Archives for February 2024

* Review * KILLING BOOTH by Lani Lynn Vale

February 27, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KILLING BOOTH by Lani Lynn Vale

Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Welcome to the Circus #6
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Every single thing you want is going to require you to be uncomfortable.

Those words had been shared with her by the one man she didn’t think she could take a chance on. She just didn’t know that he was right, or that he was going to be the one making her uncomfortable.

Nash Wilder Christopherson was the world’s golden boy.

For fifteen years, she watched Nash race from the safety of her phone. Every single race, PR event, ESPN interview—she was there for it. He was the one thing that kept her sane while having to live the life her father forced her to.

That was all he’d ever be to her, though. A face on the other side of the screen.

Until he showed up at her apartment complex, carried her sister down hundreds and hundreds of stairs during a fire, and changed her opinion of him.

Nash Christopherson was Mean. With a capital M. And he couldn’t stand her.

***

He thought he had everything under control. Then he met her.

Nash knew from the moment he saw Zip waiting in her apartment, looking panicked, that she was going to damage him. She was going to pull him in, chew him up, and spit him out.

What he didn’t know was just how much damage he could take.

Nearly a year passed as he tried and failed to stay away.

A full year of her smiles, her playful jabs, her teasing, her eyes on him.

Then he got news that changed his life, and she finally took matters into her own hands, forcing herself into his life and pretty much giving him everything he ever wanted.

Everything was great, until it wasn’t. Life smacked him hard, and when the dust settled, she was gone. The only sign that she was ever there was the cracked and bleeding heart, half beating inside his chest, that yearned to hold her one more time.

Signature sass, angst and the steamy love that Vale is known for! With the next book in the Welcome to the Circus series, we get Zip’s story and it’s an emotional, heartfelt journey towards healing and survival. I wanted a bit more of her family than we actually got this time, but the overall feel of the story was emotional and fulfilling. There’s sadness and heartache, but there’s also soul baring love and emotional depth that caries the story well. Great characters, addictive drama and such a great love story. Looking forward to more in the series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys quirky characters, passionate love stories and family drama galore!

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* Review * THE SINGLE DAD PROJECT by Naima Simone

February 27, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE SINGLE DAD PROJECT by Naima Simone

The Single Dad Project by Naima Simone
Series: Rose Bend
Published by Canary Street Press on February 20, 2024
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He’s the best mistake she ever made…

Back in Rose Bend after a work trip that went wrong, Florence “Flo” Dennison craves the kind of distraction only a searing fling with a gorgeous stranger can provide. And she gets it—in an encounter hot enough to leave scars. But satisfaction turns to shock when Flo realizes her one-night stand is leading the restoration project she’s been hired to photograph. And his sweet little girl has decided Flo’s her new bestie…

Single dad and architect Adam Reed wants stability for his daughter, and he’s sure that Flo—young, ambitious, beautiful—isn’t looking for that. But when his nanny bails and Flo helps him out, it becomes impossible to keep their distance. Now, navigating tangled family ties and her own trust issues, Flo has to decide if one wild night can become so much more.

Emotional turmoil at it’s best! Naima Simone is always quick to capture my heart with her quaint smalltown Rose Bend characters who don’t hesitate to plow through whatever obstacle sits in their way of love and happiness. The Dennison family is full of humor, angst and outspoken characters who love hard and support each other through thick and thin. I love every minute spent with them! Always a joy to watch the next sibling succumb to their passionate love story.

Flo is going to go down as one of my favorites in the family because of the softer side we get to see in her childhood pain that’s uncovered in this story. I really enjoyed watching her come into herself and be able to heal as she opens her heart to receive all that she’s ever deserved and more.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a small town romance filled with passion, love and a snarky family who loves hard and isn’t afraid to speak up for what they believe in. Always rewarding to visit Rose Bend!

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* Release Blitz/Review * FALLING FOR MR. BAD by Melissa Foster

February 21, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * FALLING FOR MR. BAD by Melissa Foster

Falling for Mr. Bad by Melissa Foster
Series: A Bad Boys After Dark Crossover Novel, The Bradens & Montgomerys: Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls #11
Published by World Literary Press on February 21, 2024
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Sable Montgomery loves her single, do-as-she-pleases small-town life. She sees family often, spends her days working in her auto shop and many evenings playing at a local pub with her band, Surge. She has no desire to settle down or let any man tell her what to do. When Surge is offered what most people would consider the chance of a lifetime to tour with and open for Bad Intentions, the hottest rock band of the decade, her bandmates are all in, but she’s determined to walk away. Sable has no patience for glitz, glamour, or overinflated egos, and that includes the infuriatingly hot billionaire sent to wrangle her into submission.

Taking over as manager for his brother’s band wasn’t on business mogul Kane Bad’s agenda last year, much less negotiating with the stubborn and beautiful lead singer for Surge, but there’s nothing he won’t do for family. Including trying to stifle his desire for Sable. He needs to convince her to accept the contract, but he’d rather wrangle the sexy, headstrong, boot-wearing, tough-talking musician into his bed.

Loyalties are tested, lies are told, and greedy pleasures are satisfied. Are they just a chorus between chaotic verses, or will falling for Mr. Bad be Sable’s greatest love song?

The electrifying story we’ve all been waiting for! Fans of Foster’s Bradens and Montgomerys series have been enjoying one Montgomery sibling after another finding their happily ever after for years now while outspoken Sable refused to commit to anything other than family, her shop and her band. This addictive tale brings Sable more temptation and angst than she thinks she can handle and finally puts a man in her sights that she simply can’t resist. I loved every minute of Sable and Kane’s story!

Sable has always been my favorite sibling in this series because she has such a huge heart and she doesn’t take flack from anyone without giving them a piece of her mind. She’s a mama bear to the end when it comes to protecting her siblings and she adores each and every one of them. There’s no better poster child for love and loyalty than Sable Montgomery.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family who is all up in each other’s business in an adorable way as each sibling finds “the one”. Always well developed with endearing characters, spicy romance and heartfelt connections!

Falling for Mr. Bad by Melissa Foster is now live!

She’s a badass musician with no patience for overinflated egos. He’s a billionaire tasked with wrangling her into submission. Going head-to-head has never been so much fun. Especially since neither one is afraid to play dirty.

Sable Montgomery loves her single, do-as-she-pleases small-town life. She sees family often, spends her days working in her auto shop and many evenings playing at a local pub with her band, Surge. She has no desire to settle down or let any man tell her what to do. When Surge is offered what most people would consider the chance of a lifetime to tour with and open for Bad Intentions, the hottest rock band of the decade, her bandmates are all in, but she’s determined to walk away. Sable has no patience for glitz, glamour, or overinflated egos, and that includes the infuriatingly hot billionaire sent to wrangle her into submission.

Taking over as manager for his brother’s band wasn’t on business mogul Kane Bad’s agenda last year, much less negotiating with the stubborn and beautiful lead singer for Surge, but there’s nothing he won’t do for family. Including trying to stifle his desire for Sable. He needs to convince her to accept the contract, but he’d rather wrangle the sexy, headstrong, boot-wearing, tough-talking musician into his bed.

Loyalties are tested, lies are told, and greedy pleasures are satisfied. Are they just a chorus between chaotic verses, or will falling for Mr. Bad be Sable’s greatest love song?

Download today!

Amazon: https://lnk.to/FFMB_Kindle

Apple Books: https://lnk.to/FFMB_Apple

Nook: https://lnk.to/FFMB_Nook

Kobo: https://lnk.to/FFMB_Kobo

Google Play: https://lnk.to/FFMB_GPlay

Direct: https://shop.melissafoster.com/

Couple Paperback: https://lnk.to/FFMB_Pb

Special Illustrated Paperback: https://lnk.to/FFMBS

Exclusive Guy Cover Paperback: https://shop.melissafoster.com/

Also available in audiobook, narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Aiden Snow

Direct: https://shop.melissafoster.com/FFMB-audio

Audible: https://smarturl.it/FFMBa_Audible

Amazon: https://smarturl.it/FFMBa_Amazon

Apple: https://smarturl.it/FFMBa_Apple

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/411mC7B

Meet Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues. Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Connect with Melissa

Website | https://melissafoster.com/

Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Foster/e/B002LTT7U2

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor/

Facebook Group | https://www.facebook.com/groups/MelissaFosterFans

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

Twitter | https://twitter.com/melissa_foster

Bookbub | https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster

Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/thinkhappygirl/

Newsletter | https://melissafoster.com/newsletter/

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * NEVER TOO LATE by Danielle Steel

February 17, 2024 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NEVER TOO LATE by Danielle Steel

Never Too Late by Danielle Steel
Published by Dell on March 5, 2024
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Kezia Cooper Hobson, recently widowed, arrives in New York from San Francisco. Determined to make a fresh start, she has just completed the sale of her Pacific Heights home, not to mention her husband’s venture capital firm, and in doing so, is also freed from her responsibility as a board member of the company. Bringing with her only a few personal treasures, she is excited to move into the blank slate of a beautiful midtown penthouse, in the city that she has always loved. It is also where her two adult daughters now live.

As Kezia settles into her new apartment, she meets her movie-star next-door neighbor, Sam Stewart, whose terrace borders hers. Just a couple of weeks after she arrives, however, a devastating crisis strikes New York City. Kezia and Sam find themselves connecting over their strong impulse to help those in need. As they share a life-changing experience of volunteering, a bond is sparked and a friendship is formed.

Kezia’s daughters, Kate and Felicity, are taken aback by their mother’s new friendship, both more focused on their own love lives than hers. But Kezia is learning that the changes she’s making are just what she needs to open new horizons.

Dramatic and emotionally gripping from start to finish! Danielle Steel is showing her voice complexity as she details angst and terror in the blink of an eye but builds from it a camaraderie and spirit that lifts the reader’s perspective into one of hope after devastation. There is a core family from the start of the book that changes and turns as each member rides their own ups and downs of life while coming together to celebrate and mourn the tides that pass. Romance is a succinct part of this storyline, but takes a back seat to strength and redefining as life twists and turns with surprises and angst. I know this book may trigger some, but hope the majority will go on to find the comfort of spirit and togetherness that Steel displays so well in the aftermath. Strong storyline, complex and admirable characters and a satisfying rediscovery. Loved it!

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* Review * SIZZLE by Kimberly Kincaid

February 17, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Sizzle by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: Remington Rescue Squad #1
Published by Kimberly Kincaid Romance on February 23, 2024
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Sam Faurier is in deep trouble.

Which normally wouldn’t be a problem for an elite firefighter with razor-sharp instincts and cocky bravado to spare. Except this time, his impulsive decision on a call got fellow firefighter, Lucy de Costa, into hot water, too.

Did he mention that he’s had an unrequited crush on her for years? Or that she’s the battalion chief’s by-the-book daughter?

Or that the call that got them both benched was actually arson, only Sam can’t prove it without help?

Lucy de Costa doesn’t break the rules, and she sure as hell doesn’t catch feelings for other firefighters. She’s worked way too hard to make her way up the ranks for that, no matter how sexy Sam Faurier’s smile is—or how hot his determination.

He’s convinced there’s an arsonist on the loose. Trouble is, she’s the only one who believes him. And she’s going to have to throw protocol and caution out the window in order to help him prove it.

Even if she finds herself unable to resist him—and how much he wants her—in the process.

But the more they uncover, the deeper the danger becomes. To catch the arsonist, Sam and Lucy will have to rely on their wits, their training, and each other.

Before it’s too late.

Fast paced, addictive and oh so yummy! Kimberly Kincaid is delighting fans of her Station 17 world with a brand new Remington Rescue Squad spinoff series where we get to see familiar faces every step of the way as new suspense hits the pages and passion ignites between the latest couple. The suspense aspect of this story was spot on and nabbed my focus immediately and held it throughout. I did want a smidge more development of Sam and Lucy’s relationship once the romance was in the works, and seeing more interaction with her Dad would have been adorable too to see Sam squirm, but overall a very solid read that I loved!

I highly recommend this book to fans of a close knit firehouse with gossip and romance flaring up all over the place. A solid mystery is always stirring in the background as the spotlight couple fights their attraction until it’s undeniable and then lets it ignite.

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* Review * K-9 DETECTION by Nichole Severn

February 17, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * K-9 DETECTION by Nichole Severn

K-9 Detection by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 20, 2024
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They survived an explosion.

Can they make it through the aftermath?

After her bomb-detecting K-9 helps Jocelyn Carville save Captain Baker Halsey’s life, she doesn’t expect them to be working together on the investigation. The policeman clearly doesn’t trust widowed Jocelyn’s “mercenary” background but he does need her company’s expertise. Infiltrating a powerful cartel to discover who wants him dead is intensely dangerous. Perhaps just as risky as getting close to a woman like Jocelyn…

Non-stop excitement from start to finish! The second book in Nichole Severn’s New Mexico Guard Dogs series with Harlequin Intrigue picks up shortly after the timeframe of the first in the series and takes us back into the heart of a turf war in a small New Mexico town. I liked the general storyline but there is a lot to follow and keep track of, and you probably will get a better feel for this book if you read the first in the series first just because it gave a bit of a deeper background story than this one did. Lots of plot to keep track of, but endearing characters and satisfying suspense.

I recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced suspense with a guaranteed happily ever after.

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* Review * POWER PLAY by Kat Mizera

February 17, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Power Play by Kat Mizera
Series: L.A. Phantoms #1
on February 20, 2024
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The Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same.

I never asked for the spotlight, but inheriting a pro hockey team pulls me into a world of chaos.

All eyes are on me now.

I’m no stranger to the world of hockey but watching from the sidelines and calling the shots are two very different things. Especially when you’re not wanted.

It’s time for me to take charge and clean house.

When I need people I can trust, one man comes to mind… my ex. He’s one of the best goalies in the league, and despite what went down between us, he’s still in my corner.

It’s our little arrangement off the ice that complicates things.

If I’m going to make my power play, I need him by my side, but that means keeping our heads in the game, and our hearts out of the equation.

A heartwarming and sexy rekindling of first loves! Kat Mizera is bringing several familiar faces along for the ride as her new L.A. Phantoms hockey series kicks off and I adored every minute of Gabe and Harper’s story. Fans of Mizera’s Lauderdale Knights series will recognize Harper as Sloane’s boss, friend and former in-law. We are quickly swept up in the current drama going on in her life as well as gaining a perspective of her first marriage that is new to us as she reconnects with her first love. The characters are really easy to like, the drama and angst are spot on and the development of characters and storyline felt complete other than a little weakness in family. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

I recommend this book to fans of Mizera’s previous hockey books since there are cameos from some key characters and also to anyone who enjoys a dramatic love story with a hockey backdrop.

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* Review * MISSING BEFORE DAYLIGHT by Carolyn Arnold

February 13, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MISSING BEFORE DAYLIGHT by Carolyn Arnold

Missing Before Daylight by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #10
Published by Bookouture on February 22, 2024
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She wakes surrounded by an inky black darkness and can barely breathe. A sack is covering her head, and her hands are tied behind her back. She desperately tries to struggle free as she hears footsteps walking toward her. She silently starts to cry as a chilling voice whispers “It’s time to pay for what you did…”

When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal.

Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. And her heart stops when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves. As Amanda breaks the news to Katherine’s heartbroken Aunt May, she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her niece home alive.

Desperate for a lead, Amanda and her partner, Trent, search Katherine’s home. Soon, they discover that despite no longer being with the police department, Katherine has a long list of very dangerous enemies. Enemies who have been sending her anonymous letters promising revenge.

The more Amanda digs into Katherine’s past, the longer her list of suspects becomes. But when May is sent a ransom demand and a picture of Katherine close to death, Amanda knows time is running out. With only hours left to find Katherine alive, Amanda is prepared to risk everything to keep her promise to May, even her own life…

High octane suspense! Detective Amanda Steele is at it again, only this time she’s in a race against time to save a friend/former co-worker before the bad guy wins. The set up for this story was attention grabbing and had me hooked within the first few pages. Once Katherine entered the picture, it was game on. I loved every minute of the story and always leave looking forward to Amanda’s next adventure. I am starting to feel like the Logan/Trent angst is getting a little old and want a solid conclusion there one day soon.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a police procedural with addictive characters who always bring a lot to the storyline. The characters and their angst are always well developed, the crimes believable and the set up for more drama is always just around the corner.

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* Review * UNTOUCHED UNTIL THE GREEK’S RETURN by Susan Stephens

February 13, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UNTOUCHED UNTIL THE GREEK’S RETURN by Susan Stephens

Untouched Until the Greek's Return by Susan Stephens
Published by Harlequin Presents on February 20, 2024
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He returned for business…
Will he stay for their pleasure?

For tycoon Xander Tsakis, returning to his Greek island home is as unwelcome as the dark memories it triggers. He owes it to his late parents to restore it to its former glory, but he certainly doesn’t plan on enjoying it. Until he meets Rosy Bloom…

Innocent Rosy wanted peace from her unrelenting past. But there’s nothing peaceful about the storm of emotion and desire that Xander unleashes in her! Anything they share would be strictly temporary… But being in Xander’s dangerously thrilling proximity has cautious Rosy abandoning all reason!

Decadently tempting! This story gives a great backdrop of a gorgeous island location, lots of turmoil and angst and a connectible set of characters … however it’s lacking in development and left me wanting more in several areas. It’s entertaining enough to hold attention and keep you satisfied throughout, it just could have been a much richer story with a bit more fleshing out of back stories and relationship development in general.

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* Review * THE HUSBAND SITUATION by Naima Simone

February 13, 2024 Leave a Comment

The Husband Situation by Naima Simone
Series: Rose Bend
Published by Canary Street Press on February 6, 2024
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When you marry your sister’s ex in Vegas, you’re in for a messy trip home…

When marketing exec Brooklyn Hayes wakes up in Vegas after a corporate team-building trip, she’s expecting the hangover. The ring on her finger, not so much. And nothing could have prepared her for the sight of her best friend—her sister’s ex—right there beside her. She has no idea how this happened, but the one thing she knows for sure is that no one from their nosy, close-knit hometown of Rose Bend can find out!

Graphic designer Patrick King is used to keeping secrets—starting with his crush on his ex’s sister. Since he doesn’t remember much about how they ended up married or the night they apparently spent together, it shouldn’t be hard for him to keep their elopement a secret too.

But the more time they spend together trying to figure out what to do, all while keeping their secret from the whole town, the more uncertain they become about ending their marriage. While their impromptu nuptials might’ve been a mistake, the growing love between them doesn’t feel like a mix-up. They’ll need a miracle to make it through without slipping up…or falling.

This one hit ALL the right spots! It’s always fun to dip back into Naima Simone’s Rose Bend world and this quick novella is sure to delight fans of the town and the author. It’s got a mix of forbidden love, friends to lovers and boss/employee tropes in there for you and just a general all around sexy, fun vibe. I adored Patrick and was happy to see Brooklyn get a happily ever after that she so deserved. Well developed characters, strife galore and a really nice feel considering it all had to happen in a novella length story. Loved every minute!

Filed Under: Book Reviews