Archives for March 15, 2023

* Review * HER BEST KEPT SECRET by Naima Simone

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER BEST KEPT SECRET by Naima SimoneHer Best Kept Secret by Naima Simone
Published by Harlequin Desire on March 28, 2023
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four-half-stars

Nore Daniels has sworn off love…only her powerful new client drives her to delicious distraction!

After the crushing end of her engagement, event planner Nore Daniels is through with love. Except her plan to throw herself into work ends with landing in the bed of sexy former motorcycle racer and CEO Joaquin Iverson. Now he wants Nore to work for him—and it’s a business arrangement that may require a decidedly personal touch…

Their chemistry is undeniably off the charts—but when it comes to trust, both Nore and Joaquin have been burned before. And when Nore discovers that he’s the brother of her ex-fiancé, it might send both their worlds spinning out of control…

 

Delectable angsty goodness! The core characters of this book snagged my attention quickly and delighted me with their lust-filled attraction, sassy conversations and heartfelt connections. There’s a bit of a dilemma early on when Nore realizes Joaquin is the half-brother of the man that yanked her heart out and stomped on it not so long ago, but the goodness wins out over the heartache in this captivating story. Strong back stories, intense steam and such a sweet connection easily held my heart throughout.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves angsty drama mixed into your steamy romance. There’s passion, angst and healing all mixed into one fine read!

four-half-stars

* Review * A BABY ON HIS DOORSTEP by Leigh Riker

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A BABY ON HIS DOORSTEP by Leigh RikerA Baby on His Doorstep by Leigh Riker
Series: Kansas Cowboys #11
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on March 28, 2023
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four-half-stars

His surprise baby…

Could be her saving grace

Workaholic veterinarian Max Crane has sworn off entanglements. Then he wakes up to an infant on his doorstep—and a note saying the tiny girl is his. With his ex MIA, Max hires Rachel Whittaker as his live-in nanny. The grieving widow has her own reasons to keep their relationship professional, but when tongues start wagging, a fake engagement seems the perfect solution. Until they both start falling for the baby…and each other.

 

Heartfelt and endearing! With the eleventh book in the always enjoyable Kansas Cowboys series from Harlequin Heartwarming author Leigh Riker, we get veterinarian Max and library assistant Rachel’s story and it’s filled with just enough drama and sass to please all. The characters each have a memorable back story that is playing a part in them connecting over an adorable baby girl. I enjoyed the emotional depth and the happily ever after!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a sweet cowboy romance with easy to love characters, sweet romance and meaningful connections.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE SEASIDE LIBRARY by Brenda Novak

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE SEASIDE LIBRARY by Brenda NovakThe Seaside Library by Brenda Novak
Published by MIRA on April 11, 2023
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five-stars

There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart…

Mariners Island is barely ten miles long, but when Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teenagers, it was their whole world. Beyond the pristine beaches and iconic lighthouse lies the beautiful old library that belongs to Ivy’s family. While that bound Ivy to the island as an adult, Ariana could not leave Mariners behind fast enough. The town holds too many…memories. Not only her unrequited feelings for Cam, but the tragedy that left a scar on the community.

When a young girl went missing, a teenage Cam was unthinkably the prime suspect. Ariana and Ivy knew he couldn’t have hurt anyone, and they promised to protect him—even if it meant lying on his behalf.

Now, twenty years later, Ariana returns to Mariners just as new evidence emerges on the case, calling into question everything the three friends thought they knew—and everyone they thought they could trust. What really happened that night? Over the course of one eventful summer, Ariana, Ivy and Cam will learn the truth—about their pasts, their futures and the ties that still bind them as closely as the pages of a book…

 

Filled with mystery, rekindling of life-long friendships and hints of romance. Brenda Novak has brought us sweet romance, thrillers and family saga in the past and with her latest women’s fiction novel she is pouring on the sentimental side as we step into a reconnection of childhood friends who have a secret that is beginning to unravel and point fingers. The connection between the three is complex and addictive, while the mystery haunting their past is poised to snag the limelight. I loved every minute of my trip to Mariner’s Island!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story based on an in depth friendship that  encompasses the core of the story foundation and builds the drama and romance outward.

five-stars

* Review * MONTANA FREEDOM by Josie Jade and Janie Crouch

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MONTANA FREEDOM by Josie Jade and Janie CrouchMontana Freedom by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
Series: Resting Warrior Ranch #6
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on March 14, 2023
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five-stars

Daniel Clark is the leader. The one who ensures everyone makes it out alive.

He took that responsibility seriously when he and his team served in the Navy SEALs together, and he takes it seriously now at the Resting Warrior Ranch.

When he and his men broke up the Riders—the vicious dogfighting gang who also kept some human captives—they got everyone to safety.

Except for the woman who’d been caged—Emma. She disappeared into the night.

So when she shows up in his tiny Montana town—in bad physical shape, begging not to be taken to the hospital—Daniel can’t believe it. He does the only thing he can: brings her home.

He’s a warrior, not a caregiver, but he’ll have to be both in this case. The people after her don’t just want to put her in a cage this time. They want her dead.

But if they want to get to Emma, they’re going to have to go through Daniel. And that’s not going to happen.

 

Captivating from start to finish! Fans of the Resting Warrior Ranch series are in for a treat this go round as the fearless leader Daniel is finally meeting his match and the drama she brings along with her. The characters each have a rich back story that brings a depth to their development that will keep the reader invested throughout. Danger is lurking as love blooms at the most unexpected of times. Highly entertaining!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close-knit group of former soldiers who are supporting each other and others through re-entry into life as each one falls for his happily ever after.

five-stars