Book Reviews – Page 31

* Review * JUST ONE MORE AFFAIR by Carly Phillips

May 4, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE MORE AFFAIR by Carly Phillips

Just One More Affair by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #5
Published by CP Publishing on May 12, 2025
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Oops, she did it again…

A one-night stand with a billionaire.
A surprise pregnancy.
Can she trust his love?
Or is it the baby tying them together?

Charlotte Kendall never expected history to repeat itself after a one-night stand at a wedding. Especially since a past encounter left her co-parenting twin daughters she adores. Except this time, her baby daddy is a man she can’t resist.

Billionaire Jared Sterling always gets what he wants—and he wants Charlotte Kendall. When he learns she’s pregnant, he’s all in. But Charlotte’s past has taught this independent, single mom to guard her heart. She doubts Jared’s motives and believes he’s only invested for the baby.

Their chemistry is undeniable and Jared will do anything to convince Charlotte she’s his endgame. But her life is complicated and when her brother’s recklessness puts Charlotte in danger, Jared takes over, proving he’s offering the love and stability she has always craved.

Now Charlotte must decide—will she keep running from the man who’s offering her everything, or take a chance on love?

Sexy, sweet and seductive! I’ve loved the entire Sterling Family series, but Jared just might be my fav! It was really fun to have the connection already with Charlie from getting to know her twins with Noah in his and Fallon’s book previously, so it kind of felt like settling in with old friends as soon as I started this book. Charlotte and Jared are intelligent, accomplished people and seeing their instant sizzle and then respect for each other even when their situation changed was really rewarding. I liked her a lot and he was just the right man for her. Great character development, good drama mixed in and so much family goodness to top it all off. I loved every minute!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a tight knit family who always has some drama going on but who loves hard through it as they support each other in finding their happily ever afters.

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* Review * EXTENDED BRIDGE by Arell Rivers

May 4, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * EXTENDED BRIDGE by Arell Rivers

Extended Bridge by Arell Rivers
Series: Passionate Beats Trilogy, #2
on May 22, 2025
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Torn Between Two Tracks: Can Love Conquer Fear?

Bennett Hardy. Rock god. Heartbreaker. The world's most wanted man. And he's looking at me like I'm his one and only.

Branded “Black Widow” in the media due to the death of my boyfriend, the band's keyboardist, fear is a constant beat underneath my skin. Fear of reliving the nightmares of my past, fear of getting my heart shattered again. Mom says I need a change, a clean break. My bestie whispers, “Let him love you.” But can I trust him? Can I trust myself?

Suddenly, I'm drowning in the intoxicating chaos of Untamed Coaster's world. One hug was the line I drew when I agreed to return. Strictly professional. But Bennett…he sees the scars I hide and ignites a passion I swore was dead. He’s not alone, because I see the abandoned little boy he once was. One unbridled night, and I'm lost in a love that feels too good to be true.

Then, the world explodes. A devious attack. A devastating interview. A desperate call. Just like that, I'm running again, torn between the man who owns my soul and the ones who desperately need my help.

Now I can’t help but wonder if I gave up my only chance at something real.

EXTENDED BRIDGE is the second book in the Passionate Beats trilogy. It requires you to read the prior book in the trilogy first and ends on a cliffhanger, with a certain HEA in the third and final book. It is told exclusively from physical therapist Jenna Westfield’s point of view. If you’re looking for a slow burn, found family rockstar romance filled with heartbreak and fraught new possibilities, then it’s time to climb the tracks with Untamed Coaster!

Dramatically addictive! Book two in Arell Rivers Passionate Beats Trilogy picks up where Opening Strains left us on a cliffhanger and takes us knee deep into Bennett and Jenna once again. I really like them, and I like the overall plot but this book almost felt like we were starting over with the connection they had made previously a bit as well as with her doubts about him. We’re again left on a cliffhanger in anticipation of their conclusion and HEA in book three and this one was big. I’m looking forward to seeing where life takes them at this point and hoping we will eventually get the down low on why it is that Pierce has such an issue with her. I’m hooked and highly anticipating book three!

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* Review * NASH by Victoria Denault

May 2, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Nash by Victoria Denault
Series: Hockey Royalty #4
on April 22, 2025
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She’s gorgeous, smart, and the bane of my existence. She’s also my wife.

Tenley Garrison and I hate each other. Sure, she’s a leggy, blonde with a gorgeous smile and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, but she lives to push my buttons. One night in Vegas, I decide to push hers right back. Biggest mistake of my life.

Somehow, after too many margaritas and too many dares, we wake up in the same bed with a hazy memory of a wedding chapel. No surprise, we both want an annulment. Tenley is busy launching her career as a documentary filmmaker, and I’m busy with hockey playoffs. Neither of us wants a partner we like let alone one we can’t stand.

But when the media finds out, Tenley’s producers tell her they won’t make her sports documentary unless we’re in it, together. And my team makes it clear a divorce during playoffs is off the table. So we’re forced to shack up and fake a happy marriage.

When no one is looking, we’re pranking each other, insulting each other and making each other squirm. I refuse to turn down her ridiculous dares. If I did, Tenley would think she’s won, and I’m Nash Westwood, I never lose.

Except when the dares turn sexy, sparks fly, shocking us both. Maybe there really is a fine line between love and hate. But there’s no way I’m crossing that line with Tenley Garrison… am I? Oh crap.

This enemies to lovers hockey romance with a twist is so much fun! Victoria Denault is pouring on all the feels and angst with the fourth book in her Hockey Royalty series and I loved every single minute. We got to know both Nash and Tenley pretty well in the previous book in the series when his twin brother fell for her cousin, and this book picks up right where we left on in that one with a big bombshell. There’s humor and angst mixed up with a whole lot of mixed emotions as these supposed enemies who love to hate on one another find they also enjoy loving on one another a bit too much too. Loved them! Great characters, lots of drama and just the right amount of falling hard to make for an excellent happily ever after.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance that centers around a big boisterous family who loves hard and always welcomes newcomers to the fam as each sibling/cousin falls for their “one”.

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* Review * CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW by Debra Webb

May 2, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW by Debra Webb

Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb
Series: Vera Boyett #3
Published by Thomas & Mercer on May 6, 2025
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Vera Boyett is a master at cracking a case.

After tragedy destroyed her career as deputy police chief, she felt lost. Moving back home near her sisters, she put her skills back to use as a crime analyst, and now her star is finally back on the rise. Vera’s work really begins to heat up after the local sheriff, Gray “Bent” Benton, calls to ask her for assistance with a pressing case.

Pushing aside their complicated past, Vera agrees to help Bent search for a missing reporter. But their investigation uncovers an improbable connection to the Messenger, a serial killer she put behind bars twelve years ago. The killer, who is dying of cancer, wants his final revenge. And the reporter is merely a distraction—Vera is his true target.

When the Messenger pulls her sister Eve into his twisted game, Vera vows to stop him for good. But can she find Eve and the reporter before it’s too late?

Attention grabbing from start to finish! The second book in Debra Webb’s Vera Boyett series is just as addictive as the first with lots of twists that will leave the reader guessing. I really enjoy Vera and Bent and their connection. I wanted a little more backstory catch up from the first book, in particular what truly happened to ruin her career other than the little bit we get caught up on when her old friend Eric arrives in town. There are a ton of characters across this book, but for the most part it’s easy to keep things straight and not feel too overwhelmed. If that catch up between stories would be a little more developed, I think the series would be top notch. I’m looking forward to more to come from Vera!

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* Review * HERO MINE by Janie Crouch

May 1, 2025 Leave a Comment

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Hero Mine by Janie Crouch
Series: Linear Tactical, Heroes of Oak Creek #6
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on May 4, 2025
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“Survival is always the most important thing.”

You don’t get far in Oak Creek, Wyoming, home of Linear Tactical and its gruff and rugged heroes, without hearing that motto.

Free-spirited Joy Davis—opposite of gruff and rugged—heard the slogan her whole life and generally met it with a roll of her eyes.

Until the night she was attacked and left for dead.

He’s always been her anchor. But now, she’s his reason to fight.

Bear Bollinger, the Oak Creek’s rough-hewn mechanic, has been Joy’s protector and confidant for years, waiting for the right time to make his move.

Watching her struggle in the aftermath of the attack breaks something inside him. Determined to see her smile again, he steps in to help her rebuild her shattered confidence.

But Oak Creek has danger closing in.

When a new threat begins to stalk the town, Bear must protect the woman who means everything to him, even as Joy fights to reclaim her life and face a danger unlike anything she’s ever known.

Highly emotional and addictive! Heading back to Oak Creek, Wyoming is always a pleasure when we get to see any of the old Linear Tactical crowd and extend our fandom with the next generation of heroes. Bear Bollinger has adored Joy Davis for years, but something always got in the way of pursuit. Seeing Joy trying to work through the trauma she went through with Sloane is breaking his heart and he can’t resist stepping in to ease her fears. The concept of the story is easy to relate to, the characters have a connection immediately and the danger that’s lurking is just enough mystery to keep it all exciting. I really enjoyed their story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series plus the prior LT books to anyone that likes romantic suspense with a strong military type hero who meets his match in an equally spirited woman to share their life with while the backdrop of danger and camaraderie with their friends and family bring lots of entertainment along the way.

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* Review * TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD by Nancy Naigle

May 1, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD by Nancy Naigle

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle
Series: Shell Collector #3
Published by WaterBrook on April 29, 2025
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Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug.

But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild.

As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

Smalltown, heartwarming romance and more at it’s very best! With an enchanting follow up to The Shell Collector, Nancy Naigle brought emotion to the forefront quickly as it felt like going home again for the reader to revisit Whelks Island, NC and reconnect with Paul, Amanda, Tug and the kids with memories of Maeve around every corner. New to town visitor Rosemary is quick to connect with the town and it’s core team as a storm rolls through just as she’s beginning her visit. New friendships develop, family dynamics are tested and healing is abound. Great characters, heartfelt drama and many happy endings.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a smalltown women’s fiction strong on friendships and family along with hints of romance and tidbits of drama to round it all out.

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* Release Blitz/Review * LOVE, LIES AND WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

May 1, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * LOVE, LIES AND WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

Love, Lies, and Whiskey by Melissa Foster
Series: The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch #5
Published by World Literary Press on April 30, 2025
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First loves that were ripped apart, and the epic love that saves them.

At nineteen, Seeley “Doc” Whiskey fell hard for the governor’s daughter, and then she was torn away. He risked his life and his family’s legacy to get her back, only to find out that everything he believed about her was a lie. His heart has been locked down ever since.

Betrayed by everyone she loves, Juliette Chambers has been through hell and back. Now a single mother and veterinarian, Juliette moves back to Colorado to start over. The last person she expects to run into is the man who completely destroyed her.

A chance encounter turns into a moment of fury, sending them into an emotional maelstrom. Tears and accusations fly and passion ignites, but in their wake they discover a trail of secrets and lies and a life-changing blow that takes them to their knees.

The Whiskey just keeps getting smoother and smoother! Melissa Foster is the queen of family development and she proves it time and time again, series after series. The Whiskeys are a phenomenal group of people who love hard, support each other and those in need of a helping hand and they give every aspect of themselves to life. I adore each and every one of them. Getting to enjoy seeing Doc get his happily ever after was really rewarding! Great characters, well developed drama and so much heartwarming love!

Doc loves his family and is always available with a helping hand, but he’s lived life on the outskirts ever since his heart was shattered as a teen. He enjoys life, but he’s always kept a piece of himself closed off. That changes in the blink of an eye when he crosses paths with the one that got away and has his eyes opened to all of the secrets and lies that were woven around their lives.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a steamy romance with a strong family presence as each sibling finds their forever love.

LOVE, LIES, AND WHISKEY
The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch
Melissa Foster
Releasing April 30, 2025
World Literary Press

Blurb:

Get ready to fall hard for the mysterious Seeley “Doc” Whiskey and the one woman he never thought would walk back into his life, in this sexy and emotional second-chance standalone romance. The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch is a small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horses—and people—a second chance. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and a happily ever after that will leave you breathless.

First loves that were ripped apart, and the epic love that saves them.

At nineteen, Seeley “Doc” Whiskey fell hard for the governor’s daughter, and then she was torn away. He risked his life and his family’s legacy to get her back, only to find out that everything he believed about her was a lie. His heart has been locked down ever since.

Betrayed by everyone she loves, Juliette Chambers has been through hell and back. Now a single mother and veterinarian, Juliette moves back to Colorado to start over. The last person she expects to run into is the man who completely destroyed her.

A chance encounter turns into a moment of fury, sending them into an emotional maelstrom. Tears and accusations fly and passion ignites, but in their wake they discover a trail of secrets and lies and a life-changing blow that takes them to their knees.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210669710-love-lies-and-whiskey

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/324539

Sneak Peek: https://melissafoster.com/love-lies-whiskey-sneak-peek/

Buy Link

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Audio narrated by Aiden Snow and Erin Mallon

EXCLUSIVE PRE-ORDER SHOP: https://bit.ly/LLW_audio

Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling and award-winning 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
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

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* Release Blitz/Review * NORTH by Sawyer Bennett

April 22, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * NORTH by Sawyer Bennett

North by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #16
Published by Big Dog Books on April 22, 2025
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Life as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans is pretty freaking fantastic. I live in one of the best cities around, get paid to play the game I love and enjoy all the perks of being a professional hockey player. While many of those perks are because of who I am, one in particular is because of who I know.

Farren Abrams wasn’t on my radar until she came to town to visit her brother Rafferty. She’s smart, sarcastic, sexy as hell and can talk hockey like a pro. So when a night out with the team became a drunken hookup with Farren, there were zero complaints from yours truly. We had our fun and then she went back home—no harm, no foul. Now she’s moved to Pittsburgh permanently and while she’s still looking for some fun, I’m starting to look for more.

The more time I spend with Farren the more I like her, but to say she’s relationship averse is an understatement. Something in her past has caused her to head for the hills whenever someone gets too close, but she shuts down whenever I push for details. When she rejects my attempts to take this thing to the next level, I’m forced to seek help from none other than Rafferty, who has no idea I’m banging his little sister. With his assistance, I set out to do the one thing none of those chumps in Farren’s past have taken the time to do—help her face her demons and give her something worth staying for.

Forbiddenly hot! The next book in Bennett’s always entertaining Pittsburgh Titans hockey series is bringing North to the forefront alongside Rafferty’s little sister Farren. I really like the core cast of this series and their tight camaraderie. I liked North and Farren both and enjoyed their time together but felt like the book was too fast paced with not a lot of development of their actual relationship or enough about his back story. I wanted more … but loved them as a couple.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit hockey team that have made themselves a true family as one after another finds love.

New Release
North (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #16)
Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis:

New to the Pittsburgh Titans but no stranger to relentless ambition, North Paquette knows exactly how to put in the work to ensure the win. But this time, the stakes are personal because the game isn’t just on the ice.

Life as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans is pretty freaking fantastic. I live in one of the best cities around, get paid to play the game I love and enjoy all the perks of being a professional hockey player. While many of those perks are because of who I am, one in particular is because of who I know.

Farren Abrams wasn’t on my radar until she came to town to visit her brother Rafferty. She’s smart, sarcastic, sexy as hell and can talk hockey like a pro. So when a night out with the team became a drunken hookup with Farren, there were zero complaints from yours truly. We had our fun and then she went back home—no harm, no foul. Now she’s moved to Pittsburgh permanently and while she’s still looking for some fun, I’m starting to look for more.

The more time I spend with Farren the more I like her, but to say she’s relationship averse is an understatement. Something in her past has caused her to head for the hills whenever someone gets too close, but she shuts down whenever I push for details. When she rejects my attempts to take this thing to the next level, I’m forced to seek help from none other than Rafferty, who has no idea I’m banging his little sister. With his assistance, I set out to do the one thing none of those chumps in Farren’s past have taken the time to do—help her face her demons and give her something worth staying for.

Shop direct at the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

E-Book | Audio | Signed Paperback
(narrated by Stephen Dexter and Savannah Peachwood)

Grab your copy at these other retailers:

E-Book: Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

** additional audio links coming this week as it goes live at retailers! **

About the Author:

When Sawyer Bennett isn’t writing New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling books, she’s listening to her favorite audios, catering to her dogs, and schlepping her daughter to and from the horse barn. Known for strong character development and romance that caters to a wide variety of readers, find Sawyer at https://geni.us/SawyerBennett.

Connect with Sawyer:

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* Review * THE COWBOY’S WEDDING PROPOSAL by Melinda Curtis

April 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * THE COWBOY’S WEDDING PROPOSAL by Melinda Curtis

The Cowboy's Wedding Proposal by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Cowboy Academy #7
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 29, 2025
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What's sweeter than chocolate?

A second chance at love!

Single mom Tillie Powell has spent enough time getting over Keith Morgan and his misguided marriage proposal six years earlier. All she wants now is to be the perfect maid of honor to her cousin, proving to her uncle that she’s ready for the ranch manager job, which will support her daughter, Shay, in the process. But best man Keith suddenly seems to be everywhere she is, helping with wedding tasks and annoyingly winning over Shay. As the big event draws closer, Tillie must decide if she’s finally ready to hear Keith’s side of the story—and let his love in.

Tumultuous and attention grabbing! Curtis is delighting her readers with an adventure filled wedding and a handful of second chances with the next book in her Cowboy Academy series. The plot was quick to catch my attention and I was rooting for Keith and Tillie to find their way back to each other very quickly. Her daughter and Gran made for lots of adorableness along the way. Lots of emotion, laughs and upset throughout. Highly recommend!

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* Review * K-9 CONFIDENTIAL by Nichole Severn

April 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * K-9 CONFIDENTIAL by Nichole Severn

K-9 Confidential by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #5
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on April 29, 2025
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This fierce K-9

Is facing killer odds

Security agent Granger Morais is stunned when he and his K-9, Zeus, confront the one person he thought was dead—and can’t afford to trust again. Helping ex-informant Charlie Acker discover who killed her young sister may be key to taking down her powerful extremist family. But when Granger must protect her from a ruthless cartel that wants her special skills, will his and Charlie’s troubled history—and reignited heat—keep them alive…or be the one trap they never saw coming?

High intensity and danger lurking everywhere! Severn is delivering angst galore as her New Mexico Guard Dogs series with Harlequin Intrigue is drawing near it’s end. The next to last book is giving Granger his match as he encounters a part of his past that he thought was long gone. I liked the characters and the suspense a lot. The twists were attention grabbing. I wanted a smidge more in the end to give Granger and Charlie a more satisfying step forward to where they are going to end up, but overall I enjoyed their story very much and am looking forward to the final book in the series on it’s way soon.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a fast paced suspense with lots of danger and action along the way.

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