Book Reviews – Page 71

* Review * SECRETS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND by Naima Simone

August 30, 2021 Leave a Comment

Secrets of a One Night Stand by Naima Simone
Series: Billionaires of Boston #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 24, 2021
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She told herself it was one night. Nothing more.

But her heart knew the truth…

Finding out her previous one-night fling is her new boss is the shock of Mycah Hill’s lifetime. She can’t say no to being VP for software CEO Achilles Farrell—she’s finally made her career dream come true. But knowing he’s so close… It’s only a matter of time before she’s back in his arms. It can’t end well. Achilles’s tortured family history means he’s not up for sticking around long-term. But Mycah’s surprise pregnancy is about to change everything…

Delectable characters, steamy chemistry and all the feels are racing with the second book in Naima Simone’s Billionaires of Boston series! SECRETS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND brings us the story of the first of Cain’s illegitimate brothers, Achilles … and he is fine! I’m looking forward to Kenan’s story next!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a family saga of unknown siblings playing out as they get to know each other and each find love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * A DELICIOUS DILEMMA by Sera Taino

August 30, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * A DELICIOUS DILEMMA by Sera Taino

A Delicious Dilemma by Sera Taíno
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on August 24, 2021
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It's hard to remain enemies when you've broken bread together

Val Navarro’s first mistake: going out dancing after a bad breakup when the chef should be focused on her family business. Her second mistake? Thinking the handsome, sensitive stranger she meets could be more than a rebound – until she discovers he’s Philip Wagner of Wagner Developments. His father’s company could shut down her Puerto Rican restaurant and unravel her tight-knit neighborhood. When Philip takes over negotiations, Val wants to believe he has good intentions. But is following her heart a recipe for disaster?

This fresh voice is one to watch after the joy this culturally rich debut brings to life! Sera Taino delivers well developed characters with just enough turmoil to peak our interest and hold it as love enters the mix and dazzles in A DELICIOUS DILEMMA. I’ll be watching for more from this delightful new author!

Val is a refreshing character. She never loses sight of her family heritage and loving traditions even as she steps forward to help save and enrich the neighborhood they adore. The intermingling of life, love and hearth is really satisfying.

Philip should feel like the bad guy in this book since he’s part of the redevelopment group, but he’s really sweet and down to earth and watching him fall for Val and want her to have everything she always dreamed of is heartwarming.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an enemies to lovers story with a whole lot of heart and close knit community involved.

A Delicious Dilemma by Sera Taíno is out now! Pre-order now and get an EXCLUSIVE cookbook straight from the fictional family restaurant featured in the novel! Simply email seraspromos@gmail.com with a screenshot or forward of your pre-order receipt to claim!

Order Here at Your Favorite Retailer

Different worlds collide in Sera Taino’s debut novel.

It’s hard to remain enemies when you’ve broken bread together

Val Navarro’s first mistake: going out dancing after a bad breakup when the chef should be focused on her family business. Her second mistake? Thinking the handsome, sensitive stranger she meets could be more than a rebound – until she discovers he’s Philip Wagner of Wagner Developments. His father’s company could shut down her Puerto Rican restaurant and unravel her tight-knit neighborhood. When Philip takes over negotiations, Val wants to believe he has good intentions. But is following her heart a recipe for disaster?

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

About Sera:

Debut romance author Sera Taíno was selected for Harlequin’s Romance Includes You Mentorship, an initiative launched in 2019 to reach out to diverse communities of writers and bring more own voices stories to romance readers. For more information on this initiative, click here.

She is also the author of several short contemporary romances, including her latest, “Oil and Vinegar,” part of A More Perfect Union: A Voting-Themed Romance Benefit Anthology. All proceeds benefit Fair Fight, a national voting rights organization based in Georgia.

Her debut, #ownvoices novel, A Delicious Dilemma, is out now with Harlequin Romance Special Edition.

When she is not writing, she can usually be found teaching, traveling, or wrangling her family.

Sign up for Sera’s newsletter here, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, or BookBub to stay up to date.

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * CARIBBEAN NIGHTS WITH THE TYCOON by Andrea Bolter

August 26, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CARIBBEAN NIGHTS WITH THE TYCOON by Andrea Bolter

Caribbean Nights with the Tycoon by Andrea Bolter
Series: Billion-Dollar Matches #3
Published by Harlequin Romance on August 24, 2021
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Seven nights in paradise…
…isn’t enough!

Actress Luna has spent a year away from the spotlight. So her best friend has convinced her it’s time for some fun and has organized—via the exclusive M dating agency!—a trip to Puerto Rico… Luna has agreed, so long as her date isn’t looking for happily-ever-after! But she isn’t prepared for her explosive attraction to buttoned-up tycoon Charlie or the resulting realization that she now doesn’t want to leave the Caribbean…

This whimsical hookup is sure to please when the third couple taking part in the Billion-Dollar Matches connect and quickly combust. Andrea Bolter paints the picture of a burnt out actress and a long-grieving billionaire who agree to a week together in paradise. Neither is expecting or wanting to find love … but the fates have something in store for them!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a blind date scenario where true love is the endgame.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW by Lori Foster

August 26, 2021 Leave a Comment

Stronger Than You Know by Lori Foster
Series: The McKenzies of Ridge Trail #2
Published by HQN Books on August 24, 2021
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Their secrets run deep, but desire runs deeper…

Kennedy Brooks has spent years learning how to protect herself, and empowering other women to do the same. Still, there are some hazards that can’t be predicted. That includes Reyes McKenzie, who owns her local gym. Strong, capable, and watchful, he seems like the one man who might understand her past. For once, Kennedy is tempted to let her guard down—something she’s vowed never to do.

The moment petite, fiercely determined Kennedy walked into his gym, Reyes knew that she carried secrets. What he didn’t expect was that she could tell the same about him. When trouble tracks her down, she turns to Reyes, unleashing a maelstrom of protective instinct and mutual desire. But will her need for him end when the danger does, or will they take the ultimate risk—on each other?

These McKenzies’ just keep getting better and better! With the second book in her McKenzies of Ridge Trail series Lori Foster dazzles us with Reyes and Kennedy and loads of chemistry and danger. This series is filled with intrigue and heart and keeps us on our toes throughout. I can’t wait for Madison’s story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family out to right the wrongs in the world as each sibling finds their happily ever after along the way.

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* Review * THE BULL RIDER’S FRESH START by Heidi McCahan

August 25, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BULL RIDER’S FRESH START by Heidi McCahan

The Bull Rider's Fresh Start by Heidi McCahan
Published by Love Inspired on August 24, 2021
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This cowboy can charm almost anyone…

except the mother of his surprise baby girl.

Former bull rider Landon Chambers has made mistakes. Big ones. But discovering that he's the father of a sweet little girl might be the best thing ever. Now Landon just has to convince her mother, navy diver Kelsey Sinclair, that his wild, troubled cowboy days are over. But Kelsey’s not quite sure she can trust Landon with her little girl…or her cautious heart.

This second chance romance was quick to catch my attention and won over my heart easily. The premise is fresh and down to earth and the characters are both nerve-wracking and endearing. I highly enjoyed their story!

Kelsey was a hard character to like. One one hand you can understand her mistrust and self-righteousness, but on the other hand she has some explaining to do too for keeping secrets.

Landon was a sweetheart and easy to forgive his misdeeds because he is truly trying to better his life and make up for his past weaknesses.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a faith based story of healing and second chances.

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* Review * THE FAMILY SHE DIDN’T EXPECT by Helen Lacey

August 25, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE FAMILY SHE DIDN’T EXPECT by Helen Lacey

The Family She Didn't Expect by Helen Lacey
Series: The Culhanes of Cedar River #6
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on August 24, 2021
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She was in town to uncover her past

Not discover her future.

Marnie Jackson has one mission: to discover her roots in Cedar River. She’s determined to fulfill her mother’s dying wish, but her sexy landlord and his charming daughters turn out to be a surprising distraction from her goal. Widower Joss Culhane has been focusing on work, his kids and his own family drama. Sure, Marnie connects with his girls—and with him—but she’s staying only a few months. Why risk opening his heart to another woman who might leave them?

A fast paced, emotionally riveting pure delight! Helen Lacey always wraps the town of Cedar River around a reader’s heart quickly and when it comes to a widower with a couple of great kiddos who blossom under the affection of a new neighbor, the scene is blooming with warmth and emotional healing in THE FAMILY SHE DIDN’T EXPECT. I always look forward to a return visit with the Culhane family!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys small town romance with a lot of heart, healing and redemption.

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* Review * MANHATTAN’S MOST SCANDALOUS REUNION by Dani Collins

August 13, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MANHATTAN’S MOST SCANDALOUS REUNION by Dani Collins

Manhattan's Most Scandalous Reunion by Dani Collins
Series: The Secret Sisters #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on August 24, 2021
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She left him.
That doesn't mean she's forgotten him.

When paparazzi mistake Nina Menendez for a supermodel, she takes refuge in her ex’s New York penthouse. Big mistake. Guarded Reve Weston is incapable of emotional intimacy—and is intensely seductive…

Reve has had enough of scandal. To keep his name out of the tabloids, he insists Nina stay with him. But as their spark reignites and she shares the mysteries of her past, Reve realizes his cynicism has a downside. If he can’t give Nina the fairy tale she dreams of, he’ll have to let her go…for good!

Secrets unravel as passion reignites! With the second book in her Secret Sisters duet Dani Collins takes us into the heart of a mystery as fledgling clothing designer Nina keeps getting confused with model Oriel and scandal erupts. I highly recommend you read this duet in order because it adds to the deliciousness of the story to have both viewpoints. Highly entertaining characters, a reconnection of past love and a sweet happily ever after.

Nina is a sweetheart and seeing her begin to achieve her dreams while reconnecting with the love of her life is heartwarming.

Reve is accomplished but bitter to life as a whole, but reconnecting with the woman who really gets under his skin is like a breath of fresh air.

I recommend this book as well as the prior in the duet to anyone who enjoys a fast paced storyline with a scandalous arc that has a whole lot of heart beneath the surface as true love comes knocking.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HOW TO CATCH A BAD BOY by Cat Schield

August 13, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HOW TO CATCH A BAD BOY by Cat Schield

How to Catch a Bad Boy by Cat Schield
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent #7
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 24, 2021
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He fooled her once.

It won’t happen again.

Bailing her onetime lover out of jail is Lani Li’s ticket to a big career. The Dallas PI needs accused embezzler Asher Edmond to lead her to a cache of missing millions—whether or not he’s innocent, like he claims. But Lani didn’t count on pesky old passions reigniting the minute they make contact. With suspicion and scandal swirling around them and her future on the line, Lani can’t let the sexy playboy sweep her off her feet again. Surely he can’t fool her twice…can he?

This reunion of first loves is packed full of intrigue! With the next book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series Cat Schield picks up the saga just after one of the Edmond family members has been arrested for the missing money from the Soiree on the Bay fundraiser. The premise was quick to catch my attention and I enjoyed watching these two find their way back towards each other, but there were a couple of plot holes that left me perplexed a bit. First off the author mentioned in her letter to readers at the beginning of the book that she enjoyed writing this strong woman of color, but there was no development in the story that led me to believe she was a woman of color. No description other than black silkly hair, no cultural enrichment portrayed, no development of her heritage. I would expect a lot more before describing her as a WOC honestly. Secondly, I felt really disappointed that the family connection between Asher and his siblings was left so empty. There was no interaction before they turned their back on him and even once things changed at the end there was no big grand reconnection where they admitted any fault for doubting the guy they have claimed in the past to love as one of their own. Overall I enjoyed the general arc of the story and look forward to wrapping up the series with the next book coming up. It’s been quite a ride with the Texas Cattleman’s Club as always!

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* Review * CUSTOM LOVE by Chantal Fernando

August 12, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CUSTOM LOVE by Chantal Fernando

Custom Love by Chantal Fernando
Series: Fast & Fury #3
Published by Carina Press on August 24, 2021
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The thrilling conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando's Fast & Fury series, fully loaded with intense emotions and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

All she wanted was the truth.

All he wanted was to be left alone.

Nadia has always been in charge of her life. As a private investigator, she makes her own hours and only takes on cases that she wants to work on. But when a family friend asks her to look into a case, she instantly regrets it—it hits far too close to home.

The last thing she wants to do is rip open old wounds. Especially Trade’s, the single father she’s been spending time with. It isn’t long before she’s falling not just for him, but for the kids he’s trying so hard to protect.

But the little voice in Nadia’s head tells her that something isn’t right, and she’s determined to find the truth. Using her connections to the Knights of Fury MC and the Fast & Fury motorcycle garage to gather evidence, Nadia uncovers evidence of a conspiracy that will leave everyone shaken—and force her and Trade to do whatever it takes to keep their new family safe.

An emotionally charged romance with a riveting suspenseful twist! The conclusion of Chantal Fernando’s Fast and Fury series is intense and so much more than I expected. I loved every minute of Nadia and Trade’s story in CUSTOM LOVE and only wish there was more to come in the series!

Nadia is an interesting character. She’s feisty and tough but has a heart of gold , and seeing her have to ease into something she would normally barrel full force into was a nice change of pace for her.

Trade is a doll. He lost the love of his life and has been going through the motions as he loves their kids through it, but the connection he feels upon interacting with Nadia is making him come back to life.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a great group of guys and gals at a custom bike shop that has a tie in with the local MC as they fall hard and live happily ever after.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BEST LAID WEDDING PLANS by Karen Booth

August 12, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BEST LAID WEDDING PLANS by Karen Booth

Best Laid Wedding Plans by Karen Booth
Series: Moonlight Ridge #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 24, 2021
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“You could use a lesson in

giving in to temptation.”

But who’s Autumn Kincaid to talk? Her reputation as a wedding planner is on the line after she’s left at the altar. So is her job at Moonlight Ridge—unless she proves herself to grumpy Grey Holloway, whose family owns the resort. Grey doesn’t even believe in true love. She has to convince him romance is real, that all he needs is to give in to the heat threatening to burn them both. Maybe this time Autumn will get her own happily-ever-after…or is this just another best-laid plan?

Opposites attract and weave a delightful tale in the second book in the Moonlight Ridge series! In BEST LAID WEDDING PLANS Karen Booth brings the second Holloway brother home to Moonlight Ridge to support their dad during recovery from a health crisis. The characters are fresh and endearing and each has a back story that lays a nice foundation to their growth and development. I’m really enjoying this series and look forward to the last book in the trilogy!

Autumn is sincere and believes in happily ever after even though life has handed her a lemon in the past. She’s a joy to watch guide Grey towards believing love can last.

Grey is an all around nice guy, but he doesn’t believe in love and happily ever after because he’s lived the other side. Seeing him reconnect with his sense of home and family and along the way learn a different side of love is really heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys watching a shattered family reconnect and support each other as each brother finds love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews