Archives for February 2022

* Review * MAKE ME YOUR VILLAIN by Lani Lynn Vale

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MAKE ME YOUR VILLAIN by Lani Lynn ValeMake Me Your Villain by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Battle Crows MC #2
on March 8, 2022
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four-half-stars

Flaws—he has them.
Laws? He breaks them.
Dues? He’s paid them.
Scars? He bares them proudly.
Lessons? He’s learned them.
Problems? He has one.
Her name is Iris, and she’s the one thing in his life that he can’t control.

 

Unputdownable goodness! Lani Lynn Vale knows how to wrap a man around her reader’s heart no matter how bad he seems to think he is. Shine is rough and sweet all rolled up into one package of holy hotness and I loved every minute of the second book in the Battle Crows MC series. As always, there is a lot happening in a fast paced nature, so there’s a tad here or there that could be developed more, but MAKE ME YOUR VILLAIN had me hooked quickly, held my attention throughout and left me fully satisfied. I can’t wait for more in the series!

Iris has had a hard life, and it is really comforting to see her finally have someone in her corner who will be there for her through thick and thin with no strings and no expectations.

Callum is a teddy bear when it comes to Iris and I loved watching the two of them fall hard and fast for each other.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a group of alpha men with feisty women at their sides standing up for what’s right and being willing to do what needs to be done to keep their loved ones safe.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE CHASE by Victoria Denault

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CHASE by Victoria DenaultThe Chase by Victoria Denault
Series: Racing Hearts #1
on February 28, 2022
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four-half-stars

They crashed and burned in the past, but The Chase is on again.

Frankie
I grew up on the track, surrounded by race car drivers. I loved it.
But along with the good times came some really bad ones. So, I left that life behind and didn’t look back.
Until now.
I never thought I’d care enough about the family legacy to take control when my dad retired. But…I did
So now I’m in charge of a racing team that includes the man who kissed me, then ghosted me before that was even a thing. Sadly, he’s as sexy as ever.
But if he thinks my heart will be his next big win, he's sorely mistaken.

Billy
I was worried when Frankie took over Mirabella Racing.
Not for the team. She could handle that. I was worried for me—the guy she hates.
Problem is, I don’t hate her. She’s…everything.
But in my line of work, relationships are complicated at best, dangerous at worst. Not to mention, now she’s my boss.
Even with all those red flags, I still can’t stop trying to charm my way into her bed.
She won’t make it easy. But I love a good chase…

 

I was hooked from start to finish! I’ve been a fan of Victoria Denault’s hockey heroes for awhile now, so when I saw she was going to give racing a try, I was all in and I was NOT disappointed. THE CHASE is the first book in her brand new Racing Hearts series and brings us a reconnection of passing teen infatuation when the new boss of up and coming racer Billy is the one that got away a decade ago. Great characters with an interesting back story, a touch of mystery along the way and a whole lot of yummy racing stamina!

Billy is a total sweetheart and I enjoyed seeing him get the girl in the end.

Frankie was a whole lot of drama and mystery, but she had such a good personality. I enjoyed seeing her finally get answers for the past and reconnect with the guy she wanted from the word go.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good sports romance with lots of angst, turmoil and desire mixed up with a whole lot of heart. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

four-half-stars

* Review * ONE NIGHT CONSEQUENCE by Yvonne Lindsay

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE NIGHT CONSEQUENCE by Yvonne LindsayOne Night Consequence by Yvonne Lindsay
Series: Clashing Birthrights #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on February 22, 2022
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four-half-stars

An unexpected visitor

leads to a surprise that rocks her world…

After being in a controlling relationship, hotelier Stevie Nickerson won’t let anyone take away her hard-earned independence. So when construction CEO Fletcher Richmond, her deceased husband’s best friend, unexpectedly strolls into her boutique hotel for a little R and R, she’s leery to say the least. But when innocent flirting leads to off-limits innuendo, she ends up in his bed…and expecting his baby. With Fletcher insisting on marriage and providing a boost to her business, will Stevie rebuff his bossy moves…or let her guarded heart melt?

 

Captivating! With the fourth book in her Clashing Birthrights series Yvonne Lindsay continues to bring us the stories of Douglas Richmond’s children as they each come to grips with his deception and what it has means for their futures. ONE NIGHT CONSEQUENCE centers around Fletcher, his unhappiness with the job and family dynamic these days and his reunion with the lady that drew his attention the moment he met her as his BFF’s love. The characters are compelling, the back stories are powerful and their interaction is addictive. Really enjoying this series, though I felt a lack of connection to the other side of the fam compared to the previous books in the series.

Stevie is understandably leery after her past relationship, but in my opinion she was a bit too heavy handed in her attitude with Fletcher considering what a kind, easy going guy he was.

Fletcher feels a lot of family pressure and the peace it brings to run into Stevie and spend some time away from it all is well deserved and most needed.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a lot of family drama at the heart of the story as one sibling after another finds their forever love.

four-half-stars

* Review * REDEEMED BY HER MIDSUMMER KISS by Liz Fielding

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * REDEEMED BY HER MIDSUMMER KISS by Liz FieldingRedeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss by Liz Fielding
Published by Harlequin Romance on February 22, 2022
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four-half-stars

An escape to the country

A kiss to reawaken them both…

Honeysuckle Rose finds much-needed solace in her great aunt’s garden. But her peace is threatened by her distracting and brooding neighbor, Lucien Grey. Once a high-flying news reporter, Lucien returned from the front line a changed man. Honey can see that beneath his frosty exterior is a heart waiting to be thawed. Can their unexpected but impossible-to-ignore midsummer kiss be the beginning of a fresh start…together?

 

Temptingly sweet! REDEEMED BY HER MIDSUMMER KISS by Liz Fielding takes us into the hearts of a pair of souls who are wounded and attempting to put the pieces of their minds and hearts back together again. The back stories are intriguing and though it was slightly confusing putting the pieces together in the beginning, they kept me captivated throughout. I highly enjoyed their story.

Lucien is a kind man at heart who thinks the scars he carries in his mind after reporting in war zones and returning home has changed who he is forever. Watching him accept peace with Honey by his side was heartwarming.

Honey is quite the character and easily brought smiles to my face often as I read her.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gentle romance brewing between two wounded characters as they help one another find their footing again.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE BEST KEPT SECRET by Tawna Fenske

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BEST KEPT SECRET by Tawna FenskeThe Best Kept Secret by Tawna Fenske
Series: Where There’s Smoke #3
Published by Entangled: Amara on February 22, 2022
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five-stars

Nurse Nyla Franklin knows three things to be true. Taking care of others brings more joy than a basket full of kittens. A triple-fudge sundae can cure just about anything. And no good ever comes from keeping a secret… So when her best friend spills his biggest one ever, Nyla knows she’s not just holding a secret. She’s holding a ticking time bomb.

Mr. Always Does the Right Thing Leo Sayre knows three things to be true. Piloting smokejumpers over burning forests is the best job in the world. His best friend Nyla is the smartest, funniest, and okay, sexiest woman ever. And pain meds are apparently his truth serum. Now his post-surgery confession has everything flipped upside down and turned inside out… including his relationship with Nyla.

Secrets have a way of piling up, and it’s just a matter of time before someone lights a match. Because while the truth can set you free, it can also burn completely out of control…

 

Tawna Fenske always delivers a generous dose of heart, laughter and steamy goodness! With the third book in her Where There’s Smoke series, Fenske once again had me at hello with her signature snark and laugh out loud moments. THE BEST KEPT SECRET revolves around Nyla and Leo and the family drama that will either make them or break them. We didn’t really have interaction with the former couples in the series, but it felt complete even without it.

I loved Leo! He’s kind, he’s down-to-earth and most of all he’s committed to the things and people that mean the world to him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of laughter mixed into your romance. Heartfelt characters plagued by serious issues still found time to be real.

five-stars

* Review * THE COST OF THEIR ROYAL FLING by Lucy Monroe

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE COST OF THEIR ROYAL FLING by Lucy MonroeThe Cost of Their Royal Fling by Lucy Monroe
Series: Princesses by Royal Decree #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on February 22, 2022
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five-stars

The only man to tempt her?

A prince!

Jenna Beals put love to one side and worked hard to achieve her dream career as a fashion journalist. So when she’s catapulted into an incendiary fling with gorgeous Prince Dimitri, she knows it has an expiration date—she’s not looking for a crown!

Dimitri’s mission to discover who’s leaking palace secrets led him to Jenna, but their passion-filled tryst reveals someone who sees him for more than his royal title. As their connection deepens, could the truth cost him the only woman who could truly be his

 

Electrifying sexual tension! Lucy Monroe does NOT disappoint with the third Merikov prince in her Princess by Royal Decree series. Dimitri just might be my favorite of the three, but don’t tell Nik and Kon! He’s self-assured and direct, but a genuinely nice guy with a warm heart. I really enjoyed getting to know him and seeing him fall in love.

Jenna is accomplished and goes after what she wants in life, but when her ability to protect those around her comes into question, it really throws her for a loop.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a dramatic royal romance with a lot of genuine affection and modern day situations.

five-stars

* Review * HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH by Elle James

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH by Elle JamesHeld Hostage at Whiskey Gulch by Elle James
Series: The Outriders Series #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 22, 2022
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four-half-stars

Guarding her 24/7…just became his most important mission.

To discover what real life is about, Outrider Joseph "Irish" Monahan left the army. But the former Delta Force soldier still needs his military skills. A masked stalker is attempting to murder Tessa Bolton, and Irish is assigned to be her bodyguard. Though the fiercely independent nurse resists his protection, Irish won't back down…or abandon his mission to catch the killer and keep Tessa alive.

 

Filled with mystery, heart and just the right amount of romance! Elle James has not lost her touch one bit with the third book in her always exciting Outriders Series. HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH quickly delves into the heart of a mystery and held my attention whole-heartedly throughout. The ending was a tad too abrupt for my liking and I would have liked for loose ends to have been tied up a little more, but overall a great addition to the series and left me hungry for the next book!

I adored Irish and his determination to protect Tessa after seeing her in danger. He’s sweet, down-to-earth and just what she needs in her life.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes an action packed, fast paced mystery with a healthy dose of romance mixed in to the mix.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE HERO NEXT DOOR by Carrie Nichols

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE HERO NEXT DOOR by Carrie NicholsThe Hero Next Door by Carrie Nichols
Series: Small-Town Sweethearts #6
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on February 22, 2022
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four-half-stars

Love—and kittens—to the rescue!

Olive Downing has big dreams for her Victorian bed-and-breakfast. She doesn’t need her handsome new neighbor pointing out the flaws in her plan. But Cal Pope isn’t the average busybody. The gruff firefighter can be sweet, charming—and the perfect partner for the town fundraiser. Then Cal surprises her with two adorable rescue kittens. Maybe there’s a soft heart underneath his rough exterior that needs rescuing, too…

 

Two unlikely hearts ignite in the latest book in Carrie Nichols’ Small-Town Sweethearts series and bring on all the feels! THE HERO NEXT DOOR brings town newcomer Olive and all around good guy Cal into each others lives with a smidge of an enemies to lovers feel. I was quickly hooked on both the characters as well as the town interaction.

Olive is sincere and sweet and made me want to see her succeed right off the bat.

Cal is well-liked and kind-hearted but thinks he needs to distance himself from Olive before she wants more than he can give. Their predicament is humorous and heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet small town setting to your romance with a touch of drama, a bit of passion and a whole lot of heart.

four-half-stars

* Review * DEAD GIVEAWAY by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEAD GIVEAWAY by Nichole SevernDead Giveaway by Nichole Severn
Series: Defenders of Battle Mountain #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 22, 2022
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five-stars

He vowed to never see her again Now she needs him more than ever.

Deputy Easton Ford left Battle Mountain—and the woman who broke his heart—behind. Now District Attorney Genevieve Alexander is targeted by a killer, and there’s only one man she trusts to protect her: her ex-fiancé. Easton will do everything to keep her safe. But will his past secrets get them both killed?

 

High intensity drama! Nichole Severn is bringing on the twists and turns with the second book in her Defenders of Battle Mountain series and I loved every minute of it. DEAD GIVEAWAY sends the DA who is in danger straight back into the arms of the man she left at the altar years ago. The drama is spot on and the mystery is interwoven with their reconciliation just enough to keep both at the top of our mind as we walk into danger with them. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Easton might be back home on Battle Mountain, but he’s a shell of the man he used to be. Reconnecting with his first love is more healing for him than he ever imagined.

Genevieve knows the only man she trusts to keep her safe when danger comes knocking at her door is East, but she also knows she tore his world apart all those years ago. Seeing her finally come clean with her torn emotions of then and now is heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced book of intrigue with a side of romance. The characters are easy to like and the action is non-stop.

five-stars

* Review * DECKER’S DILEMMA by Chantal Fernando

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DECKER’S DILEMMA by Chantal FernandoDecker's Dilemma by Chantal Fernando
Series: Knights & Dragons MC #1
Published by Carina Press on February 22, 2022
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five-stars

Wind Dragon princess Cara and ex-cop Decker will have to cross every line to be together—including the law.

At a Turning Point

It was a typical PI gig: track down the client’s newly discovered half sister. For ex-cop Seth Decker, finding Cara Ward was the easy part. Walking away from the sexy schoolteacher is going to be a whole different story.

At a Crossroads

Cara thought she had the road ahead all mapped out—she’d be a biker’s old lady, straddling a Harley behind the man she fell for in her teens. But she’s all grown up. And while the Wind Dragons will always be family, Cara wants something more, something for herself. Decker may not be a biker, but that means his woman will always come first.

Caught in the Cross Fire

Once an MC princess, always an MC princess, though. When Cara’s connection to the Wind Dragons puts her in the line of fire from a gang out for revenge, Decker realizes the safest place for her is by his side. After all, there’s nothing he won’t do to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means crossing the line of the law he once swore to uphold.

 

Danger and deception around every corner! DECKER’S DILEMMA is the first book in Chantal Fernando’s brand new Knights & Dragons MC series and I was quickly hooked. The characters were easy to like, the drama was high and the love story was both tender and passionate. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Seth Decker is a sweetheart of a man who wants to do good in the world, but wasn’t so fond of all of the technicalities that let criminals slide when he was a cop.

Cara Ward will always be the princess of the Wind Dragons MC, but she’s striving to fulfill her teaching dreams as she realizes the map she had in her head doesn’t feel like where she’s headed anymore.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an action packed dramatic story that has a touch of MC, a touch of suspense and a whole bunch of yummy goodness.

five-stars