Susan's Review of Going Down Easy by Erin Nicholas -Boys of the Big Easy Book #1

Let the good times roll. Tourists flock to New Orleans for jazz, culture, bourbon, and food. In the French Quarter, you’ll also find the sexiest and most deliciously hot guys in the city. They charm with easy grins, and their slow, deep kisses turn into nights that are hotter than a crawfish boil. But these guys would rather steal a heart than break it. Set against the colorful patois culture of N’Awlins, Erin Nicholas’s sizzling series shows just how the Big Easy turns up the heat, creating an irresistible jambalaya of spicy-hot nights, mischief, and even love.

As far as flings go, single dad Gabe Trahan is pretty sure that Addison Sloan is his best bet. Once a month, Addison comes to New Orleans and then . . . It. Is. On. Until Addison returns to New York, it’s just hot, happily-no-strings-attached sex. And beignets. And jazz. But lately for Gabe, it isn’t nearly enough. Sure, maybe Addison’s gotten a bit hooked on Gabe. After all, who can resist a guy who’s so sexy, so charming, and so . . . available? But maybe he’s too available for her right now. Addison’s just moved to New Orleans, and relationships are definitely off the table. Besides, guys always bail when they learn her secret: she’s a single mom.

Only Gabe’s not running. Worse, he’s thrilled. But Addison never signed up for ever-after romance, and Gabe won’t settle for anything less. Now it’s a battle of wills—and when it comes to the woman he’s falling for, Gabe isn’t above playing a little dirty.


About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters. Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

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Going Down Easy captivated me from the first page! I ADORED Gabe Trahan the romantic, smooth talking, charming hero. Addison Sloan and Gabe spend one weekend a month together in Gabe’s home town of New Orleans. Their chemistry sizzles from day one. They have sex, eat beignets and listen to jazz and have more sex. They don’t talk to each other between visits and really don’t know that much about each other. Gabe realizes that saying goodbye to Addison is getting harder – and that maybe, just maybe, he is falling for her.

Gabe and his brother Logan have hired Monroe & LeBlanc, an architectural firm to restore Trahan’s, their family tavern. They arrive at the firm for a meeting and Gabe sees Addison in the hallway. Gabe is surprised to learn that Addison has been hired by the firm. And even more surprised to learn that she wants to end their relationship. Addison believes she has the perfect way to send Gabe running—she has a 5 year old daughter. Gabe is thrilled because he has a 5 year old son! I laughed so hard because I could hear the happiness in Gabe’s voice and see the frightened, stunned look on Addison’s face!

I loved Gabe’s determination to win Addison. He wants a happily ever after with Addison. He sends her a basket of pralines and includes an invitation to a single parent support group meeting. Addison is surprised when Gabe enters the room. I loved Gabe’s heartfelt confession to the group and how Addison took it in. Everyone in the room knew Gabe was seeing someone and offered him advice on how to get her back. This scene was well written and I knew, despite what she verbalized, Addison had strong feelings for Gabe.

Erin Nicholas balances Addison and Gabe’s sexy times with the demands and pressures of being a single parent. Addison is raising Stella on her own. She has more of a hands off approach and encourages Stella to try new things. Gabe has entire support system help him raise his son Cooper. He lives with his mom and brother and everyone pitches in for Cooper. Through the parent support group the theme of what makes a good parent is explored. I loved the scene when Cooper snuggled up to Addison at the support group family night and when Stella explained to Addison why she wants to buy Cooper a flashlight. Both scenes were perfectly written and important to the storyline on multiple levels. In my opinion, this storyline choice moves the novel from a good to an excellent read.

Going Down Easy is a sensuous, emotional story infused with love and family. Erin Nicholas successfully blends challenging social concerns with a romantic love story. The fun, fresh honest dialogue and the supporting characters are relatable and add depth to this opposites attract romance. I liked that there were several unexpected plot twists that challenged Gabe and Addison. The conclusion was perfect full of love and surprises!

If you enjoy authors Laura Trentham Debbie Mason and Samantha Chase—you will adore this book! Gabe is my kind of hero—a bigger than life, charming man with blue eyes who does the laundry!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Publisher

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Praise for Going Down Easy “This series debut from Nicholas provides equal parts sex and sweetness as Gabe and Addison succumb to their incredible chemistry while attempting to fit the puzzle pieces of their lives together.” —Library Journal “Nicholas pairs New Orleans native Gabe Trahan with New York restoration architect Addison Sloan in this clever, scorching contemporary…This mature, richly characterized story balances intense erotic desire with emotional growth and mutual support.” —Publishers Weekly

GOING DOWN EASY by Erin Nicholas
Montlake Romance | On sale August 28, 2018
Paperback ISBN: 978-1503900660 | $9.99 US | 240 pages | Ebook ASIN: B075QFTR18 | $3.99 US

Susan's review of Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James

The richest bachelor in England plays matchmaker…for an heiress he wants for himself!

For beautiful, witty Lavinia Gray, there's only one thing worse than having to ask the appalling Parth Sterling to marry her: being turned down by him.

Now the richest bachelor in England, Parth is not about to marry a woman as reckless and fashion-obsessed as Lavinia; he's chosen a far more suitable bride.

But when he learns of Lavinia's desperate circumstances, he offers to find her a husband. Even better, he'll find her a prince.

As usual, there's no problem Parth can't fix. But the more time he spends with the beguiling Lavinia, the more he finds himself wondering…

Why does the woman who's completely wrong feel so right in his arms?

The attraction between socialite Lavinia Gray and business man Parth Sterling has been sizzling since the first book in the Wilde series. The couple bickers constantly. Parth believes that Lavinia is a vapid socialite who collects bonnets; while she tells Parth he is rude and calls him “appalling Parth”. Even though Parth and Lavinia claim they don’t like each other-they can’t stay away from each other.

Lavinia has discovered that her mother has stolen her inheritance. Lady Gray spent the dowry and took Lavinia’s jewelry and her niece Diana’s emeralds sold them and replaced them with copies. Lavinia decides to marry a wealthy man and proposes to Parth who turns her down flat. However, he does offer to find her a husband! This well- written scene had me laughing out loud and drew me into the novel.

Lavinia eye for color, fabric and fashion earns her a paying job at Felton’s fabric shop. Lavinia has been tasked with designing the future Duchess of Lindow’s wedding gown and trousseau and the gowns for the entire Wilde family. Lavinia becomes immersed in her job designing and sewing the gowns needed for North and Diana’s wedding. She is able to repay some of her mother’s debts. Parth‘s feelings toward Lavinia change when he acknowledges Lavinia’s talent as a designer and his desire for her. I adored the scene when Parth brings Lavinia to the castle’s solar. This scene is touching, emotional and perfectly written.

Eloisa James weaves several important themes in Borne to be Wilde. She carefully balances Lavinia’s desire to earn her own dowry and payback her mother’s creditors with Parth’s overwhelming desire to solve her financial issues. Ms. James also weaves in Lady Gray’s addiction to laudanum, Lord Jeremy’s PSTD and North and Diana’s wedding into the plot. I adored all of the characters in the novel; especially the pragmatic Lady Knowe.

Eloisa James has written a fabulous romance; it’s emotional, poignant and the dialogue is fabulous. This romance captivated me because it was so much fun to see this couple fall in deeply in love! I adore Ms. James’ epilogues and this one was perfect especially the last sentence!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased from Amazon

Susan's Review of Bayside Heat by Melissa Foster

Bayside is bring the HEAT in this sexy, fun and
oh-so romantic friends-to-lovers romance!

BAYSIDE HEAT

Bayside Summers #3

Melissa Foster

Releasing Aug 8, 2018

World Literary Press

Drake Savage has always done the right thing, especially where beautiful and fiercely determined Serena Mallery is concerned—even when it means keeping his feelings for her to himself. Serena has always wanted more than what their small town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts has to offer, and Drake’s roots are so deeply entrenched in the Cape, it’s all he can do to watch her pack up her life and move away.

Serena has always had big dreams. As a teenager she dreamed of becoming an interior designer and marrying smart, musically inclined, sexy-as-sin Drake Savage. Now she’s finally landed a killer job with a top interior design firm, but though she has spent the last four years working side by side with Drake, he’s never made a move. Four years is long enough for her to accept reality, and her new job in Boston is the perfect way to move on.

A weak moment leads to sizzling, sensual kisses, opening a door through which they’ve both been aching to walk. But Serena’s determined not to give up her shot at the career she’s always dreamed of, and Drake has loved her for too many years to stand in her way. With true love at their fingertips and a world of unstoppable passion igniting between them, can the two star-crossed lovers find their way to their happily ever after?

Don't miss the other Bayside Summers titles

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

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Thirty-one year old Serena Mallery has watched her friends find successful, fulfilling careers and fall in love in the past few years. Serena has been attracted to Drake Savage since she was a teenager. Drake has decided that he and Serena are friends-no more, no less. Serena realizes that she needs to move off Cape to find romantic and professional happiness and accepts a position with an interior design firm in Boston.

Serena’s decision to move to Boston is the catalyst in this passionate friends to lover’s romance. Drake is blindsided by Serena’s news. He thought she would continue to work at the resort, help him with his music stores and take interior design jobs from time to time. Serena’s moving to Boston has rocked Drake’s comfortable world. At first, I thought that Drake was a broody, self- centered guy. The honest, thoughtful back and forth banter between Drake, Rick and Dean changed my mind. I realized that Drake was a complex, caring man. Drake had to acknowledge the depth of his feelings for Serena. I never doubted that Drake loved Serena with all of his heart as he did not want Serena to choose between him and her dreams.

In Bayside Heat, Melissa Foster tackles several important relationship issues—honestly, trust and believing in yourself. Serena and Drake have a great working relationship; they understand each other, Drake relies on Serena’s organizational skills and trusts her trusts her design sense. The couple faces a few challenges when their long distance relationship heats up. Commuting, work obligations and personal promises test the couple.

I loved reconnecting with the Bayside couples and Violet. Violet’s unfiltered remarks are hysterical and spot on. Her character adds a lot of humor and honesty to the storyline. The friendships between Drake and Serena and their friends is so important in this series. The Bayside characters support, laugh and listen to each other. I adored the scene when Drake cruised to Boston with Matt, Mira, Hagen, Dean Emery, Rick and Desiree and picked Serena up at the Seaport dock.

Bayside Heat is a heartfelt, sensuous, romantic novel. Melissa Foster creates a friends to lover’s story with a twist. Both characters grow during the story. Drake acknowledges his feelings for Serena and trusts Serena with his heart. Serena learns to stand up for herself professionally and figures out her path to balance her professional and romantic desires.

Bayside Heat is one of my favorite novels of 2018. And the epilogue? Perfect – it’s full of love, happiness and romance!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author