Book Reviews – Page 22

* Review * WORKING WITH HER CRUSH by Reese Ryan

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

Working with Her Crush by Reese Ryan
Series: Dynasties: Willowvale #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 24, 2023
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An inheritance stirs up old resentments…

And revives undeniable sparks.

Dray Walker is devastated when tech entrepreneur Kahlil Anderson inherits the horse ranch she’s managed for years. Her friend (and secret crush) left town decades ago without looking back, and now Kahlil, whose tech skills do not apply to thoroughbreds, needs her help.

Delectable characters with addictive backstories! Loving this premise already! Reese Ryan is kicking off a four book Desire series with fellow author Jules Bennett with the first book in Dynasties: Willowvale and I’m exciting to see what the series holds. Andraya and Kahlil had my interest peaked quickly and as secrets are uncovered and trust pushed to the limit, we get to the heart of the story and all it entails. I loved the characters, their connection and their love story as it all played out. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Dray is a sweetheart, and the hurt she feels from both her former best friend and the father figure she has respected for all of these years sets the story on a path of healing.

Kahlil is a little less straightforward as he keeps secrets and isn’t as forthcoming as Dray, but I liked his character none-the-less.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a drama filled romance with attention grabbing characters who instantly have us hooked on how their story is going to play out.

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* Review * HIRED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET SON by Joss Wood

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIRED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET SON by Joss Wood

Hired for the Billionaire's Secret Son by Joss Wood
Published by Harlequin Presents on October 24, 2023
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Her job is temporary!
Is their connection permanent?

When world-renowned yacht designer Bo Sørenson is named guardian to the son he never knew existed, he needs help—fast. Anticipating the relentless demands of his clients he can do. But a baby? The scars of his own childhood have left him clueless.

Haunted by the shadows of her last assignment, this summer in Denmark is Olivia Cooper’s last as a nanny. She can’t allow herself to get too close to Bo or his child, which should make it easier to ignore the billionaire’s heated gaze… But it only makes it harder!

Quickly hooked and loved every minute! Joss Wood is great at painting a vivid image of a foreign city so her reader feels like they can visualize just where her characters are at the time. With Olivia and Bo, the chemistry is instant and forbidden. I loved seeing them let their guard down with each other and grow close. The plot was easy to follow, the pace was quick but thorough and the characters were really addictive. I loved their story!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a forbidden boss romance with a whole lot of heart and drama mixed into the chemistry as they find their way towards forever.

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* Review * SHOW OFF by Lani Lynn Vale

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Show Off by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Welcome to the Circus #3
on October 24, 2023
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Seventy shades of messed up.

That was what she’d been told about herself for nearly her entire life.

From a young age, she knew what it was like to be hated. To be loathed so much by a person that they literally resented the air you breathed.

For her entire childhood, she fought to live, despite her father’s constant effort to make her life a living hell.
Her sisters and brother have no clue what kind of closet psychopath their father really was, and she’ll die before she ruins their picture-perfect view of him.

Why? Because she’s already broken. There’s no fixing this kind of damaged. But there’s no reason everyone else needs to suffer, too.

***

From the moment Hannibal Peters laid eyes on Hades Singh, he knew she was the one.
That was why he ran.

That was why, when he saw her suffering, he couldn’t stay away.

Talk about a glorious redemption! WOW! Hades was not what I was expecting at all after the previous books in the series, but I absolutely love that Vale managed to redeem her so beautifully that we managed to overlook our preconceived thoughts about her by the end and be able to truly see her for the person that she is. Powerful story with lots of heart and emotion as well as a wicked sexy love story. Loving this series!

I loved Hannibal and his instant connection to Hades and ability to love her regardless of her hang ups and secrets. Seeing him help her heal by showing her the first true love she’s ever known was beautiful.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a family saga romance that showcases each sibling finding their happily ever after as family drama ensues and real life comes to a head time and time again.

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* Review * AN OFF-LIMITS MERGER by Naima Simone

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AN OFF-LIMITS MERGER by Naima Simone

An Off-Limits Merger by Naima Simone
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 24, 2023
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To seal the deal, it’s hands off the CEO’s daughter…

Motorcycle exec Bran Holleran is a heartbeat away from turning his company into a household name—if he can keep his hands off the daughter of his most important investor. An ill-fated affair could destroy everything, but how can he resist?

After a betrayal on the eve of her wedding, Boston socialite Tatum Haas is through trusting men. Love is for fairy tales, and Tatum wants her career, nothing more. But her family’s new business partner is shattering her resolve just as explosive revelations put everything on the line…

I was swooning for Bran from start to finish! While this isn’t listed as a series/duet, fans of Simone will recognize the heroine’s BFF Nore from a previous Desire book (Her Best Kept Secret) and already know a bit of the back story of the magical brooch. I found Tatum and Bran really entertaining and easy to like and was pulling for them to make it work right from the start because of how much I liked them. The only thing I found lacking in this book was the quick ending with the lack of drama that comes out amidst the family scandal. I wanted more … c’mon, I know I’m not the only one that wanted that screaming, knock down hissy fit that was more than justly deserved! Loved it as a whole though!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast paced romance filled with accomplished characters who fall hard and join their lives together no matter the drama.

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* Review * THE CHRISTMAS CABIN by Michelle Major

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CHRISTMAS CABIN by Michelle Major

The Christmas Cabin by Michelle Major
Series: The Carolina Girls #6
Published by Canary Street Press on October 24, 2023
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There’s no place like home for the holidays…

As a girl, single mom Lauren Maxwell hated Magnolia, North Carolina. And she thought she’d left her hometown in the rearview mirror years ago, but a message from her beloved baby brother, Brody, changes all that. He’s getting married on Christmas Eve. So a holiday at Camp Blossom, the rustic sleepaway camp that had been a haven during her growing-up years, it is. Lauren won’t even have to see her dictatorial father. Or her ex-husband, Ben…

When Ben greets her at the surprisingly decrepit cabin, he’s just as stubborn—and as irresistible—as ever. And when she discovers he’s working with her estranged father to buy the campgrounds and rebuild them as luxury housing, Lauren is furious. She won’t let the man who broke her heart win. So she and her daughter stay in town to block the sale.

But the magic of the Christmas season brings back memories Lauren tried so hard to forget: his crooked smile, their daughter’s laughter at the breakfast table, the feel of her hand in his. As the spark between them rekindles, Lauren realizes that second chances are real. And they’re worth fighting for.

Heartfelt holiday goodness! If you’re anything like me, you’re always game for a return trip to Michelle Major’s beloved Magnolia, North Carolina where love seems to find them when they are least looking … and what better time than for a magical holiday wedding? The drama is high, the characters are easy to relate to and the turmoil will keep you turning page after page. I enjoyed my trip to Magnolia as always!

Laurel and Ben were easy to like and their friction was entertaining. I especially liked his kind heart and willingness to put it all on the line for those he loved.

Kayla and Scott were also fun to get to know. I felt for her quite a bit for how she had to try to fit into the family as a step-daughter/sister and once Scott came into the fold and turned her head, it was great to see her shine.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a small town holiday romance filled with strife and family interaction with a whole lot of heart thrown in the mix.

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* Review * MISTLETOE MAGIC IN TAHITI by Kandy Shepherd

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MISTLETOE MAGIC IN TAHITI by Kandy Shepherd

Mistletoe Magic in Tahiti by Kandy Shepherd
Series: The Christmas Pact #1
Published by Harlequin Romance on October 24, 2023
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Healed…

by a mistletoe kiss?

After a bitter divorce, Sienna is spending Christmas on a Tahitian beach! First stop on her "new me" journey? Surf lessons with blazing-hot water-sports magnate Kai—and quickly adding fling to her itinerary! But Sienna hadn’t factored in falling headfirst for the cautious single dad and his adorable daughter. She knows she can’t stay, but will she walk away from a magical future—together?

This delightful meet-cute is sure to please! The first book in The Christmas Pact trilogy introduces us to the Kendall sisters who find themselves striking out for a holiday on their own chosen by the other two siblings. I was quickly hooked on the premise of the story and once Kai came onto the scene to interact with Sienna, I was sold. Their chemistry is adorable and their fast paced, endearing story held my attention throughout. I can’t wait for Thea and Eliza’s stories!

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a destination story that showcases the beauty of an exotic location as a vacation fling simmers and leads to true love.

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* Release Blitz / Review * RISKY GAME by Stacey Lynn

October 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz / Review * RISKY GAME by Stacey Lynn

Risky Game by Stacey Lynn
Series: Nashville Steel #4
on October 17, 2023
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Romance between them is strictly off-limits, but forbidden attraction has never felt so irresistible…I’m playing a risky game…

I’m the brand new coach of the current Super Bowl Champions. If that isn’t hard enough, I’m also one of the youngest coaches in the league.

Coupled with a recently finalized divorce and the goal to take the team and the city of Nashville's fans by storm, my ex throws me for a loop when she says she’s sending our daughter to me so she can take an extended three-month vacation.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my little girl more than anything but suddenly becoming a full-time single dad and the Steele’s new coach rocks the turf beneath my feet. I need some help and I need it fast.

Enter Ruby Moore.

The answer to my prayers. She’s looking for a new start, is great with kids and is the perfect set of eyes to watch my daughter when I’m not around.

The problem? I think she is perfect for me too.

The other problem? She’s not only my nanny, but she’s also the younger sister of a guy I’m tasked with leading. She’s way too young and sweet for me and the way she loves Amelia makes my heart melt. I don’t expect her perfume to remind me of lazy beach days and for her smiles to become a craving I can’t live without. But I can’t stop thinking about her. Fleeting glances turn into deeper conversations and even more carnal nights.

Soon, she’s a forbidden addiction I can’t quit.

I know I'm playing a Risky Game, but can I keep the woman I've fallen in love with, while still maintaining the respect of the team I’m trying to lead to another Championship?

Quickly addictive and utterly delightful! Stacey Lynn is pouring on so many feels when the new head coach of the Nashville Steel meets his match in the younger sister of one of his players and I was there for every single minute. Great characters filled with warmth and passion, relatable situations and just enough angst to mix well with the feel good moments to make an unputdownable reading delight. I have loved this entire series!

Logan is an easy to like character. He’s successful but very down to earth and getting to see the more personal side of him is heartwarming.

Ruby is a sweetheart. She quickly warmed our hearts with her plight, and her sass was spot on in winning Logan’s heart.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a football romance that is rich with emotion and camaraderie and has a close knit cast of friends and teammates. Light on football, but filled with heart!

Risky Game by Stacey Lynn is now live!

Romance between them is strictly off-limits, but forbidden attraction has never felt so irresistible…I’m playing a risky game…

I’m the brand new coach of the current Super Bowl Champions. If that isn’t hard enough, I’m also one of the youngest coaches in the league.

Coupled with a recently finalized divorce and the goal to take the team and the city of Nashville’s fans by storm, my ex throws me for a loop when she says she’s sending our daughter to me so she can take an extended three-month vacation.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my little girl more than anything but suddenly becoming a full-time single dad and the Steele’s new coach rocks the turf beneath my feet. I need some help and I need it fast.

Enter Ruby Moore.

The answer to my prayers. She’s looking for a new start, is great with kids and is the perfect set of eyes to watch my daughter when I’m not around.

The problem? I think she is perfect for me too.

The other problem? She’s not only my nanny, but she’s also the younger sister of a guy I’m tasked with leading. She’s way too young and sweet for me and the way she loves Amelia makes my heart melt. I don’t expect her perfume to remind me of lazy beach days and for her smiles to become a craving I can’t live without. But I can’t stop thinking about her. Fleeting glances turn into deeper conversations and even more carnal nights.

Soon, she’s a forbidden addiction I can’t quit.

I know I’m playing a Risky Game, but can I keep the woman I’ve fallen in love with, while still maintaining the respect of the team I’m trying to lead to another Championship?

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

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3QfzJP0

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/45reXAy

Nook: https://bit.ly/45u7ReW

Kobo: https://bit.ly/47RCjkI

Google Play: https://bit.ly/47T4aRl

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3k5NMsx

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 * CONFESSIONS OF A CHRISTMASHOLIC by Joss Wood

October 14, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CONFESSIONS OF A CHRISTMASHOLIC by Joss Wood

Confessions of a Christmasholic by Joss Wood
Published by One More Chapter on October 19, 2023
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Sutton Alsop hates Christmas. So much so, when confronted with a house that looks like Santa himself vomited Christmas all over it, she accidentally (drunkenly) destroys every fairy light, fake reindeer and candy cane in sight. Unfortunately for Sutton, this house belongs to none other than Gus Langston, single dad and owner of the village’s year-round Christmas shop – aka Mr Christmas himself.

But Mr Christmas has a secret only Sutton knows…

With the two of them forced together for the holidays, the sparks between them are hot enough to melt even the coldest of hearts!

This quirky holiday read will melt your heart while tickling your funny bone! Joss Wood is oozing sarcasm in such a delightful way in this feel-good, emotional story of second chances with an English Christmas backdrop painting the story of bliss, while real life rears it’s ugly head here and there to delve into past betrayal, unreliability and falling in love when they least expect it. Utterly delightful overall, but the ending was really weak and needed to give us more to wrap up this great fam.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a small town romance revolving around Christmastime with the ups and downs of life shining bright.

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* Review * HER LAST WORDS by Carolyn Arnold

October 14, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER LAST WORDS by Carolyn Arnold

Her Last Words by Carolyn Arnold
Series: Detective Amanda Steele #9
Published by Bookouture on October 17, 2023
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The glow from the fireplace throws an eerie light over the woman’s carefully arranged body, her lifeless eyes reflecting the flames that slowly burn the evidence of who did this to her…

When Detective Amanda Steele is called to the brutal murder scene of successful local author Felicity Kelley, her blood runs cold. Because Amanda not only knew the victim, but was the last person Felicity called moments before she was murdered. Plagued with guilt that she never answered, Amanda is left wondering whether she could have prevented the murder, and vows to catch the killer, no matter what.

Desperately searching the crime scene for clues, Amanda is shocked when she discovers a Queen of Hearts playing card, suggesting the murder could be an imitation of a scene from Felicity’s bestselling crime novel. Terrified that she is dealing with a crazed fan who could strike again, Amanda’s worst fears are confirmed when another innocent woman is viciously murdered, with the same chilling calling card left behind.

But when Amanda connects the murders with a cold case from fifteen years ago, a case that Felicity appears to have been researching for her next novel, she is forced to question if the killer’s motive is even more sinister than she first suspected. But the closer Amanda gets to unearthing this motive, the closer she gets to becoming the next victim…

You’ll be hooked from the first page! The author quickly intigues the reader with a new case for Detective Amanda Steel to sink her teeth into that hits a little close to home. I enjoyed the context of the mystery, and while I felt this was a tad weaker story that normal for this series and failed to hold my attention quite as stringently, I thoroughly enjoyed the hook of the whodunnit. I always leave looking forward to more Amanda!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a series with a strong female lead who puts her heart and soul into solving the crime in her town while having meaningful relationships and drama mixed into the dialogue of each book.

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* Release Blitz/Review * THE DEVIL’S LAIR by Penny Dee

October 6, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE DEVIL’S LAIR by Penny Dee

The Devil's Lair by Penny Dee
Series: De Kysa Mafia #2
on October 6, 2023
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Massimo De Kysa.
The man who stole my first kiss.
And now my boss.

I learned early how life can turn on a dime.
That’s how it is when you grow up as a mafia princess.
One minute you’re rich, spoilt, and betrothed to the most revered man in the city—the next you're broke and selling your designer bags so you can eat.

But I’m not the kind of girl who gives up without a fight.
And when someone steals everything from me I’m not afraid to turn to the enemy for help.

He’s a De Kysa. I’m a Bamcorda.
Two rival families from the East Coast.
But it wasn’t always that way.
A year ago, he stole my first kiss and gave me a night to remember.

Since then, he’s changed.
Now he’s a powerful don with the presence of an approaching storm.

He agrees to help me hunt down who stole my inheritance.
But everything comes with a price, especially when you strike a deal with the devil.

Will trusting the enemy get me my life back, or will it cost me everything?

The Devil’s Lair is book 2 in the De Kysa Mafia series. Expect off-the-charts chemistry, Cinderella moments, a plot twist of all plot twists, and all the delectable heat of a mafia romance. For readers 18+. See author’s note for trigger warnings.

Heart-wrenchingly addictive! Fast paced drama, real connections and so many feels! I am loving this De Kysa Mafia series with it’s powerful storylines, steamy romances and danger around every corner. I feel like you need to read the first book in the series to truly have a good connection with this one so that you understand what happened between the families previously, so I would recommend you read the series in order for that reason. I’m hoping there’s more to come with this fam!

Massimo is not your typical mafia don and he lets his softness shine with Bianca. I really liked them together, even from their previous meeting they were just adorable.

Bianca has to pick up the pieces of a shattered life and prove to the world and more importantly herself that she can stand on her own and prosper when she needs to. I loved her tenacity.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a mafia romance with a whole lot of heart below the surface.

Title: The Devil’s Lair

Series: De Kysa Mafia #2

Author: Penny Dee

Genre: Mafia Romance

Tropes: Rival to Lovers/Virgin Heroine/Redemption

Release Date: October 6, 2023

BLURB

Massimo De Kysa.

The man who stole my first kiss.

And now my boss.

I learned early how life can turn on a dime.

That’s how it is when you grow up as a mafia princess.

One minute you’re rich, spoilt, and betrothed to the most revered man in the city—the next your broke and selling your designer bags so you can eat.

But I’m not the kind of girl who gives up without a fight.

And when someone steals everything from me I’m not afraid to turn to the enemy for help.

He’s a De Kysa. I’m a Bamcorda.

Two rival families from the East Coast.

But it wasn’t always that way.

A year ago, he stole my first kiss and gave me a night to remember.

Since then, he’s changed.

Now he’s a powerful don with the presence of an approaching storm.

He agrees to help me hunt down who stole my inheritance.

But everything comes with a price, especially when you strike a deal with the devil.

Will trusting the enemy get my life back, or will it cost me everything?

The Devil’s Lair is book 2 in the De Kysa Mafia series. Expect off-the-charts chemistry, Cinderella moments, a plot twist of all plot twists, and all the delectable heat of a mafia romance. For readers 18+. See author’s note for trigger warnings.

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AUTHOR BIO

Penny Dee writes contemporary romance about rock stars, bikers, hockey players and everyone in-between. Her stories bring the suspense, the feels and a whole lot of heat.

She found her happily ever after with an Australian hottie who she met on a blind date.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz