION

 There’s a small complication.

A beautiful, sexy complication named Hanna.

A Kiss for A Kiss, an all-new second chance-at-love mature adult romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is available now!
I’m Jake Masterson, single dad, and the General Manager of Seattle’s NHL team. I walked away from a career as a player so I could raise my daughter. For the last twenty-plus years, Queenie has been my main priority, but now she’s getting married.

And there’s a small complication.

A beautiful, sexy complication named Hanna.

She’s my son-in-law’s older sister. Or at least that’s how they were raised. The truth is a little more scandalous than that.

I’ve been drawn to her from the moment I laid eyes on her. And I spent months trying to keep a lid on that attraction.

Until we finally give in.

It starts with one searing kiss, but quickly ends with us between the sheets—and in the shower, and the hot tub, you get the picture—and turns into months of sneaking around.

Here’s the problem: we live on opposite ends of the country. It can’t be anything but casual. And as I’ve already said…it’s complicated.

But when Hanna finds out she’s pregnant…suddenly things get real serious. 



Fall in love today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3broHRD
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/AKFAK


REVIEW

As soon as I met Jake and Hanna in A Secret for a Secret, King and Queenie's story, I was hoping and hoping that we would get to read their story someday...and that day has come, and it was sooooo worth the wait!I absolutely adored A Kiss for a Kiss, and Jake and Hanna's chemistry and their story was even more wonderful than I hoped it would be!

First, I loved that we got to see so much of King, Queenie, and the All In characters! I'm a huge fan of Helena Hunting's books in general, but I do have a serious soft spot for her Pucked series and All In series, so I definitely loved that Hanna and Jake fit right in with them! I also just loved Hanna and Jake on their own--they're both such strong characters, so I really respected them, but I also loved seeing them both open up and it was so lovely to see them grow together! As the blurb reveals, there's a later-in-life pregnancy in this one...all of the baby related stuff was very real, which I don't have experience with, but I very much appreciated! I felt so much joy as Hanna and Jake hit milestones and I was so invested in seeing where their life was headed...and I was just so, so happy with how this one wrapped up! It was lovely! I'm hoping we'll still get to see some snippets of these characters as Helena expands on the stories of the Pucked/All In kids...but who knows! haha

Overall, I thought that A Kiss for a Kiss was amazing! It was funny, steamy, and the story and romance were absolutely wonderful! Jake and Hanna had amazing chemistry, their story pulled on all of my heartstrings, and it left me with a huge smile on my face! While Jake and Hanna are a little older than some of Helena Hunting's other main characters, and the issues they faced were a little different than my own personal experiences, I don't think that kept me from connecting with them or loving them at all. I felt for Hanna and Jake so strongly, and I was rooting for them, their relationship, their kids...their love...just EVERYTHING, the entire time! I think that A Kiss for a Kiss is perfect for any contemporary romance fan!

Star Rating:★★★★★


HelenaHuntingAbout Helena Hunting

New York Times
and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy. 
Connect with Helena:

 What do you think?

Does A Kiss for a Kiss sound like a book you'd like?
Any other Helena Hunting super fans out there?

 

Thursday, 27 May 2021

[Release Day] A KISS FOR A KISS (All In, #4) by Helena Hunting



A Kiss for a Kiss by Helena Hunting
Pub Date: May 26, 2021
There’s a small complication.
A beautiful, sexy complication named Hanna.

A Kiss for A Kiss, an all-new second chance-at-love mature adult romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is available now!
I’m Jake Masterson, single dad, and the General Manager of Seattle’s NHL team. I walked away from a career as a player so I could raise my daughter. For the last twenty-plus years, Queenie has been my main priority, but now she’s getting married.

And there’s a small complication.

A beautiful, sexy complication named Hanna.

She’s my son-in-law’s older sister. Or at least that’s how they were raised. The truth is a little more scandalous than that.

I’ve been drawn to her from the moment I laid eyes on her. And I spent months trying to keep a lid on that attraction.

Until we finally give in.

It starts with one searing kiss, but quickly ends with us between the sheets—and in the shower, and the hot tub, you get the picture—and turns into months of sneaking around.

Here’s the problem: we live on opposite ends of the country. It can’t be anything but casual. And as I’ve already said…it’s complicated.

But when Hanna finds out she’s pregnant…suddenly things get real serious. 



Fall in love today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3broHRD
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/AKFAK


HelenaHuntingAbout Helena Hunting

New York Times
and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy. 
Connect with Helena:

I've been eagerly waiting for this one ever since Helena announced it! 

Who else can't wait to get their hands on a copy?

Friday, 14 May 2021

[Cover Reveal] A KISS FOR A KISS by Helena Hunting

★ ★ ★ SURPRISE COVER REVEAL! ★ ★ ★


A KISS FOR A KISS, an all-new second chance-at-love romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is coming May 27th, and today I have the smoking hot cover to share with you all!


Take a look at this!!! :D




Reserve your copy today, exclusively on Amazon!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3broHRD
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/AKFAK

Add A KISS FOR A KISS to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3w4SirW

I’m Jake Masterson, single dad, and the General Manager of Seattle’s NHL team. I walked away from a career as a player so I could raise my daughter. For the last twenty-plus years, Queenie has been my main priority, but now she’s getting married.

And there’s a small complication.

A beautiful, sexy complication named Hanna.

She’s my son-in-law’s older sister. Or at least that’s how they were raised. The truth is a little more scandalous than that.

I’ve been drawn to her from the moment I laid eyes on her. And I spent months trying to keep a lid on that attraction.

Until we finally give in.

It starts with one searing kiss, but quickly ends with us between the sheets—and in the shower, and the hot tub, you get the picture—and turns into months of sneaking around.

Here’s the problem: we live on opposite ends of the country. It can’t be anything but casual. And as I’ve already said…it’s complicated.

But when Hanna finds out she’s pregnant…suddenly things get real serious.


About Helena Hunting

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.



Connect with Helena:

Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list.
 

 
Gah! I absolutely LOVE this cover...it's going to look so good with the All In books, and that description sounds phenomenal!!!!
 
Who else can't wait to read this one?
What do you think of the cover?

Thursday, 21 May 2020

[Review] A SECRET FOR A SECRET (All In #3) by Helena Hunting

Source: Egalley through work/Canadian distributor, Thomas Allen & Son.
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release Date: May 12, 2020
Number of Pages: 304 (Paperback)

DESCRIPTION

From New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting comes a new romance about trading secrets, breaking the rules, and playing for keeps.

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars.

Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.

I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.

Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.

She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.

Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.

And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.
G E T   Y O U R   C O P Y   N O W !
Amazon US | Amazon Canada | Indigo

REVIEW

 

Oh boy, this book was an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it! 

This Book In 5 Words:

Amazing. Sexy. Addictive. Passionate. Phenomenal.

King was absolutely AMAZING...and exactly what I hoped he'd be: a stand-up amazing man, but with a secret edge to him that only came out around his "Queen," our lovely main character, Queenie, who I adored! She was sassy, pure chaos to King's calm, and flawed in a very realistic and authentic way. I loved both her and King to bits! Their chemistry was so, so sexy and they complemented each other in the most wonderful of ways! I loved getting to see their relationship grow! 

Along with loving King and Queenie, I loved seeing so much of the other All In couples (Lainey and RJ, and Bishop and Stevie), and I loved that we saw a lot of Violet, Alex, and their children...makes me very excited for one of Helena's future projects since there are some strong hints to two future novels--as always with Helena Hunting's books, I'm always eagerly waiting for more...I'm greedy like that with my faves. ;)
 

I honestly have nothing, but good things to say about A SECRET FOR A SECRET! I adored this book so, so much! I loved the characters, I loved the romance, and I absolutely loved how the story unraveled! I've yet to meet a Helena Hunting book that I didn't thoroughly enjoy and love, but her All In series is most definitely my favourite so far! Highly recommend it to anyone who loves sports romance, contemporary romances, sexy alpha heroes, and heroines that you can't help wanting to be best friends with! ;)

Star Rating:

★★★★★



What do you think?
Does A SECRET FOR A SECRET sound like a book you'd like?
Have you read any of Helena's books yet?

Tuesday, 11 February 2020

[Review] A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR (All In, #2) by Helena Hunting

Source: Egalley through work/Canadian distributor, Thomas Allen & Son.
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release Date: January 28, 2020
Number of Pages: 302 (Paperback)

DESCRIPTION

From the New York Times bestselling author of Pucked and A Lie for a Lie, a new stand-alone romance about trading favors, battling wills, and winning love.

When I joined Seattle’s NHL expansion team, I thought it was the start of something great. But nothing ever goes the way you expect. Take my introduction to my new neighbor. She came rolling in on the hot mess express at midnight, making a racket while she tried to get into my team captain’s apartment. Did I mention that he’s married to a woman who definitely was not her?

Imagine my surprise when I end up with an injury that has me out of the game for weeks, and she’s the one to offer to help me. I should probably add that she’s not the captain’s mistress. She’s his sexy, pastel-haired younger sister.

So we come up with an arrangement: she rehabs me so that I can get back on the ice sooner, and she can add a professional athlete that isn’t her brother to her client list. Seems simple enough. As long as I can keep my hands to myself and my hormones in check.
G E T   Y O U R   C O P Y   N O W !
Amazon US | Amazon Canada | Indigo

REVIEW

First Impressions...

Wow! I thought A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR was amazing! I absolutely loved Bishop and Stevie! I loved the way that their relationship developed, all of the crazy intense chemistry, and every single moment between them! They were wonderful! I also loved seeing more of RJ and Lainey and some of our favourite Pucked characters. ;) I've been a bigtime Helena Hunting fan for a while now, but this is quickly becoming my favourite series of hers so far!!!

This Book In 5 Words:

Sexy. Funny. Hilarious. Adorable. Exceptional.

As I mentioned, I loved A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR! I thought that Bishop and Stevie were wonderful! Bishop was surly, broody, and so awkward at times, but it was in the most endearing of way. He was also so freaking sweet...and genuinely tried so hard and I really just loved seeing him do his best to support Stevie...it was so sweet! Stevie, on the other hand, was a lot less awkward and definitely not broody. She was sassy, strong, and determined to make her own way. I loved that she was contradictory in many ways, but always managed to stay true to herself. :)

Stevie and Bishop were fantastic apart, but they were even better together and their romance was amazing! It was definitely a slow-burn...but boy was it worth it. I loved how their connection grew even before their romantic relationship ever started. I also loved the animosity between Stevie and Bishop at the start...I wouldn't call it hate, but there was definitely some fiery reactions going (their morning battles were hilarious...and I totally loved all of Bishop's "wardrobe choices" :P). It was clear right from the start that they had some intense chemistry! Once feelings started and things were underway...well bam! Their chemistry was phenomenal and I really loved how compatible they were...I'm honestly super excited just to get to see more of them in the next book now that they're together!!! :D

I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves slow-burn romances, especially if you love sport romances, broody, well-meaning heroes, and sassy, strong heroines!

Star Rating:

★★★★★

Overall, I loved A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR! I thought that the characters were wonderful, the romance was a fantastically sexy and well-developed slow-burn, and the story and side-characters were wonderful--I couldn't put it down! I absolutely ADORED the first book in Helena Hunting's All In series, A LIE FOR A LIE, and I loved this one, so I am ridiculously excited for the third book now, A SECRET FOR A SECRET! RJ and Bishop are amazing...and I just can't wait to see how amazing King is, too! ;D



What do you think?
Does A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR sound like a book you'd like?
Have you read any of Helena's books yet?

Friday, 7 February 2020

[Review] A LIE FOR A LIE (All In, #1) by Helena Hunting

Source: Egalley through work/Canadian distributor, Thomas Allen & Son.
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Number of Pages: 277 (Paperback)

DESCRIPTION

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Pucked series comes a romantic comedy about instant attraction, second chances, and not-so-little white lies.

Sometimes I need an escape from the demands, the puck bunnies, and the notoriety that come with being an NHL team captain. I just want to be a normal guy for a few weeks. So when I leave Chicago for some peace and quiet, the last thing I expect is for a gorgeous woman to literally fall into my lap on a flight to Alaska. Even better, she has absolutely no idea who I am.

Lainey is the perfect escape from my life. My plan for seclusion becomes a monthlong sex fest punctuated with domestic bliss. But it ends just as abruptly as it began. When I’m called away on a family emergency, I realize too late that I have no way to contact Lainey.

A year later, a chance encounter throws Lainey and me together again. But I still have a lie hanging over my head, and Lainey’s keeping secrets of her own. With more than lust at stake, the truth may be our game changer.
G E T   Y O U R   C O P Y   N O W !
Amazon US | Amazon Canada | Indigo

REVIEW

At this point, I've already read A LIE FOR A LIE twice, and both times I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished reading it. I absolutely adored this book!!! It has drama and some angst, but mostly it’s just charming and full of feel-good moments that lure you in and keep you smiling! I'm already chomping at the bit to pick it up and read it all over again--this was without a doubt my top book for 2019 and I loved it so, so much!


This Book In 5 Words:

Heart-warming. Sexy. Sweet. Riveting. Adorable.

RJ and Lainey were absolutely amazing and the romance was steamy, intense, and also so ridiculously adorable in the best possible way! I loved that it’s a spin-off of Helena’s Pucked series (but still works completely as an all-new standalone series), so it was wonderful to get to see some of our favourite Pucked characters, but I also loved meeting Lainey and getting to know our leading man, RJ, better. I'm pretty much always a fan of Helena's leading characters, but I have a serious soft spot for RJ. I love him so, so much. He was sweet, generous, loving, and gives the best safety cuddles. ;) 

If you can't tell already, I basically loved everything about A LIE FOR A LIE. I loved the romance. I loved the story. I loved the way that the story itself was set up--parts of it happen in the past and I thought that Helena did an amazing job in weaving the two storylines together. I also loved the friendships, and getting to see RJ and Lainey grow closer was truly wonderful. I also really, really loved that so much of this story focused on RJ and Lainey getting to know each other, and on how their relationship evolved. We actually get to enjoy a pretty large chunk of the story where we see them bond rather than just face drama and let me tell you...it...is...so refreshing! I can't remember a time before this where you're given a chunk of a book to just savor the actual relationship part of a romance. It was spectacular! :D
 

I'll stop now because I could just go on and on forever about how amazing A LIE FOR A LIE was, so I'll wrap this up and I have to say that I can’t wait to see what happens next in the All In series! I’ve already read (and LOVED) the next book, A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR, and now I'm really looking forward to seeing my new faves in the final book, A SECRET FOR A SECRET!!!

Star Rating:

★★★★★

I highly recommend A LIE FOR A LIE to Helena Hunting fans, sports romance fans, and anyone who loves romances that are full of heartwarming moments that will leave you feeling like you’ve just been given safety cuddles/snuggles and a comforting cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows!



What do you think?

Does A LIE FOR A LIE sound like something you'd enjoy?
Have you read any of Helena Hunting's books yet?

Thursday, 19 December 2019

[Cover Reveal] A SECRET FOR A SECRET (All In, #3) by Helena Hunting


I've loved a lot of books this year, but I do have one definite top favourite and it's Helena Hunting's A Lie for A Lie! It was emotional, heartwarming, and so incredibly touching! I loved every single part of it and I think if I let myself that I would just reread it over and over!

A Lie for a Lie came out in October and the sequel, A Favor for a Favor, comes out in January 2020. I've read it, too, and I loved it so much!!! I loved both books so much, and today I'm so excited because I get to share the gorgeous cover for the third book, A Secret for a Secret...and you guys, I love it so much! I basically just love everything about this series, and I want this book in my hands like yesterday! ;) haha

Alright, I'll stop teasing you all, so here it is!

.

.

.

A SECRET FOR A SECRET
Series: All In, #3
Author: Helena Hunting
Release Date: May 12, 2020
Publisher: Montlake Romance

DESCRIPTION:

From New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting comes a new romance about trading secrets, breaking the rules, and playing for keeps.

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars. Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.

I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.

Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.

She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.

Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.

And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.

P R E - O R D E R   N O W :

See all of the All In series covers altogether *heart eyes*:



Find out more about A Secret for a Secret on Helena's website →

Add the first two books on Goodreads:

About the Author

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance with all the feels to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.


I love all of Helena Hunting's book covers...and her books, and I definitely love the cover for A Secret for a Secret, too! King loooks AMAZING and it makes me even more excited to get his story! And I absolutely love all three of these books side-by-side...I can't wait to see them all in person!!! :D

What do you think?
Any other bigtime Helena Hunting fans?

Friday, 15 September 2017

Review: THE FINAL SCORE (Play by Play #13) by Jaci Burton

 
Source: Received an egalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Berkley Books
Release Date: September 12. 2017
Number of Pages: 352 (Paperback)

DESCRIPTION  

In the new Play-by-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Rules of Contact, a star quarterback is torn between his love of the game--and the woman who may be the love of his life.

Nathan Riley is ready to follow in the footsteps of his famous football player father. He's been drafted as quarterback for his dad's former team, and his future is bright. When his friend Mia Cassidy moves to the same city, their years-long friendship suddenly sparks hot, reminding him of the one night they had together in college that he can never forget.

Like Nathan, Mia is from a sports dynasty family and embarking on an incredible new career--as founder of her own sports management company. Her friendship with Nathan means everything to her, and tossing sex into the mix again could jeopardize it. But the chemistry between them has always sizzled, and it isn't long before Mia realizes she wants more with Nathan than just late-night talks and pizza.

Passion has a funny way of changing the rules, and soon Nathan and Mia discover that to win it all, they'll have to make an unexpected play for love.
P U R C H A S E    L I N K S:

Indigo | Amazon | Amazon.ca | iBooks | Kobo | B&N

About the Author

JACI BURTON is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 70 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, book information and contests.
Connect to Jaci: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Tumblr

REVIEW

I've been a HUGE fan of Jaci Burton's Play By Play series since the very first book, The Perfect Game, and I've loved every single book in the series so far! I've absolutely LOVED seeing her build up the Riley family, the Cassidy family and every other amazing character in between! We started with Mick and Tara in the first book...and now in THE FINAL SCORE we're making our way back to them with their son, Nathan...and his love interest happens to be Mia, the only daughter in the Cassidy family! We've met her four older brothers and seen them all find love, so it was absolutely wonderful to come back to see her budding romance with Nathan! Even better, I'm love friends-to-lovers romances and Jaci did an amazing job with this one!

If you're new to the Play by Play series, you won't necessarily know the backstory for a lot of these characters, but don't worry, you won't be spoiled if you decide to pick it up now! You'll see who they're with, but with Jaci's books, the stories of how they got there are really what make them all so wonderful. Of course, if you start here,  you're going to love it, and then you'll desperately want to get your hands on all of the books that came before this one...so don't say I didn't warn you! That being said, don't let the fact that this is a bigger series stop you from picking it up. Jaci Burton's romances are phenomenal, and if you're a contemporary romance fan at all, I seriously can't recommend her books enough. I read A LOT of romance, and Jaci Burton is an absolute favourite of mine! Her books are on my auto-buy list (especially her Play by Play series!!!), and she also happens to be the romance author that got me obsessed with sports romances in the first place!

If you're a fan of sexy stories with a whole lot of heart, then Jaci Burton is absolutely for you! Her characters are amazing! In the 13 books (and several novellas) that make up the Play by Play series, I have yet to run into any repetitive storylines or to feel like her characters are copies of each other! The characters, the stories...and even the sexy scenes, are all incredibly unique and she manages to keep her writing fresh no matter how far along in the series you get! I was actually a bit worried when I first heard about THE FINAL SCORE because I thought it was the last book in series and I didn't want her series to be finished yet (I don't think I ever will!)....don't worry though, it isn't! There's already another book planned for February 2018 called SHOT ON GOLD...and I can't wait to read it, too!

Somehow...despite being smitten with Jaci's books for years this is the first time that I've actually reviewed one on my blog, so I hope you don't blame me for gushing about how awesome she is before talking specifically about THE FINAL SCORE! ;)

As should come as no surprise by how much I've already raved about Jaci Burton in this review, I've loved every single book in her Play by Play series! I'd be hard pressed to ever pick a favourite, but for right now (until the next book comes that is ;D), THE FINAL SCORE is sitting right at the top of my list! Nathan and Mia were phenomenal main characters, and I loved getting to know them better! I also adored their dynamics together. As I mentioned, I love romances that are friends-to-lovers, so I was a huge fan of how their story developed. They were so open and honest with each other, and their chemistry was off the charts! All of the books in this series are sexy, but WOW! Mia and Nathan had hot enough chemistry that I thought my kindle might just overheat. ;)

Overall, I loved THE FINAL SCORE! It's the perfect addition to an already amazing sports romance series, and I can't wait for Jaci Burton's next book...SHOT ON GOLD!



Any other sports romance fanatics out there?
Have you read any of Jaci Burton's books yet?
If you have, do you have a favourite (I know! Impossible to choose :P)?
If not, have I convinced you to pick one up yet?

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Book Blitz: All In by Marta Brown -- Excerpt & Giveaway!





All In by Marta Brown
Publication date: May 28th 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:
On the picturesque island of Martha's Vineyard, there are two kinds of residents. Locals and Stays.

Local boy, Lane McCarthy, plans on spending his summer working at the country club to save money for college in the fall, while summer stay, Ashley Whitmore, and her elite group of friends are only there to play.

As the summer heat goes up on the island, so does the ante, when both Lane and Ashley must decide what they’re willing to wager in order to follow their dreams… and their hearts.

With stakes as high as the surf, and hopes as high as the midday sun, will they risk everything and go all in?
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17858795-all-in
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble



AUTHOR BIO

Marta Brown grew up in the Pacific Northwest and was a teenager when Doc Martens, Pearl Jam and flannel were the norm and Dylan loved Kelly forever (Beverly Hills, 90210 shout out).

She still lives just outside Seattle, now with her husband and cat, and loves the rain.

When she’s not writing about cute boys, first kisses and the magic and wonder of being seventeen, she’s watching The CW. And she sleeps in. Late.

EXCERPT

Ashley

His head is down as he crosses the private section of the beach, staying close to the water’s edge but avoiding the moving tide.
“Lane,” I call out over the noise of the party and the waves, but he doesn’t seem to hear me, so I call his name again, this time louder. “Hey, Lane.” He glances up and scans the party, squinting before finally seeing me. A smile flashes across his face. I smile back as I approach him, my flip flops kicking up sand behind me.
“Hi,” I say. My drink, mostly untouched, sloshes and spills over the lip of the cup when I stop in front of him.
“Looks like you’re having fun.” He nods at my drink and then up at the party.
“I actually just got here. I’m glad you came.” I feel my cheeks heat up, and I’m relieved it’s dark enough that he can’t see. “I think Andrew’s around here somewhere.” I look over my shoulder to point Lane in the right direction.
“Ah, no thanks. I think I’ll steer clear of your kind of parties,” he says, shoving his hands in the pockets of his cargo shorts.
“What do you mean my kind of parties?”
“Nothing, never mind.” He kicks at the sand and looks uncomfortable.
“Oh no.” I cover my mouth with my hand. “Did you get in trouble last night when the cops showed up?”
“Yeah, thanks to your boyfriend,” he says with a sneer that makes me take a step back.
My boyfriend?
“I’m not sure what his deal is, but he’s a serious dick.” Lane’s jaw is tight, and there’s not a hint of joking in his tone.
“Gregory?” I ask wide eyed. Why would he think Gregory is my boyfriend? I have a flash of Greg and I at lunch together looking very much like a couple and then again at the bluffs when he gave me his coat, something a boyfriend would do. Oh.
“He is definitely not my boyfriend,” I say seriously. “He’s my ex, if you can even call it that. We dated for like a second, but it was never very serious.” Why am I telling him all this? Stop rambling, Ashley. I dig my toes into the sand. “But you’re right about one thing. He is a dick.” I give Lane a playful grin and watch the light from the bonfire bounce off his features as his jaw loosens and a tentative smile spreads across his face.
From a distance, I hear Gregory’s voice, and when I glance over my shoulder, he’s stumbling our direction, obviously drunk and completely uninvited.
“Speak of the devil.” I roll my eyes and that makes Lane smile bigger.
“The rest of the staff is over there,” Gregory slurs, pointing to the tent where the cater waiters are busy putting out more hors d'oeuvres. Lane ignores his snide remark, never taking his eyes off of me.
“It was nice seeing you again, but I gotta go,” Lane says, and I’m immediately disappointed that he’s leaving.
“Are you sure?” I look down at my feet and try to garner enough nerve to ask him not to go. “Stay,” I say so softly it comes out as more of a whisper when I look back up at him.
He peers over his shoulder across the small peninsula to the lighthouse then back at me. “I’m sorry, I can’t…I…I have to work.” He looks genuinely disappointed, and I wonder if he knows I am too. “But hopefully I’ll see you around, okay?” He gives me a smile that makes my knees go weak before taking off down the beach. In the faint light coming off of the fire, I see him glance back at me before he cuts across the sandy peninsula and disappears into the shadows of tall sea grass.


Lane
He’s not her boyfriend.
I shake my head to clear my mind before I steal one last glance over my shoulder at her as I walk away, but it’s on a loop, and it’s all I can think. He’s not her boyfriend.
I shake my head again, this time to snap myself out of it. There’s no way a girl like that would go for a guy like me anyway. Would she? I shut my eyes and replay the way she looked at me through her long dark lashes, softly asking me to stay, causing my stomach to knot.
“He’s not her boyfriend,” I say out loud at the door of the lighthouse. I pull my keys from my pocket as the sounds of the party float through the otherwise quiet night, and I feel a stupid grin spread across my face despite the rude remarks I just got from that ass-hat Gregory. Seriously, when will the ‘help’ jokes get old?
“Let go. You’re hurting me,” a girl yelps from down the beach. I spin around and from the light coming off the bonfire I can see Gregory’s hand is wrapped around Ashley’s arm, and she’s wincing in pain.
Without a thought, I drop my keys to the ground and take off running, reaching them in seconds. “Let her go,” I yell. My fists ball tight, ready to make him if I have to.
“Mind your own business, loser,” Gregory snarls back as he jerks Ashley by the arm eliciting another cry.
“Lane,” Ashley says, struggling against his grip, fear on her face.
I lunge forward and grab Gregory’s arm, yanking him away from her with a force that surprises even me. “I said Let. Her. Go.”
Ashley falls to the ground when Gregory releases his hold, rubbing her arm in pain. I kneel down and brush the hair from her face, searching for any other signs of injury as adrenaline pounds in my veins.
 “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I promise,” she says, our eyes locked with one another. “Thank you.”
“Come to save the damsel in distress,” Gregory says in a patronizing tone, looking down his nose at me. Convinced Ashley’s alright; I jump up and face him. He’s poised and ready for a fight, and that makes two of us. “You do know the peasant doesn’t get the girl, right? The prince does.”
I can’t stop the laugh that comes out of me. “Are you serious right now?” Who does this guy think he is? “Dude, when a girl’s screaming to be let go, it’s a pretty good indicator that she doesn’t want you, prince or not.”
I hear a light snickering from behind me before I see that a small crowd has gathered around and is watching us intently. I’m surprised they haven’t all started chanting ‘fight’ by the way they look on like we’re simply the entertainment for the evening.
 “You know what? She can slum it all she wants with you. She’s nothing but an uptight frigid tease anyway. Good luck getting into her pants,” Gregory says, wearing an arrogant smirk, his arms crossed leisurely across his chest like he’s just landed a fatal blow.
My vision goes red. He’s about to find out exactly how a real blow feels. To the face.


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Oooh...I already wanted to read this one, but after that excerpt, I know that I need to now! :D

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