Book Reviews – Page 27

* Review * BENEATH DARK WATERS by Karen Rose

August 13, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BENEATH DARK WATERS by Karen Rose

Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose
Series: New Orleans #2
Published by Berkley on August 15, 2023
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There’s no safe place for a child to hide when danger comes from every direction.

Public prosecutor J.P. “Kaj” Cardozo has only lived in New Orleans for six months, and he’s already working on a high-profile celebrity sexual assault case that’s made headlines all over the country. But when his son becomes the target of a kidnapping attempt as a threat to Kaj, he is desperate to keep him safe and turns to a private investigative firm famous for their protection services.

A veteran Marine, Val Sorensen is glad to have found a new career with Broussard Investigations. Her latest assignment as the bodyguard to ten-year-old Elijah Cardozo reminds her why—Val is a kick ass guardian with a tender heart. Through her duties, Val grows fond of the boy—and his handsome father.

But when the high-stakes investigation reveals an explosive network of crime through a revived drug gang, lingering deep-seated corruption in the NOPD, and a group of murderers-for-hire targeting Kaj, Elijah, and his star client, they’re all left scrambling for safety…

Addictive drama and bone chilling danger come knocking in the latest from thriller queen Karen Rose! The very beginning is a tad slow while we get the lay of who the characters are and what’s truly going down, but once you get a tight grasp on all of the players this book is highly entertaining and unputdownable! The characters are complicated as the familiar faced saviors are always likable, but there’s some complexity to the bad guys here that have even some of them winning us over before the end. I loved every minute and can’t wait to see more of these familiar white knights in books to come from Rose!

Val was by far my favorite character. She has a past of her own that makes her relatable and sensitive to those around her, and the drama her family brings to the storyline adds a level of humanity that levels out the starkness of some of the background of crimes.

I highly recommend this read to anyone that enjoys a thriller/mystery that will have you guessing from beginning to end as to who all of the bad guys are.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * RESTLESS ROCKSTAR by Gina Azzi

August 13, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RESTLESS ROCKSTAR by Gina Azzi

Restless Rockstar by Gina Azzi
Series: The Burnt Clovers Trilogy #3
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on August 17, 2023
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Derek Reiner is an epic, consuming, forever, kind of love.

He’s also at the center of my deepest heartache.

While he focuses on his personal growth, I figure out my future.

As much as I want him in it, I won't choose Derek at the expense of myself.

Not anymore.

My rockstar may be desperate and restless, but I’m calm and decisive.

Some epic loves burn out before they have the chance to blaze.

Sometimes, it’s for the best.

A worthy conclusion to the Burnt Clovers Trilogy! We’ve been all in for Derek and Allegra, and this is their happily ever after. The characters are endearing, the camaraderie of the band behind them is super sweet and their growth as people and as a couple is warming. I wanted a little more overall from this final chapter considering all of the drama they’ve had going on, but overall the story as a whole was rewarding.

Derek has been an attention grabbing character since the very beginning and to see him actually put in the work to better himself is heartwarming.

Allegra had a lot of growing up to do, and she managed to accomplish a good bit towards that goal.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the trilogy to anyone that enjoys a subtle rockstar romance with a good bit of a family saga feel to it and tight friendships as a backdrop. You must read all three in order to get a full enjoyment out of the story.

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

August 8, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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

Never Too Soon by Chelle Bliss
Series: Star Falls #2
Published by Bliss Ink on August 8, 2023
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Grace Bianchi has always been drawn to men who are allergic to relationships. But when a mysterious man walks into her shop, saving her from a disaster, she finds herself wondering… is he different than the others?

Ryder Cooper is fumbling his way through life. He’s been lost since his wife passed away, leaving him to raise two young children alone. But when he meets a beautiful tattoo artist with a zest for life, she makes him wonder…could he love again?

Never Too Soon is a journey of two broken hearts who believe in love as they mend their broken hearts, finding their happily ever after.

What a delicious read! Chelle Bliss is really tugging on our heartstrings with the second book in her Star Falls series and I loved every single minute of it! The characters are really easy to like, the chemistry is instantaneous and the emotions are high throughout. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series and seeing more of the Bianchi’s fall hard for their forever love.

Grace is strong and successful, but she’s got some secrets that weigh heavily on her. Watching her fall hard for this guy that truly deserves her is really heartwarming.

Ryder is a doll! I loved every minute of his journey of healing and falling for “the one”.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a close-knit family that butts into each other’s lives but it’s always done with love. Watching each sibling fall in love is really rewarding.

Never Too Soon by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Grace Bianchi has always been drawn to men who are allergic to relationships. But when a mysterious man walks into her shop, saving her from a disaster, she finds herself wondering… is he different than the others?

Ryder Cooper is fumbling his way through life. He’s been lost since his wife passed away, leaving him to raise two young children alone. But when he meets a beautiful tattoo artist with a zest for life, she makes him wonder…could he love again?

Never Too Soon is a journey of two broken hearts who believe in love as they mend their broken hearts, finding their happily ever after.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://geni.us/nts-kindle
Apple Books: https://geni.us/nts-apple
Nook: https://geni.us/nts-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/nts-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/nts-gp
Discreet Paperback: https://geni.us/NTS-Discreet

Goodreads: https://geni.us/nts-gr

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
Book+Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/chellebliss/bites

Text BLISS to 24587

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * HAPPINESS by Danielle Steel

August 7, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Happiness by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on August 8, 2023
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Sabrina Brooks is a wildly successful bestselling author of gripping thrillers. Unlike her fictional characters, Sabrina lives a quiet life in the Berkshires with her two beloved dogs. But behind this peaceful exterior is a dark, painful past. As a child raised by an emotionally distant father, Sabrina rarely felt love. And as an adult, her marriage twisted into an abusive relationship from which she had to escape.

Sabrina channeled that fear into her writing, and now she has everything she’s ever wanted. Until the arrival of a mysterious letter disrupts it all, declaring that Sabrina, as the only living relative of her recently deceased uncle, is now the heir to his title and estate outside London. This shocking news forces her to cross the Atlantic and see the manor for herself, stirring up her father’s past and the secrets he kept.

Determined to sell the estate quickly and return home, Sabrina is surprised by how much she loves roaming the gardens and exploring the historic manor. She can’t help but admire her surroundings, especially with the handsome estate attorney, Grayson Abbott, acting as her tour guide. As she learns more about the family history, Sabrina begins to wonder what life would be like as “Lady Brooks,” and if she could upend the stability she has worked so hard for. Is she brave enough to choose a different path?

I was hooked from the very first page as is very typical of a Danielle Steel novel. Steel always manages to weave a tale of woe in all the very best ways and takes her reader along for an emotional journey of healing, prosper and love. With HAPPINESS we meet a successful author who seems to have it all, but who we learn has memories and baggage just like the best of us which almost stops her from taking a chance on an even more fulfilling life. I loved Sabrina’s story and adored her happily ever after!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys seeing a heroine reach outside of her comfort zone to take a chance on a change that just might change her life even though doubt is riding on her shoulder the entire time. Great characters, heartwarming revelations and a rewarding romance once all is said and done along the way.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ROYAL MOM FOR THE DUKE’S DAUGHTER by Jennifer Faye

August 7, 2023 Leave a Comment

Royal Mom for the Duke's Daughter by Jennifer Faye
Series: Princesses of Rydiania #2
Published by Harlequin Romance on July 25, 2023
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A ready-made family…
for the princess?

Princess Beatrix knows widower Duke Rez turned away from high-society life to raise his daughter. But Bea needs his help to dispel vicious rumors circling the palace. Summoning Rez, she never expects him to bring baby Evi. The little family is a painful reminder of her own infertility. But when attraction sparks between them, dare Bea hope that her future might include motherhood?

Sweet, sentimental and oh so satisfying! The second book in Jennifer Faye’s Princesses of Rydiania series for Harlequin Romance is a delightful read that brings a sweetheart of a Princess the knight in shining armor that she needs even before she knows she needs him. The plot was quick to hook me and the characters were down to earth and real with tough subjects of grief and infertility being tackled with a gentle voice and understanding. I enjoyed them very much.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series so far to anyone that enjoys a modern day royal romance with intriguing characters and sweet romance.

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* Release Blitz/Review * WILD ISLAND LOVE by Melissa Foster

August 2, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * WILD ISLAND LOVE by Melissa Foster

Wild Island Love by Melissa Foster
Series: The Steeles at Silver Island #5
Published by World Literary Press on August 2, 2023
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Goodreads

Sparks fly between a PR rep and an A-list actor who want nothing to do with each other.

Leni Steele might be looking for love, but she’s definitely not looking to be someone’s fake date. Especially not one of the most infuriatingly handsome and annoyingly cocky actors on the planet, Duncan Raz. But when the owner of the PR firm for which she works forces her to walk the red carpet on his arm, she has no choice. Neither wants to be there, much less with each other. They’re like oil and water, and he gets on her last nerve. But after a few tequila shots, that’s not all he gets on. What was supposed to be one date turns into a media frenzy they can’t afford to ignore, and Leni has no other option than to continue the ruse. All the fake kisses furtive glances, and seductive touches eventually start to feel very real. But Raz didn’t earn his A-list-actor status for nothing. Is he just doing what he does best? Playing a role? Or is Leni the leading lady in Raz’s real-life love story?

Foster outdid herself with this scrumptiously steamy couple! The fifth return to the Steeles at Silver Island series brings us Leni Steele’s story as she meets her match in hunky actor Duncan Raz. I loved every minute of these characters and their supporting cast and can’t wait for more to come in the series.

Leni is accomplished and sincere in her love for her family and her job, but I loved watching her let her hair down and live a little when she lets herself enjoy Raz more than she ever thought possible.

I loved Duncan so hard! He might be a diva actor, but he’s just the sweetheart that Leni needed to warm the closed off portion of her heart.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a steamy romance with a strong supporting cast of family and friends who pave the way towards forever with love, friction and laughter.

WILD ISLAND LOVE
The Steeles at Silver Island
Melissa Foster
Releasing Aug 2, 2022
World Literary Press

Blurb:

Sparks fly between a PR rep and an A-list actor who want nothing to do with each other.

Leni Steele might be looking for love, but she’s definitely not looking to be someone’s fake date. Especially not one of the most infuriatingly handsome and annoyingly cocky actors on the planet, Duncan Raz. But when the owner of the PR firm for which she works forces her to walk the red carpet on his arm, she has no choice. Neither wants to be there, much less with each other. They’re like oil and water, and he gets on her last nerve. But after a few tequila shots, that’s not all he gets on. What was supposed to be one date turns into a media frenzy they can’t afford to ignore, and Leni has no other option than to continue the ruse. All the fake kisses, furtive glances, and seductive touches eventually start to feel very real. But Raz didn’t earn his A-list-actor status for nothing. Is he just doing what he does best? Playing a role? Or is Leni the leading lady in Raz’s real-life love story?

Sneak Peek, https://melissafoster.com/wild-island-love-sneak-peek/

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61914315-wild-island-love?

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/282375-the-steeles-at-silver-island

Buy Links:

➜KINDLE: https://lnk.to/WIL_Kindle
➜APPLE: https://lnk.to/WIL_Apple
➜NOOK: https://lnk.to/WIL_Nook
➜KOBO: https://lnk.to/WIL_Kobo
➜GPLAY:  https://lnk.to/WIL_GPlay
➜STANDARD PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/WIL_Pb
➜SPECIAL EDITION PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/WILsp
➜HARDBACK: https://lnk.to/WIL_hb

Audio coming soon! Narrated by Zachary Webber and Savannah Peachwood

➜AUDIBLE: https://lnk.to/WIL_Audible
➜AMAZON: https://lnk.to/WILa_Amazon
➜APPLE: https://lnk.to/WILa_Apple

Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:
Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster
Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THEIR ANGEL’S CRY by Shannon Hollinger

August 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THEIR ANGEL’S CRY by Shannon Hollinger

Their Angel's Cry by Shannon Hollinger
Series: Chief Maggie Riley #2
Published by Bookouture on August 2, 2023
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The little dog trembles and whimpers, but refuses to move. Maggie reaches further into the undergrowth, trying to tempt it out. But as she moves closer, she sees something that stops her heart—a tiny, shivering baby, wrapped in a thin, pink blanket, saved only by its loyal protector.

There’s a ferocious storm heading toward the isolated town of Coyote Cove when Chief Maggie Riley gets the call every cop dreads. Three bodies have been found on Rattlesnake Mountain, half a day’s hike from civilization. And when Maggie finally reaches the site, exhausted and freezing, she discovers something even more terrifying—a tiny baby girl, kept alive only by the warmth of a small dog who refuses to leave her side.

As Maggie races the baby to safety, she wonders, why on earth the family risked hiking the mountain in this weather? Who were they and who could possibly have killed them?

A former detective, Maggie may be an experienced investigator, but she’s still an unwelcome newcomer. Battling town prejudice, her fears for the orphaned baby, and the increasingly dangerous weather, Maggie soon discovers the case is far more complicated than she could have imagined. The family is not who they seemed. The mother has never had a baby, there’s no link between them at all. So whose baby is it, and where are they now?

With Coyote Cove cut off by the storm, Maggie knows that wherever the killer is, they won’t be able to leave. Stuck in town with a murderer on the loose, Maggie must race to find them before anyone else gets hurt. But she hasn’t counted on the killer taking matters into their own hands, and going after Maggie first…

Addictive characters keep you coming back for more! The second book in the Chief Maggie Riley series showcases Maggie and her detective skills once again as danger comes to her snow covered town in Maine and tries to reign terror down on them all. I still am not fully sold on the writing style, but the characters are holding my interest enough for now to bring me back to see what happens to Maggie, Steve and the townsfolk.

Chief Maggie is once again knee deep in intrigue as a crime occurs that has the whole system racing against time to figure out whodunnit and who the next victim might be.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone that likes a thriller that has relatable main characters who are working crime after crime as life passes them by.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CONFESSIONS OF A CANINE DRAMA QUEEN by Stefanie London

August 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CONFESSIONS OF A CANINE DRAMA QUEEN by Stefanie London

Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London
Series: Paws in the City #3
Published by Canary Street Press on August 1, 2023
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Can you ever really forget the one who got away?

August Merriweather has always been good with animals. In fact, she’s known as Manhattan’s Dog Whisperer. Men, on the other hand? Not so much. She’s been falling for the wrong guys ever since her regrettable crush on Keaton Sax, older brother of her best friend, Leah, and the biggest jerkface this side of the Hudson.

Now an emotionally closed off widower, Keaton has become one of the most formidable men on Wall Street, but August knows his secret. He’s not driven by sales targets and bonus checks—Keaton just wants to give his family the security they never had. So when Leah asks Keaton to wrangle her over-the-top, dramatic husky at a weekend talent competition, Keaton says yes…and begs August to help him win the event for Leah.

Between obstacle courses, Molly’s husky temper tantrums and a cabin with just one bed, August is having a blast. Away from the pressure to have a “perfect life” with the “right guy,” she finds herself relaxing and getting to see the softer side of the man she once loved. Is this just a temporary truce? Or could Keaton finally be the right guy at the right time?

Just enough drama to counterbalance the laugh out loud humor! The final book in Stefanie London’s Paws in the City series is sure to please rom-com fans when a diva husky puts her paw down and hilarity ensues. I felt like there was a bit of a plot hole surrounding Keaton’s late wife that could have used some better back story building, but other than that the storyline flowed well with lots of humor, romance and affection. I really enjoyed this series!

August is an easy character to like. Her friendship with Leah is heartfelt and a powerful stability in her life. I enjoyed watching her keep Keaton on his toes even while falling under his spell.

Keaton is a sweetheart who will do just about anything for the sister he adores. I loved watching him fall hard and have to admit that he could love again.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a slap stick rom-com with lots of pet hijinx stealing the show. Sincere characters and satisfying happily ever afters.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * OUT OF NOWHERE by Sandra Brown

August 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * OUT OF NOWHERE by Sandra Brown

Out of Nowhere by Sandra Brown
Published by Grand Central Publishing on August 1, 2023
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At a Texas county fair, amidst carousels and a bustling midway, children’s book author Elle Portman is enjoying a rare night out with her favorite cowboy: her two-year-old son, Charlie. But just as they’re about to head home, the unthinkable happens: a shooter opens fire into the crowd, causing widespread panic to erupt all around them.

Also caught in the melee was corporate consultant Calder Hudson. Arrogant, self-centered, and high off his latest career win, he’s frustrated and confused when he wakes up in the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery on his arm. The doctor tells him that he was lucky—that as far as gunshot wounds go, he pulled through remarkably well. Others weren’t so lucky, which instills in Calder a furious determination to get justice . . . a goal shared by Elle.

Their chance encounter at the police station leads to a surprising and inexplicable gravitation to one another, but even as the attraction grows, Elle and Calder can’t help but wonder if the unimaginable tragedy that brought them together is too painful and too complicated to sustain—especially while the shooter remains at large.

An emotional rollercoaster filled with turmoil, determination and non-stop drama! Unputdownable says it all when it comes to how quickly the plot of this story draws you in and has you unable to stop turning page after page to see what’s going to happen and what could possibly come next in this chaotic whodunnit filled with pain, loss and healing. Great story telling of a really hard subject matter.

Elle Portman is a kindhearted character who loves hard and wears her heart on her sleeve when dealing with empathy for others. I felt deeply for her quandary and wanted to see her receive whatever comfort would aid her most.

Calder Hudson is a changed man after living through the destruction they suffered and watching him grow into a more empathetic man was a wonderous thing to witness. He turned out to be one of my favorite characters.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful read that will keep you guessing even when you think you might have it figured out. The camaraderie throughout is comforting, and the bits of romance woven throughout help brighten the gloom of the circumstances well.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CAMDEN by Sawyer Bennett

August 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Camden by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #8
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on August 1, 2023
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Camden Poe is the last of The Lucky Three, the surviving Pittsburgh Titans who weren’t on the team plane the night it went down. By all outward appearances, he’s adjusted to post-crash life well but inside he’s wrestling with the guilt of living.

The catastrophe that killed the Pittsburgh Titans changed my entire world. My teammates were more than my friends—they were my brothers. I mourned their loss with the rest of the nation but then I did as I’ve been taught… I moved on. I focused on returning to the ice with the newly rebuilt team and put the tragedy behind me. Considering the circumstances, I adjusted well. Or so I thought. Now I’m plagued by nightmares of the crash and my play has suffered as a result. Facing the possibility of losing my place on the team, I need to pull myself together and fast.

My buddy and linemate, Mitch Brandt died in the crash, leaving his wife Danica and son Travis behind to pick up the pieces of their shattered family. After reconnecting with Danica at a support group meeting, I find myself inexplicably drawn to helping her and her son move forward. What starts as two friends finding solace in one another following a tragedy becomes something more, leaving us both wondering if we deserve this chance.

I feel as if I’m walking a precarious line between a man falling for an incredible woman and a man moving in on his dead friend’s wife. But one thing is crystal clear—I’ve found a peace with Danica that I wasn’t sure I’d ever have again. Now I need to find the confidence within myself to push past the insecurities and make sure she knows how important she is to me because if I don’t, I’ll lose the one thing that makes me truly complete.

Emotional, sweet and sexy all rolled into one addictive read! The eighth book in the Pittsburgh Titans series brings us the final guy of the Lucky 3, Camden Poe. This series has brought a lot of emotion to the forefront of dealing with loss, overcoming obstacles and healing as a team and I have to say I think this particular book is one of the best ones of the three players who were left behind because it deals heavily with the survivors guilt that he suffers. I enjoyed Camden and Dani a lot and felt like their story portrayed them well.

Camden is well-adjusted on the outside, but the guilt he feels subconsciously is starting to weigh heavily on his mind and his game.

Danica is a complex character. She’s healing as well as can be expected and is doing a great job raising her little boy after her world collapsed around her. I like seeing her find love again and allowing herself to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves hockey romance with lots of feels and a great group of teammates who are all one big family.

Filed Under: Book Reviews