Book Reviews – Page 16

* Review * MISSING BEFORE DAYLIGHT by Carolyn Arnold

February 13, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MISSING BEFORE DAYLIGHT by Carolyn Arnold

Missing Before Daylight by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #10
Published by Bookouture on February 22, 2024
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She wakes surrounded by an inky black darkness and can barely breathe. A sack is covering her head, and her hands are tied behind her back. She desperately tries to struggle free as she hears footsteps walking toward her. She silently starts to cry as a chilling voice whispers “It’s time to pay for what you did…”

When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the murder scene of a young gas station clerk just before dawn, she assumes it must be a robbery gone tragically wrong. But when she discovers nothing has been stolen, she knows the motive must be far more personal.

Watching the security footage, Amanda is shocked to witness the cold-blooded killer not only shoot the clerk dead but abduct a customer. And her heart stops when she recognizes the customer as her former colleague, Katherine Graves. As Amanda breaks the news to Katherine’s heartbroken Aunt May, she vows to do whatever it takes to bring her niece home alive.

Desperate for a lead, Amanda and her partner, Trent, search Katherine’s home. Soon, they discover that despite no longer being with the police department, Katherine has a long list of very dangerous enemies. Enemies who have been sending her anonymous letters promising revenge.

The more Amanda digs into Katherine’s past, the longer her list of suspects becomes. But when May is sent a ransom demand and a picture of Katherine close to death, Amanda knows time is running out. With only hours left to find Katherine alive, Amanda is prepared to risk everything to keep her promise to May, even her own life…

High octane suspense! Detective Amanda Steele is at it again, only this time she’s in a race against time to save a friend/former co-worker before the bad guy wins. The set up for this story was attention grabbing and had me hooked within the first few pages. Once Katherine entered the picture, it was game on. I loved every minute of the story and always leave looking forward to Amanda’s next adventure. I am starting to feel like the Logan/Trent angst is getting a little old and want a solid conclusion there one day soon.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a police procedural with addictive characters who always bring a lot to the storyline. The characters and their angst are always well developed, the crimes believable and the set up for more drama is always just around the corner.

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* Review * UNTOUCHED UNTIL THE GREEK’S RETURN by Susan Stephens

February 13, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UNTOUCHED UNTIL THE GREEK’S RETURN by Susan Stephens

Untouched Until the Greek's Return by Susan Stephens
Published by Harlequin Presents on February 20, 2024
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He returned for business…
Will he stay for their pleasure?

For tycoon Xander Tsakis, returning to his Greek island home is as unwelcome as the dark memories it triggers. He owes it to his late parents to restore it to its former glory, but he certainly doesn’t plan on enjoying it. Until he meets Rosy Bloom…

Innocent Rosy wanted peace from her unrelenting past. But there’s nothing peaceful about the storm of emotion and desire that Xander unleashes in her! Anything they share would be strictly temporary… But being in Xander’s dangerously thrilling proximity has cautious Rosy abandoning all reason!

Decadently tempting! This story gives a great backdrop of a gorgeous island location, lots of turmoil and angst and a connectible set of characters … however it’s lacking in development and left me wanting more in several areas. It’s entertaining enough to hold attention and keep you satisfied throughout, it just could have been a much richer story with a bit more fleshing out of back stories and relationship development in general.

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* Review * THE HUSBAND SITUATION by Naima Simone

February 13, 2024 Leave a Comment

The Husband Situation by Naima Simone
Series: Rose Bend
Published by Canary Street Press on February 6, 2024
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When you marry your sister’s ex in Vegas, you’re in for a messy trip home…

When marketing exec Brooklyn Hayes wakes up in Vegas after a corporate team-building trip, she’s expecting the hangover. The ring on her finger, not so much. And nothing could have prepared her for the sight of her best friend—her sister’s ex—right there beside her. She has no idea how this happened, but the one thing she knows for sure is that no one from their nosy, close-knit hometown of Rose Bend can find out!

Graphic designer Patrick King is used to keeping secrets—starting with his crush on his ex’s sister. Since he doesn’t remember much about how they ended up married or the night they apparently spent together, it shouldn’t be hard for him to keep their elopement a secret too.

But the more time they spend together trying to figure out what to do, all while keeping their secret from the whole town, the more uncertain they become about ending their marriage. While their impromptu nuptials might’ve been a mistake, the growing love between them doesn’t feel like a mix-up. They’ll need a miracle to make it through without slipping up…or falling.

This one hit ALL the right spots! It’s always fun to dip back into Naima Simone’s Rose Bend world and this quick novella is sure to delight fans of the town and the author. It’s got a mix of forbidden love, friends to lovers and boss/employee tropes in there for you and just a general all around sexy, fun vibe. I adored Patrick and was happy to see Brooklyn get a happily ever after that she so deserved. Well developed characters, strife galore and a really nice feel considering it all had to happen in a novella length story. Loved every minute!

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* Release Blitz/Review * DARE by Chelle Bliss

January 30, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * DARE by Chelle Bliss

Dare by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #14
Published by Bliss Ink on January 30, 2024
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Austin Moore found his purpose in the military, but there was always something missing. He wanted what everyone in his family had…someone to call his own. But his life didn’t make it easy to find a soul mate, someone to be his forever.

Sage Hill enlisted to follow in the footsteps of her father, but never wanted to be in his shadow. And when her friend ditches her at a dive bar, she catches the eye of a handsome stranger. But Sage doesn’t have time for relationships, nor does she want the complication.

When Sage is stuck, Austin tries to be her saving grace and a challenge leads to a lip lock neither one of them can forget. She swore she’d never fall for a strong and bossy man like her father, but she soon learns there’s more than meets the eye underneath that sexy exterior.

A part of this book was previously released as the book Fearless, but much of the content has been changed along with over 100 pages of new words have been added.

Forever love when they least expect it! Chelle Bliss is the Queen of wrapping a family around her reader’s heart and taking us on the ride of a lifetime as one after another finds their forever love with us right by their side. I have loved every minute of this series and love the addition punch of love for Pike’s brother Austin. I can’t wait to see more of this family however it may come!

Great characters, dedication to making love work no matter the sacrifice and heartwarming family moments are all highlights of this book as well as the entire series and I highly recommend them.

Dare by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Austin Moore found his purpose in the military, but there was always something missing. He wanted what everyone in his family had…someone to call his own. But his life didn’t make it easy to find a soul mate, someone to be his forever.

Sage Hill enlisted to follow in the footsteps of her father, but never wanted to be in his shadow. And when her friend ditches her at a dive bar, she catches the eye of a handsome stranger. But Sage doesn’t have time for relationships, nor does she want the complication.

When Sage is stuck, Austin tries to be her saving grace and a challenge leads to a lip lock neither one of them can forget. She swore she’d never fall for a strong and bossy man like her father, but she soon learns there’s more than meets the eye underneath that sexy exterior.

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

Amazon: https://geni.us/dare-zon
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3PLISNn
Nook: https://geni.us/dare-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/dare-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/dare-gp
Audio: https://bit.ly/42f3NhM

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/47nQBJf

Meet Chelle

Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.

She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.

Connect with Chelle

Website: menofinked.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7164384.Chelle_Bliss
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chelle-Bliss/e/B00FIPAHYQ/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchellebliss1
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blisshangout/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorchellebliss/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChelleBliss1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chelle-bliss
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chellebliss10/
Other: https://bingebooks.com/author/chelle-bliss
Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/chellebliss/

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE MESSY LIFE OF JANE TANNER by Brenda Novak

January 28, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE MESSY LIFE OF JANE TANNER by Brenda Novak

The Messy Life of Jane Tanner by Brenda Novak
Series: Coyote Canyon #3
Published by MIRA on February 20, 2024
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When your life is chaotic, what’s one more complication?

Jane Tanner’s friends are settling down, while she’s been settling for less. She longs for adventure and the big city, but caring for her ailing grandfather means she's shackled to her small town. She’s excited her vintage gift shop is finally up and running, but it’s not enough.

Longing to fulfill at least one dream—to become a mother before her biological clock ticks out—Jane drunkenly propositions the worst possible candidate for Dad. Kurt Elway is off-limits with a capital O. He’s a good friend, but he's too young, too busy running his family’s ranch. Plus, he and Jane’s sister, Kate, used to date. That kind of off-limits.

Unbeknownst to Jane, Kurt’s pining for her. When he’s fully on board to father her baby, she sees him in a new light. Then lingering baggage between Kate and Kurt suddenly surfaces and Jane is reminded of just how messy life is. But…so is parenting. Maybe it’s time to embrace the mess?

Drama and love go hand-in-hand in the third installment of Brenda Novak’s Coyote Canyon series! I love this group of strong natured women who have forged a caring friendship as life delivers happiness to all in this small Montana town. It’s nice to see the couple’s from the past two books playing a strong part in carrying on the set up of the town. I felt like the development of Jane and Kurt’s relationship lacked development once they truly decided to be together, but I enjoyed them as a whole throughout the story. I’m hoping to see more in the series down the road, because we all know redeeming Averil and Charlie for a couple more books could add some true challenge and drama into the mix.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with a strong support system of family and friends as drama surrounds the current couple trying to weave their way towards a satisfying happily ever after.

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* Review * SURPRISED AND SACKED by Gina Azzi

January 28, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SURPRISED AND SACKED by Gina Azzi

Surprised and Sacked by Gina Azzi
Series: Knoxville Coyotes Football #2
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on February 5, 2024
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Knoxville Coyotes rookie, West Crawford, is a celebrated, lightning-fast football god on the field. Off the field? He’s my ex-boyfriend and greatest heartache.

I didn’t think long-distance would break us when West was drafted to Tennessee, and I was called home to Paris for a family emergency. But it did.

Fast-forward six months and West is playing in the Superbowl, I’m rooting for him to win, and our worlds re-collide.

Celebrating West’s success is supposed to be a one-night, free-for-all that ends with closure. Instead, it births a new beginning. Literally.

I’m having a baby with my ex, our lives are still thousands of miles apart, and nothing has changed. I mean, except the obvious.

Between West’s flourishing career, my familial responsibilities abroad, and a positive pregnancy test that surprises us both, our relationship is bound to be sacked before it has the chance to soar.

Sweet, sassy and oh so satisfying! With the second book in her Knoxville Coyotes football series Gina Azzi is delighting her readers with not only a second chance reunion trope, but also a surprise baby and I loved every minute of the drama! The characters are really easy to become addicted to, and the back story is riveting. I enjoyed seeing a cameo from the Burnt Clover series characters as well! Can’t wait to see what this series holds in store for us in the future.

West was absolutely my favorite character because he was sincere and not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.

I highly recommend this book as well as the previous book in the series to sports romance fans who love a book with lots of heart and fun, hip characters who have a strong support system surrounding them.

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* Review * COLTON’S BABY MOTIVE by Lara Lacombe

January 28, 2024 Leave a Comment

Colton's Baby Motive by Lara Lacombe
Series: The Coltons of Colorado #8
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on August 23, 2022
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From one amazing night

To a family in danger

Jet-setting entrepreneur Oliver Colton has never invested in a long-term relationship—until he learns that Hilary Weston is pregnant and he’s the father. The dizzying attraction that brought them together for one incredible night hasn’t changed, but she doesn’t trust that he’s ready to commit to settling down. When Hilary's brother goes missing, Oliver risks everything to bring him home…and guard his growing family.

Intrigue and romance with a baby bonus! Danger comes knocking just as drama reaches an all time high for a waitress and her one night Colton fling with the next book in the Coltons of Colorado series. I felt like the storyline of siblings for Oliver was a bit overwhelming if you aren’t a strict follower of the series and could have used a bit more back story development, but the drama surrounding Hilary and the tension from their attraction and upcoming baby is spot on. I enjoyed them and their story as a whole.

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* Review * CONNER by Victoria Denault

January 28, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Conner by Victoria Denault
Series: Hockey Royalty #1
on January 30, 2024
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My name is Conner Garrison and I’m a failure.

The men in my family are some of the most successful hockey players of all time, and I’m about to get dropped from the entire league. How do I face them?

Avoiding my large, well-meaning, but invasive family is how I end up face-to-face with my childhood crush at midnight. And I happen to be as naked as the day I was born.

Mackenzie ‘Mac’ Larue is five years older than me, gorgeous, and about to become a doctor. She’s also dealing with a crushed ego, thanks to a bad ex-boyfriend. Finally, something I can fix.

I might not be able to save my career but I can help this incredible woman rebuild her confidence. As a friend. She sees me as a work project, nothing else.

But the more time we spend together, the more I start to believe that if I can earn back my career, maybe I can earn her heart her too.

Sassy and fun new hockey series from Victoria Denault! Hot hockey player down on his luck collides with sexy new doc feeling the slump of heartache … and the rest as they say is history! The banter is adorable, the passion is steamy and the heart is so utterly perfect. I loved the main characters and there’s so many great supporting members of the team and the fam that sparkle on the pages as well. I can’t wait to see where Denault takes this series next.

Conner is a great character because he’s a hunky hockey stud who is taken down a notch when he has to come to terms with the world not working exactly as he had planned and learning to breath and pick up the pieces with the best of us. I adored his family and he really grew with this experience.

Mac is a doll and I really liked them together. Her life could have used a bit more development, but the angst was there.

I recommend this book to hockey fans who enjoy a new set of characters to sink your teeth into and get to know.

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* Review * PENALIZING by Jami Davenport

January 28, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Penalizing by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #5
Published by Cedrona Enterprises LLC on January 25, 2024
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Being traded from a contender to a basement dweller is bad enough, but now I'm working with the one who got away. She has an explosive secret, and I think it has something to do with me.

I want to start where we left off, but she doesn't want anything to do with me. Eventually our mutual attraction steamrolls her resistance, but when her deception catches up to her and what she's been hiding is exposed, nothing will ever be the same for either of us.

Will her truth be the anchor that strengthens our relationship, or the storm that obliterates it beyond repair?

Secrets and deception steal the show! The fifth book in Jami Davenport’s Portland Icehawks hockey series delivers an interesting set up when a top notch player gets blindsided by a trade. The plot is thick with tension and drama and the characters were intriguing. I felt like there were a lot of blanks left in the back story, which was okay if you’ve followed Davenport regularly and know the support characters well, but not so great if you’re trying to read it as a standalone. The ending was rushed and I wanted more, but overall a solid addition to the series and keeps me wanting more from this team!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to fans of hockey romance where the team supports one another as each player meets “the one” just when they least expect it.

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* Review * FACE HER FEAR by Lisa Regan

January 28, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Face Her Fear by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #19
Published by Bookouture on January 30, 2024
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Detective Josie Quinn is still recovering from the killing of a beloved member of her team when she and her husband Noah receive yet more devastating news. Close to her breaking point, Josie heads to a specialist trauma retreat,set in an isolated group of log cabins in the mountains of Pennsylvania. But fear is not far behind her. Josie’s five fellow patients all seem to be hiding secrets darker than just the problems that brought them there and a storm is gathering, with thick snow coming down fast, isolating the cabins from the world below.

Then one morning, Meg Cleary disappears. Having spent years living in terror of a stalker, Meg had come to the retreat to try to piece her life back together. But now, her cabin is empty, no logs are burning in her fireplace, no tracks in the snow lead to or from her door. Quickly organizing a search, Josie’s worst fear is realized when she finds Meg’s body lying in the snow, the marks around her neck revealing that her death was no accident.

And this is no normal case, as Josie is stranded without her team, a phone signal or any legal authority to investigate. When she discovers that someone has placed hidden cameras inside the retreat buildings, Josie’s terror grows with the knowledge that the murderer is among them.

Then another patient goes missing. With their food supplies running low and no chance of escape, Josie knows that she is in the greatest danger of her life, and that she alone has a chance to identify the killer and save the rest of the group before it’s too late…

High impact suspense all the way around! Lisa Regan always delivers mystery and drama when it comes to Detective Josie Quinn, but this particular book is a little out of the ordinary as Josie’s team is only peripherally involved since Josie is away at a retreat and out of touch with the world. The plot of the book starts a little slow, but then quickly becomes attention grabbing as danger begins to unravel. I liked the premise of the story, and Josie is always a hit. I’m looking forward to much more to come in the series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a thriller revolving around a core cast of law enforcement who rally around to support one another as they fight the crime in their neck of the woods.

Filed Under: Book Reviews