Holding Aces by Nikki Groom ♥ 5 Star Review & Release Blitz

Title: Holding Aces (The Kingdom #1)

Author: Nikki Groom

Release Date: May 29th 2014

Genre: Adult contemporary romance

5 Star Review

When I was offered the chance to review this book, I was on the fence. My thought was a book the deals with Vegas and Casinos just not my typical choice of a good read. I was dead wrong and very glad that I took the chance. This was one of the best reads I’ve had this year. Funny, hot as ever and keeps you on the edge of your seat ( just the way I like a book). The emotion that you experience in this book are amazing!

The plot is great and let me warn you there is a cliff hanger, as you all know I use to didn’t like them but now I love them. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to get here!

You are going to fall head over heal in love with Denham!

Blurb

They say that time heals all wounds.
But mine are set in so deeply, they’ve taken on a life of their own, lurking in the shadows at every turn and haunting my thoughts.

The girl I once was has been replaced by a stranger.
I don’t even know who I am anymore.

I run.
And I hide.
Pretending to be someone I’m not…

Until I meet Denham King.
My burst of color in an otherwise grey world.
And for the first time in my life, I find myself running towards someone instead of running away.

But fate can be cruel,
and I can’t escape my past.
Can I?

**Holding Aces is part one of a two part Adult Contemporary Romance series that contains mature sexual content and language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.**

Buy the Book

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | B&N | IBooks

Excerpt

Denham greets the croupier and guides me gently with a hand on my waist to one of the available seats. He stands behind me and leans down to speak softly. “You’ve played before?”

His breath tickles my ear and I swallow noisily. “Yes.”

He nods to the croupier who is waiting attentively, Denham holds up one finger and a small stack of red chips is pushed across the smooth green felt toward me.

“Red or black?”

I spin my head around to him. “You want me to choose?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t want to lose your money.”

“You won’t. I feel lucky.” He shrugs.

“Okay, I call red. No wait, black. Put one on black,” I say, getting more excited by the second but also nervous with the pressure of gambling with someone else’s money.

He steps forward and slides the entire stack onto the large square marked BLACK. I pull at his free arm in a panic, but I can’t deny that this is exciting. “No! I said one. Put one on black.”

He leans in so he’s just millimeters from my ear and whispers, “I’m all or nothing, sweetheart. When I do something, I do it with everything I’ve got.”

“No more bets,” the croupier calls and the moment is broken.

About the Author

Nikki Groom is a hopeless romantic, lover of all things happily ever after and firm believer that love makes the world go around.
In her spare time, you will find Nikki laughing with her very treasured family, walking with her beloved dog in the hundred acre wood or curled up in a cosy corner with words and wine.
She lives in East Sussex with her husband and two children. Having turned her hand to many things over the years, Nikki is now proud to add ‘author’ to that list.
Having always been a dreamer, Nikki’s imagination stretches far and wide, which enables her to get lost in faraway places and imaginary people.

Nikki loves to chat, especially about books! You can find her here…

Facebook | Twitter | Email | Booktropolous Social | Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Of Happiness By Olivia Luck ~ 5 Star Review

Title: Of Happiness

Author: Olivia Luck

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 12, 2014

I could not put this book down. I love a book that keeps me in suspense and questioning what is going to happened next. Harris & Eddie’s story is going to give you whiplash! Just when you think you have it figured out where it going to take you, your thrown on a new path! This story plot never has a boring moment. There was so many ways this story could have gone. If you love books that keep you on the edge this one is going to do that for you.

Harris is living with a regret from the past, never truly getting over it. Eddie has never felt like she belonged. They come together feeling it was meant to be and then have the rug pulled out from under them.

Synopsis

“Now that I have you, I’m never letting you go.”

Edith Neff relocated to Chicago to capture her own piece of happiness. Now bombarded with more change than she knows how to manage, Eddie struggles to pick of the pieces of her torn heart and decimated friendship.

Standing in the middle of a sidewalk while her (ex?) boyfriend Harris Grant pleads for forgiveness, Eddie’s at a loss what to do next. So when her estranged father provides a lifeline – she has no option than to take his offer.

But Harris won’t let Eddie go without a fight. He’ll use whatever tactics necessary to win back his girl. While Eddie and Harris find their way back together, darkness lurks, unwilling to relent on destroying their relationship. Permanently.

Note: Of Happiness is the sequel to In Pursuit. Content intended for readers 18+.

Buy The Book

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes And Noble

About The Author

Olivia Luck lives in the middle of America with her loving husband and her obsession with writing. She wrote her first romance novel at age eight. When she’s not reading, editing, or writing, you can find her in the kitchen learning to cook. Olivia loves to travel and spend time with her family. Get in touch with Olivia, she adores emails: olivialuckauthor@gmail.com And if you’re on social media, you can find her there too:

Facebook | Twitter |Goodreads |Blog

Excerpt

“And who do we have here?” she murmurs. Harris’ head snaps up and he twists his body around, his expressive gray eyes filled with confusion. Somehow, I speak up. “I’ve come to collect my things. I’m moving out.” “Edith.” The word comes out on a defeated exhale. With a beseeching gaze, Harris stands up and takes a halting step toward us, then pauses, shoving his hands into his jean pockets. “Good,” Claire says with a faux smile on her face. “But won’t you introduce us to your handsome friend?” My dad clears his throat. “I’m Ed’s father. We’ll be out of your way shortly.” He angles backward to look at me. “Go ahead,” he tells me like he wants me to leave the room. What could he possibly need to say to them? “Little mouse never told me the daddy that doesn’t love her is a hottie.” A rumbling noise escapes from Harris. “Claire!” he snaps. Did she really just say that? Now my anxiety is falling behind a very different, raw emotion—fury. “Look, Claire.” I release the suitcase in my hand and skirt around my father, moving closer to the couch. My eyes stay on her, ignoring everything else in the room. If I don’t focus on my resentment toward Claire, I might unwittingly reveal my broken heart. That’s not why I came here. “I can’t live with the lies and the games anymore. This place is unhealthy for me, and I’m not going to let you manipulate me anymore. I want to move out and move on. Could you just tell me what I owe you?” “Move out and move on.” Claire pulls a face as she mimics my words. “Ed,” my dad snaps, drawing my attention away from Claire. “Get started. I’ll handle the rest.” “Dad—” “Go.” His uses a razor-sharp tone, leaving no room for argument. With my marching orders, my eyes flicker to Harris. He clenches his fists, and wears a mask of thunder directed at his sister. Where was that anger yesterday?

In Pursuit On Sale For $0.99!– Synopsis

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes And Noble

Synopsis

Eddie Neff needs space. Not the type that country stars croon about, but physical distance from her emotionally distant father and the tatters of a broken relationship. So when the opportunity to relocate her life and interior design business arises, the answer comes easily.

Adjusting to life with Claire, her gregarious new roommate, is more than simply testing comfort limits. With just one meeting, Eddie finds herself unable to resist the draw of Harris Grant, Claire’s brooding and overprotective older brother.

Harris doesn’t fit her idea of a safe relationship. He pushes Eddie to face her deepest insecurities and fears of abandonment. And Harris holds on to his own painful loss, unable to overcome personal demons.

Eddie and Harris must learn to conquer their internal struggles. But as they navigate their new love, outside forces fight to drive them apart.

Playlist

https://play.spotify.com/user/12138617661/playlist/3GhxjzhguJjEpn8T5COoVL

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Inflamed By Tessa Teevan ~ Release Day

Title: Inflame (Explosive #3)

Author: Tessa Teevan

Release Date: May 12, 2014

Synopsis

Easy going soldier Kale Montgomery, a self-proclaimed ladies man, has no plans of settling down, especially not with his best friend- the sexy, sassy schoolteacher Lucy Dawson. Their relationship, though unconventional, is mutually beneficial, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Friends with benefits? Casual lovers? Whatever you want to call it, they’re having fun, in and out of bed, and to them, that’s all that matters. At least that’s what they think, but how long can you spend in someone’s bed before you find they’re also infiltrating your heart?

As their casual fling with no strings attached progresses, it’s not long before they realize they’re both in way over their heads. One fateful night changes their lives forever in ways they could never have imagined, giving them the push to finally admit that maybe, just maybe they want more than they’ve let on. Their mutual attraction rapidly intensifies as it shifts from burning lust to unrelenting want, need, and possibly even love. Suddenly the idea of settling down doesn’t seem so bad. In fact, it sounds pretty damn perfect.

Just when things seem to be falling into place, past pain and renewed insecurities rise to the surface and threaten to smother the flames of their passionate relationship, reminding them both why they’ve always kept the idea of love at arm’s length. Will Kale and Lucy realize that what they’ve been waiting for is each other, or will the blazing whirlwind of their feelings burn out too quickly, causing it to all go up in smoke?

Excerpt

She looks me over, and I love the fact that she’s checking me out. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to her, but I am, and I want to get to know her better, at least where the bedroom’s concerned. Eventually, she extends her hand, and I give a firm handshake, the kind she wanted when we first met. “Please, Kale, call me Lucy.”

Shaking her hand, I say it out loud. “Lucy. I like it.”

“That’s fortunate since I’m stuck with it. Okay, Montgomery. As much as I love flirting with a hot ass soldier in the parking lot of an elementary school, I’ve got to get going. Maybe I’ll see you around?”

She starts to walk away, but I grab her hand, reeling her back in. I’m not ready for her to go, yet I don’t want to seem like some crazy stalker guy.

“Can I see you again? You know, outside of an elementary school?” I ask, my eyes bearing down into hers, begging for her to say yes.

She hesitates, and I’m afraid she’s about to say no when she finally responds. “I don’t date. I’m not looking for anything serious, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I’m the wrong girl.”

My cock practically sings at her words. A no strings attached relationship with a hot teacher right before I deploy? I couldn’t have asked for better luck.

“I don’t do relationships, either, Lucy. I just want to get to know you and to have some fun. No feelings, no strings, no nothing,” I tell her, and watch as a look of relief washes over her.

She starts digging in her purse and I watch as she scribbles something on a piece of paper before hanging it to me. “Number’s right there. Call me when you’re feeling adventurous,” she says. Before I can say anything, she spins around and swiftly walks away, leaving me to wonder just how adventurous she can be.

Buy the Book

Inflame (Explosive #3)

Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Amazon AU

Ignite (Explosive #1)

SALE for 99¢ for a limited time

Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Incinerate (Explosive #2)

Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK

About the Author

I’m a twenty six year old book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats.

If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.

Connect with Tessa

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email | Goodreads

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway