Book Reviews – Page 82

* Release Blitz/Review * ADULTING by Liz Talley

April 1, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * ADULTING by Liz Talley

Adulting by Liz Talley
Published by Montlake on April 1, 2021
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After another all-night bender, one more failed stint at rehab, and a parole violation, self-destructive actress Chase London has to deal with her demons. She’s been written off as a Hollywood casualty by almost everyone, including her own mother. But handsome superstar Spencer Rome has her back. So does an uncompromising stranger determined to start Chase at square one and help her pull her future into focus. If Chase is willing.

Life coach Olivia Han is devoted to “adulting” boot camp therapy. It’s not just her professional specialty, though—it’s also one way to avoid focusing on building a life of her own. To escape the pressures of Tinseltown, the two women head to Olivia’s cabin in the wilds of Northern California. There they discover a place in need of TLC. As they work together to rehab the once-charming cabin, they create a refuge where Chase can come to terms with her unsettled past, and where Olivia has an unexpected reckoning with her own troubling history.

For two women doing damage control, this is a time for second chances—in life, in finding love, in forgiving family, and in an emerging friendship that might be exactly what each of them needs to heal.

An emotional rollercoaster of healing and love! ADULTING by Liz Talley takes us into the world of glitz and glamor only to watch it all fall down around one starlet’s head … and watching her pick up the pieces is eye opening! The premise of the story was interesting right from the start and the depth of the characters held my attention. Watching them both find healing and eventually love was awe inspiring.

It didn’t take long for Chase to wrap herself around my heart as the depth of her despair pours out of her time and time again in toxic ways. She really comes into herself and shines through Olivia’s program of healing.

Olivia seems to have it all together, but as she lets her hair down a bit with Chase we see the hidden secrets she buries to try to convince herself that her world is rock solid.

This book touches on addiction, rape, suicide and more so might be trigger some readers. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys seeing someone overcome strong adversity to heal and pick up the pieces of a tattered life.

Adulting by Liz Talley is available now!

In the glitter of Hollywood, sometimes you find real gold.

Ebook | Audio | Paperback https://geni.us/Adulting FREE with Kindle Unlimited

USA Today bestselling author Liz Talley’s emotional and heart-lifting novel about facing the past, unconditional love, and a woman on the verge of a breakthrough.

After another all-night bender, one more failed stint at rehab, and a parole violation, self-destructive actress Chase London has to deal with her demons. She’s been written off as a Hollywood casualty by almost everyone, including her own mother. But handsome superstar Spencer Rome has her back. So does an uncompromising stranger determined to start Chase at square one and help her pull her future into focus. If Chase is willing.

Life coach Olivia Han is devoted to “adulting” boot camp therapy. It’s not just her professional specialty, though—it’s also one way to avoid focusing on building a life of her own. To escape the pressures of Tinseltown, the two women head to Olivia’s cabin in the wilds of Northern California. There they discover a place in need of TLC. As they work together to rehab the once-charming cabin, they create a refuge where Chase can come to terms with her unsettled past, and where Olivia has an unexpected reckoning with her own troubling history.

For two women doing damage control, this is a time for second chances—in life, in finding love, in forgiving family, and in an emerging friendship that might be exactly what each of them needs to heal.

About the Author:

USA Today best-selling author Liz Talley loves staying home in her jammies and writing emotional women’s fiction and romance. Liz has published twenty-seven books, reaching number one in kindle romance. Her stories are set in the South where the tea is sweet, the summers are hot, and the porches are wide. Liz lives in Louisiana with her childhood sweetheart, two handsome children, two dogs and a mean kitty. You can visit Liz at www.liztalleybooks.com or follow her on Instagram or facebook to learn more about her upcoming books.

Connect with Liz!

Website: https://liztalleybooks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liztalleybooks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyliztalley/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/liz-talley

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE LAST CAROLINA SISTER by Michelle Major

April 1, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Last Carolina Sister by Michelle Major
Series: The Magnolia Sisters #3
Published by HQN Books on March 30, 2021
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In Magnolia, North Carolina, love might be waiting right next door…

Meredith Ventner knows a wounded creature when she sees one. Though her temporary new neighbor may be—on the surface at least—a successful, drop-dead gorgeous doctor, she recognizes the deep hurt Ryan Sorensen is carrying, and it’s catnip to her soul. But even though Meredith is the youngest, scrappiest and single-est of Magnolia’s most famous sisters, she’s committed to expanding the animal shelter on her newly inherited farm. She can’t waste her energy on a man who’s only passing through town.

Ryan is hoping that after a month of small-town living he’ll be healed enough to return to his busy ER. His injured leg isn’t half as painful as his guilt from the tragedy he’s trying to forget. Yet somehow, helping feisty, tenderhearted Meredith care for her menagerie is making him question his career-first priorities. Here in this quirky small town another future is coming into view, but can he change his life, and open his heart, to claim it?

Small town living at it’s best! With the third book in The Magnolia Sisters series Michelle Major brings us feisty sister Meredith in THE LAST CAROLINA SISTER, and I knew I was going to love her even before her story got here. The closeness these sisters have achieved after overcoming so much is such an inspiration. Endearing characters, laugh out loud moments and so much snarky goodness!

Meredith is loyal to a fault, kindhearted and speaks her mind like nobodies business. She also believes she’s not exactly worthy, so watching her accept the love that Ryan showers on her is a beautiful experience. Loved her!

Ryan is the perfect match for her. He starts out bitter and just wants to hide away while he heals until it’s time to go back to the job that is a trigger for his trauma. He isn’t expecting to meet anyone like Meredith, but once he’s hooked … it’s on!

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a dysfunctional family who learns to love along the way while having good times along with the bad. Lots of love and lots of heart live in this series.

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* Release Day Blitz/Review * MY TRUE LOVE by Melissa Foster

March 31, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

My True Love by Melissa Foster
Series: The Steeles at Silver Island #2
Published by World Literary Press on March 31, 2021
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Can a man who resents the hand he’s been dealt and a woman who spends her days grateful for every little thing find true love in each other’s arms—or are their differences stronger than both of them? Find out in this funny, sexy, heartfelt romance, and fall in love with Grant and Jules on the sandy shores of Silver Island, home to coffee shops, boat races, and midnight rendezvous.

Even war heroes need a little help sometimes...
After spending years fighting for his country and too damn long learning to navigate life with a prosthetic leg, Grant Silver returns to Silver Island to figure out a future he couldn’t fathom without fatigues and a gun in his hand. He’d almost forgotten how a man could suffocate from the warmth and caring community in which he’d grown up, and if that weren’t bad enough, his buddies’ beautiful and far-too-chipper younger sister won’t stop flitting into his life, trying to sprinkle happy dust everywhere she goes.

As a cancer survivor, Jules Steele knows better than to count on seeing tomorrow. She doesn't take a single moment for granted, and she isn’t about to let a man who used to be charming and full of life waste the future he’s been blessed with. She's determined to get through to him, even if it takes a few steamy kisses...

Adorable laugh out loud moments mixed with so much emotional depth and steamy goodiness! Melissa Foster is shining bright in book two of her most recent series The Steeles at Silver Island. Always one to wrap a couple around our hearts quickly, Foster doesn’t disappoint her fans with Grant and Jules in MY TRUE LOVE. I’m already looking forward to more in the series!

Jules is adorable. She’s feisty and sunshiny bright, but she also has a very empathetic nature that allows her to touch people in a way that’s really enlightening.

Grant was a gruff loner in the beginning, but in all honesty he could have been putting out a whole lot more bitterness and pain and it would have been totally okay. Watching him fall under Jules’ spell and change his mindset was beautiful.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a whole lot of heart, emotions and sexy goodness in their romance. Foster’s characters are always so much fun to get to know!

My True Love
The Steeles at Silver Island #2
Melissa Foster
Publication date : March 31, 2021

Even war heroes need a little help sometimes…
After spending years fighting for his country and too damn long learning to navigate life with a prosthetic leg, Grant Silver returns to Silver Island to figure out a future he couldn’t fathom without fatigues and a gun in his hand. He’d almost forgotten how a man could suffocate from the warmth and caring community in which he’d grown up, and if that weren’t bad enough, his buddies’ beautiful and far-too-chipper younger sister won’t stop flitting into his life, trying to sprinkle happy dust everywhere she goes.

As a cancer survivor, Jules Steele knows better than to count on seeing tomorrow. She doesn’t take a single moment for granted, and she isn’t about to let a man who used to be charming and full of life waste the future he’s been blessed with. She’s determined to get through to him, even if it takes a few steamy kisses…

Add to Goodreads: MY TRUE LOVE

BUY LINKS

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Kindle

➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Apple

➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Nook

➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/MTL_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Pb

*Audio coming soon (narrated by Jennifer Mack and Aiden Snow)

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * FROM BRIDAL DESIGNER TO BRIDE by Kandy Shepherd

March 30, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

From Bridal Designer to Bride by Kandy Shepherd
Series: How to Make a Wedding #1
Published by Harlequin Romance on April 1, 2021
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From never…
…to forever?

When her usually shy foster pup, Daisy, befriends gorgeous billionaire Josh Taylor, bridal designer Eloise Evans is just as smitten. Quickly, coffee turns to dinner, turns to…Josh as her fake fiancé? With a bridezilla trying to destroy Eloise's business, Josh offers to help. But pretend kisses soon lead to real passion and these two commitmentphobes start wondering—what if they do want the fairy tale after all?

Adorable, sexy and sweet all rolled into one! Kandy Shepherd has outdone herself with the set-up of the first book in the How to Make a Wedding duet and I loved every second of it. FROM BRIDAL DESIGNER TO BRIDE has a hard-working designer falling for a man when she least expects it. I can’t wait to see how the second book in the duet plays out.

Eloise is sweet and sincere, but one particular subject has her hard-nosed and unapproachable and unfortunately Josh manages to touch a livewire where she’s concerned.

Josh is between a rock and a hard place when he finds himself falling for Ellie when extenuating circumstances are sure to make for an awkward moment down the road.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a fanciful courtship that leads to raw feelings coming to life and taking them on the ride of a lifetime.

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* Review * COLTON BULLSEYE by Geri Krotow

March 30, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Colton Bullseye by Geri Krotow
Series: The Coltons of Grave Gulch #4
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on April 1, 2021
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He’d been hired to protect her…not fall back in love!

Acting as his ex’s bodyguard pushes Stanton Colton beyond his limits. Thanks to Dominique de la Vega’s determined investigative reporting, he’s vowed to keep her safe…and guard his own heart. As Dominique delves deep to get her story, Stanton works to find out who’s put a bullseye on her back. But can their rekindled attraction survive a threat on her life?

Danger is lurking around every corner! Geri Krotow is bringing drama to the forefront with the fourth book in the Coltons of Grave Gulch series and it lasts the entire book. COLTON BULLSEYE is Stanton’s story and he can’t help but be swayed by his repressed feelings for his ex as he tries to keep her safe when her life is on the line.

Dominique is bold and assertive which sometimes puts her in risky situations, but she’s got the heart and soul to back up her sass when she’s chasing the story of an innocent.

Stanton is finding it hard to forget the love he still feels for Dom as he sees the danger of her pushing for her most recent story.

I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys heavy suspense mixed with emotion and strife as they head towards that HEA.

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* Review * BLUE COLLAR BILLIONAIRE by Karen Booth

March 30, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Blue Collar Billionaire by Karen Booth
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparen #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on April 1, 2021
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Uptown girls who think they have the upper hand?

They don’t know Jack!

Jack Bowden has met enough rich women to know that Lone Star socialite Lexi Alderidge doesn’t take him seriously, even though their connection is instant. Still, the rugged contractor built his fortune from the ground up—surely he can build real rapport with Lexi the same way? But when “getting along” becomes “getting into bed,” will his brand of rough-and-tumble success ever truly fit into her high-class world?

This unlikely match is sure to delight! Book three in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series is fast paced and attention grabbing. BLUE COLLAR BILLIONAIRE by Karen Booth brings us Lexi Alderidge’s story and it was a whole lot of fun.

Lexi is a likeable character who though recently divorced, was also just left at the alter by her high school sweetheart. If she didn’t have bad luck, she wouldn’t be having much luck at all right now.

Jack doesn’t think much of Lexi’s type, but his soul forces him to step in and try to ease her discomfort by pretending to be dating her when her most recent jilting is brought up.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series for romance lovers who love a punch of drama with their romance. The Texas Cattleman’s Club is always good for a scandal!

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* Review * OUT OF THE STORM by B.J. Daniels

March 30, 2021 Leave a Comment

Out of the Storm by B.J. Daniels
Series: A Buckhorn, Montana Novel #1
Published by HQN Books on December 29, 2020
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She can’t lose him again…

One look at his warm brown eyes and Kate Jackson knows she’s found her husband. It’s been twenty years since Daniel went missing in a refinery explosion and was finally declared dead, but Kate never gave up hope, convinced he was somewhere out there, suffering from amnesia. Then, on a trip to Buckhorn, Montana, she sees him—working as a carpenter, scarred, but still her Danny. Yet Jon Harper, as he calls himself, insists he’s a stranger.

Jon is certain he’s not the man Kate’s looking for. Though some of his memories are lost in shadow, how could he ever forget a woman like that? One thing Jon’s instinct does tell him is that she’s in danger from the very person she should trust most. Helping loyal, lovely Kate will mean exposing his own perilous past…but it’s the only way to protect her and this new chance at forever.

Emotional with a rich depth of love. OUT OF THE STORM is the first book in the Buckhorn, Montana series by B.J. Daniels and I loved it so much that I just added book two to my TBR pile! We’re taken on a journey of finding a lost love, but there’s a secondary story of mystery and danger going on at the same time that really holds your attention. My heart was stolen by great core characters and an endearing story.

Kate Jackson is loyal and caring. She lost her husband a couple of decades ago, but she’s never given up hope that she would find him one day still alive. Now she thinks she’s done it in small town Buckhorn, but the look-a-like she’s seen is telling her she hasn’t.

She’s on the verge of moving forward with her life, but if there’s even a small chance that it’s him, she can’t live with herself if she walks away.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a small town romance rich with love, turmoil and a happily ever after.

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* Review * FIGHTING THE FIRE by Laura Kaye

March 29, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Fighting the Fire by Laura Kaye
Series: Warrior Fight Club #3
Published by Laura Kaye on March 30, 2021
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One night is never enough…

For firefighter Sean Riddick, Warrior Fight Club keeps the demons of his past at bay, even though it means seeing Daniela England. Her ball-busting sarcasm drives him nuts, and he knows he’s damaged goods anyway, but he can’t help but remember how good they were together that one time. Now he wants to take her to the mats no matter how much they go toe to toe.

ER nurse Daniela England has lost so much that she’s vowed never to need anyone again. Fight club helps her beat back her survivor’s guilt, but it means dealing with Riddick. The hot-but-infuriating firefighter is everything she wants to avoid, which is why their one-night stand was a mistake. Now she needs to keep her distance so it doesn’t happen again.

But when Dani witnesses Sean’s motorcycle accident, she steps up to help him recover. One on one, they get beneath all the snark and find a connection neither expected. As Sean heals, the sparks between them burst into red-hot passion—and ignite old wounds. Now there are fires all around—and they have to decide which they’ll fight and which they’ll let consume them.

Delectable sexual tension! Laura Kaye is finally delivering on that sexy firefighter we’ve heard so much about in the Warrior Fight Club series and he’s as delicious as we assumed. In FIGHTING THE FIRE we delve into Sean and Dani’s story just as he has an accident that sidelines him for awhile. I wasn’t as all in as I am with some of Kaye’s couples, but I enjoyed their story.

Sean is a sweetheart. We see him at his most vulnerable in this book, yet his tough guy persona is still lurking underneath to peak through and smile at us now and again.

Daniela started out being a tad snarky, but as soon as she witnesses Sean’s accident, a button is pressed in her and she’s all in as his avenging angel.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a comradery between veterans trying to find a way past their demons after returning home. The characters are intense and the romance is rewarding.

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* Review * RUNAWAY GROOM by Lynne Marshall

March 29, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Runaway Groom by Lynne Marshall
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: The Hotel Fortune #4
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on March 30, 2021
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From “I don’t” to…”I might?”

When Mark Mendoza discovers his fiancée cheating on him on their wedding day, he hightails it out of town. Megan Fortune is there to pick up the pieces—and to act as his faux girlfriend when his ex shows up. Mark swears he will never get involved again. Megan doesn’t want to be a “rebound” fling. But they find each other irresistible. What’s a fake couple to do?

I was hooked from the very start! With book four in The Fortunes of Texas: Hotel Fortune series it’s Lynne Marshall’s turn to pick up the Fortune family reins and delight us with the next sibling HEA. What starts out as a fake relationship doesn’t stay that way very long when Mark and Megan start to fall for one another. I loved their story and am looking forward to more in the series.

Mark is easy to sympathize with and seems like a good natured guy. Seeing him overcome his rigidness when it comes to the thought of love is rewarding.

Megan is a breath of fresh air. She’s sweet, she’s kind, and she’s just what Mark needs to keep his cheating ex at bay.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes to see the siblings of a high powered family fall in love one by one. There is always a lot of heart in this series.

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* Review * CATCHING MR. RIGHT by Carol Ross

March 28, 2021 Leave a Comment

Catching Mr. Right by Carol Ross
Series: Seasons of Alaska #7
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on February 1, 2021
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They can’t both win…

Can they?

Louisiana angler Victoria Thibodeaux needs the spokesperson contract with Romeo Reels to keep her business going and give her daughter a better life. But her hard-won confidence sinks to the bottom of the bayou when her rival, Alaskan fisherman Seth James, arrives. With his smooth-talking charm, handsome Seth could steal both her job and her heart, unless secrets from her past catch up with her first…

With her signature ease at weaving a tale and tugging on our heartstrings Carol Ross once again delighted me on a return visit to her Seasons of Alaska series! With a fresh plot concept, a couple of adorable kiddos and an easy to like couple, we embark on a journey of love and forgiveness in CATCHING MR. RIGHT and I loved every minute of it!

Victoria is a character that is pure comfort to be around and you’re rooting for her every minute of the book. She is all about family and giving them all the best life possible.

Seth was sweet and easily brought a smile to my face with his easy friendship with the kids.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a heartwarming small town romance with a guaranteed HEA and a cast of great characters.

Filed Under: Book Reviews