Book Reviews – Page 91

* Review * THE TRAP by Carol Ericson

June 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Trap by Carol Ericson
Series: A Kyra and Jake Investigation #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on June 29, 2021
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Can they outplay The Player?

When a fourth copycat killer strikes, Detective Jake McAllister and Kyra Chase race to find the mastermind behind LA's serial murders. Now there's a new lead, but to protect the woman he loves, Jake must reveal a crucial secret about Kyra's past—the real reason The Player wants her dead. Exposing the truth could turn this investigation on its head…and force this notorious criminal to make one final move.

The stunning conclusion we never suspected! With the final book in her Kyra and Jake Investigation series Carol Ericson saved the best for last as lies and secrets unravel and bring the storyline to a powerful end. This has been an intense series filled with heartwarming characters as danger circled around them with every new killer who surfaced. I really enjoyed it!

Jake and Kyra grow closer every day as the world around them falls apart and danger comes knocking on their door.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery filled with a hint of romance and tons of action.

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* Review * LOVE BLOOMS by Jennifer Faye

June 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye
Series: Bluestar Island #1
Published by Lazy Dazy Press on April 13, 2021
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He's an injured firefighter. She bakes the most delightful treats. When their worlds collide will the baker help heal the firefighter with a mix of blueberry muffins and her caring way?

The elegant baker, Hannah Bell, has always lived on Bluestar Island with her family. While still grieving for her father, who died in a fire, she focuses all of her energy on making her dream come true--opening her very own bakery. But when a broken water pipe washes away her carefully laid plans, she's on the verge of losing everything.

New York firefighter Ethan Walker's life is in a tailspin after he's injured on-the-job. When an urgent call detours him to Bluestar Island, he agrees to help his lovable but meddlesome great-aunt. But organizing the island's Spring Fling proves a lot harder than he originally imagined. He needs help...and fast.

Under the magic of Bluestar Island's sea breeze and warm sunshine, Hannah and Ethan must not only face their immediate obstacles but also their own turning points in life. Will they have to do that alone? With a leap of faith and a dash of romance, they might just find the perfect mix to make their dreams come true.

Includes a delicious recipe for The Elegant Baker's Blueberry Crumble Muffin!

Jennifer Faye always knows just how to wrap a small town around her reader’s hearts! With the first book in her brand new Bluestar Island series Faye delights us with a baker falling for a visiting firefighter in coastal Massachustts. The characters are refreshingly sweet and the town is heartwarming. There were a few too many background characters for my liking, but overall a really intriguing story. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Hannah is a sweetheart who brightens everybody’s day in her small town. Watching her strive to make all of her dreams come true was inspiring.

Ethan was a dream. He’s not sure what life holds for him in the future, but he doesn’t hesitate to help out family when they need it.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a quaint small town filled with meddlesome but lovable characters and a path towards forever.

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* Release Blast/Review * THE WICKED AFTERMATH by Melissa Foster

June 9, 2021 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review * THE WICKED AFTERMATH by Melissa Foster

The Wicked Aftermath by Melissa Foster
Series: The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #2
Published by World Literary Press on June 9, 2021
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When the person you blame for your grief is the only one who can save you from the pain...

Tank Wicked lost his sister and has since vowed to save everyone else in his path. He lives by the creed of the Dark Knights motorcycle club, sworn to protect and respect his community. He selflessly saves lives as a volunteer firefighter and treats the men and women who work for him at his tattoo shop like family. But life isn’t a balance scale where good deeds negate bad things to come, and one foggy night life guts Tank once again. When a car careens over the side of a bridge and into a river, Tank springs into action, plunging into the water to rescue the passengers. Four people go into the river, but only three come out alive.

Leah Yates is just trying to make it through each day. When the man she blames for her grief becomes the only one who can pull her from the depths of despair, she discovers that even hope comes at a price. Maybe this time she won't have to face it alone.

Melissa Foster has permission to rip my heart to shreds anytime as long as she puts it back together as beautifully as she did with Tank’s story! This highly emotional and heart wrenching addition to the Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions all while showering love, devotion and even laughter all around you. Brilliantly written and breathlessly devoured!

Leah is a sweetheart and had my heart quickly. She suffers a loss so deep she doesn’t know how to move forward, but Tank’s love heals her in ways she never dreamed of.

Tank is a doll. His world stopped turning when his little sister died, but having someone else need the knowledge that he has gained is beneficial to his sanity. He knew Leah was special the moment he laid eyes on her … he just didn’t know how much she was going to change his world.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a close knit family who rallies around each other through life and love. They love hard and they laugh their way through life’s playground.

THE WICKED AFTERMATH
The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
Melissa Foster
Releasing June 9, 2021
World Literary Press

Blurb:

When the person you blame for your grief is the only one who can save you from the pain…

Tank Wicked lost his sister and has since vowed to save everyone else in his path. He lives by the creed of the Dark Knights motorcycle club, sworn to protect and respect his community. He selflessly saves lives as a volunteer firefighter and treats the men and women who work for him at his tattoo shop like family. But life isn’t a balance scale where good deeds negate bad things to come, and one foggy night life guts Tank once again. When a car careens over the side of a bridge and into a river, Tank springs into action, plunging into the water to rescue the passengers. Four people go into the river, but only three come out alive.

Leah Yates is just trying to make it through each day. When the man she blames for her grief becomes the only one who can pull her from the depths of despair, she discovers that even hope comes at a price. Maybe this time she won’t have to face it alone.

THE WICKED AFTERMATH is an emotionally gripping story of love, loss, and hope, with a rich and entrancing happily ever after. Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. Some of the Wickeds’ love stories will be hilariously fun and deeply emotional, others will tear at your heartstrings and include injections of humor, but they will all leave you wishing you could climb between the pages and join them. All Wicked novels may be enjoyed as standalone romances.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53970833-the-wicked-aftermath

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

Buy Links:

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/WA_Kindle
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/WA_Apple
➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/WA_Nook
➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/WA_Kobo
➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/WA_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/WA_Pb

Audio coming July 2021, narrated by Lance Greenfield and Jennifer Mack

➜Amazon: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Amazon
➜Apple: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Apple
➜Audible: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Audible

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

For more Bayside Summers fun: https://melissafoster.com/series-bayside-summers/

Excerpt:

Read Sneak Peek here, https://melissafoster.com/the-wicked-aftermath-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

SERIES LINKS:

A LITTLE BIT WICKED (Book 1)

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Kindle
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Apple
➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Nook
➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Kobo
➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Pb

Also available in audio book (narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow)

➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Amazon
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Apple
➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Audible

CRAZY, WICKED LOVE (Book 3) – Rel March 2022

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Kindle
➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Apple
➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Nook
➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Kobo
➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/CWL_GPlay
➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Pb

Audio pre-order coming soon!

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* Review * OUT OF THE BLUE by Arell Rivers

June 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

Out of the Blue by Arell Rivers
Series: The Hunte Family #4
Published by Tarnished Halo Publishing LLC on June 6, 2021
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Trent

I never expected to see her again.

I certainly never thought my record label would hire her to be my band’s social media manager.

But now, here we are, on a tour that could make or break my career—me with a massively dark secret that could ruin everything, and her with enough emotional baggage to fill a stadium. I should leave her alone.

Too bad I’ve never been good at doing what I should…

Cordelia

I’ve worked too hard, come too far, overcome too much, to get screwed over by something as frivolous and fleeting as love. So, I absolutely will not be giving in to my attraction to Trent.

Well, not again, anyway. That anonymous one-night stand is all he’ll get out of me. My heart can never be part of the deal.

No matter how much he makes me wish things could be different for us…

An unexpected surprise to say the least! With book four in her always entertaining Hunte Family series Arell Rivers brings the group all together again for an addition no one was expecting. The characters are well developed and the angst is real. I enjoyed their story very much.

Trent is down-to-earth and humble but he’s a bit overwhelmed at the moment with the secrets he has uncovered just as his band is starting to get the break they have worked so hard for.

Cordelia is a complex character. She’s trying to get by after her world fell down around her, but roadblocks keep going up in her way.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good rocker romance with a deep emotional connection and hard feelings to overcome.

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* Review * THE GO-TO GIRL by Leigh Riker

June 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

The Go-To Girl by Leigh Riker
Published by leighbbooks on August 14, 2020
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Personal shopper Tess O’Neill is everybody’s Go-To Girl. Finding the right thing for a client is a no-brainer. Fixing her own life? That’s a different matter because Tess can’t seem to get over her charming ex-husband. But giving him another chance would mean risking her hard-won independence—and Tess’s heart again.

Recovering gambler Grady O’Neill knows Tess doesn’t trust him any more than she does her poker-playing father. Grady can’t blame her. He was never an ace in life’s deck of cards, and he did break her heart. Still, he’s not the messed-up guy he used to be. How to convince his personal Go-To Girl they still belong together?

She can’t take the gamble. He has to bet it all. Or, can they both win this game?

A heartwarming reunion of first loves! THE GO-TO GIRL by Leigh Riker quickly stole my heart when I met Tess and Grady. The characters are flawed but redeemable and their love is super sweet.

Tess is complex. She’s been hurt and is deservedly bitter, but she’s good natured and kind. Her revelations along the way show the growth she’s indulging in as she finally stands up for herself and what she needs.

Grady is a doll. He hurt her almost beyond repair with his actions in the past, but he’s a changed man and sincerely wants to prove that to the woman who still owns his heart.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a reunion of ex-spouses who have a whole lot of love still in their hearts for each other, but also a lot of fences to mend.

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* Review * PRIVATE PROPERTY by Skye Warren

June 8, 2021 Leave a Comment

Private Property by Skye Warren
Series: Rochester Trilogy #1
on March 9, 2021
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When I signed up for the nanny agency, I didn't expect a remote mansion on a windswept cliff. Or a brooding billionaire who resents his new role. His brother's death means he's now in charge of a moody seven year old girl. She's lashing out at the world, but I can handle her. I have to. I need the money to finish my college degree. As long as I can avoid the boss who alternately mocks me and coaxes me to reveal my darkest secrets.

Temptingly tantalizing! With the first book in her Rochester Trilogy Skye Warren introduces us to Jane and Beau in PRIVATE PROPERTY and I was hooked quickly. The characters are secretive but intriguing and the setting is mysterious.

Jane is sweet and unsuspecting. She needs this nanny position in order to afford to finish her schooling, so even though it seems to be taking her to the middle of nowhere, she’s determined to see it through.

Beau is mysterious and addictive. He’s got more secrets than he knows what to do with, but he’s tempted to let the sweet Ms. Mendoza distract him from his woes.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a bit of mystery mixed with a tension filled romantic saga that keeps us guessing what’s going to happen next. There is a cliffhanger at the end of this book in anticipation of the second book in the trilogy.

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* Review * LOVE FOR BEGINNERS by Jill Shalvis

May 31, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LOVE FOR BEGINNERS by Jill Shalvis

Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #7
Published by William Morrow Paperbacks on June 8, 2021
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What would you change if you had to start your life—and love life—over again?

When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive she starts over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer.

Eager for a new beginning, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care in desperation then on top of that, she and Ali bring the term ‘frenemies’ to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.

In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to realize that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it.

Endearing characters, heartfelt connections and memorable moments always make Jill Shalvis an auto-buy for this reader! If you haven’t started the Wildstone series by Shalvis yet, you are missing out on some of her best work. The characters aren’t connected, but the coastal town is … and every single book taking place there has been phenomenal.

Emma had me from the first page. She’s such a nice person, and the lumps that life has given her in the last year or so is just not fair. She’s picking herself up and trying to dust herself off, but life is just plain hard. I loved every minute of her personal growth.

Simon is the biggest sweetheart around. He might be a tough as nails physical therapist, but he has a heart of gold and I couldn’t have loved him more.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a small coastal town with attention grabbing characters who forge strong friendships and meander their way through the fields of life towards that special someone.

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* Review * HOW NOT TO MESS WITH A MILLIONAIRE by Regina Kyle

May 31, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HOW NOT TO MESS WITH A MILLIONAIRE by Regina Kyle

How Not to Mess with a Millionaire by Regina Kyle
Series: Mediterranean Millionaires #1
Published by Entangled: Indulgence on June 7, 2021
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Interior decorator Zoe Ryan’s life resembles a bad country song. Her boyfriend dumped her, her car died, and she was recently handed a pink slip. What’s a girl to do? Leave everything behind for a bit....in Positano, Italy. And when she gets there, she finds a surprising extra—millionaire restaurateur Dante Sabbatini in the kitchen. In his underwear. Making coffee. It’s suddenly not only hot outside, but exactly what is he doing inside, in her temporary kitchen?

Dante’s plan was to escape to his family’s beach house for some quiet and privacy. What he didn’t know was that his meddling, matchmaking nonna rented the entire house to a sexy stranger at the exact same time as his stay. It took him months to clear his schedule—there’s no way he’s leaving now.

With both refusing to leave, Zoe and Dante agree to be temporary roomies, but secretly aim to try to drive the other out. He plays his music as loud as he wants and will wear as little clothing as possible, and she’ll just go ahead and adopt that pig she fell in love with in town. But suddenly their game of one-upmanship takes a very sexy detour, and they can’t believe what happens next.

Regina Kyle brings all the feels with a side of laughter to the surface with this gem! HOW NOT TO MESS WITH A MILLIONAIRE is the first book in an exciting new Mediterranean Millionaires series by Kyle and takes us on a decadent jaunt through Italy. The setting was glorious, the romantic connection divine, and though I would have liked a tad more development on Zoe’s background, I utterly enjoyed their story and look forward to more in the series!

Zoe is a fun character to get to know. She’s recently dumped and without a job but that didn’t stop her from the trip of a lifetime she had planned. An handsome intruder in her vacation home though could be derailing.

Dante had my heart very quickly. He has a past that he hasn’t been able to put to rest yet and though he’s functioning in life, he’s got a heaviness to his heart that isn’t easing up.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance with laughter, heartache and desire all joining together to form a solid story of relatable characters.

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* Review * TEMPTING THE ENEMY by JC Harroway

May 31, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TEMPTING THE ENEMY by JC Harroway

Tempting the Enemy by JC Harroway
Series: Billionaire Bedmates #2
Published by Harlequin Dare on May 25, 2021
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These enemies don’t just turn up the heat—they’re about to set everything ablaze! Sterling Lombard’s plans for business rival Ava Hamilton are positively sinful in the sexy final installment of the Billionaire Bedmates duet from bestselling author JC Harroway.

Billionaire Sterling Lombard is about to make the biggest mistake he’s ever made—underestimating me. He’s beyond rich. He’s beyond powerful. And he’s the hottest man in Manhattan. But buying out my family’s company, my last remaining link to the loved ones I’ve lost? I’ll fight him with everything in me…despite having already botched our first meeting.

Instead of convincing him with my savvy business acumen, my libido took charge and seduced Mr. Lombard out of his ten-thousand-dollar suit. Now that he knows who I really am—and what I want from him—he isn’t about to let me off the hook.

It turns out he has a serious taste for revenge. He’s not shy about using it to make my blood boil—and my body sing with pleasure. So now I’m working for a ruthless businessman whom I crave with reckless defiance. But the only thing more dangerous than hating a man who’s hell-bent on getting vengeance…is falling in love with him.

A delectable enemies to lovers bombshell! With the second half of her Billionaire Bedmates duet JC Harroway delights with a passionate encounter that leads to all the feels in TEMPTING THE ENEMY. The characters were attention grabbing, their plight was sincere and their connection was more than they ever expected.

Ava steals a readers heart quickly with how personal this business dealing is to her. She’s undeniably tempted by him, but she has so much at stake.

Sterling has been a mystery since his ex-wife Monroe’s story so I was pleased to get to know him and his side of parts of their history. I enjoyed him a lot.

I recommend this book and the entire duet to anyone who enjoys a fast paced sensual story filled with angst, passion and happily ever afters.

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* Review * THE RIVAL by Kendall Ryan

May 30, 2021 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Rival by Kendall Ryan
Series: Looking to Score #2
on June 1, 2021
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Being stranded in remote Canada with a hottie?
Wasn’t part of my summer plans

Dump my cheating ex? Check.

Land an amazing job with Boston’s professional hockey franchise? Check.

Fall stupidly in love with hockey’s favorite bad boy? Ugh.

After wasting years of my life with the wrong person, I told myself all I wanted was a little no-strings fun. Enter Alex Braun—a wealthy, handsome, notorious playboy who’s equal parts charming and dangerous as hell to my wounded heart.

After enduring a very public breakup of his own, the sexy player doesn’t want to be anyone’s forever. Too bad he barreled his way into my heart, instead of just my bed.

But this professional athlete knows a thing or two about competing, and he won’t let go so easily.

Sweet, sensual and satisfying! With the second book in her Looking to Score hockey series Kendall Ryan brings a familiar face to the forefront as Alex moves on from his breakup and on to brighter skies. The story is sweet yet sexy and tempting yet comfortable. I’m looking forward to more in the series.

Alex is coming off as a nicer guy than we got the impression about in his ex Eden’s story. Two totally different sides to the breakup leave things a bit perplexed, but his match up with Aspen was very satisfying.

Aspen is a sweetheart. She’s been used and hung out to dry before, so she’s understandably gun shy, but the opportunity to have a no strings fling with the likes of Alex is too tempting to resist … only feelings start to grow, and that easy fling is looking like more!

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes a fast paced hockey romance that is light on the hockey, but filled with lots of tender moments.

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