Archives for October 2024

* Review * DANGEROUS CHRISTMAS INVESTIGATION by Virginia Vaughan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DANGEROUS CHRISTMAS INVESTIGATION by Virginia VaughanDangerous Christmas Investigation by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Lone Star Defenders #1
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on November 26, 2024
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five-stars

An undercover mission…

turns into a fight for survival.

Agreeing to take his late twin brother’s place in an undercover DEA operation reunites detective Jake Harris with a familiar face—and throws him into the line of fire. After he and his ex-girlfriend, Deputy Sabrina Reagan, survive a drive-by shooting, they’ll have to work together to capture a merciless drug trafficker. But when a price is placed on her head, Jake discovers Sabrina has a secret—his four-year-old son. With armed criminals out for blood, can Jake dismantle this drug operation to protect the family he didn’t know he had?

 

Fast paced and action packed! Vaughan delivers an exhilarating kickoff to her Lone Star Defenders series with Love Inspired Suspense! There isn’t a whole lot of relationship development to be had, but they have a past already that they easily build on that makes it easy enough to believe them as a couple without a lot of onscreen connection upfront. The mystery is attention grabbing and the case held my attention well throughout. I look forward to more to come in the series and recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an action packed faith based romance with lots of intrigue and a guaranteed happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * A COWGIRL’S CHRISTMAS REUNION by Cari Lynn Webb

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A COWGIRL’S CHRISTMAS REUNION by Cari Lynn WebbA Cowgirl's Christmas Reunion by Cari Lynn Webb
Series: The Blackwell Belles #5
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on November 26, 2024
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four-stars

Everything is riding on Christmas…

Especially second chances

Ten years ago, former trick rider Willow Blackwell gave up on Christmas miracles…along with the idea of family and even love. But this year, the ghosts of Christmas past have reared up. Willow has one chance to perform with her sisters—the Blackwell Belles—and prove she’s the riding star she was born to be. But coming face-to-face with her ex, champion bull rider Nolan Elliot, is one reunion she’s not prepared for. It’s the ultimate holiday do-over. But is Willow finally leaving the past behind…or finding the love she was always meant to have?

 

Filled to the brim with sentimentality and love! The final book in The Blackwell Belles series by Harlequin Heartwarming was Willow’s story and brought drama galore. I wanted a bit more to the big resolution fleshing out between sisters, but I did enjoy the series as a whole. The characters in this particular book were fairly well developed and the angst was high. I enjoyed the reunion between Willow and Nolan and how his family surrounded them and brought a holiday to life that neither of them thought they were up for. I hope to see more of the Blackwells down the road!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series and the Blackwell series that came before this one to anyone that enjoys a close-knit buttinsky family with lots of drama behind the scenes who come forward and rally around each other as each sibling/cousin finds true love.

four-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * TALK WICKED TO ME by Melissa Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * TALK WICKED TO ME by Melissa FosterTalk Wicked to Me by Melissa Foster
Series: The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #6
Published by World Literary Press on October 30, 2024
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five-stars

Between expanding his veterinary practice, commitments with his motorcycle club, and international travel plans, Baz Wicked has little time for anything else. When a beautiful, frantic pregnant woman barges into his office for help with her dog, he senses something is off, and he’s drawn to her in ways he shouldn’t be. But now he can’t get Emerson Lockhart out of his head.

Having a baby wasn’t in Emerson’s plans, but neither was tragically losing her parents more than a decade ago, when she was only a teenager. After all she’s been through, leaving the chaos of New York City and moving to the peaceful small town of Bayside while on the cusp of giving birth was a piece of cake. She’s used to handling things on her own, but when an unexpected emergency brings the charming vet—who makes her remember she’s more than a mother-to-be—back into her life, she’s grateful for his help but wary of his friendship.

Emerson knows how quickly the people she cares about can be stolen away, and she never wants to experience that devastation again. But the fiercely loyal, protective biker isn’t easily dissuaded. Passion ignites and affections run deep, but when their pasts collide and Baz’s demons are revealed, will it douse their flames, or can true love prevail?

 

Melissa Foster always delivers on steamy, heartfelt and endearing! The next book in her Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series is Baz’s story and it was all I ever wanted and more. The meet cute was intense, the instant connection (especially on his side) was swoon-worthy and the happily ever after was super heartwarming … I loved every single minute of Baz and Emerson! Well developed characters, relatable drama and awesome follow through.

Baz is one of my fav Foster heroes of late. They are all good, but there’s just something soft and sweet about him that melted my heart.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a tight knit family who loves hard whether it’s family or friends or strangers in need. Steamy and gently angsty stories as each sibling finds their forever love.

 

 

TALK WICKED TO ME
The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
Melissa Foster
Releasing Oct 30, 2024
World Literary Press

Blurb:

Veterinarian and Dark Knights biker Baxter “Baz” Wicked, the most charming and mysterious of the family, has a career he loves, a brotherhood he trusts, and plans that don’t include settling down just yet. Come along for the unexpected, hilarious, and heart-wrenching ride as Baz discovers that life and love can be messy, and carefully crafted plans can’t hold a candle to ten tiny fingers and toes.

Between expanding his veterinary practice, commitments with his motorcycle club, and international travel plans, Baz Wicked has little time for anything else. When a beautiful, frantic pregnant woman barges into his office for help with her dog, he senses something is off, and he’s drawn to her in ways he shouldn’t be. But now he can’t get Emerson Lockhart out of his head.

Having a baby wasn’t in Emerson’s plans, but neither was tragically losing her parents more than a decade ago, when she was only a teenager. After all she’s been through, leaving the chaos of New York City and moving to the peaceful small town of Bayside while on the cusp of giving birth was a piece of cake. She’s used to handling things on her own, but when an unexpected emergency brings the charming vet—who makes her remember she’s more than a mother-to-be—back into her life, she’s grateful for his help but wary of his friendship.

Emerson knows how quickly the people she cares about can be stolen away, and she never wants to experience that devastation again. But the fiercely loyal, protective biker isn’t easily dissuaded. Passion ignites and affections run deep, but when their pasts collide and Baz’s demons are revealed, will it douse their flames, or can true love prevail?

 

Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201145828-talk-wicked-to-me


Buy Links:

BUY DIRECT FROM MY SHOP AND SAVE ➜ https://shop.melissafoster.com/collections/talk-wicked-to-me-collection

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➜AUDIOBOOK: https://shop.melissafoster.com/products/talk-wicked-to-me-audiobook

Excerpt:

Read Sneak Peek here, https://melissafoster.com/talk-wicked-to-me-sneak-peek/

Author Info

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:

Website:  http://www.melissafoster.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

Save 20% on the 5-book bundle at shop.melissafoster.com

https://shop.melissafoster.com/products/wickeds-ebook-bundle

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * THE TRYST by Sawyer Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE TRYST by Sawyer BennettThe Tryst by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Bluegrass Empires #3
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on October 29, 2024
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four-half-stars

As the middle son, Trey Blackburn dedicates his days to the family business, working to ensure that they remain at the top of the saddelbred industry. His time away from the farm is another story. Not one to get tied up in a long-term relationship, he’s the love ‘em and leave ‘em sort of guy. But Trey’s hesitation to commit might be deeper than not wanting to put in the time and effort. His reluctance may have more to do with the blond beauty who just blew back into town and the things they left in the past that have been neither forgiven nor forgotten.

Holland Rhodes may not have been born into the Blackburn name, but she was once considered part of the family. Having a less-than-ideal home life, Holland spent as much time as she could with the Blackburns, the quintessential dynasty full of love and southern hospitality. Dubbed an honorary member, Holland thought their connection would last a lifetime, but one shocking revelation changed everything.

Having left Shelbyville for a fresh start, Holland has limited her time back in Kentucky for the past decade, avoiding both of her families—the one into which she was born and the one into which she was welcomed. But the death of her father and the uncertain future of the family business has brought Holland back to face her past, one Blackburn at a time.

With old feelings reignited and ready to move their relationship forward, everything crashes to a halt when tragedy strikes. Their painful history in danger of repeating itself, Trey and Holland may find that even true love can’t overcome the darkest days.

 

Deeply emotional and heartfelt! The conclusion to Sawyer Bennett’s Bluegrass Empires series is guaranteed to take your breath away as revelations and unexpected turns change the playing field for the entire family. Great characters, angst and turmoil to keep us riveted, and so much love and family spirit. The ending, while sweet and touching, was a little lacking for me. I wanted a glimpse into the family settled in and healing a few years down the road, and maybe even some closure on Gabe’s family drama. Overall though, this was a really great series and I enjoyed it whole-heartedly.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a loyal family who has to rally around one sibling after another as drama is met and overcome and true love is found time and again.

 

 

 

 


New Release from Sawyer Bennett
The Tryst (Bluegrass Empires, Book #3)

Synopsis:

As the middle son, Trey Blackburn dedicates his days to the family business, working to ensure that they remain at the top of the saddelbred industry. His time away from the farm is another story. Not one to get tied up in a long-term relationship, he’s the love ‘em and leave ‘em sort of guy. But Trey’s hesitation to commit might be deeper than not wanting to put in the time and effort. His reluctance may have more to do with the blond beauty who just blew back into town and the things they left in the past that have been neither forgiven nor forgotten.

Holland Rhodes may not have been born into the Blackburn name, but she was once considered part of the family. Having a less-than-ideal home life, Holland spent as much time as she could with the Blackburns, the quintessential dynasty full of love and southern hospitality. Dubbed an honorary member, Holland thought their connection would last a lifetime, but one shocking revelation changed everything.

Having left Shelbyville for a fresh start, Holland has limited her time back in Kentucky for the past decade, avoiding both of her families—the one into which she was born and the one into which she was welcomed. But the death of her father and the uncertain future of the family business has brought Holland back to face her past, one Blackburn at a time.

With old feelings reignited and ready to move their relationship forward, everything crashes to a halt when tragedy strikes. Their painful history in danger of repeating itself, Trey and Holland may find that even true love can’t overcome the darkest days.

The Tryst: A Blackburn Novel is an enemies to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.


Grab your copy of The Tryst directly from Sawyer by shopping the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

E-Book: https://geni.us/STORE_TrystEbook
Audio (narrated by Sean Masters and Kit Swann): https://geni.us/STORE_TrystAudio
Signed paperback (available to US mailing addresses): https://geni.us/STORE_TrystPB

You can also get The Tryst at the following retailers:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Audible



About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

 


Connect with Sawyer:

Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Join Sawyer’s Newsletter


four-half-stars

* Review * THE ICE SISTERS by Rita Herron

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE ICE SISTERS by Rita HerronThe Ice Sisters by Rita Herron
Series: Detective Ellie Reeves #10
Published by Bookouture on October 25, 2024
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four-stars

Shock slammed into her as she spotted the two little girls lying on the cold hard ground, snow swirling round their fragile bodies. Twins with button noses and heart-shaped faces, their pretty green eyes closed forever…

As the snow falls and a bitter wind blows, Detective Ellie Reeves is devastated to discover the bodies of two little girls, alone and frozen on an icy lake, in the isolated town of Cold Mountain. The girls are holding hands, with matching bows in their blonde curls, and when Ellie realizes they are twin sisters, her heart breaks for their mother, who must be desperately wondering where her little darlings are.

But, back at the police station, she is horrified to discover that nobody has reported the sisters missing. Are their parents in danger too? When an abandoned car is found near the girls’ bodies, and Ellie learns that the female driver is in hospital, she prays that the injured woman will know something about the twins.

A DNA test shows that the woman in hospital is the twins’ mother Barbara, and Ellie rushes to interview her. But when Ellie arrives at the hospital she is faced with an empty bed. Barbara has fled and her house is abandoned too. As Ellie searches the family home, she is chilled to see there is no sign of any children. If Barbara is the twins’ mother, where are the toys and photos of her precious girls?

When another little girl disappears, Ellie knows that finding Barbara might well be the key to saving an innocent child. But who is Barbara running from? Or does she have something to hide? And with the clock ticking and a fearsome winter storm brewing, can Ellie find the truth before another innocent life is lost?

 

Diabolical yet heartfelt! Rita Herron is great at weaving a terror-filled story that is twisted and gory, yet having a core cast that feels like old friends every time we dive in that lightens the mood. Detective Ellie Reeves jumps head first into this case on her own and her team runs to catch up when they learn she’s in need. The twists are interesting and often unexpected, but this book felt slightly disjointed for me which usually doesn’t happen when Ellie is on the case. I enjoyed seeing some personal items being fleshed out a little bit, but hope to dive even more into that when the series continues. Not my favorite of the series, but always a pleasure to see Ellie and go along for the ride!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a core cast of crime solvers who jump in to solve crime, support each other and make for a better town surrounding them all.

four-stars

* Review * YOU CAN KILL by Rebecca Zanetti

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * YOU CAN KILL by Rebecca ZanettiYou Can Kill by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: A Laurel Snow Thriller #4
Published by Zebra Books on October 22, 2024
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five-stars

A string of brutal murders is leaving a grisly trail across the Pacific Northwest—and drawing rising star FBI profiler Laurel Snow back into a treacherous case and a twisted personal drama she can’t escape . . .

The first body is torn apart, blood and flesh discovered across both state and federal lands. As the victims multiply, a pattern emerges—each is related to past cases investigated by Laurel Snow, with the assist of Huck Rivers, Washington Fish and Wildlife captain. When friends and loved ones are targeted, things become even more chillingly personal.

As Laurel and Huck team up again to navigate the gruesome and increasingly bizarre killings, they must also keep a safe distance from Laurel’s half-sister, Abigail, a dangerously clever sociopath. Ever since their father reappeared in town, Abigail has been convinced she must protect Laurel from his malignant narcissism—a scourge she’s sure they’ve both inherited. Huck is not spared either as a shocking development in the case touches his own life.

With the murders, and the suspects, multiplying around them, and the lives of everyone in their orbit at stake, only Laurel’s sharp analytic skills, Huck’s deep gut instincts, and their growing bond will enable them to face the demons within and the threats without—before they’re next on an elusive killer’s hit list . . .

 

Unputdownable suspense! With the fourth book in her Laurel Snow thriller series, Zanetti continues to bring characters and heinous crimes to life on the pages and I loved every single minute of it! I’m not sure if this will truly be the last of these characters that we will see or not, but things were tied up neatly enough just in case, but I sure hope to see more of them in the future. Laurel and Huck are just the best! Great characters, intense suspense with a diabolical twist and heartfelt relationships being made along the way.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a strong female lead character who fights crime and invests herself into every victim she sets out to get justice for. Great plots and good follow through in each book.

five-stars

* Review * JUST ONE MORE MISTLETOE by Carly Phillips

* Review * JUST ONE MORE MISTLETOE by Carly PhillipsJust One More Mistletoe by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #3
Published by CP Publishing on October 15, 2024
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four-stars

What happens under the mistletoe stays under the mistletoe...

Brandy Bloom plans to seduce the man of her dreams at an office Christmas party but finds herself kissing his twin, instead. One night only is her plan but Max Corbin has other ideas. The sexy elf who kissed him under the pretend mistletoe is a special woman he has no plans of letting go.

 

Instalove just bit them! This is definitely not an in depth novel to dive deep into The Sterling Family series with, but it’s a super fun, short holiday novella to sink your teeth into. Attention grabbing characters and plot will nab your attention quickly, but just go into it knowing it’s a quick interlude, not a fully developed story. I enjoyed it!

four-stars

* Review * THE TYCOON’S CHRISTMAS DATING DEAL by Kandy Shepherd

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TYCOON’S CHRISTMAS DATING DEAL by Kandy ShepherdThe Tycoon's Christmas Dating Deal by Kandy Shepherd
Published by Harlequin Romance on October 22, 2024
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four-stars

HIS CANDY CANE CONTRACT

The loss of her parents makes working the holidays difficult for event planner Marissa. But planning a party for tycoon Oliver is an offer she can’t refuse. The problem? Oliver—her childhood crush!—needs her to be his fake date… Following his beloved grandfather’s passing, Oliver’s dedicated to giving their family manor the farewell it deserves. But his grieving grandmother is convinced that Marissa is his girlfriend, and why shatter her dreams? Yet as the festivities ramp up, the terms of their deal blur. Is their chemistry real or just a trick of the twinkle lights?

 

Easy to envision holidays! A teen crush turned mogul has Marissa’s holiday in upheaval this season. The back story of each character is interesting and their reconnection brings past angst to the surface as the holidays play out. I wanted a bit more development in spots but felt like the depth of their story was endearing. I enjoyed the holiday backdrop.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced holiday jaunt to a magical place with heartfelt traditions and memories yet to be made.

four-stars

* Review * HERO FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HERO FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Maisey YatesHero for the Holidays by Maisey Yates
Series: Four Corners Ranch #9
Published by Canary Street Press on October 22, 2024
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four-half-stars

This Christmas, could the cowboy from her past unlock the key to her future?

When Landry King shows up at Four Corners Ranch with Lila, the teenage daughter no one ever knew he had, it sets the gossip mill churning. Landry’s daughter has lost her adoptive parents and is in desperate need of a new family. So this Christmas, the untamed cowboy is finally getting the chance to become the father he could never have been when Lila was born. Even if it means dealing with his other biggest regret…

Fia Sullivan hates Landry King. That’s how it’s always been. At least, that’s how it’s been since their dramatic teenage love affair ended in a way that shattered their hearts and left them with wounds that never healed. When Landry dredges up her most agonizing secret, Fia’s devastated…and also overjoyed at the possibility of the new life they could have. But there’s only so long she can be near Landry before their simmering desire reignites. Can they finally overcome their past pain to find new love—and new family—this Christmas?

 

All of the angsty goodness we always expected from Landry and Fia plus some! Maisey Yates is so good at delivering a hero and heroine that we can believe in time and time again when it comes to her Four Corners Ranch series. The Kings, Sullivans, McClouds and Garretts have laid their hearts out one at a time to find love as they continue to enrich on the partnerships that enriches all of their homesteads. This particular book has been a long time in coming because we have felt the tension between Landry and Fia since the very beginning and just knew there was going to be some turmoil to come. I couldn’t have loved their story more!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a good cowboy romance with strong female leads and family galore as the supporting cast.

four-half-stars

* Review * A COWGIRL’S THANKSGIVING KISS by Amy Vastine

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A COWGIRL’S THANKSGIVING KISS by Amy VastineA Cowgirl's Thanksgiving Kiss by Amy Vastine
Series: The Blackwell Belles #4
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on October 22, 2024
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five-stars

Turkey, pumpkin pie…

And unexpected love!

Working in a man’s world of Texas bull breeding, stressed-out single mom J.R. Blackwell can’t help being annoyed by her handsome coworker, Hunter Robbins. So when their boss pits them against each other for a big promotion, J.R. is ready to step up and grab the prize. But Hunter’s offer of a place to stay after a tree crushes her home, and his easy connection with her daughter, melts her reserve. Despite J.R. doing everything she can to ignore the feeling—and Hunter’s baby goat winning her daughter’s heart!—will the charming former bull rider be her true prize this Thanksgiving?

 

This cutesy enemies to lovers storyline hits all the right spots! I’m obviously loving The Blackwell Belles series since I adore all of the Blackwells and Amy Vastine’s rendition of Jasmine Rose is just what I was looking for. The characters are easy to like, the plot is filled with humor and light angst and held my attention throughout. I can’t wait for Willow’s story and the big reunion!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a heartwarming romance that has a plot centering around family but has lots of room for romance and ever afters along the way.

five-stars