Carries Book Reviews

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**

Breaking Boundaries
Gemma Blythe
Publication date: June 30th 2023
Genres: Adult, Erotica, Romance

An adults-only couples vacation takes a surprisingly sexy turn!

Darcy and I have been friends forever, so when we plan a kid-free getaway with our husbands, we’re expecting the same relaxing, stress-free time we always have together.

What we don’t expect is a rental with walls so thin we hear everything happening in the other room.

Or how hot it is to hear Darcy and Alec get it on—to imagine the actions going along with those sounds, to try and guess who’s doing what to whom.

As the week goes on, we can’t deny our growing attraction to our best friends—I can’t stop checking Darcy out, and Rafe’s gaze keeps drifting over to Alec.

And they’re looking too.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

—

EXCERPT:

I hate cold showers but there’s no doubt that I need one right now, so I shuck off my clothes and hop in. It doesn’t help, though, because the chill makes my nipples harden and my breasts feel tight, puckered. Goosebumps pop up all over my body and it makes my skin come alive, makes me aware of every square inch.

If I’m turned on enough that a cold shower isn’t helping, I’m really fucked.

So I turn to plan-B: slake my desire in the hopes that I can face Darcy today without imagining her naked, humping my bare thigh.

I turn the water to a more comfortable temperature and grab the handheld. Sitting down on the bench, I spread my legs, one foot on the floor and the other propped up next to me. Leaning against the cool tile walls, I close my eyes, taking a deep breath and directing the stream of water at the apex of my wide-open thighs.

My thumb is always a good place to start, strumming my clit like it’s a guitar string. And the sensation from that only reinforces the imagery: my body humming, vibrating with each stroke. I wish I had a free hand for my tits, to pluck and twist my nipples a little rough, just the way I like.

I’m out of hands though, so my imagination will have to do. The hands that I imagine touching me are smaller than Rafe’s, softer. A little hesitant at first, trying to figure out what I like and what I don’t, but I’m eager to show, and she picks up the specifics quickly.

Then she pushes my hand away from my clit, testing me there, trying me out. Discovering the secret to how I want to be touched. She’s massaging my clit, and there’s no doubt that it’s swollen, it’s swollen for her, it needs her touch. She’s the only one that can give me the release I need, and she’s up to the task, switching from her thumb to two fingers, rubbing me so fast.

“More,” I gasp, and that’s when she slides fingers into my pussy. Any hesitation she had a few minutes ago, when she was playing with my tits, is gone now. And fuck, I can’t pretend like I’m imaging some nameless, faceless woman, because obviously I’m not.

Obviously, it’s Darcy.

Darcy with her grin and her teasing laugh and that mouth I keep finding myself staring at this week. Darcy with hair that would tickle my chest as she kissed her way down my body.

I’m supposed to be taking the edge off, exhausting my sexual energy so that I don’t have any left when I’m around her, but all I’m doing is increasing it. Being around her is going to be even more unbearable, but right now I don’t care because I’m imagining myself fucking her fingers, imagining those lips around my nipple, imagining that hair in my grasp.

And Darcy’s sure now, confident, whispering in my ear. Telling me I’m gorgeous, telling me she’s imagined this moment for so long, telling me she wants to see what I’m like when I come. The fingers on my clit and those inside me are moving so fast now, and I’m getting close, and I tell her so. Gasping and telling her that I can’t wait to show her, that I’m right on the edge. That I need her so fucking much, that I’m so glad she’s here, that I can’t wait for her to see what she makes me do.

She tells me to come for her, and that’s what pushes me over the edge. I clench around my fingers but pretend like they’re Darcy’s, like the showerhead pointed at my clit is her hand, like her mouth is wrapped around my tit, sucking hard, punishingly so.

Boneless, I let out a shaky sigh. The hand holding the shower head droops. I let go of it, breathing hard as I sit and let the other five showerheads pelt me with water.

I’m so fucked. I have no idea how I’m supposed to go out there and face her today. Or how I’m supposed to face my husband.

 

Author Bio:

Gemma Blythe writes stories about love, sex, and the intimacy that’s found when the two come together. Her love of romance blossomed in high school when unrequited crushes led her to seek happily ever afters in books and movies.

Though Gemma’s stories are fiction, she’s inspired by the partner she eventually found her own happily ever after with. When Gemma isn’t writing, you can find her lost in the pages of a

book, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, attempting to interpret her Tarot spread, and trying to convince her friends and family that she would definitely win Survivor. (She would definitely NOT win Survivor.)

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / TikTok

 

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

 

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**

Wonder Land
Alexis Rey
Publication date: July 1st 2023
Genres: Adult, Romance

“ALICE FALLS DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

She was told she’ll be called Alice. She was told he will meet her there. She wasn’t told much else, but she knows it will be a singular experience she won’t soon forget.

Wonderland. Where she will discover things about herself she both always knew and didn’t believe existed.

Except it doesn’t turn out to be a singular experience, as the call of Wonderland lures Alice back again and again, and her mysterious stranger shows her more and more hidden recesses of her fantasy self. Every time she sees him, he ups the ante and wants more of her, while keeping himself shrouded in mystery.

But soon, lines between fantasy and reality, home and Wonderland, begin to get blurred as two very real vulnerable people find themselves entrenched in each other more than they think they should be.

How far will Alice and her Dom go to prove themselves to each other?”

**Wonder Land is a box set of chronological novellas**

Goodreads / Amazon

—

 

Author Bio:

As a spice reader and a spice lover, Alexis long ago decided the real world wasn’t worth the stress. She would prefer to live in a more exciting, spicier place. Hence, she became a writer and travels to various spicy worlds every day.

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Bookbub

 

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

 

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**

Sparks Fly
Aurelia Yates
Publication date: June 30th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Colt is a twenty-two-year-old owner of a biker dive bar that he’s turning around into a success.

Feeling pressure from his dad, he takes time off from work to visit during 4th of July at the family’s lake house.

Maggie is a twenty-eight year old certified public accountant who’s enjoying a week of sun and fun but when Colt rides in, the attraction sends sparks.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Standing to the side of the house, I hang my matte black Beanie helmet on the handlebars of my Harley. I just arrived at my dad and stepmother’s lake house.

I wasn’t coming this weekend, and if it wasn’t for my dad sounding disappointed when I told him I needed to work, I wouldn’t be here.

The bar I own was a complete dive when I bought it, but I’ve turned it back into its glory state. It’s slowly becoming a popular site with the locals and even the surrounding towns.

You would think my stepmother would give me recognition. I’ve done everything on my own at the young age of twenty-two, but my stepmother’s snooty ways think a bar is beneath her. Her demands of always wanting to be in high society’s social life, only eating at five-star restaurants, being at fancy country clubs, and socializing with people who care less about her have never interested me. Her son possesses many of her snooty traits.

Running my hands through my short, dark hair, the sound of someone spitting out profanity catches my attention.

I spot a set of gorgeous long, toned, and tanned legs. My eyes move up to a perfect, tight ass that makes my dick twitch, but when I scan her breast and her barely covered tits, my cock hardens.

Fuck!

Seeing her face, I realize it’s the girl from my apartment complex. Her blonde hair is up into a messy bun, displaying more of her tan skin around her slender neck.

My dick hardens to full mast, pushing against my zipper, and begging to be released.

I can still feel how it felt to have her pushed against me.

Who the hell is she? Why is she here?

I adjust my cock.

Fuck, she’s hot!

Walking out onto the back patio, I stand over her, blocking the sun. I use this moment to get a close look at her full lips and think about how badly I want to see parted as she screams while I pound into her.

Her head stretches up, trying to look up at me. She lets out a small gasp through her plump lips.

“Umm, can I help you?” Her voice comes out shaky.

She can help me with this rod in my pants.

“I’m Colt,” I announce, “And you are?”

“Maggie,” she whispers.

“Don’t I know you?” Pulling my t-shirt over my head, I don’t miss how her lips part and her nipples harden through the thin leather fabric. She has sunglasses on, but I can tell she’s enjoying the view. I see her throat work.

“I’m not sure. Can you move? You’re blocking the sun.”

“Are you sure?” I grin. “You can admit if you would rather—”

“I would rather have the sun burn my eyes out.” She makes a swiping motion with her hand.

A smirk creeps up on my face. Feisty as shit is just my type. Moving to the lounge chair beside her, I throw my shirt down and unzip my pants.

“What are you doing?

“I’m taking off my pants.” I give her a cocky grin.

“I can see that. Why?” she asks as her face reddens.

I point to the pool. “I’m going to take a swim.”

 

Author Bio:

Aurelia writes contemporary romance and enjoys reading it just as much! She lives in Alabama with her husband, daughter and fur babies. She spends most of her time taking care of her loved ones and plotting stories. Excited to begin this new journey, she’s looking forward to sharing her stories.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Bookbub

 

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

 

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**

I honestly don’t know if this has ever happened before since I fail at controlling my clicking fingers so often but this is the 4th week in a row of behaving for me! Of course my idea of behaving is probably a bit more than some since I still have seven new titles to add to my ever towering TBR but I’ll still take the win! 😄

As always clicking the covers will take you to the book on Amazon!**

New additions from Netgalley June 25th – July 2nd

It’s 1999 in Southeast Texas and the Evans women, owners of the only funeral parlor in town, are keeping steady with…normal business. The dead die, you bury them. End of story. That’s how Ducey Evans has done it for the last eighty years, and her progeny―Lenore the experimenter and Grace, Lenore’s soft-hearted daughter, have run Evans Funeral Parlor for the last fifteen years without drama. Ever since That Godawful Mess that left two bodies in the ground and Grace raising her infant daughter Luna, alone.

But when town gossip Mina Jean Murphy’s body is brought in for a regular burial and she rises from the dead instead, it’s clear that the Strigoi―the original vampire―are back. And the Evans women are the ones who need to fight back to protect their town.

As more folks in town turn up dead and Deputy Roger Taylor begins asking way too many questions, Ducey, Lenore, Grace, and now Luna, must take up their blades and figure out who is behind the Strigoi’s return. As the saying goes, what rises up, must go back down. But as unspoken secrets and revelations spill from the past into the present, the Evans family must face that sometimes, the dead aren’t the only things you want to keep buried.

A crackling mystery-horror novel with big-hearted characters and blood-soaked Southern charm, Bless Your Heart is a gasp-worthy delight from start to finish.

When a literary icon stays with the Dickinson family, Emily and her housemaid Willa find themselves embroiled in a shocking murder in this new mystery from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Amanda Flower.

August 1856. The Dickinson family is comfortably settled in their homestead on Main Street. Emily’s brother, Austin Dickinson, and his new wife are delighted when famous thinker and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson comes to Amherst to speak at a local literary society and decides he and his young secretary, Luther Howard, will stay with the newlyweds. Emily has been a longtime admirer of Emerson’s writing and is thrilled at the chance to meet her idol. She is determined to impress him with her quick wit, and if she can gather the courage, a poem. Willa Noble, the second maid in the Dickinson home and Emily’s friend, encourages her to speak to the famous but stern man. But his secretary, Luther, intrigues Willa more because of his clear fondness for the Dickinson sisters.

Willa does not know if Luther truly cares for one of the Dickinson girls or if he just sees marrying one of them as a way to raise himself up in society. After a few days in his company, Willa starts to believe it’s the latter. Miss Lavinia, Emily’s sister, appears to be enchanted by Luther; a fact that bothers Emily greatly. However, Emily’s fears are squashed when Luther turns up dead in the Dickinson’s garden. It seems that he was poisoned. Emerson, aghast at the death of his secretary, demands answers. Emily and Willa set out to find them in order to save the Dickinson family reputation and stop a cold-blooded fiend from killing again.

Culinary student Lexi Berman, 24, has one goal: to make her late mother proud by becoming an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant. And she isn’t going to let anything–or anyone–get in the way. But when she meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician who charms her with show tunes, she makes a rare exception to her no-dating rule. After a steamy weekend together, Jake leaves for L.A. to record his demo, and Lexi never expects to see him again. And she definitely doesn’t expect him to become an overnight celebrity, with a breakout single that’s almost certainly about her famous blueberry pancake recipe.

As Jake’s star rises and the world speculates about the subject of his song, Lexi keeps the affair to herself. After all, she’s finally found her footing at her new restaurant job, and even has a prospective romance with her coworker. But when a distraught Jake turns up on her doorstep late one night, her carefully-laid plans are thrown for a loop. Though she and Jake try to be friends, things between them soon reheat faster than a bowl of Lexi’s matzah ball soup. But a relationship with Jake means risking her face in tabloids, withstanding cruel internet comments, and worst of all, jeopardizing her career. As Jake’s upcoming tour approaches, and rumors swirl about him and another pop star, Lexi has to decide if holding onto her meticulously-planned future is worth walking away from what could be the perfect recipe for love.

Set both in the chaos of fame and the high stakes world of New York City restaurants, this novel sprinkles in a second chance at love and a dollop of celebrity drama to create a romantic romp that will make even the most jaded reader smile.

What if everything you know about the worst night of your life turns out not to be true?

Nine years ago, with the world’s eyes on her, Charlie Colbert fled. The press and the police called Charlie a “witness” to the nightmarish events at her elite graduate school on Christmas Eve—events known to the public as “Scarlet Christmas”—though Charlie knows she was much more than that.

Now, Charlie has meticulously rebuilt her life: She’s the editor-in-chief of a major magazine, engaged to the golden child of the publishing industry, and hell-bent on never, ever letting her guard down again. But when a buzzy film made by one of Charlie’s former classmates threatens to shatter everything she’s worked for, Charlie realizes how much she’s changed in nine years. Now, she’s not going to let anything—not even the people she once loved most—get in her way.

Fans of Christina Lauren and Maggie Knox will adore this fun and festive debut romcom from Jaqueline Snowe, where a grumpy/sunshine duo finds themselves in forced proximity over the holidays.

The weather outside is frightful—but inside, things are heating up in this sexy holiday romantic comedy . . .
 Sorority mom Becca Fairfield is used to guys not taking her seriously. She’s too blond, too quirky, or Just. Too. Much. So she’s ditched dating to focus on her job and a house filled with drama and plenty of tea. Now with the holidays and a major blizzard on her doorstep, Becca has everything she needs to survive the next two weeks on her own. Hot cocoa, plenty of books . . . and the memory of a steamy kiss with a certain sexy, grumposaurus next-door neighbor to keep her warm.
        Only Becca’s seriously underestimated this Snowpocalypse. So when the power goes out and Harrison Cooper—football coach, master crank, and the guy who acted mega-awkward after said steamy kiss—offers her shelter, it only makes sense to accept. They’ll just be Blizzard Buddies. Hang out, stay safe, and maybe indulge in a little R-rated cuddling. Becca knows that Harrison isn’t the dating kind, and what happens during the storm lasts only as long as the storm. But are they keeping warm . . . or playing with fire?

The truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance becomes something to conceal in a gripping novel about justice, lies, and impossible choices by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

When nineteen-year-old Jill Moss goes missing near the Utah-Arizona border, everyone has an opinion. Only Norma Gallagher, a search and rescue volunteer, knows the real story.

Norma’s already found Jill, huddled in a cave and terrified that her abusive boyfriend, Jake, will kill her. If he ever sees her again. To protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma quietly delivers the girl to her grateful parents in California, even though she’s conflicted. Keeping Jill safe and hidden from Jake, the press, and the public will be their secret. But secrets can’t last forever.

Five years later, the disappearance stirs a new media frenzy when Jake is arrested for the murder of Jill Moss—and Norma knows he didn’t kill her. As Jake is about to stand trial, lust for retribution inflames public opinion and Jill’s family refuses to come forward, forcing Norma to make a life-changing decision.

What are the consequences if she stays silent? And what are the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth?

TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND FOR THE WEDDING OF THE SUMMER IN THIS TALE OF UNBREAKABLE BONDS AND UNFORGETTABLE ROMANCE.

________________________________________________

Three sisters. One wedding. Infinite possibilities . . .

On the enchanting Isle of Arran, three sisters find themselves at Meadowbank Cottage, their childhood home. But it’s the first time they’ve been together since their mum died.

And now they’re back in Arran for the wedding of middle sister Emma.

Eldest Kirsty is juggling the responsibility for Meadowbank Cottage with an earth-shattering secret she discovers in the attic. She fears she’s beginning to lose herself . . .

Bride-to-be Emma is an ambitious lawyer living and working in Edinburgh. Far from turning into Bridezilla, she’s looking forward to a simple ceremony in a beautiful and meaningful place.

Meanwhile baby sister and wild one Amy lives in Vancouver. But the pull of home is becoming too enticing to ignore. She wonders if she should extend her trip to Arran, maybe even for good . . . And could her old flame James, who works at the whisky distillery on the island, be the person to convince her?

One thing is for sure: there’s going to be lots of laughter and buckets of tears along the way.

But how will the sisters come together when Emma receives some unexpected news?

Fans of Lisa Hobman, Rachael Lucas, Emma Bennet, Jessica Redland or Julie Shackman will fall head over heels for this feel-good read about the bonds of sisterhood.

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.**

Wasted On You
Colleen Charles
Publication date: June 30th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

I’m not good for her, but I can’t resist her anymore.

Elowyn, the new girl next door, is sweet, kind and radiates joy. My past makes it impossible to feel like that, but just being near her eases something in me that I can’t explain. When I see a strange man outside of her door making her uncomfortable, I have to get involved.

Turns out, her ex is there to make trouble, and if that’s what he wants, I’m more than happy to give it to him. As I wrap my arm around her, I feel a connection that’s undeniable.

As Elowyn leans on me, I realize that the shadows of my past can’t hold me back any longer. She ignites a fire within me that I never knew existed. We’re drawn together, like magnets, unable to resist the pull.

But with her ex still lurking around making threats, she’ll never truly feel safe. I vow to protect her, to be there whenever she needs me. For Elowyn, I’ll face my darkest fears to see her light shine again.

*****

Dive into this sizzling romance where a man with a troubled past finds love and redemption through the love of the woman who’s captured his heart. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their way, or will their love story end before it can truly begin? Discover the passion, the danger, and the healing power of love in “Wasted On You” by USA Today Bestselling Author, Colleen Charles.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

 

Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Colleen Charles, invites you to come along for the ride as she brings her snarky, woo-woo, and ‘a little bit extra’ personality to the world of steamy romance. A go-to author for hot hockey action with dirty-talking, cinnamon roll heroes, and smart, capable, independent heroines, Colleen’s writing will leave you laughing, emotional, and hungry for more.

When she’s not penning tales readers devour, she indulges in the Starbie’s pinkity drinkity with chocolate cold foam, wrangles her crabby Ragdoll cats, and douses her salads with blue cheese dressing and bacon bits. I mean… she’s firmly anti-diet culture, and everything’s better with bacon. With her unique mix of humor, heart and heat, Colleen Charles is the romance author you never knew you needed until now. She’s not your basic bitch. Okay… maybe just a tiny bit basic. At least during pumpkin spice season.

Colleen creates perfectly imperfect characters you’ll root for until the very last page.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter / TikTok

 

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

—