Book Reviews – Page 114

* Review * UNCOVERING SMALL TOWN SECRETS by Tyler Anne Snell

September 23, 2021 Leave a Comment

Uncovering Small Town Secrets by Tyler Anne Snell
Series: The Saving Kelby Creek Series #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on June 29, 2021
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Dodging bullets isn’t the homecoming he expected.

When Detective Foster Lovett's pretty next door neighbor, Millie Dean, begs him to help her find her missing brother, the other deputies warn him not to investigate the case. But Foster’s gut says something is off, particularly once Millie becomes a target. Foster will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, but can he solve the most dangerous case of his career?

Non-stop intrigue! From the first page to the last Tyler Anne Snell holds her reader’s attention with UNCOVERING SMALL TOWN SECRETS, the first book in her Saving Kelby Creek series with Harlequin Intrigue. The plot is full of attention grabbing twists, the characters each have an intensity that melds well together and the danger lurking around every corner builds on the tension. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Millie won me over instantly as soon as we heard her plight over her missing brother. She was flying blind on certain aspects of the case, but her diligence in not giving up on her brother was beneficial in getting more doors to open.

Foster proved his worth when he chose to listen to her that there was something wrong rather than accept all of the roadblocks that were thrown up to discourage his participation in believing a crime had been committed.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery filled with ups and downs as romance lingers in the background just waiting to take center stage.

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* Review * ICING by Jami Davenport

September 23, 2021 Leave a Comment

Icing by Jami Davenport
Series: The Scoring Series #4
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on December 30, 2020
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Steele:

I'm a second-year hockey player for the Seattle Sockeyes. Imagine my shock when I return from a trip to find my former roommate has transferred his lease to my nemesis. She's so annoying I can't stand to be in the same room with her. She pushes all my buttons and is my exact opposite. Despite it all, I want to rip off her clothes and make mad passionate love to her. What is wrong with me?

Hyacinth:

I'm the free-spirited daughter of a radical activist. I've marched in my share of protests, and saving the world is my life's mission, but lately I'm wondering where my life is headed. When I'm offered the chance to share the lease on a fancy condo only two blocks from my bartending job, I jump on it. Like with most things, this one is too good to be true. My roommate is a finicky, annoying AF hot hockey player I've butted heads with in the past who thinks my causes are ridiculous. He pushes all my buttons, and I never expected to fall for him, but I did.

This high octane enemies to lovers story is sure to please! Jami Davenport is turning up the intensity when she pits straight and narrow hockey pro Steele against free spirit Hyacinth in a roomie vs. roomie showdown. Sexual tension, snarky banter and downright adorable interactions kept me riveted throughout.

Steele is a sweetheart and likes things just the way he likes them. He’s thrown for a loop when he’s faced with chaos on the daily and seeing him have to adapt is entertaining.

Cin is delightful. She’s sweet, she’s snarky and she’s a bulldog when something she cares about is threatened.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey series with a solid group of young hockey players who are learning to settle down as they go when love crosses their path.

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* Release Blitz/Review * THE HEART CHASER by Gina Azzi

September 23, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE HEART CHASER by Gina Azzi

The Heart Chaser by Gina Azzi
Series: Boston Hawks Hockey #6
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on September 23, 2021
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Notorious ladies' man and hockey hotshot Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me.

Not only did we spend an entire weekend in bed together, but he confided in me, sharing painful truths about his past. With a kiss good-bye and a promise to call, something sparked between us. Something that broke through my walls.

Except he didn't call. And I re-enforced my walls with steel and barbed wire.

Now, I've accepted a job with the Boston Hawks franchise, making it inevitable that I see the last man I want to cross paths with. I'm prepared to dismiss him and pretend like our weekend together never happened.

But the regret in Luca's eyes and the apology in his voice catches me off-guard. The harder I push him away, the harder he pulls me in.

Until the one thing I can't accept, can't forgive, comes to light.

And I'm left wondering, is Luca only interested in the chase? Or is really playing for keeps?

The ultimate player has met his match! THE HEART CHASER by Gina Azzi is the sixth book in her awesome Boston Hawks Hockey series and is the long awaited book about Panda! We’ve loved this man from afar in several of the guys books previously and it’s now time for the player to settle down and try love out for himself. Luca and Abbi are adorable together and I simply loved them. Their story is a bit slower moving than some of the previous ones in the series but so many life moments are touched on. I would have liked to have had his siblings brought into a scene or two since they were so much a part of his backbone, but I really enjoyed their story none the less.

Abbi is a sweetheart and seeing her make a home for herself in Boston and eventually integrate into Luca’s world is heartwarming.

Luca has a whole other side to him that we never saw when he was just on the make as the team party stud. I loved seeing a more wholesome side of him.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance filled with great characters, sweet and sexy romances and so much heart.

Title: The Heart Chaser

Series: Boston Hawks Hockey #6

Author: Gina Azzi

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance

Release Date: September 23, 2021

BLURB

Notorious ladies’ man and hockey hotshot Luca Pandatelli broke his own rules when he tangled up with me.

Not only did we spend an entire weekend in bed together, but he confided in me, sharing painful truths about his past. With a kiss good-bye and a promise to call, something sparked between us. Something that broke through my walls.

Except he didn’t call. And I re-enforced my walls with steel and barbed wire.

Now, I’ve accepted a job with the Boston Hawks franchise, making it inevitable that I see the last man I want to cross paths with. I’m prepared to dismiss him and pretend like our weekend together never happened.

But the regret in Luca’s eyes and the apology in his voice catches me off-guard. The harder I push him away, the harder he pulls me in.

Until the one thing I can’t accept, can’t forgive, comes to light.

And I’m left wondering, is Luca only interested in the chase? Or is really playing for keeps?

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AUTHOR BIO

Gina Azzi writes emotional and captivating contemporary romance novels with heart-warming happily-ever-afters. She is the author of Second Chance Chicago Series, The Kane Brothers Series, Finding Love in Scotland Series, The College Pact Series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay. All of her books can be read as stand-alones.

A Jersey girl at heart, Gina has spent her twenties traveling the world, living and working abroad, before settling down in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three children. She’s a voracious reader, daydreamer, and coffee enthusiast who loves meeting new people. Say hey to her on social media or through www.ginaazzi.com.

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* Review * WAYS TO TEMPT THE BOSS by Joanne Rock

September 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

Ways to Tempt the Boss by Joanne Rock
Series: Brooklyn Nights #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 24, 2021
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Seduction is the only way to save his company.

But now who’s seducing who?

Could makeup artist Blair Westcott be the corporate saboteur who has infiltrated Deschamps Cosmetics? CEO Lucas Deschamps vows to get closer to her and find out—protecting his family’s business at all costs. But Blair’s beautiful, caring nature is at odds with Lucas’s suspicions. And her kisses spark a passion the guarded businessman can’t resist. As the stakes become much more personal, will he uncover Blair’s betrayal…or be guilty of a betrayal of his own?

This unexpected attraction heats up quickly! Book two of Joanne Rock’s Brooklyn Nights series picks up with roommate number two finding herself as a suspect of corporate espionage in WAYS TO TEMPT THE BOSS. The characters are endearing and each of their back stories lay a nice foundation for the story carrying forward. I enjoyed their connection.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a group of friends supporting each other through thick and thin as each one finds their forever love.

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* Review * THE RANCHER’S WAGER by Maisey Yates

September 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Rancher's Wager by Maisey Yates
Series: Gold Valley Vineyards #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on January 12, 2021
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This wealthy rancher has placed his bet…

And it’s winner takes all!

No one gets under Jackson Cooper’s skin like fellow ranch owner Cricket Maxfield. Now, facing off at a charity poker game, the stakes get personal. Jackson finds himself on the losing end… And paying up means being the ranch hand at Cricket’s beck and call. In close quarters, tempers flare—and the fire between them ignites into a passion that won’t be ignored…

Friends to lovers has never felt so sweet! The third book in Maisey Yates’ Gold Valley Vineyards series is bringing the drama to life in an unexpected way! THE RANCHER’S WAGER pits Jackson Cooper against Cricket Maxfield in a winner takes all poker game and sparks are flying when bets are called in!

Cricket is a gentle soul who has your heart breaking fairly quickly when you hear her story and why she’s stepping out on her own. I enjoyed watching a sparkle blossom in her eye as she connected with Jackson and learned about things that she is passionate about.

Jackson is jaded and down on love. He saw what loving his father did to his mother and he wants no part of a person having that much control over his life’s joy. He’s tempted like never before when Cricket crosses his path though.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family that’s always filled with drama coming together and supporting each other as true love comes knocking at each siblings door.

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* Review * QUEEN BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT by Lucy Monroe

September 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

Queen by Royal Appointment by Lucy Monroe
Series: Princesses by Royal Decree #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on May 25, 2021
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Fifty dates to decide…
If she will wear his crown!

As a naive teenager, Lady Nataliya signed a contract promising her to a prince. Now, to release them both, she causes a scandal by going on fifty dates for a magazine. It works… Until her betrothed’s brother, widowed King Nikolai, insists she honor the marriage agreement—with him!

Her first duty? Finishing those dates with Nikolai. Their whirlwind courtship may be thrilling, but no matter how irresistible Nikolai is, Nataliya can’t forget she was never his first choice of queen. His wounded heart will always be off-limits…

A decadent game of courtship! With the first book in her Princesses by Royal Decree trilogy Lucy Monroe delights her readers with an arranged marriage with a twist. The characters are intriguing and the back story is riveting. I enjoyed Nataliya and Nikolai and look forward to more in the series!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a royal romance with lots of family drama and tempting secrets as they make their way towards that happily ever after.

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* Review * SEDUCING THE LOST HEIR by Yvonne Lindsay

September 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

Seducing the Lost Heir by Yvonne Lindsay
Series: Clashing Birthrights #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 15, 2020
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A sexy night with her soon-to-be ex

Or a scandalous encounter with his long-lost twin?

Lately, Honor Gould has doubts about her engagement to the heir of Seattle’s powerful Richmond family—until an unexpected night of passion. Only the man Honor thinks is her fiancé is actually Logan Parker, his long-lost twin! Now with Logan’s sudden return, the Richmond legacy is threatened. And Honor is caught between her promise…and the man who stole her body and heart.

An irresistible draw leads to irrevocable actions! Huge revelations change the course of the Richmond family in Yvonne Lindsay’s Clashing Birthrights series. The first book in the series SEDUCING THE LOST HEIR kicks off with a case of mistaken identity. The concept is fresh and the drama is high. I enjoyed the first delve into this family and look forward to more to come.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a whole lot of drama as a high profile family is riddled with rumors and innuendo when long lost family returns and secrets are unexpectedly revealed.

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* Review * MAMA’S BOY by Avery Flynn

September 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Mama's Boy by Avery Flynn
Series: Last Man Standing #1
Published by Entangled: Amara on September 27, 2021
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Top three lies about mama’s boys:

1. That we don’t know what we want. That one is straight up BS. I know exactly what I want—to win this bet with my cousins by any means necessary even if it means finding the worst possible date in all of Harbor City and agreeing to whatever she asks in exchange for her pretending to fall for me.

2. That we are soft, little wimps. Yeah, you don’t get to be CEO of a multibillion dollar company by letting other people take advantage of you. So as soon as I realize my date Fiona Hartigan isn’t exactly who she appears to be, there’s nothing that will stop me from figuring out the truth—no matter how many dates it takes to unravel that mystery.

3. That we don’t know how to kiss. Oh yes we do. The only problem is that once I start kissing Fiona, I don’t want to stop and I have to because we’ve already agreed that all of this is temporary.

Now I’m the guy that every woman wants to bring home to mom—except for the woman I’m fake dating and falling in love with for real.

Full of laughter, sass and so much heart! Avery Flynn is bringing on the fun with her new Last Man Standing series. Fans will be delighted to see the Hartigan family in all their glory showing up in MAMA’S BOY and amid the hilarity and angst, a truly adorable couple shines.

Fiona has a heart of gold, but nothing is going to stand in her way from getting her Nana the opportunity of a lifetime, so operation hijinx is in full effect.

Dixon is successful and accomplished but a treasured memory is worth putting it all on the line for in a bet with his cousins.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance filled with fun and laughter as true connections are made and hearts fall hard for each other. I’m looking forward to the series!

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* Release Blitz/Review * CODE NAME: ARIES by Janie Crouch

September 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * CODE NAME: ARIES by Janie Crouch

Code Name: Aries by Janie Crouch
Series: Zodiac Tactical Rescue Unit #1
on Calamittie Jane Publishing
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My code name is Aries. The stars say I’m aggressive, dominant, first in line to lead.

The stars aren’t wrong.

Zodiac Tactical is my company. It’s run by those I’ve chosen for their skills and ability to outmaneuver adversaries. We guard, protect, rescue…assist on the side of the angels.

We eliminate the threat when nobody else can.

My pastime of putting bad guys out of business has created powerful enemies, but I’ve always made sure there was nothing in my life I couldn’t live without.

Until now. Until her.

She’s not a warrior, she’s an artist. She sees colors everywhere and greets the world—and me—with a smile. I knew I shouldn’t come near her from the beginning, but she’s everything I’ve never been able to be.

And now a monster has taken her, caged her, to get even with me.

My code name is Aries. And I will burn the world to the ground to get her back.

Attention grabbing intensity! With the first book in her Zodiac Tactical Rescue Unit spin-off series Janie Crouch brings some familiar faces to the forefront in CODE NAME: ARIES. The action and tension are high and the feels are all over the place as Ian and Wavy showcase their feelings and the hard road it’s taking to embrace them. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Ian is a complex character. He’s self-assured and solid when danger strikes, but has an endearing quality of understanding even the most wounded soul. Watching him fall for Waverly is very fulfilling.

Wavy is a sweetheart of a character. She’s tough and doesn’t take any lip from anyone, but she lets her softer side show through in her art. Seeing her put in such a rough position is difficult.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense and intrigue but enjoys a lot of heart mixed into their characters.

Title: Code Name: ARIES

A Zodiac Tactical Series Standalone

Author: Janie Crouch

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: September 21, 2021

BLURB

Ian DeRose. Code Name: ARIES.

Zodiac Tactical is my company. We guard, protect, rescue…eliminate the threat when nobody else can.

I’ve always made sure there was nothing in my life I couldn’t live without.

Until Wavy Bollinger.

She’s the artist who sees colors everywhere and greets the world—and me—with a smile. I knew I shouldn’t come near her from the beginning, but her gentleness was my undoing.

And now a monster has taken her, caged her, to get even with me.

My code name is Aries. And I will burn the world to the ground to get her back.

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AUTHOR BIO

USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense featuring protective heroes. Her books have won multiple awards, including the Romance Writers of America’s coveted Vivian® Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Booksellers’ Best.

After a lifetime on the East Coast, and a six-year stint in Germany due to her husband’s job as support for the U.S. Military, Janie has settled into her dream home in Front Range of the Colorado Rockies.

When she’s not listening to the voices in her head—and even when she is—she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp…), traveling, and hanging out with her hubby & four kids.

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* Review * THE EX UPSTAIRS by Maureen Child

September 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Ex Upstairs by Maureen Child
Series: Dynasties: The Carey Center #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 28, 2021
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She never knew she’d go this far

to keep her enemy this close!

When CEO Henry Porter snaps up a coveted property, Amanda Carey declares war on her ex-lover and business rival. Posing as a maid in his Beverly Hills mansion is the perfect way to tease out his corporate secrets. But before long, her brilliant plan lands her in Henry’s bed again. With her cover blown, Amanda realizes her entire future is riding on the man who seems determined to ruin her… Or is he about to turn the tables yet again?

Fast paced and delightful! Maureen Child is kicking off a brand new Dynasties: The Carey Center series with a reunion story that will snag your attention quickly. In THE EX UPSTAIRS Amanda Carey clashes with the man who stole her heart all those years ago and their reunion is refreshing. There isn’t a great deal of development to their relationship as a whole, but the characters are down to earth and fun as they reconnect and just seem to work together. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of drama surrounding their romance as a high-powered family rallies around each other as each finds their true love.

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