April 5, 2022

* Review * WITH LOVE FROM ROSE BEND by Naima Simone

With Love from Rose Bend by Naima Simone
Series: Rose Bend #3
Published by HQN Books on March 29, 2022
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He came to Rose Bend to hide. But she’ll help him find everything he’s been missing.

Leontyne Dennison is on a love hiatus. And that’s just fine, because perfectionist Leo is hyperfocused on the success of her family’s Berkshires inn. Volunteering for Rose Bend’s annual spring festival is certain to boost business—and provide the perfect distraction from men—until Leo comes face-to-face with Owen Stafford, the hottest one-night stand of her life.

A retired professional football player, Owen came to Rose Bend to escape after a devastating car accident ended his career. Enter the woman he hasn’t forgotten in the year since their sizzling night together. When Owen’s parents arrive, threatening his low profile, Leo helps keep the peace by pretending to be Owen’s girlfriend. Rose Bend was never part of Owen’s long game, but Leo’s increasingly convincing TLC is starting to give Owen every reason to stay.

Small town seduction at it’s very best! Naima Simone’s signature sassy style always delights, but when she adds a close family dynamic and an emotional back story to the mix, she shines like no other. I’m loving Rose Bend and all of the depth each character and romance brings to this cozy town. Can’t wait for more in the series!

Leontyne is loyal, tough and has a take no prisoners attitude but beneath the surface lies a past she has kept hidden and heartache that she never got over.

Owen is adjusting to his career coming to an early end, but he’s not ready to embrace the new guy he sees day in and day out. Leo might be a blast from the past, but she’s also the adorable nuisance he needs to get him out of his head.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a lively cast of characters living in a cozy town where everyone knows everything about you. Highly entertaining and emotional.

* Review * DELAYED PENALTY by Jami Davenport

Delayed Penalty by Jami Davenport
Series: The Scoring Series #7
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on March 31, 2022
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Jasper:
I ran away from my family, my upbringing, my background, and her. I made hockey my sole purpose in life and mended my broken heart. We were divorced years ago. Imagine my shock when I find out I'm wrong--about everything.

Blaire:
I've dedicated myself to being a world-class dressage rider at the expense of the only man I've ever loved. When I discover our divorce was never finalized, I go to Seattle to rectify the mistake only to realize I've never stopped loving him.

Our disastrous marriage will be over in three months. There's one problem--do we want it to be?

Steamy and heartfelt! An unexpected reunion heats up Seattle in the latest from Jami Davenport! DELAYED PENALTY brings Cave’s story to life with the next in the Scoring Series and I couldn’t have enjoyed him more. The characters were quick to hook me with the development of their past and an exciting current predicament. Really enjoying this series!

Jasper is sweet and sentimental beneath his rough and rowdy exterior and I enjoyed getting to know his softer side.

Blaire is a bit pretentious at the beginning but it doesn’t take her long to begin enjoying the life she’s been handed more than she ever imagined she could.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a close knit hockey group who aren’t afraid to cheer each other on from the sidelines of real life as each guy finds his forever.