Archives for February 13, 2022

* Review * SECRETS OF A BAD REPUTATION by Joss Wood

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SECRETS OF A BAD REPUTATION by Joss Wood

Secrets of a Bad Reputation by Joss Wood
Series: Dynasties: DNA Dilemma #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on February 22, 2022
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He uses his bad-boy persona as a shield

until she gets past his defenses…

After years in seclusion, music megastar Griff O’Hare is about to reboot his career. Performing at Ryder International’s elite charity ball will rehabilitate his tattered reputation. But Kinga Ryder-White, who’s managing the ball, is wary of risking its success on a charismatic, but unreliable, hell-raiser. She’s the most uptight woman he’s ever met—and the only one who makes him lose control. After a searing night of passion, will Griff risk revealing the secrets of his bad reputation?

Opposites attract in the kick-off to Joss Wood’s brand new Dynasties: DNA Dilemma series and it was highly entertaining! SECRETS OF A BAD REPUTATION is fast paced and attention grabbing from start to finish. I enjoyed the characters and though there were a lot of unknowns left up in the air that I hope will flesh out later in the series, I felt satisfied with the story. The biggest thing I felt was lacking was not even getting to see the ball play out, or tie-ups of her problems from the past but maybe that too is coming in the next book. Overall a great kick-off to the series and highly enjoyable.

Griff is a sweetheart and I loved getting to see him redeemed in the world’s eyes.

Kinga is self-assured and accomplished and I enjoyed seeing her fall for Griff. I can’t wait to learn more about the family secrets.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family drama mixed into an intense romance.

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* Review * UP IN SMOKE by Kate Meader

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Up in Smoke by Kate Meader
Series: Hot in Chicago Rookies #1
Published by Kate Meader LLC on February 22, 2022
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Lives are on the line at Engine 6 … and so are hearts.

Running an engine crew in the Chicago Fire Department is my dream job, and between that, my awesome kid, and my nosy sister, I lead a pretty great life. Bruised and burned by my marriage, I don’t have time for dating or drama, but I always have time for pie. And when I share a slice of cherry with a sweet redhead, followed by the hottest, dirtiest, most pulse-pounding kiss of my life, I start to rethink the possibilities.

Until that woman walks into my firehouse and upends my well-ordered world.

Abby Sullivan is now a rookie firefighter on my crew and a threat to my self-control more dangerous than a five-alarm blaze. My job is to watch her six when all I want is to watch her fall into my bed. Lust has no place in the firehouse, and a distraction like Abby with her electric blue eyes, waves of flame-red hair, and freckles I want to map with my tongue, is one I can ill afford.

Because one wrong move … and it could all go up in smoke.

Risk and sensual goodness all rolled up into one hot read! Kate Meader is once again delivering spot-on angst, passion and camaraderie revolving around a Chicago firehouse and I loved every single minute of it! If you were a fan of her previous firehouse series, you’ll recognize many familiar faces and get some updates on how some of our old favs have been enjoying life. Roman and Abby had an adorable meet cute and a wild ride along the way before their eventual happily ever after. I loved them and can’t wait for more in the series!

Roman and his precocious daughter are adorable and easy to fall for. I loved seeing him get to overcome the way life had knocked him down and find love again.

Abby is gutsy and a real go-getter and I loved her success.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a tight-knit firehouse filled with co-workers who quickly become friends and true family. I’m looking forward to watching more of them find their forever as the series progresses.

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* Review * SERIAL SLAYER COLD CASE by Lena Diaz

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SERIAL SLAYER COLD CASE by Lena Diaz

Serial Slayer Cold Case by Lena Diaz
Series: Tennessee Cold Case Stories #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 22, 2022
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A second chance to catch a serial killerBefore the hunters become the prey.

Still haunted by the serial killer she couldn’t catch, police detective Bree Clark doesn’t hesitate to accept PI Ryland Beck’s offer of redemption. The Smoky Mountain Slayer cold case has gone hot again—and working together could bring the murderer to justice. When Bree is targeted, their partnership turns intimate. But is the culprit the original slayer—or a dangerous copycat?

High octane suspense! The second book in Lena Diaz’s Tennessee Cold Case series quickly thrusts us into the heart of another case, this one revolving around the lead investigator for Unfinished Business. In SERIAL SLAYER COLD CASE danger is quickly lurking right in front of them as twists and turns by wily criminals bring a cold case to the forefront and tie the investigators up in knots. I loved Ryland and Bree together!

Ryland is a steady character who while we didn’t get to know a detailed amount around his past, steps into his job heading up the cold case company full force ahead. I like him!

Bree is a real go-getter who is willing to put herself on the line over and over again if it helps her get to the bottom of who is hurting people.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a fast paced mystery revolving around a team of high end investigators who are trying to bring justice for all as one by one they stumble across their own happily ever after.

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* Review * SECOND CHANCE WITH HIS CINDERELLA by Kandy Shepherd

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SECOND CHANCE WITH HIS CINDERELLA by Kandy Shepherd

Second Chance with His Cinderella by Kandy Shepherd
Published by Harlequin Romance on February 22, 2022
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When taking a risk…

is worth the wait!

Life hasn’t been too kind to billionaire Sebastian Delfont or the intriguing woman he’s hired to organize his mansion in London’s prestigious Chelsea. Kitty Clements may be cautious and closed to love, yet she can’t help noticing there’s more to this reluctant billionaire than his intoxicating charm suggests. But after all their heartbreak, are they both ready to take another chance?

Love when they least expect it! SECOND CHANCE WITH HIS CINDERELLA by Kandy Shepherd brings together two hearts with an instant attraction and a delightful interaction. Fans will enjoy this lighthearted dalliance as a working relationship becomes more than they ever expected. The characters are intriguing and their love story was highly satisfying.

Sebastian is accomplished and fulfilled, but family expectancy is an unwanted weight on his shoulder as he is uprooting his happy lifestyle to accommodate family tradition. I enjoyed getting to know him.

Kitty is sweet and direct and hearing her backstory makes you want to stand by her side even more. I felt the happenings to see that aspect through a little more was slightly lacking, but I enjoyed her story overall.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an instant attraction that leads to an easy friendship and more as two kind souls support each other through change and sacrifice.

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* Review * THE HERO NEXT DOOR by Carrie Nichols

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE HERO NEXT DOOR by Carrie Nichols

The Hero Next Door by Carrie Nichols
Series: Small-Town Sweethearts #6
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on February 22, 2022
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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.

Filed Under: Book Reviews