Archives for July 2022

* Review * IN THE RING WITH THE MAVERICK by Kathy Douglass

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * IN THE RING WITH THE MAVERICK by Kathy DouglassIn the Ring with the Maverick by Kathy Douglass
Series: Montana Mavericks: Brothers & Broncos #2
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

Anything he can do

She can do better

Rodeo riders Jack Burris and Audrey Hawkins are both at the top of their game—except when it comes to love. Competing against each other in the Bronco Summer Family Rodeo, they are so determined to win they’ve put blinders on, tamping down their mutual attraction. In this battle of the sexes, the real victory may lie in surrender, but who will get off their high horse first?

 

Down-to-earth characters with a twist of rodeo swagger delight in the second book in the Montana Maverick: Brothers and Broncos series and I wholeheartedly enjoyed the visit! A friendly competition quickly heats up when the Burris brothers take on the Hawkins sisters at the Bronco rodeo and sparks sizzle as tempers fly and talent shines. I would have liked a tad more relationship development once they truly decided to be a couple, but I liked them a lot and really enjoyed their story.

Audrey is talented and determined to show the world what a rodeo woman can really do.

Jack likes Audrey and wishes her no ill will, but he just thinks he will always come out on top.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town filled with great characters, hearty drama and enjoyable happily ever afters all around!

five-stars

* Review * RIVALRY AT PLAY by Nadine Gonzalez

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RIVALRY AT PLAY by Nadine GonzalezRivalry at Play by Nadine Gonzalez
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 26, 2022
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four-stars

“It’s your move. Go ahead and finish me.”

Attorney Alexandra Lattimore doesn’t play games, but entrepreneur Jackson Strom brings out her competitive side. Her former high school rival is all grown up—oozing class, challenging her and tempting her in equal measure. But she’s back home to deal with family business, not to revisit the past or get tangled up in messy emotions. Is a casual fling the best strategy? Maybe… Succumbing to Jackson’s physical appeal is one thing; revealing her secrets is another. But she knows he won’t be satisfied until he’s made her his queen…

 

Temptation comes knocking when former adversaries reconnect and can’t resist each other in the next book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Ranchers and Rivals series and you won’t want to miss it! I wanted a little more development on Jackson’s side, and the ending was really abrupt, but overall I enjoyed their story a lot.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a good bit of drama mixed with your happily ever after. The TCC series always brings power, riches and lust to the forefront of a great story.

four-stars

* Review * LESSONS IN FATHERHOOD by Makenna Lee

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LESSONS IN FATHERHOOD by Makenna LeeLessons in Fatherhood by Makenna Lee
Series: Home to Oak Hollow #5
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

More surprising than being a father

Is what it takes to be a dad

Nicholas Weller is stunned to discover the adorable baby abandoned in the middle of his art gallery is his son. Asking teacher Emma Blake for help is a plea of desperation—he barely knows her, after all—and clearly, she has her own misgivings. But under Emma's tutelage, Nicholas is soon juggling diapers, formula…and unexpected feelings for her. He’s passing the lessons on fatherhood, but is he ready to graduate to family man?

 

Heartfelt characters, emotional back stories and just enough adorable sass to keep me hooked page after page! The fifth book in the Home to Oak Hollow series quickly grabbed my attention with a surprise/abandoned baby and I didn’t want to put it down even for a minute. I really enjoyed the honest goodness of the main characters and how they each had their own emotional scars to work through.

Nicholas is a genuinely nice guy in spite of his cold upbringing, but finding out he’s a dad when he doesn’t feel like he ever had an example of one is hard to swallow and he finds himself floundering. Lucky for him he picks just the right person to teach him the way.

Emma has a heartbreaking back story but has such a warm and giving heart that she manages to carry herself forward into whatever life brings her no matter the trauma she herself has suffered. I really liked her.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with subtle drama, heartwarming characters and happily ever afters freely flowing!

five-stars

* Review * ANTON by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ANTON by Kat MizeraAnton by Kat Mizera
Series: Sidewinders: Generations #3
on July 26, 2022
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four-half-stars

As the son of hockey royalty, Anton Petrov has both a reputation and a name to live up to. He’s always given everything to the sport, kept his head down—and focused on the game. Parties and women might come easily to him, but he’s not that interested. He’s never gotten over the one that got away—Sasha Kingsley.

When the FBI questions him about her disappearance, he begins to realize he can’t live without her.

Sasha grew up with the proverbial silver spoon. And that was before her mom married a legit European king. Now she’s a princess with expensive college degrees and absolutely no idea what comes next. Torn between passion and duty, she’s not sure how to survive her new status. When an unknown enemy sets their sight on Anton, she doesn’t know who to trust.

She broke Anton’s heart once to protect him—she’s not sure she’s strong enough to do it again.

 

Decadently forbidden! Fans of Kat Mizera’s varying characters will be in for a treat with the latest in her Sidewinders: Generations series, because there’s a twist of Royal Protectors and a hint of Rock Hard all rolled into an addictive hockey reunion!

Anton is a fun character to mesh with. He’s hockey royalty, yet down to earth and immersed in his game, but still finds time for family and loves hard.

Sasha is complex and conflicted. She battles herself on whether to give in to her heart or go along with what her family is telling her to do.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys an intense hockey romance with a close knit team finding love one after another. They play hard, but love even harder.

four-half-stars

* Review * TEXAS BURIED SECRETS by Virginia Vaughan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TEXAS BURIED SECRETS by Virginia VaughanTexas Buried Secrets by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Cowboy Lawmen #6
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

An uncovered grave reveals a deadly secret…

Publicly vowing to bring a serial killer to justice, Deputy Cecile Richardson solidifies herself as the criminal’s next target. And when a newly discovered victim is identified, it becomes even more personal for Cecile. She will solve this cold case. Can Sheriff Josh Avery keep her safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—or will the killer successfully hunt down his prey?

 

The captivating conclusion to a great series! Danger is lurking as a crime scene uncovers so much more than this small town was expecting. This book ties up the Cowboy Lawmen series with a bang as Sheriff Josh gets the answers he’s been searching for as he falls for his right hand deputy Cecile.

Cecile is accomplished and proves the loyalty she has in her heart time and again as she never gives up on her search for her missing friend.

Josh has a past that haunts him, but the feelings he has for Cecile seem to double right in front of his eyes when he realizes she’s become the next target for the killer among them.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys an inspirational romance filled with non-stop action and intrigue along with a close knit family of lawmen who are finding their happily ever afters one sibling after another.

five-stars

* Review * THE LOST AND FOUND GIRL by Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE LOST AND FOUND GIRL by Maisey YatesThe Lost and Found Girl by Maisey Yates
Published by HQN Books on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

Ruby McKee is a miracle. Found abandoned on a bridge as a newborn baby by the McKee sisters, she’s become the unofficial mascot of Pear Blossom, Oregon, a symbol of hope in the wake of a devastating loss. Ruby has lived a charmed life, and when she returns home after traveling abroad, she’s expecting to settle into that charm. But an encounter with the town’s black sheep makes her question the truth about her mysterious past.

Dahlia McKee knows it’s not right to resent Ruby for being special. But uncovering the truth about Ruby’s origins could allow Dahlia to carve her own place in Pear Blossom history.

Recently widowed Lydia McKee has enough on her plate without taking on Ruby’s quest for answers. Especially when her husband’s best friend, Chase, is beginning to become a complication she doesn’t want or need.

Marianne Martin is glad her youngest sister is back in town, but it’s hard to support Ruby’s crusade when her own life is imploding.

When the quest for the truth about Ruby’s origins uncovers a devastating secret, will the McKee sisters fall apart or band together?

 

A dazzling display of small town angst filled with heartwarming characters, quaint charm and a twist you’ll never expect! I was quickly hooked and captivated throughout.

Ruby sparkles the moment she steps onto the pages. She’s beloved and knows it, but she has such a sweet soul that you can’t help but like her.

Dahlia is the best and worst of us all. She adores her little sister with one breath, but with the next she resents the attention she gets.

Lydia is overcome with the grief that everyone in town wants to pile on top of her, but once she starts to open up about her feelings she becomes an interesting character to unravel.

Marianne comes across as the easiest of the bunch to understand at first, but as her life begins to come apart at the seams, we see a side to her we never would have known was beneath the surface.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a women’s fiction story with romance sharing the stage with a bit of mystery and whole lot of heart.

five-stars

* Review * KIDNAPPED IN ALASKA by Beth Carpenter

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KIDNAPPED IN ALASKA by Beth CarpenterKidnapped in Alaska by Beth Carpenter
Published by Inspirational Mountain Rescue Collection on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

From hiking and camping…

To hiding from kidnappers!

Alexis Mahoney is prepared for bears and bad weather on a rafting trip, not kidnappers trying to snatch her niece! Or needing to trust a wilderness recluse to keep them safe. Zeke Soto lives alone, haunted by the past. But when Alexis and Keira stumble upon his cabin, he offers protection—a dangerous move, because someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain…

 

Pulse pounding intrigue! I was quickly enchanted with this story of danger when they least expect it. The characters are well developed, the plot is fast paced and fresh and the sweet relationships are very heartwarming. I loved it from start to finish!

Alexis is versed in adventure and an interesting character to get to know.

Zeke has one of those heart wrenching back stories that has him taking refuge in your heart very quickly.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an inspirational adventure filled with danger, addictive characters and a sweet happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * HIS DESERT BRIDE BY DEMAND by Lela May Wight

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS DESERT BRIDE BY DEMAND by Lela May WightHis Desert Bride by Demand by Lela May Wight
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 26, 2022
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three-half-stars

The desert prince will finally make her his bride in this dramatic reunion romance by debut author Lela May Wight!

He asked for a night
Now he requires her hand!

Newly orphaned Charlotte Hegarty is ready to start living her life. She’s determined a reckless encounter with her first love, Prince Akeem, will free her from the past. Maybe then she’ll be able to forget him…

Akeem wants to show Charlotte what she gave up when she turned her back on him. So he sweeps her away to his desert kingdom, intent on seduction. Yet when their secret tryst threatens to become a scandal, duty-bound Akeem makes an outrageous demand: Charlotte will be his queen!

 

A promising debut! This reunion of first loves is sure to hook fans of a royal romance. The characters have interesting back stories and the current situation they find themselves in is compelling enough to nab attention quickly. I felt there were some areas that could have used a little more development, but overall a solid read for a debut novel.

three-half-stars

* Review * IT STARTED WITH A PUPPY by Christy Jeffries

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * IT STARTED WITH A PUPPY by Christy JeffriesIt Started with a Puppy by Christy Jeffries
Series: Furever Yours #12
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

The matchmaker wore a collar…

Elise Mackenzie is committed to making the Furever Paws fundraiser a huge success. She’s even roped in her landlord and new boss, Harris Vega, for help. But spending so much time with Harris, especially around an adorable puppy named Pancake, is giving the usually shy Elise ideas she shouldn’t be having. Could a man like Harris really think twice about a woman more comfortable with flour on her face than lipstick?

 

Heartfelt, addictive and simply adorable! With the final book in the Furever Yours series Christy Jeffries brings us a romance filled to the brim with heart and I loved every minute of it. The characters are endearing and the redemption of Elise is beautiful.

Elise is a total sweetheart and sincere as all get out, but she’s socially awkward and thinks she’s at her best when she’s blending into the background.

Harris won my heart when he showed her kindness and saw her worth right from the very beginning.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with a hint of mystery, a passel of heart and so much cuteness.

five-stars

* Review * CROSSING TWO LITTLE LINES by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CROSSING TWO LITTLE LINES by Joss WoodCrossing Two Little Lines by Joss Wood
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

Just a little fling with the blue-collar billionaire?

What could go wrong?

Advertising executive Jamie Bacall is a woman who knows exactly what she wants: starting with a no-strings affair with irresistible, earthy real estate developer Rowan Cowper. He's on board, too—until Jamie gets pregnant. Now Mr. Independent wants something serious. Jamie's history has her convinced that commitment is a four-letter word, but Rowan is determined to prove they really can have it all. Can he convince Jamie to cross one more line?

 

Highly addictive and down-to-earth! I couldn’t have loved the characters of this story more. Each has a strong past that built them into who they are today and I enjoyed watching them accidently fall in love in the midst of what was supposed to be a casual fling.

Jamie is successful and self-assured, but the past has left it’s mark on her and left her believing her time for more than work is over.

Rowan is a self-proclaimed workaholic and regrets nothing. I loved seeing the side of him that Jamie awakened.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a power couple who exceed in all they put their hands on but who have to admit weakness now and again and learn to cope with it together.

five-stars