Book Reviews – Page 14

* Release Blitz/Review * NEVER TOO CLOSE by Chelle Bliss

March 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * NEVER TOO CLOSE by Chelle Bliss

Never Too Close by Chelle Bliss
Series: Star Falls #3
Published by Bliss Ink on March 26, 2024
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Vito Bianchi had given up on love years ago after his wife walked out the door. He immersed himself in his work, letting one day pass into the next so he didn’t dwell on what was missing in his life. But when he’s called out to a fire at the home of Star Falls newest resident, he couldn’t stop himself from being sucked in to her world.

Eden Byrne moved to the small town of Star Falls for a fresh start. The single mother wanted a better life for herself and her daughter far away from her past in Los Angeles. She promised herself she wouldn’t get involved with another man, but when the hot fireman becomes her newest friend, she can’t outrun the world of possibilities.

Small town seduction! I am really enjoying the Bianchi family in Star Falls, and Vito was the star of the show in this third book in the series. The characters were easy to love, they held my attention from the very start and their love story was very satisfying. I wanted a little more oomph to the ending, but overall a very solid, enjoyable read.

Vito stole the show for favorite characters because he’s so kindhearted and sincere. He was a bit downtrodden after his divorce, but meeting Eden and Junie brought his world into focus again.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a buttinsky type of close-knit family who always their two cents to put into every situation, but can always be counted on to be the love and support you need.

Vito Bianchi has never been lucky in love, but the hot single firefighter is about to have his world turned upside down.

Never Too Close by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Vito Bianchi had given up on love years ago after his wife walked out the door. He immersed himself in his work, letting one day pass into the next so he didn’t dwell on what was missing in his life. But when he’s called out to a fire at the home of Star Falls newest resident, he couldn’t stop himself from being sucked in to her world.

Eden Byrne moved to the small town of Star Falls for a fresh start. The single mother wanted a better life for herself and her daughter far away from her past in Los Angeles. She promised herself she wouldn’t get involved with another man, but when the hot fireman becomes her newest friend, she can’t outrun the world of possibilities.

Never Too Close is a friends to lovers, single mother, protective alpha, family saga, cinnamon roll romance, and the third book in the Star Falls series.

Star Falls Series:
Book 1 – Never Too Late
Book 2 – Never Too Soon
Book 3 – Never Too Close

Download today!

Amazon: https://geni.us/ntc-kindl
Apple Books: https://geni.us/ntc-apple
Nook: https://geni.us/ntc-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/ntc-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/ntc-gp
Chelle’s Store: geni.us/ntc-ebook

Audio:

Chelle’s Store: geni.us/ntc-direct-audio
Audible: https://menofinked.com/ntc-audible

Narrated by Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor

Paperback:

Amazon: geni.us/ntc-amz-ppk
B&N: geni.us/ntc-bn-ppk
Discreet Paperback: https://geni.us/ntc-discreet

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/48NezgZ

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* Review * TOURIST SEASON by Brenda Novak

March 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TOURIST SEASON by Brenda Novak

Tourist Season by Brenda Novak
Published by MIRA on April 2, 2024
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A summer by the ocean promises new beginnings—until old secrets resurface.

Ismay Chalmers is ready for a relaxing summer reconnecting with her fiancé at his family’s luxurious beachfront cottage. But before Remy can join her, a hurricane bears down on Mariners Island. Alone in the large house, Ismay makes a disturbing discovery in Remy's childhood closet. She's not sure what to make of it, but is relieved when the property’s caretaker, Bo, checks in on her.

Bo's home is damaged, so they temporarily shelter together, and Ismay is comforted by his quiet strength. But the unannounced arrival of a family member puts Bo back at his place and changes Ismay's summer into something other than what she wants—or ever expected. With so many reasons to feel unsettled, Ismay finds herself turning to Bo, who gives her more than a sense of security; there’s something about him that makes her feel alive, stirring her to wonder what life might be like if she chose a different path…

As Ismay grows closer to Bo, she begins to hope the reclusive caretaker might eventually let down his guard. But when she finds out that he has secrets, too, she begins to question how well she knows any of the men in her life—and how well she can trust her own heart.

Great beach read for the summer! Novak is bringing her signature voice to life with an intriguing storyline surrounding a vacation home and it’s mysterious secrets as a newly minted lawyer sets out to have a summer of reconnection with her soon to be doctor fiance. Danger quickly rears it’s ugly head and leaves Ismay uncertain of what’s true and what isn’t in this story of discovery. She befriends the cottage caretaker who begins to mean a lot to her as secrets unravel. I was hooked on the mystery from the first page and the characters brought a lot to the storyline. I felt like her family was a bit of a distraction, but Jack ended up playing a key part once he came to visit.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction with key elements of romance and suspense woven throughout.

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* Review * ICING IT by Emma Foxx

March 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Icing It by Emma Fox
Series: Chicago Racketeers
Published by Blake Wilder Books, LLC on March 29, 2024
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Sex is a fantastic stress reliever.

Or so I’m told by the two hot guys who offer to help me get over some of my work-induced anxiety by getting under both of them.

I say yes. For one night.

And proceed to have my world rocked. For three days.

I can not afford that kind of distraction. As fun as it was, I have a business to run, a loan to pay off, and a life to live that does not include any extra commitments or responsibilities. Especially not a golden retriever hockey player and a bossy billionaire who are in love with each other and want to make me the third in their long-term plans.

And let’s not even talk about the third guy who wants to date me. He’s my brother’s coach. And twelve years older than me. But he’s also a single dad to a pretty great teenage son, and his competence and gentlemanly behavior are really hard to resist.

Of course, there’s also the not-so-gentlemanly things he says and does behind bedroom doors…

Then they all go and fall in love with me. Even though one of them is definitely not interested in making this a full-time foursome.

And the icing on top?

I’ve fallen for them, too. All of them.

How can I possibly choose?

Worse, how can I possibly walk away?

Icing It is a steamy, fun why-choose rom com! No cheating, and a guaranteed HEA!

Hubba hubba … they’re at it again!! The writing dynamo of Erin Nicholas and Erin McCarthy are continuing to knock their reader’s socks off as pen name Emma Foxx with this delightful continuation of the Chicago Racketeers series with Luna getting her own passel of men to delight her every whim! I am addicted and happily ready to devour book after book of these three guys and a gal. I wanted a slight bit more drama behind the conflicts that had the potential to arise here with her bro being connected to a couple of the guys, but the emotion and sexy goodness were spot on and I loved every single minute of them together! Please take my money and keep delivering the goods!

I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series centering around Dani, Crew, Michael and Nathan to anyone who enjoys lots of sexy times with no need to pick just one guy when three are at her beck and call. Lots of humor, so much heart and oodles of steamy scenes for all.

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* Review * ROYALLY PROTECTED by Kat Mizera

March 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ROYALLY PROTECTED by Kat Mizera

Royally Protected by Kat Mizera
Series: Royal Protectors Novella
on March 26, 2024
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It’s my job to protect Queen Casey and young Prince Levi.
Normally, that’s not a problem.
Being nine months pregnant with twins makes it a lot more complicated.
My mantra has always been duty first, but I never had two innocent babies growing inside of me before.
An attack on the palace sets off a series of events I’m wholly unprepared for.
If Sandor doesn’t get to me in time, this may be the end of the road for all of us.

Fast paced and addictive! With a quick dip back into her Royal Protectors world, Kat Mizera is delivering a short novella to give a bit of an update on the palace goings ons and most assuredly on Lennox and Sandor. It was short and action packed, so not a huge amount of development on details of the attack, but a satisfying revisit and a sincere ending to the turmoil. I enjoyed the visit!

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* Review * A SURPRISE SECOND CHANCE by Anna J. Stewart

March 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

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* Review * A SURPRISE SECOND CHANCE by Anna J. Stewart

A Surprise Second Chance by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Hawaiian Reunions #3
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on March 26, 2024
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Could a secret…

Bring them together?

Lush rainforest, magical sunsets and a welcoming community—Nalani has everything botanist Daphne Mercer needs…except the only man she ever loved. Griffin Townsend broke her heart years ago. Now he’s in Hawai’i on vacation, a single dad with two kids. Daphne is charmed by Griff’s little family, and he longs for a second chance. But will she forgive him when she learns his true reason for seeking her out?

Emotional and so sincere! The third book in Anna J. Stewarts Hawaiian Reunions series brings an unexpected reunion and a sweet second chance at love to botanist Daphne. I loved the history between these two and the affection they still felt upon seeing each other. His kiddos brought an adorable factor to the visit and even once the emotions were flying high with tension, it was a sweet reconnection and I enjoyed it whole-heartedly. Great characters, spot on drama and a super satisfying ending for this adorable little family.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a lush vacation spot as a backdrop to a sweet romance.

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* Review * K-9 SHIELD by Nichole Severn

March 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

K-9 Shield by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on March 26, 2024
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He and his K-9 saved her life once
And he’ll risk anything to do it again

Jones Driscoll has spent half his life in war zones. This rescue mission feels different. Undercover journalist Maggie Caddel is tough—and yet she still rouses his instinct to protect. She might trust him to help her bring down the cartel that held her captive, but neither of them has any reason to let down their guard and trust the connection they share.

Danger and intrigue around every corner! Book three in Nichole Severn’s New Mexico Guard Dogs series uncovers more secrets surrounding Alpine Valley and has Maggie and Jones fighting to survive in a race against time. I am having a difficult time connecting with this series as a whole because of the nature of the story where a lot of the team is hands off and the bad guys are rarely interacted with, but there is a hint of danger that is always spot on and keeps me coming back.

I recommend this book if you enjoy seeing the good guys try to bring down a drug cartel and intercept the danger it brings time and again.

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* Review * THE SECRET OF THEIR BILLION-DOLLAR BABY by Dani Collins

March 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE SECRET OF THEIR BILLION-DOLLAR BABY by Dani Collins

The Secret of Their Billion-Dollar Baby by Dani Collins
Series: Bound by a Surrogate Baby #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on March 26, 2024
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A good Greek marriage needs an heir
Only this baby comes at a price!

Sasha married billionaire Rafael Zamos to escape her stepfather’s control. But is the gilded cage of her convenient union any better? Lost within their marital facade, Sasha fiercely protects her heart while surrendering to her husband’s intoxicating touch…

Might a child bring them closer? Sasha knows they’d both dote on a baby, yet heartbreakingly they’re unable to conceive. She finds her and Rafael a surrogate from the dark shadows of her past. Yet a secret threatens to destroy the very foundations of Sasha’s carefully curated world…

Secrets and lies are unraveling as passion ignites in Book 2 of Dani Collins’ Bound by a Surrogate duet! I highly recommend you read the first book in this duet first before diving into this one because I believe you will get more enjoyment and understand Sasha much better if you hear her background first in Molly’s story. Having said this, I read the first one so I was familiar with the past and was able to pick up on Sasha’s history quickly and understand her reasoning from the start. I enjoyed getting to know her and Rafael better and watching their relationship grow after overcoming their adversities. Great characters, a really enjoyable duet of two intertwined stories and much love in the end. Really enjoyed!

I highly recommend this book as a follow up to the first in the series The Baby His Secretary Carries.

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* Review * CHEATER by Karen Rose

March 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Cheater by Karen Rose
Series: The San Diego Case Files #2
Published by Berkley on March 26, 2024
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Death is not an unfamiliar visitor to Shady Oaks Retirement Village, which provides San Diego with premier elderly support from independent retiree housing to full-time hospice care. But when a resident’s body is found brutally stabbed and his apartment ransacked, it’s clear there’s someone deadly in their community. Detective Katherine “Kit” McKittrick quickly discovers that Shady Oaks is full of skeleton-riddled closets, and most tenants prefer to keep their doors firmly closed to the SDPD.

A longtime volunteer at the retirement facility, Dr. Sam Reeves honors his late grandfather’s memory by playing the piano for the residents regularly. So it shouldn’t be such a surprise when Kit crosses paths with him during her investigation, after she’d avoided the criminal psychologist—and the emotions he evokes—for the last six months.

Sam’s rapport within the retirement village proves vital to the case, and the pair find themselves working together once again—much to Kit’s dismay. But she is determined to apprehend the shadow of death lurking around Shady Oaks...and equally determined to ignore the feelings she’s developing for a certain psychologist.

Non-stop intrigue will keep you guessing until the end with Karen Rose’s second book in her San Diego Case Files series! The slow burn hints of romance between Detective Kit McKittrick and criminal psychologist Dr. Sam Reeves continues to simmer as they work together to find out who killed a retirement home resident. The characters are endearing and really easy to like, the plot is interesting with lots of quirky and fun characters and the connection between Kit and Sam is addictive even if she is giving him a bit of a run around. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

This series is a little bit less dark than some of Rose’s work and I find myself enjoying it just as much as I do her more intense serial killer terror. She does murder mystery well, in all formats.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a whodunnit with the storyline taking a large interest in the main detective and the key players who are solving each case.

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* Review * RELUCTANTLY ROYAL by Erin Nicolle

March 6, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RELUCTANTLY ROYAL by Erin Nicolle

Reluctantly Royal by Erin Nicolle
Series: Royals Gone Rogue #1
Published by EN Fiction, Inc. on March 14, 2024
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A marriage of convenience between a dirty-talking prince and the socially awkward scientist who brings him to his knees...

A marriage proposal from a deliciously handsome and wickedly charming prince sounds like a fairytale.

But for a nerdy scientist with severe social anxiety, it’s a horror story.

Prince Torin O’Grady, with his mischievous blue eyes and cocky grin, is always in the spotlight. And he needs to marry me to inherit the crown.

But we have nothing in common. He’s a future king. And I’m perfectly happy slogging through mud in my work boots.

So why can’t I stop thinking about him?

Maybe because he won’t stop texting me. And sending me gifts. And making me feel like everything I find awkward and weird about myself is special and amazing.

And there’s also that little detail of him offering me my dream job and telling me that together we can change the world.

Well, I could probably work for him.

And if I have to marry him temporarily to get what we both want, then fine. It’s for the greater good.

It has nothing to do with the way he kisses me. Or that dirty mouth. Or the royal treatment he gives me in the bedroom.

Fine. Maybe it does. Still, it’s only a year. Then I can turn in my tiara and come back to my normal, boring, behind-the-scenes life.

But Torin is determined to turn me from reluctantly royal to royally his.

Erin Nicholas is spreading her wings beautifully with this first dip into royalty under pen name Erin Nicolle and I can’t wait to come back to devour book after book in the series! The new Royals Gone Rogue series is bringing familiar faces to the forefront for fans of Nicholas’ bayou stardom, but if you’re new to the author it will be an entertaining fresh start of royal decorum with a twist of sass. I loved the mingling of culture and structure of Torin with the down-home feel of nerdy Abigail. Great development of the main characters, but also the culture of Cara and it’s subjects.

Torin is my favorite of the O’Grady’s because though he treasures his freedom and fun lovingness, he was willing to step up and protect his family and take the step necessary to secure the throne when it became necessary. I love his friendship with Jonah and the love he shares with his siblings. I can’t wait to watch him prosper as we see more of him throughout the series.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a modern day royal romance with twists and turns filled with angst, humor and most importantly passionate goodness.

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* Review * JUST ONE MORE MOMENT by Carly Phillips

March 6, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE MORE MOMENT by Carly Phillips

Just One More Moment by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #1
Published by CP Publishing on March 12, 2024
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She thinks happily ever after only happens in romance novels.
He can’t wait to prove her wrong…

Falling in love is not on Raven Walsh’s agenda. Running from her past keeps her way too busy for that. She can, however, handle a friends-with-benefits scenario with the hot billionaire who co-owns The Back Door bar. But trusting him with her heart? Not a chance…

Remington Sterling has had his eye on the smart and sexy Raven since she started waitressing at his bar. He knows she’s gun-shy where relationships are concerned. But he’s ready to do whatever it takes to convince her he’s worth the risk…

When Raven’s secrets catch up to her in a big way, she must decide if the potential cost of trusting Remy is more than she’s willing to pay—and Remy will need to figure out how far he’s willing to go for love…

Instant chemistry and non-stop drama! The first book in Carly Phillips’ Sterling Family series is bringing lots of familiar faces to the forefront as we revisit The Back Door bar familiar from a previous series and reconnect with Remy Sterling. I loved the attraction flowing between Raven and Remy from the very start and once her past comes back with a vengeance and turns her life upside down, all bets are off and protective Remy comes knocking. Great characters, addictive passion and drama galore will keep the reader turning the pages as quickly as possible to reveal every detail of their story. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an alpha, protective hero who meets his match in a sassy, take charge heroine as passion combusts and feelings become all too real!

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