Monday, March 31, 2014

Hothouse Flower: My Review

Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters, #2; Addicted, #2.2)Hothouse Flower by Krista & Becca Ritchie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know that moment when you get to the end of a chapter, turn to the next page, and realize that it was the last page of the book? You panic because you’re not ready for it to end yet, so you’re left re-reading that last line a few times, close the book, then sit there for several minutes, staring into space in deep thought about what you just read. Then, once it sinks in that the story is over, you’re overwhelmed with all these emotions and you can’t decide whether you want to laugh or cry. That’s what I felt at the end of this book and what I’m still feeling now.

all the feels

Hothouse Flower is a spin-off of the Addicted series and is the second installment of the Calloway Sisters series. It seems like it’s been years that I’ve been waiting for Daisy & Ryke’s story. They met when Daisy was 15 and Ryke was 22. Their story began when Ryke agreed to help chaperone Daisy’s 16th birthday. I am deeply and emotionally invested in this series. My love for these characters began with Lily and Lo’s epic love story in Addicted to You , then Rose and Connor’s perfect relationship in Kiss the Sky (Spin-Off)(Calloway Sisters #1), and now Daisy and Ryke’s forbidden romance in Hothouse Flower . Although you don’t have to read the Addicted series at all, I would strongly suggest doing so before getting into the Calloway Sisters series because of character development. You get so much more out of the story and witness how Daisy and Ryke’s relationship progresses and evolves throughout the years. You connect with them on a much deeper level if you start from the very beginning. Here is the recommended reading order:

Addicted to You (Addicted #1) – Lily & Lo’s story begins
Ricochet (Addicted #1.5) – Story of the time Lily & Lo spend apart (also beginning of Daisy and Ryke’s story)
Addicted for Now (Addicted #2) – Lil & Lo’s story continues (Daisy & Ryke’s story continue to develop)
Kiss the Sky (Spin-Off)(Calloway Sisters #1) – Rose & Connor’s story (a must read before you read Hothouse Flower)
Hothouse Flower (Spin-Off)(Calloway Sisters #2) – Daisy & Ryke’s story
Thrive (Addicted #2.5) – Lil & Lo’s POV covering the same period as Kiss the Sky and Hothouse Flower
Addicted After All (Addicted #3) – Final book of the series

Ryke is a very caring individual. He’s a jackass, he’s crude, and he’s very blunt. Despite his rough exterior, he has the kindest soul. Having been raised by a single mother, Ryke loves and cares for all women. He’s there for everyone he truly cares about. And Ryke is completely torn between taking care of Daisy and being there for his brother.

“We each have our roles, and I know mine is to keep an eye on this girl and that guy. I just don’t ever want to be faced with the decision of having to choose between them. If that day comes, then fuck me.”


Daisy is the youngest of four sisters and because of the age gap between her and her older sisters, she always got left out and wasn’t really close to any of them. It’s so heartbreaking to see how Daisy desperately wants to be closer to her sisters. But she needs to realize that she has to open up to them too. Modeling at a very young age, she’s lived a life under constant scrutiny. Her life as a fashion model is not a very easy one. Modeling is a precarious job where people are treated with less worth than the clothes that they wear. Daisy is endlessly worrying about her weight so she maintains a strict diet. Daisy was forced to grow up fast. Add that on top of the fact that her mother, who controls everything she does and goes everywhere she goes, suffocates her. She’s chained; she’s bound; she finds escape by being impulsive and doing as she pleases when her mother isn’t around.

When shit hits the fan, Daisy finds a reliable and trustworthy friend in Ryke. Daisy has found that she has no real friends ever since she and her family were put under the spotlight because of certain events and information leaked to the media.

“As I watched each friend call me a sex-addict-in-training and a media whore, stabbing me routinely in the heart, Ryke was the one who pulled out the blades. He even shielded me from them. He’s like my wolf—dangerous, alluring and protective—but I can never get close enough or he’ll bite me. He’s my last real friend. But I know that’s not entirely true. He’s the only real one I’ve ever had.”
Daisy confides in him and they grow closer and closer over the years. There’s an attraction there that neither one of them can act on in fear of their family’s reaction, and because it’s legally not allowed given that Daisy is underage. It’s obvious that Daisy is attracted to him and she’s constantly flirting with him; always pushing his buttons to get a rise out of him. But Ryke would never let on that he’s in any way, shape, or form attracted to Daisy. He maintains a platonic relationship with her and when Hothouse Flower begins, they’ve been friends for over two years. He’s the only person who is truly there for Daisy but being friends with her puts a lot of pressure on him because of the circumstance they’re in.
“I wish I could take away her problems. I’m not used to being unable to fix things, and it hurts, having to watch her go through this while I pretend that my presence is a fucking solution.”


In this book, Daisy is now 18 and Ryke just turned 25. Daisy is finally free of her mother’s grasp and is living in her own place. Because of Ryke and Daisy’s close relationship, they are incessantly hounded by Ryke’s little brother Loren about keeping their relationship non-romantic. But as Connor observed in Kiss the Sky,
“While Lo believes he’s protecting Daisy from his half-brother, he’s really creating a barrier between Daisy and the only person here who’ll look out for her first rather than last.”
Daisy’s mother despises Ryke. It just seems like everything is against them being together. What’s great about this book is that it takes you inside both Daisy’s and Ryke’s head. You get the dual POV so you have both sides of the story. And it is a beautiful story of friendship, romance, and forbidden love. When the moment comes when Ryke is left to decide exactly what Daisy means to him and whether or not he truly has feelings other than friendship for her, it is absolutely mind blowing! It will leave you completely breathless. The stairwell scene…INTENSE!!! That’s all I have to say about that.

good lord

Both Ryke and Daisy are completely misunderstood and the only people who see their relationship for what it is, has no problems, issues, or qualms on whether or not they should be together romantically, are Rose and Connor. But expect a lot of humor and smartass remarks every time these six characters get together. There are so many funny and awkward moments in the book! I seriously look forward to the banter between them and I’m so glad that we get a lot of moments with the six of them in this book! The dynamic with these characters is just unbelievable. It’s hard not to fall in love with every single one of them.

Rose’s quips had me laughing my ass off! I think she totally outdid Connor in her comebacks.
“If you disappoint my little sister, I will personally snip off your balls and feed them to Connor’s cat.”


spits water out

Connor is the see-it-all, know-it-all guy in the group. But as much shit as he and Ryke give each other, Connor has great influence on how the story plays out. When Ryke was literally broken down and second guessing all the choices that he’s made in the past, Connor was his voice of reason and helped to put things in perspective. One of my favorite Connor quotes to Ryke,
“What you’ve done for them, it’s nothing short of heroic, and if you can’t see that, then you’re blind, my friend.”


Lily is flippin cute as always. Her weird and eccentric behavior cracks me up! She and Ryke should seriously just admit that they’re BFFs.

Lo really got under my skin in this book. I mean I understand that he’s got a lot of anger and hate and he’s under a lot of turmoil as a recovering alcoholic. But I don’t think these justify his actions sometimes. He’s not the only one suffering. Each one of them is fighting their own battles. There were moments when I wanted to shake some sense into him and I definitely wished that Ryke would just punch him in the face. But that wouldn’t have helped the situation and it would’ve done more harm than good. Still, I love Lo to pieces and I can’t wait to read Thrive and find out all about what was going on inside his head during these times.

And I swear any time that the three guys are together, I am done for! The banter is through the roof hilarious!! There’s a lot of bromance going on.

This book was a major head rush! Beautiful story with a wonderful ending that leaves me wanting more!!! I loved every minute of it. I’ve had the most difficult time writing this review because so much happens in the story and I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read any of the books in the series. I think this is my absolute favorite book from Krista & Becca Ritchie. Wait. No. I still love Lily and Lo. Actually, I love them ALL in all their different, quirky, crazy, and effed up ways!! But seriously, this book is by far the best that they’ve written. No, wait, I can’t say that either because I absolutely love Addicted to You and Kiss the Sky was the most complicated of all with the reality TV show worked into it...and well...I really love all the other books as well. Krista & Becca Ritchie will totally blow your mind! They are absolutely wonderful and insanely brilliant!!! I’m completely and utterly addicted to their writing and this series! I haven’t had a book hangover this bad.

description
quote in poster from Ricochet

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quote in poster from Addicted for Now

description

chuck pillow

switch

brightens room

finally

My Reviews On:
Addicted to You
Ricochet
Addicted for Now
Kiss the Sky

View all my reviews

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Hothouse Flower Still Making Waves


So it's been a couple of days now since Hothouse Flower was released and it's still holding the #1 position in Amazon's Best Seller for Women's Fiction: Action & Adventure.  So friggin awesome!  I've finally finished reading it and there are no words to express how much I abso-friggin-lutely loved it!  I'm still trying to figure out how to write my review without rambling on and fangirling too much.  No matter what I do, every draft ends up the same way.  I should have it up tonight, if not, then definitely tomorrow. 

Oh, and in case you missed it, there's one more day left in this Hothouse Flower Release Giveaway!

I just love seeing that #1 Best Seller ribbon next to Hothouse Flower. Oh, and look what's listed right underneath it!


Saturday, March 29, 2014

AMAZON #1 BEST SELLER: HOTHOUSE FLOWER

So, I was unfortunate enough to be sick on Hothouse Flower release day and I couldn't stay up to read along with everyone else, for the life of me! :(  I'm still trying to catch up on my reading and I'm almost done. But, I thought I'd pause a moment and just spread the news that Hothouse Flower is still an Amazon #1 Best Seller in Women's Fiction Action & Adventure, and New Adult & College. I was so excited about it that I've taken a couple of screenshots just to prove it! :D




So, if you still haven't read it or if you're on the fence about it, I URGE you to go ahead and read it!!!  I swear you will love it!!!  And you can read up on what to expect from Hothouse Flower at Krista & Becca's Blog.

Today, March 29th, is also their 23rd Birthday.  So, stop by their Twitter or Facebook page and wish them Happy Birthday!! :D


Love, Peace, & Chicken Grease!


Friday, March 28, 2014

❀✿❀✿ Hothouse Flower Release Day! March 28th ❀✿❀✿

The wait is finally over!!!  And if you've been crazy with anticipation waiting for this book to release, then more than likely, you're already busy reading it.

You can purchase the book on Amazon by clicking here.

Here is a little poster I made to mark the special occasion ❤ Feast your eyes on this!  I seriously couldn't stop staring at it after I finished it  O.O


So, if you've made it this far in the post after that hot and sexy poster, there is a GIVEAWAY to help celebrate Hothouse Flower Release Day!  The Giveaway is open for 3 days and 3 lucky winners will receive a Kindle copy of Hothouse Flower
  ✿✿ HOTHOUSE FLOWER RELEASE GIVEAWAY! ✿✿

Open Internationally. 
Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 or over to enter. 
3 Winners will receive a Kindle copy of HOTHOUSE FLOWER

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 27, 2014

✾ ✾ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 27 ✾ ✾

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY!!!  I can't believe we will finally have Hothouse Flower in our hands.  I'm so excited I could scream!!!

Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 27th. Thank you so much for following the tour!!
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March 27

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Stop by Fizz Life and read up on the latest Q&As!  

Here is today's poster, courtesy of +Ate Lanie, to mark the final hours until Hothouse Flower is released.



And here's a quote from Addicted for Now (Cancun scene) that Ryke said to Lo when Lo was ripping him a new one because of some inappropriate remark Ryke made towards Daisy. 

 


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

✾ ✾ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 26 ✾ ✾

Happy HUMP day!  I bet Lily loves this day :)

Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 26th. Today we have some Teaser Posters and an Author Interview.  Thank you for following the tour!!

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March 26

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If you haven't yet, be sure to stop by Fizz Life and read up on the latest Q&As.  

Here is today's poster to mark the 1 day (OMG, we're down to the final full day!) until Hothouse Flower countdown (this steamy edit is done by none other than the lovely +Ate Lanie)

Quote is from a Pinterest pin, not an actual quote from Hothouse Flower

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

❀✧❀✧❀ HOTHOUSE FLOWER PROMO TOUR: TEASER + GIVEAWAY! ❀✧❀✧❀

From the authors of the Addicted series, comes Hothouse Flower - one of the most anticipated books in 2014!   



. ❀ . ❀ .GENERAL INFORMATION ❀ . . ❀ .





 Title: Hothouse Flower 
Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie 
Series: Calloway Sisters #2 (Spin-Off of the Addicted series) 
Pub Date: March 28th, 2014
                                           ♥ ♥ ♥
Add to Goodreads | Amazon (link not available until March 28th)











❀ . ❀ . ❀ . SUMMARY . ❀ . . ❀

Ryke Meadows, meet Daisy Calloway...she's all grown up.

Twenty-five-year-old Ryke Meadows knows he’s hard to love. With a billion-dollar inheritance, a track-star resume, and an alpha-male personality—he redefines the term likable asshole. But he’s not living to make friends. Or enemies. He just wants to free climb three of the toughest mountains in Yosemite without drama or interruption.

And then he receives distressed call from a girl in Paris—a girl that he has never been allowed to have.

Daisy Calloway is eighteen. Finally. With her newfound independence, she can say goodbye to her overbearing mother and continue her modeling career. Next stop, Paris. Fashion Week begins with a bang, and Daisy uncovers the ugly reality of the industry. She wants to prove to her family that she can live on her own, but when everything spirals out of control, she turns to Ryke to keep her secrets.

As Daisy struggles to make sense of this new world and her freedom, she pushes the limits and fearlessly rides the edge. Ryke knows there’s deep hurt beneath every impulsive action. He must keep up with Daisy, and if he lets her go, her favorite motto—“live as if you’ll die today”—may just come true.

New Adult Romance: recommended for readers 18+ for mature content

***Authors' Note*** 
Hothouse Flower is a spin-off of the Addicted series. Kiss the Sky is required before reading, and we strongly recommend reading the Addicted series before this spin-off.

Addicted Series Recommended Reading Order 
Addicted to You (Addicted #1)
Ricochet (Addicted #1.5)
Addicted for Now (Addicted #2)
Kiss the Sky (Spin-Off)(Calloway Sisters #1)
Hothouse Flower (Spin-Off)(Calloway Sisters #2)
Thrive (Addicted #2.5)
Addicted After All (Addicted #3)


❀ . ❀ . ❀ . TEASER . ❀ . . ❀



. ❀ . ❀ . ❀ AUTHOR BIOS ❀ . . ❀ . ❀ 



 Krista & Becca Ritchie write New Adult books that make you cringe, gasp, and go ooh-la-la. (If you do that sort of thing). They are currently working on the spin-offs and final books in the Addicted series. Connect with them on twitter and their website: kbritchie.com  




. ❀ . ❀ . ❀ AUTHOR LINKS ❀ . . ❀ . ❀

Goodreads: Krista | Becca      Twitter | Website | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest



❀ . ❀ . ❀ . GIVEAWAY . ❀ . . ❀

Enter to win: 
$15 Amazon Gift Card & 3 Kindle Ebooks of Hothouse Flower 
**open internationally**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

✾ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 25 ✾

We are almost there people!!!  WOoHOo!!

Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 25th.  Our very own Fan Page is part of the tour today with a teaser in Daisy's POV.  Be sure to check these out and thank you for following the tour! 

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March 25

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If you haven't yet, stop by Fizz Life and read up on the latest Q&As.  

Here is today's poster to mark the 2 days (2 DAYS!  Aaaaaaa!!) until Hothouse Flower countdown (edit by the lovely +Ate Lanie) HOTTTTTTT!



Here are a couple more edits, although, not as hot as the one above ;)




Monday, March 24, 2014

✾ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 24 ✾

Just 3 more days and so many hours left!  Holy Hale and Calloway!!!!  It's so close!!!

Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 24th.  Today we've got an excerpt, Text Conversation between Ryke & Daisy, and Character Playlists!  Thank you for following the tour! 

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March 24

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Be sure to stop by Krista & Becca's tumblr for the latest Q&A!  There has been quite a few questions asked lately.

Here is today's poster to mark the 3 days until Hothouse Flower countdown (edit by the super talented +Ate Lanie)


Sunday, March 23, 2014

✾ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 23 ✾

Hey y'all!  I can't believe the week has come to a close and we're here starting a new one.  At the end of which will be the release of Hothouse Flower!  Aaaaaaaaaaaagh!!!  4 whole days and so many hours left!

Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 23rd.  Thanks for following the tour!! 

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March 23
Dannie Morin @ Left to Write (Character Interview)
Red Hot + Blue Reads (Teaser Poster)

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Here is today's poster to mark the 4 days until Hothouse Flower countdown (edit by +Ate Lanie)


Saturday, March 22, 2014

✾ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 22 ✾

Follow the tour!!  Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 22nd.  It's the freakin' weekend and there's only a couple of stops this Saturday.  Though, that doesn't mean it won't be any less awesome! 

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March 22

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Drop by Krista & Becca's tumblr for the latest Q&A!

Here is today's poster to mark the 5 days until Hothouse Flower countdown (edit by +Ate Lanie), and today it's all about Ryke!  Rawr!


Friday, March 21, 2014

Dirty Little Secret

Holy Hale and Calloway!  I was just informed of this dirty little secret that I just had to share it with all you fellow addicts out there.  Krista & Becca have been hiding this gem from us and I only found it because they had to point it out to me.  I guess my stalking skillz aren't as good as I thought they were.

Though, I must warn you: this site contains some very VERY naughty material.  NSFW 18+ only.

Click here if you want to see what I'm talking about.  It leads to AAD: Everything that Lily's addicted to.


FOR MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY!!!!



You've been warned! Do not, and I mean DO NOT scroll down and go past this point if you are under 17 due to mature content!












The Hothouse Flower Promo Tour today is action packed!  Tons of great material and I must say, I am getting more and more excited for the release of this book as the day goes by. I can't believe we have less than a week left before this baby is in our hands!!!!

Ok. So, as I was reading the Character Interview on the Musings of the Book-A-Holic Fairies blog, I got stuck and started getting some really hot mental pictures of Ryke and Daisy and all those naughty Pinterest pins on Krista & Becca's blog just suddenly came crashing through my mind when I got to this point in the interview:

To the three of you, what part do you use best: lips, tongue, teeth, or hands? 

Ryke: Tongue.

I was on fire!  I mean seriously!  I wanted to go and start making some really spicy edits and posters, but I just couldn't find any pictures hot enough to justify what was literally going through my mind.  So, I thought I would just post some VERY STEAMY (excuse the porn that you're about to see) gifs that I ran across.








Aaaaaaand I'm spent.  I'm absolutely done for.


✾ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 21 ✾

Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 21st. Today we've got Excerpts, Character and Author Interviews, and a really fun Behind the Scenes Facts! 

Thanks for following the tour!!!

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March 21
Sue @ Young Adult Hollywood (10 Behind the Scenes Facts) 

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As always, and make sure to stop by Krista & Becca's tumblr for the latest Q&A!

Here is the poster to mark the 6 days until Hothouse Flower countdown (edit by +Ate Lanie)

quote is taken from a pin on Pinterest; not an actual quote from Hothouse Flower

Thursday, March 20, 2014

✾ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 20 ✾

Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 20th. Today we've got Teasers, Characters Favorite Things, and a Character Interview. 

Thanks for following the tour!!!

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March 20
Give Me Books (Teaser) 
Ashley and Erica @ Back Porch Romance (Addicted Characters Favorite Things) 
Siiri @ Little Pieces of Imagination (Character Interview) 

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Oh, and make sure to stop by Krista & Becca's tumblr for the latest Q&A!

Here is the poster (courtesy of +Ate Lanie) to mark the 7 days until Hothouse Flower countdown. 

Quote is taken from a pin on Pinterest; it's not an actual quote from Hothouse Flower

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Mrsleif's Two Fangs About It Book Reviews: GIVEAWAY!

https://www.facebook.com/MrsLeifsbookreviewsWant a chance to win a signed paperback copy of Addicted to You?  Head on over to Mrsleif's Two Fangs About It Book Reviews on Facebook and enter to win!




✽ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 19 ✽

Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 19th. Today we've got a Character Interview with Daisy & Ryke, a Teaser Poster, and an Author Interview.  This tour just gets better each day! 

Thanks for following the tour!!!

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March 19
Ambur @ Burning Impossibly Bright (Character Interview) 
Lacey @ Booklovers For Life (Author Interview) 

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Make sure to stop by Krista & Becca's tumblr for the latest Q&A!

Here is the poster (courtesy of +Ate Lanie) to mark the 8 days until Hothouse Flower countdown. 


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

✽ Hothouse Flower Promo Tour Stops: March 18 ✽

Hey y'all!  Here are the Hothouse Flower Promo Tour stops for today, March 18th. Thanks for following the tour!!!

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March 18
Anna’s Book Blog (Excerpt) 
Kayla Veras @ My Book Muse (Playlist)

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If you haven't been by Krista & Becca's tumblr, make sure you drop by there today since there has been some really great Q&As!  Oh, and here is a little poster for you to mark the 9 days until Hothouse Flower countdown.  Edit by +Ate Lanie (Hottttttttt!!!!)


Monday, March 17, 2014

♥♥ 10 Days Until Hothouse Flower ♥♥

Woooo!  We made it to the final countdown!!  10 days until the release of Hothouse Flower!  Here's a quote direct from the book; it was taken from a teaser excerpt posted on Aestas Book Blog


And here's another edit by +Ate Lanie to start the 10 day countdown ♥

Sunday, March 16, 2014

✬ ✬ Like Us series ✬ ✬

I haven't been in Goodreads for a while and missed this fantastic news.  Looks like Krista & Becca have a new series in the works for us!!!  I can't wait to read more of their work!


Add this new Like Us series to your TBR in Goodreads!

And in case you didn't know, they're also going to be writing more Rose & Connor and Daisy & Ryke books!  Hence, they have renamed the spin-offs and turned them into the Calloway Sisters series!  You can also add this series to your TBR in Goodreads here!

SMI Book Club: March Madness

SMI Book Club is kicking off their March Madness with an interview with our dynamic duo plus a Giveaway that includes an eBook copy of Hothouse Flower among many others!!

http://www.smibookclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/March-Madness.jpg