Friday Fun Facts: A Review of Reckless by Jessi Gage

OK gang, as I promised, I'm reading and reviewing all the books in the Passionate Kisses Boxed Set, and today's feature is Reckless by the lovely Jessi Gage:

Sometimes it takes a miracle to find forgiveness.

Divorced construction worker Derek has anger management issues. Acting rashly on the freeway, he causes an accident. His truck escapes unscathed, but he can’t say the same for his conscience. Visions of the wreck haunt his dreams, but they’re always followed by the sweet caresses and soothing words of a beautiful woman who calls to everything male in him. 

As Cami recovers, she learns that Derek is not only real but also the driver charged with causing her accident. She should be furious with him, but their inexplicable nights together showed her a tender side beneath his rough exterior. Will she let one reckless mistake drive them apart, or will forgiveness have the right of way?

This was a terrific read! Above all else, I loved the originality of the story line. Derek meets Cami, his "Dream Girl," literally in the middle of the night, due to a strange phenomenon that connects them but only when she's on his bed (love it!) and only between the hours of midnight and five a.m. This is "light paranormal," and although I usually don't read this genre, I ended up just loving Reckless. The mystery that Gage sets up, and the conflict that begins the entire story in chapter one, compels you to read on. The relationship here builds naturally and romantically as the story progresses. Both characters are real and flawed, especially our hero Derek (he really is the center piece of this story, as he learns to forgive his past mistakes). Minor characters are well developed but don't take away from the romance, and the sex scenes are well-written but not heavy-handed. And the ending is just perfect in the way it resolves all questions. I loved this book and will definitely read more by Jessi Gage!

Don't forget readers, this is one of 10 sizzling contemporary romances in the Passionate Kisses set, still available for only $0.99! 

Writer's Wednesday: Who Wants to Read an ARC?

I'm super-excited that the first novella in my Cocktail Cruse series will be releasing in 2 short weeks!! I posted about this on my Facebook page, but if you didn't see it, you can have the chance to read Tequila Sunrise before the general public, if you'd like to post a review on its release day, July 21! Now, it's shorter than a full-length novel, about 1/3 of the length, in case you don't have a lot of time (and who does, right??)

Here to whet your appetite are the blurb and an excerpt. If you're interested in getting your hands on an Advance Reader Copy (ARC), leave me a comment or email me at allieb@allieboniface.com!

BLURB:

Recently dumped by her long-time boyfriend because she wasn’t thin enough, Louise Jamison wants to let loose and find love (or at least great sex) on board a romantic singles’ cruise. When she meets the man of her dreams at a speed dating event, Lou believes she’s struck gold.

Toby DeMarco is too busy building his new construction business to get involved in a serious relationship. He only goes on the four-day cruise because his best friend’s family owns the line and his sister works on it, so he got a great deal. He plans to relax, rejuvenate and maybe find a woman to pass the time with. But when he meets the luscious Louise, his heart's a goner and all bets are off.

A few days of romance are jeopardized when Louise learns that the cruise line’s matchmaking service assigns partners based on looks and weight. Mortified by this unethical business practice, she takes to social media and makes national headlines. But the publicity is hurting Toby’s family and friends – and family means everything to Toby.

Will Toby be able to convince Lou that true love exists beyond numbers, before it’s too late?

EXCERPT:

Lou turned away from the speed dating crowd and stared outside, where the sun was just beginning to slip toward the ocean. For a moment she wished she were one of the birds on the horizon, soaring and dipping far above the water. Carefree. Removed.

“Gorgeous, isn’t it?”

She froze. That voice. A tanned elbow touched hers. Spicy cologne sent her hormones rocketing. In slow motion, she turned. And bit her bottom lip. And tried to remember how to breathe. Well, there you are. Chocolate brown eyes caught and held hers. A smile, framed on one side by that deep dimple, sent something sinfully wonderful squiggling straight down to the pit of her stomach. Lower, actually, to a spot below her stomach that hadn’t felt anything in months.

“Hi. I’m Toby.”

Lou’s entire world splintered, and it was all she could do not to drop her drink and dive into his arms. Maybe Charming Hearts hadn’t been a bad idea after all. 

Monday Mentionables: Happy Anniversary!

Today is a shout-out to my husband of 13 years as of yesterday :) Happy Anniversary! We always try to buy each other gifts that match the Themes By Year, but some years it's harder than others. 13 = either lace or fur. Hmm. Okay, that was fairly easy for him to buy, but how on earth was I supposed to find something appropriate for HIM? Let's just say that I ended up getting something that would make us both happy (here's a great recipe for lacy oatmeal cookies, by the way)

What about you, my married friends? Do you buy each other gifts for your wedding anniversary? Do you follow the "themes" or do what you want? Have you ever forgotten your anniversary?