RELEASE DAY + REVIEW ~Game for Tonight by Karen Erickson~

Title: Game for Tonight

Author: Karen Erickson

Series: Game For It #3

Release Date: November 17, 2014

My Rating: 5 Stars!

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

She'll teach him the art of seduction one play at a time...

Publicist Aubrey Cooper never should have crossed the line. After all, pro football player Flynn Foley is her client. But something about this mouth-wateringly-hot, clean-cut athlete makes Aubrey imagine all kinds of X-rated fantasies. And it only takes one game-changing play―and one night―to turn the tables from strictly business to very, very personal…

Flynn has maintained a no-sexy-distractions policy for his entire pro career. Aubrey is exactly the kind of distraction he was trying to avoid, and she's the one he can't resist. When the media catches wind of their naughty little liaison, however, Aubrey's boss steps in to make them an official couple. What Flynn doesn't know is that Aubrey is forced to fake the relationship―or lose her job. Now Aubrey must hide the truth…even as she begins to fall for Flynn.

Aubrey cracked open her eyes, studying him like he’d lost his mind. Which he sort of had—over her. He kissed her again before she could say a word, losing himself in her sweet lips, the soft little moans sounding low in her throat.

He liked sex. And he liked the woman in his arms plenty. So much, that he’d kept her at arm’s length for months for fear of falling hard for her and ruining his concentration. Besides, he wasn’t much of a rule breaker, damn it. If it was against company policy to date a fellow employee, then he wasn’t going to do it.

But screw it. He felt as if everything was uncertain right now, up in the air, unconfirmed. Walsh wasn’t talking—at least he wasn’t talking enough. The conversation they’d had before Aubrey had interrupted them had been full of nothing but a bunch of crap. Coach had acted downright evasive.

The vibe he was getting from his coach? He didn’t like it. At all.

He was tired of worrying about things that were out of his control. What was the big deal if he kissed Aubrey anyway? Maybe he could work her out of his system. Maybe kissing her wouldn’t be all that special and he could walk away from this.

Ha. Tell that to his overheated, turned-inside-out body. Flynn broke away from Aubrey’s lips to catch some air, though really, he wanted to look at her, memorize this moment when he’d first kissed Aubrey. Even in the dim light, he could see her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed. She opened her eyes, the dazed look in them sending an arrow of arousal shooting straight through him, making his cock twitch. Pride suffused him. He put that look on her face.

“Flynn.” She pursed her lips, exhaling softly, the sound shaky. “What in the world was that?”

He smiled. She was a bundle of nerves, his publicist. Always running around, a little manic, a lot frantic, riding his ass to do this, do that. She’d been harder on Hamilton, but that crazy guy needed someone to rein him in most of the time.

“I thought it was a kiss? Unless I’m doing it wrong…” A chuckle escaped him, and he hoped she was in on the joke.

“No. You were definitely not doing it wrong.” She blew out a trembling breath, her gaze cautious. “I just want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page.” Leaning in, he nuzzled her cheek with his, kissing a soft path along her fragrant skin until his mouth was on hers once more. “A shame you didn’t recognize it.”

She smiled against his lips, her fingers tightening in his hair. “I just thought…”

“Thinking gets you nowhere,” he whispered just before he took the kiss deeper, his tongue thrusting, his mouth devouring. She was a thinker, which meant she set her brain to smoking more often than not. And he wanted her feeling, not thinking or worrying.

He gripped her hips with both hands and pulled her in, wanting her as close as he could get her. This…thing between them had been brewing for a while, torturing him. She’d been by his side almost constantly the past few months, guiding his career, carefully preserving his image.

Every time he was with her, the scent of her hair drove him wild. The way he caught her looking at him, her gaze hungry, her lips damp, echoed an answering call deep within him.

Ohhh this is a FANTASTIC one! I sincerely do NOT want this series to end. It combines two of my all time favorite things - hot men and football. But Game for Tonight offered so much more. Flynn is a good guy. He just is. He has the perfect makings of a guy you would want to be with. He has his pride, but can share his feelings too. And let's not forget he can have a dirty mouth when the situation warrants it. Aubrey, she's his equal. A perfect compliment to his good guy image, is a good girl. One with loyalties, and ethics. And who also has no trouble burning up those sheets with her aforementioned good guy. These two are polished and demure on the outside, but when they close the doors they can get down and dirty in a hurry (unintentional rhyme).

Flynn and Aubrey together made this a gripping read. I just love them. I can't even pinpoint one specific thing, but they mix the ultimate perfect blend of sexy and sweet. When their hands are forced into keeping up the appearances of their one-night stand and turning it into a relationship a lot more is on the line than Flynn realizes. Although, let's be real here - Aubrey may  feel guilty, but I swear from the very beginning the feelings were there to justify a relationship on both of their ends. So while she should have told him the truth, I don't think it demeans their relationship at all throughout the book.

I will be completely honest, I thought I wasn't going to like the one aspect of Flynn's love life that was brought to attention before their first encounter. I won't ruin it for you, but it had the potential to be a no-go for me. Only for the fact that things could get real awkward. HOWEVER, my dear, genius, Karen Erickson handled it beautifully, and I think realistically.Making this book a no holds bar a must read for me. I loved every bit of it. I got to see my favorite couples from the past two books. Mix that in with Flynn and Aubrey being a sickeningly adorable couple. I just couldn't handle my joy while reading this book. As much as I don't want this series to end, Flynn and Aubrey were they way to end it. They gave me the utmost warm and fuzzies when "The End" came.

Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Links to Buy:

THE GAME FOR IT SERIES

Game For Marriage 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Game For Trouble 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Meet Karen:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She's also known as NYT and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.



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RELEASE DAY + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY ~Game for Trouble by Karen Erickson~

Title: Game for Trouble
Author: Karen Erickson
Series: Game #2
Release Date: October 28, 2013

My Rating: 4 Stars

He’ll play dirty to get what he wants…

Willow Cavanaugh would be happy if she never saw cocky football star Nick Hamilton again. Sure, their fling was the hottest she’d had, but he’s way too much of a playboy to settle down with one woman. Plus, she’s got her heart set on a piece of real estate for her catering business—and Nick owns that property.

Nick may be at the top of his game, but all he wants is a second chance with Willow. When he offers to sell her his commercial space if she agrees to a series of dates with him, their chemistry is so scintillating that jumping back into bed seems like an inevitability. But Willow’s decided all’s fair in sex and blackmail. Little does she know, Nick’s playing to win…and she’s the prize.

“Come in here.” She grabbed hold of his hand and yanked him inside, shutting the door behind her and twisting the lock into place. “Let’s stay in tonight. It’s cold out there.”

“But...wherever you wanna go, darlin’, I’m game. My treat. You could order fifty lobsters for dinner, and I won’t protest.”

She grimaced. “I hate lobster.”

“You do not,” he said, frowning. “You grew up here. You can pluck a lobster straight out of the ocean from your dad’s deck.”

“Just because I grew up here doesn’t mean I have to love seafood.” She scrunched her nose. How she hated explaining this. No one ever got it. “I’ve never been a big fan. Lobster’s sorta freaky. Crab is too much work, not enough reward. I don’t mind shrimp, though. You can just pop them in your mouth and eat them.”

“I’ll take you out for all you can eat shrimp, then. You can stuff your face until you wanna burst,” he suggested eagerly.

Laughing, she shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’d rather stay in tonight with you.” She sobered up quick. The more they stayed in the better. This so- called relationship needed to stay quiet. One mention of it to the media, local or bigger, and all hell was going to break loose. As in, her father would have an epic freak-out.

“We always do that, though. Stay in.” He scowled. “Aren’t you getting bored?”

Oh, no. “Are you?” God, he was already tired of her. Really, she shouldn’t care. She should be glad. The faster she got rid of him, the better.

Right?

“No. Hell, no. Anytime I’m with you is good, Will.”

He reached for her, settling those big hands on her hips. Dipping his head, he bent his knees a little so he could peer directly into her eyes. “Are you getting sick of me yet?”

She pressed her lips together to keep from saying what she really wanted. I could never get sick of you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

“No. Well. Your constant sweet talk is getting sort of old.” She rolled her eyes, putting on an act. Nothing Nick did when they were together was getting old.

His mouth curved upward. “What are you talking about?”

“All the darlin’s and the sugars and the princess remarks. I think you say that sort of thing so you never have to worry about the name of the girl you’re with,” she teased.

His face turned frightfully solemn. “You really think that?”

Uh oh. She shrugged. “I’ve wondered.”

“Really.” His fingers bit into her flesh, he held her so tight.

“Maybe?” He had her doubting herself. How did he do that?

Dope. He constantly keeps you on edge.

“Trust me, I always know who I’m with when I’m with you.” He kissed her—the softest, sweetest kiss ever. So soft, so sweet, she immediately wanted to weep when he pulled away to murmur against her lips, “Willow.”

He never called her Willow. Ever.

Game for Trouble has it all. Hot professional football player? Check. Second chance romance? Check. Crazy, passionate chemistry? Double check. In Game for Marriage we met Willow Cavanaugh, Sheridan's best friend, and Nick Hamilton, Jared's teammate and friend. There was some hint at a deeper past between Willow and Nick but, it never came to light in the first book. Game for Trouble picks up more, or less, where GfM left off. Willow and Nick have been spotted smooching a few times but, Willow is dead set against allowing it to happen again. Instead she has decided to throw herself into her work and finally lease out a storefront for her business. Little does she know that Nick owns the building she is trying to lease. Nick is fine with the monetary aspects of their contract but, he wants more from Willow. He wants a second chance at the relationship he was forced to throw away years ago. 

I am such a huge fan of second chance stories. I love that the characters already have a history and we can jump into the meat of the problems without the whole getting to know you bit. Especially with Willow and Nick, these two just start out with banter and laugh out loud interactions. I could tell from GfM that Willow was a little hellion, and she definitely solidifies that role in Game for Trouble. She tries so hard to resist Nick but, neither one of them can squash their lingering feelings. Willow stood up for herself in every aspect of this book, she is definitely not a wallflower just waiting to fall back into Nick's bed. Nick on the other hand, is pulling out all the stops to get Willow back in his life for good. Nick and Willow definitely have an "I hate you, I love you" relationship. They push and pull until they eventually collide and decide to come to terms with their past and their present situation. 

I couldn't help but cheer for this couple. While they haven't necessarily lived tragic lives, they haven't had the easiest ones either. In Game for Trouble they have to defy the odds that everyone else is placing on them as well as the obstacles they create for themselves. It was not an easy journey for these two but, I definitely think it was worth it in the end. We get to see more of Willow's sensitive side in GfT that we weren't privy to in GfM, and we also get to delve deeper into Nick's character. Nick, for me, is basically the perfect man. He's sweet and caring but also goes after what he wants, and let's not forget the hot factor, because he has that in abundance as well :) I really can't wait for another book in this series. Karen Erickson has a penchant for creating such lovable characters that you cannot wait to read more about. Her books are equal parts hilarious and steamy and I have yet to find one that I could put down! Game for Trouble is out TODAY (10/28) so make sure to pick up a copy!!

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Links to Buy:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet Karen:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read - sexy contemporary romance. Digitally published since 2006, she's a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

Connect with Karen:

RELEASE DAY + GIVEAWAY ~Kidnapping His Bride by Karen Erickson~

Title: Kidnapping His Bride
Author: Karen Erickson
Series: The Renaldi's #2
Release Date: October 22, 2013

Catch her if you can…

The Renaldis, Book 2

Rafael Renaldi is a modern man with an old-fashioned secret—an arranged marriage. Though it was an informal agreement, made when they were children, Rafe has always been a little in love with the beautiful, passionate Catalina Campioni. And assumed that the single, searing kiss they shared years ago sealed the deal.

Marriage? Babies? Not now—not yet. After growing up witnessing her mother’s devastation over her father’s cheating, Cat has no intention of settling down anytime soon. She plans to live life to the fullest before marching down the aisle—and it definitely won’t be with womanizing, lethally charming Rafe.

When Rafe realizes his bride-to-be wants nothing to do with him, he does what a crazed man might do—he kidnaps her. But not to force her to the altar. She wants adventure? He’ll show her adventure, and show her life with him will never be dull.

But even as they fall in love, someone close is desperate to keep them apart and will do whatever it takes to ensure they won’t marry. Anyone. Ever…

He’d helped her out of the car like a gentleman, taking her hand as she stepped onto the sidewalk. His arm swooped around her waist as she stumbled in her shoes, embarrassed yet thankful he caught her. Her legs still quivered from the intensity of her orgasm, her skin fairly vibrating. The satisfied smile he gave her just before he leaned in for a brief kiss had left her even dizzier than before.

“You’re glowing,” he murmured only for her to hear, his arm tightening around her waist as he led her into the building, tipping his head at the doorman as they headed straight toward the elevator.

The moment the doors slid closed, he had her pinned against the wall, his mouth on hers, his hands cupping her face as the elevator made its quick ascent. “I love that I've made you look like this,” he whispered against her lips before devouring her again.

“H-how do I look?” she asked after he finally broke away from her lips, his mouth dotting fevered little kisses along her jaw, down the side of her neck.

“Beautiful,” he whispered reverently, his gaze meeting hers. “Radiant. Satisfied.”

Her cheeks warmed and she ducked her head, thankful when the elevator finally stopped and the doors opened. Rafe took her hand and walked her down the short hall that led to his apartment. He seemed agitated, downright anxious as he unlocked the door and then he was pulling her inside, slamming the door behind them, pushing her against the wall as if he were unable to keep his hands off of her.

She loved it. Wished fervently that she’d known Rafe had this side to him long ago. It was rather…arousing.

“I’ll stop if you want me to,” he said, his expression sincere, his eyes serious as they roved over her face. “Just say the word and you can go to your room tonight alone and everything will be fine tomorrow. I won’t hold your refusal of me against you. You’re in complete control of this situation, Cat. I hope you realize this.”

“Or?” she prompted, because she knew there was more. There had to be. The mysterious depths behind his words intrigued her. She didn't want to stop this.

She wanted more. More, more, more.

“Or…” His voice trailed off, his gaze sweeping over her body, lingering on her chest, then moving upward to her mouth. “You can come with me. And spend the night in my bed.”

She nibbled on her lower lip, her body aching from the dark promise in his voice. There wasn't a doubt that she wanted to be with him tonight, in his bed. But a small part of her was scared.

Links to Buy:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet Karen:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read - sexy contemporary romance. Digitally published since 2006, she's a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

Connect with Karen:

REVIEW ~Game for Marriage by Karen Erickson~

Title: Game for Marriage
Author: Karen Erickson
Series: Game for It #1
Release Date: January 11, 2013

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

He’s going in deep to make her his…

Struggling artist Sheridan Harper never imagined she’d spend a sizzling night with Jared Quinn, the smoking-hot star quarterback of her local professional football team, the San Jose Hawks. And she’s even more shocked when Jared’s publicist offers her a proposition: a fake marriage to keep Jared out of the gossip mags. Being that close to Jared would be too tempting, so to protect her heart, she insists on secretly including a clause forbidding sex between them.

Jared just wants to keep his starting QB job and keep it in San Jose. His reputation as a ladies’ man has landed him in the headlines one too many times, but there’s something about his kind, passionate new wife that tempts him beyond reason. Any sort of intimacy between them is completely forbidden, but as their bodies fall in deep, will their hearts follow suit?

*Raises hand* I'm game for marrying Jared Quinn!! Pretty please? No? He's already married to the stubborn and amazing Sheridan with whom he is head over heels in love with? Fine *sulks in corner* That's probably for the best though, Sheridan and Jared are a super adorable couple. Game for Marriage included all of my favorite things: hot football players, even hotter sex, a marriage of convenience and a couple with every obstacle thrown at them. From the first scene with Sheridan and Jared I could not wait to travel their story with them.

"To go from giggling and giving each other grief to heated, passionate lovemaking in mere seconds was a heady rush. One she liked to indulge in again and again..."

~Sheridan

Jared is literally every woman's dream guy. He's hot, built, a football player, and despite his current man-whorish image he seems to be one of those "good ones" we always hear about. He's sweet and caring, and trips over himself to satisfy his new wife in every way possible. Sheridan is just as giving, and she is such a prideful woman but, when it really counts she can set it aside for the greater good. These two meet and within 8 hours are hitting the sheets. But when Sheridan flees after their rendezvous she never expects to see Jared again. So imagine her surprise when Jared's publicist offers Sheridan everything she needs to keep her late grandmother's storefront open and live a better life in exchange for a year long marriage to Jared. Sheridan realizes she can sacrifice a year of her life if it means saving her studio and helping Jared get his image back on track. The two agree to a no sex clause in their contract... and well you can guess that it doesn't last too long. While they try to head to the no-sex clause they must find a way to make their marriage believable to the world around them. Interestingly enough a married life isn't as hard as they imagined.

"He wanted to drag her back into that big bed and make love to her again. So they could shut themselves completely off form the real world and focus on what really mattered. Each other."

~Jared

Sheridan and Jared go from lust to a marriage of convenience to admiration for one another and then finally allow themselves to love. They didn't fight it very hard, they were actually very forthcoming in their feelings. The problems arise with outside forces being a pain in their asses. I think there is only one way to properly convey my feelings about this book so here are my reactions to it, in order: Wow that's hot, Oh really? This can't end well, Well they are kinda cute together, Awww, Yes!, Oh shit, Hell, This is going to be BAD!, *sad face*, Best friend to the rescue, You both are stubborn little shits, *fist pump*, *happy dance*, The End :). Truthfully, I couldn't foresee where Game for Marriage was going to take me. What I was given was a hilarious, sweet, steamy book that I couldn't put down. 

"I promise to love and honor and cherish you forever, Sheridan Quinn. Having you in my life has made it brighter, better. Complete. I'd be lost without you, baby. You gotta know that."

~Jared

Karen Erickson truly has a gift. I have read many of her other books, including her Monica Murphy books, and have loved every single one of them. She creates a stories, characters and worlds that draw you in and keep you hooked until she's ready to tug on your emotions. Sometimes she's a little rough with the tugging, but this book was more on the heartwarming side rather than the angsty side :) So, yes I definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for Willow and Nick's story (hehe these two have some major pent up passion to burn through). I also wanted to say a huge thank you to Karen for gifting me a review copy of Game for Marriage I truly enjoyed every bit of it!

Happy Reading!

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