Archives for August 2024

* Review * PLAYED by Naima Simone

August 31, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Played by Naima Simone
Published by Montlake on September 3, 2024
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Being a firefighter isn’t easy. Especially for a Black woman. Working with family helps a little. But when somebody from your company doesn’t come back from a call, it’s brutal—as in, “How’m I supposed to go on?” brutal.

And one death took me to a really dark place.

A year later, I’m at the Pirates’ hockey training facility. Just another day on the job. Until I find a charred journal. I look inside for the owner’s name, but the words on the page punch me in the gut. It’s like reading my own thoughts. Reliving my own pain.

The journal belongs to Solomon Young, left-winger for the Pirates—a father and widower. When I return it, I’m racked with guilt for the invasion of privacy. The look Solomon gives me is cold as ice.

But damn if that man isn’t hot as hell.

Now he’s stuck in my brain. And fate seems intent on making us face off.

Fast paced and attention grabbing! Let me start this review by saying that I adore Naima Simone and her writing as a whole and I adore hockey romance, so I went into this book expecting to LOVE it … but sadly it just wasn’t a hit with me. It wasn’t the plot as a whole because I loved Adina and Solomon both and their storyline and surrounding drama was spot on. The disconnect for me came from how slang filled the writing style was, how much race talk there was, how those things distracted from the heartfelt goodness that was pouring out from these characters as they co-mingled on their journey of healing and rediscovery. I walked away loving the characters and their happily ever after, but the route to get there was super choppy and a tad painful. I love snark, I love REAL … but I need things to make sense without having to dissect every sentence and to have a point other than to just be preaching a platform. This book won’t stop me from picking up a Simone novel again because she’s been the bomb many times in the past, this just isn’t my favorite.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * WE CAN FOREVER by Lenna Phoenix

August 31, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WE CAN FOREVER by Lenna Phoenix

We Can Forever by Lenna Phoenix
Series: Silent Journey #1
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on September 4, 2024
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Michael Greer is a second-generation fire chief and a single dad of a precocious 11-year old, so there’s not much that scares him.

(Admittedly, more because of the second than the first.)

When Pine Island’s new craft shop owner accidentally backs into his car, he takes that in stride too. And does what any fire chief would do.

Invite her out on a date.

It doesn’t take long to figure out that Hannah Lewis is gorgeous, quirky, smart as hell, and...hiding something.

Hannah has learned the hard way to keep the truth about her life as hush-hush as possible.

At best, people don’t understand. At worst, they call her lazy or a liar.

Better to just keep her secrets to herself and keep her distance from almost everybody.

But this tiny town’s sexy fire chief won’t seem to accept her attempt at solitude. He keeps showing up all patient and witty and a great dad. Everything Hannah has ever hoped for if she allowed herself to admit it.

He says he’s ready to fight her battles with her.

Will he still feel that way when he finds out the truth?

Sentimental and sweet with a smidge of steam! WE CAN FOREVER by Lenna Phoenix is the first book in her new Silent Journey series and was my first book by the author. I enjoyed the characters very much and thought the plotline of the series being about silent illnesses that people don’t always understand was told amazingly well with both definition of what the sufferers can expect, but also making the person relatable to the reader so they can truly sympathize with their plight. I wanted a little more development to the town as a whole since the entire series will be taking place there, but also of her newly found friends in her support group since I’m assuming we will get a story for each of them. Overall a great first book in the series to introduce the characters and the gist of the craft group. The main characters were fairly well developed and their connection was very satisfying. I look forward to more to come in the series.

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* Review * ANOTHER GIRL LOST by Mary Burton

August 28, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ANOTHER GIRL LOST by Mary Burton

Another Girl Lost by Mary Burton
Published by Montlake on September 17, 2024
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Ten years ago, fifteen-year-old Scarlett Crosby was held captive in a terrifying ordeal with a girl named Della. Scarlett escaped, their predator was killed, and Della simply vanished. Detective Kevin Dawson always wondered if Della even existed.

A decade later, Scarlett is a successful artist. As hard as she tries to move on, the mysterious Della remains her inescapable obsession. Then a girl’s body is discovered—a link to Scarlett’s horrific past—and all her old traumas resurface. So does Della. Scarlett has seen her hiding in plain sight. The girl who knows Scarlett’s secrets, who understands the desperate compromises Scarlett made to endure hell, and who, like Scarlett, embraced the darkness to survive.

As a suspicious Detective Dawson once again comes calling, and obsessions turn deadly, Scarlett fears there isn’t a living soul she can trust. As for Della, who’s watching from afar, what could she possibly want from Scarlett now? And what new nightmare lies ahead?

Diabolical and attention grabbing from start to finish! I adored this book … up until the last page that is. The characters are well developed with a chilling backstory that plays out to come back and haunt them a decade later, the angst is on point and the general pace of the story was steady even with going back in time to get the background every few chapters. I would definitely say it was a 5 star read until the ending let me down so badly. I feel like Scarlett didn’t get the justice she deserved in telling her story to fruition and having the truth come out, and I wanted to see more of how her life settled in once all was said and done. So disappointed with the ending.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a twisted who dunnit where the past revisits and makes them wonder if something is truly happening or not.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * DON’T MAKE A SOUND by H.K. Christie

August 28, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DON’T MAKE A SOUND by H.K. Christie

Don't Make a Sound by H. K. Christie
Series: Val Costa #2
Published by Bookouture on August 27, 2024
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Our eyes lock, and I know my life is about to end. The desperation and determination in their face sends a shiver down my spine. But it’s not until I see the glint of the blade, that I realize how quickly it will all be over…

When beloved local teacher and devoted mother, Claire Nelson, is discovered murdered in her kitchen, stab wounds covering her delicate pale skin, FBI Special Agent Val Costa is drawn out of retirement. Claire’s two children are in pieces, and Val won’t rest until they have the justice they deserve.

Battling nightmares about the serial killer she escaped just weeks ago, Val has her work cut out for her. A church regular, Claire was adored by her neighbours and spent her spare time helping the homeless. Who would want to hurt this beautiful soul? The killer took Claire’s car and wallet, and left traces of blood at the scene, but Val’s instincts tell her the attack wasn’t random.

Interviewing Claire’s students and the people she helped at the shelter, Val thinks she’s hit another wall. Until DNA results from the blood at the crime scene turn the entire case on its head; Val’s assailant was a woman. Who is she, and why would she do this?

With more questions than answers, Val battles one of the toughest cases of her career. But when the trail leads her to a monster hiding right in front of her all along, will she catch them before another precious life is taken?

I was hooked quickly and the twists and turns kept me glued throughout! The second book in the Val Costa series really picked up the pace from the first one and had me enthralled with the story soon after starting. The pace was quick, the characters were fairly well developed and the turmoil and mystery was top notch. I feel that if you didn’t read the first book in the series you aren’t going to understand the wholeness about Val’s background because it wasn’t fleshed out in any great detail in this one, but I think you’ll be able to follow it decently. The main storyline for this particular book was very intriguing and well written. I’m looking forward to more to come from Val and her sidekicks!

I recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a thriller that is high in action but light in gore. You’ll find lots of twists to keep you entertained throughout.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Day Blitz/Review * FOREVER FOR US by Carrie Ann Ryan

August 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Day Blitz/Review * FOREVER FOR US by Carrie Ann Ryan

Forever for Us by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Wilder Brothers #8
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on August 26, 2024
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The moment I found out my ex-wife was cheating with my former best friend I knew I’d hit rock bottom, and it was time for a change. With the freshly signed divorce papers in hand, I want nothing to do with my old life as I start my new one with my brothers and our new distillery and bar on the Wilder Retreat.

Only when I see my former best friend’s ex, Ava, in need of a job, I can’t say no. Not when she has their eight-year-old daughter in tow and nowhere to go.

Now I’m forced to work with the woman from my past I’d rather forget. We both want to move on, but every time we’re near each other, the fire hadn’t known we could have burns between us even brighter.

We should say no. The complications would break us. Yet we can’t walk away.

Even when it would be safer for all of us if we do.

So adorably satisfying! Carrie Ann Ryan always steals my heart with her hunky Wilder men, but this time it was the precocious kiddo in the story that melted my heart the most. Don’t get me wrong, Wyatt is all that and a bag of chips, but the connection Ava’s daughter had in the storyline was a real heartstring puller. I loved Wyatt and his ability to put his issues on the back burner while he stepped in to help when it was really needed. The character’s back stories are developed enough to satisfy the reader while still leaving a little mystery there, the plot was fast paced and held my attention and the little twist was a nice touch to give us that little oomph of a shocker. I loved every minute of Wyatt, Ava and Faith’s story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves to see a close knit family who are all coming together to forge family run businesses side by side while each sibling and then cousin finds healing in their new surrounding and finds their forever love. Highly emotional and heartwarming with lots of spice, laughter and love!

It should have been one night. Then a second. Now they want forever.

BLURB:

The moment I found out my ex-wife was cheating with my former best friend I knew I’d hit rock bottom, and it was time for a change. With the freshly signed divorce papers in hand, I want nothing to do with my old life as I start my new one with my brothers and our new distillery and bar on the Wilder Retreat.

Only when I see my former best friend’s ex, Ava, in need of a job, I can’t say no. Not when she has their eight-year-old daughter in tow and nowhere to go.

Now I’m forced to work with the woman from my past I’d rather forget. We both want to move on, but every time we’re near each other, the fire hadn’t known we could have burns between us even brighter.

We should say no. The complications would break us. Yet we can’t walk away.

Even when it would be safer for all of us if we do.

LINK:

https://geni.us/ForeverForUsTeam

TROPES:

Enemies to Lovers

Single Mom

Workplace

Boss/Employee

One Night Stand

Oops…more than once.

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * MARRYING THE ENEMY by Dani Collins

August 23, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MARRYING THE ENEMY by Dani Collins

Marrying the Enemy by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on August 20, 2024
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Two warring households…
One marriage to unite them!

The Blackwood and Visconti feud has spanned generations. So when billionaire Domenico is stranded on a remote island with stunning adversary heiress Evelina, sparks are sure to fly. Just not the ones he thought…

Eve surrenders to her instant soul-burning chemistry with Dom, vowing never to reveal their sin… Until the age-old rivalry threatens to destroy her family. Now to ensure a truce, Eve must do the unthinkable: marry the enemy. Except how can she keep things strictly on paper when she can’t ignore the hunger her husband has unleashed?

Delectably tempting! Dani Collins brings a forbidden romance to life in her latest when she pairs Domenica Blackwood and Evelina Visconti together amid the family feud they’ve endured for generations. The sparks fly and their attraction beats the odds as years pass before they are reconnected. I liked them together and while some of the happenings were a tad far fetched, I did enjoy their story quite a bit. There was passion, angst and turmoil all rolled into one delicious storyline. I recommend this fast paced book to anyone who enjoys the forbidden and angsty romance!

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* Review * BOUND IN PROMISE by Josephine Jade

August 23, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BOUND IN PROMISE by Josephine Jade

Bound in Promise by Josephine Jade
Series: Bound Series #2
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on August 23, 2024
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I made Victoria Waldorf my wife even though she was too young, too innocent and too kind for the likes of me.

I did it to protect her.

I never planned to fall in love.

But the truth that a former mob enforcer’s weakness is his young bride has brought enemies I never even knew I had to the surface.

They’re out for blood.

If they can’t have mine, they’ll take hers.

Over my dead body.

*****

BOUND IN PROMISE is book two of the Bound Duet. You must read book one, BOUND IN DEBT, first. Both books contain adult themes and situations. Specific trigger warnings can be found on the author's website.

Action packed drama! The stunning conclusion to Josephine Jade’s Bound Series Duet does not disappoint! We are quickly thrust back into Victoria’s plight as danger keeps coming for her no matter how much she tries to stay safe. The tension is high as drama continues to be around every corner. Dante and Victoria continue to overcome the odds as they try to get out of this interwoven mess they found themselves in through no fault of their own. I think there is a bit of angst left on the table that could have been built out a bit with some of the players that are underdeveloped, but overall I found this duet to be attention grabbing and highly satisfying. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys mafia romance and sexy as all get out connections!

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* Review * JET-SET ESCAPE WITH HER BILLIONAIRE BOSS by Andrea Bolter

August 23, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JET-SET ESCAPE WITH HER BILLIONAIRE BOSS by Andrea Bolter

Jet-Set Escape with Her Billionaire Boss by Andrea Bolter
Published by Harlequin Romance on August 20, 2024
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FROM NEW YORK TO THAILAND…INTO THE TYCOON’S ARMS!

Spa manager Esme has sacrificed too much to let her career stall before reaching the top. So when her brooding boss, Jackson, needs her expertise to relaunch the business, she offers him a deal. If she impresses him on a whirlwind tour of the world’s best spas, he must promote her! Only, with each new destination, an unexpected temptation builds… Dare she take a risk with the guarded billionaire?

Showcases exotic locations! Andrea Bolter is taking her reader on a thrill vacation through a fast paced trip where her main characters enjoy gorgeous sights and cultures as they slowly fall for each other in Jet-Set Escape with Her Billionaire Boss and I highly enjoyed the trip! The characters each have a backstory that made them into the person that they are today and watching them share a part of themselves with each other that they haven’t previously was heartwarming. I found them easy to connect with, and enjoyed their happily ever after. Medium paced, well developed and steady. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys seeing the world through the words on a page and loves that HEA.

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* Review * CAPTURED AT THE COVE by Carol Ericson

August 23, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CAPTURED AT THE COVE by Carol Ericson

Captured at the Cove by Carol Ericson
Series: Discovery Bay #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on August 20, 2024
Goodreads

Her son is a murder witness

Can the new sheriff protect them both?

Astrid Mitchell’s abusive ex-husband showed her the dark side of law enforcement, so she has every reason to distrust Sheriff West Chandler. But they're going to have to work as a team to find the drug dealers targeting her young son. Soon, West's investigation is only strengthened by Astrid's knowledge of Dead Falls Island. And the spark flaring between them is growing more intense. Exploring that attraction is on the horizon…but first they need to make sure to keep her child safe.

Attention grabbing and fast paced! We are quickly thrust into the action in the third book in Carol Ericson’s Discovery Bay series with Harlequin Intrigue and I loved every minute of it. Astrid is trying to start anew with her son after drama with her ex but soon learns that she’s not getting the quiet life she was looking for when her son witnesses an evil act and she has to work with the new sheriff in town to keep him safe. The tension is high between Astrid and West as she attempts to keep secrets and keep her distance from him, but her feelings soon overcome her fear and romance wins. I really liked the characters and the plot was moved quickly and held my attention throughout. Great addition to the series!

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* Review * A PROPOSAL FOR HER COWBOY by Cari Lynn Webb

August 23, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A PROPOSAL FOR HER COWBOY by Cari Lynn Webb

A Proposal for Her Cowboy by Cari Lynn Webb
Series: Three Springs, Texas #7
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on August 20, 2024
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Family brought her home…

Can love make her stay?

Now that she’s finally back in Three Springs, Texas, Deputy Sheriff Lacey Nash wants nothing more than to reconnect with her nine-year-old daughter, Aspen. Carefree Caleb Sloan is just a distraction—even if he is surprisingly helpful. He not only pitches in to train Aspen for the junior rodeo contest, but he also makes Lacey feel both welcome in town and truly special. Though will that be enough for by-the-book Lacey…to let this fun-loving cowboy prove he’s ready for an instant family?

Sweet and sentimental! The seventh book in Cari Lynn Webb’s Three Spring, Texas series with Harlequin Heartwarming is sure to please as Caleb Sloan gets his turn to find love and settle into life. Lacey is weary of rocking the boat as she returns home and attempts to reconnect with her daughter, but Caleb brings a light to both her and Aspen that makes their connection really sincere and heartwarming. The characters are well developed, the supporting cast of family is endearing and the connection between Caleb and Lacey is super satisfying. I loved their story and recommend it to fans of a fast paced, sweet romance with lots of humor and feels!

Filed Under: Book Reviews