Book Reviews – Page 15

* 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

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* 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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* Review * CALLUM by Sawyer Bennett

March 6, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Callum by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #12
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on March 12, 2024
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Callum Derringer was hired by the Pittsburgh Titans to help rebuild the organization after a devastating plane crash left its future unknown. Now that he’s got the team back on track, it’s time to put some effort into his own life.

When I accepted the job of general manager with the Titans, it was just the opportunity I needed to prove myself to the sports world. Unfortunately, my career isn’t the only area in which I’ve previously made mistakes and the past is about to come back in a big way.

Juniper Ryan is…complicated. Smart, funny and insanely gorgeous, she was my first love and my first heartbreak. But my loss was my stepbrother’s gain and she’s been his wife for five years now. I’ve done a decent job of putting her out of my mind but when Juniper breaks down and calls me for help, I know it’s bad. I’m gutted to learn that she was pushed into the arms of a monster.

Vowing to put our past aside, I learn dark truths about my brother and his marriage to my first love. And to make matters worse, I’m beginning to realize the feelings I once had for Juniper aren’t tucked quite as far away as I had hoped.

When things take a dangerous turn, I’m willing to put myself in the line of fire to keep my girl safe. I was a fool to walk away from Juniper the first time and I’m a man who knows better than to make the same mistake twice.

An angsty reunion of first loves is rounding out the Pittsburgh Titans hockey series from Sawyer Bennett. This has been a great series overall with ups and downs all around as turmoil led to redefining moments and connections. It’s now General Manager Callum’s turn to be in the hot seat as he reconnects with his first love and has to decide how to handle the turmoil she brings with her. The characters were easy to like and their drama was attention grabbing for sure. I felt like the timeline didn’t exactly add up with how long they dated and were apart to the ages they are now and also wanted a tad more in the follow up on his mom, etc. but overall I enjoyed their story a lot and was hooked from start to finish.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to fans of hockey romance with the team banding together in a brotherhood to support each other through thick and thin as they each find their forever love.

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* Release Blitz/Review * UNENDING LOVE by Stacey Lynn

March 5, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * UNENDING LOVE by Stacey Lynn

Unending Love by Stacey Lynn
Series: The Kelley Family #1
on March 5, 2024
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Everyone knows who Caleb Kelley is. I’m at the top of my game, known all around Colorado and beyond for not only my elite skills in professional hockey, but also my family’s ranching heritage. For this reason, I trust very few people as I’m used to strangers and so-called friends trying to get close to us for a piece of fame.

But when I receive a letter from a woman I slept with years ago, letting me know I’m a father – I implicitly trust her. Emily Russo is forever ingrained in my memory, and is the exception to every rule.

That one night I spent with her was unforgettable. I still remember the feel of her lips and the way her body moved under mine. For years, I’ve regretted not leaving her my phone number because if I had, I wouldn’t be seeing the first glimpses of my son in glossy pictures. Instead, I would've held him in my arms the minute he was born.

Now, I not only have to get to know my son, I also have to convince Emily that the spark that once burned between us is still smoldering, ready to burn even hotter a second time around.

But it’s not only hanger-ons who follow me. There are others who want to see this golden boy tossed off his throne. Too bad they don’t know what lengths I’ll go to protect what’s mine. I’ll do anything for Emily and my son. My love for them is unending.

A sweet, sentimental and steamy reconnection! The first book in Stacey Lynn’s Kelley Family series is focusing on pro hockey player Caleb Kelley. If you pick this book up expecting an in depth sports romance, you will be disappointed because it’s very light on the sports action … but if you come for the small town love story, it will hit all of your expectations exceedingly! Well developed characters, sincere emotional depth and just a whole bunch of cuteness as he and his fam interact with this new little family member makes for a really fun read. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

I highly recommend this book to fans of small town romance and surprise baby tropes.

Unending Love by Stacey Lynn is now live!

A Sexy, Small Town, Secret Baby, Sports, Standalone Romance From Bestselling Author, Stacey Lynn.

Everyone knows who Caleb Kelley is. I’m at the top of my game, known all around Colorado and beyond for not only my elite skills in professional hockey, but also my family’s ranching heritage. For this reason, I trust very few people as I’m used to strangers and so-called friends trying to get close to us for a piece of fame.

But when I receive a letter from a woman I slept with years ago, letting me know I’m a father—I implicitly trust her. Emily Russo is forever ingrained in my memory, and is the exception to every rule.

That one night I spent with her was unforgettable. I still remember the feel of her lips and the way her body moved under mine. For years, I’ve regretted not leaving her my phone number because if I had, I wouldn’t be seeing the first glimpses of my son in glossy pictures. Instead, I would’ve held him in my arms the minute he was born.

Now, I not only have to get to know my son, I also have to convince Emily that the spark that once burned between us is still smoldering, ready to burn even hotter a second time around.

But it’s not only hanger-ons who follow me. There are others who want to see this golden boy tossed off his throne. Too bad they don’t know what lengths I’ll go to protect what’s mine. I’ll do anything for Emily and my son. My love for them is unending.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tRqKuE
Amazon Worldwide: http://amzn.to/41WYljs
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/48vsvN4
Nook: https://bit.ly/3vKSn92
Kobo: https://bit.ly/48TG0G5
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3tSNqdS

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3RYverh

Meet Stacey

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey

Website: www.staceylynnbooks.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6995826.Stacey_Lynn
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Lynn/e/B00CD6VVQG/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/staceylynnbooks
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/staceyssultryreaders/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/staceylynn.author
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/staceylynnbooks
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@staceylynnbooks
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacey-lynn
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/staceylynnbooks/_created/

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * MARRYING THE NANNY by Dani Collins

March 3, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MARRYING THE NANNY by Dani Collins

Marrying the Nanny by Dani Collins
Series: Raven's Cove #1
Published by Tule Publishing on March 5, 2024
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

When infant Storm is orphaned, nanny Emma Wright, on a work visa and still reeling from a painful divorce, yearns to adopt her but must relinquish Storm to her three adult half-brothers. They remind her of a pack of wolves—protective, but not prepared to care for a baby. Alpha male Reid is especially aloof and intimidating.

Like his younger brothers, Reid Fraser left the Westcoast village of Raven’s Cove at eighteen and never looked back. Now a successful corporate consultant who rescues failing businesses—which is what this fly-in fishing resort has become, Reid must rally his brothers to save Storm’s inheritance, but he and his estranged brothers barely get along. They can’t deal with an infant, too. They need the nanny.

As Emma coaches Reid through midnight feedings and teething, they try to ignore the sexual pull between them. Then they learn Storm may have family who could take her from them. Reid proposes a marriage of convenience, but will it be enough to keep this fractured family together?

Emotional and heartfelt! Dani Collins is kicking off a new small town romance series, Raven’s Cove with the story of a nanny who adores her little charge and is dealing with the fallout when she is orphaned. The town is quaint and quirky and the siblings that are the main family of the series have much angst and heartache to work through. I really enjoyed getting to know this family and felt like they were well developed and easy to like, but I wanted a little more to the ending to settle custody, etc. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with a dysfunctional family who has to learn to heal and come together when they each need each other.

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