* Review * FAKE ENGAGEMENT, NASHVILLE STYLE by Jules Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FAKE ENGAGEMENT, NASHVILLE STYLE by Jules BennettFake Engagement, Nashville Style by Jules Bennett
Series: Dynasties: Beaumont Bay #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on June 29, 2021
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five-stars

Saying yes should be strictly business…

Since it’s only pretend, not a second chance.

Cassandra Taylor’s ex-fiancé owes her—big-time. Luke Sutherland shattered her dreams of happily-ever-after, and now she wants his help landing the wedding planning event of the year: his brother’s celebrity nuptials. But Luke demands her help in return—pretend to be in love with him so he’s no longer Country Beat’s most eligible bachelor. As their fake engagement rekindles real passion, will Cassie get her own fairy-tale wedding…or only more heartbreak?

 

A delectable reunion! With the third book in the Dynasties: Beaumont Bay series Jules Bennett is bringing the angst with FAKE ENGAGEMENT, NASHVILLE STYLE and I loved every minute of this adorable couple! Fast paced and filled with witty banter.

Cassandra is self-assured and content with her life, but stepping back into the town to ask a favor of the man who broke her heart takes a lot of strength.

Luke is devoted to his business, but seeing Cass again reminds him of what he used to have before work became the know all and be all of his life.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys watching a group of close knit brothers find their forever with a bit of family drama and country music in the background.

five-stars

* Review * TEXAS TOUGH by Janice Maynard

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TEXAS TOUGH by Janice MaynardTexas Tough by Janice Maynard
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent #5
Published by Harlequin Desire on June 29, 2021
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four-stars

He's the kind of cowboy even big-city women dream about…

The only reason artsy Abby Carmichael is way out in Royal, Texas, is to shoot a documentary film. But to get it right, she needs a cowboy. And fifth-generation Texas Cattleman’s Club member Carter Crane is it. His slow drawl, blue eyes and swagger say he’s the real deal… Their sparks ignite like wildfire. But when her work reveals big-money secrets that could bring down Royal, Abby must choose between the film that could make her career or riding into the sunset with Carter…

 

Opposites attract in the next addition to the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent series! TEXAS TOUGH by Janice Maynard brings a big city filmmaker to Royal, Texas to connect with a local cowboy. Passion overwhelms the differences they might possess and teaches them to reach for their dreams no matter the obstacle. I enjoyed Abby & Carter!

Abby has big city dreams, but is down to earth and quick to enjoy country life in Texas.

Carter has a bad taste for city folk, but Abby quickly has him realizing that they aren’t always looking down their nose at the rural beauty of Texas.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a dip into Texas where drama is high and passion comes to life at the TCC.

four-stars

* Review * PROFILING A KILLER by Nichole Severn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PROFILING A KILLER by Nichole SevernProfiling a Killer by Nichole Severn
Series: Behavioral Analysis Unit #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on June 29, 2021
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four-half-stars

He can psychoanalyze any serial killer,

But can he protect her from one?

Special Agent Nicholas James knows serial killers up close and personal. After all, he was practically raised by one and later became a Behavioral Analysis Unit specialist to put them behind bars. But Dr. Aubrey Flood’s sister’s murder is his highest-stakes case yet. His professional history with the beautiful medical examiner is legendary. So is their attraction. But the clock is ticking…and Nicholas has every intention of making sure Aubrey doesn't become another victim.

 

High intensity action! With the first book in the Behavioral Analysis Unit series Nichole Severn starts the action off quickly in PROFILING A KILLER. The suspense is top notch and though there wasn’t a lot of relationship development, the book held my attention and kept me guessing throughout. I’m looking forward to more to come from this team.

Aubrey is a solid character with her medical examiner expertise, but the death of her sister brings another aspect of her to the surface as an emotionally charged case ensues.

Nicholas is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders right now, so meeting and connecting with Aubrey is good for him even though it brings another serial killer onto his radar.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an intense mystery with a side of romance. I can’t wait to see what this team has in store for us.

four-half-stars

* Review * NOT THEIR FIRST RODEO by Christy Jeffries

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NOT THEIR FIRST RODEO by Christy JeffriesNot Their First Rodeo by Christy Jeffries
Series: Twin Kings Ranch #3
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on June 29, 2021
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five-stars

Sometimes all a family needs

Is a chance to come together.

The last thing Sheriff Marcus King needs is his past sneaking back into his present. Years ago, Violet Cortez-Hill disappeared from his life, leaving him with unanswered questions—and a lot of hurt. Now the widowed father of twin boys finds himself forced to interact with the pretty public defender daily. Their heartache is mutual—but so is their attraction. Is there still a chance to saddle up and ride off into their future?

 

The lawman has met his match … again! With the third book in her Twin Kings Ranch series Christy Jeffries once again brings a sibling into our hearts that brings on all the feels in NOT THEIR FIRST RODEO. This book went back in time a bit to start and felt slightly repetitive because of that, but I adore this family so much that it didn’t detract from the current storyline for me. Great characters, emotional depth and a family filled with so much heart and angst. Love them!

Marcus is a solid man. He’s raising his twin sons and taking care business the best way he knows how. His drama filled family always has one thing or another going on, but they are such a blast to hang out with.

Violet is a sweetheart. They each thought the other was at fault back when their teen hearts were broken by the other, but time and circumstance washes it all under the bridge and lets them begin anew.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family that brings laughter and heart to every storyline as each sibling finds their happily ever after.

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * BROODY BRIT by Naima Simone

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BROODY BRIT by Naima SimoneBroody Bri by Naima Simone
Series: A Hero Club Novel
Published by Cocky Hero Club, Inc. on June 27, 2021
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four-stars

Dear Axel,

It is incredibly stupid to write this text while I’m drunk. But what’s the saying? No gain, no pain. Or, no pain, no shame... Whatever. You know what I mean. And let’s face it. There’s no way I would be doing this if I was stone-cold sober. But since I’m plastered? To hell with it.

I want you.

I know. Crazy, right? Not only am I your temporary roommate but I’m a chatty nurse from Providence with an impeccable bedside manner and secrets. You’re a broody, commitment-phobe sculptor from England who communicates in grunts and single syllables. Not to mention, you’re returning home in several weeks. And yet, from the moment you dragged me for being a Swiftie, I’ve wanted to climb you like my personal jungle gym.

There’s no future for us. I’m not even sure I like you half the time. But that doesn’t stop me from hungering for those same hands that bend and shape metal to bend and shape me. So in all my drunken glory, I guess what I’m trying to say is if you want me, I’m yours. For the next few weeks until you return across the pond and we resume our lives as before. No strings. No demands. No regrets.

So meet me in the kitchen where all this started.

Or don’t.

It’s your decision.

Not that it matters. It’s not like I’m going to do something monumentally dumb like hit send on this text.

--Zenobia

 

Fun, flirty and emotional! BROODY BRIT is a fast paced delight filled with turmoil and healing as love flairs to life in a most unlikely couple. The characters are easy to like, the story quickly held my attention and I enjoyed getting to know Axel and Zenobia.

Zenobia is strong-willed and accomplished and seeing her re-examine her past decisions is powerful.

Axel is yummy! His life has been defined by a moment in time and watching him learn to unravel the past is awe inspiring.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys steamy passion mixed with emotional healing and a whole lot of heart.

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Broody Brit
A Cocky Hero Club Novel
Author: Naima Simone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 27, 2021

 

Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward are excited to bring you the Cocky Hero Club: original works from various authors inspired by Keeland and Ward’s New York Times bestselling Cocky Bastard series.

 

BLURB

 

Dear Axel,

 

It is incredibly stupid to write this text while I’m drunk. But what’s the saying? No gain, no pain. Or, no pain, no shame… Whatever. You know what I mean. And let’s face it. There’s no way I would be doing this if I was stone-cold sober. But since I’m plastered? To hell with it.
I want you.
I know. Crazy, right? Not only am I your temporary roommate but I’m a chatty nurse from Providence with an impeccable bedside manner and secrets. You’re a broody, commitment-phobe sculptor from England who communicates in grunts and single syllables. Not to mention, you’re returning home in several weeks. And yet, from the moment you dragged me for being a Swiftie, I’ve wanted to climb you like my personal jungle gym.
There’s no future for us. I’m not even sure I like you half the time. But that doesn’t stop me from hungering for those same hands that bend and shape metal to bend and shape me. So in all my drunken glory, I guess what I’m trying to say is if you want me, I’m yours. For the next few weeks until you return across the pond and we resume our lives as before. No strings. No demands. No regrets.
So meet me in the kitchen where all this started.
Or don’t.
It’s your decision.
Not that it matters. It’s not like I’m going to do something monumentally dumb like hit send on this text.
–Zenobia

 

Broody Brit is a roommates/opposites attract/interracial romance inspired by British Bedmate.

 

 

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Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

 

JUNE RELEASES

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
 
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

 

COCKY HERO CLUB
four-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * THE RULE MAKER by Gina Azzi

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE RULE MAKER by Gina AzziThe Rule Maker by Gina Azzi
Series: Boston Hawks Hockey #4
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on June 23, 2021
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four-half-stars

NHL Boston Hawks captain Austin Merrick used to be my boy-next-door. Now, he's the man on my mind.

Our paths haven't crossed in over a decade when I find myself back in Boston, desperate to save face in front of my ex-fiancé. With a devilish smirk and wicked blue eyes, Austin steps back into my life to be my plus one for a summer filled with weddings and events.

Should be fun and effortless, right?

Then why the need for rules?

And why do I crave his touch at the small of my back and wish for his kiss on a moonlit beach?

Suddenly, things begin to feel complicated, messy, and real. When I look at my first friend, I don't see the boy-next-door, but the man I want to spend forever with.

If Austin learns the depth of my feelings, will he give us a real chance? Or are some rules better left unbroken?

 

This friends to lovers story is just what I needed! Gina Azzi is turning up the adorableness with book four of her Boston Hawks Hockey series when childhood friends reconnect and pave their way towards forever. Great characters, interesting back stories and more tension than you’ll know what to do with. Light on the hockey since it was mostly during the off-season, but team camaraderie was still strong. Looking forward to more in the series!

Chloe is a complex character. She’s wounded and raw from the heartache she’s recently gone through, but reconnecting with her old friend Austin puts a pep in her step that she didn’t even notice was missing.

Austin is a sweetheart and I loved every minute of him.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys an emotional romance filled with a great supporting cast and the love of the game.

 

 

 

 

Title: The Rule Maker
Series: Boston Hawks Hockey #4
Author: Gina Azzi
Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance
Release Date: June 23, 2021

 

BLURB

 

NHL Boston Hawks captain Austin Merrick used to be my boy-next-door. Now, he’s the man on my mind.

 

Our paths haven’t crossed in over a decade when I find myself back in Boston, desperate to save face in front of my ex-fiancé. With a devilish smirk and wicked blue eyes, Austin steps back into my life to be my plus one for a summer filled with weddings and events.
Should be fun and effortless, right?
Then why the need for rules?
And why do I crave his touch at the small of my back and wish for his kiss on a moonlit beach?
Suddenly, things begin to feel complicated, messy, and real. When I look at my first friend, I don’t see the boy-next-door, but the man I want to spend forever with.

 

If Austin learns the depth of my feelings, will he give us a real chance? Or are some rules better left unbroken?

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

COMING SOON
Releasing August 5
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

Releasing September 27
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Gina Azzi writes emotional and captivating contemporary romance novels with heart-warming happily-ever-afters. She is the author of Second Chance Chicago Series, The Kane Brothers Series, Finding Love in Scotland Series, The College Pact Series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay. All of her books can be read as stand-alones. 

 

A Jersey girl at heart, Gina has spent her twenties traveling the world, living and working abroad, before settling down in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three children. She’s a voracious reader, daydreamer, and coffee enthusiast who loves meeting new people. Say hey to her on social media or through www.ginaazzi.com.

 

AUTHOR LINKS
four-half-stars

* Review * A NINE-MONTH TEMPTATION by Joanne Rock

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A NINE-MONTH TEMPTATION by Joanne RockA Nine-Month Temptation by Joanne Rock
Series: Brooklyn Nights #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on June 29, 2021
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five-stars

One night rocked their world.

Now can they tame their passion for their baby’s sake?

Ever since their mind-blowing encounter months ago, fashion CEO Roman Zayn hasn’t stopped hungering for Sable Cordero. But as a rising star in his brother’s design studio, the intoxicating celebrity stylist is strictly off-limits. Even when Roman discovers Sable is pregnant and steps in to offer support, further intimacy between them feels forbidden. But resistance to an attraction like theirs just may prove futile…

 

Temptation at it’s best! Joanne Rock is bringing on the heat with the first book in her new Brooklyn Nights series and I highly enjoyed it. A NINE-MONTH TEMPTATION is a quasi workplace romance with a one night turning into forever twist. A surprise baby is a favorite trope of mine and Rock does it beautifully. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Sable is self-assured and down to earth, so seeing her finally start to see her dreams of a fashion career start to sparkle is a delight. A bit more development to her back story wouldn’t have hurt, but I dearly loved watching her finally get the life she deserved.

Roman is temptation personified. He’s smart and successful, but still has a soft, insecure side that few see. I loved the man he became with Sable by his side.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of drama with their romance. I’m looking forward to the fun this series holds in store.

five-stars

* Review * FALLING FOR HIS SUSPECT by Tara Taylor Quinn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FALLING FOR HIS SUSPECT by Tara Taylor QuinnFalling for His Suspect by Tara Taylor Quinn
Series: Where Secrets are Safe #18
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on June 29, 2021
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five-stars

All he wants is justice…

…until his search for the truth leads him to her.

Detective Greg Johnson thinks he knows how to handle witnesses. Then he meets Jasmine Taylor. They both want to get to the bottom of the allegations against Jasmine’s brother, but can Greg trust her to tell him everything she knows? And can he trust himself to resist this enigmatic—and alluring—woman with a tragic past?

 

Emotionally riveting! Tara Taylor Quinn is shining the light on the after effects of childhood trauma and doing it beautifully in the next book in her always powerful Where Secrets are Safe series. In FALLING FOR HIS SUSPECT Quinn quickly foists us into the heart of the story when an arrest is made and lives begin to crumble down. The characters are quick to hook the reader, and the storyline is gut wrenching. WARNING … may trigger some readers.

Jasmine is a sweetheart. She knows the after effects of the childhood she and her brother grew up in, and vows to support him while he’s being drug through the mud by his ex. Her main concern is always her brother and her beloved niece. Some may find fault with her devotion, but I think anyone who truly understands the mental scarring that can remain after trauma will understand her strength and love.

Greg sees things as right and wrong with nothing in between for much of the story, and that made him a solid character throughout but he truly grew strength when he began to see that life can sometimes leave a scar that even the best of us can’t always overlook.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys seeing hard times overcome to forge into a truly deserving happily ever after.

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review/Excerpt * STRICT CONFIDENCE by Skye Warren

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review/Excerpt * STRICT CONFIDENCE by Skye WarrenStrict Confidence by Skye Warren
Series: Rochester Trilogy #2
on June 15, 2021
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four-half-stars

Forbidden. Commanding. Mysterious. Beau Rochester has an entire house full of secrets. And those secrets are putting Jane Mendoza in danger.

She fell in love with the one man she can't have. She should leave Maine to protect her heart, but the thread refuses to be severed. The brooding Mr. Rochester and his grieving niece are more than her job. They're her new family.

She races against time to find answers and protect the people she loves. The cliffside grows dark with the misdeeds of the past. Her heart and her sanity fight a battle, but they are both at risk.

Will Mr. Rochester learn to trust Jane? And will that trust destroy her?

 

Fast-paced and suspenseful! With part two of her Rochester Trilogy series Skye Warren delves further into the mystery of Beau Rochester and brings emotions and danger to the forefront. I’m enjoying their story and can’t wait to see what happens in the conclusion. Cliffhanger!

Danger lurks even closer than ever before as Jane continues to give in to the temptation of Beau. Secrets are uncovered, lies are revealed and emotions are trampled like never before.

I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a controlling, secretive hero who has a hidden heart beneath the surface and is letting it show for the most unlikely of conquests.

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Strict Confidence
Series: Rochester Trilogy #1
Author: Skye Warren
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 15, 2021

 

BLURB

 

Forbidden. Commanding. Mysterious. Beau Rochester has an entire house full of secrets. And those secrets are putting Jane Mendoza in danger.

 

She fell in love with the one man she can’t have. She should leave Maine to protect her heart, but the thread refuses to be severed. The brooding Mr. Rochester and his grieving niece are more than her job. They’re her new family.
She races against time to find answers and protect the people she loves. The cliffside grows dark with the misdeeds of the past. Her heart and her sanity fight a battle, but they are both at risk.
Will Mr. Rochester learn to trust Jane? And will that trust destroy her?

 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

EXCERPT

 

“I thought we were going home.”

 

“No,” I say gently. “Remember we talked about this? Home is going to need work. Construction work. It will take a long time. In the meantime, we’re going to stay at the inn.”
Her face turns red. I’ve seen this color before. Exactly one time before.
We were at the wake for her parents. She had made it through the funeral with grave obedience. Stand here. Walk there. Say goodbye. All the times when I would have expected her to rage, she held her composure. It was only at the end, when families gathered at the Coach House, when they offered empty words of consolation and casseroles, that she lost it.
“Get out,” she had screamed, her face red and splotchy, tears leaking down her cheeks. No one could console her. No one could reprimand her. In the end they left, one by one, darting glances of worry between me and her. In the hollow house, once everyone had gone, she beat her fists against me and sobbed into my chest for hours. Until she fell asleep in my arms.
She looks the same way now. Mutinous. Angry.
Consumed by grief.
“I want Kitten.”
“She’s at the vet, remember? We’ll pick her up soon.”
“I want mac and cheese. And I want to go home.”
Despite my general ineptitude as a guardian, I’ve tried. I’ve read books and listened to podcasts. Don’t raise your voice, they say. Lower your voice, and the child will mimic you. “We can’t go home,” I say, my words quiet. “There’s yellow tape everywhere. It’s a crime scene.”
This, despite the books and the podcasts, is the wrong thing to say. I know it when her eyes turn wide. I see the whites around her blue pupils. Her little nostrils flare. “No,” she says. “No. No. I’m not going anywhere else. I’m going home.”
We’re seconds away from the edge. I can see the waterfall—the long drop and the sharp rocks at the bottom, but I don’t have a fucking paddle.
Jane turns back in her seat, her dark hair falling like silk over her shoulder. “Paige,” she says. That’s all. Paige. There’s a wealth of emotion in that one word. Sorrow and sympathy.
Paige’s lower lip trembles. “I hate this.”
“Yes,” Jane says.
“I don’t want to stay at a hotel. I want to go home.”
“You want to go home,” Jane says. “Where it’s safe. Because you’re afraid.”
“You don’t understand,” Paige says, her voice wavering.
“Then tell me,” Jane says, coaxing. “Why do you want to go home?”
“If I’m not there, my mommy won’t know where to find me.”
The whispered words make my throat tighten. Christ. As if the child didn’t have enough to worry about with a goddamn fire destroying her home and belongings. She also thinks her mother’s coming back? I’d fight a goddamn army for her. I’d dive under an eighteen-wheeler if it would keep her safe, but I can’t protect her from false hope.
“Your mother always knows where you are,” Jane says, reaching back. After a short pause, Paige holds her hand. They stay like that, linked. “She loves you, wherever she is. Wherever you are. Nothing can stop that. Not a fire, not the ocean, nothing.”
A sniffle. A sob. And then Paige does break.

 

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

COMING SOON
Releases August 17
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
AUTHOR BIO

 

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance such as the Chicago Underground series. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, two sweet dogs, and one evil cat.
AUTHOR LINKS
four-half-stars

* Review * SECOND CHANCE LOVE SONG by Jessica Lemmon

* Review * SECOND CHANCE LOVE SONG by Jessica LemmonSecond Chance Love Song by Jessica Lemmon
Series: Dynasties: Beaumont Bay #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on May 25, 2021
Buy on Amazon
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four-half-stars

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.

four-half-stars