Book Reviews – Page 65

* Review * HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH by Elle James

February 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH by Elle James

Held Hostage at Whiskey Gulch by Elle James
Series: The Outriders Series #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 22, 2022
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Guarding her 24/7…just became his most important mission.

To discover what real life is about, Outrider Joseph "Irish" Monahan left the army. But the former Delta Force soldier still needs his military skills. A masked stalker is attempting to murder Tessa Bolton, and Irish is assigned to be her bodyguard. Though the fiercely independent nurse resists his protection, Irish won't back down…or abandon his mission to catch the killer and keep Tessa alive.

Filled with mystery, heart and just the right amount of romance! Elle James has not lost her touch one bit with the third book in her always exciting Outriders Series. HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH quickly delves into the heart of a mystery and held my attention whole-heartedly throughout. The ending was a tad too abrupt for my liking and I would have liked for loose ends to have been tied up a little more, but overall a great addition to the series and left me hungry for the next book!

I adored Irish and his determination to protect Tessa after seeing her in danger. He’s sweet, down-to-earth and just what she needs in her life.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes an action packed, fast paced mystery with a healthy dose of romance mixed in to the mix.

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* Review * THE HERO NEXT DOOR by Carrie Nichols

February 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE HERO NEXT DOOR by Carrie Nichols

The Hero Next Door by Carrie Nichols
Series: Small-Town Sweethearts #6
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on February 22, 2022
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Love—and kittens—to the rescue!

Olive Downing has big dreams for her Victorian bed-and-breakfast. She doesn’t need her handsome new neighbor pointing out the flaws in her plan. But Cal Pope isn’t the average busybody. The gruff firefighter can be sweet, charming—and the perfect partner for the town fundraiser. Then Cal surprises her with two adorable rescue kittens. Maybe there’s a soft heart underneath his rough exterior that needs rescuing, too…

Two unlikely hearts ignite in the latest book in Carrie Nichols’ Small-Town Sweethearts series and bring on all the feels! THE HERO NEXT DOOR brings town newcomer Olive and all around good guy Cal into each others lives with a smidge of an enemies to lovers feel. I was quickly hooked on both the characters as well as the town interaction.

Olive is sincere and sweet and made me want to see her succeed right off the bat.

Cal is well-liked and kind-hearted but thinks he needs to distance himself from Olive before she wants more than he can give. Their predicament is humorous and heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet small town setting to your romance with a touch of drama, a bit of passion and a whole lot of heart.

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* Review * DEAD GIVEAWAY by Nichole Severn

February 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Dead Giveaway by Nichole Severn
Series: Defenders of Battle Mountain #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 22, 2022
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He vowed to never see her again Now she needs him more than ever.

Deputy Easton Ford left Battle Mountain—and the woman who broke his heart—behind. Now District Attorney Genevieve Alexander is targeted by a killer, and there’s only one man she trusts to protect her: her ex-fiancé. Easton will do everything to keep her safe. But will his past secrets get them both killed?

High intensity drama! Nichole Severn is bringing on the twists and turns with the second book in her Defenders of Battle Mountain series and I loved every minute of it. DEAD GIVEAWAY sends the DA who is in danger straight back into the arms of the man she left at the altar years ago. The drama is spot on and the mystery is interwoven with their reconciliation just enough to keep both at the top of our mind as we walk into danger with them. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Easton might be back home on Battle Mountain, but he’s a shell of the man he used to be. Reconnecting with his first love is more healing for him than he ever imagined.

Genevieve knows the only man she trusts to keep her safe when danger comes knocking at her door is East, but she also knows she tore his world apart all those years ago. Seeing her finally come clean with her torn emotions of then and now is heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced book of intrigue with a side of romance. The characters are easy to like and the action is non-stop.

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* Review * DECKER’S DILEMMA by Chantal Fernando

February 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DECKER’S DILEMMA by Chantal Fernando

Decker's Dilemma by Chantal Fernando
Series: Knights & Dragons MC #1
Published by Carina Press on February 22, 2022
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Wind Dragon princess Cara and ex-cop Decker will have to cross every line to be together—including the law.

At a Turning Point

It was a typical PI gig: track down the client’s newly discovered half sister. For ex-cop Seth Decker, finding Cara Ward was the easy part. Walking away from the sexy schoolteacher is going to be a whole different story.

At a Crossroads

Cara thought she had the road ahead all mapped out—she’d be a biker’s old lady, straddling a Harley behind the man she fell for in her teens. But she’s all grown up. And while the Wind Dragons will always be family, Cara wants something more, something for herself. Decker may not be a biker, but that means his woman will always come first.

Caught in the Cross Fire

Once an MC princess, always an MC princess, though. When Cara’s connection to the Wind Dragons puts her in the line of fire from a gang out for revenge, Decker realizes the safest place for her is by his side. After all, there’s nothing he won’t do to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means crossing the line of the law he once swore to uphold.

Danger and deception around every corner! DECKER’S DILEMMA is the first book in Chantal Fernando’s brand new Knights & Dragons MC series and I was quickly hooked. The characters were easy to like, the drama was high and the love story was both tender and passionate. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Seth Decker is a sweetheart of a man who wants to do good in the world, but wasn’t so fond of all of the technicalities that let criminals slide when he was a cop.

Cara Ward will always be the princess of the Wind Dragons MC, but she’s striving to fulfill her teaching dreams as she realizes the map she had in her head doesn’t feel like where she’s headed anymore.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an action packed dramatic story that has a touch of MC, a touch of suspense and a whole bunch of yummy goodness.

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* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN DOVE by Chelle Bliss

February 15, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN DOVE by Chelle Bliss

Broken Dove by Chelle Bliss
Series: Open Road #2
Published by Bliss Ink on February 15, 2022
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A simple arrangement. A complicated future.
Lia Dove has always been a free spirit, living life to the fullest and never putting down roots. But after finding her birth father, along with a group of lovable, rowdy bikers, she can’t imagine being anywhere else. Throw in a hot biker roommate who offers her no-strings-attached deal as the cherry on top and leaving becomes an afterthought.

Leo Hawk has never felt part of anything until he becomes a prospect in a local motorcycle club. But catching feelings for his roommate, who’s also the club president’s daughter, could spell disaster before he earns his patch.

But when the past comes back to haunt him thanks to his missing older brother, Leo will have to lean on his biker brothers for help, risking a future with the club and the woman he’s grown to love.

Sweet, sexy and satisfying! With the second book in her always delicious Open Road series Chelle Bliss is bringing us more of that sweetheart Leo and I seriously couldn’t love this guy more. In BROKEN DOVE, his past with his brother brings danger to his door as his cozy roommates and more relationship with Lia is growing deeper than he ever expected. The characters are great, the intrigue brings an interesting dynamic to the story and I really their story as a whole.

Leo hasn’t had it easy, but he doesn’t let anything stop him when it comes to being a kind, gentle soul. I really like his character.

Lia is still a bit under-developed as a whole, but I loved her chemistry with Leo and enjoyed watching them grow into more than they ever expected.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a low-key MC that is there for each other, but centers more around every day life than coordinated structure. They are each winning my heart one by one on their way to happily ever after. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

A simple arrangement. A complicated future.

Broken Dove by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Lia Dove has always been a free spirit, living life to the fullest and never putting down roots. But after finding her birth father, along with a group of lovable, rowdy bikers, she can’t imagine being anywhere else. Throw in a hot biker roommate who offers her no-strings-attached deal as the cherry on top and leaving becomes an afterthought.

Leo Hawk has never felt part of anything until he becomes a prospect in a local motorcycle club. But catching feelings for his roommate, who’s also the club president’s daughter, could spell disaster before he earns his patch. But when the past comes back to haunt him thanks to his missing older brother, Leo will have to lean on his biker brothers for help, risking a future with the club and the woman he’s grown to love.

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

Amazon: geni.us/dove-zon
Apple Books: apple.co/3CFZL4e
Nook: geni.us/dove-nook
Kobo: geni.us/dove-kobo
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/33mmzd8

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

* Release Blitz/Review * HARD LIMIT by Brenda Rothert and Kat Mizera

February 15, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hard Limit by Brenda Rothert, Kat Mizera
Series: St. Louis Mavericks #2
Published by Silver Sky Publishing, Inc. on February 15, 2022
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St. Louis Mavericks star defender Lars Jansson is dead set against relationships. A new love makes him wonder if maybe he can change, but first, he must confront the truth about who he is.

Lars

On the ice, I’m unstoppable. If anyone is in my way, it’s simple—I move them. Hockey is my life, and I don’t have the patience for relationships spanning more than one night. But when I meet a woman so bold and intriguing I can’t help wanting more, I’m blindsided by the revelation that no matter what I do, I may never be enough for her.

Sheridan

One night. That’s all it was supposed to be. But Lars Jansson is larger than life in every way—how could one night be enough? It’s risky for me to see him again, and to let myself fall for the stoic hockey player who is charming in his own way. He thinks it’s his truth that could undo us, but he couldn’t be more wrong about that—it’s mine.

Highly emotional and oh so addictive! Brenda Rothert and Kat Mizera are teaming up to delight there readers time and time again in their joint St. Louis Mavericks hockey series and I am enjoying it so much. HARD LIMIT brings us an unlikely pair of unique and accomplished people who click in a delightful way to the forefront and we get so many twists and turns during their relationship. I’m really enjoying this group of players and the woman each finds as their forever. Can’t wait for more!

Lars is the sweetest and watching him step into himself and grow into the person he’s always been in awe inspiring. I couldn’t have loved him more.

Sheridan is sassy and self-assured, but her past baggage is dragging her down throughout most of the book. It was a joy to watch her prosper as things changed in the end.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey team with a lot of heart who delight in their camaraderie and share the love as they each settle in with their happily ever after.

Title: Hard Limit

Series: St. Louis Mavericks #2

Authors: Brenda Rothert & Kat Mizera

Genre: Hockey Romance

Release Date: February 15, 2022

BLURB

St. Louis Mavericks star defender Lars Jansson is dead set against relationships. A new love makes him wonder if maybe he can change, but first, he must confront the truth about who he is.

Lars

On the ice, I’m unstoppable. If anyone is in my way, it’s simple—I move them. Hockey is my life, and I don’t have the patience for relationships spanning more than one night. But when I meet a woman so bold and intriguing I can’t help wanting more, I’m blindsided by the revelation that no matter what I do, I may never be enough for her.

Sheridan

One night. That’s all it was supposed to be. But Lars Jansson is larger than life in every way—how could one night be enough? It’s risky for me to see him again, and to let myself fall for the stoic hockey player who is charming in his own way. He thinks it’s his truth that could undo us, but he couldn’t be more wrong about that—it’s mine.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

EXCERPT

Mavericks group text

Wes: Boys, this is your captain speaking. I want every member of the team to join me in congratulating Nash and Lars, who are selling their bodies to raise money for charity. Nash brought in 7k for a night with a cougar, and Lars brought in 10k from a supermodel. Enjoy those dates, guys – and update all of us here.

Boone: I hated to miss that auction but I had to. How much of a cougar are we talking? Is Nash’s date at a nursing home?

Nash: No dude, maybe like 50 and she’s hot.

Beau: Dude, cringe. My mom is 50.

Nash: Is she hot? Can I get her number?

Beau: FU

Drew: Lars is going out with an actual supermodel?

Wes: Yep, Sheridan Lee …

Ross: Holy shit! She paid 10 large to go out with Lars??

Lars: What is a supermodel?

Nash: It’s a generous person who spends an evening with a total dipshit to benefit charity.

Lars: I just Googled her. She’s more famous than me.

Ross: Dude, she’s way way more famous than you. More famous than any of us. She has a clothing line or something and she makes the lists of wealthiest women in the world.

Lars: She could have paid more than $10,000 then.

Nash: You’re lucky she paid anything at all for you. Put some duct tape over your mouth and the date will go great.

Lars: You’re just jealous.

Nash: Nah, cuz I know you’ll blow it. You’ll make some stupid comment and then wonder why she doesn’t like you.

Wes: Check in here after the dates, both of you. Let’s see who ends up with a second date.

Lars: Okay.

Nash: Deal.

Nash was right. I didn’t have the best track record with relationships. But I didn’t care, because I wasn’t looking for one.

Eat. Sleep. Hockey. Occasionally get laid. That was all I needed.

I’d dated a woman who occasionally spent the night after we slept together when I was in the minors, and she always complained when my alarm went off at 5:30 for my workout. She’d wanted to stay in my apartment while I worked out, but there was no way I was going for that. She’d bitched the entire way out the door the last time we’d been together, and I’d decided then and there—no more women staying the night. My 5:30 workouts were non-negotiable.

It wasn’t just that, though. I’d seen what my friends and teammates had to go through with their wives and girlfriends. If they asked where they wanted to go for dinner, it was always, “Oh, I don’t know,” but if the guy suggested something, it was, “No, I hate that place”.

My teammate Drew got stuck watching stupid shit like Big Brother and Real Housewives, because that was what his wife Nina wanted to watch. He spent forever in the grocery store trying to find the exact brands of ingredients she put on the grocery list, and he went to Fashion Week and Broadway shows just to make her happy.

Fuck that. If I went to New York City, I’d be watching baseball and hockey games. My teammates in relationships just didn’t seem to get it—you could have all the sex you wanted without the bullshit.

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

GOOGLE PLAY

BRENDA ROTHERT

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

WEBSITE

GOODREADS

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

NEWSLETTER

KAT MIZERA

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Kat Mizera is a South Florida native. Born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of wanderlust, she’s called Los Angeles, Long Island, upstate New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Atlanta home. She’s never been able to pick which locale is her favorite, but if pressed, she’d probably choose the west coast.

A typical PTA mom with a wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat can usually be found scrapbooking or indulging in her second love (after writing) – traveling. Greece is one of her favorite places in the world. She loves that Athens is a big city with a small-town feel. The food, beaches and culture keep her going back as often as possible.

Kat’s been a working freelance writer for nearly thirty years. She sold her first article–a review of a rock concert–for $10 in 1985. Since then she’s been an entertainment journalist, waitress, bartender, legal assistant, food critic, magazine editor, substitute teacher, and sports writer. She also spent some time working at A & M Records in Los Angeles.

As you can guess from her Las Vegas Sidewinders and Alaska Blizzard series, Kat loves hockey and occasionally writes articles about her favorite team, the Florida Panthers. The rest of the time, she writes novels: sexy, romantic fiction that she hopes makes you as happy as it makes her. There’s something enticing about hockey players and romance…

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

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PINTEREST

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INSTAGRAM

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * SECRETS OF A BAD REPUTATION by Joss Wood

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Secrets of a Bad Reputation by Joss Wood
Series: Dynasties: DNA Dilemma #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on February 22, 2022
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He uses his bad-boy persona as a shield

until she gets past his defenses…

After years in seclusion, music megastar Griff O’Hare is about to reboot his career. Performing at Ryder International’s elite charity ball will rehabilitate his tattered reputation. But Kinga Ryder-White, who’s managing the ball, is wary of risking its success on a charismatic, but unreliable, hell-raiser. She’s the most uptight woman he’s ever met—and the only one who makes him lose control. After a searing night of passion, will Griff risk revealing the secrets of his bad reputation?

Opposites attract in the kick-off to Joss Wood’s brand new Dynasties: DNA Dilemma series and it was highly entertaining! SECRETS OF A BAD REPUTATION is fast paced and attention grabbing from start to finish. I enjoyed the characters and though there were a lot of unknowns left up in the air that I hope will flesh out later in the series, I felt satisfied with the story. The biggest thing I felt was lacking was not even getting to see the ball play out, or tie-ups of her problems from the past but maybe that too is coming in the next book. Overall a great kick-off to the series and highly enjoyable.

Griff is a sweetheart and I loved getting to see him redeemed in the world’s eyes.

Kinga is self-assured and accomplished and I enjoyed seeing her fall for Griff. I can’t wait to learn more about the family secrets.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family drama mixed into an intense romance.

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* Review * UP IN SMOKE by Kate Meader

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Up in Smoke by Kate Meader
Series: Hot in Chicago Rookies #1
Published by Kate Meader LLC on February 22, 2022
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Lives are on the line at Engine 6 … and so are hearts.

Running an engine crew in the Chicago Fire Department is my dream job, and between that, my awesome kid, and my nosy sister, I lead a pretty great life. Bruised and burned by my marriage, I don’t have time for dating or drama, but I always have time for pie. And when I share a slice of cherry with a sweet redhead, followed by the hottest, dirtiest, most pulse-pounding kiss of my life, I start to rethink the possibilities.

Until that woman walks into my firehouse and upends my well-ordered world.

Abby Sullivan is now a rookie firefighter on my crew and a threat to my self-control more dangerous than a five-alarm blaze. My job is to watch her six when all I want is to watch her fall into my bed. Lust has no place in the firehouse, and a distraction like Abby with her electric blue eyes, waves of flame-red hair, and freckles I want to map with my tongue, is one I can ill afford.

Because one wrong move … and it could all go up in smoke.

Risk and sensual goodness all rolled up into one hot read! Kate Meader is once again delivering spot-on angst, passion and camaraderie revolving around a Chicago firehouse and I loved every single minute of it! If you were a fan of her previous firehouse series, you’ll recognize many familiar faces and get some updates on how some of our old favs have been enjoying life. Roman and Abby had an adorable meet cute and a wild ride along the way before their eventual happily ever after. I loved them and can’t wait for more in the series!

Roman and his precocious daughter are adorable and easy to fall for. I loved seeing him get to overcome the way life had knocked him down and find love again.

Abby is gutsy and a real go-getter and I loved her success.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a tight-knit firehouse filled with co-workers who quickly become friends and true family. I’m looking forward to watching more of them find their forever as the series progresses.

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* Review * SERIAL SLAYER COLD CASE by Lena Diaz

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Serial Slayer Cold Case by Lena Diaz
Series: Tennessee Cold Case Stories #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 22, 2022
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A second chance to catch a serial killerBefore the hunters become the prey.

Still haunted by the serial killer she couldn’t catch, police detective Bree Clark doesn’t hesitate to accept PI Ryland Beck’s offer of redemption. The Smoky Mountain Slayer cold case has gone hot again—and working together could bring the murderer to justice. When Bree is targeted, their partnership turns intimate. But is the culprit the original slayer—or a dangerous copycat?

High octane suspense! The second book in Lena Diaz’s Tennessee Cold Case series quickly thrusts us into the heart of another case, this one revolving around the lead investigator for Unfinished Business. In SERIAL SLAYER COLD CASE danger is quickly lurking right in front of them as twists and turns by wily criminals bring a cold case to the forefront and tie the investigators up in knots. I loved Ryland and Bree together!

Ryland is a steady character who while we didn’t get to know a detailed amount around his past, steps into his job heading up the cold case company full force ahead. I like him!

Bree is a real go-getter who is willing to put herself on the line over and over again if it helps her get to the bottom of who is hurting people.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a fast paced mystery revolving around a team of high end investigators who are trying to bring justice for all as one by one they stumble across their own happily ever after.

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* Review * SECOND CHANCE WITH HIS CINDERELLA by Kandy Shepherd

February 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Second Chance with His Cinderella by Kandy Shepherd
Published by Harlequin Romance on February 22, 2022
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When taking a risk…

is worth the wait!

Life hasn’t been too kind to billionaire Sebastian Delfont or the intriguing woman he’s hired to organize his mansion in London’s prestigious Chelsea. Kitty Clements may be cautious and closed to love, yet she can’t help noticing there’s more to this reluctant billionaire than his intoxicating charm suggests. But after all their heartbreak, are they both ready to take another chance?

Love when they least expect it! SECOND CHANCE WITH HIS CINDERELLA by Kandy Shepherd brings together two hearts with an instant attraction and a delightful interaction. Fans will enjoy this lighthearted dalliance as a working relationship becomes more than they ever expected. The characters are intriguing and their love story was highly satisfying.

Sebastian is accomplished and fulfilled, but family expectancy is an unwanted weight on his shoulder as he is uprooting his happy lifestyle to accommodate family tradition. I enjoyed getting to know him.

Kitty is sweet and direct and hearing her backstory makes you want to stand by her side even more. I felt the happenings to see that aspect through a little more was slightly lacking, but I enjoyed her story overall.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an instant attraction that leads to an easy friendship and more as two kind souls support each other through change and sacrifice.

Filed Under: Book Reviews