Book Reviews – Page 76

* Review * SECOND CHANCE LOVE SONG by Jessica Lemmon

June 15, 2021 Leave a Comment

Second Chance Love Song by Jessica Lemmon
Series: Dynasties: Beaumont Bay #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 25, 2021
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He chose country music over the one who got away.

Well, now she’s back…

Country music star Cash Sutherland is too successful for his own good. Seen as a bad boy in need of redeeming, he and his label are doing all they can to revamp his reputation. They’ve even hired eager journalist Presley Cole, who’s ready and willing to print the cover story that will make both their careers. The only problem? She’s the woman he left behind, and she’s not ready to forgive him for breaking her heart…

A memorable reunion of first loves! With the second book in the Dynasties: Beaumont Bay series Jessica Lemmon picks up the Sutherland saga with Cash’s story. The family is attention grabbing, the back story of each character is a nice set up for them running into each other again and the sexual tension was spot on. I enjoyed Cash and Presley very much!

Cash is an all around nice guy and I enjoyed watching him reconnect with the one that got away.

Presley had me worried for a bit on whether she was going to deceive him for a story, but I ended up liking her and enjoying their story.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a little country music stardom mixed with your romance.

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* Review * NINE LIVES by Danielle Steel

June 15, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Nine Lives by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on July 6, 2021
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After a carefree childhood, Mary Margaret Kelly came of age in the shadow of grief. Her father, a dashing daredevil Air Force pilot, died when she was nine. Maggie saw her mother struggle to put their lives back together. As the family moved from one city to the next, her mother warned her to beware of daredevil men and avoid risk at all cost.

Following her mother’s advice, and forgoing the magic of first love with a high school boyfriend who was too wild to feel safe, Maggie instead sought out all the things her mother had lost—a predictable partner, a stable home, and a regular paycheck. She chose to marry a dependable, kind man who was a reliable husband and successful accountant. Together they had a son and found happiness in a conventional suburban life. Until tragedy struck again.

Now on her own, feeling a sense of adventure for the first time, Maggie decides to face her fears, setting off on a whirlwind trip from San Francisco to Rome, Paris, and Monaco. But when her travels reconnect her with the very same irresistible, thrill-seeking man she’s spent thirty years trying to forget, Maggie becomes terrified that rushing into love and sharing his life may very well end in disaster. But ultimately, while Maggie tries to outrun her fears and painful memories of her past, fate will surprise her in the most astounding of ways, as she walks the tightrope between danger and courage, and between wisdom and love.

Danielle Steel always tugs on my heartstrings! Wrapping a character around her reader’s heart is a true talent by Steel that shines through once again in her upcoming release NINE LIVES. I felt like this book had a lot more narration instead of dialogue, but I was deeply entrenched in it throughout never the less. The only thing I wished for was a bit more time with them at the end. I devoured it quickly and was left with a smile on my face!

Maggie is a relatable character who uses life’s lessons to guide her in how she wishes to pursue her future. She shared a young love with a sweetheart of a young man, but went on to wager the bet of life with a more stable, dependable man. She never regretted her decision and lived a fulfilling life with her husband and beautiful son.

Tragedy has had a way of taking things from Maggie throughout her life and one more strike leaves her reeling and adrift. A happenstance reconnection with that dashing man of her youth brings a light back into her life that she didn’t even realize she missed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys following a character through the foibles of life toward that long sought after HEA.

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* Review * THE SUMMER OF NO ATTACHMENTS by Lori Foster

June 13, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE SUMMER OF NO ATTACHMENTS by Lori Foster

The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster
Published by HQN Books on June 22, 2021
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Summer flings with no strings mean nobody gets hurt.
At least, that was the plan…

After putting the brakes on her dead-end relationship, local veterinarian Ivey Anders is ready to soak up this summer on her own terms. The way she sees it, no dating means no disappointment. Why complicate life with anything long-term? But when she meets Corbin Meyer—and his troubled young son, Justin—Ivey’s no-strings strategy threatens to unravel before she can put it into practice.

Trust doesn’t come easy for Ivey’s best friend, Hope Mage, a veterinary-clinic assistant who’s affected by an incident that’s colored every relationship she’s had. Though Hope’s happy for Ivey, she can’t quite open her own heart to the possibility of love. Not just yet… Maybe not ever. Soon, however, she’s faced with a dilemma—Corbin’s older brother, Lang. He’s charming, he’s kind…and he may just be the reason Hope needs to finally tear down her walls.

And as the sweet summer months unspool, the two friends discover love won’t give up on them so easily.

A fun and flirty beach read filled with delightful characters, emotional depth and more heart than you’ll know what to do with … I loved every minute of THE SUMMER OF NO ATTACHMENTS! Lori Foster is known for down-to-Earth relatable characters with solid hearts, family allegiance and overall goodness to the bone and when she throws an animal or two or three into a story, you might as well settle in and get comfy because you are not going to want to put that book down until the last page is turned!

There was so much to love about the characters in this story. We had a veterinarian who lovingly mothers her traumatized assistant and every animals who crosses her path. We had a single dad who uprooted his life to find a healing place to raise the preteen son he just discovered. And the supporting cast of an assistant and an older brother bring another dimension of friendship, family and love to the story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story rich with emotion and camaraderie as real issues are dealt with and true bonds are built on that road toward happily ever after.

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* Review * TEXAS BABY COVER-UP by Virginia Vaughan

June 13, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TEXAS BABY COVER-UP by Virginia Vaughan

Texas Baby Cover-Up by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Cowboy Lawmen #4
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on June 29, 2021
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A mother’s secret got her killed.

Now they must protect her baby…

After the shock of finding her best friend murdered, Kellyanne Avery’s focused on caring for her friend’s sweet baby—until the killer returns, determined to kidnap the child. Now Kellyanne needs the one man she trusts with her life: her ex-flame, Deputy Sheriff Zeke Tyler. But as they hide on her family’s ranch, can Zeke unravel deadly secrets and shield them from harm?

Danger is nipping at their heals from start to finish! With book four in her always intense Cowboy Lawmen series Virginia Vaughan brings a fast paced, action packed gem to her readers. In TEXAS BABY COVER-UP we follow the journey of a social worker who finds her best friend murdered and has to count on her ex to help her protect the infant baby left behind. The characters are well developed, their back story is attention grabbing and the love still burning between them is quick to reignite.

Kellyanne is headstrong and determined to live her life the way she wants to live it, but being so blinded to how good a partnership could be led to her losing Zeke.

Zeke is a sweetheart who was willing to put up with a lot from Kelly just to have her in his life. Now she’s back again and this time he’s determined to show her how good life can really be … as long as he can keep the danger at bay for long enough!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a faith based romance that brings danger and suspense to the forefront while love and faith serve as a strong back drop towards forever.

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* Review * A BRAMBLEBERRY SUMMER by RaeAnne Thayne

June 12, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A BRAMBLEBERRY SUMMER by RaeAnne Thayne

A Brambleberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: The Women of Brambleberry House #5
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on June 29, 2021
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Will the secrets of her past…

Prevent her from having the future she’s always wanted?

Rosa Galvez’s attraction to Officer Wyatt Townsend is as powerful as the moon’s pull on the tides. But with her past, Rosa knows better than to act on her feelings. When Wyatt and his adorable son become Brambleberry House’s newest tenants, Rosa finds her resolve slipping. Her solo life slowly becomes a sun-filled family adventure—until dark secrets threaten to break like a summer storm.

Heartwarmingly beautiful! A BRAMBLEBERRY SUMMER by RaeAnne Thayne is the fifth book in the series centering around this memorable house filled with unforgettable characters who each have had hurdles in life to overcome. I feel like this would have been a more complete story had it been one of Thayne’s longer books to delve more into their backstories but I couldn’t have enjoyed the charm of Rosa and Wyatt and especially little Logan anymore than I did.

Rosa was everything I wanted her to be and more! She’s loyal, she’s kind and she’s determined to never hesitate to stand up for anyone who needs her help.

Wyatt is kindhearted and fair, but his inquisitive nature doesn’t like knowing Rosa is keeping secrets.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town coastal town that is filled with character and charm as a back drop of a good romance.

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* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH BAD BOYS by Katherine Garbera

June 10, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Trouble with Bad Boys by Katherine Garbera
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 25, 2021
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A playboy who’s all about the likes…

Is about to get a lesson in love!

Notorious social media influencer Zach Benning is happy to swoop into Royal, Texas, promote the Soiree on the Bay and leave with a fat paycheck. While he’s at it, he’ll give plain-Jane event planner Lila Jones a makeover, online and off. The last thing he expects is to fall for his ravishing creation! But is he really seeing the captivating woman underneath all the newfound hype?

Opposites attracting has never been quite so adorable! With book four in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series Katherine Garbera delights us with a sure of himself man being brought to his knees by a plain Jane in THE TROUBLE WITH BAD BOYS. The characters are cute, their connection is temptingly delectable and though the end was too rushed for my liking, I really enjoyed their story!

Lila is a sweetheart. She needs publicity to make the Soiree on the Bay a roaring success, but she’s really having to put herself out there with the likes of ZB to make that happen.

Zach is adorably cocky and I loved every minute of him. He’s successful and self-assured, but he has scars beneath the surface that hold him back from being real with himself.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced Cinderella type trope with lots of laughs and a whole lot of heart.

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* Review * MY ONE NIGHT by Carrie Ann Ryan

June 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

My One Night by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: On My Own #1
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on April 13, 2021
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A one-night stand is supposed to end once the sun rises. Only it doesn't always work out that way in this opposites attract and tortured hero romance.

Elise Hoover never expected this. She didn't want to go to another party, but when her friend pulls her in, she somehow finds herself hiding in a corner with...him.

Dillon Connolly.

The smirking, so-called good guy with the shadows in his eyes. A single glance, a sweet smile, and she lets herself have one night of giving in.
Only she has to promise herself not to fall in love. No matter the cost.

Fun, flirty and so addictive! Fans of Carrie Ann Ryan’s Fractured Connections series are going to be squealing with delight when they realize her brand new series is kicking off with Dillon Connolly as the hero! MY ONE NIGHT is the first book in Ryan’s On My Own series and centers around two houses of college friends as one pair hooks up, tragedy strikes close to home and assumed dreams get a rude awakening for one young heart. I enjoyed them all and can’t wait to see what the future holds as the series continues!

Elise is a doll. She’s trying to live up to her parent’s expectations while still carving out the life that she wants, but temptation in the form of a hunky party host might be her undoing!

Dillon is the sweetest. I loved him in his brother’s stories and I loved him in his own. He’s loyal and hardworking and I loved seeing him finally get the future that he deserves.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fresh story revolving around a close-knit group of young adults as life hands them ups and downs on their way towards forever.

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* Review * THE TRAP by Carol Ericson

June 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Trap by Carol Ericson
Series: A Kyra and Jake Investigation #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on June 29, 2021
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Can they outplay The Player?

When a fourth copycat killer strikes, Detective Jake McAllister and Kyra Chase race to find the mastermind behind LA's serial murders. Now there's a new lead, but to protect the woman he loves, Jake must reveal a crucial secret about Kyra's past—the real reason The Player wants her dead. Exposing the truth could turn this investigation on its head…and force this notorious criminal to make one final move.

The stunning conclusion we never suspected! With the final book in her Kyra and Jake Investigation series Carol Ericson saved the best for last as lies and secrets unravel and bring the storyline to a powerful end. This has been an intense series filled with heartwarming characters as danger circled around them with every new killer who surfaced. I really enjoyed it!

Jake and Kyra grow closer every day as the world around them falls apart and danger comes knocking on their door.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery filled with a hint of romance and tons of action.

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* Review * LOVE BLOOMS by Jennifer Faye

June 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye
Series: Bluestar Island #1
Published by Lazy Dazy Press on April 13, 2021
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He's an injured firefighter. She bakes the most delightful treats. When their worlds collide will the baker help heal the firefighter with a mix of blueberry muffins and her caring way?

The elegant baker, Hannah Bell, has always lived on Bluestar Island with her family. While still grieving for her father, who died in a fire, she focuses all of her energy on making her dream come true--opening her very own bakery. But when a broken water pipe washes away her carefully laid plans, she's on the verge of losing everything.

New York firefighter Ethan Walker's life is in a tailspin after he's injured on-the-job. When an urgent call detours him to Bluestar Island, he agrees to help his lovable but meddlesome great-aunt. But organizing the island's Spring Fling proves a lot harder than he originally imagined. He needs help...and fast.

Under the magic of Bluestar Island's sea breeze and warm sunshine, Hannah and Ethan must not only face their immediate obstacles but also their own turning points in life. Will they have to do that alone? With a leap of faith and a dash of romance, they might just find the perfect mix to make their dreams come true.

Includes a delicious recipe for The Elegant Baker's Blueberry Crumble Muffin!

Jennifer Faye always knows just how to wrap a small town around her reader’s hearts! With the first book in her brand new Bluestar Island series Faye delights us with a baker falling for a visiting firefighter in coastal Massachustts. The characters are refreshingly sweet and the town is heartwarming. There were a few too many background characters for my liking, but overall a really intriguing story. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Hannah is a sweetheart who brightens everybody’s day in her small town. Watching her strive to make all of her dreams come true was inspiring.

Ethan was a dream. He’s not sure what life holds for him in the future, but he doesn’t hesitate to help out family when they need it.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a quaint small town filled with meddlesome but lovable characters and a path towards forever.

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* Release Blast/Review * THE WICKED AFTERMATH by Melissa Foster

June 9, 2021 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * THE WICKED AFTERMATH by Melissa Foster

The Wicked Aftermath by Melissa Foster
Series: The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #2
Published by World Literary Press on June 9, 2021
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When the person you blame for your grief is the only one who can save you from the pain...

Tank Wicked lost his sister and has since vowed to save everyone else in his path. He lives by the creed of the Dark Knights motorcycle club, sworn to protect and respect his community. He selflessly saves lives as a volunteer firefighter and treats the men and women who work for him at his tattoo shop like family. But life isn’t a balance scale where good deeds negate bad things to come, and one foggy night life guts Tank once again. When a car careens over the side of a bridge and into a river, Tank springs into action, plunging into the water to rescue the passengers. Four people go into the river, but only three come out alive.

Leah Yates is just trying to make it through each day. When the man she blames for her grief becomes the only one who can pull her from the depths of despair, she discovers that even hope comes at a price. Maybe this time she won't have to face it alone.

Melissa Foster has permission to rip my heart to shreds anytime as long as she puts it back together as beautifully as she did with Tank’s story! This highly emotional and heart wrenching addition to the Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions all while showering love, devotion and even laughter all around you. Brilliantly written and breathlessly devoured!

Leah is a sweetheart and had my heart quickly. She suffers a loss so deep she doesn’t know how to move forward, but Tank’s love heals her in ways she never dreamed of.

Tank is a doll. His world stopped turning when his little sister died, but having someone else need the knowledge that he has gained is beneficial to his sanity. He knew Leah was special the moment he laid eyes on her … he just didn’t know how much she was going to change his world.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a close knit family who rallies around each other through life and love. They love hard and they laugh their way through life’s playground.

THE WICKED AFTERMATH
The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
Melissa Foster
Releasing June 9, 2021
World Literary Press

Blurb:

When the person you blame for your grief is the only one who can save you from the pain…

Tank Wicked lost his sister and has since vowed to save everyone else in his path. He lives by the creed of the Dark Knights motorcycle club, sworn to protect and respect his community. He selflessly saves lives as a volunteer firefighter and treats the men and women who work for him at his tattoo shop like family. But life isn’t a balance scale where good deeds negate bad things to come, and one foggy night life guts Tank once again. When a car careens over the side of a bridge and into a river, Tank springs into action, plunging into the water to rescue the passengers. Four people go into the river, but only three come out alive.

Leah Yates is just trying to make it through each day. When the man she blames for her grief becomes the only one who can pull her from the depths of despair, she discovers that even hope comes at a price. Maybe this time she won’t have to face it alone.

THE WICKED AFTERMATH is an emotionally gripping story of love, loss, and hope, with a rich and entrancing happily ever after. Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. Some of the Wickeds’ love stories will be hilariously fun and deeply emotional, others will tear at your heartstrings and include injections of humor, but they will all leave you wishing you could climb between the pages and join them. All Wicked novels may be enjoyed as standalone romances.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53970833-the-wicked-aftermath

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/269450-the-wickeds-dark-knights-at-bayside

Buy Links:

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/WA_Kindle
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/WA_Apple
➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/WA_Nook
➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/WA_Kobo
➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/WA_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/WA_Pb

Audio coming July 2021, narrated by Lance Greenfield and Jennifer Mack

➜Amazon: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Amazon
➜Apple: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Apple
➜Audible: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Audible

For more Dark Knights, check out The Whiskeys: https://melissafoster.com/series-the-whiskeys-dark-knights-at-peaceful-harbor/

For more Bayside Summers fun: https://melissafoster.com/series-bayside-summers/

Excerpt:

Read Sneak Peek here, https://melissafoster.com/the-wicked-aftermath-sneak-peek/

Author Info

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster
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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster
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