Book Reviews – Page 46

* Review * PRESUMED DEAD by Nichole Severn

October 15, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PRESUMED DEAD by Nichole Severn

Presumed Dead by Nichole Severn
Series: Defenders of Battle Mountain #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on October 25, 2022
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Their shared history could be their undoing.

Forced to partner up, reserve officer Kendric Hudson and missing persons agent Campbell Dwyer work a baffling abduction case that gets more dangerous with each new revelation. As they battle a mounting threat, they must trust one another with their deepest secrets. But the truth they uncover could leave them lucky to escape with their lives…

An unexpected reunion sets the stage for drama and intrigue as the Defenders of Battle Mountain series continues. The characters are intriguing and their secrets make for a compelling story. I wanted a slight bit more development in a couple of spots but overall a solid read and a wild ride to completion.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys an action packed story that is fast paced and packed with intrigue and hints of romance.

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* Review * VAN by Kat Mizera

October 15, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Van by Kat Mizera
Series: Sidewinders: Generations #4
on October 18, 2022
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Temptation could destroy everything he’d spent his career building…

Professional hockey player Jean-Michel Vander is living the dream…. And the Las Vegas strip is a long way from the small town in Quebec where he grew up. He works hard but he plays harder, especially in the off-season. The sexy redhead he spots doing a striptease in a Paris nightclub is all kinds of fun.

Until he finds out who her father is… and she becomes all kinds of trouble.

College graduate Daisy DeSantos is living her best life spending the summer traveling abroad with her friends in Europe. Before heading back home to Las Vegas to start her new life, she wants to live a little. When she dances with a handsome stranger in a nightclub, she gets more than she bargained for: a viral video and a fake boyfriend.

The pretend relationship might have started out as a cover story, but their feelings are anything but fake.

Fun, fresh, feel-good romance! Kat Mizera is known for her hockey hunks, but when a chance meeting abroad leads Van into a fake/turned all too real romance with his coach’s daughter you know it’s going to be a fun ride! I enjoyed every minute of Daisey and Van and can’t wait for more to come in the series.

Jean-Michel is hardworking and dedicated to his game, but watching him let his guard down and truly enjoy time with Daisey is super sweet.

Daisy might have had a lot handed to her in life, but she’s determined to make it on her own now that she’s stepping into the workforce … too bad she lucked into a jerk of a first boss.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit group of hockey players who play as hard off the rink as on but love hard once they fall.

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* Review * THE HIGH NOTES by Danielle Steel

October 15, 2022 Leave a Comment

The High Notes by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on October 11, 2022
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Iris Cooper has been singing ever since she can remember, hitting the high notes like no one else. When she is twelve, her father convinces the owner of a bar in Lake City, Texas, to let her perform, and she stuns the audience. In the ensuing years, never staying anywhere for long, father and daughter move from one dusty town to the next, her passion for music growing every time she takes the mike in another roadhouse.

But it is not an easy life for Iris with her father in charge and using her income to pay for gambling, women, and booze. When she starts to tour at age eighteen, she takes on a real manager. Yet he exploits her too, and the singers and musicians she tours with are really the only family she has. It is they who give Iris the courage to finally fly free, leave the tour, and follow her dreams.

After years of enduring the hardships of the road, exploitation, and abuse to do what she loves, Iris’s big chance comes as her talent soars. But at the top at last, Iris still has to fight every step of the way. In The High Notes, Danielle Steel delivers an inspiring story about finding the strength to stand up for yourself and your dreams, no matter what it takes.

I was hooked from the first page! Danielle Steel is known for her way of wrapping an emotional situation around her reader’s heart and not letting go and that’s exactly what happens when we meet young Iris who can sing like an angel, but has a less than warm living situation. This book is about her journey through life both as a child and as a young adult when she first gets the chance to fly solo and spread her wings. Life isn’t easy, but she shines throughout and holds steady until she gets the chance of a lifetime and the doors to a fulfilling life begin to swing open. I enjoyed every minute of her story and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a coming of age story with heartfelt characters and bits of intrigue and drama mixed in.

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* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN WINGS by Chelle Bliss

October 4, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN WINGS by Chelle Bliss

Broken Wings by Chelle Bliss
Series: Open Road Series #3
Published by Bliss Ink on October 4, 2022
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Logan “Crow” Taylor had every intention of not getting involved in trouble after gaining his freedom and rejoining his motorcycle club. But when the rough and rowdy biker crosses paths with a single mother in need of help and his protection, he can’t turn his back and walk away.

Each book keeps getting better and better! With the third book in her always emotional Open Road Series, Chelle Bliss is giving Crow the gift of a lifetime when she has him crossing paths with Birdie and her daughter. The setup was intriguing right from the start and emotions were high throughout. Easy to like characters, drama galore and so much sexy goodness!

Logan is overwhelmed and unsure of himself at this point in his life, but it’s clear from the beginning what a good guy he is at heart. Watching him interact with Mia was such a sweet part of the story.

Bridget is at a low point and sees herself breaking into pieces in the not so distant future when Logan steps in like a knight in shining armor. She redeems herself from that low point nicely.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a somewhat tainted hero that earns his redemption as soon as he steps onto the pages. I am really enjoying this series!

Two broken souls. One chance encounter.

Broken Wings by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Logan “Crow” Taylor had every intention of not getting involved in trouble after gaining his freedom and rejoining his motorcycle club. But when the rough and rowdy biker crosses paths with a single mother in need of help and his protection, he can’t turn his back and walk away.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play!

Amazon: https://geni.us/bw-kindle

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3PClRuY

Nook: https://geni.us/bw-nook

Kobo: https://geni.us/bw-kobo

Google Play: Coming Soon!

Audible: https://adbl.co/3RnnRaq

Narrated by: Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3C1MeXk

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

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: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * BAD BOY CRUSH by Jessica Lemmon

October 3, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Bad Boy Crush by Jessica Lemmon
Series: Evergreen Cove #2
Published by Lemmon Ink on October 4, 2022
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A stormy past leads to an unexpected reunion.

Lourdes Daniels’s divorce came with a fallout: losing close friend Anthony Renaldo. Now she’s ready to heal their rift under one condition…this time, she’s protecting her heart at all costs. But when a surprise and very public kiss fast tracks them to the bedroom, Lourdes is suddenly seeing Anthony in an entirely new way…

After spending five years at arm’s length from Lourdes, chainsaw artist Anthony Renaldo isn’t about to miss his second chance. Proving his prowess in bed is easy, but getting Lourdes onboard for more is practically impossible. He has a choice to make: settle for less with Lourdes once again, or convince her that he’s worth the risk.

Sweet and sentimental meets steamy goodness in the second book in Jessica Lemmon’s Evergreen Cove series and I loved it! This fast paced frenemies to lovers story is sure to please as snarky meets goodhearted and hearts collide. I wanted a bit more development to the character’s as a whole, but I enjoyed their reconnection and personalities a lot. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

Lourdes is a delight. She’s snarky and direct and downright full of attitude, but she has a heart of gold and warmth galore.

Anthony is such a sweetheart and totally misunderstood in his disagreement with Lou. I loved seeing her forgive him and step into what they could be.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone that enjoys a semi-small vacation town filled with relatable characters and their friends as each one pairs off into their happily ever after.

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* Review * SLAPSHOT by Jami Davenport

October 3, 2022 Leave a Comment

Slapshot by Jami Davenport
Series: The Scoring Series #8
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on September 29, 2022
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BRYCE:
I'm the guy the entire team loves to hate. Not only am I one of the Sockeyes' best players, but I make sure everyone knows it. No woman has ever held my heart until I meet Tia. She's everything I am, gorgeous, rude, arrogant with a capital 'TUDE, and we're both concealing soul-shattering pain. Together we're fire and ice, a combo I can't resist and one that has me worried I've finally succumbed to the worst four-letter word in the English language--LOVE.

TIA:
After my mother's tragic death, I've lashed out and driven away everyone who ever cared about me. The pain is so great, I feel I don’t deserve friendship or love. Along comes Bryce. We're kindred spirits. He's as damaged as I am. Out of our grief, something special begins to sprout, but our tendency to destroy anything good in our lives threatens the best thing that's ever happened to us. Only Bryce refuses to give up while I'm finding old habits die hard. Barricading my heart is easier than taking the risk of being hurt again.

What a match! With the eighth book in her Scoring Series hockey world Jami Davenport pours on the dysfunction like a rockstar when pairing conceited Bryce with snarky Tia and showcasing the wounded souls beneath the surface. The connection between the characters is quick and easy to become hooked on. I enjoyed their fast paced story and the emotional ups and downs they each had to confront. I’m enjoying this series a lot!

Bryce comes across as brash and cocky, but he’s a truly nice guy at heart. I enjoyed watching him give up some of the control he has had on his play and start to become a true team player.

Tia was much nicer than I was expected based on interaction in prior books in the series. She actually has good reason for her attitude and adjusts well as kindness begins to warm her soul.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with a close knit group of teammates each falling for their one true love one guy at a time.

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* Review * THE COMEBACK HEIR by Janice Maynard

September 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Comeback Heir by Janice Maynard
Published by Harlequin Desire on September 27, 2022
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It was an outrageous favor to ask an ex-lover,

To be the live-in nanny for the baby on his doorstep…

Blue-collar billionaire Wynn Oliver has just inherited a baby and he needs his ex, Felicity Vance, to move in and help him. She knows what it’s like to be without a mother and she knows him—no other nanny will do. It should be as simple as a favor for an old friend, but their sizzling attraction makes it…complicated. Will the secrets that tore them apart years ago come between them again?

Sizzling attraction and heartfelt emotions throughout! I really enjoyed this unlikely reunion between first loves at a point in their life that they never expected to reconnect. The characters are likable and the situation they find themselves in is emotional, yet heartwarming. I loved every minute of their story!

Wynn has closed himself off from the person he was when his teenage self fell in love with Fliss. He’s accomplished and more than successful, but seeing a warmth come into his life with her near is really rewarding.

Felicity is kindhearted and sincere and the fact that she was willing to put her life on hold to do her ex a huge favor spoke volumes about the type of person that she is.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast paced, emotional reunion of past loves when life has moved forward drastically and they aren’t expecting it.

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* Review * WYOMING RODEO RESCUE by Carol Ross

September 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Wyoming Rodeo Rescue by Carol Ross
Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs #3
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on September 27, 2022
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Will a Wyoming cowboy…

Rescue her heart?

Famous equestrian Summer Davies travels to Wyoming to escape a scandal…and rescue Levi Blackwell’s rodeo. When she arrives early, the only place to stay is with the ornery—and gorgeous—cowboy. Their commitment to making the rodeo a success, and Summer’s affection for his young daughter, draws them together. When he learns about her past, will he still want her help? Or will he end up chasing her away?

Loving this sweet and sentimental return to the Blackwell family! With the third book in The Blackwells of Eagle Springs series Carol Ross brings us Levi’s story and his adorable daughter Isla steals the show. The characters have great chemistry and have solid back stories to delve into.

Levi is family oriented and loyal and I easily liked him. His devotion to his kiddo was super sweet.

Summer came off as a bit pretentious at first, but as she mellowed out, her true character started to show through. I enjoyed them together.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that likes a close knit family who always has some drama going on behind the scenes as each sibling finds their forever love.

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* Review * IDLE by Arell Rivers

September 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

IDLE by Arell Rivers
Series: Sins of the Fathers #4
Published by Tarnished Halo Publishing LLC on September 22, 2022
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A home renovation show brings them together ~ will they update more than an apartment?

Paige

I need my independence.

My parents’ apartment is a battlefield, and I can’t wait to escape. So, when my brother’s best friend asks me to partner with him on a home renovation reality show competition, I’m all in.

The fact that I’m wildly attracted to him and he seems determined to friendzone me is irrelevant. It’s not like I need a new romance.

Or so I thought…

Jesse

I’ve been living someone else’s life.

When my sister died, I fulfilled her potential. I never really focused on my own.

Until now.

With Paige’s help, I have a shot at finally making my dreams come true. I know I have what it takes to be a great carpenter.

But do I have what it takes to keep my mind—and hands—off Paige?

Seems unlikely…

They’re complete opposites with nothing in common but a little forced proximity, and an incredibly inconvenient attraction. Will competition bring them closer to happily ever after—or heartbreak?

An unlikely pair sizzles with chemistry! A quirky take on a brother’s best friend trope with a reality TV spin to it. I liked the characters and their main portrayal, but I find the background continuation of this series to be a bit weak and not keeping us on the edge of our seats enough through the possibly criminal father drama. I need a little more to fully engross me.

Paige is underappreciated and at her wits end from still living at home with her battling parents. Seeing her find a way to shine is heartwarming.

Jesse is a sweetheart, but he’s living his life for all of the wrong reasons and seeing him finally get the recognition he needs to be himself is rewarding.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that likes a bit of family drama in the background as each sibling/cousin finds their happily ever after.

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* Review * LONG SHOT by Kat Mizera

September 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Long Shot by Kat Mizera
Series: Lauderdale Knights #3
on September 20, 2022
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Welcome to Fort Lauderdale... where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter.

Jace:
I never expected to make it up to the big leagues. But now that I’m here, I’m never going back down. I will out-work, out-train, outdo every other guy on the Knights if that’s what it takes. Not even a shark attack will get in my way… but the sexy surfer chick who rescues me just might.

Tawny:
Losing my soulmate taught me that life is short. And I’m going to spend the rest of mine becoming one of the top surfers in the world. I refuse to be distracted by some hotshot hockey player who is my polar opposite. No matter how good it is between us. Deep down I don’t want to lose this thing we have going, but one wrong move and he just might pull me under.

Delectably dashing! With the third book in her Lauderdale Knights hockey series Kat Mizera is turning up the heat with an amazingly fresh meet cute, and I was hooked from that point forward. The characters are both intriguing with connectible personalities and have quite the connection throughout the story that keeps you turning page after page in delight. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series.

Jace is a down-to-earth type of guy that is easy to like and seems to go with the flow as he chases his dreams.

Tawny is a unique character that really had me hooked me.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a hockey romance with a likable group of players that razz each other all the time but are steadfast in their friendship and dedication to the loves of their lives as each one settles down and falls in love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews