Archives for April 2022

* Review * PRIDE by Arell Rivers

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PRIDE by Arell RiversPride by Arell Rivers
Series: Sins of the Fathers #2
Published by Tarnished Halo Publishing LLC on April 7, 2022
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four-stars

Breaking News: NYC’s Golden Boy Takes A Walk

This “Breaking News” about Xander Turner hardly deserves such a title. Then again, the mere mention of Xander’s name has always made my ladybits tingle, no matter that he never gave me a second glance when we were in school. But when the news anchor announces he’s out of the high-profile marketing position in his now-infamous family’s business, my wayward thoughts shift to my struggling PR agency. I want him. Ahem, to save my firm.

Much to my shock, Xander accepts my job offer. Not only does his sexy face and business savvy bring in the clients, but he adds a layer of fun and creativity I hadn’t expected. He even makes the transition from uptown shark to downtown employee seem effortless. Soon I come to realize that Xander’s more than just his looks. A hell of a lot more.

When the paparazzi catch wind of our unlikely pairing, will their ruthless pursuit give my agency more exposure, or will NYC’s dog-eat-dog media industry tear apart all we’ve built?

 

Dramatic and compelling! Arell Rivers is bringing temptation and scandal to life with the second book in her Sins of the Fathers series and it quickly held my attention! PRIDE picks up where the previous book in the series left off and brings us into the heart of Xander Turner’s downfall. The drama was high and the tension off the charts, and while lagging in certain areas, it held my attention and reignited my interest in this family.

Both characters had their pluses and minuses in their moral compass and loyalty, but overall I found them to be a fresh take on an opposites attract story line.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys high powered execs being humbled a bit as family drama ignites and leaves them holding on for dear life.

four-stars

* Review * A FAMILY AFFAIR by Robyn Carr

* Review * A FAMILY AFFAIR by Robyn CarrA Family Affair by Robyn Carr
Published by MIRA on April 5, 2022
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four-stars

Life’s biggest dilemmas can provide its sweetest rewards

Anna McNichol knows how to take charge. Raised by a single mother, she’s worked to ensure her three children have every advantage she didn’t. And while her marriage has its problems, she values commitment and believes in "till death do us part." Now an empty nester, she’s at the peak of her career and ready to seize the opportunity to focus on her future.

But life can change in an instant, and when her husband dies suddenly, Anna’s carefully constructed world falls apart. The mysterious young woman at the memorial service confirms her husband had been keeping secrets, and Anna is determined to get to the truth.

For once, she doesn’t have the answers. Her kids are struggling with their grief, her mother’s health is in decline and Anna needs closure. Faced with one challenge after another, she finds support from an unexpected source. And as she puts her life back together, Anna realizes the McNichols may not be perfect but they’ll always be family, and family is forever.

 

Emotionally addictive! A FAMILY AFFAIR by Robyn Carr brings us the story of a mother of grown children who has to somehow find a way to heal their wounds as well as her own upon the sudden death of her husband. Untold secrets come to light and take this family on a journey of forgiveness, healing and love. Highly entertaining!

Anna is a strong character both in fortitude to balance life’s every day challenges but also in giving the benefit of the doubt to a potentially toxic situation through grace and understanding.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dissecting the family dynamics of a seemingly perfect life when big changes make for a new normal.

four-stars

* Review * WITH LOVE FROM ROSE BEND by Naima Simone

* Review * WITH LOVE FROM ROSE BEND by Naima SimoneWith Love from Rose Bend by Naima Simone
Series: Rose Bend #3
Published by HQN Books on March 29, 2022
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five-stars

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.

five-stars

* Review * DELAYED PENALTY by Jami Davenport

* Review * DELAYED PENALTY by Jami DavenportDelayed Penalty by Jami Davenport
Series: The Scoring Series #7
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on March 31, 2022
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four-half-stars

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.

four-half-stars

* Cover Reveal * ROCKED BY LOVE by Melissa Foster

🔥 SMOKIN’ HOT COVER REVEAL 🔥

He’s a rock star with a secret. She’s a fashion designer with a nose for nonsense. Don’t miss this sexy standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster, releasing Feb 2023.

➜ADD TO GOODREADS: https://bit.ly/36WD40O

*Audio pre-order coming soon

When Johnny Bad hires Jillian Braden to design his tour wardrobe and cancels for the umpteenth time, she’s had enough. Jillian is determined to set him straight, but she isn’t at all prepared for what she finds, or for the type of help Johnny really needs. Come along for the hilarious, sexy ride as Jillian and Johnny get caught up in a storm that just might be bigger than both of them.

START THE SERIES FREE!
https://melissafoster.com/books/embracing-heart-bradens-montgomerys-pleasant-hill-oak-falls-audiobook/


Cover Photography: Sara Eirew @saraeirewphotographer