Book Reviews – Page 77

* Review * CHRISTMAS IN ROSE BEND by Naima Simone

October 27, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CHRISTMAS IN ROSE BEND by Naima Simone

Christmas in Rose Bend by Naima Simone
Series: Rose Bend #2
Published by HQN Books on October 26, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

The holidays have never been her thing. But Christmas in Rose Bend has more than one surprise in store…

Grieving ER nurse Nessa Hunt is on a road trip with her sullen teen half sister, Ivy, and still reeling from her mother’s deathbed confession: Nessa’s dad wasn’t really her dad. Seeking answers, they arrive in Rose Bend to find a small town teeming with the kind of Christmas cheer Nessa usually avoids. But then she meets the innkeeper’s ruggedly sexy son, Wolfgang Dennison.

Wolf’s big, boisterous family is like a picture-perfect holiday card. Nessa has too much weighing on her to feel like she fits—even though the heat between her and Wolf is undeniable. And the merriment bringing an overdue smile to Ivy’s face is almost enough to make Nessa believe in the Christmas spirit. But with all her parental baggage, including lingering questions about her birth father, is there room in Nessa’s life for happy holidays and happily-ever-after?

A gut wrenchingly beautiful holiday delight! With the next story in her Rose Bend small town series Naima Simone pulls at every single one of her reader’s heartstrings while showering Christmas spirit around every corner. Emotions are high, healing is happening on several aspects and happily ever afters are in sight! I loved every single minute of Nessa, Wolfgang and all of their entourage.

Nessa had me wanting to reach out and hug her from the very start. She’s grieving her mother while picking up the pieces of an emotional revelation that has thrown a wrench in her very foundation and now has to learn how to parent her newly orphaned sister at a time when she doesn’t know how to take care of even herself.

Wolf and his family are just delightful. I wish we all could spend a holiday at their inn! Seeing him heal from the disappointments life has given him at the same time that he connects with Nessa is really heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sexy romance in a delightful small town filled with warmth and heart.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * RIGGS by Sawyer Bennett

October 26, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * RIGGS by Sawyer Bennett

Riggs by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Arizona Vengeance #11
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on October 26, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Known as the team loner, Riggs Nadeau gives his all on the ice, but nothing extra off it. A beautiful stranger is about to cause chaos in his very structured world.

As a professional hockey player, people think I live a charmed life. On the surface, I do. But they don’t know the horrors of my childhood, or the real reason that I have custody of my seventeen-year-old sister, Janelle. And that’s exactly the way I like it. They may think I’m a prick because I don’t like to share, but that’s fine. They don’t know me, and they don’t need to.

In an effort to help Janelle get settled in Phoenix and stay out of trouble at school, I set her up with a job at Clarke’s Corner, the local bookstore owned by the girlfriend of a teammate. It’s there that she makes friends with Veronica Woodley, the extremely annoying, arrogant, money-hungry divorcee who I don’t want anywhere near my sister. Janelle insists I’m completely wrong about Veronica, but I refuse to accept that. I have to keep reminding myself that that the gorgeous blond with legs for days is off limits.

Through a series of events, I start to see Veronica for what she really is—an amazing woman who has survived her own hell to come out even stronger. I have to admit, we’re more alike than not and the attraction between us burns hot.

Maybe I was all wrong about my ability to love and commit, but when the past comes back to haunt me, can I be the man that Veronica, and Janelle, deserve?

The elusive player is uncovered! With the next book in her always highly anticipated Arizona Vengeance series Sawyer Bennett delivers an emotionally charged RIGGS and fans are going to be engrossed quickly. I enjoyed the characters and the emotional happily ever after.

Riggs is more than I was expecting, and one of my favorite aspects of this book was his easy friendship with Baden.

Veronica is a doll and watching her unravel both Riggs and his sisters hard exteriors was really heartwarming to watch.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with a close knit group of players who always have each other’s backs and who love hard.

Riggs (Arizona Vengeance, Book #11)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: October 26, 2021

Synopsis:

Known as the team loner, Riggs Nadeau gives his all on the ice, but nothing extra off it. A beautiful stranger is about to cause chaos in his very structured world.

As a professional hockey player, people think I live a charmed life. On the surface, I do. But they don’t know the horrors of my childhood, or the real reason that I have custody of my seventeen-year-old sister, Janelle. And that’s exactly the way I like it. They may think I’m a prick because I don’t like to share, but that’s fine. They don’t know me, and they don’t need to.

In an effort to help Janelle get settled in Phoenix and stay out of trouble at school, I set her up with a job at Clarke’s Corner, the local bookstore owned by the girlfriend of a teammate. It’s there that she makes friends with Veronica Woodley, the extremely annoying, arrogant, money-hungry divorcee who I don’t want anywhere near my sister. Janelle insists I’m completely wrong about Veronica, but I refuse to accept that. I have to keep reminding myself that that the gorgeous blond with legs for days is off limits.

Through a series of events, I start to see Veronica for what she really is—an amazing woman who has survived her own hell to come out even stronger. I have to admit, we’re more alike than not and the attraction between us burns hot.

Maybe I was all wrong about my ability to love and commit, but when the past comes back to haunt me, can I be the man that Veronica, and Janelle, deserve?

Download Riggs (Arizona Vengeance, Book #11):

► Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zZrH1m
► Nook: https://bit.ly/3gm5S3X
► Apple: https://apple.co/3gmOYlC
► Kobo: https://bit.ly/359odMd
► Google: https://bit.ly/3ctI3FZ
► Print: https://amzn.to/3yTKYAd

Audible (narrated by Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood): https://adbl.co/2WWrA8S

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

✦ Facebook: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_FB
✦ Reader group: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_NEP
✦ Twitter: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_TW
✦ Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG
✦ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR
✦ BookBub: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BB
✦ Newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SLEIGH BELLS RING by RaeAnne Thayne

October 25, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SLEIGH BELLS RING by RaeAnne Thayne

Sleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne Thayne
Published by HQN Books on October 26, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Celebrate the season with this sparkling and heartwarming holiday romance that proves sometimes all you need is a little Christmas magic…

Angel’s View Ranch has always been special to Annelise McCade. Once upon a time, it was her family’s land, until her grandfather sold it to billionaire Wallace Sheridan. Now employed as the live-in caretaker, Annie is just trying to make it through the holidays with both her sanity and her niece's and nephew’s faith in the magic of Christmas intact.

The six-year-old twins recently lost their mother, so Annie tells herself it wouldn’t be a problem to bring them to Angel’s View. Why should it be? The Sheridans haven’t visited in years, not since Wallace died. They would never know the twins were there…until Tate Sheridan shows up out of the blue two weeks before Christmas.

Crushed to learn that Tate is there to sell his grandfather’s property—and mortified that her secret guests have been discovered—Annie offers her resignation. But Tate asks them to stay and help him get the house ready for one last family Christmas before it’s put on the market.

Annie and Tate have three days to work their magic before the Sheridan clan arrives—and to work through the growing attraction between them. But Annie simply can’t fall for the man who will put her out of a job and a home. Still, the sparkle of the season is impossible to deny…and this Christmas has surprises in store for everyone.

An emotional winter wonderland filled with heart and charm! RaeAnne Thayne wrangled my heartstrings hard with this tale of two families at crossroads in their journeys who come together for a magical holiday season at just the right time for them all. The characters are addictively pure with heart wrenching back stories laying the groundwork to each moment of healing and love. I love every minute!

Annelise is a powerhouse of a woman. She is there for anyone who needs her, yet she never seems to resent the toll it takes on her. I couldn’t have enjoyed her and her family more.

Tate is supportive and endearing and I enjoyed watching him let his guard down and feel the emotions he needed to in order to let his family heal and trust in his support.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a holiday romance that is interwoven with emotional healing and sweet family and love connections.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS by Laurel Greer

October 25, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS by Laurel Greer

Twelve Dates of Christmas by Laurel Greer
Series: Sutter Creek, Montana #7
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on October 26, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Can two rivals create mistletoe magic?

When a local wilderness lodge almost cancels its Twelve Days of Christmas festival, Emma Halloran leaps at the chance to convince the owners of her vision for the business. But Luke Emerson has his own plans—to keep the lodge in the family and protect his grandfather’s legacy. As they work together, Luke and Emma are increasingly drawn to each other. Can these utter opposites unite over their shared passion this Christmas?

A heartwarming romance filled with gorgeous Christmas ambiance from start to finish! With the next book in her Sutter Creek, Montana series Laurel Greer delights her readers with a holiday like no other. Emma and Luke were quick to hook me and their story was both sweet and sassy and warmly filled with all the feels.

Emma is a complex character who while venturing out into an exciting possibility on the work front is also still feeling unseen in her large family of success and drama driven siblings.

Luke is an all around good guy who has had his dreams stomped on a few times in life, but who has a heart of gold and doesn’t mind showing it when it comes to those he loves and the gorgeous nature around him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town romance filled with addictive characters, rich back story of the town and a feel good happily ever after every time.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * MISTLETOE SEASON by Michelle Major

October 25, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MISTLETOE SEASON by Michelle Major

Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major
Series: The Carolina Girls #2
Published by HQN Books on October 26, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Spend the holidays in Magnolia, North Carolina, where two lonely hearts find exactly what they need for Christmas.

Angi Guilardi needs a man for Christmas—at least, according to her mother. What she really needs is to grow her fledgling catering business. Partnering with Magnolia’s Wildflower Inn holds promise, but when her mother falls ill, Angi’s pulled back to the responsibility of the family restaurant. While she balances work and her eight-year-old son, romance is the last thing on her mind…until Angi runs into Gabriel Carlyle.

Back in town to help his grandmother at her flower shop, Gabriel has no plans to stick around Magnolia, especially after he bumps into one of his childhood bullies. Sure, Angi's all grown up and gorgeous now, and when they find themselves under the mistletoe, their chemistry is undeniable. But it’ll take more than a Christmas miracle for Angi to break through the defenses of Gabriel’s well-guarded heart and find a love built to last.

A magical holiday season spent in Magnolia! MISTLETOE SEASON by Michelle Major is the second book in her Carolina Girls series and spreads a whole lot of holiday cheer to fans of the series. We get to enjoy Angi and Gabe’s story as well as seeing old friends from the Magnolia Sisters series pop up at events as well. It’s always a pleasure to spend time in Magnolia!

Angi is a really likable character and I felt for her throughout. She is a go-getter single mom who is determined to show her son a good life no matter how many obstacles she might have to cross over to get there. She wants more than anything to share her food creations far and wide, but her overbearing, guilt-tripping mother is bound and determined to keep her locked up in the family restaurant grinding away forever.

Gabriel came across as a bit of a grump in the first book, but he’s actually a sweetheart. He’s in town holding down the fort at his Gran’s floral shop while she’s recuperating, and reconnecting with his former friend turned bully isn’t exactly his favorite occurrence.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit small town where the residents always pitch in to make the town a special place all while a couple finds their forever love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * NEANDERTHAL by Avery Flynn

October 25, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * NEANDERTHAL by Avery Flynn

Neanderthal by Avery Flynn
Series: Last Man Standing #2
Published by Entangled: Amara on October 25, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

So I may be in the Last Single Man Standing competition with my cousins, but five minutes around Kinsey was all it took to take myself out. Who cares about bragging rights when you’ve just found the woman you’re going to marry? Sure, she may work for my biggest competitor. Sure, she’s not dating right now. Sure, she’s my sister’s best friend and I’ve been sworn off her. But somehow she agrees to go on six fake dates to help me save face in this competition.

What does the guy who never uses his words have to say to convince the girl of his dreams that they’re perfect for each other?

Sweet, sassy and sexily satisfying! With the second book in her Last Man Standing series Avery Flynn delights her readers with a strong, silent hero who falls for his unknowing heroine the second he lays eyes on her in NEANDERTHAL. The characters are fun, the plot is fast paced and the overall feel of the book is humorous and full of heart. I can’t wait for Nash’s story!

Griff is socially awkward but such a truly nice guy at heart. It didn’t take long for me to be his biggest fan.

Kinsey is a go-getter who has been knocked down one too many times for being a brilliant young female. She’s determined once and for all to get a leg up in the job she wants.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced story with easy to relate to characters that always bring laughter and love to the table.

Neanderthal by Avery Flynn is now live!

So I may be in the Last Single Man Standing competition with my cousins, but five minutes around Kinsey was all it took to take myself out. Who cares about bragging rights when you’ve just found the woman you’re going to marry? Sure, she may work for my biggest competitor. Sure, she’s not dating right now. Sure, she’s my sister’s best friend and I’ve been sworn off her. But somehow she agrees to go on six fake dates to help me save face in this competition.

What does the guy who never uses his words have to say to convince the girl of his dreams that they’re perfect for each other?

Download today!
Amazon: http://mybook.to/neanderthal
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3BLEXrZ
Nook: https://bit.ly/3zDSkJa
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3BIHB1O

Start the Last Man Standing series today!
http://mybook.to/mamasboy

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3zCc5R7

Meet Avery Flynn

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

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews

* Review * HATE ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Kelly Jamieson

October 24, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HATE ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Kelly Jamieson

Hate Me Under the Mistletoe by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Romancing the Rink #1
Published by Kelly Jamieson on October 26, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

What happens under the mistletoe stays under the mistletoe…

Amy’s life isn’t living up to the famous Heller family brand—her love life and her career—and she just wants to be alone for Christmas. So she takes off to a friend’s secluded mountain cabin. Ho fu*king ho.

Ryder’s workaholic tendencies have made him super successful in his business, but he hasn’t spent time with family for years. That’s all he wants this Christmas, plus a little down time at a cabin in the mountains. He loves Christmas and can’t wait for the family ugly sweater contest!

When Ryder walks in on Amy at an “awkward” moment, she can’t believe the man she’s hated since she was sixteen has shown up here. He has to leave. But Mother Nature has other ideas when a blizzard shuts down the entire region...

Amy thinks a good place for Ryder’s Christmas cheer is up his ass. Ryder thinks Amy’s grown up into a smokin’ hot babe. Christmas is all about giving, and he’s got a really big package for Amy. Maybe naughty is the new nice...

Kelly Jamieson is bringing on the sweet and sassy in this stranded at Christmas novel! With the first book in the Romancing the Rink multi-author series Jamieson reunites former teenage frenemies and we get to watch the fireworks as old attraction flares to life amidst a winter wonderland! It wasn’t as well developed as most from this author, but it was a whole lot of fun none-the-less and I’m looking forward to digging into the next to come in the series from Tess Thompson.

Amy Heller is down on her luck and relatable as all get out. Who of us haven’t been hit upside the head by life a time or two and just didn’t have the energy to put up a cheerful holiday front? I loved seeing her get to live a little.

Ryder is enjoyable from the very first time he shows up in the book. He’s sure of himself and wants to reconnect with Amy much more than she wants anything to do with him. I enjoyed their banter very much.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, stranded at the holidays romance with laughter, passion and an all around family holiday feeling.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HIS MAJESTY’S HIDDEN HEIR by Lucy Monroe

October 24, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIS MAJESTY’S HIDDEN HEIR by Lucy Monroe

His Majesty's Hidden Heir by Lucy Monroe
Series: Princesses by Royal Decree #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on October 26, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

The mother of his child…

…and wearing his crown?

Prince Konstantin can’t forget Emma Carmichael, who vanished after a wedding contract forced him to end their relationship. A surprise meeting five years later shocks Konstantin—Emma has a son. Unmistakably his son.

Emma wants Konstantin in their son’s life—yet she’s wary. She’d had no choice but to walk away; his family hadn’t deemed her worthy of being his princess. But as their reunion stokes the flames of their passion, can she trust that this time their bond is strong enough to prove them all wrong?

Fast paced, addictive and heartwarming! Lucy Monroe accomplished the redemption of a lifetime in HIS MAJESTY’S HIDDEN HEIR. Anyone who read the first book in her Princess by Royal Decree trilogy more than likely really disliked Prince Konstantin of Mirrus, but this book totally showed a different side of him. I loved his relationship with Mickey and how invested he was in making the world up to Emma. I’m looking forward to Dimitri’s story!

Emma is the heart of this story as she tries to come to terms with allowing the man who broke her heart without looking back to grow a relationship with their son. She has been strong and loving to make a bright world for her son, but she has scars on her heart from the treatment she received from Kon and those around him.

Prince Konstantin is an unexpected surprise to anyone who read his brother King Nikilai’s story previously in the series because he was quite the ugly character in the prior book, but much more relatable in this one. I ended up rooting for him to win Emma’s heart again.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced taste of royalty amidst passionate relationships, heartfelt declarations and happily ever afters.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * AN HEIR OF HIS OWN by Janice Maynard

October 24, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AN HEIR OF HIS OWN by Janice Maynard

An Heir of His Own by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Fathers and Sons #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 26, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Did he really just agree to live with his ex

for the sake of a baby in need?

After he raised his stepsister, being a father feels been there, done that for Texan Drake Rhodes. But when his ex-lover, Cammie Wentworth, needs his help to care for an abandoned baby, Drake steps up. It’s ironic that Cammie’s desire for children was why they broke up. And two years apart hasn’t cooled anything between them. Cammie will be back in his bed. But when it’s over, will he walk away again…or go after a legacy of his own, with her?

A tempting reunion rekindles the flame between lost love and happily ever after! Janice Maynard is kicking off the new Texas Cattleman’s Club sub-series Fathers and Sons while reconnecting past lovers with a baby in need in AN HEIR OF HIS OWN. The characters are easily relatable and their back story and current predicament held my attention throughout. I wanted a little more in places and felt like the ending was a bit abrupt but I whole-heartedly enjoyed Cam and Drake and am looking forward to more to come in the series.

Cammie is sweet and sincere and her heart falls for this innocent baby at first sight. I liked seeing her emotional journey towards forgiveness while still holding true to her wants, needs and desires.

Drake is kindhearted and down to earth, but early responsibility led him to believe his future couldn’t measure up to what Cam wanted.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little mystery with your romance and enjoys a fast paced reunion story.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BROOKLYN MONROE WANTS IT ALL by Karen Booth

October 23, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BROOKLYN MONROE WANTS IT ALL by Karen Booth

Brooklyn Monroe Wants It All by Karen Booth
Series: Never Too Late #2
on October 25, 2021
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

She can't hit the snooze on her biological clock forever...

Love, career, kids—Brooklyn Monroe wants it all. Her beauty company? A triumph. Her love life? Total fail. At 42, that makes motherhood her top priority. With no man in her life, she’s prepared to fly solo, but her plan is derailed when a mailing list mishap turns Brooklyn into a someone-get-me-pregnant internet meme. Making her PR nightmare go away entails a soul-baring interview on national TV. And the guy asking the questions? Her all-too sexy ex.

Talk show host Alec Trakas is the king of bad timing. Case in point, his heartbreaking romance with Brooklyn. Alec was all about commitment but Brooklyn was launching her start-up, and forever wasn’t in the cards. Now a shot at his ultimate dream job depends on convincing Brooklyn to spill the secrets leading to her viral celebrity. It sets Alec’s star rising, but puts Brooklyn in a sea of flirty men. Fate has thrown them back together. Sparks are flying. But is the timing finally right? Because having it all might not be worth the risk of losing each other again.

A modern day anthem of having your cake … and eating it too! Karen Booth is once again throwing decades old traditional expectations to the wind as she brings a character to life in BROOKLYN MONROE WANTS IT ALL who is thriving career wise after forty just as she comes to the realization that her time to make her motherhood dreams come true is in the here and now. Booth takes care to show flourishment at all ages regardless of which side of the motherhood/career realm is chosen by any particular character and her depictions are realistic and encouraging. I really enjoyed Brooklyn and Alec!

Brooklyn is an easily likable character who shows both strength and sensitivity as she relishes her success but also isn’t willing to forget about her motherhood dreams.

Alec is kindhearted and also career driven and watching how easily his old feelings come flashing back when he runs into Brooklyn is heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book and the entire Never Too Late series to anyone who enjoys a mature couple dealing with life’s ups and downs along the road to a happily ever after.

Filed Under: Book Reviews