Book Reviews – Page 39

* Review * A COWBOY KIND OF THING by Reese Ryan

January 31, 2023 Leave a Comment

A Cowboy Kind of Thing by Reese Ryan
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: The Wedding #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on January 24, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

He’s Texas. She’s Hollywood.

…and together they’re playing with fire!

Dionna Reed is in Royal, Texas, to help plan her starlet bestie’s wedding. But when the bride and groom bail, all the planning falls to Dionna…and the too-hot, too-sexy best man who’s convinced Texas can outdo Hollywood for this wedding event of the year. Well, bring it on, cowboy.

Tripp Noble has one week to convince city-slicker Dionna that Royal is the perfect place for his cousin’s wedding—all the while keeping his hands off the gorgeous maid of honor. But cowboys don’t always follow the rules…

Delectable sass and sizzling chemistry steal the show as Reese Ryan dazzles in old Hollywood style for the first book in the newest Texas Cattleman’s Club sub-series The Wedding! I was hooked from the start by Dee and Tripp’s fireworks and chemistry and only grew to love them more as the story progressed. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us!

Dionna is sincere and kind, but her big city roots are showing when she continues to believe that Texas can’t begin to hold a candle to the Hollywood wedding her BFF has always dreamed of.

Tripp is a sweetheart and wants his family to have a fair shot of shining for his cousin’s wedding, so he pours on the charm and makes Dee fall for Royal.

I highly recommend this book to fans of the TCC franchise and to anyone that enjoys high drama and luscious chemistry between an unlikely couple on that way towards happily ever after.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * UNFORGIVABLE by Monique Moreau

January 31, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UNFORGIVABLE by Monique Moreau

Unforgivable by Monique Moreau
Series: Empire Academy #1
on February 2, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

What he did was unforgivable and if he wants me, he better get ready to grovel.

Lucian

I value one thing above all else: redeeming my family’s legacy within my mafia clan. I do everything right. I’ve almost solidified my position as our next consigliere. I intend to marry a clan princess. There’s only one barrier in my plan of domination.

I must graduate high school.

To do that, I need a tutor.

My boss chooses the girl I’ve bullied off and on for years. But what begins as an unavoidable chore becomes my greatest distraction.

Star

I’ve pined after Lucian for years, even with the way he treats me. I only balk at becoming his tutor because I secretly crave him.

Call me a glutton for punishment.

Turns out, even I have my limits.

Lucian is an active participant in my greatest humiliation. He seems remorseful. For the first time, he seeks me out.

But it’s too late.

Apologize. Beg. Crawl.

I don’t care.

I can never forgive him.

Content warning:

Unforgivable can be read as a standalone and is the first installment of The Empire Academy Series. Lucian is an OTT possessive morally gray hero who doesn’t know what he wants until it’s too late. Get ready for a dirty-talking bully, a long grovel, and plenty of praise when he finally gets her where he wants her. Where is that, you ask? In his arms, of course. If such material offends, please do not read.

An emotional, gritty spin-off from The Lupu Chronicles series! I was quickly intrigued by the younger set of the Popescu and Lupu clan members. As a fan of the previous series, I knew the background and understood the setting going in, but if you are starting off with the Empire Academy as your first introduction to this world, the story is lacking some development. More history on Tatum’s story and even a bit on Lucian’s family prior would have cleared up a bit of the confusion that a new reader will more than likely feel coming in as a newbie. I personally enjoyed their story and the nod to the past and am looking forward to more to come in this new series.

Lucian is a bit of a sanctimonious bully, but he has a clear weakness for Star and likes her way more than he ever intended. I enjoyed seeing him taken down a notch or two as he had to learn to be the man she expected.

Starlene is sweet and sincere and tempted to no end for this man child that wants her to hand over her heart.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a coming of age storyline involving mafia born young adults finding their way in the trials of their lifestyle. The characters are addictive and the drama is high.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * DEFENDING by Jami Davenport

January 26, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Defending by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #2
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on January 24, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Much to my utter dismay, the Portland Icehawks chose me in the expansion draft, and now my estranged father is my hockey coach. No one on the team knows he's my dad. They think he’s a distant relative I don't get along with. They’re right about that last part. We hate each other. He blames me for the death of my sister, and I blame myself, too. He's unfairly targeted me, and his constant criticism is destroying my confidence and my game.

The only thing I look forward to is my time working with the underprivileged, especially with one feisty, attractive female, but neither of us do relationships because those require trust and commitment, and we're too scarred to take the risk.

Can we conquer our demons so I can rescue her from the streets, and she can rescue me from my past before we're beyond saving?

Grady and Aspen light up the pages in book two of the Portland Icehawks series by Jami Davenport. The characters were quick to hook me, and I loved their story overall with the exception of a very abrupt ending and a couple of plot holes that I would have liked to see wrapped up a bit more. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Grady is a good guy, but his past haunts him on a daily basis and leaves him always wondering “what if”. I enjoyed seeing him let his guard down and heal with Aspen by his side.

Aspen is haunted and living life on the edge as she searches for a missing part of herself. I liked the side of her that Grady brought out.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone that enjoys a hockey romance with a group of guys who play hard and love even harder.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE DANGEROUS ONE by Lori Foster

January 26, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE DANGEROUS ONE by Lori Foster

The Dangerous One by Lori Foster
Series: Osborn Brothers #1
Published by HQN Books Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Being alone is what he wanted… All he needed was her.

Hunter Osborn left his family, his friends and his job as a park ranger after uncovering a disturbing crime scene. Haunted by nightmares and harrowing memories, Hunter relocated to an isolated property near Triple Creek, Colorado, where he lives alone and keeps his interactions with people to a minimum.

Still, Hunter can spot trouble from a mile away, and when he encounters Jodi Bentley, he knows she’s trouble of the most tempting kind—even more tempting when she moves into the run-down cabin next door. Jodi is tough as nails, sexy as hell—and clearly struggles with her own traumatic past. Hunter tries to keep his distance, but when Jodi’s life is threatened, he can’t help being drawn out of his own darkness and into hers.

Fans of Foster’s McKenzies of Ridge Trail series are in for a huge treat when they discover this is Jodi’s story with McKenzie cameos around every corner! I was hooked from the first chapter when witty sass, a hunky hero and the hint of discord in this town showed it’s face right from the start. The characters are strong-willed and attention grabbing with secrets galore and their camaraderie and attraction right off the bat sells the connection immediately. I can’t wait for more in the series!

Jodi is head-strong and determined to stand tall as the survivor that she is. I adored her spunk and watching her learn to let love in is super heartwarming.

Hunter is just the sweetest! He’s tough and distant, but stumbling across Jodi changes him in an instant. She is his kryptonite. I adored the connection they shared, and his dog is adorable!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a story revolving around characters who have overcome adversity and aren’t willing to let their past define them anymore. There is danger, there is love and most of all there is so much heart. Loved the kickoff to this series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * TORCH by Chelle Bliss

January 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * TORCH by Chelle Bliss

Torch by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #11
Published by Bliss Ink on January 24, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Trace Caldo’s smart mouth always gets him in trouble. As the youngest of three brothers, he’s used to scrapping to earn respect. But when he picks a fight with the wrong person, Trace ends up kidnapped, bound, and blindfolded with no hope for escape. And when a beautiful woman comes to his rescue and offers him a way to staying alive, Trace can’t refuse her.

Ana Marie Kelly appears to live a charmed life. Raised in a wealthy family, she has everything a woman can want—if you don’t count freedom. Ana’s always been under her father’s thumb, expected to do as she’s told and not bring shame upon the family. But when Ana makes a mistake that could send her life in a tailspin, she can only think of one way out—the handsome man in her father’s garage.

…and their only way out is to say, “I do.”

The Caldo’s always make everything better! The eleventh book in the oh so addictive Men of Inked: Heatwave series is bringing us the delectable story of youngest son Trace and showcases the trouble only he can get himself into. I was quickly hooked on the drama, and their love story kept my attention riveted throughout. My only complaint is that there wasn’t more of them for me to love! Loved the attention grabbing angst and heartwarming romance!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a full of himself alpha man who crumbles at the sight of the woman who steals his heart. Great characters, an amazing family supporting case and always a heartfelt and sassy happily ever after.

Torch by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Trace Caldo’s smart mouth always gets him in trouble. As the youngest of three brothers, he’s used to scrapping to earn respect. But when he picks a fight with the wrong person, Trace ends up kidnapped, bound, and blindfolded with no hope for escape. And when a beautiful woman comes to his rescue and offers him a way to stay alive, Trace can’t refuse her.

Ana Marie Kelly appears to live a charmed life. Raised in a wealthy family, she has everything a woman can want—if you don’t count freedom. Ana’s always been under her father’s thumb, expected to do as she’s told and not bring shame upon the family. But when Ana makes a mistake that could send her life in a tailspin, she can only think of one way out—the handsome man in her father’s garage.

…and their only way out is to say, “I do.”

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

Amazon: https://geni.us/torch-amz

Apple Books: https://geni.us/torch-apple

Nook: https://geni.us/torch-bn

Kobo: https://geni.us/torch-kb

Google Play: Coming soon!

Goodreads: https://geni.us/torch-g

Ashes is now on SALE!

Read it today for 99¢

https://bit.ly/3XmIwzc

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chelleblissauthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chellebliss10/

Other: https://bingebooks.com/author/chelle-bliss

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/chellebliss

Text BLISS to 24587

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

* Review * DON’T OPEN THE DOOR by Allison Brennan

January 23, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DON’T OPEN THE DOOR by Allison Brennan

Don't Open the Door by Allison Brennan
Series: Regan Merritt #2
Published by MIRA on January 24, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A family torn apart. A botched investigation. She’ll stop at nothing to get answers.

US Marshal Regan Merritt never bought the FBI’s theory that her ten-year-old son’s murder was tied to her job. Yet as leads went cold, she’d had to walk away from the marshals, the case and her now ex-husband, Grant, who blamed her for Chase’s death.

After Regan receives a chilling voice mail from her former boss, Tommy, claiming new information about Chase’s murder, she can no longer stay away from her pain-filled past. Especially when Tommy’s murdered before she can return his call.

Now more than ever, Regan’s determined to find the truth, but the more she digs, the more evidence points to Grant as the killer’s true target. But Grant isn’t talking. As she tries to pin down her ex, Regan discovers something much bigger and far more sinister is at play—and she’s running out of people she can trust.

Grief and duplicity steal the show in this action packed web of heart and deceit! I was hooked from start to finish on DON’T OPEN THE DOOR! The second book in Allison Brennan’s Regan Merritt series is unputdownable and addictive. There’s mystery, turmoil, angst and healing and I loved every minute of it!

Regan proved in the first book of the series to be strong and tenacious and to see her walk down the path to finding out what truly happened to her son is powerful. I hope to see more of her.

I highly recommend this book as well as the prior one in the series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced dive into an intriguing storyline with lies and secrets popping up around every corner.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * KIDNAPPED IN TEXAS by Virginia Vaughan

January 23, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KIDNAPPED IN TEXAS by Virginia Vaughan

Kidnapped in Texas by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Cowboy Protectors #1
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on January 24, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A kidnapping case

reveals a secret that changes everything…

After witnessing an abduction, FBI agent Luke Harmon vows to return the teenage victim safely to her aunt, his ex, Abby Mitchell. But Abby has a secret—the girl is their daughter. To rescue his child from a human trafficking ring, he’ll partner with the woman who deceived him. But can he forgive the past before Abby becomes the next target…and his family is lost forever?

Attention grabbing drama! With the first book in her brand new Cowboy Protectors series Virginia Vaughan thrusts us knee deep into a kidnapping storyline that turns into so much more than what they first expected. The tension is high, the emotional depth is spot on and the overall arc was rewarding. I can’t wait for more to come in the series!

FBI agent Luke Harmon is easily likable for his good heart, his earnest emotion and his devotion to family.

Abby is a little bit of a hard sell at first. She has been selfish in the past and seems only apologetic when it comes back to bite her. I started out feeling dislike, but I’ll admit that she did grow on me throughout.

I’ll admit that I would have liked to have seen a bit more development in the ending after they were reunited into that family unit, but overall the book was fast paced, intriguing and easy to love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ART IN BLOOD by Nichole Severn

January 23, 2023 Leave a Comment

Art in Blood by Nichole Severn
Series: Hunting Grounds #6
on January 9, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A washed-out painter battling to forget her past.
A profiler who needs all the help he can get.
To get to know the artist, they'll have to face a killer's deadly work...or become the main attraction.

Hiding inside the walls of a mental institution was supposed to distance her from the real world, but it seems Becks Gentry can’t leave her old life behind. A malicious killer drove her to give up everything she loved. Now he’s back and using her paintings as inspiration for his own showcase. Only this time, Becks isn’t going to run, and she’s not alone.

BAU agent Raider King has studied Becks for two years after learning of the killer’s attachment to her and her work. His research can prevent countless deaths once published, but as they uncover more of the artist’s masterpieces and the victims exsanguinated to create them, Raider discovers his own attachment to Becks. Putting everything they’ve worked for at risk.

Their worst nightmare is back to finish what he started. And nothing will ever be the same.

Pulse pounding intensity! My favorite in the Hunting Ground series by far! Non-stop intrigue with a strong twist of emotion, turmoil and heart. The plot is quick to hook you and the characters are eloquent enough in their attraction to keep you turning page after page. I really enjoyed Becks and Raider and the intensity of their story. I’m looking forward to the next book to come from the groundwork laid at the end of this one. Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys an exciting dive into the heart of an investigation that showcases the demented paces some will go through.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * JUST ANOTHER SPARK by Carly Phillips

January 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ANOTHER SPARK by Carly Phillips

Just Another Spark by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #8
Published by CP Publishing on January 17, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

He’s a rock star wanted by millions.
She’s a wife willing to fight for their love.

Rock star Dash Kingston is finishing the last leg of his band’s U.S. tour. Exhausted and ready to be home, he can’t wait to see his girl. Time zones, show times, and the demands of his career have made married life harder than expected. Even knowing the rock star life wouldn’t make their relationship easy.

Cassidy Kingston thought she was ready to handle being married to a man idolized by women everywhere. She believes in their love even though the separations when the band is on tour can be torture. But the paparazzi and media don’t make their time apart easier and the gossip headlines hit her harder than they should. She trusts her husband even if she misses him like crazy.

When rumors surface that Dash is seeing someone, what’s a girl to do? Surprise her husband and remind him of what he’s been missing. Except you know what they say about the best laid plans.

Stands alone but if you want to read Dash and Cassidy’s full story:
Just One Spark

Short, but a sweet reconnection! I enjoyed getting to see a snippet of what Dash Kingston and his wife Cassidy are up to these days in this short novella. The storyline was down to earth and the characters never disappoint. If you read their full story (Just One Spark) you will be overjoyed with this dip into their lives … if you didn’t read the first one, you won’t get as much out of it. I highly recommend you go grab Just One Spark first and then dive into this sweet update.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CUTE BUT PSYCHO by Lani Lynn Vale

January 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CUTE BUT PSYCHO by Lani Lynn Vale

Cute But Psycho by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Gator Bait MC #3
on January 17, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Etienne LaFayette hits the ground running the moment he breathes free air after being paroled from a maximum-security prison in Texas.

He claws his life back from his brother-in-law who’d taken over his business during the years he’d spent as an inmate at Huntsville Penitentiary. Though it is hard, he puts his life back together in Accident, Florida.

There, he hires new employees, joins a motorcycle club, and becomes wildly successful overnight.

Seems like the perfect life, right?

Wrong.

Because one of his first clients is a beautiful, curly-haired woman that reels him in from the moment he first lays eyes on her. Only, before he can work his charm, she forms an opinion of him based solely on the person that he chose to work at his side, day in and day out. That opinion? Utter disgust.

***

Matilda Deveraux has been dealt blow after blow her entire life.

First with the death of her mom. Then living with a stepfamily that despises her.

Her entire life she’s been known as different. The “weird girl that creeps everyone out.”

It’s not her fault that she’s different, yet everyone, including Etienne’s assistant, treats her like she’s a menace to society.
Like she would be better off in a loony bin than gracing the streets of Accident, Florida.

After years of abuse from everyone around her, the last thing she needs is to be around a man that would have that horrible woman around him twenty-four seven.

As a result, she forms an opinion—something that people do to her all the time—and treats him accordingly.
Only, it turns out that Etienne isn’t who she thought he was.

He’s much, much worse. But only in the best of ways.

Vale shines when building a cast of tough but oh so loveable guys! The third book in the Gator Bait MC series brings us Etienne’s story when he meets his match in Matilda. The characters are intense and a lot of fun, the plot is thick with tension, angst and steamy goodness. I loved their story and look forward to more to come in the series!

Etienne is fierce and loyal and I loved every minute of him. Watching him fall hard and fast for “the one” was breathtaking.

Matilda is such a great character. She’s heartfelt and direct and she loves hard when she has a loyal person in her life. She’s been mistreated so much, so it’s really rewarding to see those that have done her wrong get what’s coming to them.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves to see a great redemption story for an MC guy that has been imprisoned and starts his life anew while bonding with a new group of brothers that will have his back through thick and thin.

CUTE BUT PSYCHO by Lani Lynn Vale is OUT NOW!

GRAB YOUR COPY 👇
💜 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JkM4Mv
💜 Apple: https://apple.co/3vpDTsb
💜 Nook: http://bit.ly/3YXvGsy
💜 Kobo: https://bit.ly/3oKV2ZG

Add to your TBR: https://bit.ly/3SjbApd

About the Book
Etienne LaFayette hits the ground running the moment he breathes free air after being paroled from a maximum-security prison in Texas.

He claws his life back from his brother-in-law who’d taken over his business during the years he’d spent as an inmate at Huntsville Penitentiary. Though it is hard, he puts his life back together in Accident, Florida.

There, he hires new employees, joins a motorcycle club, and becomes wildly successful overnight.

Seems like the perfect life, right?

Wrong.

Because one of his first clients is a beautiful, curly-haired woman that reels him in from the moment he first lays eyes on her. Only, before he can work his charm, she forms an opinion of him based solely on the person that he chose to work at his side, day in and day out. That opinion? Utter disgust.

***

Matilda Deveraux has been dealt blow after blow her entire life.

First with the death of her mom. Then living with a stepfamily that despises her.

Her entire life she’s been known as different. The “weird girl that creeps everyone out.”

It’s not her fault that she’s different, yet everyone, including Etienne’s assistant, treats her like she’s a menace to society.
Like she would be better off in a loony bin than gracing the streets of Accident, Florida.

After years of abuse from everyone around her, the last thing she needs is to be around a man that would have that horrible woman around him twenty-four seven.

As a result, she forms an opinion—something that people do to her all the time—and treats him accordingly.
Only, it turns out that Etienne isn’t who she thought he was.

He’s much, much worse. But only in the best of ways.

Filed Under: Book Reviews