Book Reviews – Page 104

* Review * WAKING UP MARRIED by Reese Ryan

December 7, 2021 Leave a Comment

Waking Up Married by Reese Ryan
Series: The Bourbon Brothers #5
Published by Harlequin Desire on March 1, 2021
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What’s wrong with a little fake marriage between friends?

Their night on the town is a blank, but when Zora Abbott and Dallas Hamilton awaken in a Vegas hotel room, they’re man and wife. With news of the nuptials spreading virally, the high-profile best friends decide to stay married, temporarily. Maybe under the cover of marriage, Dallas can even make his best friend’s baby dream come true. But can their friendship survive their newly unleashed passions?

A decadently sinful friends to lovers addition to Reese Ryan’s Bourbon Brothers series! I couldn’t have loved Zora and Dallas more. Their fast paced, humorous dilemma ends up being just what I needed to fall head over heals for this delightful couple. Great characters, attention grabbing dialogue and such a satisfying happily ever after. Loved it!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family of a successful business who compete with and support each other on a daily basis as they fall for their forever love one sibling at a time.

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* Review * CAN’T GO BACK by Debra Webb

December 7, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Can't Go Back by Debra Webb
Series: Devlin & Falco #3
Published by Thomas & Mercer on December 14, 2021
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Birmingham detectives Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco arrive at the scene of a double homicide to discover that nothing makes sense. A woman and her child are dead, and though the husband says he killed them, the evidence says otherwise. Why would a man confess to unspeakable murders he didn’t commit?

What starts as an open-and-shut case explodes into a web of new leads. Devlin and Falco get to work tracking down every single one—including a disturbing connection between the murders and Falco’s dark past.

Falco knows the incident from eight years ago will jeopardize the partnership he’s built with Devlin, both on and off the job. If he could go back, he would—but what happened happened, and there’s a murderer on the loose. Devlin and Falco must slog through the pain to get to the truth; and so far the only truth they know is that everyone is lying.

This one kept me guessing! Debra Webb is turning up the intrigue with the final book in her highly addictive Devlin and Falco series with CAN’T GO BACK. The two main detectives are always a favorite of this series and as their relationship grows and secrets unravel, they are on the verge of big changes. I loved this entire series and am sad to see it end … but what an ending! This book was fast paced, intense and held surprise after surprise. Unputdownable!

Detective Kerri Devlin and her partner and significant other Detective Luke Falco are in rare form in this final addition to the series as Falco’s past comes back to haunt him while in the midst of their current case. Kerri is supportive and steadfast, and Luke allows himself to be sensitive and honest in a way he previously wouldn’t have been. The main case this books centers on is filled with twists and turns and revealing secrets.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a police mystery with a touch of romance and a whole lot of heart mixed into the dialogue.

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* Release Blitz/Review * MY BAD DECISIONS by Carrie Ann Ryan

December 7, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * MY BAD DECISIONS by Carrie Ann Ryan

My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: On My Own #4
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on December 7, 2021
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The first time he kissed me, we kept it a secret.
Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.
The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.
I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.
The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away.
Only when his past sheds light on every difference we’ve chosen to ignore, we’ll have to fight for each other, or lose everything before we’ve even had a chance.

A bittersweet goodbye! I have really enjoyed Carrie Ann Ryan’s On My Own series, so it’s both exciting and disappointing to devour this last book in the series. Tanner and Natalie both have a backstory that adds a bit of drama to their relationship and the back drop of the friends we’ve already seen fall in love and settle in is always a delight. I wish there were more roommates!

Tanner has always been brusque and steadfast, and he still is even as his relationship starts to develop with Natalie. I think his past relationship should have been developed a whole lot more than it was, but I enjoyed him very much as a character.

Natalie needed a bit more of that girls time that we saw a lot more in the previous books to show her strength in the ongoing friendships that really made this series, but her connection with Tanner kept her solid and interesting.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a college age romance that has two groups of friends who start coupling up and bringing a relationship aspect to what was a long running friendship as each finds love.

Title: My Bad Decisions
Series: On My Own #4

Author: Carrie Ann Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 7, 2021

BLURB

The first time he kissed me, we kept it a secret.

Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.

The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.

I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.

The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away.

Only when his past sheds light on every difference we’ve chosen to ignore, we’ll have to fight for each other, or lose everything before we’ve even had a chance.

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Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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* Review * BIDDING ON A TEXAN by Barbara Dunlop

December 3, 2021 Leave a Comment

Bidding on a Texan by Barbara Dunlop
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent #8
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 28, 2021
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The bachelor auction will save his legacy,

if he can keep his heart out of the deal…

Cowboy restaurateur Rafe Cortez-Williams blames the wealthy Edmonds family for swindling him and the folks of Royal, Texas, out of millions. So when Gina Edmonds proposes a fundraiser to recoup the losses, Rafe is skeptical, until the gorgeous, sheltered heiress proposes a cowboy bachelor auction—with Rafe as the main prize. By the time the gavel comes down, he can’t say no to their explosive attraction, which sets off a chain reaction of secrets this ranching heir never bargained for!

The stunning conclusion! With the final book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series Barbara Dunlop picks up the reigns to bring us Rafe and Gina’s story in BIDDING ON A TEXAN. I enjoyed them as a couple very much and felt like their relationship was fairly well developed for the fast paced length of this book, but I felt like the series arc coming to an end was a little less exciting and fulfilling than I would have hoped. I enjoyed the series as a whole, I just wanted a bit more drama and angst in the end for the Edmonds fam.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a lot of drama in the midst of family loyalty and happily ever afters.

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* Review * RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS STORM by Maisey Yates

December 3, 2021 Leave a Comment

Rancher's Christmas Storm by Maisey Yates
Series: Gold Valley Vineyards #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 28, 2021
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All he wants for Christmas is the one woman he can’t touch…

Rancher Jericho Smith has known Honey Cooper since they were kids—and she’s always been under his skin in ways he doesn’t want to acknowledge. She’s his best friend's sister…and there’s the not-so-small matter of the inheritance he bought out from under her. Keeping his hands to himself is the smart thing to do.

But then a snowstorm traps them in a rustic mountain retreat with nothing but a fire and each other to keep warm. Now the storm inside has only just begun!

Snowbound at just the right time for a Christmas miracle! RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS STORM by Maisey Yates is the fourth book in her Gold Valley Vineyards series and delights her fans with a fast paced opposites attract story between Honey Cooper and Jericho Smith. They’ve been at each other’s throats with their bickering for years while both secretly lusting after the other. Seeing them finally get their happily ever after is satisfying!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family feuding with another neighboring family who slowly find their way together as one after another sibling or parent hook up with a member of the other side.

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* Review * THE DARKNESS WE HIDE by Debra Webb

November 29, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb
Series: The Undertaker's Daughter #3
Published by MIRA on March 31, 2020
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Some secrets are worth dying for.

For months, Doctor Rowan Dupont has been staring death in the face. It followed her back to her hometown of Winchester, Tennessee, ten months ago, cloaking the walls of her family’s Victorian funeral home like a shroud. In investigating the mysterious deaths of her loved ones, Rowan has unearthed enough family secrets to bury everything she’d previously thought true. But each shocking discovery has only led to more bodies and more questions; the rabbit hole is deeper than she ever imagined.

Despite settling in to a comfortable life with Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan knows dangerous serial killer Julian Addington is still out there. She can’t let her guard down now. Not when she’s this close to ending his torment once and for all. But with a storm brewing on the horizon, she’ll get only one shot before the impending darkness takes hold, threatening to wipe away every truth she’s uncovered—and everything she holds dear.

The stunning conclusion when all of the secrets unravel for Rowan Dupont! With the final book in her Undertaker’s Daughter series Debra Webb weaves an awe inspiring tale of lies, deceit and obsession. There were twists I wasn’t expecting even after all we’ve seen in the series prior and it kept my attention from start to finish without a problem. I really enjoyed this series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a dark thriller filled with twists and turns as danger rallies around, but also a really likable main character and cohorts who are trying to put all of the pieces together.

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* Review * THE GREEK SECRET SHE CARRIES by Pippa Roscoe

November 29, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE GREEK SECRET SHE CARRIES by Pippa Roscoe

The Greek Secret She Carries by Pippa Roscoe
Series: The Diamond Inheritance #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 30, 2021
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Five months ago: their unforgettable night
Now: the scandalous consequence!

When Summer Soames landed in Athens, she wanted to find a missing piece of her past…yet found combustible chemistry with enigmatic Theron Thiakos instead! Just as quickly as their intense fling started, it dramatically imploded…and Summer was firmly shut out of his life.

Now rumors bring Theron to Summer’s doorstep to discover her shocking pregnancy is as obvious as the still-sizzling desire between them! He’s determined to give their child the family unit he lost. But Summer’s trust isn’t easily won…and Theron’s secrets aren’t easily shared…

An emotional journey of healing! With the final book in her Diamond Inheritance trilogy Pippa Roscoe brings the drama to a peak with Summer’s story. I enjoyed the tension and chemistry between Theron and Summer and though their happily ever after was filled with roadblocks, it was very rewarding in the end.

Summer is the sweet, brainiac sister in the group and winds up having the most complex story of all. I enjoyed watching her happiness come to life and getting the conclusion to the diamond mystery.

Theron is riddled with hang ups from his unfortunate past, but he’s a good guy at heart and once things come to light he stands up for his family.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire trilogy to anyone who enjoys a mysterious plot that takes a trio of sisters on the hunt of their lives in which each one finds their forever love.

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* Review * A MERRY AUSSIE CHRISTMAS by Stefanie London

November 28, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A MERRY AUSSIE CHRISTMAS by Stefanie London

A Merry Aussie Christmas by Stefanie London
Series: Holidays in the Bluff #1
on November 30, 2021
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Their relationship is so fake it comes with costumes…

At seventeen, Jasper left Patterson’s Bluff so fast the dust cloud never settled. But when fate brings him back, he’s ready to prove he’s not a bad egg like his criminal father. So, he slaps some reindeer antlers on his Basset Hound and volunteers to be Santa for the festive season.

Being her hometown’s official Mrs. Claus was supposed to be fun. Instead, Evie is stuck being “married” to the sexy bad boy she crushed on in high school. The same one who broke her heart when he left town. But she can’t deny their chemistry burns hotter than an open fire.

It’ll take a holiday miracle for them not to ruin Christmas. Can the misunderstood bad boy and the town golden girl get a second chance at love? Or will Evie be stuck in Jasper’s rear-view mirror once more?

A Merry Aussie Christmas contains Aussie slang, adorable dog-related shenanigans, second chances and the bedroom door is flung wide open! Yep, there's sexytimes inside. Previously published in the Christmas Actually anthology, this story now contains 50% additional content.

Naughty Santa just might be the temptation Mrs. Claus needs to live a little! Stefanie London is pouring on the Aussie holiday feels with this delightful small town romance and I loved every single minute of it. The characters both have a back story that explains who they have become in life and seeing them reconnect and begin to develop a relationship of their own is heartwarming. I can’t wait for a return to Patterson Bluff in the future!

Jasper is such a sweetheart! He’s misunderstand and under appreciated, but his heart is pure gold and I loved seeing him get the redemption he so justly deserved.

Evie is the town delight and is beloved by everyone, but she holds herself back. Jasper is just the sexy fun she needs to prove to her once and for all that she’s meant to set the world on fire.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for a holiday read to get you in the spirit of Christmas. There’s seriousness, there’s laughter and there’s a yummy romance brewing throughout.

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* Review * HIS HEART’S HOME by Susan Carlisle

November 28, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS HEART’S HOME by Susan Carlisle

His Heart's Home by Susan Carlisle
Series: Modern Masters of Their Castle #3
on November 30, 2021
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When opposites attract…sparks ignite!

Historical architect Jordan Glass moves to rural England in her continued effort to escape an affair gone wrong that included losing a baby while in college. Eight years later still vowing to steer clear of relationships, she takes on a job rebuilding a damaged manor knowing it’s the perfect place to live in solitude. What she doesn’t plan on is Craig Lewis the owner arriving before the work is finished. Worse he brings his daughter along and they must share temporary lodging with Jordon.

Craig is shocked when his ex-wife drops their pre-teen daughter on his doorstep - permanently. He struggles to relate to his angry child and desperately wants to gain her trust. To give her a secure place to live he decides to renovate a wing of his family home Llywelyn Hall. Life is further complicated by him being sexually drawn to the beautiful architect. Equally frustrating is Jordon communicates with his daughter far better than he.

Craig’s family struggle tugs at Jordon’s heartstrings. Against her better judgement, Jordon is pulled deeper into their lives, tipping friendship over into desire.

Love when they least expect it! HIS HEART’S HOME by Susan Carlisle brings a historical architect and a single father trying to adjust to having his pre-teen daughter full time together in this emotional journey of healing and trusting in love. The characters are endearing and the back stories of each has a depth that brings the connection full circle.

Jordan is accomplished and dedicated to her craft, but her heart is still a long way from healed after a college fling left heartache and loss.

Craig is a sincerely nice guy and watching him do just about anything in order to connect with the child he really hasn’t previously been around for is heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys seeing a female lead who excels at the remodeling business she runs with her two besties as each of them find their leading man and begin their happily ever after.

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* Review * A LIGHTHOUSE CAFE CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Faye

November 28, 2021 Leave a Comment

A Lighthouse Café Christmas by Jennifer Faye
Series: The Bell Family of Bluestar Island #3
Published by Lazy Dazy Press on November 16, 2021
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As Bluestar Island prepares for a very special Christmas wedding, Santa’s sleigh crashes into The Lighthouse Café, reuniting Bluestar’s beloved waitress with her former fiancé.

In this holiday novella, Darla Evans has carved out a quiet life for herself as a waitress at The Lighthouse Café. Up until this point, she’s conveniently avoided the one man who shattered her heart and her dreams. But when a wedding draws him back to the island, she knows their meetup is unavoidable.

Tech entrepreneur William “Will” Campbell has returned to his childhood home to be the best man in his father’s wedding. But first his father has a very special task for him—to restore a sleigh in time for the wedding. However, there’s not much time until Christmas. He just might need some help.

As snowflakes cover the small town of Bluestar, Will and Darla work together to make it a very special holiday wedding. With the past looming between them, will the magic of the season open their hearts and allow them to find love again?

This sweet holiday visit to Bluestar Island is sure to please! Jennifer Faye is delighting her readers with a quick visit to our favorite small town this Christmas season with A LIGHTHOUSE CAFE CHRISTMAS and I wholeheartedly enjoyed it. The characters are warm and sincere and the backstory is fresh and dramatic. I look forward to seeing more of this island.

Darla is everyone’s favorite waitress and enjoys the time she spends with the various members of the town and though she was let down by the love of her life years ago, she hasn’t let it bitter her to the joys that she still experiences.

Will is memorable. He’s returning to town for his dad’s wedding and in turn reunites with the one he let get away, but it turns out he has a big secret that he didn’t share with anyone that drastically changed his life.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a cozy, small town romance filled with memorable characters, delightful connections and a town filled with joy.

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