Book Reviews – Page 9

* Review * CLOWN MOTEL by Lani Lynn Vale

November 27, 2023 Leave a Comment

Clown Motel by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Welcome to the Circus #4
on November 21, 2023
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It’s not every day you meet a man at the bar, stare at him for hours, and then right when you decide to make a move, he gets up to leave. Worse, when you follow him outside, you see him completely change his appearance by shucking a wig and a button down shirt, dropping them into the nearest trash can.

When Crimson looks around to see who noticed the complete one-eighty that’s just taken place, not a single person notices or cares. When she looks back, he’s gone.

Dejected, she leaves, thinking maybe she’d hallucinated and made the whole night up.

Only, just as she passes a dark alley, she’s taken. Literally and figuratively.

That’s the night that Winston Cyrus Osborn, III walks into her life.

***

Crimson is the worst type of woman.

She’s curious.

And curiosity kills the cat in his line of work.

With nothing else left to lose, he’s set to rid this world of the filth that infests it. And in doing that, he’s made a lot of enemies that would like nothing better than to ruin him and every single person he cares about.

At every turn, she’s there, insinuating herself into his life. And despite his attempts to keep her at arm’s length, she blows past every single barrier he erects.

He should really stay away.

He should also make sure that she stays out of his business.

Yet, he keeps letting her in. And she keeps reminding him why he wants her to stay.

Crimson meets her match and gets more than she bargained for! I’m really enjoying Lani Lynn Vale’s quirky Welcome to the Circus series. It’s filled with a really unorthodox group of siblings that worm their way more and more into the reader’s heart with each new book and there’s always hints of danger and intrigue weaved throughout. Crimson and Winston really caught my attention. He’s secretive and she’s out to get answers … and the answers she uncovers are more than she ever would have expected.

Highly intense emotional scenes are a given with this series, but the love each sibling is finding is healing them one step at a time. I loved Winston so hard! Highly recommend this series as a whole.

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* Review * CHEAP SHOT by Kat Mizera

November 27, 2023 Leave a Comment

Cheap Shot by Kat Mizera
Series: Lauderdale Knights #7
on November 14, 2023
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Welcome to Fort Lauderdale… where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter!

Johan:
The last thing I need under my roof is a matchmaker… but that’s exactly what’s going to happen if my grandmother moves from Slovakia to Fort Lauderdale to live with me. She says it’s because she’s lonely, but I know better. She’s planning to find me a wife.

The problem is, I already have my eye on someone: my teammate’s sister. She’s gorgeous, sexy—and not staying in Florida. But now that I’ve had a taste, I don’t want her to leave. And I don’t know how to ask her to stay without risking it all.

Sloane:
I ran away when I was sixteen and I’ve never stopped. From the abuse of my childhood to the trauma of my failed marriage, it’s easier to keep moving. Until the search for my brother leads me to Fort Lauderdale.

Once I’m there I find a different kind of family—his team. Especially Johan. My brother warned everyone I’m off limits, but the Slovak hunk is known for breaking the rules both on and off the ice.

I just hope he doesn’t break my heart.

Instant sex appeal leads to the connection of a lifetime! The seventh book in Kat Mizera’s endearing Lauderdale Knights hockey series is pulling on our heart strings as Decker’s sister makes a surprise visit to town and secretly falls for a teammate.

Sloane is a complex character. She’s sweet and sincere but has a ton of baggage that she hasn’t worked through yet, and it makes her push Johan away more than I really liked. He was a total sweetheart and I wanted to see her embrace him as wholeheartedly as he did her.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit group of hockey teammates that have each other’s backs on and off the ice as each one falls hard when they meet “the one”.

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* Review * VANISHED by Anna J. Stewart

November 11, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Vanished by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Circle of the Red Lily #2
Published by CAEZIK Romance on November 21, 2023
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She'll risk everything to expose the truth.

Since her twin sister Sylvie's disappearance seven years ago, single mother Mabel Reynolds has turned grief into action and become a strong voice for victims of violence and abuse.

When new revelations shed light on what may have happened not only to Sylvie, but dozens of other women, Mabel's hope for answers is reignited. But the new oh-so-charming DA overseeing the investigation seems more interested in a quick rather than an accurate resolution.

With little faith in the system, Mabel isn’t about to stay quiet, not when she’s finally close to the truth. She’s willing to go up against anyone—even a smug, irritating, attractive DA to get the answers she and other families deserve.

Open and shut.

That's what Assistant DA Paul Flynn has been told about his new assignment supervising a house of horrors case. With a high-profile conviction at stake, Paul can’t afford to make a wrong move if his professional goals are to be achieved.

But Mabel Reynolds has his attention. All of it. Attraction aside, the woman knows far more than what’s in the official files which makes her something even more intriguing. But using Mabel as an asset means exposing her and her young daughter to even more danger. Danger that is closing in on them from every
side. As even darker forces appear, and their lives are threatened, Paul is faced with risking not only his entire career, but also the one thing he never anticipated losing: his heart.

The highly anticipated follow up to EXPOSED! Anna J. Stewart opened the door to a very complex and diabolical world with the first book in her Circle of the Red Lily series and anyone who enjoyed it was looking forward to the follow up. I can state that it did NOT disappoint … however … this book is very intense and interwoven with the first book so deeply that it’s simply not a stand alone. I am an avid reader/reviewer and I myself had to put it down after the first chapter and go back and reread the first one (which I never do) because of the level of mystique that alludes to happenings from the first book but isn’t elaborated on. Once caught up on that first book and all of the events, it was easier to let this story carry me into the heart of the case again. I very highly recommend that you read this series in order and close together.

The plot of this story is centered around a group of missing women, and one sister in particular that has been living her life simply to find her sister for almost a decade now. She’s closely connected to Riley from the first book in the series so we get a reunion with the cast from last time and they further endear themselves into our heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and the characters and am looking forward to more to come in the series … I just really hope it’s easier to pick up as a stand alone next time with a little more detail fleshed out to catch the reader up on what has happened previously without requiring a full re-read.

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* Review * RANCHER UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Joanne Rock

November 11, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RANCHER UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Joanne Rock

Rancher Under the Mistletoe by Joanne Rock
Series: Kingsland Ranch #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on November 28, 2023
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He left the past behind…but the passion was never truly gone.

Clayton “Clay” Reynolds is only staying at Kingsland Ranch through the holidays. Despite his half brothers' acceptance, bitter memories make him feel like an outcast. But seeing the love he left behind, veterinarian Hope Alvarez, has stirred up more memories—like the searing desire she ignited in him…and the letter telling him they were through.

The aching hunger Clay and Hope both feel is as potent as ever. But neither is willing to trust the other until Clay discovers his past choices were not what they seemed…

A fitting reunion as the final black sheep returns home to Kingsland Ranch! Joanne Rock brings the last brother home in this fast paced journey of healing and acceptance. I wanted a little more from the brother reunion, but the reconnection between Clay and Hope was spot on. I really enjoyed this series as a whole and loved the way Rock wove drama into romance and family love to make for a scintillating series with heartwarming characters and attention grabbing passion.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a family burdened with rift that has to be overcome as each brother finds their forever love and heals their heart.

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* Review * THE BALL AT VERSAILLES by Danielle Steel

November 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BALL AT VERSAILLES by Danielle Steel

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel
Published by Dell on November 21, 2023
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It’s the summer of 1959 and the Palace of Versailles is hosting an event that will make history. It is an exclusive dusk-to-dawn ball in which a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty. Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime.

Amelia Alexander, who hopes to eventually attend law school, hesitates to participate in what she sees as an archaic and privileged tradition. But her indomitable widowed mother, Jane, who’s struggled financially and sacrificed for a career, encourages her to attend. Jane would do anything for Amelia to have the chance at a happily ever after.

Felicity Smith is equally uncertain about the ball. Although her family is prominent in the Dallas social scene, Felicity prefers to keep to herself, avoiding the older sister who torments her. But to get out of her sister’s shadow, Felicity decides to accept. If it’s a success, the tables will have turned at last.

For Caroline Taylor, the beautiful ingénue and daughter of Hollywood legends, the ball is an irresistible opportunity. But an unexpected heartbreak just before she leaves for France gets things off to a bad start.

Then there’s Samantha Walker, an art history major with an overprotective father. Her excitement about the invitation is overshadowed by the emotional and physical effects of a past tragedy that still haunts her.

For all these young women, Paris and one transcendent night will change their lives forever. Bestselling author Danielle Steel extends an invitation to all, in The Ball at Versailles.

Danielle Steel can always be counted on to weave a captivating tale as she wraps characters around her reader’s heart! THE BALL AT VERSAILLES quickly hooks us on four main families as their debutante daughters converge in Paris for the ball of the century. The story covers a few months in time but is fairly fast paced with each main character having ample time for drama, romance and various family obligations. I was highly entertained and didn’t want to put the book down until they each reached a high point.

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* Review * BAIN by Sawyer Bennett

November 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Bain by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #9
Published by Big Dog Books on November 3, 2023
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Bain Hillridge is new to the Titans and he’s building relationships with his new team, both on and off the ice. If only he could keep his hands off his teammate’s little sister.

I loved playing for the Arizona Vengeance but I’m stoked to be part of the legacy the Pittsburgh Titans is building. A team that has risen from the ashes, I’m eager to help them achieve their goal of winning a championship. I’m also looking forward to becoming part of a new hockey family. A night out with my new mates introduces me to the little sister of our goalie, Drake McGinn, and I’m powerless to resist her.

Keira and I have an instant and insatiable attraction and it doesn’t take long before we find ourselves tangled up in one another. While Drake has declared his sister off limits, I’m not deterred because I always go for what I want. I refuse to heed Drake’s warnings and take great pleasure in goading him every chance I get. It’s become one of my favorite hobbies, outside of making his sister scream my name.

As things with Keira get hotter, feelings start to develop making it a little more complicated than we intended. But a bucket of ice-cold water is tossed on our relationship and we’re forced to reprioritize everything. Neither of us were looking for more than a hot fling but fates get twisted all the time. Faced with tough decisions, Keira and I know that no matter what choices we make, our lives are never going to be the same.

Bennett is bringing on the feels in this emotionally gritty delve into Drake’s little sister’s life and I enjoyed watching her connection with Bain grow and prosper. Part of the subject matter is heavy, but the lightheartedness of their feel good romance can carry the weight of disappointment as life changes in the blink of an eye. The characters are easy to connect with, and their joy with each other is everything. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a sports romance revolving around a teammates sister.

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* Review * CODE NAME: GEMINI by Janie Crouch and Danielle M. Haas

November 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CODE NAME: GEMINI by Janie Crouch and Danielle M. Haas

Code Name: Gemini by Janie Crouch, Danielle M. Haas
Series: Zodiac Tactical, Injured Heroes
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on November 9, 2023
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Tasha Volkov has been on the run for three years from a brutal cartel who want her dead.

Aka: her family.

She already paid a heavy price for crossing them, and has the scars to prove it. Her only choice is to keep running, even if the tiny town of Pine Valley feels more like home to her than anywhere else she's ever been.

The last place Zodiac Tactical agent Andrew Zimmerman expected to find the missing Volkov sister was with his friends at the Crossroads Mountain Retreat in the mountains of Tennessee—a place for wounded law enforcement and veterans to heal.

Tasha may not have been the one who gave the order that killed his wife—and very nearly killed him and his twin baby girls—but she can lead Andrew to the man who did.

And Andrew's willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

No matter how much Tasha's vulnerability pulls at him. No matter if everything about her screams innocent, not guilty. No matter how his gut says to keep her safe and close to him.

He thinks he knows all her secrets. But he doesn't.

Turns out, neither does she...

Heartfelt drama mixed with tumultuous danger around every corner makes for one fine read! Readers of Crouch’s previous series will be familiar with the Zimmerman family and several characters mentioned as his past comes back to haunt him in a stunning way. I haven’t read Haas’s series that this is a crossover into the world of, but there was nothing lacking to confuse me because of that. I highly enjoyed the fast paced excitement, the endearing characters and the happily ever after was all that I could have wanted. Really enjoyed!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys intrigue with take charge characters, heartwarming friendships and hints of romance as they take down the bad guy.

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* Release Blitz/Review * HIS WICKED WAYS by Melissa Foster

November 8, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * HIS WICKED WAYS by Melissa Foster

His Wicked Ways by Melissa Foster
Series: The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #5
Published by World Literary Press on November 8, 2023
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Blaine Wicked can spot trouble a mile away. As the eldest of five and raised in a Dark Knights biker family, he has always been a protector. Rescuing a stripper from a bad situation comes with the territory, regardless of the hell the mouthy, slightly awkward, and seriously hot leggy blonde gives him for it. She’s far too innocent to bend to his wicked ways, but the more he learns about her, the harder it is for him to walk away.

Forensic scientist Reese Wilder never imagined herself as the entertainment at a bachelor party, but she’d do anything to keep food on the table for her teenage sister. With their mess of a mother in rehab—Third time’s a charm, right?—Reese is stuck paying off their mother’s debt to a dealer and trying to make ends meet. Reese has had it rough, and she knows better than to rely on anyone for help, much less a pushy biker with piercing blue eyes who probably has dozens of women at his beck and call.

The more flames Reese throws, the more determined Blaine is to walk through them. The closer he gets, the hotter they burn—and the more curious she becomes. But Blaine Wicked has the power to torch Reese’s walls to embers, and with her sister’s well-being at stake, that’s a risk she can’t afford to take.

Melissa Foster is the queen when it comes to tugging on her reader’s heart strings! Just when we think we can’t possible fall for yet another Foster hero, she pours on the sentimental angst of a down to earth truly good man and hooks us yet again. I have loved every book in this series and Blaine is no exception. Great characters, well developed drama and such a satisfying, steamy love story!

Reese is such a sweetheart! I loved very minute of seeing Blaine cherish her and show her the love she should have always known.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a book revolving around a close-knit group of family and friends who love hard and protect even harder. Great relationships, humor and so much heart!

HIS WICKED WAYS

The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside

Melissa Foster

Releasing Nov 8, 2023

World Literary Press

Blurb:

Blaine Wicked is used to women doing as he says in and out of the bedroom. Find out happens when he falls for the one woman who won’t submit to his wicked ways in the newest insanely sexy, deeply emotional, and laugh-out-loud funny standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.

Blaine Wicked can spot trouble a mile away. As the eldest of five and raised in a Dark Knights biker family, he has always been a protector. Rescuing a stripper from a bad situation comes with the territory, regardless of the hell the mouthy, slightly awkward, and seriously hot leggy blonde gives him for it. She’s far too innocent to bend to his wicked ways, but the more he learns about her, the harder it is for him to walk away.

Forensic scientist Reese Wilder never imagined herself as the entertainment at a bachelor party, but she’d do anything to keep food on the table for her teenage sister. With their mess of a mother in rehab—Third time’s a charm, right?—Reese is stuck paying off their mother’s debt to a dealer and trying to make ends meet. Reese has had it rough, and she knows better than to rely on anyone for help, much less a pushy biker with piercing blue eyes who probably has dozens of women at his beck and call.

The more flames Reese throws, the more determined Blaine is to walk through them. The closer he gets, the hotter they burn—and the more curious she becomes. But Blaine Wicked has the power to torch Reese’s walls to embers, and with her sister’s well-being at stake, that’s a risk she can’t afford to take.

Listen to the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3UY9Ua4VPwI6oZVph0VpUI

Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63263546-his-wicked-ways

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/269450-the-wickeds-dark-knights-at-bayside

Buy Links:

➜KINDLE: https://lnk.to/HWW_Kindle

➜APPLE: https://lnk.to/HWW_Apple

➜NOOK: https://lnk.to/HWW_Nook

➜KOBO: https://lnk.to/HWW_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://lnk.to/HWW_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/HWW_Pb

Audio, narrated by Jacob Morgan and Andi Arndt

➜AUDIBLE: https://lnk.to/HWWa_Audible

➜AMAZON: https://lnk.to/HWWa_Amazon

➜APPLE: https://lnk.to/HWWa_Apple

For more Dark Knights, check out The Whiskeys: https://melissafoster.com/series-the-whiskeys-dark-knights-at-peaceful-harbor/

Excerpt:

Read Sneak Peek here, https://melissafoster.com/his-wicked-ways-sneak-peek/

Author Info

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

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* Review * MERRY PUCKING CHRISTMAS by Kelly Jamieson

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MERRY PUCKING CHRISTMAS by Kelly Jamieson

Merry Pucking Christmas by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Bears Hockey II
Published by Kelly Jamieson Inc on November 14, 2023
Goodreads

Harley Reid

My holiday plans? Boxed wine, flannel pajamas, and Netflix minus the “chill”. I hadn’t planned on getting off my apathy until after New Years—until I accidentally crash into my ex’s new girlfriend’s car. But it’s the motivation I need to flee to my Aunt Nora’s place in NYC for Christmas.

Colliding with a typically grouchy New Yorker isn’t my best foot forward. But sweet Jesus on a cracker, he’s a lickable, Viking-size hunk of hotness. As we somehow keep running into each other, I begin to believe I can shed the hurt and humiliation and be fearless.

Nils Axelsson

My holiday plans? Spending my hockey team’s break alone. My friend Nora, however, won’t let me escape her vortex of holiday cheer, and I find myself agreeing to take her niece to a Rockettes show.

I was expecting an awkward teenager in braces, but it’s the same woman who plowed into me in the elevator. A knock-me-sideways stunning blonde whose beauty and kindness hits me like a puck to the chest. The more time I spend with her, the more I want as much as I can get before she has to go back home. Unless I can give her a reason to stay.

Sexy holiday cheer at it’s best! Kelly Jamieson is delighting her fans with a return to the Bears Hockey II series for the holidays and you can’t go wrong with this humorous dip into a celebration like only New York can do it. The characters are endearing and easy to adore while their romance is whimsical and steamy all rolled into one delightful read. The ending was weak and I would have loved a bit more development there, but overall a really fun read filled with holiday goodness throughout. Loved them!

Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to sports fans who enjoys a tight knit team camaraderie as each player falls hard for his true love.

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* Review * JUST ONE TEASE by Carly Phillips

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE TEASE by Carly Phillips

Just One Tease by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #10, The Dirty Dares
Published by CP Publishing on November 14, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

He’s the last single Dare sibling standing.
She’s his lost love who disappeared.
Now she’s back, bringing secrets and danger.

Hadley Stevens is on the run with her younger sister—again—but this time, she’s in control. Zach Dare might hate her, but she knows he’d never turn away someone in need. He’s the only man she trusts. The man she’s never gotten over. Even if she left him without a word.

Zach never expected the girl he once loved to walk into his bar. The last time he saw her, he’d dropped her off after school and promised to pick her up for prom. Except she disappeared.

Now, she’s back with a new name, but the same doe eyes and pouty lips, and she’s asking for the help he would have gladly given her all those years ago.

Zach agrees to protect them, but he refuses to fall for Hadley again. But late nights working side by side give them a tempting glimpse at the life they could have had…and all the reasons he loved her come flooding back.

He’ll have to keep her safe.

Before he can convince her to stay.

This reunion is filled with angsty goodness just like we expected for Zach Dare! Reader’s of this series have known for awhile now that there was going to be some drama playing out when we finally got around to getting Zach’s story because of his background of having his high school love disappear and never be heard from again and how that changed his life so dramatically. Carly Phillips did not disappoint! Great characters, lots of drama and turmoil and such a sweet reunion. I loved every minute of Hadley and Zach!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a sassy romance filled with high brow characters who know how to love hard and cherish family.

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