Archives for May 2021

* Review * STOLEN IN HER WEDDING GOWN by Amanda Cinelli

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * STOLEN IN HER WEDDING GOWN by Amanda CinelliStolen in Her Wedding Gown by Amanda Cinelli
Series: The Greeks' Race to the Altar #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on May 25, 2021
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four-half-stars

When the something borrowed…
Is the bride!

About to walk down the aisle of her Manhattan wedding, determined Priya realizes it’s impossible. After the news Greek playboy Eros has just shared about her convenient groom, she can’t go through with it. To save her father’s business, she flees in her white dress…and weds Eros instead!

To beat his brother to the family inheritance, Eros must stay married for one year. Stealing Priya as his wife was the first step. Then he discovers her deepest secrets—and a burning mutual desire. What started as convenient suddenly got very complicated…

 

A stolen marriage of convenience turns into much more! With the first book in The Greek’s Race to the Altar series Amanda Cinelli lays the ground work for an inheritance bargain that is sure to echo throughout the series in STOLEN IN HER WEDDING GOWN. I was quickly hooked by the drama unfolding and upon getting to know the characters and seeing their growing attraction, I was all in and cheering them on!

Eros is broody and determined. He will do just about anything to get even for how he’s been treated in life, but he gets more than he bargained for when he steals his brother’s arranged marriage for his own.

Priya is naive but endearing with her belief in goodness and hope.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance filled with love when they least expect it.

four-half-stars

* Review * DEAR ROOMIE by Kate Meader

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEAR ROOMIE by Kate MeaderDear Roomie by Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #5
Published by Kate Meader LLC on May 25, 2021
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five-stars

Reid Durand isn't here to make friends.

Coming from a legacy of hockey greatness, he has games to win and things to prove. With his focus during his first season as a Chicago Rebel purely on his drive to succeed, every vice is off the table. No booze, no sugar, and definitely no women.

Kennedy Clark is the master of the side hustle.

She'll walk your dog, brew your espresso, and pick up your dry-cleaning, all while rocking it in Warrior pose. Standing still is impossible for her, because the moment she starts to slow down, it'll come rushing back in a torrent. The memories. The pain. The heartbreak.

Their meet-cute is more of a freeze-cute. Besides, they already know each other. He's the rude, entitled customer at her coffee shop, or what used to be her coffee shop since she just got fired--because of Mr. Extra Shot Americano himself.

Reid didn't intend to get Kennedy fired.
He didn't intend to rescue a dog after the poor thing ended up in the lake.
And he definitely didn't intend to acquire a new roommate.

A curvy, chatty, tempting roommate.
Now this perfect storm of events are about to wreak havoc on his neatly-ordered life.

Reid Durand isn't here to make friends, and he's certainly not here to lose his heart to a puppy, a team, or a chaos agent like Kennedy. But then we don't always get what we want ...

 

Kate Meader excels at creating the perfect combination of broody and goodness with Reid and Kennedy! DEAR ROOMIE is book five in Meader’s ever-popular Rookie Rebels hockey series and it is sure to delight her fans with the perfect amount of snark and sass. It’s always a pleasure to visit this team!

Reid is absolutely adorable. He’s moody, he’s rude, he’s borderline obnoxious … but he’s the epitome of a guy done wrong. Watching him let the goodness come to the surface as he falls for Kennedy is so rewarding.

Kennedy is a sweetheart who buries the bad things in life and only focuses on the here and now and what she can do to make her dreams come true.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a group of hockey players who are like family as they volley through the ups and downs of life and finding their happily ever afters.

five-stars

* Review * HER UNLIKELY PROTECTOR by Regan Black

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER UNLIKELY PROTECTOR by Regan BlackHer Unlikely Protector by Regan Black
Series: Escape Club Heroes #5
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on May 25, 2021
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four-half-stars

She keeps her heart to herself

But a new case changes everything…

Officer Aubrey Rawlins has learned the hard way—trusting people only ends in disaster. So when Leo Butler shows up in her precinct, claiming his sister has gone missing, she remains sympathetic but detached. As danger stalks the investigating pair, she’s unsure if what’s growing between them is real. But can Aubrey open up to let in her unexpected protector?

 

Unexpected twists will have your attention quickly in Regan Black’s return to her Escape Club Heroes series. HER UNLIKELY PROTECTOR is fast paced and attention grabbing as a brother’s only hope of finding his missing sister is a dedicated street cop. Solid characters, a unique plot and a sweet happily ever after will have you riveted.

Aubrey is a unique character who goes out of her way to help any and every person she can in life. She’s optimistic and truly believes that good will win out and it was endearing to get to know her.

Leo is pushy and interfering in the beginning of the book and in one aspect that was irritating, but in another it made us adore him because he was so dedicated to his little sister. I ended up liking him a lot.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a good mystery with interesting characters and a hint of romance to round out the story.

four-half-stars

* Review * BOUND BY A RING AND A SECRET by Jennifer Faye

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BOUND BY A RING AND A SECRET by Jennifer FayeBound by a Ring and a Secret by Jennifer Faye
Series: Wedding Bells at Lake Como #1
Published by Harlequin Romance on May 25, 2021
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four-half-stars

A mistaken identity…
…a proposal that changes everything!

Photographer Gianna is done with men. Retreating to her villa on the shore of Lake Como, Gianna is stunned to find gorgeous Dario renting her house! When Dario is mistaken for her long-gone fiancé, they realize a fake engagement could solve problems for them both. Pretending to be in love should be easy, but what happens when very real feelings start to grow?

 

Charming and addictive! BOUND BY A RING AND A SECRET is book one in Jennifer Faye’s Wedding Bells at Lake Como duet and it is sure to delight her readers with it’s witty banter and gentle romance. I enjoyed the characters very much and was spellbound throughout.

Gianna wasn’t easy to like at first as she burst onto the scene and was a bit unfair to Dario, but I grew to like her and enjoy their connection.

Dario was a doll and I adored him from the very first page. It was a joy to watch him overcome his obstacles and shine on the path he always dreamed of.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an unexpected romance with endearing plot qualities and a sweet happily ever after.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE BAIT by Carol Ericson

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BAIT by Carol EricsonThe Bait by Carol Ericson
Series: A Kyra and Jake Investigation #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on May 25, 2021
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five-stars

They’re after a vicious serial killer.

And this time it’s personal.

Decades after The Player’s infamous murder spree, a third copycat killer terrorizes LA. Detective Jake McAllister and victim advocate Kyra Chase launch a risky dark web investigation—complicating their relationship and exposing their troubled pasts. But when the copycat kidnaps Jake’s daughter, Kyra defies her partner to lay her life on the line. Just one chilling question remains: Is The Player back?

 

Non-stop twists and turns! THE BAIT is book three in the Kyra and Jake Investigation series by Carol Ericson and it kept me captivated from start to finish. Each book is leading up to a big reveal and the atmosphere grows more tense as time passes. I’m looking forward to figuring out all of the secrets in the last book to come!

Kyra and Jake are testing the waters as a couple after meeting and falling for each other as they worked to figure out who the copycat serial killer was, but each time they think they will have some down times another twisted psycho jumps into the game. I enjoy their chemistry as they bounce ideas off of one another day in and day out but find time for subtle closeness that makes them seem real.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes a touch of romance along with addictive action and suspense.

five-stars

* Review * FROM EXPOSE TO EXPECTING by Andie Brock

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FROM EXPOSE TO EXPECTING by Andie BrockFrom Exposé to Expecting by Andie Brock
Published by Harlequin Presents on May 25, 2021
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four-stars

The most shocking story of all:
“I am going to have a baby.”

Following the sexiest time of her life with Leonardo Ravenino, journalist Emma Quinn is left mortified by his swift rejection. To let off steam, she writes a private, scandalous exposé on the tycoon…and is horrified when it’s accidentally published! Yet that’s nothing compared to the surprise that soon follows…

Leo’s enraged to see the woman who ruined his name on his doorstep. But once he discovers Emma’s pregnant, he knows what he has to do. Claiming his child will be easy. Trusting Emma and their palpable chemistry? Unimaginable!

 

Passionate and intense! FROM EXPOSE TO EXPECTING by Andie Brock quickly drew me in as a surprise baby turns the tide with this billionaire playboy. I enjoyed the characters and the plot was fairly fast paced with a few twists here and there.

Emma is easy to like and charming in a naive sort of way. She is a go-getter when it comes to kick-starting her career, but a few quirks led to some problems that could have been handled better.

Leonardo is broody and standoffish, but I liked him very much. Upon learning about his past it all becomes clear why he is the way he is and he’s very redeemable.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a surprise baby story with a hint of royalty in the background and endearing characters.

four-stars

* Review * DEADLY DOUBLE-CROSS by Lena Diaz

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEADLY DOUBLE-CROSS by Lena DiazDeadly Double-Cross by Lena Diaz
Series: The Justice Seekers #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on May 25, 2021
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five-stars

He runs an organization dedicated to pursuing justice for others,

but can he do the same for himself?

Someone is trying to destroy former chief of police Mason Ford, but he won’t go down without a fight. Neither will crime scene analyst Hannah Cantrell, who’s convinced he’s become a killer’s target and will do whatever it takes to help Mason survive. However, that doesn’t mean she’s ready to risk falling in love with him. Can Mason and Hannah discover the truth before a killer strikes again?

 

Attention grabbing from start to finish! With book four in her powerful Justice Seekers series Lena Diaz sweeps her reader into the story immediately and doesn’t waiver for a minute in DEADLY DOUBLE-CROSS. The pace is fast and intense and the characters are spell-binding. I loved every minute of it!

Mason is an electrifying character. Throughout the series we’ve known the head of the Justice Seekers had a back story, we just didn’t know how intense of a story it was going to be. He’s loyal to a fault and definitely won me over quickly.

Hannah is a fun character. Though she’s quickly thrust into the middle of Mason’s drama, she takes it well and lets her level-headedness lead the way as they go on the run.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a powerful bout of intrigue mixed in with a close-knit group of friends and co-workers as each one slowly falls for their forever love in the midst of danger.

five-stars

* Review * HER IMPOSSIBLE BABY BOMBSHELL by Dani Collins

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER IMPOSSIBLE BABY BOMBSHELL by Dani CollinsHer Impossible Baby Bombshell by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on May 25, 2021
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four-half-stars

He’d planned for everything…
Except becoming a father!

A life of hardship and crushing responsibility left billionaire Tsai Jun Li never wanting a child to suffer the same. He made sure he couldn’t have children. So when Ivy Lam, the woman he shared one mesmerizing encounter with, appears claiming she’s pregnant, he needs proof!

After a painful relationship, Ivy’s night with Jun Li was a magical fresh start. Now she’s preparing for unexpected motherhood…but she didn’t plan on being whisked away to Shanghai! Because it’s suddenly clear Jun Li won’t relinquish his claim…to his baby or to Ivy!

 

An unlikely connection sets the pages on fire! HER IMPOSSIBLE BABY BOMBSHELL by Dani Collins brings an unexpected surprise baby story like no other to life with challenging characters and heartfelt revelations. Fast paced and endearing.

Jun Li comes across as your typical broody billionaire at first, but beneath the surface lies a man with deep vulnerability and emotional scars. He was abrupt, but once he warmed up to Ivy, a new man emerged.

Ivy is easy to like and sympathize with, but left a bit of a mystery in parts.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a standoffish connection that ends up being a deep and meaningful happily ever after.

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * DOIN’ A DIME by Lani Lynn Vale

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * DOIN’ A DIME by Lani Lynn ValeDoin' A Dime by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Souls Chapel Revenants MC #4
on May 18, 2021
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five-stars

Live-in property & pet caretaker needed. Six-year minimum. Background check required. Generous compensation. Marriage of convenience required.

The moment that Wyett Villin read the ad on her local community’s page, she knew that it would be perfect. It didn’t matter how big the house was, what kinds of animals she had to take care of, or what the compensation was. She didn’t give a flip as long as it got her out of her childhood home and away from the person that she despised the most.

Only, she had no clue that by accepting the position, she would be agreeing to watch over the mini-mansion and two large dogs of Hunt McJimpsey, computer hacker extraordinaire, sexy nerd, and convicted felon of Souls Chapel, Texas.

She’d meant to make her life easier, not complicate it more.

***

Hunt McJimpsey was careful. He knew exactly what he was doing and practically planned every single step that he took to make sure that he always had his tracks covered.

But one single mistake costs him five years of his life, and if he’s going to go down for the crime, he might as well make it spectacular.

Three years into his prison sentence, he’s a changed man, and definitely not for the better.

He’s harder, angrier, and even more brilliant and conniving than before he went in.

He thinks that by keeping up with his dogs’ babysitter, his property caretaker, and reluctant wife, that he’s only doing his due diligence as a responsible person. Only, what starts out as curiosity for his property turns into genuine like for the woman that is caring for what means the most to him.

When an opportunity to get out of the hellhole known as prison arises and the only thing he has to do is join a motorcycle club and sign some of his free time away to help those less fortunate, he jumps at the chance.

Not only because he’s ready to get the hell out of prison, but because he’s ready to meet the woman that he’s been falling for, one visit a week, for the last three years.

 

They’re unorthodox, but they are divine! Book four in the Souls Chapel Revenants MC by Lani Lynn Vale just might be my favorite in the series yet. There’s just something about Wyett and Hunt in DOIN’ A DIME that warmed my heart and had me pulling hard for them from the moment they crossed the pages. I’m enjoying this series and looking forward to more to come.

Hunt is a complex character who admits to his flaws and refuses to apologize for them. I loved him from the start and couldn’t wait to see him truly connect with Wyett.

Wyett is a doll and seeing her be mistreated by the family that is supposed to love her was heartbreaking, but her strong nature and take no prisoners attitude made her a compelling character.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a series revolving around a group of misfits who are banding together to right wrongs and falling for the women around them one guy at a time.

 

 

 

 

Doin’ a Dime
Souls Chapel Revenants MC Book 4
Lani Lynn Vale
Release Date: May 18, 2021

 

About the Book

Live-in property & pet caretaker needed. Six-year minimum. Background check required. Generous compensation. Marriage of convenience required.

The moment that Wyett Villin read the ad on her local community’s page, she knew that it would be perfect. It didn’t matter how big the house was, what kinds of animals she had to take care of, or what the compensation was. She didn’t give a flip as long as it got her out of her childhood home and away from the person that she despised the most.

Only, she had no clue that by accepting the position, she would be agreeing to watch over the mini-mansion and two large dogs of Hunt McJimpsey, computer hacker extraordinaire, sexy nerd, and convicted felon of Souls Chapel, Texas.

She’d meant to make her life easier, not complicate it more.

***

Hunt McJimpsey was careful. He knew exactly what he was doing and practically planned every single step that he took to make sure that he always had his tracks covered.

But one single mistake costs him five years of his life, and if he’s going to go down for the crime, he might as well make it spectacular.

Three years into his prison sentence, he’s a changed man, and definitely not for the better.

He’s harder, angrier, and even more brilliant and conniving than before he went in.

He thinks that by keeping up with his dogs’ babysitter, his property caretaker, and reluctant wife, that he’s only doing his due diligence as a responsible person. Only, what starts out as curiosity for his property turns into genuine like for the woman that is caring for what means the most to him.

When an opportunity to get out of the hellhole known as prison arises and the only thing he has to do is join a motorcycle club and sign some of his free time away to help those less fortunate, he jumps at the chance.

Not only because he’s ready to get the hell out of prison, but because he’s ready to meet the woman that he’s been falling for, one visit a week, for the last three years.

 

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YhELyn
Apple: http://apple.co/3chz4sw
Nook: http://bit.ly/3chiV68
Kobo: http://bit.ly/39pv476

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2YjB4rT

 

 

 About Lani Lynn Vale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

Website: http://www.lanilynnvale.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/LLV-fb
Instagram: https://bit.ly/LLV-IG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/LLV-twitter
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/LLVgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/LLVbb

five-stars

* Review * PAUSE by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PAUSE by Kat MizeraPause by Kat Mizera
Series: ROCK HARD #2
on May 18, 2021
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four-half-stars

Four sexy rockers.
Four intense women who don't know they love them.
Four hard rockin' love stories for the ages.

Stu Killorn is the epitome of rock and roll.

From his smoldering guitar licks to his dangerous good looks, he’s been on the top of the world and experienced the lowest of lows—including a stint in prison. With his new band he has a second chance at life—and fame. All he has to do is keep his head down and avoid emotional entanglements.

Law student Lindsay Sager is all work and no play. Her only connection to the music world is playing supportive bestie to the lead singer of a new band. Lindsay’s focus is on passing the bar exam so she can’t afford any distractions... not even a sexy Scottish guitarist who rocks her world.

Stu and Lindsay’s sexual chemistry is combustible and their desire to keep things simple turns very complicated. She’s the first woman he can’t seem to stay away from, but when his past comes roaring into the future, can they find a way to move forward together?

 

I loved them together! With the second book in her Rock Hard series Kat Mizera is bringing an angsty couple together in PAUSE and I simply adored them. There wasn’t a lot of relationship development in actually being together or what the future holds, etc., but the heartfelt conversations, the explosive sexual chemistry and the downright gentle souls they both let show was so endearing. I can’t wait for more in the series!

Stu is everything. From the start of this new band, we’ve been able to get a feel for him and knew he had heartache in his past, but man he poured it out even more than I was expecting. I felt for him on every level. What a heart!

Lindsay is fun and down-to-earth, but Stu brings a side of her to life that not many see. I enjoyed her closeness with Lexi, her friendship with the entire band and how openly she let herself enjoy new things.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series so far to anyone who enjoys the rock-star mentality partnered with a whole lot of heart and happily ever afters.

four-half-stars