* Review * YOU CAN DIE by Rebecca Zanetti

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * YOU CAN DIE by Rebecca ZanettiYou Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: A Laurel Snow Thriller #3
Published by Zebra Books on July 25, 2023
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five-stars

Men are dying in the Pacific Northwest, their bodies found near churches, charities, and counselling centers—each with valentine candy hearts shoved down their throats. They’re good men with families and community ties—or so they seem until Laurel Snow and her team begin to investigate. Then the case takes a shockingly personal turn when the father she’s never met, a former pastor, is attacked in exactly the same way.

Now, besides solving the case, Laurel is on the hunt to discover where her father has been. Complicating things is Laurel’s troubled half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant sociopath determined to prove that they’ve both inherited their father’s malignant narcissism.

Assisting Laurel is Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, a dangerous loner whose reliance on gut instinct puts him at odds with Laurel’s coolly analytic approach. But the choice may be moot when the killer hones in on Huck’s own dark secrets—putting him and Laurel squarely in the crosshairs.

 

Pulse pounding intrigue and drama from start to finish! The third book in Rebecca Zanetti’s Laurel Snow series is filled with mystery and equal amounts of strife as a crime spree keeps them on their toes in town and Laurel’s wayward recently found family continue to pull at her sanity. I really hope we have more to come in this series because there is so much still to uncover.

Laurel continues to be an intense investigator with lots of heart and warmth with those she cares about. I can’t wait to see what is in store for her and Huck in the future and what comes of her crazy fam.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a high impact serial killer drama with lots of emotion and heart backing up the characters.

five-stars

* Review * DIVING INTO FOREVER by Laurel Greer

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DIVING INTO FOREVER by Laurel GreerDiving into Forever by Laurel Greer
Series: Love at Hideaway Wharf #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on July 25, 2023
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five-stars

-- Travel the world
-- Become dive-certified
-- Find forever love?

To complete his beloved late sister’s bucket list, chef Kellan Murphy needs to triumph over his fear of deep water. Enter American dive instructor Sam Walker, as kind as he is electrifying to every fiber of Kell’s being. Sam’s soon nudging his way into the Irishman’s heart. But with Kellan’s dive certification comes an inheritance…and the restaurant of his dreams a continent away. Is Kellan’s future really on Oyster Island—with Sam?

 

Sexy, sweet and sentimental! Laurel Greer is kicking off her brand new Love at Hideaway Wharf series with just the sweetest M/M couple you could imagine. I loved Kellan and Sam from the very first scene and enjoyed every minute of their love story. This book portrays lots of emotion, light angst and the message of not letting life pass you by without reaching for your dreams. I’m hooked and can’t wait for a return trip to Oyster Island!

Kellan touched my heart right away with his journey to conquer his fears to accomplish the adventure list that his sister never got to finish. He had a lot to overcome, but also many dreams to reflect on during his trek to forever.

Sam is sexy, secure and the sweetest guy around. He goes out of his way to always help family and loves what he does and where he lives.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast-paced small-town romance with passion and angst but equal parts warmth and family. Looking forward to more in the series!

five-stars

* Review * THE GIRL WHO LIED by Shannon Hollinger

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE GIRL WHO LIED by Shannon HollingerThe Girl Who Lied by Shannon Hollinger
Series: Chief Maggie Riley #1
Published by Bookouture on August 2, 2023
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four-stars

Rain hammers the earth and a vicious wind rattles the trees. Then lightning strikes, the flash illuminating a young girl staggering out of the woods, her brown eyes wide with fright, a silent scream on her lips…

There’s a storm approaching the tiny Maine town of Coyote Cove when Chief Maggie Riley comes across the body of a man, blood seeping from stab wounds into the damp forest floor. As she desperately struggles to secure the evidence before the rain hits, Heather, a local teenage girl, emerges from the woods, shivering and unable to talk.

Maggie, once a high flying big-city detective, lost everything when her four-year-old brother went missing five years ago. Heart-broken, she’s never stopped searching for him: but now she is plunged back into the world she left behind.

The victim, Maggie discovers, knew secrets about everyone in isolated Coyote Cove. It seems there are more local suspects in this case than people she can rule out. And with Heather still traumatised, Maggie struggles to unravel her strange appearance at the crime scene. Until, following a faint, bloody trail deep into the forest, she’s horrified to unearth what the terrified girl’s been hiding…

But when Heather is kidnapped, the battle to identify the killer becomes a race to save an innocent girl’s life. And with the whole town terrified, Maggie is shocked to uncover that this twisted killer is much closer to home than she’d ever imagined. Battling her own demons and memories of her missing brother, how far will Maggie have to go to save Heather? Or will another innocent young life be lost forever...?

 

Twisty and addictive! I’ll admit, I had a slow start with this book and still am not sure that I like the author’s overly descriptive prose, but as the characters began to develop and we got into the heart of the scene I was really swept away and hooked until the end. I’m going to reserve judgement until I try out book two to see if the writing style is for sure for me. Sometimes too much description of scenes and characters comes across as long-winded rather than beneficial, so I have to see how the next book makes me feel.

Maggie is a strong character that was quick to keep me reading to see what her secrets were and whether she would solve this wily crime. I liked that she was good-hearted at the same time as being aware and skeptical of trusting.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes a bit of a diabolical thriller that takes you in several directions at once before finally revealing the truth.

four-stars

* Review * THE ROUGH RIDER by Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE ROUGH RIDER by Maisey YatesThe Rough Rider by Maisey Yates
Series: Four Corners Ranch #4
Published by Canary Street Press on July 25, 2023
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four-half-stars

When Alaina finds herself pregnant and alone, she knows she’s in a tight spot. Small towns like hers tend to raise eyebrows at unwed mothers, and she knows the vicious gossip mill will soon be churning. Thankfully, her ruggedly stoic childhood protector, Gus McCloud, knows a thing or two about guarding secrets. Offering Alaina a marriage on paper is the least he can do.

As a hardworking rancher, Gus is well equipped to provide for Alaina and her baby. And despite plans for a solitary life, he wants to. He knows what it’s like to be an outsider, especially after a traumatic childhood left him with scars inside and out. Alaina has long dreamed of a fairy-tale romance, but as the growing fire between her and Gus starts feeling real enough to burn, she questions what that means. Maybe her fake marriage to Gus is the real love she’s been missing all along.

 

Highly emotional and addictive! With the fourth book in her always entertaining Four Corners Ranch series Maisey Yates is pouring on the angst when surly Gus McCloud mixes it up with one of the Sullivan sisters! The premise of the book is attention grabbing and for those of you that are hooked on this series like me, you’ll have an appreciation for seeing some real emotion coming from Gus for a change. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Alaina will be familiar to reader’s as Elsie’s best friend who had her sights set on Hunter McCloud … before Elsie snagged him that is. Trying to prove she didn’t need either of them set her on a self-destructive path that leads to more than she bargained for. I liked her, but she did have some growing up to do for sure.

Gus is really likable because he lays his hang-ups right out there front and center for you to see and deal with. I enjoyed watching him fall hard and fast and have to learn how to be loved.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a good cowboy romance with several tight-knit families who interact regularly but don’t always get along.

four-half-stars

* Review * RESENTFUL ROCKSTAR by Gina Azzi

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RESENTFUL ROCKSTAR by Gina AzziResentful Rockstar by Gina Azzi
Series: The Burnt Clovers Trilogy #2
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on July 6, 2023
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four-half-stars

Derek broke my heart when he left without a good-bye.

Shattered and spiraling, I’m finding my footing when my rebellious rockstar barrels back into my life, upending the progress I’ve made.

Derek’s apologetic and regretful. Worried and sincere.

He’s everywhere, all at once, trying to prove that there’s a happily-ever-after waiting for us.

He’s wrong.

I’m too resentful for forgiveness or second chances. But, gah, I still want him.

As I set the parameters of our new arrangement, Derek slowly scales the walls I’ve erected.

Hope begins to glimmer, and our future looks brighter, until a secret from his past rips him wide open, exposing truths neither of us is prepared to handle.

Turns out, it’s going to take more than understanding and forgiveness to save what we started.

***

Resentful Rockstar is a steamy, contemporary rockstar romance. It's book 2 in The Burnt Clovers trilogy — continuing Derek and Allegra's emotional story from Rebellious Rockstar.

 

Delicious, angsty goodness! With the second book in her Burnt Clovers trilogy Gina Azzi delivers more rockstar cockiness and lots of emotional depth as Allegra and Derek’s love story continues. I enjoyed watching Derek have to actually let some of his true feelings show in order to overcome some of the damage he did in the first book in the series. The characters definitely grab your attention and keep you reading to see what’s going to happen. I’m looking forward to the conclusion to their story in the third and final book!

Allegra is really easy to sympathize with because she’s young and wears her heart on her sleeve, but she becomes a bit self-destructive after Derek crushes her soul a bit.

Derek feels much more than he’s willing to admit to and that makes him easily redeemable in the reader’s eye even though he pulls some really destructive crap. I hope the past that haunts him will also set him free in the finale.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a rocker romance with lots of angst, debauchery and cliffhangers.

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz/Excerpt/Review * BEGINNING OF FOREVER by Catherine Bybee

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Excerpt/Review * BEGINNING OF FOREVER by Catherine BybeeBeginning of Forever by Catherine Bybee
Series: The D'Angelos #3
Published by Montlake on June 27, 2023
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five-stars

Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.

For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.

When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry. Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.

As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.

It’s each other.

 

Heartfelt, emotional and just plain fun! I knew the third book in Catherine Bybee’s D’Angelos series would be good because I binged the first two books in preparation and loved this close-knit Italian family from the very start … but I didn’t expect the humor that this bus tour through Italy would bring and I absolutely adored it! The characters have a connection right from the start that carries the book well, but that also lets the crazy drama from each of their lives play a key part in the dialogue without overwhelming us. I can’t wait for more to come!

Giovanni is a doll and I loved every minute of his character. He’s sweet, he’s dedicated to his family and he’s outgoing without being conceited. I really enjoyed seeing happiness make it’s way to him and watching him shine as the leading man.

Chloe could have come across as spoiled, but instead she was determined to make her mark in life by her heard work and dedication. I enjoyed the give and take of her friendships and seeing her get to a better point with her family towards the end.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a buttinsky type of family who loves hard and wraps each other up their happily ever afters. Drama, romance, laughter and love are all key parts to this series!

 

 

 

ABOUT BEGINNING OF FOREVER

Tasting wine is not enough: sommelier Giovanni D’Angelo wants to create it. To put his family first, he’s always deferred his dreams—a vineyard to run, a woman to marry. But a three-week vineyard tour in Italy could set him back on track.

For Emma Rutledge, wine is in her blood. Intent to run the family wine business one day, she finds that the men in her family are only intent to push her out of it. But that’s fine—she’s got a plan.

When Gio and Emma meet on a wine tour in Tuscany, their shared aspirations fuel an undeniable chemistry.

Returning home to California, they work toward setting up Emma’s vineyard and a label of their own. But when Emma receives a life-altering diagnosis, she worries it’s all been for nothing.

As Emma works to cement her family legacy while dealing with this unexpected challenge, Gio tries to convince her that their future isn’t just wine.

It’s each other.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Catherine is a #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Indie Reader bestselling author. In addition, her books have also graced The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists. In total she has written thirty-nine beloved books that have collectively sold more than 10 million copies and 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 Not Quite series, The Weekday Brides series, the Most Likely To series, and the First Wives series. Learn more about Catherine and her books at www.catherinebybee.com

 

BEGINNING OF FOREVER by Catherine Bybee
Montlake Romance | On sale June 27, 2023
AMAZON  |  B&N  |  BAM  |  BOOK DEPOSITORY


EXCERPT

“What are the chances of that?” he asked.

“Three hundred and sixty-five to one.”

He handed her back her license. “No. It’s much greater than that. Two people from the same part of the world, meet in a different part of the world, who both had birthday gifts that put them in the same place at the same time. Some might call that a sign.” He knew she was listening.

“What kind of sign?”

“That we were meant to meet.” He leaned forward, stared into her eyes.

She paused. “You’re suggesting romantically.”

“I didn’t say that . . . but now that you mention it.” He liked that her mind went there right along with his.

“Did you forget about the part where you’re looking for ‘the one’ and I’m not looking at all?”

Gio couldn’t help it. He looked at her lips and wondered briefly how she would taste. “Minor crossroads, bella,” he said.

She shook her head. “You’re one hell of a flirt.”

“Says the woman who asked me if her butt looked good in her pants.”

She giggled. “Touché.”

“It’s okay. I’m a patient man.” He wasn’t, actually . . . but the white lie sounded good to his ears.

“Is that your way of saying you’re going to wear down my defenses?” Emma asked.

“I’m sure as hell going to try.”

Her cheeks lit up, her smile didn’t falter. “Men never talk to me like you do.”

“I’m not like other men.”

“And if I tell you that you’re wasting your time?” she asked.

“It’s my time to waste.”

She blinked several times. “It was the bathing suit, wasn’t it?”

It was his turn to laugh. “A vision that will come up every time I close my eyes.”

“I wasn’t looking for a compliment.”

“Yes, you were. But no, cara, the swimsuit, while a bonus, is not what is prompting me to try.” She intrigued him on every level.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Duly noted.”

five-stars

* Review * ROUGHING by Jami Davenport

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ROUGHING by Jami DavenportRoughing by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #3
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on June 29, 2023
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four-half-stars

I’m the star defenseman for the Portland Icehawks and the guy everyone loves to hate. Not that I don’t deserve their hatred. After all, how can you like a guy who doesn’t even like himself?

Michella is the one woman I can’t let go, yet I can’t be with her, either. We’re like drugs to each other, and addictions aren’t a good thing. I’ve messed up a relationship before and destroyed the one person I loved. I can’t do the same to Michella.

To make matters worse, Michella’s new job with a private investigative agency puts her in the crosshairs of Portland’s elusive serial killer. I have to protect her, even if staying causes more destruction than leaving.

 

Sexy and addictive goodness! Jami Davenport is pouring on the angst with her Portland Icehawks series and I am loving it! Book three brings us broody Briggs’ story and a deeper dive into the serial killer that has been tormenting the town. The characters are easy to like and I found myself rooting for them from the very start. There wasn’t a huge amount of in depth development into their relationship, but the store as a whole was really enjoyable with drama, romance, angst and suspense all pulling at us throughout. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Briggs has been trouble throughout the series, but we knew there was a story there from the very first time he stepped onto the page, so this book gets us there with all the delectable angst. I love him!

Michella has been coasting through life following one dream after another but she finally has her heart set on what she wants to do with herself … and it just so happens it puts her right smack in the middle of a bullseye leading to the elusive serial killer. I enjoyed her.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a hockey romance with close knit teammates each falling for their forever while some suspense swirls around the plot.

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * TIME OUT by Stacey Lynn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * TIME OUT by Stacey LynnTime Out by Stacey Lynn
Series: Nashville Steel #2
on June 27, 2023
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four-half-stars

A one-night stand with a sexy stranger has me in over my head and calling time out…

Most of my team celebrated our Monday Night Football win with family and a few drinks. I celebrated mine with a smoking hot brunette.

One wild night of passion, with chemistry off the charts, we had our fun. In the morning, just when I was thinking of asking her for one more night—she bolted faster than I can score a touchdown.

It’s my rookie year. I’m breaking records and our team is gearing up to head to the playoffs. A Championship win is the only thing I’m focused on. Until my one-night stand shows up at my doorstep on Christmas Eve and drops a present in my lap that turns my whole word upside down.

Maggie’s pregnant. And the baby is mine. My teammate’s think she’s after my multi-million-dollar contract, but I believe her. Either way, I’m not the kind of guy who walks away from his responsibilities.

Now Maggie’s living under my roof and getting under my skin. I want her close so I can take care of her and our future child.

If only I could keep my hands off her, my life would be a hell of a lot less complicated.

  Spicy and sweet all rolled into one addictive read! The second book in Stacey Lynn’s Nashville Steel football series brings out loads of emotion when the warm-hearted rookie meets his match in a feisty yet sheltered one night stand. I loved Davis and Maggie from the start and as their lives grow more interconnected, there’s only more and more drama to love. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

Davis is a sweetheart and I was rooting for him to win Maggie over right from the start.

Maggie is complex and guarded, but she has a heart of gold and deserved only happiness.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a sports romance with equal parts of spice, sweetness and sass.

 

 

 

 

Time Out by Stacey Lynn is now live!

A one-night stand with a sexy stranger has me in over my head and calling time out…

Most of my team celebrated our Monday Night Football win with family and a few drinks. I celebrated mine with a smoking hot brunette.

One wild night of passion, with chemistry off the charts, we had our fun. In the morning, just when I was thinking of asking her for one more night—she bolted faster than I can score a touchdown.

It’s my rookie year. I’m breaking records and our team is gearing up to head to the playoffs. A Championship win is the only thing I’m focused on. Until my one-night stand shows up at my doorstep on Christmas Eve and drops a present in my lap that turns my whole word upside down.

Maggie’s pregnant. And the baby is mine. My teammate’s think she’s after my multi-million-dollar contract, but I believe her. Either way, I’m not the kind of guy who walks away from his responsibilities.

Now Maggie’s living under my roof and getting under my skin. I want her close so I can take care of her and our future child.

If only I could keep my hands off her, my life would be a hell of a lot less complicated.

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

Amazon: https://bit.ly/42p815T

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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

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four-half-stars

* Review * AND THEN THERE WAS YOU by Nancy Naigle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AND THEN THERE WAS YOU by Nancy NaigleAnd Then There Was You by Nancy Naigle
Series: Chestnut Ridge #1
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on June 27, 2023
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five-stars




Reeling after falling prey to a Romeo con-artist who just waltzed away with the better part of her belongings, Natalie Maynard works closely with the detective assigned to her case, only the few leads have led nowhere.

Detective Randy Fellowes can’t promise Natalie restitution, but he’s determined to find the culprit and serve up justice. Married to his work, he’s caught off guard when Natalie has his thoughts wandering to more than the case.

Natalie soon seeks refuge in the one thing she still owns — an old fishing cabin in the mountains of Chestnut Ridge. She quickly falls in love with the town and the eccentric people who are teaching her so much about the area and its heritage.

Through these people, and the determination of Detective Fellowes, she rediscovers her courage, self, and a reason to risk love again.

 

Heartwarming and delightful! Nancy Naigle writes with heart and smalltown goodness wrapped around every scene and I adored every minute of Chestnut Ridge! The main story is drama-filled and heart-wrenching, but the supporting cast in the town she moves to has a humorous underscore that lightens the mood and brings an added delight to the storyline. I’m looking forward to a return visit soon … we now have so many friends to revisit!

Natalie is an easy character to sympathize with and quickly stole my heart. I wanted her to appreciate Randy more than she seemed to at first, but her being gunshy was to be expected after what she had been through.

Randy was a real sweetheart and I loved how determined he was to find resolution for her.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys smalltown women’s fiction with hints of sweet romance along with a dramatic backstory and a cast of heartwarming characters to sink your teeth into along the way.

 

five-stars

* Review * PRETEND HONEYMOON WITH THE BEST MAN by Andrea Bolter

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PRETEND HONEYMOON WITH THE BEST MAN by Andrea BolterPretend Honeymoon with the Best Man by Andrea Bolter
Published by Harlequin Romance on June 27, 2023
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four-stars




Faking it…
in Bermuda!

Experience has taught unfussy maid of honor Laney Sullivan to have modest expectations of love and life. While best man Ian Luss is rich, successful and devastatingly handsome—and treats marriage like a merger! When circumstances throw them together on the newlyweds’ achingly romantic couples-only honeymoon, they decide they could both use the practice of pretending to be in a relationship. But what happens when practice makes perfect?

 

Sweet and addictive! When the maid of honor and the best man are unexpectedly thrust into a make-believe honeymoon, sparks fly and drama ensues! The main characters were a lot of fun, and though it felt like we were missing a bit of back story before being into the heart of the drama, the connection between them carried their voice well throughout the book.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fake relationship that turns all too real.

four-stars