* Review * LESSONS IN FATHERHOOD by Makenna Lee

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LESSONS IN FATHERHOOD by Makenna LeeLessons in Fatherhood by Makenna Lee
Series: Home to Oak Hollow #5
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

More surprising than being a father

Is what it takes to be a dad

Nicholas Weller is stunned to discover the adorable baby abandoned in the middle of his art gallery is his son. Asking teacher Emma Blake for help is a plea of desperation—he barely knows her, after all—and clearly, she has her own misgivings. But under Emma's tutelage, Nicholas is soon juggling diapers, formula…and unexpected feelings for her. He’s passing the lessons on fatherhood, but is he ready to graduate to family man?

 

Heartfelt characters, emotional back stories and just enough adorable sass to keep me hooked page after page! The fifth book in the Home to Oak Hollow series quickly grabbed my attention with a surprise/abandoned baby and I didn’t want to put it down even for a minute. I really enjoyed the honest goodness of the main characters and how they each had their own emotional scars to work through.

Nicholas is a genuinely nice guy in spite of his cold upbringing, but finding out he’s a dad when he doesn’t feel like he ever had an example of one is hard to swallow and he finds himself floundering. Lucky for him he picks just the right person to teach him the way.

Emma has a heartbreaking back story but has such a warm and giving heart that she manages to carry herself forward into whatever life brings her no matter the trauma she herself has suffered. I really liked her.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with subtle drama, heartwarming characters and happily ever afters freely flowing!

five-stars

* Review * ANTON by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ANTON by Kat MizeraAnton by Kat Mizera
Series: Sidewinders: Generations #3
on July 26, 2022
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four-half-stars

As the son of hockey royalty, Anton Petrov has both a reputation and a name to live up to. He’s always given everything to the sport, kept his head down—and focused on the game. Parties and women might come easily to him, but he’s not that interested. He’s never gotten over the one that got away—Sasha Kingsley.

When the FBI questions him about her disappearance, he begins to realize he can’t live without her.

Sasha grew up with the proverbial silver spoon. And that was before her mom married a legit European king. Now she’s a princess with expensive college degrees and absolutely no idea what comes next. Torn between passion and duty, she’s not sure how to survive her new status. When an unknown enemy sets their sight on Anton, she doesn’t know who to trust.

She broke Anton’s heart once to protect him—she’s not sure she’s strong enough to do it again.

 

Decadently forbidden! Fans of Kat Mizera’s varying characters will be in for a treat with the latest in her Sidewinders: Generations series, because there’s a twist of Royal Protectors and a hint of Rock Hard all rolled into an addictive hockey reunion!

Anton is a fun character to mesh with. He’s hockey royalty, yet down to earth and immersed in his game, but still finds time for family and loves hard.

Sasha is complex and conflicted. She battles herself on whether to give in to her heart or go along with what her family is telling her to do.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys an intense hockey romance with a close knit team finding love one after another. They play hard, but love even harder.

four-half-stars

* Review * TEXAS BURIED SECRETS by Virginia Vaughan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TEXAS BURIED SECRETS by Virginia VaughanTexas Buried Secrets by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Cowboy Lawmen #6
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

An uncovered grave reveals a deadly secret…

Publicly vowing to bring a serial killer to justice, Deputy Cecile Richardson solidifies herself as the criminal’s next target. And when a newly discovered victim is identified, it becomes even more personal for Cecile. She will solve this cold case. Can Sheriff Josh Avery keep her safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—or will the killer successfully hunt down his prey?

 

The captivating conclusion to a great series! Danger is lurking as a crime scene uncovers so much more than this small town was expecting. This book ties up the Cowboy Lawmen series with a bang as Sheriff Josh gets the answers he’s been searching for as he falls for his right hand deputy Cecile.

Cecile is accomplished and proves the loyalty she has in her heart time and again as she never gives up on her search for her missing friend.

Josh has a past that haunts him, but the feelings he has for Cecile seem to double right in front of his eyes when he realizes she’s become the next target for the killer among them.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys an inspirational romance filled with non-stop action and intrigue along with a close knit family of lawmen who are finding their happily ever afters one sibling after another.

five-stars

* Review * THE LOST AND FOUND GIRL by Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE LOST AND FOUND GIRL by Maisey YatesThe Lost and Found Girl by Maisey Yates
Published by HQN Books on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

Ruby McKee is a miracle. Found abandoned on a bridge as a newborn baby by the McKee sisters, she’s become the unofficial mascot of Pear Blossom, Oregon, a symbol of hope in the wake of a devastating loss. Ruby has lived a charmed life, and when she returns home after traveling abroad, she’s expecting to settle into that charm. But an encounter with the town’s black sheep makes her question the truth about her mysterious past.

Dahlia McKee knows it’s not right to resent Ruby for being special. But uncovering the truth about Ruby’s origins could allow Dahlia to carve her own place in Pear Blossom history.

Recently widowed Lydia McKee has enough on her plate without taking on Ruby’s quest for answers. Especially when her husband’s best friend, Chase, is beginning to become a complication she doesn’t want or need.

Marianne Martin is glad her youngest sister is back in town, but it’s hard to support Ruby’s crusade when her own life is imploding.

When the quest for the truth about Ruby’s origins uncovers a devastating secret, will the McKee sisters fall apart or band together?

 

A dazzling display of small town angst filled with heartwarming characters, quaint charm and a twist you’ll never expect! I was quickly hooked and captivated throughout.

Ruby sparkles the moment she steps onto the pages. She’s beloved and knows it, but she has such a sweet soul that you can’t help but like her.

Dahlia is the best and worst of us all. She adores her little sister with one breath, but with the next she resents the attention she gets.

Lydia is overcome with the grief that everyone in town wants to pile on top of her, but once she starts to open up about her feelings she becomes an interesting character to unravel.

Marianne comes across as the easiest of the bunch to understand at first, but as her life begins to come apart at the seams, we see a side to her we never would have known was beneath the surface.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a women’s fiction story with romance sharing the stage with a bit of mystery and whole lot of heart.

five-stars

* Review * KIDNAPPED IN ALASKA by Beth Carpenter

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KIDNAPPED IN ALASKA by Beth CarpenterKidnapped in Alaska by Beth Carpenter
Published by Inspirational Mountain Rescue Collection on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

From hiking and camping…

To hiding from kidnappers!

Alexis Mahoney is prepared for bears and bad weather on a rafting trip, not kidnappers trying to snatch her niece! Or needing to trust a wilderness recluse to keep them safe. Zeke Soto lives alone, haunted by the past. But when Alexis and Keira stumble upon his cabin, he offers protection—a dangerous move, because someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain…

 

Pulse pounding intrigue! I was quickly enchanted with this story of danger when they least expect it. The characters are well developed, the plot is fast paced and fresh and the sweet relationships are very heartwarming. I loved it from start to finish!

Alexis is versed in adventure and an interesting character to get to know.

Zeke has one of those heart wrenching back stories that has him taking refuge in your heart very quickly.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an inspirational adventure filled with danger, addictive characters and a sweet happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * HIS DESERT BRIDE BY DEMAND by Lela May Wight

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS DESERT BRIDE BY DEMAND by Lela May WightHis Desert Bride by Demand by Lela May Wight
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 26, 2022
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three-half-stars

The desert prince will finally make her his bride in this dramatic reunion romance by debut author Lela May Wight!

He asked for a night
Now he requires her hand!

Newly orphaned Charlotte Hegarty is ready to start living her life. She’s determined a reckless encounter with her first love, Prince Akeem, will free her from the past. Maybe then she’ll be able to forget him…

Akeem wants to show Charlotte what she gave up when she turned her back on him. So he sweeps her away to his desert kingdom, intent on seduction. Yet when their secret tryst threatens to become a scandal, duty-bound Akeem makes an outrageous demand: Charlotte will be his queen!

 

A promising debut! This reunion of first loves is sure to hook fans of a royal romance. The characters have interesting back stories and the current situation they find themselves in is compelling enough to nab attention quickly. I felt there were some areas that could have used a little more development, but overall a solid read for a debut novel.

three-half-stars

* Review * IT STARTED WITH A PUPPY by Christy Jeffries

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * IT STARTED WITH A PUPPY by Christy JeffriesIt Started with a Puppy by Christy Jeffries
Series: Furever Yours #12
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

The matchmaker wore a collar…

Elise Mackenzie is committed to making the Furever Paws fundraiser a huge success. She’s even roped in her landlord and new boss, Harris Vega, for help. But spending so much time with Harris, especially around an adorable puppy named Pancake, is giving the usually shy Elise ideas she shouldn’t be having. Could a man like Harris really think twice about a woman more comfortable with flour on her face than lipstick?

 

Heartfelt, addictive and simply adorable! With the final book in the Furever Yours series Christy Jeffries brings us a romance filled to the brim with heart and I loved every minute of it. The characters are endearing and the redemption of Elise is beautiful.

Elise is a total sweetheart and sincere as all get out, but she’s socially awkward and thinks she’s at her best when she’s blending into the background.

Harris won my heart when he showed her kindness and saw her worth right from the very beginning.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with a hint of mystery, a passel of heart and so much cuteness.

five-stars

* Review * CROSSING TWO LITTLE LINES by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CROSSING TWO LITTLE LINES by Joss WoodCrossing Two Little Lines by Joss Wood
Published by Harlequin Desire on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

Just a little fling with the blue-collar billionaire?

What could go wrong?

Advertising executive Jamie Bacall is a woman who knows exactly what she wants: starting with a no-strings affair with irresistible, earthy real estate developer Rowan Cowper. He's on board, too—until Jamie gets pregnant. Now Mr. Independent wants something serious. Jamie's history has her convinced that commitment is a four-letter word, but Rowan is determined to prove they really can have it all. Can he convince Jamie to cross one more line?

 

Highly addictive and down-to-earth! I couldn’t have loved the characters of this story more. Each has a strong past that built them into who they are today and I enjoyed watching them accidently fall in love in the midst of what was supposed to be a casual fling.

Jamie is successful and self-assured, but the past has left it’s mark on her and left her believing her time for more than work is over.

Rowan is a self-proclaimed workaholic and regrets nothing. I loved seeing the side of him that Jamie awakened.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a power couple who exceed in all they put their hands on but who have to admit weakness now and again and learn to cope with it together.

five-stars

* Review * LAKESIDE MYSTERY by Carol Ericson

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LAKESIDE MYSTERY by Carol EricsonLakeside Mystery by Carol Ericson
Series: The Lost Girls #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on July 26, 2022
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four-stars

He’ll have to trust a woman who knows too much

To solve his biggest homicide case yet

LAPD detective Denver Holt doesn’t know what to make of true crime blogger Ashlynn Hughes—no matter how attracted he is to her. The stubborn writer has inside information that can help him crack his biggest homicide case yet. But as anonymous tips carry them further into danger, Denver wonders if he can keep a target off Ashlynn’s back…or if she’ll be silenced for good.

 

An intricate mystery! The second book in The Lost Girls series brought a new mystery to the forefront that held ties to ongoing drama. I enjoyed the characters and the course of their investigation quite a bit but I felt like there were some holes that weren’t developed and a very abrupt ending without a real relationship foundation.

Ashlynn is a compelling character with both the sympathy aspect as well as the intrigue going for her.

Denver is interesting, but to truly delve into him I wanted to know more about his past and particularly why Sean was throwing his mother under the bus in his dad’s case.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a high amount of intrigue mixed with a hint of romance and tidbits of family drama.

four-stars

* Review * INNOCENT IN HER ENEMY’S BED by Dani Collins

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INNOCENT IN HER ENEMY’S BED by Dani CollinsInnocent in Her Enemy's Bed by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 26, 2022
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five-stars

Keeping her enemy close…
…means getting far closer than she thought!

Ilona Callas is aware that Leander Vasilou will do anything for revenge against her stepfamily. She just never pictured herself becoming the formidable Greek businessman’s ally! Yet uniting with Leander will give Ilona freedom and financial independence for the first time.

Since clawing his way to the top after being betrayed, Leander exists alone. Ilona should be his ticket to vengeance…until an explosive moment of intimacy changes everything. So begins a sensual back-and-forth that will lead to one place: their marriage bed!

 

This enemies-to-lovers story comes to life quickly and does not disappoint! With a cast of formidable players, I was quickly drawn into the sweet innocence of Ilona and the steadfast relentlessness of Leander. I was hooked from start to finish and really enjoyed their story.

Ilona is an accomplished, sweet woman who has been mistreated a lot throughout her life, so to see her have an awakening of what life will be like out from under the cloud she’s existed in is very satisfying.

Leander is cold and calculating in his vendetta for revenge, but Ilona brings out a warmth in him that even he doesn’t recognize.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys family drama mixed with vengeful lust and attraction as they find themselves falling into an amazing happily ever after.

five-stars