Book Reviews – Page 9

* Review * LIGHT ‘EM UP by Kelly Jamieson

August 6, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LIGHT ‘EM UP by Kelly Jamieson

Light 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Bang Brothers Hockey #5, Bears Hockey
Published by Kelly Jamieson Inc on August 6, 2024
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Annie Bang

I’m thrilled to be working in professional hockey, since my five brothers are all hockey players. My new role as skating coach to the New York Bears is the perfect fit and I can’t wait to whip all these guys into shape so we can win more games. Except one of the guys is Logan Coates—the guy who sent my brother to the hospital in a memorable game three seasons ago. I want nothing to do with him.

Logan Coates

I don’t need some tiny figure skater telling me what to do. I know how to skate. I wouldn’t be in the NHL if I didn’t. Although, I am a fourth liner. I do want more ice time. I want to make a difference on the team. But learning how to figure skate isn’t it. Especially from Annie Bang, who hates my guts. Speaking of guts…she has ’em. She’s a pint-sized badass. And that’s sexy as hell. When I’m around her, my skate blade’s not the only thing made of steel.

An unexpected reconnection pours on the angst when the only female Bang sibling meets her match in an NHL player of her own! I am loving this series and family as a whole and Annie’s story did not disappoint in bringing the drama. The characters are easy to like and both come into the relationship with their own backstory to unravel. I liked the tension that them having a history added to the mix. I wanted a bit more development to the ending to let us enjoy them and their life together a tad more, but overall I enjoyed their story and look forward to more to come in the series.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family who loves from afar and only interferes in each others lives in the very best of ways.

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* Release Blitz/Review * CLAP BACK by Lani Lynn Vale

August 6, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * CLAP BACK by Lani Lynn Vale

Clap Back by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Carter Brothers #4
on August 6, 2024
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Being a twin is great.

What isn’t great is having the hots for the same woman your twin does.

Been there, done that, have the t-shirt.

Since Auden Carter made that mistake in his teens, he’d promised himself never to do that to his brother again.

Hence why he’s tried so hard to stay away from Maven, the sexy bakery owner that seems to have been put on this planet to tempt him.

After months of watching his brother never make a move, Auden’s had enough. He tells his twin to either shit or get off the pot. Only, come to find out, his twin was never on the pot. He’d never had the hots for Maven at all, but her cute little assistant.

Unfortunately, at this point, he’d done his level best to appear undesirable to Maven, and had gone out of his way to make it very clear that he wasn’t interested.

He has a lot of work to do to convince her that he’s not the guy he’d been acting like for the last few months.

Luck is on his side, though, and soon Maven needs his help, giving him the perfect opportunity to worm his way into her life…and her heart.

But that help she needs turns into a desperate plea for protection, and all he has to do is quit his beloved job to give it.
It’s not every day that you are in love with your boss’s daughter, who just so happens to be the chief of police of Dallas, Texas—your beloved police department that you’ve worked at for your entire career.

It’s also not every day when that boss pulls out every stop, and ruins your life to the point where you’re not sure you can find your way out of the downward spiral he’s forced upon you.

There is one thing Auden knows for certain, though. Maven is worth it. He’ll fight the chief of police, or the entire world, putting his life on the line to do it, as long as it keeps her safe.

Vale is always a sure thing for action packed drama! The fourth book in the Carter Brothers series is continuing the reign of unputdownable goodness as Auden takes center stage and sweeps bakery owner Maven off her feet. The romantic connection between the two of them is sweet and steamy and once the mystery starts unraveling and one crazy thing after another takes place, you’ll be hooked for sure! The characters are quick to catch a reader’s attention and the plot, while a little far fetched here and there, is riveting and very entertaining. I am loving this series and can’t wait for the next sibling to meet his match!

Title: Clap Back

Series: Carter Brothers #4

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Trope: Bad Girl/Good Guy

Release Date: August 6, 2024

BLURB

Being a twin is great.

What isn’t great is having the hots for the same woman your twin does.

Been there, done that, have the t-shirt.

Since Auden Carter made that mistake in his teens, he’d promised himself never to do that to his brother again.

Hence why he’s tried so hard to stay away from Maven, the sexy bakery owner that seems to have been put on this planet to tempt him.

After months of watching his brother never make a move, Auden’s had enough. He tells his twin to either shit or get off the pot. Only, come to find out, his twin was never on the pot. He’d never had the hots for Maven at all, but her cute little assistant.

Unfortunately, at this point, he’d done his level best to appear undesirable to Maven, and had gone out of his way to make it very clear that he wasn’t interested.

He has a lot of work to do to convince her that he’s not the guy he’d been acting like for the last few months.

Luck is on his side, though, and soon Maven needs his help, giving him the perfect opportunity to worm his way into her life…and her heart.

But that help she needs turns into a desperate plea for protection, and all he has to do is quit his beloved job to give it.

It’s not every day that you are in love with your boss’s daughter, who just so happens to be the chief of police of Dallas, Texas—your beloved police department that you’ve worked at for your entire career.

It’s also not every day when that boss pulls out every stop, and ruins your life to the point where you’re not sure you can find your way out of the downward spiral he’s forced upon you.

There is one thing Auden knows for certain, though. Maven is worth it. He’ll fight the chief of police, or the entire world, putting his life on the line to do it, as long as it keeps her safe.

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COMING SOON

Releasing September 10

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AUTHOR BIO

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * DEEPER THAN THE DEAD by Debra Webb

August 5, 2024 Leave a Comment

Deeper Than the Dead by Debra Webb
Series: Vera Boyett #1
Published by Thomas & Mercer on August 1, 2024
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Crime analyst and newly disgraced deputy police chief Vera Boyett doesn’t visit home often, and she certainly doesn’t venture back into the cave on her family land. But when the remains of her long-missing stepmother are discovered, Vera will have to face a past that threatens all she is.

She and her sister Eve had a fairy-tale childhood: good until it was tragic, with a stepmother they never found a bond with. At least they had each other, a baby half-sister, and a mutual devotion that would have them do the unthinkable.

It’s a summer in small-town Tennessee, so thick with humidity it could drown you and so rife with secrets it could smother you. And deep beneath the surface, there are more bodies than you’d think…

Lies and deceit steal the show in this nail biting suspense! Debra Webb always has a way of endearing a character to her reader’s heart at the same time that she weaves an intricate plot of secrets for us to uncover. Vera is a new character for Webb and gave the reader a lot unravel. Most of the characters were well developed, but there was a lot happening behind the scenes to keep straight with several moving parts so you really have to pay attention throughout. I enjoyed the book a lot and look forward to seeing Vera in the future. Attention grabbing storyline and relatable characters.

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* Review * THE FORBIDDEN by Sawyer Bennett

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

The Forbidden by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Bluegrass Empires #2
Published by Big Dog Books on July 23, 2024
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The prince of his family’s Kentucky bourbon empire, Gabriel Mardraggon is a ruthless and cunning businessman. Focused on the continued success of Mardraggon Enterprises, relationships and settling down aren’t even on his radar. After all, he’s the product of two people who always put money before love. Loyal to the family’s creed of winning at all costs, as well as their hatred of the Blackburns, Gabe will never accept peace between the dynasties.

Katherine Blackburn is Gabe’s polar opposite—carefree, lighthearted and completely mischievous. Kat works hard as a horse trainer but never hesitates to let her hair down and have a little fun. And lately that has included poking at Gabe and his buttoned-up ways, much to his irritation. Getting a rise out of the cold but gorgeous Mardraggon heir brings Kat unfettered joy, especially given their two families’ ugly history together.

Blackburns and Mardraggons are bitter enemies. Any type of relationship would be strictly forbidden. But when Gabe’s business dealings hurt Kat in a way he never imagined, his walls crumble and he’s forced to lay his feelings for Kat bare. Now Gabe has to decide if he’s ready to alter the course of history or walk away from the only genuine thing he’s ever known.

Dashingly sinful, fresh and alluring! A surprise reunion amidst family hatred is sure to please fans of Sawyer Bennett’s Bluegrass Empires series. Venturing into a storyline of wealth and family dynamics looks really good on Bennett and I’m loving getting to know the Blackburns and the Mardraggons as drama plays out around every corner as love wins out time and again with this Blackburn crowd. I can’t wait to see more play out with this series. The ending felt rushed, but overall I loved every minute of Gabe and Kat’s story and following up on all that we learned in Ethan and Marcie’s story. I adore Bennett’s hockey hunks, but getting to see her spread her wings into a relaxed yet privileged family drama is rewarding. Great characters, satisfying drama and just the right amount of passion to keep me entranced.

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* Review * A COWGIRL NEVER FORGETS by Melinda Curtis

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

A Cowgirl Never Forgets by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Blackwell Belles #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on July 23, 2024
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Even the best cowgirl falls…

When it’s the right cowboy

Rodeo cowgirl Maggie Blackwell doesn’t need her estranged family. She’s got Clem Coogan—her best friend, rodeo buddy and absolute rock. But when a rodeo accident leaves Clem with a terrible concussion, he’s convinced they’re a romantic item…and proposes to her. Now until his memory comes back, Maggie’s playing along. But can she keep this headache from turning into heartache for both of them?

Fans of the Blackwells are in for a treat! Big E and his extended family are back! A brand new series kickoff is underway for Big E’s sister Denny’s granddaughters and Melinda Curtis is starting us off with Magnolia’s story. I was quickly hooked though there is a hint of a cliche amnesia storyline tidbit to withstand. I loved Clem and really enjoyed the side of Maggie that he helped release. I feel like the set up for the series was laid pretty well for the coming books, but I was surprised that we didn’t get any of the interaction between the whole group of sisters at all yet. I’m looking forward to watching them develop and for the drama yet to come. So excited to have the Blackwells back again!

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* Review * LOCK ‘EM DOWN by Gina Azzi

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

Lock 'em Down by Gina Azzi
Series: Bang Brothers #4, Tennessee Thunderbolts #7
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on July 23, 2024
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I’m a carpe diem, live-in-the-moment, kind of woman. But waking up in Vegas with a rock on my finger and a gorgeous man in my bed? Well, now I’m redefining what it means to roll the dice…

Especially because my new husband is Tennessee Thunderbolts center, Leif Bang.

Yes, he has electric blue eyes that pierce me to my core. For sure, I’ve never seen forearms quite like his. And — another point for him — he makes me fold over with laughter.

But he’s also the man my mother was scheming to set me up with once I settled in Knoxville for my new job.

Determined to start my new life on my own terms, the last thing I need — or want — is a wickedly charming husband who’s never had a serious girlfriend, much less an impulsive wife.

It’s fine because I’m all about those annulment papers. Except, our moms are old friends, I’m new in town, and Leif is nothing like I expected.

Especially when he asks me to fake this marriage a little while longer.

Now, I’m forced to embrace my life’s motto and leave things up to chance…

Even if I’m gambling with my heart.

Sexy, sweet and sentimental! I’m loving getting to know the Bang family so much as each sibling finds their forever love. This time it’s Gina Azzi’s turn to turn on the heat for Leif and his quickie Vegas wife Cami. They won me over quickly when they met and dove into life with each other without a second thought … until the next day. The characters both had an interesting back story and zest for their own ways, but together they were really sweet and adorable. I wanted a smidge more to the development of them together once they decided they were in it for the long haul, but overall I was addicted and there throughout for that happily ever after. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

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* Review * JUST ONE MORE DARE by Carly Phillips

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

Just One More Dare by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #2
Published by CP Publishing on July 23, 2024
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A runaway bride.
Her older brother’s off-limits friend.
Taking one more shot at love should be easy, right?
Not on a dare.

Samantha Dare had one thought when she found out her fiancé was a lying cheat. Escape. So, she ran from her wedding… straight into the arms of the man who once gave her the hottest kiss of her life. But rebounding with her brother’s friend would be a huge mistake… wouldn’t it?

The last thing Dex Sterling needs is more chaos in his life. Retiring from football and starting over in broadcasting gave him plenty of that. But even though Samantha is chaos personified, for some reason, he’s still not able to keep his mind—or hands—off her…

Is a little bit of forced proximity and a lot of sexual chemistry enough to earn them a second chance at happily ever after?

Samantha and Dex are about to find out…

Scruptiously addictive! Carly Phillips is delighting long-time readers with the long-awaited story of Samantha Dare as book two in her Sterling Family series and the drama, passion and heart of her book did NOT disappoint! Great angst to kick off the drama and then so much warmth and feelings between these two to hold my attention throughout. I loved Dex and Samantha!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that adores a close-knit family who always has each other’s back as one sibling at a time finds their happily ever after.

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* Release Blitz/Review * THIRST TRAP by Lani Lynn Vale

July 9, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THIRST TRAP by Lani Lynn Vale

Thirst Trap by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Carter Brothers #3
on July 9, 2024
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Toxic: very harmful or unpleasant in an invasive or sinister way.

One word. Two consonants. Five letters. Two people.

Quinn James Carter met Solei Shayne Rodriguez his senior year of high school.

At first, he tried to stay away from her. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and if there were two people in this world who were meant to be together, it was Shayne and him.

Sadly, life doesn’t work out like you plan.

A single, brash, knee-jerk reaction has them both deciding that their relationship is never going to work. A cop and a notorious criminal’s sister can’t have a happily ever after, can they?

Consequently, they go their separate ways.

They live their lives.

And time after time, they come right back to each other, giving the term ‘toxic relationship’ a new meaning.

Anger, jealousy, hurt, and pain run hand in hand with their persistent need to stay in each other’s lives, no matter if it’s in a healthy way or not.

But eventually, time catches up to them.

Fate decides their path for them, and one of them has to wind up nearly dead for them to admit that they can make it work if they want to. They only have to try.

An angsty reconnection of first loves! Lani Lynn Vale always delivers on yummy heroes who fall hard when they meet the one and cherish them forever, so it’s no surprise that the latest Carter Brother is still carrying a torch for his first love who he tore the heart out of when he chose his career over her teenage heart. I adored Shayne and Quinn earned his way back into my heart as well, but I did enjoy that she made him work for it. Lots of drama, heartache and turmoil as true love finds a way to outlast even the biggest divide. Well developed characters and plot. I’m really enjoying the Carter Brothers series and am looking forward to more to come!

Title: Thirst Trap

Series: Carter Brothers #3

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Trope: Bad Girl/Good Guy

Release Date: July 9, 2024

BLURB

Toxic: very harmful or unpleasant in an invasive or sinister way.

One word. Two consonants. Five letters. Two people.

Quinn James Carter met Solei Shayne Rodriguez his senior year of high school.

At first, he tried to stay away from her. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and if there were two people in this world who were meant to be together, it was Shayne and him.

Sadly, life doesn’t work out like you plan.

A single, brash, knee-jerk reaction has them both deciding that their relationship is never going to work. A cop and a notorious criminal’s sister can’t have a happily ever after, can they?

Consequently, they go their separate ways.

They live their lives.

And time after time, they come right back to each other, giving the term ‘toxic relationship’ a new meaning.

Anger, jealousy, hurt, and pain run hand in hand with their persistent need to stay in each other’s lives, no matter if it’s in a healthy way or not.

But eventually, time catches up to them.

Fate decides their path for them, and one of them has to wind up nearly dead for them to admit that they can make it work if they want to. They only have to try.

GOODREADS

BOOKBUB

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

UNIVERSAL

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

UNIVERSAL

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

UNIVERSAL

COMING SOON

Releasing August 6

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

UNIVERSAL

AUTHOR BIO

AUTHOR LINKS

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

FACEBOOK

PROFILE / PAGE / GROUP

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

WEBSITE

TIKTOK

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * HIT ‘EM HARD by Kat Mizera

June 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hit 'em Hard by Kat Mizera
Series: Bang Brothers #3, LA Phantoms
on July 9, 2024
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Hit 'em Hard is Book 3 in the Bang Brothers hockey series.
The Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same.

JENSEN:

Chasing my pro hockey dreams in the City of Angels has been a relentless battle. Each season feels like starting over, and being miles away from my family only adds to the struggle. I don’t know what I would do without my online gaming friends. Especially @Empress.

I know nothing about her—not even her real name—but what I do know with certainty is that our chats are my lifeline. I wish she would let me in, but she guards her secrets even more closely than I do.

A chance encounter puts us in the same room together, and the attraction IRL is next level. But before I can make my play, she disappears. I'm desperate to find her again and my meddling, matchmaking mother shows up just in time to help. Can I convince her that I'll be there no matter what she's hiding? Or will we both get hit hard in this real life game of love?

Bang Brothers Hockey Series Titles:
6/11/2024–Lace ’em Up by Elise Faber
6/25/2024–Show ’em How by Jami Davenport
7/9/2024–Hit ’em Hard by Kat Mizera
7/23/2024–Lock ’em Down by Gina Azzi
8/6/2024–Light ’em Up by Kelly Jamieson
8/20/2024–Hook ’em Hard by Cathryn Fox

Fast paced and addictive hockey romance! The third Bang Brother Jensen is super easy to like and already has his sights set on an online gaming friend before his matchmaking mother arrives. He’s a member of the LA Phantoms hockey team and the storyline veers a bit to go back in time from where we have already reached in that series from Kat Mizera, so that was a bit of a let down, but overall I really enjoyed Jensen’s story and look forward to more to come with the rest of his siblings. Great characters, just enough angst to keep it moving and lots of steamy passion from this sweet couple. Looking forward to more in the Bang Brothers series as well as from the LA Phantoms!

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* Review * ONE LITTLE SIGH by Shannon Hollinger

June 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE LITTLE SIGH by Shannon Hollinger

One Little Sigh by Shannon Hollinger
Series: Chief Maggie Riley Series #4
Published by Bookouture on June 28, 2024
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The small child floats so gently in the water, he could be peacefully asleep: but the cold blue of his skin reveals his fate. One mother’s little boy is never coming home again.

When Chief Maggie Riley sees the body of the small boy still dressed in pajamas in Beaverhead Lake, her heart breaks. Little Patrick Warner went missing last night. Despite immediately calling the entire town of Coyote Cove into action, Maggie’s desperate search failed. Even worse, it’s clear it was murder: Patrick took his last breath long before he entered the water.

Maggie is devastated—Patrick reminds her so much of her beautiful younger brother, gone for so long. Visiting the tiny, rumpled bed where Patrick’s teddy bear still lies, and where Patrick was last seen by his mother Jenny, Maggie’s grief turns to rage. She is determined to bring whoever hurt Patrick to justice.

In this isolated community, someone must know something. But no one will talk. And if his family had nothing to do with it, why are they so secretive? As Maggie’s investigation gathers pace, her emotions threaten to overwhelm her. She still doesn’t know her brother’s fate—she won’t let that happen for little Patrick.

But when Jenny suddenly disappears, suspicions whirl around her role in Patrick’s death. Could she have been lying all this time? Or is Jenny herself in terrible danger too? To uncover the truth before more innocent lives are lost, and lay her demons to rest, Maggie will have to risk not only those closest to her but her own life too…

Deliciously unputdownable! Shannon Hollinger is pouring on the angst with her latest addition to her Chief Maggie Riley Series and I am here for every single minute of it. Maggie finds herself in the middle of a missing child case that hits all too close to her memories of the past and finds her questioning herself and others as we learn more about her prior life before she came to Maine. Fiance Steve is also finding himself knocked for a loop when his past begins to come back to haunt him just when his family arrives to meet Maggie. Lots of twists and turns as the current case develops and Maggie’s personal life becomes shaky. I’m really enjoying this series and looking forward to seeing them again.

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