Book Reviews – Page 7

* Review * THE BRIGHT SPOT by Jill Shalvis

December 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BRIGHT SPOT by Jill Shalvis

The Bright Spot by Jill Shalvis
Series: The Sunrise Cove Series #5
Published by Avon on January 16, 2024
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Luna Wright is a lot of things, but sweet and trusting isn’t on the list. However, she’s a sucker for the underdog and a hard-luck story. Adopted at birth, with scant knowledge of her biological family, she’s created her own inner circle, a motley crew which includes her bestie Willow, to help her run the struggling but charming Apple Ridge Farm.

With a farm-to-table café as well as a menagerie of rescued animals (complete with a baby goat who keeps escaping to the pantry to eat the secret stash of decidedly not organic potato chips), it’s the best home she’s ever known. But when the owner Silas, who they secretly call The Grinch, passes away, Luna discovers the farm is now under control of his investment manager, the enigmatic Jameson Hayes….and her. And that Silas had many, many secrets.

Now Luna’s carefully controlled corner of the world is threatened and she—along with some help from her friends—has to dig deep to find true strength and the real meaning of love and family.

Shalvis always brightens my day when I dive into a new group of snarky characters who delight my soul with humor and smartassisms on their way towards happily ever after!

Sunrise Cove never fails to deliver on realistic characters with past hang-ups that haunt them as they try to connect with the life they have been handed. I love the way Shalvis creates a family out of mismatched strays and warms a readers heart along the way. Always looking forward to more in this series!

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* Review * UPSIDE DOWN by Danielle Steel

December 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * UPSIDE DOWN by Danielle Steel

Upside Down by Danielle Steel
Published by Dell on January 2, 2024
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Oscar-winning actress Ardith Law is a Hollywood icon. Radiant at sixty-two, she is the epitome of glamour and a highly respected artist. But her success has come at a price: She has a strained relationship with her daughter, Morgan, who at thirty-eight still blames Ardith for putting her career before being a mother. Morgan is a successful plastic surgeon in New York City—and the distance from Ardith’s Bel Air mansion is not lost on either of them.

Ardith became a single mother when Morgan was seven, after her unfaithful husband died in a helicopter accident. In recent years, she has found amiable companionship with fellow actor Bill West. But Ardith’s comfortable world is turned upside down when she hires a temporary personal assistant, Josh Gray, while Bill is away filming in London. Josh’s rough-around-the-edges persona is the opposite of what Ardith is used to, but an unexpected tragedy brings them closer, stirring up conflicting feelings in her for this younger man.

In New York, Morgan is swept off her feet by world-renowned TV anchorman Ben Ryan. Though more than two decades her senior, Ben is handsome, charismatic, and just as smitten as Morgan. But when a blackmail scheme puts his career—and their relationship—on the line, Morgan doesn’t know where to turn. Perhaps . . . to her mother? As each woman navigates an unconventional romance, they cautiously approach each other on new terms and attempt to put aside their past for a new future.

Another page turner that kept me captivated from start to finish! Steel brings a touch of Hollywood to life when detailing the down to earth nature of an aging Hollywood starlet and the pitfalls of getting older and being alone. I really enjoyed Ardith’s personality and outlook on life as she nurtured a relationship with a newfound friend. There are twists in the storyline that keep things exciting along the way. Another branch of the story revolves around the daughter that has never forgiven her for choosing work over motherhood and who still resents her regardless of the success she’s seen in her own life. I highly enjoyed getting to know both mother and daughter and seeing their stories play out.

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* Review * IN BED WITH HER BILLIONAIRE BODYGUARD by Pippa Roscoe

December 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * IN BED WITH HER BILLIONAIRE BODYGUARD by Pippa Roscoe

In Bed with Her Billionaire Bodyguard by Pippa Roscoe
Series: Hot Winter Escapes #8
Published by Harlequin Presents on December 26, 2023
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His heiress is off-limits…
Their attraction is out of control!

Visiting an Austrian ski resort is the first step in Hope Harcourt’s plan to take back her family’s luxury empire. Having the infuriatingly gorgeous security magnate Luca Calvino follow her every move isn’t! Especially when their relationship begins to cross a line…

Protecting Hope from her unscrupulous rivals means doing the one thing Luca has spent a lifetime avoiding: allowing someone to slip beneath his defenses. Having let Hope in, can Luca bear the thought of ever letting his forbidden heiress go?

Delectably tempting! Pippa Roscoe’s offering in the Hot Winter Escapes series for Harlequin Presents is fast paced and highly satisfying! A subterfuge hides Luca’s true intentions from Hope as she sets out to rescue her family empire from a takeover, but all bets are off when he has to bite the bullet and tell her his true identity and trust that she will let him help her when she needs it. I quite liked the simplicity of their relationship as key parts were happening in the background that were stirring up their emotions and leading them into each others arms. Highly enjoyable read!

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* Review * SECOND CHANCE FOR THE HEART DOCTOR by Susan Carlisle

December 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SECOND CHANCE FOR THE HEART DOCTOR by Susan Carlisle

Second Chance for the Heart Doctor by Susan Carlisle
Series: Atlanta Children's Hospital
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on December 26, 2023
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Risking his locked-away heart…

After his ex ran off with his best friend, cardiologist Jenson’s sole focus is his small patients. But the fireworks that erupt when he meets dedicated nurse Bayley are too powerful to ignore… Both are determined to put their jobs ahead of romance, but beautiful Bayley continues to captivate him. Is the guarded doctor ready to embrace a second chance?

A heartwarming second chance at love! I highly enjoyed meeting Bayley and Jenson and watching their working friendship quickly bud into attraction. They each had responsibilities and baggage to carry around yet found a way to support each other and prosper throughout. I enjoyed the fast paced yet sincere atmosphere around them as they fell in love when they least expected it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a medical backdrop with their romance.

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* Review * HOLIDAY SHOT by Kat Mizera

December 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

Holiday Shot by Kat Mizera
Series: Lauderdale Knights Holiday Novella
on December 5, 2023
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Welcome to Fort Lauderdale... where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter!

Divorced at forty was never in my game plan. Neither was being a long-distance dad. But when the chance to coach the Lauderdale Knights hockey team came knocking, I couldn't resist.

I was so focused on the major changes right in front of me, I never saw Autumn Nicholls coming. Blindsided by a whirlwind romance with a woman much younger than me, I’m torn between making her mine and letting her go.

She's young, beautiful, and just starting out in life, she doesn’t need me or my baggage. But that doesn’t stop her from taking her shot.

The ice may be cold, but our passion is red-hot.

And this Christmas, she's going to be the gift I give myself.

This holiday novella is sure to please! Kat Mizera is pouring on the feels when she delivers just the holiday delight we needed as part of her Lauderdale Knights hockey series. The characters were quick to steal my heart and though it was novella length, I didn’t feel like the story left me feeling like I missed out on their happily ever after even one bit which is always a bit challenging to pull off in this length of book. I highly enjoyed Henrik and Autumn! Great characters, steamy chemistry and a sweet love story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to hockey romance fans that enjoy a camaraderie between team members who behave like one happy family rooting for each other through life’s ups and downs.

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* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN ARROW by Chelle Bliss

December 5, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN ARROW by Chelle Bliss

Broken Arrow by Chelle Bliss
Series: Open Road Series #4
Published by Bliss Ink on December 5, 2023
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Annie Hancock is finally following her dreams, studying for her graduate degree to become a professional artist. But when someone starts to leave threatening notes around her studio and dorm, Annie can’t help but wonder…who’s after her and why? She doesn’t know who to trust or keep herself safe.

Arrow has been grinding for years as a bounty hunter and private investigator. After setting down roots and opening his own office, his business doesn’t take off the way he’d hoped. Just when he’s about to change course, a beautiful woman is in desperate need of his services.

But what starts out as a simple assignment becomes more complicated when they’re forced into hiding. And as the threat gets closer, and the attraction becomes hotter, they’ll need to decide if what they have is real or driven by danger.

Always a joy to visit friends from the Open Road series! Book four brings us Arrow’s story when he meets the woman that knocks him for a loop and falls hard and fast. I liked the two of them together a lot, but felt like the intrigue playing out was a tad weak and wanted more development overall. I enjoyed getting to catch up with familiar faces!

Arrow is a very likable guy and only showed that more and more as he fell in love.

Annie has mystery surrounding her but is kind-hearted and down to earth so easy to route for.

I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a group of friendly alpha guys who help each other out when possible and enjoy friendship as each one finds their forever.

Broken Arrow by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Annie Hancock is finally following her dreams, studying for her graduate degree to become a professional artist. But when someone starts to leave threatening notes around her studio and dorm, Annie can’t help but wonder…who’s after her and why? She doesn’t know who to trust or keep herself safe.

Arrow has been grinding for years as a bounty hunter and private investigator. After setting down roots and opening his own office, his business doesn’t take off the way he’d hoped. Just when he’s about to change course, a beautiful woman is in desperate need of his services.

But what starts out as a simple assignment becomes more complicated when they’re forced into hiding. And as the threat gets closer, and the attraction becomes hotter, they’ll need to decide if what they have is real or driven by danger.

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

Amazon: https://geni.us/arrow-zon
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3EYxxEQ
Nook: https://geni.us/arrow-nook
Kobo: http://geni.us/arrow-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/arrow-gp

Audible: https://menofinked.com/ba-audio

Goodreads: https://menofinked.com/ba-tbr

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 G
oodreads: 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/

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE FEARLESS ONE by Lori Foster

December 4, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE FEARLESS ONE by Lori Foster

The Fearless One by Lori Foster
Series: Osborn Brothers #2
Published by Canary Street Press on December 26, 2023
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He had it all planned…until she showed up.

Jedidiah Stephens came to the Colorado Rockies for one reason: to uncover the truth behind the fire that killed her family. She’s been chasing down clues, and everything has led her to an isolated campground. Her plan is to get a job there so she can investigate who comes and goes. Getting involved with her boss, Memphis Osborn, the ruggedly handsome groundskeeper, is definitely not part of the plan.

When Jedidiah arrives on the scene, Memphis just knows she's up to something. He can see the desperation in her eyes and warily agrees to hire her. As they work side by side, Diah triggers his deepest protective instincts—and the chemistry between them ignites.

But the more Diah digs into her family’s past, the more secrets she unravels…and the more afraid she becomes. She lost everything once before. She’ll never forgive herself if now she loses Memphis, too.

Wish for a new and exciting book boyfriend this holiday season and Lori Foster shall deliver! With the second book in her Osborn Brothers series, Foster picks up with Memphis who is just as delectably addictive as his brother Hunter was. The intrigue is exciting, the characters are good-hearted and well-developed and the adventure brings familiar faces and high octane danger. I loved every minute of Memphis and Diah!

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a down-to-earth hero who falls for a self-reliant heroine who joins him in taking down the bad guys as they fall in love along the way.

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* Review * MISTY HOLLOW MASSACRE by Carol Ericson

December 4, 2023 Leave a Comment

Misty Hollow Massacre by Carol Ericson
Series: Discovery Bay #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on November 28, 2023
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Working as a team
Can they stop a killer targeting their hometown?

Child psychologist Hannah Maddox’s father once helped send the man she loved to prison. Now Jed Swain is free and back on Dead Falls Island to clear his name. Until his accuser is murdered and Jed again becomes the prime suspect. Hannah knows Jed is innocent, and before long, so do the locals. But when another single mother is found dead, Hannah must convince Jed to trust her before a killer turns their focus on them.

Explosive kick-off to a brand new series by Carol Ericson! I was quickly addicted to the plot of this reunion of first loves and my attention was held throughout. The characters are endearing, the drama is high and the mystery kept us on our toes. I wanted a tad bit more when it came to laying the groundwork of what happened to Jed all those years ago, but overall this was a very fulfilling story and I’m looking forward to more to come in the series for sure!

Jed was my favorite character and his kind heart really held him above the fray even when his past was taking bite after bite out of him. I enjoyed seeing him heal and find happiness.

Hannah’s kind spirit had her holding out hope that she’d be rekindled with Jed one day and now that it’s happening the past is knocking them over left and right.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast-paced intrigue with lots of drama, hints of romance and non-stop action.

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* Review * THE TROUBLEMAKER by Maisey Yates

December 2, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TROUBLEMAKER by Maisey Yates

The Troublemaker by Maisey Yates
Series: Four Corners Ranch #6
Published by Canary Street Press on November 28, 2023
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The heart wants what it wants—even if it what it wants belongs to someone else.

After the death of her father, veterinarian Charity Wyatt feels particularly lost. Thankfully, she’s not alone. Living beside the McCloud Ranch brought good friend—and notorious bad boy—Lachlan McCloud into her life at an early age, and they’ve had each other’s backs ever since.

To Lachlan, Charity is the best thing that ever happened to him. She’s the reason he survived his traumatic childhood and he’d do anything for her. But with his brothers all settling down, he also needs a favor. Charity agrees to help Lachlan reform into the family man he never thought he could be—if Mr. Swagger himself can help her build her confidence in return. The only problem is the not-so-subtle attraction they’re both harboring! But the fire between Charity and Lachlan, once lit, is proving difficult to extinguish…

Friends to Lovers at Four Corners Ranch! I’ve really enjoyed this series and the intermixing of four ranching families to make one cohesive group, but I felt Charity and Lachlan’s story was lacking the oomph it had the potential of giving. I love their characters and the family surrounding them and they had so much potential, but they felt somewhat flat with each other. I wanted more passion, more angst, more fight for forever. I enjoyed seeing the fam again and all that, I just felt like they could have given a better showing.

I recommend this series to anyone that enjoys the small town, rancher trope with lots of mingling of family members and friends to make a nice setting as the series expands.

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* Review * FAKED AND FUMBLED by Gina Azzi

December 2, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FAKED AND FUMBLED by Gina Azzi

Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi
Series: Knoxville Coyotes Football #1
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on November 30, 2023
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Knoxville Coyotes football heartthrob Cohen Miller is my brother’s best friend. Now, he’s the man posing as my fake boyfriend. Simple, right? Wrong.

I thought my luck couldn’t get worse than when my long-term boyfriend publicly dumped me. Wrong again. Now, my ex is dating my cousin, and our friend group is embarking on an annual ski trip.

Desperate to save face, I beg Cohen to pretend to like me. To bluff wanting me. To lay it on thick to convince my friends that I’m not heartbroken or hurt. I’m not damaged goods. That I have, in fact, moved on.

But during the trip, things change. Cohen’s longing glances make my heart race. His casual, familiar touches stir up new feelings. And his kiss? His kiss makes me yearn for things I’ve never experienced before.

Toss in one bed, an epic snowstorm, and a gossip circle a mile wide, and I’m praying we don’t fumble our fake relationship.

Super cute and steamy! The first book in Gina Azzi’s Knoxville Coyotes football series is bringing a few familiar faces to the forefront when we reconnect with Raia Callaway and Cohen Miller. I really enjoyed them as a couple and their connection was very satisfying, but I wanted a bit more overall. Their story was great, but felt rushed and underdeveloped. I’m looking forward to diving into the series and seeing more of these guys for sure!

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys sports romance and close knit teammates and friend groups rallying around each other. I’m looking forward to this series!

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