Book Reviews – Page 44

* Review * ALWAYS YOURS by Jules Bennett

December 12, 2022 Leave a Comment

Always Yours by Jules Bennett
Series: A Haven Novella
Published by Jules Bennett on December 3, 2022
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Newly elected Mayor Ben Monroe loves his hometown and will do everything to make it even better – including take on the newest business owner and her excessive love of exterior Christmas décor.

Emily James, owner of Emmy’s Corner Boutique, has butted heads with Ben since she put out her first chalk sign on the sidewalk during her soft opening. The man has too many rules and is killing her business, not to mention the festive vibe.

Will their opposing views keep them at odds or will the magic of Christmas bring them together?

Enemies to lovers in all their glory! I’m always delighted to visit Jules Bennett’s Haven, Georgia world to reunite with old friends and build on the relationships there, but this book was too short to really give me the bite that I wanted. I enjoy the town, but we didn’t get to see very much of the core group of the story this time and their presence was dearly missed. The characters are intriguing and I enjoyed the connection between them, I just wish there had been more delving into their backstories to set the stage and most importantly more development of their relationship before calling it the end. I wholeheartedly love this series and town … I just want a complete story, even if it’s novella length.

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* Release Blitz/Review * THE WICKED TRUTH by Melissa Foster

December 7, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE WICKED TRUTH by Melissa Foster

The Wicked Truth by Melissa Foster
Series: The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #4
Published by World Literary Press on December 7, 2022
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What happens when you’re not looking for love, but it walks in the door?

Madigan Wicked’s heart is not up for grabs. She’s been there, done that, and she’s not going back for seconds. She pours her heart and soul into her family, her puppetry and storytelling performances, and her greeting card line. But she’s not opposed to having a night of fun, and the gruff, sinfully hot, definitely-not-looking-for-love mysterious stranger she runs into at a bar might be just the right man to enjoy it with.

Ex-con Tobias Riggs has lost enough for one lifetime. The only family member in his corner doesn’t remember him, and the people he thought would always be in his life walked away. He’s just trying to make it through each day, and the last thing he’s looking for is any sort of connection. When chemistry ignites with the snarky, sexy storyteller whose lips he can’t stop thinking about, he gives in to a night of passion.

Though neither is open to love, it’s been known to bully its way into even the most resisting hearts. But can it survive the wicked truth of Tobias’s dark past?

Madison Wicked has met her match! With the highly anticipated continuance of her The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series, Foster is delivering one of her angstiest heroes to date and I loved every minute of it! There’s heartache, healing, emotional attachment and passion galore as the family princess hooks up with danger and shines through it all. Highly addictive and fulfilling.

Madison is sweet, sincere and knows what she wants out of life and I loved seeing her success and watching her grow even more into the fulfilled person she knows herself to be.

Tobias is such a heart-wrenching hero. He’s floundering in the past, but it doesn’t take the reader long to see the heart of gold he has beneath his gruff. I loved watching him open his heart to living again.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a manly man who melts under the love of a good woman! The Wickeds are outspoken and territorial and love hard and fast when “the one” crosses their path.

The Wicked Truth by Melissa Foster is now live!

What happens when you’re not looking for love, but it walks in the door?

Madigan Wicked’s heart is not up for grabs. She’s been there, done that, and she’s not going back for seconds. She pours her heart and soul into her family, her greeting card line, puppetry, and storytelling performances. But she’s not opposed to having a night of fun, and the gruff, sinfully hot, definitely-not-looking-for-love mysterious stranger she runs into at a bar might be just the right man to enjoy it with.

Ex-con Tobias Riggs has lost enough for one lifetime. The only family member in his corner doesn’t remember him, and the people who he thought would always be in his life, walked away. He’s just trying to make it through each day, and the last thing he’s looking for is any sort of connection. When chemistry ignites with the snarky, sexy storyteller, with lips he can’t stop thinking about, he gives in to a night of passion.

Though neither is open to love, it’s been known to bully its way into even the most resisting hearts. But can it survive the wicked truth of Tobias’s dark past?

Download today!
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Meet Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues. Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Connect with Melissa
Website | https://melissafoster.com/
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* Review * RANCHER AFTER MIDNIGHT by Karen Booth

December 6, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RANCHER AFTER MIDNIGHT by Karen Booth

Rancher After Midnight by Karen Booth
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals #9
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 27, 2022
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One New Year’s Eve kiss is all it takes…

To tame a handsome beast.

Thanks to a bogus inheritance, rancher Heath Thurston has a score to settle. Seducing his sexy land surveyor, Ruby Bennet, is not part of his revenge plan…nor is the snowstorm that leaves them stranded with nothing but a connection they can’t deny. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, will Heath’s icy heart finally melt, or will he remain a vengeful beast for good?

Fast paced, emotional and addictive! Karen Booth delivers the ninth and final book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Ranchers and Rivals series with a heartfelt conclusion to wrap it all up. I enjoyed the ongoing drama of each book building to this final match up.

Heath has been villainized throughout the series, but now we get to hear his reasonings in his own voice and get to understand what drives him and what type of guy he truly is. I ended up liking him a lot.

Ruby was sweet and sincere but her own issues led her to be a bit harsh on Heath when it was all playing out. I liked him better than her in the end.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced series of books building on a core subject as various siblings from the three families involved find their happily ever afters one after another.

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* Review * GOOD TROUBLE by Lani Lynn Vale

December 6, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * GOOD TROUBLE by Lani Lynn Vale

Good Trouble by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Gator Bait MC #2
on December 6, 2022
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Bain met Diana, a.k.a. Luce, the night before he was set to deploy to Afghanistan.

It’s not every day that you take your brother’s girlfriend to prom because he refuses to put out the effort.

That night was one of the best nights of his life and the next day, he leaves and doesn’t see her again.

But there are letters. Not many, but enough for them to form a connection.

Over the two-year deployment, they became great friends.

The best of friends—at least, as good of friends as you can be when it’s your brother’s wife.

Fast-forward six years and she still counts him as one of her greatest friends. Even going as far as to stick by him when he’s sent to prison because his own brother turned on him.

***

Luce had a crush on her then-boyfriend’s brother since way before she and Bain’s brother were married. From the moment he volunteered to take her to prom, she’d fallen.

Over the years, she’d tried to hide it. Tried to go on with her life and act like she loved her husband and only her husband. But as time went on and Braxton started to treat her more and more like crap, she realized the truth. Her husband wasn’t Bain. Her husband would never be him.

Hell, that’d been proven time and time again.

The smoking gun, though? The thing that made her realize it was time to leave?

When her husband stood by while she was assaulted, while the man she tried to act like was just a friend protected her. Then was sentenced to eight years in jail for it.

It was time to admit the truth.

Bain McDempsey was it for her. She just had to help him see it. Oh, and get him out of prison first.

An unforgettable connection steals the show in the second book in Lani Lynn Vale’s Gator Bait MC series! This book had my attention immediately and held it throughout as drama and intrigue kept popping up around every corner. The characters are endearing and such kind-hearted people and their road to happily ever after was indeed paved with roadblocks that they steamrolled over in an addictive storyline.

I loved Bain! He’s everything that is good in this story and I enjoyed watching him get to be with Luce and overcome injustice.

Diana AKA Luce is a bit complex and at times you wonder why she does the things that she does (like her ex!), but overall I liked her and enjoyed their story.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves an action packed, dramatic romance filled with passion, love and drama galore.

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* Release Blitz/Review * THE PATH TO YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

December 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE PATH TO YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

The Path to You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Wilder Brothers #3
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on December 5, 2022
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Goodreads

The moment I saw Bethany Cole, I knew she was not only out of my league, but in a whole different world.

Only I didn’t realize I’d met her before.

An explosion stole part of my past, including the first time I’d seen her pretty face.

Now she’s an A-list celebrity.

And I’m just a Wilder.

But when her boyfriend cheats on her, Bethany needs a safe place to hide from the paparazzi.

The Wilder’s Retreat seems like the perfect escape.

Only every time we see each other it’s hard to remember we come from two different worlds.

And that the danger that follows her is only the beginning.

The ultimate in a star-crossed lovers trope! Carrie Ann Ryan is doing a great job at endearing this family of The Wilder Brothers to her readers hearts and the third book in the series will NOT disappoint. The drama is high, the passion is top notch and the heart this family brings forth is the ultimate in comfort reading. I am loving this fam!

Bethany is highly successful and should be on top of the world but her cheating ex and the scandal he brings to her life is really bringing her down. It’s funny that the place she feels the safest is where “he” is … the man that stole her heart and seemingly stomped on it … the man who acts like he doesn’t even know her.

Everett is loving and sincere and the fact that he has had such a hard time after his injuries that caused his military career to end abruptly is really a drag. He doesn’t let it stop him from having a fulfilling life, but he’s constantly hindered. Like when he can’t remember the beautiful woman he supposedly spent time with before it all came crashing down.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a family of former military guys who love wholeheartedly and cherish the family they were born into as much as they cherish the life they have managed to enjoy.

Title: The Path to You
Series: The Wilder Brothers #3

Author: Carrie Ann Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 5, 2022

BLURB

The moment I saw Bethany Cole, I knew she was not only out of my league, but in a whole different world.

Only I didn’t realize I’d met her before.

An explosion stole part of my past, including the first time I’d seen her pretty face.

Now she’s an A-list celebrity.

And I’m just a Wilder.

But when her boyfriend cheats on her, Bethany needs a safe place to hide from the paparazzi.

The Wilder’s Retreat seems like the perfect escape.

Only every time we see each other it’s hard to remember we come from two different worlds.

And that the danger that follows her is only the beginning.

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AUTHOR BIO

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Re-Release Blitz * A CHRISTMAS NEGOTIATION by Karen Booth

December 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

Author Karen Booth is having a re-release of a fan fav today with A CHRISTMAS NEGOTIATION (former Harlequin Desire – A Christmas Rendezvous) so be sure to check it out at her website by clicking the cover below for more info and buy links!

A Christmas Negotiation (Karen Booth)

Subtitle: A Winter Romance

A read-in-one-sitting, fast-paced, steamy Holiday Rom Com.

“Electrifying chemistry! Karen Booth takes us along for a delectable ride!”—Goodreads

Right before the holidays, these two lawyers go from the bedroom to the boardroom in this steamy, rivals to lovers romance!

Upon her return to New York City, high-powered attorney Isabel Blackwell has vowed to avoid drama at all costs, so it’s bad enough that she is spending her Christmas on a high-stakes case. Then she discovers she’s up against the man who took her breath away one very special night.

After his messy divorce affected his performance at work, Jeremy Strong needs a win. He doesn’t need a stubborn client who won’t compromise, or his father constantly undermining his authority, and he definitely doesn’t need to be distracted by his beautiful, sexy opposing counsel…

A must-read for fans of:

Rivals to lovers
Workplace romance
Christmas in New York City
Kittens!

“This book has me mentally transported to a sexy NYC during the holidays. There are quite a few tropes being toyed with, and it all makes it such a wonderful time!”—Goodreads

Previously published as A Christmas Rendezvous.

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* Review * DOCKSIDE DANGER by Carol Ericson

November 25, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DOCKSIDE DANGER by Carol Ericson

Dockside Danger by Carol Ericson
Series: The Lost Girls #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 27, 2022
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With innocent lives on the line
Trusting each other is their only chance…

LAPD detective Jane Falco knows a recent murder is no open-and-shut case. She doesn’t need FBI agent Tim Ruskin back in her life to complicate the investigation—and reignite still-dangerous sparks between them. But to stop a vicious human trafficking ring, Jane and Tim must gamble on each other—and an endgame impossible to survive…

Drama and mystery throughout! With the third book in The Lost Girls series Ericson is bringing a fling back together again to reunite and solve the crime of a lifetime as danger lurks around every corner.

Jane is self-assured and good at her job. She doesn’t take any gruff off of the men she works with day in and day out and she doesn’t plan to let the one man who got under her skin and pulled the wool over her eyes know how much he hurt her.

Tim might be an accomplished lawman, but he has a lot to learn about love.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery unraveling throughout each book as romance takes a side romp with danger.

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* Review * THE INNOCENT WIFE by Lisa Regan

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE INNOCENT WIFE by Lisa Regan

The Innocent Wife by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #16
Published by Bookouture on December 12, 2022
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Candles are lit and their rich vanilla scent twists its way through the cabin. The table is set for a romantic anniversary dinner with fresh roses dropping crimson petals on crisp white linen. But the woman seated at the table is cold to the touch, and there’s blood trickling down her neck…

When Denton’s most loved TV presenter returns home to find his wife dead at the dining table, it shatters the close-knit community. Beautiful and absolutely besotted with each other, Beau and Claudia Collins were idolized for being the perfect couple. But the devastating scene Detective Josie Quinn finds in their remote hideaway has her asking what dark secrets lurk beneath the surface of this seemingly flawless marriage?

Beau is grief-stricken by the loss of his kind-hearted wife who gave so much to others as a therapist, but Josie needs to know the significance of the small wooden puzzle box found clutched in Claudia’s hand. A prop in a popular game Beau played with his viewers to test the strength of their relationships, is it a twisted calling card, or a challenge from the killer?

The broken body of one of Beau and Claudia’s assistants is found the next day, a matching little box left in the dirt beside her. It’s clear that if Beau doesn’t start telling the truth about the flaws in his marriage, those dearest to him will die.

Caught in a cat and mouse chase with disturbing revelations and a mounting body count at every turn, Josie and her team work night and day to keep Beau’s loved ones safe. What kind of calculating monster would do this? A faded newspaper article about a tragic accident is the break Josie desperately needs. But she may already be too late, an innocent child is in danger…

Lisa Regan sure can hook a reader! With the sixteenth book in her beloved Detective Josie Quinn series, Regan continues to craft a mind boggling mystery filled with danger around every corner, lies upon lies from even the most trusted and more drama than we know what to do with. I can’t get enough of Josie Quinn!

A mysterious death opens the door to secrets and lies that will surprise the town as one of their most revered couples is thrust into the spotlight.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a thriller set in a small town with a familiar cast of characters trying to solve crime after crime as we follow along in the drama that marks their own lives.

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* Review * THE WEDDING RANCH by Nancy Naigle

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE WEDDING RANCH by Nancy Naigle

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on December 6, 2022
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When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

Nancy Naigle is synonymous with heartfelt, spiritual goodness with a hint of sass, a smidge of humor and a boatload of sweet love! If you are looking for a romance that will quickly hook you and will keep you entertained throughout, you have come to right place. I was intrigued by Lorri’s marriage drama, but it didn’t take long for the town of Dalton Mill and Ryder’s past to weave their way into my heart as well. I loved every minute of this book and the mix of emotions it brings to the forefront. Great characters, endearing storyline and a great happily ever after!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that entails the truthful heartache that sometimes leads to a second chance on love.

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* Review * JUST ONE TASTE by Carly Phillips

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE TASTE by Carly Phillips

Just One Taste by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #7, The Dirty Dares
Published by CP Publishing on November 29, 2022
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One grumpy billionaire.

One sassy-sweet supermodel.

Add in a tropical private island paradise.

What could go wrong?

As owner and CEO of Dirty Dare Spirits, thirty-three year old, Asher Dare has it all. Money. Power. Women whenever he wants. A private island retreat when he doesn’t. People he trusts? He can count those on one hand. When one of his best friends asks a favor—hide his twenty-one year old, supermodel sister, on the island until a scandal blows over—Asher can’t say no. But he doesn’t have to like it.

The daughter of a Senator and a Presidential candidate, Nicolette Bettencourt always acts with decorum. Yet through no fault of her own, scandal seems to follow her every move. When nude photos surface, the uproar puts her father’s campaign at risk. And forces her into hiding with Asher, the hottest—and grumpiest—billionaire she’s ever met.

Under soothing tropical breezes, Asher discovers that Nicolette is nothing like the spoiled brat portrayed in the tabloids. She’s warm, sexy, and a temptation Asher must resist at all costs—or he risks betraying his closest friend, bringing a powerful political dynasty to its knees… and losing the woman he loves.

Carly Phillips steals my heart again and again! With book seven in The Kingston Family series and book three of The Dirty Dares, Asher Dare takes center stage in a sexy twist on a brother’s BFF/age gap story with Nicollette Bettencourt. I was quickly hooked on Nikki’s scandal and seeing the sweet connection begin quickly between she and Asher kept me turning page after page. Loved them together!

Nikki is sweet and sincere, but other than her adoring big brother, she doesn’t have a whole lot of family love at her side. When she’s thrust into a scandal that once again has her mother glaring daggers at her, she’s happy to get to Asher’s hideaway for a bit.

Asher is sexy and successful and has his own bit of a past that has him being a bit abrupt with who he thinks he is vacationing with. Once he gets to know the person underneath the persona, it’s easy to see the sparks flying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a series of highly successful people who love their family hard and support each other through thick and thin as happily ever after comes calling on one sibling after another.

Filed Under: Book Reviews