Book Reviews – Page 33

* Review * BRAY by Lori Foster

June 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

Bray by Lori Foster
Series: Ultimate Series #5
Published by Canary Street Press on June 1, 2023
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She’s turned him down every time.

But this fighter is determined to win her over.

Bray Barlow is a simple guy. A light heavyweight MMA fighter, he trains, keeps his weight for fights and is known to blow off steam with willing women—especially when he’s frustrated. He’s frustrated a lot lately because deep down, he knows Karen is the one for him. But every time he asks out the mysterious dark-haired woman with the bluest eyes, she politely declines. Every. Single. Time.

For Karen Hall, Bray is extra. The brown-eyed and very ripped MMA fighter is extra hot, extra nice, extra tempting—and totally off-limits. Karen moved here and changed her name to disappear. She’s worked hard to keep her distance from people, especially from Bray. When a car runs off the road, she knows it’s no accident and that her past has finally found her. The instinct is to run, but her heart is telling her to take a chance and turn to the one person who can help her. Bray.

Check out the other titles in the Ultimate series, including Fighting Dirty where we first meet Bray!

Foster delivers a dose of angsty goodness with a dip back into a fan favorite series! With her annual benefit novella, Lori Foster lends a hand to an animal rescue near and dear to her heart as she brings a familiar face into the spotlight with a brand new novella reviving the Ultimate Series. Longtime fans of the series will be delighted with a cameo by legendary Armie when his mentee Bray needs a nudge in the right direction. The characters and drama are quick to catch a reader’s attention, and the non-stop heart will keep you addicted page after page. I loved every minute!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Ultimate Series to anyone that enjoys MMA romance filled with a group of kind-hearted, alpha males who have each other’s backs and relish the day they each find their forever.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ROCK BOTTOM by Kat Mizera

June 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Rock Bottom by Kat Mizera
Series: Rock Harder #1
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My family calls me Zeke. But the music industry refers to me as Big Z… and women everywhere know why.

Being lead guitarist for the hottest band in the world should be enough. But it’s not. Nothing ever is. And I don’t know why.

Money. Fame. Girls. I’m drowning in all three. But it’s the sweet, spunky college girl offering up her virginity in exchange for an interview that I can’t get out of my head. And I wish I knew why.

But Presley’s been keeping a secret that changes everything. She becomes my lifeline. And instead of pushing her away, I should’ve held on tighter.

Because the whole band is on a downward spiral, out of control… and none of us knew what was coming.

Kat Mizera can always be counted on to deliver a gritty, raw hero who manages to melt our heart in no time! This kick off to a brand new Rock Harder rockstar series delivers on more levels than I expected when we get an unexpected tender connection right off the bat. The storyline delivers highs and lows along the way towards heartache and pain but in the end love and brotherhood leads the way. Great characters, endearing angst and all the feels!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys seeing a highly successful hero show his softer side when he meets his match in a sweet, down-to-earth way. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the series!

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* Review * THE CAFE AT BEACH END by RaeAnne Thayne

June 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CAFE AT BEACH END by RaeAnne Thayne

The Cafe at Beach End by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: Cape Sanctuary #5
Published by Canary Street Press on June 13, 2023
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When Meredith Collins was a child, the little beach town of Cape Sanctuary lived up to its name. Spending summers there with her grandmother, Meredith finally felt safe and loved.

Now she’s returning in disgrace. Her late ex-husband swindled investors out of millions of dollars and made Meredith a figure of scorn—though she knew nothing about his scheme. But she still has the beach cottage she inherited from her grandmother and half ownership of the local café. It’s a place to work and earn a little money. That’s if her cousin, Tori, will let her through the door. Once, Tori and Meredith were as close as sisters—until Meredith chose her neglectful parents’ expectations over their bond. Now widowed with a teenage daughter, Tori isn’t setting out a welcome mat for the woman who let her down so badly.

While Meredith tries to make a fresh start, she is drawn to a mysterious writer renting the cottage next door. Liam Byrne’s kindness is a balm, though she worries he might not be so friendly if he knew who she was. But Liam has his own secret and a mission that will help Meredith confront her past—and maybe, claim a surprising future…

RaeAnne Thayne always delivers an addictive plot with endearing characters and lots of heartfelt emotion! The next book in her Cape Sanctuary series brings drama and rediscovery to an all time high as estranged family reconnects and healing begins to offer new life to old souls.

Meredith was a character that was really easy to feel compassion for. She carries the weight of her secrets on her shoulders and never once fails to take accountability for her actions and choices.

Tori was a bit of a tougher nut to crack and at times comes across as sanctimonious and harsh. She redeems herself a bit, but I felt the lack of a true healing for the past with the cousins.

I wanted a little more development in the ending which seems too abrupt, but overall I highly enjoyed my return trip to Cape Sanctuary and recommend this book as well as the entire series to all fans of small town romance with strong family and friend connections as a backdrop.

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* Release Blitz/Review * HENDRIX by Sawyer Bennett

June 6, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * HENDRIX by Sawyer Bennett

Hendrix by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #7
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on June 6, 2023
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Goodreads

Hendrix Bateman is one of The Lucky Three, a trio of players who were not on the Titan’s team plane the night it crashed. Feeling as if he’s been given a second chance, Hendrix is determined to make the most out of his life, but that doesn’t mean he’s not suffering from scars that can’t be seen.

When I lost my Titan brothers in the crash, it was a mixed bag of emotions. I was devastated and grief stricken, but I was also grateful to be alive. Yeah, that might cause a little—okay, a lot of—guilt, but now I’m determined to live each day as if it’s my last.

A night out with friends puts me in the crosshairs of Stevie Kisner—the devastatingly beautiful bar owner with a sharp tongue and a fire in her eyes that lets me know she has zero tolerance for guys like me. I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge, so I’m not dissuaded by Stevie’s tough as nails attitude or her big biker dad who looks like he wants to kill me. Fueled by too many shots and the raucous urging of my teammates, I set out to show Stevie I’ve got game both on and off the ice.

While I shouldn’t be looking for anything more than a good time, I can’t help but be captivated by Stevie. She’s cool as hell and we burn hot together. But the more I get to know her, the more I can tell she’s holding something in reserve, and let’s just say I’ve got some trust issues after my last disastrous attempt at a relationship. Now I need to decide if I’m going to let my past dictate my future or if I am willing to put my heart on the line to find out if Stevie is exactly what I think she is—my everything.

Addictive and heartfelt! Hendrix is heating up the pages of book seven in Sawyer Bennett’s Pittsburgh Titans hockey series and he does it well. I have to admit that I wanted more angst from one of The Lucky Three’s stories, but I still adored him and was rooting for him to get his happily ever after along the way.

Stevie is really easy to like and I adored her charisma, but man did she irritate me with buying into her mom’s BS all the time.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit group of hockey players who stick beside each other through thick and thin and happily fall for “the one” one lucky guy at a time.

Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: June 6, 2023

Synopsis:

Hendrix Bateman is one of The Lucky Three, a trio of players who were not on the Titan’s team plane the night it crashed. Feeling as if he’s been given a second chance, Hendrix is determined to make the most out of his life, but that doesn’t mean he’s not suffering from scars that can’t be seen.

When I lost my Titan brothers in the crash, it was a mixed bag of emotions. I was devastated and grief stricken, but I was also grateful to be alive. Yeah, that might cause a little—okay, a lot of—guilt, but now I’m determined to live each day as if it’s my last.

A night out with friends puts me in the crosshairs of Stevie Kisner—the devastatingly beautiful bar owner with a sharp tongue and a fire in her eyes that lets me know she has zero tolerance for guys like me. I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge, so I’m not dissuaded by Stevie’s tough as nails attitude or her big biker dad who looks like he wants to kill me. Fueled by too many shots and the raucous urging of my teammates, I set out to show Stevie I’ve got game both on and off the ice.

While I shouldn’t be looking for anything more than a good time, I can’t help but be captivated by Stevie. She’s cool as hell and we burn hot together. But the more I get to know her, the more I can tell she’s holding something in reserve, and let’s just say I’ve got some trust issues after my last disastrous attempt at a relationship. Now I need to decide if I’m going to let my past dictate my future or if I am willing to put my heart on the line to find out if Stevie is exactly what I think she is—my everything.

Get Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel in digital, signed paperback and audio (narrated by Tor Thom and CJ Bloom) direct from Sawyer:

SHOP the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore

Download Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel at the following retailers:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

PLEASE NOTE:
Ebooks purchased from the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore will be delivered via BookFunnel and can be sent to the e-reader of your choice.
Audio will be available exclusively on the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore for approximately 90 days before releasing at all retailers and libraries (excluding Audible). Hendrix is narrated by Tor Thom and CJ Bloom. Audio purchase from the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore must be enjoyed within the BookFunnel app (which is VERY user friendly and FREE!).

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * MADE FOR ROMEO by Natasha Madison

June 2, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * MADE FOR ROMEO by Natasha Madison

Made For Romeo by Natasha Madison
Series: Made For Series #4
on June 2, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Gabriella Stone
Moving to LA was my dream since I was thirteen.
By the time I was twenty, I was sought out by some of the most beautiful people in the world to take their pictures.
No one cared that I came from a hockey dynasty.
Everything was perfect.
Then I met him.
It was supposed to be a one-time thing.
But it ended up being more. So much more.
Until he betrayed me.

Romeo Beckett
Growing up in LA, everyone knew I came from Hollywood royalty.
Following in my father's legendary footsteps, I learned early on not to fall for the shallow shine of this city.
When I met her, I didn't know she was what I'd been looking for.
In one night, I ruined everything.
She left without a second thought.
I've spent every day since becoming the man she deserves.
She thinks it's over.
She's wrong.
It's time to win her back.

Undeniably the most angsty book in the series! Natasha Madison is throwing us a curve ball with book four in her Made For Series and making us learn to forgive a man for his sins when he proves himself worthy of redemption. It will never be my favorite because the rift made it hard to get that warm and cozy feeling about their connection from the very beginning, but Romeo does endear himself to the reader with his willingness to be truthful. I truly enjoyed seeing Gabriella and Romeo find themselves back to each other.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a family hockey dynasty with the family members always loving hard and enjoying life with each other by their sides.

MADE FOR ROMEO

Natasha Madison

Release Date: June 2

FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new stand-alone enemies to lovers, second chance sports romance.
A spin-off from the Hollywood Royalty Series & The Only One Series

Gabriella Stone
Moving to LA was my dream since I was thirteen.
By the time I was twenty, I was sought out by some of the most beautiful people in the world to take their pictures.
No one cared that I came from a hockey dynasty.
Everything was perfect.
Then I met him.
It was supposed to be a one-time thing.
But it ended up being more. So much more.
Until he betrayed me.

Romeo Beckett
Growing up in LA, everyone knew I came from Hollywood royalty.
Following in my father’s legendary footsteps, I learned early on not to fall for the shallow shine of this city.
When I met her, I didn’t know she was what I’d been looking for.
In one night, I ruined everything.
She left without a second thought.
I’ve spent every day since becoming the man she deserves.
She thinks it’s over.
She’s wrong.
It’s time to win her back.

Grab Your Copy!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B918Q3DY

Meet Natasha Madison:

When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

Keep up with Natasha Madison and subscribe to her newsletter https://www.natashamadisonauthor.com/

To learn more about Natasha Madison & her books, visit here!

Connect with Natasha Madison:

https://www.natashamadisonauthor.com/contact-me

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP by Lori Foster

May 30, 2023 Leave a Comment

The Little Flower Shop by Lori Foster
Published by Canary Street Press on May 9, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

How did her love life become a community affair?

Since her divorce, Emily Lucretia—affectionately known as the flower lady to the people of Cemetery, Indiana—has been focused on her flower shop and taking care of her aging aunt and uncle. Her love life is hardly the centerpiece of her busy days.

Saul Culver, the town’s favorite bachelor and owner of the local barbecue joint, has been interested in Emily for a while. But as much as Emily knows about flowers, she can be a little oblivious to her own appeal. Saul is determined to show her just how special she is.

Saul isn’t the only one trying to get Emily out of her shell. Well-meaning locals have started tagging photos of Emily with #theflowerlady on social media—and now the entire town is involved in finding her Mr. Right. Saul won't give up easily. He’s finally caught her attention, and he's determined to convince Emily—and the town—that this is the real deal and not just some passing trend.

Heart, humor and angsty goodness are always guaranteed with a Lori Foster novel! The second book in her Indiana Summers series is here and brings a delightfully endearing heroine to the forefront with Emily AKA The Flower Lady. She’s sincere and has a heart of gold, but seems unknowing of how much she’s adored and why. I loved every minute of watching her get her happily ever after with Saul and her close relationship with Gentry was super sweet. Fans of Foster’s quirky Kathleen “character” from the earlier book in the series will be delighted with her hilarious sightings in this book as well.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town romance filled with a cast of characters in a town filled with drama that will have you feeling like family in no time.

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* Review * REBELLIOUS ROCKSTAR by Gina Azzi

May 30, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * REBELLIOUS ROCKSTAR by Gina Azzi

Rebellious Rockstar by Gina Azzi
Series: The Burnt Clovers Trilogy #1
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on June 1, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

One summer, one rebellious rockstar, and a love that won’t quit — even when it hurts.

Four years ago, Derek “Reign” Reiner gave me my first kiss and flipped my world upside down. Then, my brother’s bandmate catapulted to stardom, becoming a veritable rock god, while I moved across the country.

The last thing Derek expects is me on his band’s doorstep. Yet, here I am. Lost, uncertain about my future, and desperate to feel a connection — to my family, to my brother, to him.

I’m in Boston for one summer, hoping to find my path and discover if there’s something between Derek and me.

And, oh, there is.

Our attraction is intense and heady, fueled by a reckless need. Our chemistry is electric, brimming with a desperate passion neither of us can control.

And our relationship? Well, that’s complicated. Tumultuous.

Derek Reiner may be my brother’s best friend, an international heartthrob, and a musical genius. But he’s also mine.

Even if he breaks my heart.

A delectable kick-off to a brand new rockstar trilogy from Gina Azzi! As a superfan of her hockey hunks, I was ALL IN for some rockstars, and there’s no denying that I was hooked from start to finish and am there for the next two books even with annoying cliffhangers … but I had so much dislike for how Allegra was treated from both Derek and her brother throughout the entire book. It’s angsty, but it’s also sad and hurtful, but I’m hooked and will undoubtedly see it through and hope against hope that these guys will somehow make themselves redeemable. Azzi has her work cut out for her!

Cliffhangers, so must be read in order.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE by Kristan Higgins

May 30, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE by Kristan Higgins

A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins
Published by Berkley on June 6, 2023
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A kid walks into your bookstore and… Guess what? He’s your son. The one you put up for adoption eighteen years ago. The one you never told anyone about. Surprise!

And a huge surprise it is.

It’s a huge surprise to his adoptive mother, Monica, who thought she had a close relationship with Matthew, her nearly adult son. But apparently, he felt the need to secretly arrange a vacation to Cape Cod for the summer so he could meet his birth mother…without a word to either her or his dad.

It’s also a surprise— to say the least—to Harlow, the woman who secretly placed her baby for adoption so many years ago. She’s spent the years since then building a quiet life. She runs a bookstore with her grandfather, hangs out with her four younger siblings and is more or less happily single, though she can’t help gravitating toward Grady Byrne, her old friend from high school. He’s moved back to town, three-year-old daughter in tow, no wife in the picture. But she’s always figured her life had to be child-free, so that complicates things.

When Matthew walks into Harlow’s store, she faints. Monica panics. And all their assumptions—about what being a parent really means—explode. This summer will be full of more surprises as both their families are redefined…and as both women learn that for them, there’s no limit to a mother’s love.

Higgins is pulling on our heartstrings with this highly emotional, riveting delight! I was hooked from the very first page of this coming of age enlightenment with the various players making strong points in this multifaceted situation of love, sacrifice and greater good. Cynthia kind of felt like a stray character who didn’t really add a lot to the story, but created distraction that I could have lived without; however, every other aspect of the book worked really well for me. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a women’s fiction novel filled to the brim with heart, sacrifice and happily ever afters here and there.

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* Review * WIDOW LAKE by Rita Herron

May 30, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Widow Lake by Rita Herron
Series: Detective Ellie Reeves #8
Published by Bookouture on May 31, 2023
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“Help,” a tiny voice cried out into the darkness. Little Betsy trembled, praying someone would hear her, save her. “Please,” she whimpered. “I’m scared.”

On the hottest day of the year, as a heatwave takes hold of the Appalachian Mountains, a five-year-old girl goes missing. Just as the sun is setting, a family vacation becomes a worst nightmare—Betsy, with her green eyes, ponytail and rainbow t-shirt—disappears in the woods by Widow Lake. Detective Ellie Reeves is straight on the scene, promising Betsy’s heartbroken parents that she will stop at nothing to find their precious daughter.

Hours later, Ellie is called back to the lake. One of her team have discovered some remains near where Betsy disappeared. The bones belong to a local girl, Amy Dean, who vanished ten years ago to the day, along with her two-year-old baby girl Paisley. But why was Paisley never reported missing? And could she still be alive?

Ellie is suddenly up against the toughest case of her career. Her instincts tell her that the two cases are somehow connected, and she works day and night to uncover the link. When she comes across some little graves beside the water’s edge, she knows she needs to stop the evil lurking around this tranquil lake.

When Ellie discovers a notebook scrawled with the handwriting of a little girl, it could be the breakthrough she needs. Can she unravel a decades-old mystery, and stop the monster claiming innocent lives?

Captivating and emotional throughout! With the eighth book in her always addictive Detective Ellie Reeves series Rita Herron takes her readers along for the ride on another case that only Ellie can solve. She’s always hardcore and will stop at nothing to get answers and justice to those wronged in and around her town. The characters are intriguing and the emotions are high. I really am getting a tad tired of the cat and mouse game of Ellie, Derrick and Cord though and would like to see some finality there soon. Overall a highly addictive read with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.

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* Review * IDENTITY by Nora Roberts

May 30, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Identity by Nora Roberts
Published by St. Martin's Press on May 23, 2023
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Former Army brat Morgan Albright has finally planted roots in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore. Her friend and roommate Nina helps her make the mortgage payments, as does Morgan's job as a bartender. But after she and Nina host their first dinner party—attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who'd been chatting her up at the bar—her carefully built world is shattered. The back door glass is broken, cash and jewelry are missing, her car is gone, and Nina lies dead on the floor.

Soon, a horrific truth emerges: It was Morgan who let the monster in. "Luke" is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.

What the FBI tells Morgan is beyond chilling. Nina wasn't his type. Morgan is. Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Morgan's nightmare is just beginning. Soon she has no choice but to flee to her mother's home in Vermont. While she struggles to build something new, she meets another man, Miles Jameson. He isn't flashy or flirtatious, and his family business has deep roots in town. But Gavin is still out there hunting new victims, and he hasn't forgotten the one who got away.

A highly addictive race against time! Nora Roberts can always be counted on for a book to steal you away from reality and take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, wit and satisfaction. With her latest, she spins the tale of a popular bartender who befriends a new guy and has her world turned upside down in the blink of an eye because of it. The characters are intriguing, the danger is exhilarating and the warmth of the family and friends she has surrounding her brings a whole lot to the story. I loved every minute!

Highly recommend to anyone that enjoys romance mixed into their suspense and danger.

Filed Under: Book Reviews