Archives for October 19, 2024

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

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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

The Tycoon's Christmas Dating Deal by Kandy Shepherd
Published by Harlequin Romance on October 22, 2024
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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.

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* Review * HERO FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Maisey Yates

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HERO FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Maisey Yates

Hero for the Holidays by Maisey Yates
Series: Four Corners Ranch #9
Published by Canary Street Press on October 22, 2024
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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.

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

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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

A Cowgirl's Thanksgiving Kiss by Amy Vastine
Series: The Blackwell Belles #4
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on October 22, 2024
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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.

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* Review * HUSBAND FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Dani Collins

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HUSBAND FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Dani Collins

Husband for the Holidays by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on October 22, 2024
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A billionaire for Christmas…
or for life?

To Konstantin Galanis, heiress Eloise Martin was always strictly off-limits. Too young, too innocent—and his late best friend’s sister. Then he spots her in snowy Manhattan dressed as a Christmas elf, and discovers she’s chosen destitution over a loveless marriage. The steely tycoon feels duty-bound to offer her protection with his own festive proposal…

The kiss Konstantin turned down years ago still haunts Eloise. Accepting his convenient ring is an act of desperation, and every minute in his presence inflames her hopeless desire. Has Konstantin saved her from the cold…yet condemned her to burn?

What a heartfelt reunion! I loved every minute of Eloise and Konstantin’s story! The characters knew each other briefly because he was her brother’s best friend in school but haven’t seen each other in years when he stumbles across her down on her luck during the holidays. The development is on point, except for one spot in his past that could have been elaborated on a bit, but overall the story was told very well. The characters were each endearing and easy to like and each carried their own back story as well as a combined one with her brother. I highly recommend their story to anyone who enjoys a fast paced connection during the holidays that leads to an emotional happily ever after!

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* Review * ICEBREAKER by Kat Mizera and Elise Faber

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ICEBREAKER by Kat Mizera and Elise Faber

Icebreaker by Kat Mizera, Elise Faber
Series: Gamebreakers #1
on October 21, 2024
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She hates me…

I’m going to make her fall in love with me anyway.

As captain of the SoCal Vipers, the last couple of seasons haven’t been going well. My stats are slipping, and I’m at risk of being traded.

So, I’m not in the mood for a case of mistaken identity with the woman playing bouncer at the arena door.

But when I find out she’s come to town to escape her controlling family and make a fresh start, I know I can’t just let her walk away.

I’ll do anything to make sure she’s safe.

And if that means claiming her forever…then all the better.

Because she’s mine.

Even if she doesn’t know it yet.

Endearing characters and top notch development! I really loved this book and can’t wait to see what is to come in the Gamebreakers series from Kat Mizera and Elise Faber, and I also hope we get to see more of the Sapphire Room owners get a story! I wanted a smidge more to the ending just to enjoy them a little longer, but I can’t complain at all with my enjoyment of this story.

Aspen is a really intense character. She comes from money but walked away after one too many manipulations hit her the wrong way, so now she struggles daily to make ends meet and live her life the way she wants to. I adored her with Banks and loved seeing her hard work pay off in earning her a position she so deserved.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a hockey romance with a whole lot of heart and backstory other than just the game.

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* Review * UNKNOWN ROYAL BABY by Annie West

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UNKNOWN ROYAL BABY by Annie West

Unknown Royal Baby by Annie West
Published by Harlequin Presents on October 22, 2024
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Claiming his surprise heir…
means crowning her as his queen!

Virtual PA Avril is overwhelmed by desire meeting her boss, Crown Prince Isam, in person. As their rapport deepens, their electrifying passion becomes impossible to resist. So when Avril reaches out weeks later with bombshell news, she’s blindsided by his radio silence…

One year later, Isam returns to London a different man—the helicopter crash that took his family also took his memory. After the newly crowned sheikh learns he has a child with the captivating Avril, Isam is resolved: protect his heir and make her his wife!

I loved every minute of their story! I’m not usually the biggest fan of an amnesia storyline because let’s admit it, it’s often hard to make it play out properly … but Annie West shines when she has Prince Isam and Avril reunite a few months down the road with lots of mystery surrounding them. I loved their connection right from the start, and the angst the separation unknowingly caused makes for an interesting story. Great characters, great carry through on the core set up and a really sweet love connection.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced romance with interesting characters who reconnect and enjoy the world life has dealt them as they build on their love story.

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* Review * HER DEADLY ROSE by Carolyn Arnold

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER DEADLY ROSE by Carolyn Arnold

Her Deadly Rose by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #12
Published by Bookouture on October 18, 2024
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The girl’s lifeless body lies next to a scattered bouquet of crimson roses, the petals around her head like tiny pools of blood. Gripped in her hand is the note that came with the flowers, sent by someone who wanted her dead.

When champion figure skater Michaela Glover returns to her hometown of Woodbridge for a special performance, Detective Amanda Steele is part of the cheering crowds. But when Michaela is discovered dead in her dressing room after the show, Amanda is the first to investigate the shocking scene.

There is no sign of foul play, and the room is overflowing with flowers from Michaela’s adoring fans. But Amanda’s heart stops at the sight of a few roses tied with black ribbon and a note that reads “You’ll be sorry”. And when forensic tests reveal the ribbon was laced in something Michaela was deathly allergic to, Amanda is certain this is cold-blooded murder.

Desperate for a lead, Amanda dives into Michaela’s life to find out who could possibly want this sweet girl dead. She soon discovers that despite having a glittering future ahead of her, Michaela had a troubled past, and was surrounded by people jealous of her success.

When someone close to Michaela is discovered brutally murdered, Amanda is terrified there could be yet more innocent victims to follow. Can she uncover the twisted killer’s identity before they strike again?

Attention grabbing from start to finish! Carolyn Arnold’s Detective Amanda Steele series is always spot on with murder, mystery and angst. In the latest installment, a hometown figure skater is found dead and the race is on to see what happened to her and why. The suspense is spot on and the fact that it hits a little close to home makes for a closer knit factor to the case than usual as well. I always enjoy Amanda’s spin on things and having that side of her personal life playing out behind the scenes too.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a thriller with a key detective who always gets to the bottom of the mystery and solves case after case while having a life outside of work once in awhile too.

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* Review * TRAPPED AND TACKLED by Gina Azzi

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

Trapped and Tackled by Gina Azzi
Series: Knoxville Coyotes Football #3
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on October 14, 2024
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Knoxville Coyotes kicker, Talon Miller, is off-limits.

For starters, my dad is the Coyotes Head Coach, and I don’t date his players.

More than that, I’m reeling from a breakup.

The man I thought I was going to marry hurt me in ways I’m still processing, and I know better than to dive into a new romantic entanglement. Especially one with a charming, larger-than-life football player.

When my dad assigns Talon as my chaperone for a weekend getaway with friends, I’m humiliated. But that weekend proves to be more than either of us bargains for.

I see the real Talon — the man behind the charismatic, playboy reputation. He’s thoughtful and perceptive, understanding and sincere. He’s also adamant about protecting me.

Talon makes me feel safe and cared for. As a result, I confide in him. Trust him. Want him.

A spark ignites between us, and it changes everything. Because I’m trapped in a situation I shouldn’t be in, and Talon is determined to tackle my demons.

Even the ones that threaten to destroy me.

Fast paced and addictive! Book three in Gina Azzi’s Knoxville Coyotes Football series did not disappoint when kicker Talon Miller falls for his coach’s daughter Leni Strauss and lets the chips fall where they may. There is a backstory on both characters side that gives us insight into what makes them tick and what brings them to the spot they are in now. I liked the storyline as a whole, I just wanted a tad more development of their relationship once the drama was all worked through.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fun and fresh sports romance with steamy connections and heartfelt friendships as a backdrop.

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* Review * A COWGIRL ON HIS DOORSTEP by Anna J. Stewart

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

A Cowgirl on His Doorstep by Anna J. Stewart
Series: The Blackwell Belles #3
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on September 24, 2024
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Could his instant family…

>Be her forever home?

Cowboy Shane Holloway tackles every challenge with rugged determination. But managing his father’s struggling ranch while raising his brother’s three orphaned children is running his wounded heart ragged. When trick-rider-turned-renovator Iris Blackwell shows up to work on his father’s ancient trailer, he discovers two important things—she’s as warm and bright as a Texas sunset, and she’s an unwanted distraction. Until her fun-loving spirit and genuine care start to heal his little family. Can their love entice the vagabond cowgirl and her rescued border collie, Cosmo, to stay?

Adorable and heartfelt! I loved every minute of Iris and Shane’s unputdownable story! I’m a big fan of the Blackwells, so getting to enjoy a new one is always a treat. Iris pulled at my heartstrings even stronger than the rest of her sisters have so far. The characters were well developed, the angst was gentle yet meaningful and the warmth of the family she lucked into joining was really sweet. I loved them!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series and the Blackwells that came prior too to anyone that enjoys a sweet romance filled with sass and a really buttinsky but loving family.

Filed Under: Book Reviews