Book Reviews – Page 35

* Review * THE WEDDING PLANNER by Danielle Steel

April 30, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE WEDDING PLANNER by Danielle Steel

The Wedding Planner by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on May 2, 2023
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Faith Ferguson is New York’s most in-demand wedding planner, an arbiter of taste for elegant affairs, lavish ceremonies, and exclusive fêtes. She appreciates a simple celebration as much as a dazzling event, for she knows that a dream wedding is not necessarily the most expensive one.

As much as Faith enjoys her work, her two failed engagements leave her with no desire to get married herself. She finds fulfillment in her close relationship with her twin sister, Hope, her role as a mentor for her assistant, Violet, and her career.

This year, new clients have flocked to her, and she signs up an extravagant reception, a mid-sized gathering, and an intimate soirée, in addition to her mother’s next marriage and Violet’s modest ceremony. Faith finds herself forming bonds with her new clients and their loved ones—most notably the handsome brother of one of her grooms.

But weddings are not always all champagne and roses, and in no time, Faith is grappling with private quarrels, unplanned pregnancies, family scandals, dark secrets, and the possibility of cancelled ceremonies. Through her own journey, Faith will prove once and for all that there is not just one path to happily ever after.

Steel’s signature charm always manages to sweep her reader up in a whirlwind of romance, family saga and the road to forever. I’m always quick to be engrossed into reading page after page as drama ensues and romance dazzles. I was more invested in Faith this go round than the clients we were getting detailed stories on, but the entertainment value of a Steel novel is always spot on.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a central character that has her hand in the daily lives of several other characters while living her own life in the background. There is drama, scandal and happily ever afters all around.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * THE DEVIL’S DEN by Penny Dee

April 26, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE DEVIL’S DEN by Penny Dee

The Devil's Den by Penny Dee
Series: De Kysa Mafia #1
on April 26, 2023
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Nico De Kysa.
Cold. Detached. Ruthless.
And my new husband.

I didn’t want to marry the despicable mafia don.
But my father made a deal with the devil and lucky me, I’m the currency.

If I leave…
He’ll destroy my father’s fortune.

But if I stay…
He’ll obliterate my heart.

Because in this union, the lines between love and hate are blurred.
So blurred.

He’s a cold-blooded monster with ice in his veins and frost in his heart.
But in bed, Nico De Kysa burns like wildfire.
And in the heat of the night, I begin to forget why I hate the mobster.

I’m trapped in a world I despise.
With a man too wicked to fall for.
Yet, I can’t leave.

Maybe if I knew what was coming it would be easier to run.

The Devil’s Den is book 1 in the De Kysa Mafia series. A scorching hot enemies-to-lovers romance with tension-filled banter and sizzling chemistry. Expect ‘touch her and die’ vibes, forced proximity, and all the delicious darkness of a mafia romance. For readers 18+. Please read author’s note for trigger warnings.

Powerful, intriguing and totally addictive! With the first book in her brand new De Kysa Mafia Romance series Penny Dee takes us on a roller coaster ride of crime, passion and so many twists and turns we never see coming that all tie into an awesome kickoff for the series. I was hooked from start to finish and cannot wait for the next book to come!

Domenico is a powerful mafia don with a score to settle. He’s loyal and heartfelt but beneath the surface he’s still the guy that loved a girl and had it all explode in front of his face.

Bella is naive yet sincere. She believes Nico let her down when in reality she doesn’t know what happened behind the scenes. Watching them reconnect and then begin to unravel the drama is fulfilling.

I highly recommend this book to fans of mafia romance. The family background is fleshed out in a way that adds to the storyline instead of overburdening it. Looking forward to more to come!

Title: The Devil’s Den

Series: De Kysa Mafia #1

Author: Penny Dee

Genre: Mafia Romance

Trope: Enemies to Lovers

Release Date: April 26, 2023

BLURB

Nico De Kysa.

Cold. Detached. Ruthless.

And my new husband.

I didn’t want to marry the despicable mafia don.

But my father made a deal with the devil and lucky me, I’m the currency.

If I leave…

He’ll destroy my father’s fortune.

But if I stay…

He’ll obliterate my heart.

Because in this union, the lines between love and hate are blurred.

So blurred.

He’s a cold-blooded monster with ice in his veins and frost in his heart.

But in bed, Nico De Kysa burns like wildfire.

And in the heat of the night, I begin to forget why I hate the mobster.

I’m trapped in a world I despise.

With a man too wicked to fall for.

Yet, I can’t leave.

Maybe if I knew what was coming it would be easier to run.

The Devil’s Den is book 1 in the De Kysa Mafia series. A scorching hot enemies-to-lovers romance with tension-filled banter and sizzling chemistry. Expect ‘touch her and die’ vibes, forced proximity, and all the delicious darkness of a mafia romance. For readers 18+. See author’s note for trigger warnings. A full-length, standalone novel.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

COMING SOON

Releasing August 8

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

AUTHOR BIO

Penny Dee writes contemporary romance about rock stars, bikers, hockey players and everyone in-between. Her stories bring the suspense, the feels and a whole lot of heat.

She found her happily ever after with an Australian hottie who she met on a blind date.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

INSTAGRAM

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

GOODREADS

TIKTOK

WEBSITE

NEWSLETTER

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * A BABY TO MAKE HER HIS BRIDE by Dani Collins

April 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A BABY TO MAKE HER HIS BRIDE by Dani Collins

A Baby to Make Her His Bride by Dani Collins
Series: Four Weddings and a Baby #4
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 25, 2023
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Unexpectedly pregnant…

Scandalously wed!

Fleeing her very public divorce, socialite Vienna is shocked to find her private hideaway already occupied. Gruff and brooding Jasper was presumed dead—just like Vienna’s love life. So her instant connection to him is unexpected, yet completely undeniable…

One night is all Jasper can offer Vienna. The people closest to him always get hurt. Then scandal strikes, forcing them to fly to Chile as a couple for the whole world to see! But when Jasper learns Vienna is carrying his baby, he must take things one step further to protect them both…with his diamond ring!

Passionate and endearing! With the final book in her Four Weddings and a Baby series Dani Collins is bringing two familiar faces to the forefront when Hunter’s sister Vienna meets her match in Amelia’s brother Jasper. The characters were quick to catch my attention and the drama surrounding them held my attention throughout. I loved getting to see little pop ins from the previous couples in the series as well. Great ending to a satisfying series.

Vienna is a captivating character. She has big dreams and let them be cast aside by life and inappropriate choices for too long, so she’s finally putting an end to it and steering her life back on course.

Jasper is easy enough to like and quick to catch the reader’s eye as the story of his recent past comes to life and continues to unravel.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that likes a whole lot of drama mixed in with your romance. True love wins, but there are lots of curves getting them there.

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* Review * FAST TRACK by Victoria Denault

April 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

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* Review * FAST TRACK by Victoria Denault

Fast Track by Victoria Denault
Series: Racing Hearts #2
on April 28, 2023
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I may be a bodyguard, but I can't protect my heart from her.

She's fire and ice. She's emotional and yet logical. She's beautiful and sexy. She's everything I have ever wanted. But she's not mine. Not anymore. Lucia and I blew up a few months ago after she almost died in a racing crash, and I carelessly told her something about herself she didn't know.

I stopped working for her sister, got a new job, and let her live without me. That's what she wanted. We were supposed to be a casual fling, but apparently, my heart didn't read the fine print. Now she's traveling the world in her first F1 season, and I'm guarding an annoyingly self-absorbed pop star.

Until I get a frantic call from her Dad telling me someone is stalking Lucia. He wants to hire me back, and whether she wants me in her life or not, I'm taking the job. I can handle her better than anyone. And when she decides to let me handle her again — in all the ways I used to — I can't say no. Even if it means she speeds off with my heart yet again.

Explosive and heartfelt! The second book in Victoria Denault’s Racing Hearts series quickly brings drama and passion to life as Frankie’s little sister Lucia gets her chance in the spotlight. The characters are easy to become invested in, the setting is action packed and exhilarating and the family drama adds an interesting dimension.

Nick is my very favorite. He’s such a nice guy with a kind heart and he gets the raw end of the stick when it comes to Lucia for a good bit of the book, but I adored him and his good nature.

Lucia is setting out to knock down the standards of auto racing being a men’s sport and her determination is admirable, as is her get up and go attitude when it comes to life … I had to dislike her and how she treated Nick some though. Overall I like her and loved their final outcome, but she was a bit much sometimes.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first book in the series to anyone that enjoys sports romance and high intensity drama and passion all rolled into one great read!

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* Review * SHOOTOUT by Jami Davenport

April 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

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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

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* 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

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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

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* 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

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* 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

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* 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