Polkadoodles' Digi Choosday: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone! Welcome to Choosday. :D We've got a new Digi Choosday challenge, and a new DISCOUNT CODE for the Polkadoodles shop! Head over to the blog to grab it before your shopping spree!

Today's challenge is, as always, Anything Goes!

My shaped Easter greetings feature the fabulous Work & Play 3. This kit features lots of essential worker digis, along with coordinating papers and sentiments - what an amazing deal and so many options for you to craft with! Papers are from the Winnie Mermazing digital collection and the Guitar - male sets, and the sentiment is from Helga Hippo.

Don't forget to head over to the blog to grab today's discount code! Then shop your heart out. Choosday is the best day!

Be sure to join in to our Anything Goes challenge via the link up at the Digi Choosday blog for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Gems Challenge: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for this week's TOO CUTENESS? The sweetness of Too Cute's Valentine release from 2020 inspired me today, so I've pulled out Too Cute Turtle Love - precolored - and Too Cute Hamster Love - precolored, for a little bit of Mini Slimline fun today! 

The sentiment is from Polkadoodles - Winnie Sunshine Delight collection. Background papers are from Sunshine Delight and Sweet Treat 6x6 paper pad. Mini Slim Dies from Trinity Stamps.

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Catz #530: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #48 AG (1/3)

Creative Fingers #198: AG (1/3)
Cut It Up #191: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (1/3)
Pattie's Creations #177: AG (1/3)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Gems Challenge: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for this week's TOO CUTENESS? The sweetness of Too Cute's Valentine release from 2020 inspired me today, so I've pulled out Too Cute Puppy Love - precolored - for today's project.

The sentiment is from Polkadoodles - Winnie Sunshine Delight collection. Background papers are from Sunshine Delight and Sweet Treat 6x6 paper pad.

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Catz #530: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #48 AG (1/3)

Creative Fingers #198: AG (1/3)
Cut It Up #191: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (1/3)
Pattie's Creations #177: AG (1/3)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Under Pressure by Allie Winters

Under Pressure, an all-new opposites-attract new adult romance from Allie Winters, is now available in Kindle Unlimited! 

Mia knows stress. She’s dealt with it her whole life. So when she gets an opportunity to run a psychology study to help her get into grad school, it should be no problem dealing with the prickly guy she suddenly finds herself paired with.

The one she had a secret crush on last year. The one who refuses to let anyone close. The one she’s discovering by the day may have a softer side than he lets anyone else see…

Tyler knows stress. He’s grappled with it for as long as he can remember. And just because he has to share credit with this girl on his new psychology study doesn’t mean he has to be friends with her. Except she somehow keeps worming her way into his life. In school. In the boxing gym.

In his bed.

But everyone knows it’s safer to keep to yourself. You can't hurt anyone that way. Even if it means giving up the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

As things heat up in the Stress Lab, will this match be able to work together without disruption, or will this growing attraction between them eventually... combust?

'Under Pressure ' is a full-length new adult contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #1 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe. 

My review:

New Adult Romance that ticks the boxes!

Under Pressure by Allie Winters is a real gem! I think that college romances can be tricky – if they’re not done right they come across with too much angst and immaturity. NOT the case with Mia and Tyler at all. I was so pleased to find just the right amount of new relationship/youth/drive/smarts & sass in this fantastic story about some truly top-notch psych students.

Allie Winters has infused such a relatable quality into these characters, immersing you in the richness of their thoughts and their world. While reading, you feel as if you are directly observing events rather than simply reading their retelling. There was a lot of emotion in this book as well – the scars of past hurts, the bonds of friendship between characters, the strain and pressures of competition, and the folly of youth, to name a few. It’s definitely a book where I laughed and I cried, caught up in the developing relationship as these two focused, stubborn, and loyal characters worked toward happiness and success. Truly a well-plotted and emotional read that keeps you immersed to the very end.  

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2UWgtIl

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3fz1uxK

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3kXrkMM

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/375X9hs

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2N0kknf

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3b5GnTw

Audiobook: Coming Soon!

Excerpt

“Close your eyes,” he says in that beautifully deep voice, “and take a deep breath. Focus on relaxing each muscle of your body and slowing your breaths. Inhale and exhale with me.” He counts to three steadily, bringing air in, then releases it on the same count of three.

I do all I can to concentrate on his words, the rhythm of it more than anything else, just trying to get out of my own mind. If I can just breathe with him, everything will be okay. This crushing weight will release.

I clutch at his arms like he’s a lifeline and he lets me, wrinkling the sleeves of his soft cotton shirt, taking in shaky breaths next to his strong ones.

We continue that way for long minutes until it’s safe for me to open my eyes, my chest finally rising and falling in an even tempo. My lashes and cheeks are still wet as I look up at him and he slowly brings a hand up to wipe the moisture away, his thumb featherlight on my skin.

He moves to tuck an errant curl behind my ear, brushing my neck as his hand wanders down, leaving shivers in its wake, then cups the back of my head, cradling it tenderly. The warmth of his fingers relaxes the muscles there, even more so when he gently massages the area, loosening the still lingering tension.

He’s silent, his eyes flicking back and forth between my eyes and mouth, and it takes me a moment to realize what he’s signaling. I’m unable to move, to think, to focus on anything but his face gradually coming closer.

I shut my eyes at the first gentle press of his lips. I didn’t know he was capable of such softness, such tenderness. My stomach dips in anticipatory delight as his other hand slides into my hair, holding me more securely to him as he moves his head a fraction, changing the angle of the kiss so it’s deeper now, but still just as slow and exquisitely soft.

I sway toward him, relaxing my hold on his shirt, kissing him back with enthusiasm. I had no idea he felt this way, that he likes me—

A sharp burst of laughter from the hallway outside the lab has us breaking apart, like we were caught doing something wrong... 

About Allie Winters

Allie is the author of the Suncoast University series, the Bishop Brothers series, and the Lessons Learned series. She lives in sunny Florida with her husband, daughter, and two cats. A librarian by day, she spends her nights writing happily ever afters. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and all things Disney.

Find Allie Winters online

Website: http://bit.ly/357VYOr

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/389mnNO

Facebook: http://bit.ly/3b5KJdk

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3pOJNhB 

Connect with Smartypants Romance

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2kvDnb4

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2lzyduO

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2lGdIMQ

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kwKsYK

Website: https://smartypantsromance.com/ 

Newsletter: https://smartypantsromance.com/newsletter/

Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid!

The Devil is in the details . . .

Marriage and Murder, an-all new quirky and witty cozy mystery and second book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries from New York Times bestselling author Penny Reid is available now!

Cletus Byron Winston wishes to marry Jennifer Anne Donner-Sylvester (aka The Banana Cake Queen) posthaste! He’s spent the last year wanting nothing more than for the celebrations to be brief, libations flowing, and BYOB (bring your own blueberries). His future mother-in-law has other plans, plans his intended has been willing to indulge, much to Cletus’s chagrin. Therefore, so must he. To a point. But truth be told, he wouldn’t mind if the meddlesome matriarch disappeared, at least until the nuptials are over.

On the night of Cletus and Jenn’s long-awaited engagement party, just when the surly schemer is of a mind to take matters into his own hands, a shocking event upends everyone’s best laid plans and sends the small hamlet of Green Valley into complete disarray. The final months leading up to Cletus and Jenn’s matrimonial bliss are plagued with chaos and uncertainty. Will Cletus and Jenn finally make it to the altar? Or will murder and mayhem derail their happily-ever-after?

And most importantly, who done it?

‘Marriage and Murder’ is the second book in the cozy mystery series Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries. It is best read after Winston Brothers #3, ‘Beard Science’ (which can be read as a standalone) and Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #1, ‘Engagement and Espionage.’

Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bxHvvw
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MarriageMurderPR
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2LqTiBk
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2T5lIVP
Nook: https://bit.ly/2WuiXzm
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2Z0eZjD

Add Marriage and Murder to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2WsIngD

Meet Penny Reid
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD
Twitter: @ReidRomance
Mailing List: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/
Website: www.pennyreid.ninja

Bet the Farm by Staci Hart - Review

Bet the Farm is LIVE and available from your favorite online book retailer! This heartfelt, flirty story of opposites attract from Staci Hart is just what you need. Happy reading! 💕

Amazon | AppleBooks | Kobo | B&N | Goodreads

Olivia Brent has one summer to save the dairy farm she just inherited.

But there’s one problem, and it’s not her lactose intolerance.

Jake Milovic.

The brooding farmhand has inherited exactly fifty percent of Brent Farm, and he’s so convinced the city girl can’t work the land, he bets she can’t save it in a summer. 

Determined to prove him wrong, Olivia accepts what might be the dumbest wager of her life.

His strategy to win seems simple: follow her around, shirtlessly distracting her between bouts of relentless taunting. And it’s effective—if his dark eyes and rare smiles aren’t enough to sidetrack her, the sweaty, rolling topography of the manbeast’s body would do the trick.

What they don’t know: they’ll have to weather more than each other. 

Mysterious circumstances throw the farm into disarray, and with the dairy farm in danger, Olivia and Jake have to work together. But when they do, there’s more to fear than either of them imagined.

Because now their hearts are on the line, and the farm won’t be the only casualty if they fail.

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website | Newsletter

My Review: Small Towns & Emotional Journeys

GAH! Bet the Farm is EVERYTHING you guys. #allthefeels – wow. This books is an absolutely amazing, steamy, swoony snarky enemies-to-lovers and kinda-sorta second-chance romance that I could not put down. What a fun story; with so much character evolution and emotion you’ll be laughing and crying at the same time. Olivia and Jake have an amazing connection with sizzling soul-mate level chemistry. Lost in their grief and pulled under by the immense task of saving the farm, they inevitably retreat to their corners and fall back on an adversarial relationship, remembering past hurts and misunderstandings.

As always, I'm in awe of Ms. Hart's writing. The richness, the detail, the distinct flair – unforgettable. This book is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. From a “trope” perspective, I personally think this book crosses a few, and I tend to read everything by an author I love rather than worrying if “brother’s best friend” or “accidental pregnancy” is my favorite overall idea. I’ve never been disappointed in a Staci Hart book, and truly couldn’t imagine a world where I WOULD be. If you didn't know you needed this story in your life...well, now you do. I'll be impatiently awaiting Ms. Hart's next endeavor, and I do hope we return to farm country some time soon! Hart’s silky smooth writing style, beautiful story lines, lush descriptions, and of course the deep, raw, amazingly flawed, true, and honest characters are pure magic.

This story was a personal journey for Olivia and Jake as much as one of their relationship. I think they learned as much about themselves as they did about each other. As it turns out, Jake needs Olivia’s light to complete him.  

Polkadoodles' Digi Choosday - Week 7: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone! Welcome to Choosday. :D We've got a new Digi Choosday challenge, and a new DISCOUNT CODE for the Polkadoodles shop! Head over to the blog to grab it before your shopping spree!

Today's challenge is, as always, Anything Goes!

My shaped Easter greetings feature the fabulous HOLLY! This image is called  Holly Spring/Easter Bunny. I love her fun outfit :D I've paired her with papers from the Soft & Scrumptious paper pack with the FREEBIE flower pot shaped card template to create this Easter greeting. The sentiment comes from Winnie Sugar Sprinkles Springtime.

Don't forget to head over to the blog to grab today's discount code! Then shop your heart out. Choosday is the best day!

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Catch the Bug Clean & Simple (2/3)
Crafter's Castle #32 AG (2/3)

Art Impressions Quick & Simple (2/3)
Creative Fingers - #191: AG (2/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (2/3)
Pattie's Creations #173 AG (2/3)

Be sure to join in to our Anything Goes challenge via the link up at the Digi Choosday blog for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Gems - Week 4: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for this week's TOO CUTENESS? The sweetness of Too Cute's Valentine release from 2020 inspired me today, so I've pulled out Too Cute Mouse Love and Too Cute Bella Milkshake for today's project.

The milkshake sentiment is word art from Polkadoodles - Winnie Fruit Punch collection. Background is stenciled using Distress Oxide in Fossilized Amber and Squeezed Lemonade with a honeycomb stencil. Frame circle die is MFT.

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Catz #530: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #48 AG (1/3)

Creative Fingers #198: AG (1/3)
Cut It Up #191: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (1/3)
Pattie's Creations #177: AG (1/3)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Gems: Week 3 - Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for this week's TOO CUTENESS? The sweetness of Too Cute's Valentine release from 2020 inspired me today, so I've pulled out Too Cute Mouse Love and Too Cute Hamster Love for today's project.

I love a good slimline. My dies are from Gina Marie Designs, the circle frame from Time for Tea Designs. The "Hugs" sentiment is word art from Polkadoodles - Winnie Fruit Punch collection. Background paper is Polkadoodles too - the Work and Play 12 collection. 

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Catz #530: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #48 AG (1/3)

Creative Fingers #198: AG (1/3)
Cut It Up #191: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (1/3)
Pattie's Creations #177: AG (1/3)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Digi Choosday - Week 3: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone! Welcome to Choosday. We've got a new Digi Choosday challenge, and a new DISCOUNT CODE for the Polkadoodles shop! Head over to the blog to grab it before your shopping spree!

Today's challenge is, as always, Anything Goes!

My birthday beauty features the fabulous RUBY! This image is called Ruby Prom. I love her classy look. I've paired her with papers from Boneshakin' Halloween and the Rose Budd collection. My sentiment is from Winnie Celebrations 2 - it's one of my favorites to use on birthday cards (I have a lot of favorites, I know!).

Don't forget to head over to the blog to grab today's discount code! Then shop your heart out. Choosday is the best day!

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Catch the Bug Clean & Simple (2/3)
Crafter's Castle #32 AG (2/3)

Art Impressions Quick & Simple (2/3)
Creative Fingers - #191: AG (2/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (2/3)
Pattie's Creations #173 AG (2/3)

Be sure to join in to our Anything Goes challenge via the link up at the Digi Choosday blog for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Gems: Week 3 - Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for this week's TOO CUTENESS? The sweetness of Too Cute's Bunny Rabbit Love is a go-to for me. Love that sweet face!

I've added in some rolling hills and dry embossing to create depth and texture for this simple scene. Background papers and sentiment are from the Helga collection. 

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Catz #530: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #48 AG (1/3)

Creative Fingers #198: AG (1/3)
Cut It Up #191: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (1/3)
Pattie's Creations #177: AG (1/3)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Digi Choosday - Week 1: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone! Welcome to Choosday. We've got a new Digi Choosday challenge, and a new DISCOUNT CODE for the Polkadoodles shop! Head over to the blog to grab it before your shopping spree!

Today's challenge is, as always, Anything Goes!

The fantastic Fireman Jim is here to say THANKS to 2021 for finally taking over! He is part of the amazing Work & Play #1 collection, so chock full of characters, accessories, papers, and more - you'll be in your craft room until 2022!! My extra sentiment is from the Helga Hippo sentiment bundle - I added color to coordinate with the brick background. The creative possibilities are endless with our digital stamps and bundles!

Thank you cards are among my favorites to create because I think they truly bring the most joy to the recipients!

Don't forget to head over to the blog to grab today's discount code! Then shop your heart out. Choosday is the best day!

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Catch the Bug Clean & Simple (2/3)
Crafter's Castle #32 AG (2/3)

Art Impressions Quick & Simple (2/3)
Creative Fingers - #191: AG (2/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (2/3)
Pattie's Creations #173 AG (2/3)

Be sure to join in to our Anything Goes challenge via the link up at the Digi Choosday blog for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Gems - Week 1: Anything Goes

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for this week's TOO CUTENESS? The beautiful Bella Bear Ice Skating is one of my favorites from the latest winter-themed Too Cute release. So graceful! Perfect for sliders like I shared last week, or that special winter birthday card.

I've added in the Flower Flourish die set here to make my "Sparkles" sentiment pop. Background paper is from the Horace & Boo collection. 

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Catz #530: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #48 AG (1/3)

Creative Fingers #198: AG (1/3)
Cut It Up #191: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (1/3)
Pattie's Creations #177: AG (1/3)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Polkadoodles' Digi Choosday - Week 51: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone! Welcome to Choosday. We've got a new Digi Choosday challenge, and a new DISCOUNT CODE for the Polkadoodles shop! Head over to the blog to grab it before your shopping spree!

Today's challenge is, as always, Anything Goes!

I LOVE a slimline card! Add in some interaction and it's a WINNER for sure! What's not to love with this ice skating action? Bella Bear is gliding over to see her friend Agnes Elephant on the ice. 

The entire scene is hand-colored using Copic markers. Fluffy clouds courtesy of the cloud landscape stencil and Distress Oxide inks. A lovely pine from the Layering Trees die finishes off the scene!  but popped it up on foam tape for some dimension.

Don't forget to head over to the blog to grab today's discount code! Then shop your heart out. Choosday is the best day!

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Catch the Bug Clean & Simple (2/3)
Crafter's Castle #32 AG (2/3)

Art Impressions Quick & Simple (2/3)
Creative Fingers - #191: AG (2/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (2/3)
Pattie's Creations #173 AG (2/3)

Be sure to join in to our Anything Goes challenge via the link up at the Digi Choosday blog for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by today!

The Ace and the Assistant - Review

 

⭐️The Ace and The Assistant IS LIVE!!⭐️

 

He’s the recently divorced veteran player and she’s the teammate’s “little sister” who comes to his rescue.

 

⭐Download The Ace and The Assistant Now:

Amazon (all): https://geni.us/TheAceandTheAssistant

 

*Free in Kindle Unlimited*

GOODREADS:

BOOK LINK: https://bit.ly/2K0oRF8

 

BOOKBUB:

Link: https://bit.ly/3oSHs4D

My review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow!! You guys...

I love Ross and Casey. The Ace and the Assistant was SUCH a great read! The story is just classic Jiffy Kate – fun & sweet, sassy & smart, swoony & heartfelt...there are not enough adjectives to describe my adoration. This dynamic writing duo has rocketed onto my one-click/must read list

One thing I really love about the writing – it’s all about the couple. The use of secondary characters to support them and help tell the story is right where it should be, and there is so much truth in their hopes & fears that you’re just completely enmeshed in their lives, invested in their HEA. You know the HEA is coming – of course it’s coming. You’d be pretty wrecked if it didn’t, don’t lie. But as with most things in life, it’s the journey that gets ya. The friendship between Casey & Ross, the support they showed for one another as they both navigated their situation and their futures – that’s what makes it. I was pleased that there wasn’t any kind of “quick rush to the altar” for either character due to the pregnancy surprise. The realism and relatability; flaws and evolution of the couple are what make you root for them.

I’m out of words, because there's no way to do it justice except to say: Go. Read. Swoon. Cry. Laugh. Love.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. But, I would have bought it – without question.

My general rating rationale:

3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.

4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.

5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it.

Polkadoodles' Gems - Week 26: Anything Goes!

Good morning everyone. It's Saturday - time for a new Gem of a Challenge from Polkadoodles! You can find our challenge blog here: A Gem of a Challenge. 

Are you ready for this week's TOO CUTENESS? I'm just LOVE-loving the Christmas Fishes digi set - cute, punny and perfect for all your Christmas card needs!

I've used elements from the Christmas Fishes Big Kahuna bundle for my project - can't go wrong with a good pun! I built this underwater scene with this fun background plate die and different colors of blue cardstock. Nuvo drops complete the scene with their bubbly fun!

Our Gem of a Challenge challenges run for 2 weeks, so you've got lots of time to link up, and they are ALWAYS Anything Goes! Visit the challenge blog HERE. 

I'm entering this into the following challenges - 

Crafty Catz #530: AG (1/3)
Colour Crazy #48 AG (1/3)

Creative Fingers #198: AG (1/3)
Cut It Up #191: AG (1/3)
QKR Stampede - #402: AG (1/3)
Pattie's Creations #177: AG (1/3)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Review: Floored by Karla Sorensen

Title: Floored

Author: Karla Sorensen

Genre: Sports Romance

Release Date: December 9, 2020

Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs

If you've ever had a steamy one-night stand with a British football player and then find yourself pregnant with his baby, you know how Lia Ward feels.

To be fair, Lia didn't know who Jude McAllister was when they met.

Studying abroad for her master's program, all she knows is that she's a little lonely and he's very charming, even as they have an epically sexy argument about which type of football is superior.

In Jude's mind, shagging the feisty American girl is exactly what he needs. He’s been fighting the clock of his long-standing football career and the younger players primed to take his position. Proving that he can feel like his old self again—something he's been trying to do with everyone in his life—should be easier after blowing off steam with Lia.

But oh baby, when a plus sign pops up on Lia's pregnancy test, that 'one night' becomes a whole lot more.

Now Lia and Jude have to navigate their impossible-to-ignore chemistry, and prepare for the parenting game, something neither of them know how to play.

"All the English countryside stars for this awesomeness. It’s getting one of my rare 6 stars... I’ve read over 400 books this year and have only given 8 x 6 stars so that tells you just how much I loved this book!!" - Claypot Reads

"Karla Sorensen nailed the angsty and steamy feels once again in Floored. This unique sports romance was full of intense emotions and all consuming romance goodness. She never fails to bring out the best and the worst in me with her brilliant writing." (PP’s Bookshelf)

“Karla Sorensen delivers on all the things I love the best: the chemistry, the banter, the sweet steady burn that holds my heart in thrall and keeps my greedy little reader heart hungry for more. Floored delivered on all those things and more!” (Jennifer, Goodreads Review)

Well, let’s see ... I’m a wife and a mother. If the things that I write bring a smile to someone's face, then I've done my job. I am obsessed with Outlander (both the books and the show). I’m almost exclusively a romance reader, which means some people will never consider me a literary snob. If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Jane Austen. I received my Bachelors in Public Relations and worked in health care marketing before I had my babies. I hate Twitter. I do it, but I hate it. Also, if you want to get on my good side, bring me wine and I'll love you forever.

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MY REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You. Guys. I’m so in love with the Wards - and ALL their circle. I can’t even pick a favorite. Tied for first!

Sorensen has done such an incredible job creating this series. The depth of character; angsty, feisty, steamy, snarky, heartfelt, swoony, unconditionally loyal perfection of their family dynamic...there are not enough adjectives to describe my adoration. I feel like Wayne or Garth in the midst of a “we’re not worthy” declaration.

Lia Ward is the serious sister. Big dreams, big goals, and a big opportunity await her during her semester abroad studying at Oxford. Sprinkle in homesickness, add a dash of seize the moment, cue the “chance encounter with a handsome stranger”, top it with accidental pregnancy, and you’ve got a winning recipe in Sorensen’s gifted hands. I’ve been looking forward to Lia’s book because of her sassy smart personality. This book is absolutely a stand-alone, but I think you’ll get maximum enjoyment if you get to know the rest of the Washington Wolves family in advance.

A few things I love about Sorensen’s writing – she’s all about the couple. She uses the secondary characters to support them and help tell the story, but there is so much truth in their hopes & fears that you’re just completely enmeshed in their lives, invested in their HEA. You know the HEA is coming – of course it’s coming. You’d be pretty wrecked if it didn’t, don’t lie. But as with most things in life, it’s the journey that gets ya. I cried...a bunch of times. The relationship between Lia and Jude may have started out as superficial in those early moments, but it quickly became anything but. The friendship they developed, support they showed for one another as they grew – that’s what makes it. I was pleased that it wasn’t a rush to the altar due to the pregnancy. The realism and relatability; flaws and evolution of the couple make you root for their HEA.

I’m out of words, because there's no way to do it justice except to say: Go. Read. Swoon. Cry. Laugh. Love.

My general rating rationale:

3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.

4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.

5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it.