Dot's Top Authors for 2017

So, I had this great idea to do a top 10 reads for 2017. Fun, right? Nope. Because I read over 100 books in 2017 - new and old. My list went from 10 to 20 to 30 and I kept going "Ooh, that was a 5 star read, it needs to be on the list." Well, this went on for a week. So today, the second day of the new year, I have decided to just write a list of authors you should be reading and include some of their latest releases or my favorites.


So...HERE GOES.


1. Colleen Hoover
 (No big surprise there.) Hoover released Without Merit in 2017 and I have to admit, this one has been stuck with me sense I read it. It may be bumping Hoover's Confess out of my number one spot for my favorites.


2. Kandi Steiner
If you haven't picked up Steiner yet, I have no idea what you're waiting for. Seriously! There are a few of her books that I have not read yet (older ones), but I will get to them. I am going to sign up for less new releases this year so I can enjoy some of the books sitting on my TBR. Pick up Palm South University: Seasons 1-3 (I seriously hope she's writing more of this), Weightless, On the Way to You, and Revelry... Sure, I want you to get all of her books, but these are a few of my favorites. Steiner gives it to you real and raw. I'm not sure how she does it, but I am in awe of her writing. On the Way to You left me feeling so raw and open, that I wanted to reread it just to make sure that it was real.


3. Marie Skye
I am not sure how I came in contact with Skye, but boy am I glad I did. She has a knack for writing great character development that catapults you into the storyline wishing you had someone speak beautiful words to you. The Incapable Series...whew. But, you want to know something strange? Her short stories in the Anthologies she's participated in were my favorites, thus far. So check out Fourteen Shades of F*cked Up and Six: A Men of the Strip Anthology. Hot reads! So good.


4. Brittainy C. Cherry
All I have to say is Behind the Bars. If you haven't read it, you need to get off of my blog right now and go read it. Like now. I am still working on her Elements Series, but I am loving those too. Cherry is so very talented and I can't wait to read more of her work.


5. Whitney Barbetti
I guess I am just a sucker for a good romance. I was introduced to Barbetti after posting in the Cohort's group that I was in labor and it would be a long night. A nice woman offered to gift me a book and she sent me Into the Tomorrows to give me something to do while I waited for the birth of my beautiful baby boy in June of 2016. After I read this one, I gobbled up each and every one of Barbetti's books. I was a goner. Barbetti writes like she loves words. Like they are the only thing that matters. I remember highlighting things and simply being in awe, saying things like "whoa" or "wow" in the notes sections because the words just spoke to me.


6. Cassie Graham
I stumbled upon Graham through a promo site that I subscribe to. I remember just saying, "Why not," when I clicked yes to Who Needs Air. It was a rerelease of it, I believe. But it was so beautifully written that I was glad I took a chance on it. More people should read it. And let's not forget to mention the Wilder Boys...umm..yes!


7. Staci Hart
She captured my heart in 2017 (officially) with A Little Too Late. I don't know what it was about this story, but I was officially a fan after that. I mean, I loved her clever take on the Greek Gods in her Hearts and Arrows series, but A Little Too Late put that all to shame.


8. S.L. Scott
She's clever and witty and everything you would want in an author. Everest is a must read.


9. Meghan Quinn
Twisted Twosome was funny and exciting. She has a lot more books that I have yet to read, but they are on my TBR waiting for me.


10. Max Monroe
Now, don't you think that because they are number 10 on my list is in any way a depiction of them being at the bottom of the barrel. Save the best for last, ya know? If you like a great love story that makes you laugh out loud?? Max Monore is the duo for you! Even their emails are freaking hilarious! Billionaire Bad Boys, Alex in Wonderland.... THATCH! And word around the street is Quinn is next. Yum...yes..and yum.




Honorable Mentions:
Stylo Fantome (Twin Estates series is bomb)
Annita L. Jackson (New Urban Author with great potential in storytelling)
B. Love (Beautifully written stories)
Latoya Nicole (Her storytelling is good, potential to make the list for 2018 if she works on editing a bit)


There are plenty more, but I hope to have a bigger list for next year!


That's it folks! Happy 2018.


My first read for the year will be The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

*Cover Reveal* Everest by S.L. Scott

 

Title: Everest

Author: S.L. Scott

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December 7, 2017

Cover Design: Letitia Hasser

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/EverestGR

SYNOPSIS

Six foot three. Dynamic green eyes. Utterly irresistible.
Ethan Everest stole my breath the first time I saw him. He romanced me with skill, dazzled me with his charisma, and proceeded to steal my heart right after.
I might have fallen for his easy going smile the first time we met, but I fell for him the second time.
Honey-colored hair. Cherry-kissed lips. Captivatingly gorgeous.
Singer Davis was the first, and only, woman to ever intimidate me. She spoke to my heart with her wit, seduced me with her eyes, and became the only thing that made sense in a world that made none.
I let her slip through my fingers once. I won’t make that mistake twice.
Secrets broke us apart. Can a second chance bring us back together?




ABOUT S.L. SCOTT


Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She's obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she's a pro.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.slscottauthor.com/
The Scott Scoop: http://bit.ly/2TheScoop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slscottpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/slscottauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.l.scott/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/slscott1
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/SLBookbub
Amazon: http://bit.ly/SLScottAm
Book + Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/slscott
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Slscottauthor
Huffington Post Contributor Page: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sl-scott/
S.L. Scott FB Reader Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/slscottbooks
S.L. Scott GR Reader Group: http://bit.ly/SLScottGRGroup

**New Release** On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner (Review)

On the Way to You, an all-new emotional standalone from Kandi Steiner is LIVE!

On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publishing Date: November 16th, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Recommend: YES! Oh goodness. YES!

Triggers: so much sadness, but in a good way



What makes you happy?

That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.

And then, I got in his car.

It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers.

One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.

Discovering his journal changed everything.

I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.

I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.

Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could.

Read Today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2i9bzop

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2hnQdmz

Add to GoodReads: bit.ly/OtWtYGR

**Dot's Deets**

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

Some of you may have already seen my initial thoughts on this book on my facebook page. The one where I said I wanted to sit and stare at Kandi Steiner all creep-like? Yes, that one! Well, my feelings remain the same. This book! This is my top book of 2017 and once you read it, you can fight me about this!

Why was this book so amazing and received a 5 star rating plus!? Well, let me just tell you, you are in for a real treat. I cried, I laughed, I cried some more. I felt every single emotion in the Webster. I wanted to reach through my screen and hold these characters. Slap these characters. Ask them why. Tell them it would be okay. Tell them I have been there too. Then turn to Kandi and ask her if she has been watching my life for last few weeks - only to release this book and silently whisper to me "It's okay. You are not alone." Shoot man. I read this book over a week ago and goose bumps are still forming when I think about these characters.

I'm not making any sense. Or am I? The storyline is typical. Girl meets cute boy type feel. But there is so much depth and substance to this book that has you looking at page numbers praying it takes you a little while longer to gobble up their story. Kandi Steiner has this magical ability to transport you into her stories and make you feel as though the world around you isn't enough. That there is more out there; if you go out there and grab it.

"What makes you happy?"

We ask ourselves this often. Some more than others. But everything is superficial. Our family. This book. We don't really think about what really makes us happy. And when Emery was kneeling in the snow, tears mixing with the elements, I thought to myself: "What would bring me to my knees like that if I lost it?"

So, before I give away too much information about this book. Grab it. It was released today. Also, grab a box of Kleenex and have your best friend on speed dial. Make sure he/she is reading it too. You will need the support. Or call me. I'm here for you. 

About the Author:

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies). When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.

Connect with the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KandiSteiner/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fV1FZW

Twitter: @KandiSteiner

Sign up for Kandi’s Newsletter here: https://goo.gl/TLsut8

Website: http://kandisteiner.com

**New Release & Review** Toying With Her by Prescott Lane

Rating: ⛤⛤⛤⛤

 Release Date: August 17th 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Toying with Her, an all-new standalone from Prescott Lane is coming LIVE!!!

No one said finding love was easy, but when you invented the world’s best selling vibrator, it’s near impossible. Yep, that’s right. That little toy hidden in your bedside table is my brain child. It’s aptly named Woman on Top. And you know what they say . . . it’s lonely at the top.

So I’m headed home to my Southern roots. It’s supposed to be an extended Summer vacation — nothing more. But Rorke Weston has other plans for me. Plans that not only involve me being on top, but also underneath him.

It’s been said you never forget your first. For me, that’s definitely true. No night has ever lived up to the one I spent with Rorke.

He’s turned into quite a man. Tan from the Southern sun, and stubborn as the day is long. And there’s nothing sweeter than the swipe of his tongue.

Rorke wants his chance. The one we never had. But that was a long time ago. When I still believed in Prince Charming and Happily Ever Afters. Even ten years later, I feel a pull. And it’s not simply Rorke yanking down my panties.

Do second chances really happen? Or is my heart simply toying with me?

Read Today!

(only 99¢ for a Limited Time)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2wa1D6K

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2v1qV1N

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2i6kf18

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/G7qAFh

Dot's Deets:

***ARC Received in exchange for an honest review ***

This is the first I have ever heard of Prescott Lane and I am glad I was introduced to her. A woman who invented sex toys? Right up my alley! I just don't feel like it was a page turner. I wasn't on the edge of my seat wanting more. It was well written and had complex characters, but it just didn't leave a lasting impression. I was ready to read my next book immediately. I didn't even sit down to write out my review before I forgot any juicy details. 

Don't get me wrong, it was good. Spicy. And an interesting read. But it won't be on my must read books. I mean, yeah, you should read it. But you don't have to. Yes, I recommend it. But, you get my drift. 

It is a sweet love story.

Okay, let me edit this a bit. I had a cup of coffee and I don't feel like I wrote everything that needed to be said.

This is the story of the heart wanting what it wants. Of what happens when you never really let go. It pulled at my heart strings and tugged at my emotions. Everyone needs a Rorke to fight for them. 

About the Author:

Prescott Lane is the Amazon best-selling author of Stripped Raw. She's got seven other books under her belt including: First Position, Perfectly Broken, Quiet Angel, Wrapped in Lace, Layers of Her, The Reason for Me, and The Sex Bucket List. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and holds a degree in sociology and a MSW from Tulane University. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren't enough happily ever afters in real life.

Connect with the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottLane1

Twitter: @prescottlane1

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lfhlrh

Instagram: instagram.com/prescottlane1

http://www.authorprescottlane.com

Who Needs Air by Cassie Graham

• Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
• Recommend: yes
• Standalone 
• Release date: April 28, 2017
• Triggers: none
• Read time: 2 days

***Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***

Blurb (Courtesy of Goodreads. Add to your tbr HERE.)

They fell in love at thirteen.
He wrote a book about it at twenty.
She watched him walk away at twenty-three.
And he made the New York Times Best Sellers list at twenty-four.

Campbell ‘Cam’ Potter stood idly by as August Wyatt took over the world one word at a time. Chapter by chapter, people fell in love with the story he created – the events she lived. And now the book was being made into a movie, it was only a matter of time before August was back in their small hometown in Georgia.

The problem was, when August left five years ago, Cam made a promise to herself. The ending in his book would be the conclusion to their story. There was no sequel, no second chance, no possibility of ever seeing him again. He obliterated her heart and she was determined to never let it happen again.

That is, until Cam gets a late night text from the heartbreaker himself.
New chapters are written, fresh storylines are explored and Cam and August find a familiarity in one another.


Sometimes THE END doesn’t mean it’s over.

****

I honestly would have given it a 5 out of 5 if it wasn't a little predictable. And Cassie Graham literally ended the book with "And they lived happily ever after." Maybe not literally, but those words were placed in there in some capacity. I cringed. I hate that. Someone else may love it. But not this book nerd. That is a little harsh, forgive me, but yeah. I also felt that it ended a little fast. Yes, it was a bit of a read, but I felt like the ending was a little rushed. 

Let me back up. I'm being critical. This was a lovely love story. It had passion and steamy sex scenes. I did enjoy reading it. I did have "just one more chapter" moments, but it was very predictable. But that is okay. The story was beautifully written and it did the job. And she added a nice nod to one of my favorite writers (Colleen Hoover) in the book. So, that was pretty neat.

Campbell and August are the epitome of boy meets girl, girl loses boy, girl gets cute boy back. It was definitely a page turner full of drama and steamy love. I say read it and formulate your own opinion.

Quotes that I highlighted: 

• "Sometimes we have to suffer through misery to find what's real."
• "Darkness can mewl out hushed cries of resentment or can shine a limelight on reality"
• "Is that a Colleen Hoover book?"
• "It's the Hoover Effect."

Who Needs Air is available to purchase on April 28th 

Send any book review request or suggestions to dotsdeets@gmail.com

Revelry by Kandi Steiner

Rating: 5 out of 5
Recommendation: Heck yes!
Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 20, 2017 (like my page on fb for updates on release and other goodies Dot's Dirty Deets)
Triggers: none
Read time: 2 days
**Received an ARC for an honest review**


Blurb (Courtesy of Goodreads. Add to your TBR list HERE.):


Wren Ballard is trying to find herself.

She never expected to be divorced at twenty-seven, but now that the court date has passed, it’s official. The paperwork is final. Her feelings on it aren’t.

Spending the summer in a small mountain town outside Seattle is exactly what she needs. The peaceful scenery is a given, the cat with the croaky meow is a surprise, but the real kicker? A broody neighbor with nice arms, a strange reputation, and absolutely no interest in her.

Anderson Black is perfectly fine being lost.

He doesn’t care about the town’s new resident — he’s too busy fighting his own demons. But when he’s brought face to face with Wren, he can see her still-fresh wounds from a mile away. What he doesn’t see coming is his need to know who put them there — or his desperation to mend them.

Sometimes getting lost is the way to find yourself. Sometimes healing only adds a new scar. And sometimes the last place you expected to be is exactly where you find home.

****

You know the drill by now. If you don't want spoilers, then do not read beyond this point. Because this one was a good one and I have a lot to say!

Well, Ms. Steiner, you have gone and done it again. I do not know why I torture myself and read your books. I really don't. This one will probably be on the top of my list of books that you have written. But I still have a few to play catch-up on, so the jury is still out. But...the feelings I felt when I read this one made me want to crawl inside myself and never come out. Why? No clue. I have suffered a loss. I have not suffered a big break-up like a divorce. I haven't run away to find myself (unless you count college, but nah). I guess the book was so real to me. All too often, when reading books, you think to yourself. "Come on, not in a million years would this happen." But this probably will touch so many hearts that it is so relatable. The word that poured out onto the pages, were brilliant. Beautifully written. Extremely heartbreaking. I have never rooted for two characters to stop worrying about outside forces and be together. Ugh.

Wren, Wren, Wren. I kept thinking in my head, "Who cares?!" So what you just got a divorce months ago. So what! So what! So what! She's just going to let this man who is giving her what she wants just walk out of her life? Anderson! I was having angry anxiety. I wanted him to just be like, "Shut up and be with me." That scene right before she left and the words Momma Von spoke to her ran through her head. She felt it. I felt it. The readers will feel this! OMG. Then Kandi Steiner pulls out the Morton's, grabs my shoulders and pours onto my open heart when Beau shows up at the end. Seriously? That entire story wasn't enough? You had to add that one last knife twist to make me hurt and feel more? Thanks. Thanks a whole effing lot.

If you all can't tell by this review, I loved this book. Revelry will have you all in your feelings. I almost gave it a 4.5 because she just made me feel way too much. It is definitely a can't put down book. I was up til 1am last night finishing it. Looking at my progress at the bottom of my app, thinking, "Just one more chapter...just 5 more minutes." Well, yeah...I'm tired. But this book...just read it. Yes. Please.

Release Blitz coming soon!



Incapable by Marie Skye

Rating: 4 out of 5
Rated: XXX (it's for the mature crowd)
Recommend: Yes
Book one of a series
Will I read the next ones? SURE

Amazon synopsis and you can purchase here:

"Emmalin Gone. Everything I ever had is gone. Ripped away, taken before I was ready. So I just hid. Hid in the shadows, hoping to disappear, blending in, fade away. I didn't want to be found, and I sure as hell didn’t want, to be discovered. But one man did. He saw me. Saw right through me. He's overbearing, egotistical, and did I mention a total asshole? When I'm with him, I want to scream. Punch him. And then have him rip my clothes off. I gave him one night. He wants more. And so do I. I'm his. Grayson Mandrake owns me. Grayson I take, because I can. I claim, because I can. She was mine the moment I saw her, and I will destroy her soul to keep her. Have her. Own her. I'm ruthless, and relentless. A total asshole. And I will do anything for her. Emmalin Ross is mine. This is PART ONE of the Incapable series. Warning: This series has a foul-mouthed male, dirty talk, and strong sexual content. Intended for mature audiences 18+ only."

***Spoilers to follow***

Whew. It was HOT! I would have given it a 5 out of 5, but I believe Marie Skye has potential with her writing. It was super sexual, but I just needed more substance. Maybe Riley Jean spoiled me a bit with that almost 6 day read...I just don't like that I had to read so much to learn that the main character had green eyes. And all of a sudden they're this beautiful thing to the other main character. I know, such a minute detail, but if I am going to fall in love with a character, I want to know more about them than the movement of a piece of hair behind her ear. I get it. It's a sweet gesture, but what else?

So...the green eyed girl is Emmalin. She's got everything going against her. She's working two jobs and barely making ends meet. She's obviously incredibly smart because she does freelance work in accounting. But she has demons (don't we all?). But her demon came in the form of her stepfather who we put the pieces together eventually that he is raping her. We learn that she has so much tragedy in her life that she has a fear of all things that involve love and being restrained. 

In comes Grayson Mandrake...beautiful blue eyes (we learn this from the start), rich (really really rich), handsome, a playboy...Are you getting the Christian Gray feel? Yeah, me too. But I digress. He has his demons too. Tragedy struck at a young age for him also...So, why are these two good for one another? Because they bring out the best in one another. Everyone else sees it, but Emmalin has a hard time accepting it. Did I mention he was into bondage?

There were other mention-able characters: Tyler- Emmalin's best friend. Chace- Grayson's best friend. I am hopeful to learn a bit more about the both of them. But I have to take a pause on these books because of other books that I have to read. But I promise you, I will be back for more of this sexy, saucy, raunchy book.

To have your book reviewed by Dot: Send all request to dotsdeets@gmail.com