Taming Lily (The Fowler Sisters #3)
   by: Monica Murphy

Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 240 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars

Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Emma Chase, and Maya Banks, the anticipated finale in New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy’s sexy contemporary romance series about three fiery and determined sisters with their own ideas about life and love.

I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.

But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.

Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .  

 

 

I had hoped Lily's story would be my favorite of the series, but unfortunately, I don't think this one will be a very memorable read. I hate to admit I've been a bit underwhelmed by this series as a whole. I really enjoyed Monica's The Billionaire Bachelor's Club books, but this series really didn't do it for me. It is incredibly sexy and Murphy really has that going for her, but I feel it was overly so. I didn't feel the romantic connection between characters. It was pure sexual attraction that turned to love in the blink of an eye. I had the same issue with this book.

 

Lily seeks refuge in beautiful Hawaii, after she has pissed off Pilar, her father's greedy, wretch of a girlfriend. Lily has things on Pilar that could ruin her, but keeps it to herself because she knows her father won't believe her. It is here in paradise that Lily meets Max, a sexy stranger that seems to be following her. The attraction between these two is pretty instant, but Max has secrets. Secrets that Lily can't know.

 

I felt for Lily. She has been pushed off as this wild child, party girl when really she just craves her father's acceptance. She may act like she doesn't care about what he thinks, but the reality is- she does. It hurts to feel you're not good enough or you're LESS. Max makes her feel wanted and beautiful and she clings to that, even though she has only known him for a short time.

 

I wasn't crazy about Max. I was annoyed with his attacks of conscience and his feeling guilty for taking advantage of Lily. Some of his scenes that were meant to be sexy, just weren't for me. I'm not a fan of the whole 'you'll come when I tell you to.' I am all for a good alpha, but there are sometimes where I'm just over it already. I felt that here.

 

I can see instant attraction. But I felt Lily and Max didn't know one another and here they are declaring love. That's just something that drives me crazy because I can't say I believe it unless I see that connection develop and grow. I didn't here. Max does something huge that affects Lily and as apologetic as he is, it would have taken a lot more time to earn her trust back.

 

Overall, while I had my issues with this one, I didn't hate it. I don't think this series is one I will remember though- there wasn't that spark that I felt with some of Murphy's other books and I really needed that to make these special. I did love seeing Rose all pregnant and adorable though, as well as seeing Violet and Ryder happy too. If you're in the mood for a sexy read, these are good books to pick up because man are they steamy! If you're looking for that deep, emotional connection between characters on the other hand, I'm not sure you'll find that here.

Welcome to my stop on the Fair Game review tour hosted by Wordsmith Publicity!

Today I am excited to share my review, as well as a giveaway with you all!

Fair Game (The Rules #1)
   by: Monica Murphy

Publication Date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 315 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Bad enough Jade Frost’s boyfriend drags her to a boring poker game. Even worse that he actually threw her into the betting pot during an intense round…and lost. Talk about the perfect excuse for Jade to make him her ex-boyfriend.

Now she supposedly belongs to the ultra rich, extremely gorgeous Shep Prescott. He could have anything he wants yet he seems to be in hot pursuit of her. No matter how rude, how snarky, how impossible she acts, it doesn’t stop him. More like her horrible behavior seems to make him want her more.

When she finds herself starting to fall for him, Jade’s confused. There’s more to Shep than the carefree rich charmer he portrays. No way could he want a serious relationship with her…or could he?

 

 

 

 

Having been a huge fan of Monica's Drew+Fable series, I was excited to see her idea for her latest contemporary college-set series. The series revolves around Shep (the male lead in this book), his cousin Tristan, and their friend Gabe- all wealthy, extremely attractive men who play by a certain set of rules when it comes to women. They don't do relationships, they don't form attachments. Each has their own set of reasons- Shep has had the example of his parents who are superficial and in a complete loveless marriage and Gabe just wants to have fun, before the figurative noose around his neck tightens after graduation- because with freedom comes responsibilities and Gabe has quite a bit of those. I couldn't really get a read on Tristan, however. At first he seemed like a big heartless douche, but I didn't find myself hating him in the end. Naturally, this series will follow these guys and the girls that manage to change their player ways.

 

Here we have Jade, a red-haired girl who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Having been dragged by her boyfriend to an illegal poker game, run by Shep and his boys, she finds herself in quite the situation as Shep bets on her... and wins. She is obviously angry about being treated that way and even more so that her so-called boyfriend didn't stop it from happening. I wasn't sure I was going to like Jade at first because she came off as a bit too abrasive. I am a big fan of enemies to lovers stories, but for some reason this one wasn't working for me initially. I struggled to find the connection between the two and I wasn't warming up to either Shep or Jade. However, I did find my stride about midway through the book and my feelings started to change. I ended up really liking Jade and I definitely understand her hesitation about getting involved with one of the most gorgeous guys on campus. Shep really had to go above and beyond to prove himself and that he wasn't just out for another hook up.

 

I ended up loving Shep by the end. In the beginning, it was all about the chase, the challenge, but by the end it was something completely more. The appeal of other women and hooking up just dissipates, especially when he can't get Jade off his mind. He does have his moments where he definitely plays the douche card, but overall he ended up being a good guy who wasn't afraid to stand up for her.

 

Murphy does such a great job at writing the romantic scenes and I definitely felt they were a win in this book as well. Even though I had a little trouble buying into their romance at first, I definitely felt it full force as the book progressed. I love that she incorporated so much kissing too. I feel like sometimes books forget the power of a really great kissing scene by jumping straight into sex.

 

Overall, I did enjoy this one and I will be looking forward to reading Gabe's story next, especially now that Shep has paved the way into relationship zone and throwing out the 'rules'.

 

 

 

 

Stuck spending the summer with his screwed up family, Gabriel Walker is bored out of his mind and looking for an adventure. And he seems to find it with the hot girl who lives next door. The attraction between them is instant. Electric. Soon they’re spending every stolen minute together. Talk about the perfect summer fling…

 

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the maid who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

 

They don’t count on running into each other at college. Now Lucy must keep up the pretense of being a rich girl—and it’s exhausting. She knows she’s falling in love with Gabe and she’s scared he feels the same. Will he still care about her when he discovers the truth?

 

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Newly broke girl Alexandria Asher just wants to live a normal life. After her parents are sent to prison on embezzlement charges, she enrolls in college under her mother’s maiden name and tries her best to pretend she’s someone else.

 

Tristan Chadwick is everything Alex is trying to avoid. A seemingly egotistical, lazy, rich jerk, she dumps her beer on his head when he comes on to her one night at a party. This only spurs Tristan into action. He loves nothing more than a challenge. And the beautiful Alex is exactly the type of challenge that intrigues him.

 

Despite her reluctance, Alex finds herself quickly involved with Tristan. Underneath that playboy exterior is a good guy, a sweet and sexy guy who she is undoubtedly falling for. What they both don’t realize is the actions of Alex’s parents are the reason for so much tragedy in Tristan’s family. And when Tristan discovers who Alex and her family really is, can he forgive and forget?

 

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New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She's a workaholic who loves her job. When she's not busy writing, she also loves to read and travel with her family. She writes new adult and contemporary romance and is published with Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

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Stealing Rose (The Fowler Sisters #2)
    by: Monica Murphy

Publication Date: Mar. 3, 2015
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 336 pages
Order Links: Amazon| B&N
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

People say the youngest child has it easy, but nothing can be further from the truth. Unlike my two sisters, Violet and Lily, I’m never in the limelight. I just work my butt off for Fleur Cosmetics and get little to no thanks for it. I’ve been pushed too far one too many times, and I’m finally brave enough to do something about it.

Maybe my newfound courage has something to do with the amazing pink and white diamond necklace I wear to the party in Cannes. The instant those dazzling heirloom jewels touch my skin, they excite some deep, aching need inside. And when that guy—that totally gorgeous guy—locks eyes with me, I know this nice girl is going to be naughty.

For once it’s my turn. My turn to say no to my father, to outshine my sisters, to walk away from it all—straight into the arms of a mysterious stranger. But what if Caden is much more than I bargained for? Sure, he makes me feel sexy and free in a way I never have before, but there’s something else I can’t quite place—something dangerous. Maybe our “chance” meeting wasn’t so random. Maybe he was looking for me for a reason. Whatever his motive, there’s no going back now.

And maybe I don’t want to.

 

 

You can always count on Monica Murphy to bring the sexy times in her books. Stealing Rose is certainly no exception! This book follows the youngest Fowler, Rose, who is struggling to find her place in the world. She doesn't want to be the same girl she's always been. She's unhappy with her father's love life and what that will mean for Fleur Cosmetics, she feels she doesn't do anything wild or reckless (when she wants to), and to top it all off- she's lonely. She sees how happy her sister Violet is with her fiancée Ryder and she longs to have that in her life.

 

Rose was an okay heroine for me. She did grate on my nerves a bit as she could act quite childish at times. She is fed up with her father and his girlfriend Pilar, which I can't really blame her for, but for her to want to quit over it? I wanted to see Rose take action and fight against her father and Pilar. I wanted to see her have a conversation with her father, explaining why she would be the better fit. Instead, we get none of that and we have Rose hiding out in London with Violet and Ryder for the majority of the book. For someone who knows what she wants in terms of a relationship, she has an odd way of showing it. She's content to do the casual thing with Caden, even when she knows she wants more from it.

 

Which brings us to Caden. Oh my. I really did like him. He's not your typical hero, which I was a big fan of. He also wasn't as big of a douche as Ryder was, so I liked that about him too. He can't help but be attracted to Rose, even though he knows he needs to stay away from her, as his intentions are not honorable. A chance encounter brings them back together and this time Caden isn't going to listen to his conscience. He wants Rose and he plans to have her... however, the secret he harbors is one that could threaten everything between them.

 

I liked Caden and Rose, but I didn't quite connect to their relationship like I would have wanted. They have explosive sexual chemistry, but we don't see much of the couple getting to know one another and having actual conversations until much later on. They are both insistent it's a casual affair, but of course, feelings get involved and soon Caden is torn over his feelings for Rose and the other part of his life he has kept hidden from her. He wants to be worthy of Rose and will have to make quite a few changes in his life in order to do so. He didn't always make the best decisions, but his pride and desire to be a better man take precedence here.

 

Overall, I did enjoy this one- despite the copious amounts of sex between Rose and Caden. I did want to see more of their interacting with one another instead of turning to sex, but by the end I believed in their relationship. I am really looking forward to Lily's story, as we have heard so much about the wild child of the group and I am really curious about some of her associations, especially after finding out one of Caden's friends is familiar with her.... I have no doubt her story will be as sexy as its predecessors and will shed some light as to why she's such a loose cannon.

 

 

 

Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1)
    by: Monica Murphy

Publication Date: Dec. 2, 2014
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by the publicist in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 400 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase—that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves.

I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.

Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.

My everything.

 

 

Being a huge Monica Murphy fan, I knew I needed to get my hands on her newest adult series that follows the three Fowler Sisters: Lily, Violet, and Rose! Monica always brings the steamy, sexy times and this book is no exception. In fact, it's one of her hottest yet, if you ask me! This book is also one of her more angst-filled books, especially with all the deception and who's playing who going on between the characters.

 

Having both Ryder and Violet's POV's definitely worked in this one. It was also difficult because seeing Ryder for who he really is in the beginning is not really very appealing. He is a manipulator and does things that best suit his gains and purposes. The marketing industry can be a very cutthroat world and we really see that in this book. There are a lot of players who only care for their own selfish gains and want to rise up to be in a place of power. Violet's boyfriend, Zachary is one of these. I couldn't stand the guy. He's an obvious skirt chaser and he doesn't even have the decency to hide it! Violet suspects he's cheated on her, but still she stays with him for propriety's sake. She is naïve enough to believe that once they are engaged and married, he will devote himself to her. Oh, Violet. She's such a sweet character, but could be a real pushover when it came to Zachary. Being the heir to her family's cosmetic company, she has made some serious enemies- ones who would do anything to take her out of the running, no matter the price.

 

It took quite a bit for me to warm up to Ryder. I knew he would eventually be the kind of guy I wanted him to be, but man. It took quite a bit for him to get to that point. His interest in Violet is purely selfish. He loathes her boyfriend Zachary and wants to see him ruined. Stealing Violet out from underneath him is a good start- however, Ryder also wouldn't mind seeing what Violet is really like. His mentor, sometimes lover, and overall psycho of a friend Pilar, thinks that Violet would be a stuck up prude- one that could never cater to Ryder's tastes. What starts as a game of seduction, easily turns into genuine attraction, need, and desire for Ryder. He wants Violet and wants to unleash the inner vixen he knows she's just dying to set free. Normally, I would hate characters like Ryder, who are just in the business of using women to get what they want. However, Murphy does a brilliant job in showing his inner struggle over what he's doing with Violet and we catch these glimpses of vulnerability that make us hope that he is not as big of a jerk as he comes across. He comes to admire Violet and her strength. She's not some weak kitten, like she was initially perceived. I think when Zachary reveals his true nature, she really reaches her breaking point and we see her start to show a little spine.

 

The chemistry between Violet and Ryder is seriously hot. He's determined to break this girl and he knows his darkness will send her running for the hills. He is quite surprised when he realizes Violet is a lot more resilient that he gave her credit for. Ryder comes from a dark past and doesn't know what it's like to have people care for him, like Violet does. Her sisters love her fiercely, as does her father, so it's easy to see why he is so afraid of feeling more for her, never having had anyone like that in his life.

 

I know this is a series, so I'm willing to bet Murphy will tie up the loose ends from this novel in either Rose or Lily's book. I felt the main storyline with Pilar should have been resolved a bit more than it was though. She is such a big player in the story, and her manipulation of Ryder was a key point in this one. After all the blackmailing, it all seemed a bit anti-climactic where she was concerned. I hate to admit that I want to see what will happen with her storyline and how it was she was able to just let go of Ryder and her quest for Violet's destruction so easily. The ending felt a bit rushed and I was surprised Violet was able to forgive Ryder so easily after everything he'd put her through. He said some pretty unforgiveable things and withheld a lot from her, when he should've been coming clean.

 

Overall, I did enjoy this one and I am looking forward to seeing where Murphy will take Rose and Lily's stories! (Monica has said Rose's love interest might be even hotter than Ryder!)

 

 

Giveaway Rules:

-Giveaway is US/CAN only.

- Winner must be 18 years old to enter.

-Winner will be chosen randomly through Rafflecopter and contacted via email.

-Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Giveaway will run November 26- December 4th.

 

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We are absolutely in love with this cover for Monica Murphy's HER DESTINY! HER DESTINY is the sequel to Monica Murphy's HIS REVERIE. Be sure to add this one to your TBR pile, folks!

 

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About HER DESTINY: I knew from the moment I first saw him he was the one. The only boy I could ever want. The only boy I could ever love. They say he’s bad for me. But I know he’s not. Until the day he rejects me. And breaks my heart. Everything changes in the blink of an eye. My entire life as I’ve known it is…gone. Secrets are revealed. Promises once made are irrevocably broken. There’s no way my family can get back to what we once were. So when Nicholas Fairfield walks back into my life like he never left it, I’m furious. Thrilled. Irritated. Excited. Despite my confusion, I want to be with him. I love him. But danger lurks where we least expect it. Someone will do whatever it takes to tear us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them.  

Don't forget to read HIS REVERIE while you wait...

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About HIS REVERIE: I knew from the moment I first saw her she was the one. The only girl I could ever want. The only girl I could ever love. She is light. I am darkness. She is innocent. I’ve done too much. She is good. I am bad. She is my every dream. I should be her every nightmare. We come from different worlds. She’s…perfect. And I’m… Not. Somehow she wants me anyway. So we’ll grasp at what we can. We’re going to make this summer count. She’s my secret. And I’m hers. The problem with secrets is they never last for long. And when others discover we’re together, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them. Because Reverie Hale? She’s mine.



  About Monica Murphy: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.      

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Welcome to my stop on the His Reverie blog tour hosted by InkSlingerPR!

Today I am excited to share my review as well as a giveaway with you all!

His Reverie
   by: Monica Murphy

Publication Date: July 28, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received from InkSlingerPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 249 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

I knew from the moment I first saw her she was the one. The only girl I could ever want.

The only girl I could ever love.

She is light.

I am darkness.

She is innocent.

I’ve done too much.

She is good.

I am bad.

She is my every dream.

I should be her every nightmare.

We come from different worlds. She’s…perfect. And I’m…

Not.

Somehow she wants me anyway. So we’ll grasp at what we can...

 

You never forget your first love.  The excitement,  anticipation, nervousness/fear of what's to come really defines it and sears it into your memory, changing you forever. Every touch, every emotion is heightened and it is intoxicating. What if your first love was a forbidden one? If it had to be kept secret because of who you were and what your family represented? Monica Murphy creates such a story in His Reverie. Told primarily from the male POV, we get to see these elements at work and the delicate foundation in which Nick and Reverie's relationship is built. 

I was very engaged and interested in this story. I enjoyed reading the book from Nick's POV, as it makes the book that much more raw and emotional. Every chapter interjects an entry from Reverie's diary, so where Nick's words are hard, Reverie's are flowery and wistful. Murphy does such a great job of capturing the thoughts and feelings of a naive 16 year old girl. I read Reverie's entries and flashed back to when I was 16, remembering crushes and that all-encompassing desire to fall in love for the first time. 

While I enjoyed this one, I felt something was missing for me.  I wasn't as invested as I would have liked. The story opens with Nick just getting released from jail for a crime he did not commit and is feeling extremely betrayed. The only person he can depend on is his mom and she is waiting with news that completely devastates him and brings his world crashing down around him. Getting a job working at the Hales is one Nick desperately needs. He never expects to meet a blonde angel while working there. Their first meeting is a flirtatious one and Nick can't stop thinking about the beautiful, sweet girl he met. He knows he should stay away from Reverie and really wars with himself over her. He knows he could never measure up and that he's not good enough for her. Reverie is a light in the darkness for Nick and he clings to that even though he knows letting her go would be the right thing. 

Nick, as I said earlier, has been betrayed by people he thought were his friends and now has no one to turn to. He feels less alone with Reverie, but he knows if she finds out his secret of serving time in jail she'll bolt and will lose the respect she has for him. 

Reverie is a sheltered, innocent girl that feels suffocated by her parents. Her father is a preacher, thus putting her in the spotlight, and being forced to watch how she acts and appears at all times. She loves her parents dearly though and is crushed when she doesn't meet their approval. She wants to be treated the same as any other normal girl and be allowed to wear a bit of make up and cute clothes. She has the naivety of a 16 year old girl and falls for Nick hard and fast. She wants him to be the one for her-he evokes all these feelings she never knew she could have and wants more. 

I have to mention Krista, Nick's ex. She's a real piece of work and is very manipulative of Nick. She is desperate for love and acceptance and fixates on getting what she wants from him.  She does not take too kindly to his brush offs and is willing to make his life hell to get her way...

Nick and Reverie's love story is one that you read while feeling like you're on the edge of a precipice. You are just teetering there, waiting for it all to come crumbling down around them. This book does end on somewhat of a cliffhanger and will leave your heart in emotional turmoil as you await the conclusion to their story. I am looking forward to seeing if Nick and Reverie can overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their love or if the external factors will rip them apart for good.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Monica Murphy Goodreads

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Intoxicated (Billionaire Bachelor's Club #3.5)
   by: Monica Murphy

Publication Date: June 17, 2014
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 250 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up her sexy Billionaire Bachelors Club series with a wedding to remember. But this time, they’re not bachelors anymore, and the groom … is one of them.

It’s Gage and Marina’s wedding day, but wedded bliss seems a long way off: Ivy’s just gone into labor. Marina’s missing her matron of honor. And Bryn’s giving Matt the silent treatment.

It’s up to Archer, Gage, and Matt to make sure this day goes off without a hitch. But between brides and babies, there’s the not-so-little issue of the million-dollar bet to attend to. If only they can figure out who won … and who’s paying up. Is everyone a winner? Or will someone leave broke—and brokenhearted?

 

 

When I first heard from Monica in an interview I did with her for her Four Years Later release, that she was going to do a novella for the Billionaire Bachelors Club series, I was so happy! I really wanted to see how everything turned out with our three couples and how they were doing. There were some loose ends I really wanted tied up and we got those in this novella!

 

Pacing: I thought the pacing was spot-on. Murphy has given us all the main character's POVs and I loved being back with all of them and see what they were thinking and feeling.

 

Storyline: It's Marina and Gage's wedding day and Marina has been Bridezilla for the past few months. Everyone is ready to get this show on the road, and some are even a little TOO eager. Ivy ends up going into labor, thus causing her and Archer to relinquish their matron of honor and best man duties to Bryn and Matt. Marina is a wreck and even acts a bit selfishly- it's not like Ivy planned to have her baby at that exact moment! Gage is the epitome of calm and manages to sort her out, as well as Bryn. Bryn and Matt still haven't made any lifelong commitments to one another, but as their relationship is still new that's not completely out of the ordinary. Matt, however, is ready to take the plunge with Bryn, never having the hang-ups about commitment Archer and Gage once did. Bryn is a little more hesitant and lets her old insecurities creep back into the forefront of her mind.

 

Characters: Archer and Ivy remain my favorite of the three couples and I found myself looking forward to their scenes. Both of them are nervous about becoming first time parents, and Archer is just beyond sweet with how much care he takes with Ivy. It literally made my heart burst and if I ever get married and have a baby- THAT is how I want my husband to be. I felt for Ivy though, because even after the baby is born he's a little TOO gentle with her and she's ready to claim her husband!

 

Gage and Marina were always the steamy couple and that remains to be true in this novella. Once Marina calmed down, everything fell into place and seeing Gage's expression when Marina walked down the aisle? Priceless. Even though wedding planning has made them distant, the second they make that commitment, that distance dissipates and it's just Marina and Gage and no one else.

 

Matt and Bryn are the newest couple and Bryn still has some insecurities hanging over her head. She feels as if they're going too fast and she's just scared of the future. She was never on the receiving end of a loving, nurturing relationship as a child, so it's hard for her to believe that Matt could love her so wholeheartedly. Matt is one of the best guys out there and he's perfect for Bryn. He never let her put herself down and he is always building her up, which is how it should be.

 

Final Thoughts: I like that each couple is in a different stage of their relationship and that they have their own kinks to work out, but they're going to do so together. I think this novella was just what we readers needed- I feel satisfied and happy with the way Murphy tied up loose plot threads and also ended all of these couples with a bang. Literally. In the bedroom. In the office. Or on a honeymoon.

 

 

 

 

 

We are so excited to share the cover for Monica Murphy's HIS REVERIE!!! HIS REVERIE is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance novel!

 

 

 

ABOUT HIS REVERIE: I knew from the moment I first saw her she was the one. The only girl I could ever want. The only girl I could ever love. She is light. I am darkness. She is innocent. I’ve done too much. She is good. I am bad. She is my every dream. I should be her every nightmare. We come from different worlds. She’s…perfect. And I’m… Not. Somehow she wants me anyway. So we’ll grasp at what we can. We’re going to make this summer count. She’s my secret. And I’m hers. The problem with secrets is they never last for long. And when others discover we’re together, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them. Because Reverie Hale? She’s mine.

Add it to your TBR today!!! HIS REVERIE Goodreads

 

 

 

 

EXCERPT: “Thirsty?” I jump at the sound of a soft female voice, my hand jerking so the hose splashes me right in the face. Muttering a curse, I drop the hose and reach out blindly, wrenching the faucet off with one hand as I swipe at my eyes with the back of the other. I hear the girl laugh and I whirl around, fully prepared to find some bratty preteen Hale daughter mocking me. But she’s not a preteen. Not even close. More like around my age.

She’s tall and slender, her long blonde hair falling far past bared tan shoulders. She’s wearing some sort of sundress or whatever you call it and she’s pretty much covered since it hits just above her knees, though her arms are exposed since the dress is sleeveless. The sun catches her just right though, shining through the thin fabric of her skirt so I can see through it. My gaze drops and all I can see is long, long legs through the shadowy fabric. Damn. Those sexy legs are endless. She clears her throat, like she knows exactly where I’m looking and what I’m thinking and I jerk my gaze up guiltily to meet hers, feeling like a jackass. That’s when I notice her eyes are blue. As blue as the sky above us, and she’s so damn pretty, with delicate features and pink, pink lips, that I can’t seem to form words.

“Who are you?” she asks curiously. Her voice washes over me, sweet and melodic and now it’s my turn to clear my throat to get the lump out so I can freaking speak.

“Who are you?” I ask back like an idiot. She smiles shyly and my entire body reacts, a bolt of electricity seeming to go through me.

“I asked first.”

“Are you Hale’s daughter?” If she is, that sucks because holy hell she’s hot but yeah. She’s completely untouchable if she’s a Hale.

“What if I am?” She kicks at the ground with her sandaled foot, her cheeks coloring the faintest pink. Innocence radiates from her. She looks like a damn angel and seems a little uncomfortable with me. Despite her seeming discomfort, I think she might be trying to flirt with me. “Well, I’d make sure and be extra polite to you since I work for your dad.” I go with the truth because I don’t want any problems from this girl. I probably shouldn’t even be alone with her. She could say anything, accuse me of something terrible and I’d have no defense. Her word against mine. And her word would win every single time. Another laugh escapes her and she slowly shakes her head. “I like your honesty.” I like everything about her so far but I keep my lips clamped shut. I’ve already said enough to make myself look like a total loser.

“So I’m guessing you’re definitely Hale’s daughter?”



ABOUT MONICA MURPHY: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.        

Links: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Amazon author page

  

We are so excited to share the cover for Monica Murphy's INTOXICATED with you all! INTOXICATED is a sexy Contemporary Romance novella in Monica’s The Billionaire Bachelors Club Series, published by Avon Impulse. It is available for pre-order. Links are below!!

 

 

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up her sexy Billionaire Bachelors Club series with a wedding to remember. But this time, they’re not bachelors anymore, and the groom … is one of them. It’s Gage and Marina’s wedding day, but wedded bliss seems a long way off: Ivy’s just gone into labor. Marina’s missing her matron of honor. And Bryn’s giving Matt the silent treatment. It’s up to Archer, Gage, and Matt to make sure this day goes off without a hitch. But between brides and babies, there’s the not-so-little issue of the million-dollar bet to attend to. If only they can figure out who won … and who’s paying up. Is everyone a winner? Or will someone leave broke—and brokenhearted?

 

Pre-Order Links: 

 

AMAZONUS | AMAZON CAN | AMAZON UK | BARNES AND NOBLE | iTUNES  

I’m going to have a baby,” Ivy declares as she stops directly in front of me. Well, her belly stopped directly in front of me, the rest of her soon follows. Yes, indeed, my wife is definitely going to have a baby. Soon. I’m getting ready—staring at the mirror as I mess with my tie, making sure it’s perfect—when she approaches me. I shoot her a grin, feeling good, feeling on top of my game. Life couldn’t get any better, you know? We’re celebrating today and with good reason. “I know, sexy mama.” I turn away from the mirror and wink at her. “Trust me, I haven’t forgotten that I’m the one who knocked you up.” She stares at me, no reaction to my wink or my words. She usually slaps my ass and kisses me. Says something sarcastic at the very least. But I’m getting nothing. And it’s kind of disconcerting. “Archer. I’m dead serious. I’m going to have the baby.” “I know, babe. And I can’t freaking wait.” I study her, noticing that she looks a little pale and her pupils are dilated. Hmm. “You feeling okay?” Rolling her eyes, she rests her hand on top of her protruding stomach, rubbing it absently. Then not so absently. As in, she’s clutching her belly like she’s in pain. “I’m in—” She sucks in a harsh breath, holding it for a few seconds. “—labor, damn it.”

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend. 

      Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Amazon author page