Book Reviews – Page 8

* 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.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* 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.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* 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.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* 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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* Review * THE TALK OF COYOTE CANYON by Brenda Novak

December 2, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TALK OF COYOTE CANYON by Brenda Novak

The Talk of Coyote Canyon by Brenda Novak
Series: Coyote Canyon #2
Published by MIRA on November 28, 2023
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She’s not here to make friends. She’s here to make trouble.

With her piercings, tattoos and spiky blond hair, Ellen Truesdale doesn’t quite fit in with the other folks in Coyote Canyon—and that’s just fine with her. She’s only here to put her father out of business, as payback for abandoning her when she was young.

Or is she more interested in finally proving that she was worth keeping?

Either way, she’s struggling to keep her rival well-drilling company afloat. And being a single woman in a male-dominated field has started to take a toll. So when Hendrix Durrant steps in to help, Ellen has no choice but to let him—even though he happens to be her father’s business partner and therefore her enemy. But the closer she works with him, the more she sees what she’s been missing…in life and love. And once she lets go of her anger long enough to learn the truth about her past, she might just find the family she’s always wanted.

Highly emotional and riveting! The second book in Brenda Novak’s Coyote Canyon series is quick to hook a reader with lots of drama, angst and forbidden love. I enjoyed the story a lot and felt the characters were well developed and the tension on point, but the ending was rushed and could have been fleshed out a bit more to make it more satisfying to the reader. Overall a great addition to the series.

Ellen already had my attention as Talulah’s neighbor in the first book of the series, so I already knew she was going to be an interesting character. Learning her backstory and seeing her in her element made me enjoy her even more.

Hendrix is a sweetheart and I loved every second of his character.

I highly recommend this book as well as the series to anyone who enjoys a drama and heartfelt situations in a small town as romance comes knocking when they least expect it.

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* Review * BREAKING THE BAD BOY’S RULES by Reese Ryan

November 28, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BREAKING THE BAD BOY’S RULES by Reese Ryan

Breaking the Bad Boy's Rules by Reese Ryan
Series: Dynasties: Willowvale #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on November 28, 2023
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He vowed never to mix business and pleasure again—but then she walked in.

Rock star drummer Vaughn Reed no longer has a band, just a run-down ranch resort he unexpectedly inherited. Transforming it into an upscale getaway could be his ticket to raising funds and reuniting his band. But the top-notch designer he hired—who’s also his best friend’s sister—may be more than he bargained for.

Alejandra “Allie” Price is all grown-up and tempting him to break his all-work-no-play rule…until a steamy fling and rumors splashed across the internet threaten his reputation. Vaughn refuses to allow his dream to implode a second time. But will it cost him Allie?

Temptation is alive and well! Reese Ryan is pulling out all the stops when she brings us the third hero in the Dynasties: Willowvale series and low and behold it’s an aging rock star down on his luck! Vaughn is such a delight to get to know and really gave a genuinely ideal match up for Allie. I loved every minute of them! Heartfelt characters, equal parts angst and happiness and a sweet happily ever after.

I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a whole lot of drama mixed up with their romance.

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* Review * A COWBOY CHRISTMAS CAROL by Melinda Curtis

November 28, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A COWBOY CHRISTMAS CAROL by Melinda Curtis

A Cowboy Christmas Carol by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Cowboy Academy #3
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on November 28, 2023
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Christmas will come…

To even the most reluctant cowboy!

Rodeo roper Ryan Oakley may hate Christmas, but he still needs a miracle. Unfortunately, the only person who sells top-notch competition horses is Jo Pierce, his former high school nemesis. Now Ryan’s making the single mom a bargain: he’ll set her up with his twin brother, her longtime crush. It’s the perfect holiday plan…until the no-nonsense working cowgirl ends up lassoing his heart instead.

Smalltown enemies to lovers at it’s best! The characters are intriguing right from the start and watching the sparks fly as their tempers flare is magical. Each side has more going on beneath the surface than anyone knows, making for an emotional journey along the way. I highly enjoyed them!

Ryan was my favorite! He’s a sweetheart who has been looking out for his rascally twin his entire life. I really enjoyed watching him come into his own and live for himself for a change.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a smalltown romance filled with warmth and reality.

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* Review * PRINCESS’S FORBIDDEN HOLIDAY FLING by Jennifer Faye

November 27, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PRINCESS’S FORBIDDEN HOLIDAY FLING by Jennifer Faye

Princess's Forbidden Holiday Fling by Jennifer Faye
Series: Princesses of Rydiania #3
Published by Harlequin Romance on November 28, 2023
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In the final Princesses of Rydiania story by Jennifer Faye, a princess and a CEO know a festive fling is completely off-limits…but succumbing to desire is far too tempting!

Breaking the rules…until Christmas!

Princess Gisella’s fundraising gala must be a success. It will prove she’s capable of taking the throne she was never meant to ascend. Anxious and exhausted, she’s about to fire her New York PR firm…before she meets high-flying CEO Silas. Gisella’s duty-bound to marry royalty, while Silas can’t afford distractions, so a fling is completely forbidden. But their intense connection blurs the lines of tradition…

Emotional and heartfelt! Jennifer Faye delivers a satisfying conclusion to her Princesses of Rydiania series that brings us Gisella’s story. I liked her and Silas together quite a bit, but felt like the development of them as an actual couple was a bit lacking and felt rushed. As a whole I loved the series and really enjoyed getting to know this family. Would have liked to see the entire fam come together in the end as well.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a modern day royal romance that brings royals and commoners together even when it’s not necessarily allowed. The characters are intriguing and their love rewarding.

Filed Under: Book Reviews