Archives for January 2024

* Release Blitz/Review * DARE by Chelle Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * DARE by Chelle BlissDare by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #14
Published by Bliss Ink on January 30, 2024
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four-half-stars

Austin Moore found his purpose in the military, but there was always something missing. He wanted what everyone in his family had…someone to call his own. But his life didn’t make it easy to find a soul mate, someone to be his forever.

Sage Hill enlisted to follow in the footsteps of her father, but never wanted to be in his shadow. And when her friend ditches her at a dive bar, she catches the eye of a handsome stranger. But Sage doesn’t have time for relationships, nor does she want the complication.

When Sage is stuck, Austin tries to be her saving grace and a challenge leads to a lip lock neither one of them can forget. She swore she’d never fall for a strong and bossy man like her father, but she soon learns there’s more than meets the eye underneath that sexy exterior.

A part of this book was previously released as the book Fearless, but much of the content has been changed along with over 100 pages of new words have been added.

 

Forever love when they least expect it! Chelle Bliss is the Queen of wrapping a family around her reader’s heart and taking us on the ride of a lifetime as one after another finds their forever love with us right by their side. I have loved every minute of this series and love the addition punch of love for Pike’s brother Austin. I can’t wait to see more of this family however it may come!

Great characters, dedication to making love work no matter the sacrifice and heartwarming family moments are all highlights of this book as well as the entire series and I highly recommend them.

 

 

 


Dare by Chelle Bliss is now live! 

Austin Moore found his purpose in the military, but there was always something missing. He wanted what everyone in his family had…someone to call his own. But his life didn’t make it easy to find a soul mate, someone to be his forever.

Sage Hill enlisted to follow in the footsteps of her father, but never wanted to be in his shadow. And when her friend ditches her at a dive bar, she catches the eye of a handsome stranger. But Sage doesn’t have time for relationships, nor does she want the complication.

When Sage is stuck, Austin tries to be her saving grace and a challenge leads to a lip lock neither one of them can forget. She swore she’d never fall for a strong and bossy man like her father, but she soon learns there’s more than meets the eye underneath that sexy exterior.

 

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

Amazon: https://geni.us/dare-zon
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3PLISNn
Nook: https://geni.us/dare-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/dare-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/dare-gp
Audio: https://bit.ly/42f3NhM

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/47nQBJf

Meet Chelle

Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.

She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.

 Connect with Chelle

Website: menofinked.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7164384.Chelle_Bliss
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chelle-Bliss/e/B00FIPAHYQ/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchellebliss1
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blisshangout/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorchellebliss/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChelleBliss1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chelle-bliss
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chellebliss10/
Other: https://bingebooks.com/author/chelle-bliss
Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/chellebliss/

four-half-stars

* Review * THE MESSY LIFE OF JANE TANNER by Brenda Novak

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE MESSY LIFE OF JANE TANNER by Brenda NovakThe Messy Life of Jane Tanner by Brenda Novak
Series: Coyote Canyon #3
Published by MIRA on February 20, 2024
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four-stars

When your life is chaotic, what’s one more complication?

Jane Tanner’s friends are settling down, while she’s been settling for less. She longs for adventure and the big city, but caring for her ailing grandfather means she's shackled to her small town. She’s excited her vintage gift shop is finally up and running, but it’s not enough.

Longing to fulfill at least one dream—to become a mother before her biological clock ticks out—Jane drunkenly propositions the worst possible candidate for Dad. Kurt Elway is off-limits with a capital O. He’s a good friend, but he's too young, too busy running his family’s ranch. Plus, he and Jane’s sister, Kate, used to date. That kind of off-limits.

Unbeknownst to Jane, Kurt’s pining for her. When he’s fully on board to father her baby, she sees him in a new light. Then lingering baggage between Kate and Kurt suddenly surfaces and Jane is reminded of just how messy life is. But…so is parenting. Maybe it’s time to embrace the mess?

 

Drama and love go hand-in-hand in the third installment of Brenda Novak’s Coyote Canyon series! I love this group of strong natured women who have forged a caring friendship as life delivers happiness to all in this small Montana town. It’s nice to see the couple’s from the past two books playing a strong part in carrying on the set up of the town. I felt like the development of Jane and Kurt’s relationship lacked development once they truly decided to be together, but I enjoyed them as a whole throughout the story. I’m hoping to see more in the series down the road, because we all know redeeming Averil and Charlie for a couple more books could add some true challenge and drama into the mix.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with a strong support system of family and friends as drama surrounds the current couple trying to weave their way towards a satisfying happily ever after.

four-stars

* Review * SURPRISED AND SACKED by Gina Azzi

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SURPRISED AND SACKED by Gina AzziSurprised and Sacked by Gina Azzi
Series: Knoxville Coyotes Football #2
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on February 5, 2024
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four-half-stars

Knoxville Coyotes rookie, West Crawford, is a celebrated, lightning-fast football god on the field. Off the field? He’s my ex-boyfriend and greatest heartache.

I didn’t think long-distance would break us when West was drafted to Tennessee, and I was called home to Paris for a family emergency. But it did.

Fast-forward six months and West is playing in the Superbowl, I’m rooting for him to win, and our worlds re-collide.

Celebrating West’s success is supposed to be a one-night, free-for-all that ends with closure. Instead, it births a new beginning. Literally.

I’m having a baby with my ex, our lives are still thousands of miles apart, and nothing has changed. I mean, except the obvious.

Between West’s flourishing career, my familial responsibilities abroad, and a positive pregnancy test that surprises us both, our relationship is bound to be sacked before it has the chance to soar.

 

Sweet, sassy and oh so satisfying! With the second book in her Knoxville Coyotes football series Gina Azzi is delighting her readers with not only a second chance reunion trope, but also a surprise baby and I loved every minute of the drama! The characters are really easy to become addicted to, and the back story is riveting. I enjoyed seeing a cameo from the Burnt Clover series characters as well! Can’t wait to see what this series holds in store for us in the future.

West was absolutely my favorite character because he was sincere and not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.

I highly recommend this book as well as the previous book in the series to sports romance fans who love a book with lots of heart and fun, hip characters who have a strong support system surrounding them.

four-half-stars

* Review * COLTON’S BABY MOTIVE by Lara Lacombe

* Review * COLTON’S BABY MOTIVE by Lara LacombeColton's Baby Motive by Lara Lacombe
Series: The Coltons of Colorado #8
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on August 23, 2022
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four-stars

From one amazing night

To a family in danger

Jet-setting entrepreneur Oliver Colton has never invested in a long-term relationship—until he learns that Hilary Weston is pregnant and he’s the father. The dizzying attraction that brought them together for one incredible night hasn’t changed, but she doesn’t trust that he’s ready to commit to settling down. When Hilary's brother goes missing, Oliver risks everything to bring him home…and guard his growing family.

 

Intrigue and romance with a baby bonus! Danger comes knocking just as drama reaches an all time high for a waitress and her one night Colton fling with the next book in the Coltons of Colorado series. I felt like the storyline of siblings for Oliver was a bit overwhelming if you aren’t a strict follower of the series and could have used a bit more back story development, but the drama surrounding Hilary and the tension from their attraction and upcoming baby is spot on. I enjoyed them and their story as a whole.

four-stars

* Review * CONNER by Victoria Denault

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CONNER by Victoria DenaultConner by Victoria Denault
Series: Hockey Royalty #1
on January 30, 2024
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four-half-stars

My name is Conner Garrison and I’m a failure.

The men in my family are some of the most successful hockey players of all time, and I’m about to get dropped from the entire league. How do I face them?

Avoiding my large, well-meaning, but invasive family is how I end up face-to-face with my childhood crush at midnight. And I happen to be as naked as the day I was born.

Mackenzie ‘Mac’ Larue is five years older than me, gorgeous, and about to become a doctor. She’s also dealing with a crushed ego, thanks to a bad ex-boyfriend. Finally, something I can fix.

I might not be able to save my career but I can help this incredible woman rebuild her confidence. As a friend. She sees me as a work project, nothing else.

But the more time we spend together, the more I start to believe that if I can earn back my career, maybe I can earn her heart her too.

 

Sassy and fun new hockey series from Victoria Denault! Hot hockey player down on his luck collides with sexy new doc feeling the slump of heartache … and the rest as they say is history! The banter is adorable, the passion is steamy and the heart is so utterly perfect. I loved the main characters and there’s so many great supporting members of the team and the fam that sparkle on the pages as well. I can’t wait to see where Denault takes this series next.

Conner is a great character because he’s a hunky hockey stud who is taken down a notch when he has to come to terms with the world not working exactly as he had planned and learning to breath and pick up the pieces with the best of us. I adored his family and he really grew with this experience.

Mac is a doll and I really liked them together. Her life could have used a bit more development, but the angst was there.

I recommend this book to hockey fans who enjoy a new set of characters to sink your teeth into and get to know.

four-half-stars

* Review * PENALIZING by Jami Davenport

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PENALIZING by Jami DavenportPenalizing by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #5
Published by Cedrona Enterprises LLC on January 25, 2024
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four-stars

Being traded from a contender to a basement dweller is bad enough, but now I'm working with the one who got away. She has an explosive secret, and I think it has something to do with me.

I want to start where we left off, but she doesn't want anything to do with me. Eventually our mutual attraction steamrolls her resistance, but when her deception catches up to her and what she's been hiding is exposed, nothing will ever be the same for either of us.

Will her truth be the anchor that strengthens our relationship, or the storm that obliterates it beyond repair?

 

Secrets and deception steal the show! The fifth book in Jami Davenport’s Portland Icehawks hockey series delivers an interesting set up when a top notch player gets blindsided by a trade. The plot is thick with tension and drama and the characters were intriguing. I felt like there were a lot of blanks left in the back story, which was okay if you’ve followed Davenport regularly and know the support characters well, but not so great if you’re trying to read it as a standalone. The ending was rushed and I wanted more, but overall a solid addition to the series and keeps me wanting more from this team!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to fans of hockey romance where the team supports one another as each player meets “the one” just when they least expect it.

four-stars

* Review * FACE HER FEAR by Lisa Regan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FACE HER FEAR by Lisa ReganFace Her Fear by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #19
Published by Bookouture on January 30, 2024
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five-stars

Detective Josie Quinn is still recovering from the killing of a beloved member of her team when she and her husband Noah receive yet more devastating news. Close to her breaking point, Josie heads to a specialist trauma retreat,set in an isolated group of log cabins in the mountains of Pennsylvania. But fear is not far behind her. Josie’s five fellow patients all seem to be hiding secrets darker than just the problems that brought them there and a storm is gathering, with thick snow coming down fast, isolating the cabins from the world below.

Then one morning, Meg Cleary disappears. Having spent years living in terror of a stalker, Meg had come to the retreat to try to piece her life back together. But now, her cabin is empty, no logs are burning in her fireplace, no tracks in the snow lead to or from her door. Quickly organizing a search, Josie’s worst fear is realized when she finds Meg’s body lying in the snow, the marks around her neck revealing that her death was no accident.

And this is no normal case, as Josie is stranded without her team, a phone signal or any legal authority to investigate. When she discovers that someone has placed hidden cameras inside the retreat buildings, Josie’s terror grows with the knowledge that the murderer is among them.

Then another patient goes missing. With their food supplies running low and no chance of escape, Josie knows that she is in the greatest danger of her life, and that she alone has a chance to identify the killer and save the rest of the group before it’s too late…

 

High impact suspense all the way around! Lisa Regan always delivers mystery and drama when it comes to Detective Josie Quinn, but this particular book is a little out of the ordinary as Josie’s team is only peripherally involved since Josie is away at a retreat and out of touch with the world. The plot of the book starts a little slow, but then quickly becomes attention grabbing as danger begins to unravel. I liked the premise of the story, and Josie is always a hit. I’m looking forward to much more to come in the series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a thriller revolving around a core cast of law enforcement who rally around to support one another as they fight the crime in their neck of the woods.

five-stars

* Review * K-9 SECURITY by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * K-9 SECURITY by Nichole SevernK-9 Security by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 23, 2024
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four-stars

He and his K-9 always get the job done.
But this case will test even the toughest heart.

Military contractor Cash Meyers and his Rottweiler, Bear, show up in time to save Elena Navarro from being abducted by a drug cartel. But they’re too late to protect her little brother. Rescuing the boy means confronting a criminal who will sacrifice anything—and anyone—to claim Elena. Cash’s instincts are battle honed, but will his intense attraction to Elena put them both in danger?

 

Fast paced and addictive! This explosive introduction to the New Mexico Guard Dogs series is quick to nab the reader’s attention, but there’s a lot of back story to try to keep track of between the two of them and the indiscretions of those from their family and past. I liked the core characters and enjoyed their interactions and I liked the premise of the story and look forward to more in the series.

 

four-stars

* Review * SERIOUSLY PUCKED by Emma Foxx

* Review * SERIOUSLY PUCKED by Emma FoxxSeriously Pucked by Emma Foxx
Series: Chicago Racketeers #3
Published by Blake Wilder Books on January 19, 2024
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four-stars

Chicago Racketeers Book Three

Dating and falling in love is fun.

Getting serious is…well, serious.

It means real-life situations, like fathers getting sick, people you love getting injured, and…maybe worst of all…work parties with your significant others. Shudder.

But this is what it’s like when you’re in a relationship. Things aren’t always rainbows and unicorns. Even if you’re living and laughing with, and having hot sex every night, with three men who worship the ground you walk on. Trust me, that’s amazing. Really amazing. I’d-probably-give-up-cookies-for-this amazing. And best of all…my men would never make me give up cookies.

But I’m having to hang on a lot tighter for this ride than I expected. Because I’m not just figuring things out with one guy. I’ve got three. And if we’re seriously going to do this, then we have to figure out if we’re really all in for better or worse.

Dani, Nathan, Michael, and Crew are back in another steamy, why-choose rom com! No cheating, a guaranteed HEA, and the guys are all about her!

 

Humorous, steamy goodness continues! Serious shenanigans ensue as Dani, Nathan, Michael and Crew take a huge step forward in their relationships together! Now I’m a huge fan of this cast of characters, and I love their desire and lust so, so much … but, I felt like with the serious matters being front and center in this book, there was a bit too little serious dialogue compared to steamy sex. I want the sex, BELIEVE ME, but I also need to feel like we’re truly in a real life relationship here that isn’t always all about that. For the first time in this 3rd book in the serious Dani came across as just simply childish when she couldn’t figure out on her own that she should grow up and support a loved one when something serious is going on in his life instead of being consumed with kissing a boo boo or feeling desired. She let me down this time … but I’ll forgive her! I’m looking forward to the next book when they start a big chapter in life. Overall this cast is an absolute joy to read and I leave with a smile every time I visit.

four-stars

* Review * HOW THE ITALIAN CLAIMED HER by Jennifer Hayward

* Review * HOW THE ITALIAN CLAIMED HER by Jennifer HaywardHow the Italian Claimed Her by Jennifer Hayward
Published by Harlequin Presents on September 26, 2023
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five-stars

He always puts business first…
then it’s mixed with pleasure!

After taking the reins of his family’s legendary but failing fashion house, CEO Cristiano Vitale vows to restore its legacy. To do that he needs the face of the brand, supermodel Jensen Davis, to do her job. Only she’s committed to living up to her headline-hitting reputation.

Jensen doesn’t want to jeopardize Cristiano’s company, but courting scandal distracts from her mother’s self-destructive spiral. So, lying low at his Lake Como estate, she’s caught between her familial duty…and how much she wants the dangerously sexy Italian to claim her!

 

This sensual scandal is sure to please! I was quickly hooked on this opposites attract storyline as a supermodel tainted by scandal tries to pick up the pieces of her reputation and prove to her fashion house that’s she still worthy of her contract. The characters are easy to connect with and the drama and romance are spot on. I highly enjoyed Cristiano and Jensen and would recommend their story to anyone who enjoys a touch of drama mixed in with your romance as true love overcomes gossip and rumor.

five-stars