Book Reviews – Page 55

* Review * WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT … by Jules Bennett

June 28, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT … by Jules Bennett

When the Lights Go Out... by Jules Bennett
Series: Angel's Share #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on June 28, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A blackout gives this straitlaced executive the chance to break the rules…in USA TODAY bestselling author Jules Bennett’s scorching new series, Angel's Share!

What happens in the dark won’t stay in the dark—

when business partners cross the line…

Distillery executive Elise Hawthorne always puts business first. No way she’ll gamble a lucrative partnership for one night of pleasure. But when a storm outage strands her with VIP client Antonio Rodriguez, he awakens a passion Elise can’t ignore. Continuing their clandestine affair when the lights come back on puts everything she’s worked for at risk. And now a family secret could blow up her life and cost her the most priceless merger of all…

Passionate, down-to-earth and delightful! Jules Bennett’s first book in her Angels Share series is sure to please with a fast paced instant attraction story that lays the groundwork for family scandal as one sister falls in love with a Spanish tycoon. I loved their story and can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!

Elise is accomplished and sincere and I really enjoyed everything that she brought to the storyline.

Antonio is rugged and intriguing and I liked watching him let his guard down for the first time in years to actually care about someone new.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a dominant female in a mans world type of trope that brings kindness and sincerity to the forefront.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * SHOT TAKER by Stacey Lynn

June 28, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * SHOT TAKER by Stacey Lynn

Shot Taker by Stacey Lynn
Series: Las Vegas Vipers #5
Published by SLB Publishing on June 28, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

It was just supposed to be a week-long vacation for my brother’s wedding.

I wasn’t supposed to find her. A woman I’m inexplicably drawn to. A woman I can’t keep my hands off of. A woman who doesn’t hesitate to ask for what she wants.

Kimmy couldn’t saunter into my life at the worst possible time.

I have an injury that might mean the end of my career if things don’t change. The only thing I’m focused on is getting healthy and capable of playing my next season. Otherwise, I’m done for. Just a guy who used to be good at hockey once upon a time, and I’m not about to let that happen.

So when she’s the one to approach me with a “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” type situation, I barely hesitate. A little distraction can’t hurt. Besides, we’re both on the same page—one week and then we go our separate ways three hundred miles apart.

Sooner than I expected, I’m all wrapped up in her—and not just her body. Her smiles. That wild, untamable hair. Her laughter. Confidence. Hell, she’s everything I’ve been looking for.

It was supposed to be a fling, but I want more. Even if it means I’m in for the fight of my life.

It’s my shot… and I’m taking it.

This destination fling is sure to delight! With the fourth book in the Las Vegas Vipers series from Stacey Lynn we get a vacation vibe as Max connects with another member of the wedding party when he stands up with his brother and sets out on what’s supposed to be simply a fling. There wasn’t much hockey action in this book, but there was talk of the sport a lot as he recovered from an injury. I enjoyed their connection, but felt the relationship was rushed at the end in particular. Max is easy to love and I found myself rooting for him throughout the entire story. Kim is accomplished and a real go-getter, so seeing her let herself actually relax and enjoy life with Max was really heartwarming. I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with a strong camaraderie of players, delectable passion and goodhearted people.

Shot Taker by Stacey Lynn is now live!

A week away for my brother’s wedding was supposed to be a chance to unwind, not get tangled up with a bridesmaid…

I have an injury that could end my career— and unless I’m ready to hang up my skates and become a hockey has been, the only thing I should be focusing on is getting healthy and playing my next season.

Kimmy saunters into my life at the worst possible time, but when she proposes a “what happens in Vegas” type situation, I figured what could it hurt. Especially when we’re both on the same page—one week and then we go our separate ways… three hundred miles apart.

Before I know it, I’m all wrapped up in her—and not just her body. Her smiles. That wild, untamable hair. Her laughter. Confidence. Hell, she’s everything I’ve been looking for and I can’t keep my hands off her.

It was supposed to be a fling, but now I want more. Even if it means I’m in for the fight of my life. This might be my only shot… and I’m taking it.

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

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zTTr8Q

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

Nook: https://bit.ly/3nPg3lS

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3qVudDW

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3G1nqgy

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3K3fdLY

Meet Stacey

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey

Website: www.staceylynnbooks.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6995826.Stacey_Lynn

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Lynn/e/B00CD6VVQG/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/staceylynnbooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/staceyssultryreaders/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/staceylynn.author

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/staceylynnbooks

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacey-lynn

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/staceylynnbooks/_created/

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * MANSPLAINER by Avery Flynn

June 27, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Mansplainer by Avery Flynn
Series: Last Man Standing #3
Published by Entangled: Amara on June 27, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

s the only Beckett cousin who is still unattached, I'm a shoo-in to win the bet with my cousins to be the last man blissfully not in love by Christmas. Of course, I know they're still going to make me follow the rules of our bet and go on six dates with the same woman—but I've figured out a way out of that too. I'm getting married. Is it love? Not even close. Chelle Finch needs a temporary husband and I need to win this bet. We agree to put a ring on it knowing that this marriage of convenience will end in divorce. Except, somehow dating my wife has me realizing that I don't ever want to take this ring off if it means losing her.

What does the guy who can talk his way out of anything have to do to sweet talk his temporary wife into forever?

An adorable marriage of convenience rounds out the Last Man Standing series! I loved Nash! He is a know-it-all, but he comes by it honestly and doesn’t mean to put anyone down as he explains his way of doing something. I had to love the awkward guy. Chelle was an accomplished woman, but she was portrayed a little too sad, lonely and dumpy for my liking considering how vivacious she was. I found the present reveal a bit disappointing, but the overall book and the series as a whole was really enjoyable.

Nash is the sweetest thing and really misunderstood. I loved him wholeheartedly!

Chelle comes across as lackluster regarding her age, body style, and overall value she brings to the world. I felt like she brought much more to the page than she was given credit for.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit family centered story that has humor, heart and cozy familial angst galore.

Mansplainer by Avery Flynn is now live!

As the only Beckett cousin who is still unattached, I’m a shoo-in to win the bet with my cousins to be the last man blissfully not in love by Christmas. Of course, I know they’re still going to make me follow the rules of our bet and go on six dates with the same woman—but I’ve figured out a way out of that too. I’m getting married. Is it love? Not even close. Chelle Finch needs a temporary husband and I need to win this bet. We agree to put a ring on it knowing that in six months this marriage of convenience will end in divorce. Except, somehow dating my wife has me realizing that I don’t ever want to take this ring off if it means losing her.

What does the guy who can talk his way out of anything have to do to sweet talk his temporary wife into forever?

Download today!

Amazon: http://mybook.to/mansplainer
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2Wccs6v
Nook: https://bit.ly/3BHabk4
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3iMLtpT

Start the Last Man Standing Series today!
http://mybook.to/lastman

Add the series to your TBR!
https://bit.ly/3Ojaver

Meet Avery Flynn

When Avery Flynn isn’t writing about alpha heroes and the women who tame them, she is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She has three slightly wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband, and has a slight shoe addiction. Find out more about Avery on her website, follow her on Twitter, like her on her Facebook page, or friend her on her Facebook profile. Also, if you figure out how to send Oreos through the internet, she’ll be your best friend for life. Contact her at avery@averyflynn.com. She’d love to hear from you.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * COLTON COUNTDOWN by Tara Taylor Quinn

June 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Colton Countdown by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: The Coltons of Colorado #6
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on June 28, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

To see her kids again

She must trust one man

Widow Theresa Fitzgerald is frantic when her young twins are abducted by their doomsayer grandparents. Hardened army sergeant Ezra Colton vows to find the girls he’d unexpectedly bonded with while home on leave. Ezra's emotional investment and stealth skills give Theresa hope. But the closer they get—to each other and the grandparents’ trail—the more dangerous the desperate search for her daughters becomes.

Fast paced and addictive! The sixth book in the Coltons of Colorado series has Tara Taylor Quinn first winning us over with a pair of adorable twins and then taking us on a race against time when the kiddos are kidnapped by radical grandparents. The intensity of the hunt and the emotions it brings out in Theresa and Ezra makes for a heartfelt connection. I was hooked from the start, and though the ending was rushed a bit I enjoyed every minute.

Ezra is a career Army guy home on leave for a visit to his close-knit Colton family. He’s easy to like and seeing how these little girls quickly wrap him around their heart is really adorable considering he’s not a family sort of guy.

Theresa hasn’t had it easy of late, but she hasn’t let that stop her from giving her little girls a rewarding home life. I liked her and her kiddos a lot.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a dramatic series that brings love to one sibling after another as they each have drama enter their world individually at the same time they are all still following up on wrongs committed years ago as well.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE RUNAWAY RANCHER by Leigh Riker

June 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Runaway Rancher by Leigh Riker
Series: Kansas Cowboys #10
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on June 28, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A new start…
Or a place to hide?

To the townsfolk of Barren, Kansas, ranching foreman Gabe Morgan is a tall, lean and rugged Texas cowboy. No one knows who he really is. But when Gabe agrees to help stylish librarian Sophie Crane “cowgirl up,” hiding his past feels almost impossible. Because Gabe’s falling hard for Sophie. And keeping his secrets safe could mean losing everything, including the woman who’s roped his heart but good!

Sweet, sentimental and satisfying! With book 10 in her Kansas Cowboys series Leigh Riker spins a bit of subterfuge as rancher Gabe hides a major part of his life that just might make librarian Sophie second think falling for him. The characters are easy to like, the plot is thick with drama but interwoven with adorable interaction as Gabe and Sophie fall for each other alongside a gentle horse and a popularity contest. It’s always a pleasure to visit Barren, Kansas!

Gabe is sincere and kindhearted, but he’s hiding who he is and what is really going on in his life.

Sophie is sweet and a highlight of the town, but she’s been hurt in the past by lies and doesn’t take kindly to having the wool pulled over her eyes.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town ranch setting with an endearing group of townsfolk that always bring an emotional depth to the storyline.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * BLACKJACK by Jessica Ames

June 24, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Blackjack by Jessica Ames
Series: Manchester Chapter Untamed Sons MC #2
on June 24, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Blackjack

As Vice President of the Manchester chapter of the Untamed Sons, I have one job—to stand at my president’s side. That’s what I’ve done since we came here to expand our territory. I’m always on the lookout for trouble, but I never expected to find her in a casino in my home patch. She looked sweet, innocent, then she took me for everything I had. I’m a gambling man but that night I played my cards wrong and lost. I never expected to see her again, but when she turns up at the clubhouse telling me her life is in danger I have to put our past behind to save her.

Elyse

Robbing a member of an MC isn’t my smartest plan, but I’m desperate. The man I owe money to is escalating. He’s forcing me to do things I would never have thought possible before this happened to keep me and my brother safe. Now I’m staring at a positive pregnancy test, wondering if the only person who can fix all of this is the man whose baby I’m carrying—the man I robbed.

Emotional, gritty and addictive! The second book in the Untamed Sons MC: Manchester Chapter series is sure to please as drama, passion and danger rear their heads quickly. A passionate meet-cute turns into a cunning subterfuge that leaves hard feelings and lasting impressions. Loved every minute of it!

Blackjack has met his match when a wily con catches his eye and leaves a lasting impression and lifechanging surprises.

Elyse is in a dire position that forces her to act in an uncharacteristic way, but the goodness in her heart overpowers the lies quickly.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a dangerous MC romance filled with goodhearted folks and emotional, yet angsty happily ever afters.

Title: Blackjack
Series: Manchester Chapter

Untamed Sons MC #2

Author: Jessica Ames

Genre: MC Romance

Release Date: June 24, 2022

BLURB

Blackjack

As Vice President of the Manchester chapter of the Untamed Sons, I have one job—to stand at my president’s side. That’s what I’ve done since we came here to expand our territory. I’m always on the lookout for trouble, but I never expected to find her in a casino in my home patch. She looked sweet, innocent, then she took me for everything I had. I’m a gambling man but that night I played my cards wrong and lost. I never expected to see her again, but when she turns up at the clubhouse telling me her life is in danger I have to put our past behind to save her.

Elyse

Robbing a member of an MC isn’t my smartest plan, but I’m desperate. The man I owe money to is escalating. He’s forcing me to do things I would never have thought possible before this happened to keep me and my brother safe. Now I’m staring at a positive pregnancy test, wondering if the only person who can fix all of this is the man whose baby I’m carrying—the man I robbed.

*Warning : Contains graphic violence and dark emotional scenes that may trigger some readers. To find out more visit https://www.jessicaamesauthor.com/jessicaamestwcw

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

$2.99 for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO

Jessica Ames lives in a small market town in the
Midlands, England. She lives with her dog and when she’s not writing,
she’s playing with crochet hooks.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

BOOKBUB

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

GOODREADS

NEWSLETTER

WEBSITE

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * REBOUNDING by Jami Davenport

June 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Rebounding by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #1
Published by Cedrona Enterprises on June 23, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Meet the newest expansion team in hockey--The Portland Icehawks. They're a group of guys with chips on their shoulders out to make their former teams regret letting them go. They won't be stopped until they win it all. What they haven’t counted on is love being part of that equation.

As a thirty-five-year-old hockey player, I've learned a hard lesson in loyalty. I was supposed to be a lifer for the Chicago Tigers, but the team left me out in the cold, choosing to protect younger players in the expansion draft. The next thing I know, I'm in a strange city with a fledgling team, and my estranged wife has served me with divorce papers. Not the best way to start a new chapter in my career.

As the team struggles to find its identity and win games, I struggle with my role as team captain, proving I'm not too old to play at a high level, and getting beyond my failed marriage. All this is complicated by an undeniable attraction to the owner's daughter. As the team racks up the losses, I seek solace with the one woman whose very presence could destroy what's left of my career.

Sometimes love is comfortable and subtle. Other times it hits you with the force of a puck to the jaw. I've never experienced the latter until now, and I can't stay away regardless of the consequences.

Heartfelt and addictive! A brand new hockey franchise is hitting the streets with the kick off of the Portland Icehawks series from Jami Davenport and it did not disappoint! The main characters are sincere and really easy to like, and the reveal of the team makes for a drama filled set up to the series. I loved Dash and Everly, but felt like the ending was really abrupt. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Dashel is picking up the pieces of the life he left behind in Chicago and never expects an instant connection to a new acquaintance as soon as he hits Portland.

Everly is the misfit of the family and trying her best to turn over a new leaf … but falling for a player after knowing the ground rules isn’t exactly getting off to a great start.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with sweet and sexy romance as the backdrop as teammates bring the drama around every corner.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CANYON CRIME SCENE by Carol Ericson

June 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

Canyon Crime Scene by Carol Ericson
Series: The Lost Girls #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on June 28, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

His sister is missing and only one person can help

Cade Larson needs LAPD fingerprint expert Lori Del Valle to help track down his troubled missing sister. But he can’t deny the sparks still between them…nor the secret Lori is keeping. When fingerprints link Cade’s sister to another missing woman—and a potentially nefarious treatment center—Lori volunteers to go undercover. Will their dangerous plan bring a predator to justice or tragically end their reunion?

This unrelenting reunion story has danger around every corner! With the first book in The Lost Girls series we are quickly thrust into a mystery of several missing women surrounding a rehab center that seems to have something nefarious going on at. The characters were quick to catch my attention and the plot had me intrigued throughout. There were a couple of side jaunts that didn’t really add much to the story and many key players mentioned but not developed, but the underlying mystery carried the plot enough to overcome the distraction. I look forward to what’s coming next in the series!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery backed by a reunion of past loves who reconnect and grow from the changes they’ve both had in their lives since they knew each other previously.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SMOKE SCREEN by Adrienne Giordano

June 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Smoke Screen by Adrienne Giordano
Series: Steele Ridge: The Blackwells #2
Published by Steele Ridge Publishing on June 21, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

In the riveting, opposites-attract second installment of Steele Ridge: The Blackwells, a charming recovery agent questions his role in the family business until his next case lands him in the middle of a jewelry heist with an intoxicating museum manager as the prime suspect.

Acquisitions manager Maddy Carmichael has an urgent problem. Someone has stolen priceless jewels from the Thompson Presidential Center, including pieces belonging to the Queen of England. The museum’s reputation depends on retrieving the jewels before news of the theft leaks, so Maddy turns to Phin Blackwell, of Blackwell Asset Recovery Services. BARS is known for doing whatever it takes to satisfy their clients. When Maddy meets the model-handsome Phin, she wonders how far that policy goes.

Phin jumps at the chance to land the Thompson case. Recovering the queen’s jewels could cement BARS as one of the top agencies in the field. It’s all business, until Phin realizes he can’t stop thinking about Maddy’s blue eyes and tempting curves.

As the professional lines blur, the FBI turns their investigative eye on Maddy. Phin must decide whether to help her and risk bringing down his family’s company or play it safe and lose the woman who’s quickly becoming the most important person in his life.

Top notch suspense! The second book in the Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series did not disappoint as we are quickly thrust into an action packed mystery as red hot passion flares it’s head between Phin and Maddy. I loved every minute of their story, but I wanted more closure at the end regarding her job. I’m looking forward to more of these hunky Blackwells and their endearing family!

Maddy is kindhearted and sincere and seeing her world crumble down around her quickly immerses her into a reader’s heart.

Phin is a sweetheart whose loyalty to his family has left him at a crossroad when Maddy comes into his life and adds a new dimension.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit family backdrop as danger and intrigue wraps them up in caper after caper as each sibling finds their true love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE PERFECT HEIR by Monique Moreau

June 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

The Perfect Heir by Monique Moreau
Series: The Lupu Chronicles #4
on June 16, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

I am called the Virgin Queen and I can never marry.

Clara

I am Clara Hagi, the Virgin Queen. I may not be allowed to marry, but I will be the first woman to rule a mafia clan.

I ache for Tatum, the consilier of the Lupu family. I love his piercing black eyes, his tall, muscle-bound frame, his touch, his commands, his beguiling strain of vulnerability—I love it all.

The one time and only time he kissed me—my first kiss—was a mistake.

That’s what he called it.

A mistake.

He’ll regret those words; I’ll make sure of it.

Tatum

Nothing good came from kissing that girl, Clara. A girl whose clan hates mine. A girl who’s off-limits. A girl I should loathe.

As consilier, I live and breathe the Lupu clan, and I do it perfectly. I’m charged with getting the Virgin Queen under control. Once I do, my clan will rule LA, just as it rules NYC.

Every time I see her, I remember. Every time, we spar, I want to kiss her. Every time we accidentally touch, I ache for her.

One kiss would never be enough. Maybe bedding her will get her out of my system, virginity bedamned.

Make her pay for twisting me inside out.

Make her hurt a little.

Purge her from my body and mind.

She deserves better than a tainted man like me, but what if I fall for the Virgin Queen?

An explosive connection leads to so much angsty goodness! Book four in The Lupu Chronicles series brings us Tatum’s story and it’s emotional and addictive. I loved the book, but I was disappointed with how things were left with the fam at the end. I’m not sure if Sebastian is getting a book or not, but I hope this isn’t the last we see of the Lupu clan and hope to once day see a bit more of Tatum with them.

Clara is confident and speaks her mind, so watching her fall for Tatum and learn a whole other side of herself is really fun.

Tatum is a sweetheart and though he works side by side with danger every day, he’s goodhearted and sincere.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a mafia romance with lots of endearing characters, lots of feels and so much passion!

Filed Under: Book Reviews