Book Reviews – Page 2

* Release Blitz/Review * STICK PLAY by Cathryn Fox

November 12, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * STICK PLAY by Cathryn Fox

Stick Play by Cathryn Fox
Series: Boston Bucks #4
Published by Foxy Ink on November 12, 2024
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Have you ever met an alpha-hole?

Well, let me introduce you to the ultimate Ash-hole: Ash Wheeler, star defenseman for the Boston Bucks.

He’s got it all—hockey skills, women, fame, looks, and swagger. A real Ash-hole.

I don’t want to be attracted to him. Seriously, I don’t. But every time I’m around him, my body ignites.

I’ve been burned by a guy like him before, and I swear I’ll never go down that road again.

Until I do.

As a single mother who seems to draw men like Ash, I console myself with the knowledge that I know what I’m getting into.

I mean, if I understand the risks, what could go wrong?

A lot, apparently.

I try to keep things casual and vow not to fall for him.

Until I do.

And then I discover his secret and now there’s only one thing left for me to do...

Highly entertaining sexy goodness! Cathryn Fox is bringing the adorable with book four in her Boston Bucks hockey series. I’ll admit right off the bat that I loathed the Ash-hole shtick, but everything else was delightfully satisfying! Both characters had a past that made them leery of trusting but their connection was really sincere and played out well. The little family they put together was super sweet. I loved that he was so in from the very beginning and always supportive no matter what. There could have been a bit more hockey and a bit more team camaraderie to bring everything full circle, but I loved it regardless and felt like it was a complete story. I highly enjoyed Gina and Ash and recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a sports romance with lots of heart and passion.

Title: Stick Play

Series: Boston Bucks #4

Author: Cathryn Fox

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Hockey Romance/Friends with Benefits

Matchmaking Father/Protector Hero/Single Mom

Release Date: November 12, 2024

BLURB

Have you ever met an alpha-hole?

Well, let me introduce you to the ultimate Ash-hole: Ash Wheeler, star defenseman for the Boston Bucks.

He’s got it all—hockey skills, women, fame, looks, and swagger. A real Ash-hole.

I don’t want to be attracted to him. Seriously, I don’t. But every time I’m around him, my body ignites.

I’ve been burned by a guy like him before, and I swear I’ll never go down that road again.

Until I do.

As a single mother who seems to draw men like Ash, I console myself with the knowledge that I know what I’m getting into.

I mean, if I understand the risks, what could go wrong?

A lot, apparently.

I try to keep things casual and vow not to fall for him.

Until I do. And then I discover his secret and now there’s only one thing left for me to do…

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AUTHOR BIO

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn lives in beautiful Nova Scotia with her husband, who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found Skyping with her son living in Seattle (could he have moved any farther away?) shopping with her daughter in the city, watching a big action flick with her husband, or hanging out and laughing with friends.

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE FORGOTTEN ONE by Catherine Bybee

November 12, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE FORGOTTEN ONE by Catherine Bybee

The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee
Series: The Heirs #2
Published by Montlake on November 12, 2024
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Sarah McNeilly is a rare find in the tabloid industry. She won’t ignite gossip. She finds the truth. And for once, that’s what her boss wants. With her job on the line, Sarah’s latest assignment is to identify the elusive “Maximillian Smith,” unearth his connection to the billionaire Stone family, and dig up some dirt.

Yesterday Max was an ordinary workingman, concerned with little more than the price of gas. Now he suddenly has a family, jaw-dropping wealth, and an avid (if clumsy) reporter on his trail. With the press threatening to destroy his new life, he needs to release his real story strategically, and Sarah is the key—not to mention an adorable yet invaluable resource for finding his mother.

As Max and Sarah team up to peel back the ugly layers of Max’s past, they stumble heart-first into their fiery attraction. But when their research threatens their newly built trust, it’s their future that is on the line.

Bybee is pouring on the angst with the second book in The Heirs series and I loved every single minute! We knew in Chase’s book that things were about to get good with the discovery of a secret sibling, but I never expected Max to be so darn fine! He’s my favorite so far because there’s just something about a rugged working man! The story was intense and Bybee weaved a very believable story and reaction. The plot was well developed with emotion, romance and a sweet happily ever after topping it all off. I can’t wait for Alex’s story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a family centric plot with the drama of obligation being the starting point as each sibling finds their forever love with lots of sass along the way.

The Forgotten One
By Catherine Bybee | November 12, 2024

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee
spins a dazzling tale of long-lost relatives, overnight riches, and
unexpected romance in the dramatic second book of The Heirs series.

Sarah McNeilly is a rare find in the tabloid industry. She won’t ignite gossip. She finds the truth. And for once, that’s what her boss wants. With her job on the line, Sarah’s latest assignment is to identify the elusive “Maximillian Smith,” unearth his connection to the billionaire Stone family, and dig up some dirt.

Yesterday Max was an ordinary workingman, concerned with little more than the price of gas. Now he suddenly has a family, jaw-dropping wealth, and an avid (if clumsy) reporter on his trail. With the press threatening to destroy his new life, he needs to release his real story strategically, and Sarah is the key—not to mention an adorable yet invaluable resource for finding his mother.

As Max and Sarah team up to peel back the ugly layers of Max’s past, they stumble heart-first into their fiery attraction. But when their research threatens their newly built trust, it’s their future that is on the line.

BUY LINKS

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/theforgottenone
Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/theforgottenone-bn
Books-a-Million: https://tinyurl.com/theforgottenone-bam

Add to your Goodreads TBR → https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210670792-the-forgotten-one

About the Author
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author
Catherine Bybee has written over forty books that have collectively sold more than eleven million copies. Her titles have been translated into more than twenty languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned the popular Not Quite, Weekday Brides, Most Likely To, and First Wives series.

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Website: https://catherinebybee.com/
Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/catherine-bybee-newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBybee/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/catherineschattycathys
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinebybee/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@catherinebybee1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinebybee

The Forgotten One
by Catherine Bybee

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SECRET FLING WITH THE BILLIONAIRE by Michelle Douglas

November 11, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SECRET FLING WITH THE BILLIONAIRE by Michelle Douglas

Secret Fling with the Billionaire by Michelle Douglas
Published by Harlequin Romance on December 24, 2024
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THE THRILL OF FALLING…

After a humiliatingly public breakup, actress Cleo dives onto a boat to evade the press—and comes face-to-face with its grumpy owner! Only, her reluctant rescuer is as attractive as he is guarded, quickly putting Cleo’s vow to swear off men to the test… Famously reclusive thriller author Jude Blackwood has experience being hounded by the media, so the billionaire begrudgingly offers his beautiful stowaway sanctuary. Yet being in such close proximity proves more dangerous than the paparazzi…because their chemistry is inescapable! And a secret fling? Inevitable. But it’s when they catch feelings that they’re in real trouble!

Douglas is a pro at weaving a tale of redemption and love! I was hooked immediately on Cleo and Jude’s story when Cleo has to make a fast getaway and he helps her with barely a second thought. As their adventure continues, their backstories begin to be revealed and create very likable characters. Cleo is very misunderstood and Jude has secrets and guilt that he’s running away from. There was a gentle connection between the two of friendship and attraction that leads to them falling hard for each other. I loved the depth of emotion twisted throughout their story. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast paced, chance meeting that leads to a heartfelt forever love.

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* Review * FORMULA FLING by Sawyer Bennett

November 11, 2024 Leave a Comment

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* Review * FORMULA FLING by Sawyer Bennett

Formula Fling by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Race Fever #1
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on December 10, 2024
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Posey Evans is looking to take her career as a romance author to the next level, shifting from historical love stories to writing about the high stakes world of formula racing. Wanting to immerse herself in the sport, Posey manages to secure full access to the Crown Velocity Racing team by faking credentials as a journalist. When she’s granted unlimited face-to-face time with one of the teams’ best drivers, Posey is equal parts elated and terrified because while she’s getting exactly what she wants, she can’t afford to have her secret exposed.

Lex Hamilton lives for the thrill of being one of the fastest and most decorated race car drivers in the sport. When he’s behind the wheel, he’s focused on one thing and one thing only—earning top spot on the podium. But off the track? Let’s just say his extracurricular activities have put him on a very short leash with the team management at Crown Velocity. He’s cocky, handsome, dripping with swagger, and not super happy to have what he considers a babysitter following his every move. Lex’s unwillingness to help doesn’t deter Posey but when he uncovers her secret, they strike a deal—he won’t reveal her truth if she helps him stay out of trouble and keep his job.

While many women would swoon at his feet, Posey isn’t interested in anything more than Lex’s racing knowledge. Mostly. As the season inches closer and passions ignite, time at the track leads to time in the bed. Having agreed there is an expiration date on their arrangement, what started as an assignment has the potential to go the distance as their physical relationship builds into something deeper. But when her secret is revealed, will Lex and Posey’s relationship hit a wall, or will this fling find its way to the checkered flag?

Sawyer Bennett delights with an exciting new adventure! With the first book in her brand new Race Fever series, Bennett takes her fans along for the ride into the world of racing and brings the heat and angst like a rockstar! I was quickly intrigued on the premise of Posey’s storyline and once Lex and his smirk came onto the scene, it was game over and I was hooked. Both characters were fairly well developed from the very beginning and the family and co-worker dynamic that played in throughout only continued to build on the legwork. I liked their story a lot as a whole, but did find there to be a few balls left up in the air that I wanted a conclusion on and I felt the racing technicality that was brought into the book as a whole was probably a bit much and drug the storyline at times. Overall, I left loving Posey and Lex! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

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* Review * THIS DECEMBER by Gillian Archer

November 11, 2024 Leave a Comment

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* Review * THIS DECEMBER by Gillian Archer

This December by Gillian Archer
on December 5, 2024
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A Holiday Mode Novella

The holidays can be lonely, but this December I'm having a fling with a rock star.

My life has imploded. I’ve lost my job, my apartment, and don’t even get me started on my non-existent love life. So it feels fitting to be living back at my parents’ home in South Lake Tahoe. It’s like I’m a teen again at the ripe ol’ age of twenty-six—only instead of delivering pizzas, I’m delivering overpriced salmon and kale to lazy ski bums. Is a quarter-life crisis a thing?

Which is how I meet rock star Cole Jackson—delivering groceries to his ridiculous Tahoe chalet. Somehow he finds my scattered insanity charming. And I’m so tempted. Besides, isn’t that what people having a quarter-life crisis do? Have ill-advised flings?

This fling has a definite expiration date. He’s going back on tour, and I have to get my life back on track. So why not spend this December in the arms of a rock star? What could go wrong?

Oh, I’m definitely going to regret thinking that…

Fast paced and highly addictive! If you’re looking for a sexy holiday novella to get you in the mood for Christmas, look no further! Gillian Archer is delivering on a holiday fling turned forever with a rockstar and the down-on-her-luck delight he sweeps off her feet. Yes, obviously in a novella length story it’s quick and could be developed more, but there’s a whole lot of living and loving between Cole and December and not a whole lot lacking for a believable relationship. I loved every minute and only wished there was more! Great plot, fun characters and more emotional depth than you might expect.

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* Review * ONE NIGHT WITH YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

November 11, 2024 Leave a Comment

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* Review * ONE NIGHT WITH YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

One Night With You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Montgomery Ink Legacy #7
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on November 18, 2024
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Never fall for your best friend.
That’s the rule. The code.
Claire Harlow always follows rules—except this one.
However, when an attack leaves both of their worlds shaken, she decides to walk away from what could have been and hide within her own shadows.

Kingston Montgomery is the man who saves the day.
At least that’s what he’s always told himself—until one day he was too late.
Now he’s trying to find his purpose while also ignoring the heat between him and Claire.
When a chance blizzard changes their plans, one night turns to two…and then there’s no going back.

Only the two must overcome what they thought their relationship should be and realize what it could become. Because if they don’t figure it out quickly, the spark that ignites them could burn them both.

Carrie Ann Ryan continues to deliver delectably delicious book boyfriends! With the next book in her Montgomery Ink Legacy series, Kingston sweeps readers off their feet with his protective nature and giving spirit. The main characters are well developed and easy to like and the general plot of the book is complex but easy to follow. A little bit of angst here and there, but mostly lots of sexy goodness with real emotions and realities. A smidge more character/family background here and there would make it easier for someone reading it as a stand alone without knowing the family already, but overall a very solid and entertaining story. I always look forward to more from this fam!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series and preceding series from the family to anyone looking for a sexy, sincere story with the backdrop of a close-knit family who always has each others back as each family member finds their true love/loves.

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* Review * MONTANA HEAT by Josie Jade

November 11, 2024 Leave a Comment

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Montana Heat by Josie Jade
Series: Resting Warrior Ranch #9
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on November 10, 2024
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Growing up with addict parents and extreme neglect, Jensen Chambers learned early to only depend on himself.

A family was something he’d never thought he’d have, but the people at the Resting Warrior Ranch have become exactly that. Yeah, Garnet Bend is about as small as towns come, but big cities never did him any favors anyway.

So when Kenzie Hurst—with her manicured nails and stilettos that obviously don’t belong in Montana—shows up with trouble on her high heels, Jensen isn’t going to just sit by.

This is family.
This is his town.

He’ll be dåmned if he’ll let outside danger destroy the peace they’ve worked so hard to build.

But when the mysterious beauty needs protection only Jensen can provide, he can’t turn her away. She may wear Prada, but her sweet smile and engaging laugh is drawing him in.

Making him want to keep her around permanently. High heels and all.

Someone wants Kenzie dead, but Jensen—and the Resting Warrior Ranch team—are about to show her that around here, they look out for their own.

And that includes her.

Fast paced, addictive suspense! With another visit to her beloved Resting Warrior Ranch, Josie Jade takes her readers along for the ride when a stalker gets too close for comfort to a new friend of the guys and gals at the ranch. I was quickly hooked on Kenzie’s plight, and once Jensen stepped into her realm and the sparks started flying, I was down for the count. I really liked Jensen and his connection to the guys at RWR. I wanted a smidge more out of Kenzie, but overall a very solid read that moved quickly and was well developed.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a strong former military turned hero cast as each member of the brotherhood settles in with their forever love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * LOVE GAMBLE by Chantal Fernando

November 2, 2024 Leave a Comment

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* Review * LOVE GAMBLE by Chantal Fernando

Love Gamble by Chantal Fernando
Series: Angels & Devils MC #3
Published by Carina Press on December 24, 2024
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Damon

As a high-ranking member of the Devils MC, I’m a marked man. It’s why I push Corey away. But once I taste her, keeping her at arm’s length isn’t an option. It doesn’t matter that she’s ten years younger, or that my name will move to the top of her brother’s hit list.

She’s mine.

I’m going to keep her—whatever it takes.

Corey

Nothing’s been the same since I was kidnapped. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I know I want forever with Damon. I have since the moment he kissed me. I don’t care that he’s older, or that my family doesn’t approve. I’ll stand by his side, even when my half brother rolls into town ready to tear the Club apart in his quest for vengeance.

Damon’s mine.

I’m not letting him go. No matter the cost.

Intense and addictive! The third book in the Angels and Devils MC series is fairly fast paced and was quick to catch my attention. I remembered most of what had happened in the previous two books but if you haven’t been following along to know all of the details, the development of catching a reader up was lacking when it came to the previous drama. I liked Damon and Corey together. I would love to see the series continue to develop some of the other members and have them find love as well.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a laid back version of an MC who has their angst but lots of happiness too.

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* Review * HIDDEN IN THE DARK by H.K. Christie

November 2, 2024 Leave a Comment

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* Review * HIDDEN IN THE DARK by H.K. Christie

Hidden in the Dark by H. K. Christie
Series: Val Costa #3
Published by Bookouture on December 12, 2024
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FBI Agent Val Costa is drawn out of retirement once again when the Cramer family are found dead in their home in Red Rose County. She falls to her knees in despair at the sight of little Michael Jr., curled up on the couch. What monster would take the life of an innocent child? Val vows to find justice for the mother, Stephanie Cramer, who survived the attack but is fighting for her life in hospital.

Interviewing neighbors uncovers no leads, but Val knows there’s a message in the way Mike Cramer’s body was left, tied to chair, stab wounds all over his body. It seems mother and son were collateral, and Mike was the real target. But why? Working in an auto shop between taking his boy to karate class, Michael was a perfect family man. There are no signs of a robbery, and all Val has to work with are small-town whispers about the age gap between him and his wife.

A break in the case comes when a secret phone is found hidden in Mike’s car and GPS reveals he’d been making late-night trips out of town for weeks before his family was attacked. Her team are quick to suspect an affair, but Val’s instincts tell her it’s something far more sinister.

As more cracks in the perfect Cramer family picture begin to show—arguments, money troubles—Val must work around the clock to stop this twisted individual in their tracks. But does she know someone is watching her every move? And when a dark secret in Mike’s past surfaces, can Val stay ahead of her stalker long enough to catch the killer before another precious life is taken?

Addictive and fast paced intrigue! The third book in Christie’s Val Costa series does not disappoint as Val is knee deep in an investigation yet again during her supposed retirement from the FBI. We get to reconnect with her family and coworkers who have been her support system from the beginning of the series and go along for the ride as she works night and day to solve the murder of a family who from the outside looking in don’t seem a likely target. Val’s previous serial killer captor is still surrounding her and the anticipation after the set up for a bit of what is to come in the next book is high. Great suspense, believable characters and satisfying conclusions. I can’t wait for more!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a police procedural story with a strong female lead who always gets justice for her cases.

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* Release Blitz/Review * YOLO by Lani Lynn Vale

November 1, 2024 Leave a Comment

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* Release Blitz/Review * YOLO by Lani Lynn Vale

YOLO by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Carter Brothers #7
on November 1, 2024
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Garrett Carter knew the moment he saw her years prior that she was the one.

His one, however, had a fiancé. And she was rich. She also lived out of state.

So what other option did he have but to let her go?

Years later, he sees her again at her worst.

Her husband-to-be has stranded her on a hiking trail with a head wound, convinced she’s faking her blindness.

Garrett takes one look at the injured Bindi Howe and knows there’s no way she’s faking it.

Rushing her to the hospital, he gets her there just in time to save her life.

During the craziness, Garrett has no clue it’s her—his one.

He leaves her there with her family and goes back home to his lonely life.

Only fate intervenes for him a third time, and it’s then that Garrett decides that he’s going to go for it.

But, like always, life intervenes, and he’s forced to leave her behind once again to keep her safe.

As luck would have it, fate gives him one last shot, and brings them together one last time, and Garrett refuses to let her go, despite Bindi’s fiancé coming back begging for a second chance.

Vale is the rockstar of creating hunky heroes that melt our hearts! Concluding the Carter Brothers series is bittersweet because I love this family so hard! They are sincerely good people with hearts of gold and I have adored getting to know them all. Garrett is the final sibling to find his forever and he does it really well with Bindi. The characters are well developed with a great supporting cast behind them as chance encounters define their path forward until fate decides it’s time for them to be together. The plot is angsty and heartfelt and I loved every minute of their story. Getting to see the whole family together was a heartwarming farewell.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a family of law enforcement officers who have each other’s backs always and love hard as each sibling finds “the one” and adds to the pack!

Title: YOLO

Series: Carter Brothers #7

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Trope: Bad Girl/Good Guy

Release Date: November 1, 2024

BLURB

Garrett Carter knew the moment he saw her years prior that she was the one.

His one, however, had a fiancé. And she was rich. She also lived out of state.

So what other option did he have but to let her go?

Years later, he sees her again at her worst.

Her husband-to-be has stranded her on a hiking trail with a head wound, convinced she’s faking her blindness.

Garrett takes one look at the injured Bindi Howe and knows there’s no way she’s faking it.

Rushing her to the hospital, he gets her there just in time to save her life.

During the craziness, Garrett has no clue it’s her—his one.

He leaves her there with her family and goes back home to his lonely life.

Only fate intervenes for him a third time, and it’s then that Garrett decides that he’s going to go for it.

But, like always, life intervenes, and he’s forced to leave her behind once again to keep her safe.

As luck would have it, fate gives him one last shot, and brings them together one last time, and Garrett refuses to let her go, despite Bindi’s fiancé coming back begging for a second chance.

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AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

UNIVERSAL

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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AUTHOR BIO

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.

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