Book Reviews – Page 33

* Review * SHOOTOUT by Jami Davenport

April 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Shootout by Jami Davenport
Series: The Scoring Series #9
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on April 25, 2023
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I’m the new guy on the team, and I’m struggling to earn my teammates’ respect and forgiveness for the dirt I’ve slung at the Sockeyes in the past.

I played my entire life with my twin brother by my side, even in the pros. Now I’ve been traded to the Sockeyes, and my brother has been selected in the expansion draft by the Portland Icehawks.

I’m facing the unthinkable, competing against my brother in a game where only one of us emerges as the ultimate winner. And that’s not my only problem. I’ve developed a huge crush on one of my teammates’ sisters, and he’s not taking kindly to my interest in her, especially since he and I have butted heads in the past.

She’s not interested in me, but I’m not able to walk away. There’s something special about her, and I have to find a way to convince her that there’s also something special about me, even if her brother hates my guts.

Action packed and filled with passion, heart and just enough strife to keep us on our toes until the end! The ninth book in The Scoring Series hockey series by Jami Davenport brings a familiar family to the forefront again when Jason Wilder’s little sister moves to town and sparks fly with the new trade that the team isn’t excited to see. The tension is high and the characters are fun to get to know. I wanted a bit more interaction with his fam, especially the twin that owns his heart … but overall I loved their story and await more steamy goodness to come in this great series.

Banks is at a turning point in his life when he gets an unexpected trade and has to play without his twin by his side for the first time in his life. He’s a sincere guy and wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his bro. Watching him fall in love was heartwarming.

Jessie is accomplished and determined to succeed where no woman has before so she’s quite the inspiration. Her attachment to the ex that broke her heart grounds her a bit and makes us dislike her just a smidge, but overall she’s a great match for Banks and fun to get to know.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys hockey romance revolving around a great group of guys who have each other’s backs and share in each others joy as love finds one after another.

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* Review * ONE STORMY NIGHT by Jules Bennett

April 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE STORMY NIGHT by Jules Bennett

One Stormy Night by Jules Bennett
Series: Business and Babies #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 25, 2023
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All the rules change once the lights go out…

Up-and-coming plus-size model Mila Hale couldn’t chance another scandal ruining her newest job. That means keeping her eyes and hands off billionaire playboy—and her potential boss—Cruz Westbrook. Until a storm traps Mila and Cruz at his palatial estate. Now all bets are off. Their chemistry ignites into a whirlwind fling…but what will they do once the lights come back on?

Flirty and exhilarating! Book two of the Business and Babies duet by Jules Bennett brings us the story of Zane’s twin brother Cruz. The characters are relatable and easy to like and their chemistry is instantly off the charts hot. I enjoyed watching them overcome their hang-ups and obstacles to become a match.

Mila is a refreshing character. She knows what she’s dealt with in life has skewed her outlook, so she goes above and beyond to make sure she never settles for less than she deserves.

Cruz is successful and kind-hearted, but watching him grow into the man that can let his partner prosper without his interference is very satisfying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the duet to anyone that enjoys a rich playboy who changes his ways and quickly hands over his heart when he meets “the one”.

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* Review * DEEP TIDE by Laura Griffin

April 21, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Deep Tide by Laura Griffin
Series: The Texas Murder Files #4
Published by Berkley on April 25, 2023
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With two brothers on the police force, Leyla Breda is well aware of the rising crime in her small beach town, but she never expected it to show up on her doorstep. When Leyla finds one of her employees murdered in the alley behind her coffee shop, she’s deeply shaken, and as a new law enforcement officer in town begins to circle her place of business, her instincts only sharpen.

Sean Moran is on an undercover mission: The seaside community of Lost Beach may look like a picturesque postcard, but his team suspects it’s a point of intersection for several crime syndicates that the FBI has been investigating for years. Even so, when the brash and beautiful Leyla Breda starts bossing him around, he's immediately intrigued. He knows her brothers want him to back off, but every time he sees her, he feels more of a spark.

Leyla’s connections in the local community and Sean’s skills allow them to go deeper into the case together than they would be able to go alone. But when a single crime spirals into something much darker, Sean’s carefully planned mission takes a deadly turn.

Captivating and addictive! Laura Griffin is turning up the sass when she brings Leyla Breda to the forefront with the fourth book in her Texas Murder Files series. A crime quickly occurs that holds the reader’s attention throughout while the chemistry between Leyla and the new cop hanging around town begins to intensify. I loved both the intrigue and the romance, the only thing missing for me was more interaction to showcase the sibling bond. I have whole-heartedly enjoyed this series!

Leyla is accomplished and witty, so getting to know both her business side as well as a deeper delve into her as a person was a satisfying addition to the series.

Sean is intriguing from the start and watching him development a relationship with Leyla is rewarding.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a smalltown intrigue that wraps the town around the reader’s heart just as much as the case captivates them.

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* Review * OVER HER DEAD BODY by Nichole Severn

April 21, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * OVER HER DEAD BODY by Nichole Severn

Over Her Dead Body by Nichole Severn
Series: Defenders of Battle Mountain #5
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on April 25, 2023
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Someone wants her dead.
It’s up to him to make sure that doesn’t happen.

The first bullet didn’t kill her. But the next one might. With a target on her back, Battle Mountain reserve officer Isla Vachs has no choice but to trust Adan Sergeant. The soldier turned bodyguard has one final mission: protect his best friend’s widow and her daughter. As each step plunges Adan and Isla deeper into a sniper’s crosshairs, a deadly truth is about to become chillingly clear…

Filled with non-stop action and drama! The fifth book in the Defenders of Battle Mountain series by Nichole Severn is bringing us Isla and Adan’s story. There is danger lurking throughout the entire story as the intriguing characters race against time and old ghosts to find out who is behind recent killings and attempts. The set us for Macie’s book at the end of this one has me excited for the next in the series to arrive.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys high intensity intrigue mixed with hints of romance as they forge through danger to reach their happily ever after.

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* Review * JUST A LITTLE JILTED by Joss Wood

April 21, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST A LITTLE JILTED by Joss Wood

Just a Little Jilted by Joss Wood
Series: Dynasties: Calcott Manor #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 25, 2023
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She ran from her wedding—

and fell into her ex’s arms!

Supermodel Eliot Gamble has been jilted mere minutes before her wedding and it’s sent her into a tailspin—just as her career in couture fashion is ending. For a lifelong people pleaser, it’s the ultimate nightmare. In steps champion swimmer and former lover Soren Grantham. Soren sweeps Eliot away from the paparazzi to his family’s estate. And as Eliot discovers what she really wants, her old flame may just become a wildfire…

Sensual and satisfying! The first book in the Dynasties: Calcott Manor series from Joss Wood sets up the series by introducing us to a group of cousins/siblings and the grandmother who helped raise them. The setting is endearing as they reconnect on home base and the set up of things to come leaves a generous desire for the series to continue.

Eliot is relatable and easy to like. I would have liked to have seen some resolution on the family front for her, but overall found her satisfying.

Soren was on the verge of wishy washy, but he had a good heart. Watching him evolve into the man that Eliot deserved was heartwarming.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes a close knit group of siblings with family drama all around them as each one stumbles upon their true love.

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* Release Blitz/Review * FOR THE LOVE OF WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

April 19, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * FOR THE LOVE OF WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

For the Love of Whiskey by Melissa Foster
Series: The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch #3
Published by World Literary Press on April 19, 2023
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Callahan "Cowboy" Whiskey is a natural-born protector, a Dark Knights biker, and a hell of a rancher. What happens when he falls for a woman who has no idea who she really is?

In FOR THE LOVE OF WHISKEY...
When Sullivan Tate escaped from a cult, leaving behind the only life she’d ever known, she thought she’d already endured the most difficult things she’d ever have to deal with. She knew she needed to figure out who she was, but she hadn’t expected to fall for overprotective and sexy-as-hell Callahan “Cowboy” Whiskey along the way. How can she give her heart to a man who has always known exactly who he is, when she’s only just begun figuring that out about herself?

An emotionally riveting story of perseverance, healing and discovering the meaning of love! With the third book in her Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch series Melissa Foster delivers one of her most wounded heroines to date in Sully and she does it with heart, gentleness and the healing of love and family. I adored every minute of Sully and Cowboy and look forward to more to come in the series.

Sullivan is an attention grabbing character. She finds the wherewithal to escape from the prison she’s been bound to for as long as she can remember, and now she has to trust in the ability to know who she can trust in the big world that has opened up to her. She’s gusty and I really enjoyed her spirit.

Callahan is a sweetheart and his gentle soul connected immediately with browbeaten Sully and began to heal her heart from the very instant she saw him. I loved their gentle awakening and the love they surrounded themselves with in family and friends.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a loud, boisterous family who has the most gentle, loving soul surrounding them that you could ever meet. Their goal in life is to shower those less fortunate than themselves with the place to heal, prosper and feel love for maybe the first time.

FOR THE LOVE OF WHISKEY
The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch

Melissa Foster

Releasing April 19, 2023
World Literary Press

Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch, a small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horses—and people—a second chance. Buckle up for a wild ride in Hope Valley, Colorado, as these big-hearted badasses and their sassy sisters wrangle in their forever loves. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and always a happily ever after.

Callahan “Cowboy” Whiskey is a natural-born protector, a Dark Knights biker, and a hell of a rancher. What happens when he falls for a woman who has no idea who she really is?

When Sullivan Tate escaped from a cult, leaving behind the only life she’d ever known, she thought she’d already endured the most difficult things she’d ever have to deal with. She knew she needed to figure out who she was, but she hadn’t expected to fall for overprotective and sexy-as-hell Callahan “Cowboy” Whiskey along the way. How can she give her heart to a man who has always known exactly who he is, when she’s only just begun figuring that out about herself?

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60889013-for-the-love-of-whiskey

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

Sneak Peek: https://melissafoster.com/for-the-love-of-whiskey-sneak-peek/

Buy Link

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/FTLOW_Kindle

➜APPLE BOOKS: https://smarturl.it/FTLOW_Apple

➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/FTLOW_Nook

➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/FTLOW_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/FTLOW_GPlay

➜STANDARD PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/FTLOW_Pb

➜SPECIAL EDITION PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/FTLOWsp

➜HARDBACK: https://lnk.to/FTLOW_Hb

Audio, narrated by Aiden Snow and Meg Sylvan

➜https://melissafoster.com/RR_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
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

Series Buy Links:

THE TROUBLE WITH WHISKEY (Book One) – Now Available

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/TWW_Kindle

➜APPLE: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_Apple

➜NOOK: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_BN

➜KOBO: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK and SPECIAL EDITIONS: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW

➜Audio, narrated by Jacob Morgan and Savannah Peachwood

➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/TWWa_Audible

➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/TWWa_Amazon

➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TWWa_Apple

FREEING SULLY – Prequel to FTLOW (Book Two) – Now Available

➜KINDLE: https://lnk.to/FS_Kindle

➜APPLE: https://lnk.to/FS_Apple

➜NOOK: https://lnk.to/FS_Nook

➜KOBO: https://lnk.to/FS_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://lnk.to/FS_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/FS_Pb

Audio narrated by Meg Sylvan

➜AUDIBLE: https://lnk.to/FSa_Audible

➜AMAZON: https://lnk.to/FSa_Amazon

➜APPLE: https://lnk.to/FSa_Apple

A TASTE OF WHISKEY (Rel 2024) – Pre-order

➜KINDLE: https://lnk.to/ATOW_Kindle

➜APPLE BOOKS: https://lnk.to/ATOW_Apple

➜NOOK: https://lnk.to/ATOW_Nook

➜KOBO: https://lnk.to/ATOW_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://lnk.to/ATOW_GPlay

➜STANDARD PAPERBACK: Coming Soon!

➜SPECIAL EDITION PAPERBACK: Coming Soon!

➜Audiobook: Coming Soon!

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* Review * RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY by Reese Ryan

April 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY by Reese Ryan

Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan
Series: Holly Grove Island #2
Published by Forever on April 25, 2023
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In this heartwarming small‑town romance, can three months, two planning projects, and a meddling grandmother finally make two high school hate crushes see just how right they are for each other?

Ambitious real estate agent Sinclair Buchanan is ecstatic to be her best friend’s maid-of-honor—until she discovers the best man is Garrett Davenport. Sin and Rett’s mutual hate crush ignited when they were teens and hasn’t let up since . . . except for that one extremely hot (and extremely regrettable) night they shared five years ago.

Nothing gets Rett fired up like going toe-to-toe with Sinclair. She’s as infuriatingly stubborn, and as absolutely gorgeous, as when he fell for her back in high school. Working together to plan their best friends’ last-minute wedding is one thing, but when his matchmaking grandmother gets involved Rett knows he’s in deep. Attraction has always simmered between them, but this time, they’re both in danger of losing their hearts.

Small town romance at it’s best! Reese Ryan delivers an awesome second dip into her Holly Grove Island world when she reconnects a pair of former high school enemies that loathe the fact that they’ve been secretly crushing on each other throughout the years. The setting is quaint with a comfort feeling of home with a secondary character that steals the show in all the very best ways. Sinclair and Garrett are each easy to like on their own and their attraction yields a pull that had me routing for them to get together from the very beginning. Loving this series!

Sin is accomplished and self-assured and knows how to go after what she wants in life and I simply adored her go-getter, take no prisoners sass.

Rett is a sweetheart and I loved his wholesome heart when it came to Mama Mae.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with lots of sass and sweet, addictive romance.

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* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH EXES by Sera Taíno

April 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH EXES by Sera Taíno

The Trouble with Exes by Sera Taíno
Series: The Navarros #3
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on April 25, 2023
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A prescription for love…

Or disaster?

Fighting for funding for her local clinic, Dr. Natalía Navarro never expected her ex—surgeon Leo Espinoza—to show up in her ER! Five years earlier, Nati knew the only way to compel Leo toward the prestigious future he'd been working towards was to set him free. But with Leo back in East Ward, the duo's long-dormant electricity sparks into instant flame. Now Leo not only holds the clinic’s future in the balance…but might also have Nati’s heart!

A sweet and sentimental reunion of first loves! The third book in The Navarros series from Sera Taíno and Harlequin Special Edition brings little sis Natalia to the forefront when her former love comes back to town and sparks they thought had died flare right back up. The characters are endearing, their back story is a little sweet, a little angsty and their connection still beneath the surface makes for an intriguing read. I enjoyed this family very much!

Nati is an accomplished workaholic, but she’s never forgotten the one that got away and seeing her reconnect and admit she’s always pined for him is heartwarming.

Leo is a sweetheart and I enjoyed getting to know him and watching their love begin to shine again.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a bit of family saga rich with cultural heritage and affectionate family members all up in your business along with your romance.

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* Review * EXPECTING HER ENEMY’S HEIR by Pippa Roscoe

April 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

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* Review * EXPECTING HER ENEMY’S HEIR by Pippa Roscoe

Expecting Her Enemy's Heir by Pippa Roscoe
Series: A Billion-Dollar Revenge #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 25, 2023
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Then: a forbidden encounter.

Now: a binding consequence!

After working undercover at Alessandro Rossi’s company for two years, Amelia Seymore is still trying to prove that the Italian billionaire stole her birthright. The only thing she has been able to prove is their incendiary off-limits attraction—which explodes into life at Alessandro’s irresistible touch!

But when Amelia tries to reignite her revenge plan, it quickly comes crashing down…as she learns that she’s expecting her enemy’s heir! Avenging her family meant everything to Amelia. Yet, as she’s whisked away to Alessandro’s Tuscan villa, is it still what she wants the most?

Passion, deceit and scandal are at the heart of book two in the Billion-Dollar Revenge duet! I was quickly invested in Amelia and Alessandro’s story because I had read the first book in the duet that told a good bit of the back story through her sister and his cousin’s romance.

Amelia comes into this story the most flawed of all of the characters because not only is she out for coldhearted revenge without having all of the facts straight, but she also chose to lie to her sister who thought she was fully her partner in crime. She was a hard sell to redeem, but by the end when Alessandro had seen past her subterfuge, I began to like her more but there was still a disconnect between fully airing out what happened with her sister.

I recommend this book as a follow up to the first in the duet because if you read one without the other you will miss a good bit of the heart of the story of each couple.

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* Review * A MID-SUMMER MURDER by Geri Krotow

April 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

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* Review * A MID-SUMMER MURDER by Geri Krotow

A Mid-Summer Murder by Geri Krotow
Series: Shop 'Round the World #2
Published by Tule Publishing on April 25, 2023
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This small Pennsylvania town once again becomes a hotbed of secrets.

Only Angel Warren, a retired Navy Pilot and owner of Shop ‘Round the World, can turn a summer day at the river into a murder investigation. But when her brother Bryce’s unicorn float snags on a corpse’s hand, suddenly Angel and Bryce are suspects. It doesn’t help that Angel knows the victim and was one of the last people to see Hank Price alive, or that Angel witnessed a disturbing argument between Hank and his wife. Plus, she and Bryce may have heard the shot that killed Hank.

Once more, Angel inserts herself into the middle of the investigation, this time with her best friend Detective Trinity Colson’s tacit approval. Who could have wanted Hank dead? Angel soon discovers Hank had a secret life that included sketchy business dealings and a gambling addiction.

The question isn’t how Angel will juggle her sleuthing alongside managing her gift store during the height of tourist season, family drama, and a burgeoning romance. It’s how will Angel solve the crime without stumbling into the killer’s sights?

Small town fun and hijinks ensue with the second book in Geri Krotow’s Shop ‘Round the World cozy mystery series! Fans will recognize the lead character Angel and her feathered sidekick Ralph as the story picks up slightly after the holiday drama from book one. Book two was slightly slower to snag my attention, but once we got into the heart of the whodunnit part of the book I was immersed into figuring out who the culprit was. I loved boyfriend Nate and best friend Trinity’s continuation in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Angel will get herself into in the coming book(s).

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