Book Reviews – Page 32

* Review * ROUGHING by Jami Davenport

June 28, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Roughing by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #3
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on June 29, 2023
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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.

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* Release Blitz/Review * TIME OUT by Stacey Lynn

June 27, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * TIME OUT by Stacey Lynn

Time Out by Stacey Lynn
Series: Nashville Steel #2
on June 27, 2023
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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

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3XrqhbL

Nook: http://bit.ly/3CC4WnI

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3ZuyMEM

Google Play: http://bit.ly/3Zu3JZO

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3GvQ2kk

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/

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* Review * AND THEN THERE WAS YOU by Nancy Naigle

June 26, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

And 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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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.

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

June 26, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Pretend Honeymoon with the Best Man by Andrea Bolter
Published by Harlequin Romance on June 27, 2023
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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.

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* Review * PALAZZO by Danielle Steel

June 26, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Palazzo by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on June 27, 2023
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After her parents perish in a tragic accident, Cosima Saverio assumes leadership of her family’s haute couture Italian leather brand. While navigating the challenges of running a company at twenty-three, Cosima must also maintain the four-hundred-year-old family palazzo in Venice and care for her younger siblings: Allegra, who survived the tragedy that killed their parents with scars and a spinal injury, and Luca, who has a penchant for wild parties, pretty women, and poker tables.

Cosima navigates her personal and professional challenges with a wisdom beyond her years, but her success has come at a cost: Her needs are always secondary. She’s married to the business, and her free time is given to those who rely on her . . . until she meets Olivier Bayard, the founder of France’s most successful ready-to-wear handbag company. A brief conversation on her palazzo’s terrace turns into a tour of the Saverio workshop, and, fifteen years after her parents’ deaths, Cosima has found a confidant.

Now the business is financially stable and generating enough income for the Saverios to live comfortably. Then Luca loses a hefty sum at the casino, and his debt must be repaid with money or his life. Cosima, forced to bail him out, is given an impossible choice: List the palazzo, sell a third of the family business, or let Luca fend for himself. But is there another way to save everything she has fought for before it goes up in flames?

Even tragedy and hardship is entertaining when Danielle Steel pours on the emotion and angst in her latest spellbinder! I was hooked from the start to Cosima’s story and looked forward to more with each turning page. The secondary characters added warmth and drama to the storyline and kept the pace fast and filled with heart.

Cosima was a simple character who was easy to like and admire when presented with all that she had accomplished in her young life. When you added in her siblings to the mix, you got a feel for the pressure she deals with on a constant basis. A part of me wanted to have been in her character’s life since the start when she took over the business to live the ups and downs and pressures with her along with her relationships, but the aspect of where she was in life now was also entertaining.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys watching the inner dynamics of a powerful family as trauma and circumstance changes their daily life and exposes secrets and lies.

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* Review * TREASURE COAST HOMECOMING by Leigh Duncan

June 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Treasure Coast Homecoming by Leigh Duncan
Series: Emerald Bay #1
Published by Gardenia Street Publishing on June 22, 2023
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She has one final wish before she puts a For Sale sign in front of the only home she’s ever known, but can her family make her dream come true?

Margaret Dane Clayton has spent her entire life at the Dane Crown Inn, the beautiful resort located in the quiet beachside town of Emerald Bay. But the inn once hailed as the “gem of Florida’s Treasure Coast” is showing its age, much like its fiercely independent owner. Margaret swears she’ll keep the doors of the inn open forever … until an accident forces her to accept the fact that she can no longer cater to guests on her own. After reaching the most difficult decision of her life, Margaret asks her daughter and nieces to grant her one final wish before she places the property on the market. But will these five women put their busy lives on hold to grant it?

One by one, each of the cousins arrives in Emerald Bay with armloads of excuses and far too much baggage. But when the town’s grumpy—yet oh, so handsome—mayor threatens to close the inn for good, the women agree to give the resort the overhaul it desperately needs. Working with a bank account that’s far too small and facing one crisis after another, Margaret’s daughter and her nieces race to fulfill her final wish. Only one question remains: Can this fractured family set aside their differences long enough to restore the inn … and rebuild the closeness they once treasured?

The Emerald Bay Series

After a lifetime of running the finest inn in Emerald Bay, Margaret Clayton has to make a decision … sell the Dane Crown Inn to a stranger or put her hopes for the future in her family’s hands. For most people, the choice would be simple. But nothing about her family is simple … especially not with her daughter and four nieces whose help Margaret needs now more than ever.

The five cousins know the inn as well as Margaret does. As young girls and teenagers, they spent every summer keeping the cottages and suites spotless, and enjoying the gorgeous beach as a tight knit family. Thirty years later, though, these five women have complicated, important, distant, and utterly packed lives. The last thing any of them can do is drop everything and save the inn. But, when it comes to family, the last thing is sometimes the only thing.

As the once-close cousins come together on the glorious shores of Florida’s Treasure Coast, they learn that some things never change, but others can never be the same. And the only thing that matters is family which, like the Dane Crown Inn, is forever.

Treasure Coast Homecoming, Book 1
Treasure Coast Promise, Book 2
Treasure Coast Christmas, Book 3
Treasure Coast Revival, Book 4
Treasure Coast Discovery, Book 5
Treasure Coast Legacy, Book 6

Warm and filled with drama! With the kick off to a brand new Emerald Bay series Leigh Duncan is laying the groundwork of the cousins who will convene to make their elderly aunt/mom’s wish come true revolving around a family inn. This book is most definitely not a stand alone story as lots of tidbits are left up in the air and not developed, we just are meeting all of the cousins and seeing what is to come for the moment. One cousin was introduced but then didn’t seem to be included nearly as much as the rest, so that felt slightly disjointed. It’s slightly overwhelming to be thrust into so many different directions at once, but I see the potential of a heartwarming story overall and look forward to the continuation.

I recommend this book to someone that loves to dive into a connecting women’s fiction series that promises lots of family love and drama with hints of romance along the way.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * I’LL JUST DATE MYSELF by Lani Lynn Vale

June 22, 2023 Leave a Comment
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

I'll Just Date Myself by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Gator Bait MC #7
on June 27, 2023
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Normally when you say, “I have a stalker,” you think bad thoughts. That wasn’t the kind of stalker Folsom was when it came to Kobe Sano. Folsom liked to call herself a “guardian angel in disguise.”

The first time he catches her attention, he’s been assigned to hunt her down and throw away the key. All she did was steal someone else’s child. Well, embryo, that is. What Kobe doesn’t know, though, is the man that hired him is up to no good, and she has no other choice but to run without looking back.

From that moment on, she spends the rest of her spare time running away from him while also digging into every nook and cranny of his personal life, finding every weakness he has and utilizing it any way she needs to keep herself one step ahead of him.

Only one day, when she goes to do her usual snooping, she finds out that not only is her favorite person in trouble, but he’s also in need of her help.

Too bad it takes her years to find that help.

Her next step is to break him out of the pokey prison-break style.

If she knew he’d go without question, she very well might have.

***

It didn’t take a genius to know when someone was stalking you. The signs were all there, and they eventually pointed right at Folsom.

When he figures it out, he plans to confront her and maybe address the silent sexual tension that’s been brewing between them for the last few years.

However, right when he’s ready to admit to himself that she might be the one—daughter who intimidates the hell out of him or not—she up and disappears for a year.

In that year, he spends every waking moment searching for her.

And eventually he finds her, confronts her, and is hit in the face with the secrets she’s kept from him for years.

One of which is a big one.

The daughter that she protects with everything she has—the one that he’s come to love with all his heart, just like her mom—is the very abducted child from his one and only unsolved case.

Complex, addictive goodness! With the final book in her always entertaining Gator Bait MC series, Lani Lynn Vale delivers a heartfelt story for Folsom that is oh so fitting and lays the groundwork for her upcoming Welcome to the Circus series! I was hooked from the start and loved devouring every single heartfelt minute. Such an awesome series!

Folsom has been a mystery that we knew would unravel in a spectacular way since the start of this series. I knew I liked her, but after finding out her story, I loved her even harder. She’s all that and a bag of chips!

I loved Kobe! He’s protective, sincere and has been handed a crap load of drama that he didn’t deserve. I really enjoyed seeing Folsom become his person.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a tough group of guys who are always raring to protect those they love and even innocent bystanders. They love hard and melt under the smile of “the one”.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ONE NIGHT IN MY RIVAL’S BED by Melanie Milburne

June 22, 2023 Leave a Comment
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

One Night in My Rival's Bed by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on June 27, 2023
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He’s forbidden to me

So why can’t I resist him?

Grayson Barlowe has always been my enemy. We were taught by our warring families to compete on the business battlefield. But everything changes when we’re forced to work together!

I have never been immune to his devilish good looks. But as I learn about the pain that Grayson keeps hidden from the world, it becomes obvious he’s not just a playboy. Yet a truce seems impossible, until I find myself in the place I vowed I’d never be: between my enemy’s sheets!

Sentimental and heartfelt! I was quickly invested in the characters of this story, and though there was a lacking of development for the main couple, I felt the inclusion of their sibling’s romance added a sweet touch to the storyline and left me feeling warm towards them. I wanted more, but I wholeheartedly enjoyed them!

I recommend this book to fans of a quick and fast paced romance that finds a happily ever after for all involved.

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* Release Blitz/Review * INFERNO by Chelle Bliss

June 13, 2023 Leave a Comment
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Inferno by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #12
Published by Bliss Ink on June 13, 2023
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Stone Gallo has lived life like every day is a party. No attachments, no responsibilities, and absolutely no falling in love. He spent his days at Inked and his nights wherever he pleased. But when Stone rescues a beautiful woman in need, his entire world gets turned upside down, and he’ll never be the same.

Opal hasn’t had much luck in life. No family, no friends, and absolutely no love. But when a handsome tattoo artist steps in and saves her from a horrible situation, her entire world changes. She's immediately sucked in by his charming family, wanting nothing more than to be one of them, but knows it’s not in the cards for her…it never is.

But when fate steps in, they can’t stop what’s coming—Stone and Opal sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g…

Fast paced and exhilarating! Chelle Bliss can always wrap a new Gallo man around my heart and Stone was even easier than ever. He’s sweet, sincere and sexy as all get out and his instant connection with Opal was really addictive. I love this series so hard!

Inferno was quick to hook me and brought a depth of drama into the picture early on that carried the pace throughout. Emotional and riveting!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close-knit family who has their nose all up in each other’s business … but in such a loving way! The men are bold, the women are sassy and the love is forever!

Inferno by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Stone Gallo has lived life like every day is a party. No attachments, no responsibilities, and absolutely no falling in love. He spent his days at Inked and his nights wherever he pleased. But when Stone rescues a beautiful woman in need, his entire world gets turned upside down, and he’ll never be the same.

Opal hasn’t had much luck in life. No family, no friends, and absolutely no love. But when a handsome tattoo artist steps in and saves her from a horrible situation, her entire world changes. She’s immediately sucked in by his charming family, wanting nothing more than to be one of them, but knows it’s not in the cards for her…it never is. But when fate steps in, they can’t stop what’s coming—tone and Opal sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g…

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

Amazon: https://bit.ly/44Cg0Om

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3NBp8ga

Nook: https://bit.ly/3LwagNf

Kobo: https://bit.ly/44o1nxU

Google Play: https://bit.ly/42g67DQ

Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/inferno-tbr

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

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE SWEETHEART LIST by Jill Shalvis

June 12, 2023 Leave a Comment
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis
Series: Sunrise Cove #4
Published by Avon on June 13, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

What makes life sweet?

Freshly baked bread
A cool lake on a hot summer day
The comfort of a cozy bookstore
Second chances and new beginnings

When Harper Shaw’s life falls apart, she knows it’s time for a change. She removes everything that doesn’t spark joy—from her soul-sucking job to eating kale to making lists—and sets off for the last place she was happy, Lake Tahoe (who wouldn’t feel good there, right?) to fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery.

With her Sugar Pine Bakery in between a tavern, owned by sexy, grumpy Bodie Campbell, and a bookstore, run by her new BFF, she feels a peace she’s never experienced since…well, forever.. Then she meets Ivy, a teenage runaway, who barrels into her heart. She sees a lot of herself in Ivy and takes her under her wing, but the teenager has secrets…

When those secrets explode, it changes Harper’s new world, and she’ll learn, it’s never too late to start over, it’s never too late to figure out your life, and best of all, it’s never too late to let yourself believe in love.

Shalvis always delivers heartfelt characters, loveable backdrops and humor just when we need it! The fourth book in her decadent Sunrise Cove series was quick to hook me and keep me turning page after page to inhale all of the angsty goodness!

Harper is a character who it’s hard not to like because she’s just so down-to-earth and real. She’s got her list of problems, but she tackles them with an upbeat attitude and still always has a helping hand for others. I really enjoyed her … snark and all!

Bodie was my favorite! He’s a sweet at heart grump and I adored every minute with him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a romance filled with warmth and humor in a gorgeous setting and with relatable characters.

Filed Under: Book Reviews