Book Reviews – Page 95

* Review * RISING STAR by Jennifer Faye

May 17, 2022 Leave a Comment

Rising Star by Jennifer Faye
Series: Bluestar Island #4
Published by Lazy Dazy Press on April 19, 2022
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When Bluestar’s hometown celebrity unexpectedly returns to the island, there’s a heartbreaking scandal following her…

Country singer Emma “Em” Bell’s finally making headlines—just not the right ones. With a broken heart and doubts about her judgement, she's rethinking her future. Before she has time to sort out her feelings, her assistance is desperately needed. Bluestar’s Concert on the Beach summer spectacular is in trouble and her soon-to-be sister-in-law’s job is on the line.

Financial investor turned carpenter, Noah Sullivan, has retired from his high stress job due to health issues. He’s moved to Bluestar Island for a quiet, healthy lifestyle but when Emma blows into town, his days are anything but serene.

With all the small town counting on them, Noah and Emma must work past their conflicts to keep a promise to someone special to both of them. Will the summer’s sun soothe their tension and the sea breeze lull them into a peaceful surrender of their hearts?

This sentimental opposites attract story will have you loving Blue Star Island in no time! With the fourth book in the series we dive back into the heart of this small town where love seems to wrap itself around hearts when they least expect it. The characters are always endearing, the setting is cozy and sweet and the storyline had my attention from start to finish. I always enjoy my visit to Blue Star Island!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town filled with love, laughter and happily ever afters.

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* Release Blitz/Review * HOT SHOT’S MISTAKE by Gina Azzi

May 12, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * HOT SHOT’S MISTAKE by Gina Azzi

Hot Shot's Mistake by Gina Azzi
Series: Tennessee Thunderbolts #1
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on May 12, 2022
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Tangling up with my new physical therapist, Mila Lewis, is a mistake. One I can’t seem to stop making.

When I sign with the Tennessee Thunderbolts, I have two goals: prove my injury hasn’t benched my career and get back to New York.

But then, I meet Mila, the enigmatic therapist tasked with rehabbing my shoulder.

With her long ponytail, professional demeanor, and girl-next-door look, Mila is nothing like my usual type. She’s better—a good girl with sad eyes and a tragic past our small-town loves to dissect.

With the entire town up in her business, our budding connection is far from simple. I’m not staying, and Mila will never leave.

Deep down, I know I should walk away and let her find the happily-ever-after she deserves.

But I can’t. Not without showing her that it could be me.

And that may be the biggest mistake of all.

A rejuvenated NHL team is bursting into the spotlight! With the first book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series we are introduced to several familiar faces as players are traded, former players and coaches are stepping up to buy a franchise and new friendships and rivalries are paving the way forward. I loved the passion of the sport, the camaraderie of a newly formed team and the sweet family and love connection. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Mila is a sweetheart whose past imploded when she least expected it and she was left to pick up the pieces. I loved her spirit and watching her welcome happiness and love again.

Devon has a family support system that is to die for, and as he fights to overcome the injury that has been derailing him, he falls for life’s unexpected.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a hockey romance filled with love, laughter, and so much heart you’ll be hooked in no time!

Release Date: May 12

Tangling up with my new physical therapist, Mila Lewis, is a mistake. One I can’t seem to stop making.

When I sign with the Tennessee Thunderbolts, I have two goals: prove my injury hasn’t benched my career and get back to New York.

But then, I meet Mila, the enigmatic therapist tasked with rehabbing my shoulder.

With her long ponytail, professional demeanor, and girl-next-door look, Mila is nothing like my usual type.

She’s better—a good girl with sad eyes and a tragic past our small-town loves to dissect.

With the entire town up in her business, our budding connection is far from simple. I’m not staying, and Mila will never leave.

Deep down, I know I should walk away and let her find the happily-ever-after she deserves.

But I can’t. Not without showing her that it could be me.

And that may be the biggest mistake of all.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet Gina Azzi

I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family.

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina

Connect with Gina Azzi

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* Release Blitz/Review * RULE BREAKER by Stacey Lynn

May 10, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * RULE BREAKER by Stacey Lynn

Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn
Series: Las Vegas Vipers #3
on May 10, 2022
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Spending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays…

Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget.

The youth hockey league is a hell I didn’t plan on and the worst penalty possible…
Until the day a sweet, single mom cracks a joke about her kid, and then all bets are off.

I’m the best defenseman in professional hockey, but I didn’t see her coming… now what in the hell do I do? I’m not equipped for a relationship. I’m definitely not ready to have a kid depending on me, but I can’t deny she makes me feel things— want things I never imagined I could have.

I should save us both the trouble and stay far away from her. But rules were made to be broken, and I was never good at following them anyway.

He had me from hello! The Las Vegas Vipers series is addictive and book three kept that high energy and emotional pace up well. I loved the characters, the connections and the emotional growth as they worked towards their happily ever after. I can’t wait for more in the series!

Dominick is closed off and cold on the outside, but beneath the surface he’s a wounded soul who only wants the best for the little sister he adores. Watching him let Holly into his inner thoughts and fears was magical.

Holly is a doll. She’s had hard knocks like you wouldn’t believe, but she refuses to close her heart off to the good things in life and in the people around her.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a good hockey romance chock full of drama, friendship and sweet, sexy love!

Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn is now live!

Spending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays…

Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget.

The youth hockey league is a hell I didn’t plan on and the worst penalty possible…

Until the day a sweet, single mom cracks a joke about her kid, and then all bets are off.

I’m the best defenseman in professional hockey, but I didn’t see her coming… now what in the hell do I do? I’m not equipped for a relationship. I’m definitely not ready to have a kid depending on me, but I can’t deny she makes me feel things— want things I never imagined I could have.

I should save us both the trouble and stay far away from her. But rules were made to be broken, and I was never good at following them anyway.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Gs0J6f

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3IAHUyd

Nook: https://bit.ly/3qTIRf7

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3fQrtBF

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3tUlAeZ

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fiuF8L

Meet Stacey

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey

Website: www.staceylynnbooks.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6995826.Stacey_Lynn

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Lynn/e/B00CD6VVQG/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/staceylynnbooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/staceyssultryreaders/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/staceylynn.author

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/staceylynnbooks

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacey-lynn

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/staceylynnbooks/_created/

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* Release Blitz/Review * THE ROGUE by Kimberly Kincaid

May 10, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Rogue by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: The Intelligence Unit #4
Published by Kimberly Kincaid Romance on May 10, 2022
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The scars that cut deepest are the ones beneath the surface…

Detective Addison Hale is a survivor. The armor she uses to hide her scars keeps her safe on the job, and holding people at arm’s length is a small price to pay when there’s a stalker on the loose.
Especially since he’s after the sister of impulsive firefighter Ryan Dempsey, who she had a scorching-hot fling with two months ago.

The fling she can’t forget, even though she knows how dangerous it is to get close. To feel.

Ryan will do anything to keep his sister safe, even if it means he has to play by Addison’s rules. But when the stalker sets his sights on the smart, sexy detective, Ryan finds he’ll do anything for her, including risk his life to fight at her side.

But this enemy is as cunning as he is deadly and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Addison and Ryan must outrun the shadows and outwit a killer.

No matter the cost.

An emotional connection of danger and passion! The fourth book in The Intelligence Unit series continues the tradition of grabbing my attention from the start and keeping me spellbound throughout. I love the group of characters behind each core player in the romance this time and the danger aspect added a suspenseful thrill. Loved every minute of their story!

Addison is one tough cookie and she doesn’t let much get to her. The burning attraction she feels for Ryan is something that she lets slip through her cracks … just once … and then once more …

Ryan is a total sweetheart and getting to know his family side was heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a bit of suspense wrapped up into a close knit group of co-workers who became family to each other over the years as each one finds their forever love along the way.

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* Review * THE WRONG VICTIM by Allison Brennan

May 9, 2022 Leave a Comment

The Wrong Victim by Allison Brennan
Series: A Quinn & Costa Thriller #3
Published by MIRA on April 26, 202
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A bomb explodes on a sunset charter cruise out of Friday Harbor at the height of tourist season and kills everyone on board. Now this fishing and boating community is in shock and asking who would commit such a heinous crime—the largest act of mass murder in the history of the San Juan Islands.

Was the explosion an act of domestic terrorism, or was one of the dead the primary target? That is the first question Special Agent Matt Costa, Detective Kara Quinn and the rest of the FBI team need to answer, but they have few clues and no witnesses.

Accused of putting profits before people after leaking fuel endangered an environmentally sensitive preserve, the West End Charter company may itself have been the target. As Matt and his team get closer to answers, they find one of their own caught in the crosshairs of a determined killer.

An explosion sets the stage for various mysteries colliding! The third book in the Quinn and Costa Thriller series was a bit slow to start, but once Quinn and Costa were introduced into the scene it all began coming together a bit. Various suspects kept us guessing as danger lurked, secrets were uncovered and nefarious plots were carried out. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and follow and a few things got lost in the translation along the way, but the suspense kept me going forward and the end road was satisfying.

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* Review * THE ADOPTION by Jenna Kernan

May 9, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Adoption by Jenna Kernan
Published by Bookouture on May 11, 2022
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Your little girl is all yours… isn’t she?

Dani and her husband Tate’s life together is almost perfect. But Dani is haunted by guilt for causing a terrible car accident that left her unable to have children. She can’t remember why she was driving so fast that day or where she was going. Her therapist says she should try to move on.

So when their application to adopt is accepted, Dani sobs with joy. As perfect little Willow nestles in her arms, Dani looks at Tate’s loving smile and knows he will always provide for his family, no matter what.

When Dani sees a woman staring as she pushes Willow’s stroller around the safe, gated Florida community where they live, she tells herself it’s simply an admiring passer-by. After all, Dani herself used to watch the local moms and wish she was in their shoes.

But when Dani wakes in the night to find Willow’s crib empty, their perfect life becomes a nightmare.

In her frantic distress for her daughter, Dani’s memories of the accident flash through her mind. And with a jolt she realises: everyone around her has been lying about that day.

Will Dani find out the truth before it’s too late for her baby girl?

Or will facing her own dark secrets tear them all apart?

Emotional twists and turns will grab your attention! I was captivated by the premise of this story, however it fell flat in the end for me. There was much potential as the story unfolded, yet a good bit of repetitive and disjointed prose made the connection sag. I liked the character depiction, the development was iffy because of time shifts and overall confusion of what was happening and who was truly in the story. I felt the very end gave a little more insight into what the author was going for, but not a favorite by this author for me. Holes needed to be filled, more concise suspense needed to be in place and less retelling of the same happenings or feelings.

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* Review * FOREVER YOURS by Jules Bennett

May 9, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Forever Yours by Jules Bennett
Series: A Haven Novella
Published by Jules Bennett on May 10, 2022
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Ex-military turned small-town pilot Brock Monroe has never forgotten his high school sweetheart…or the heartbreak she caused when she left town. But when she returns years later for a birthday celebration, Brock is taken off guard and can’t help but wonder if there’s any spark left between them.

Alli Foster is too much of a free-spirit to stay in one place for very long. She’s allowed herself one week in Haven to visit her family, but then she runs into Brock and all of those old feelings resurface.

When Alli gets caught in an innocent little lie with her family, Brock comes to her rescue as her faux date. Will their ruse of playing pretend turn into their happily-ever-after?

A sweet return to Haven, Georgia! This novella is a quick dash back into the town we fell in love with a few years back in The Monroes series. I highly enjoyed the catch up with some treasured characters and enjoyed every minute of their story. That said, I think you need to go back and read The Monroes series first in order to pick up on the nuances depicted in this story. There wasn’t any true relationship development because it’s a short story, but it’s sweet none-the-less.

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* Review * THE DACHSHUND WEARS PRADA by Stefanie London

May 3, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Dachshund Wears Prada by Stefanie London
Series: Paws in the City #1
Published by HQN Books on May 3, 2022
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How do you start over when the biggest mistake of your life has more than one million views?

Forget diamonds—the internet is forever. Social media consultant Isla Thompson learned that lesson the hard way when she went viral for all the wrong reasons. A month later, Isla is still having nightmares about the moment she ruined a young starlet’s career and made herself the most unemployable influencer in Manhattan. But she doesn’t have the luxury of hiding until she’s no longer Instagram poison. Not when her fourteen-year-old sister, Dani, needs Isla to keep a roof over their heads. So, she takes the first job she can get: caring for Camilla, a glossy-maned, foul-tempered hellhound.

After a week of ferrying Camilla from playdates to pet psychics, Isla starts to suspect that the dachshund’s bark is worse than her bite—just like her owner, Theo Garrison. Isla has spent her career working to make people likable and here’s Theo—happy to hide behind his reputation as a brutish recluse. But Theo isn’t a brute—he’s sweet and funny, and Isla should not see him as anything but the man who signs her paychecks. Because loving Theo would mean retreating to his world of secluded luxury, and Isla needs to show Dani that no matter the risk, dreams are always worth chasing.

London stole my heart … with a snooty, opinionated dog! With the first book in the new Paws in the City series I was delighted to meet Camilla the dachshund who stole the show and warmed my heart. I was quickly hooked with attention grabbing characters, storylines and witty banter. Adorable, sweet, emotional and let’s not forget the steamy goodness all rolled into one addictive read! I cannot wait for more to come in this series.

Isla’s conundrum kicks off the book and sets the stage for her interaction with adorable Camilla. She was easy to like and heartwarming.

Theo tried his best to come across as gruff and unfeeling, but his depth was there from the very start. I really liked him and felt for his situation.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an animal playing a large part in the meeting of the core couple and a mixture of humor, emotion and happily ever after throughout.

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* Review * MONTANA DESIRE by Jose Jade and Janie Crouch

April 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Montana Desire by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
Series: Resting Warrior Ranch #3
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on April 26, 2022
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No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

Grant Carter knows that fact intimately. The shrapnel sitting on his spine from an IED is a daily reminder.

But the constant pain won’t stop him from working at the Resting Warrior Ranch, training service and emotional support animals to help people with PTSD—something else he’s intimately familiar with.

He’ll fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When his neighbor, shy veterinarian Cori Jackson, is humiliated by her ex-boyfriend for things she’d like to experiment with in bed, Grant is more than happy to show her real men aren’t threatened by an adventurous spirit.

The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes the literal girl-next-door is the one for him. And when Cori finds herself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy surrounding the animals she treats, Grant will make sure she makes it out alive.

He's a fighter. Was one in the Navy SEALs and still is one today. And he’ll fight for Cori.

Even if it costs him everything.

Grant and Cori are everything! The third book in the Resting Warrior Ranch series brings on all the feels as Grant and Cori electrify the pages with their sexual chemistry and warm our hearts with their sincerity. I loved every minute of their story and am looking forward to the next book to come in the series!

Grant is a sweetheart who puts everyone above himself even when he’s at a hard point in his life. I loved his kind heart.

Cori is adorable. She’s determined to succeed and refuses to let her problems derail her dreams.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a bit of a suspense mixed with a passionate love story with the strong back drop of a group of friends helping each other and those in need as they each settle into forever.

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* Review * WEDDING SEASON by Michelle Major

April 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Wedding Season by Michelle Major
Series: The Carolina Girls #3
Published by HQN Books on April 26, 2022
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The last person she wants to see in Magnolia, North Carolina, could be exactly whom she’s been waiting for…

Mariella Jacob was one of the world’s premier bridal designers, but one viral PR disaster later, she’s trying to get her torpedoed career back on track in small-town Magnolia, North Carolina. With a secondhand store and a new business venture helping her friends turn the Wildflower Inn into a wedding venue, Mariella is finally putting at least one mistake behind her. Until that mistake—in the glowering, handsome form of Alex Ralsten—moves to Magnolia too.

Mariella ruined Alex’s wedding by announcing that his starlet bride-to-be was sleeping with Mariella’s fiancé. While he’s furious when they’re forced to work together, there’s no denying Mariella is hardworking, talented…and gorgeous. In fact, though Alex keeps reminding himself that they’re enemies, something deeper is growing…daring them to admit that a rocky past might lead to something unexpectedly wonderful.

Magnolia always entertains! The third book in The Carolina Girls series takes us back to small town Magnolia and the ladies planning weddings at the Wildflower Inn. I enjoyed the setting, the humor is always spot on and the romance is so yummy. I’m looking forward to more to come from the town!

Mariella is hardnosed and bitter, but she really shined in her story once she let her guard down a bit and let her soul begin to heal.

Alex is a doll. He’s successful, he’s heartfelt and he found just the right spot for Mariella in his heart.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a romance in a small town setting with tons of heart, chuckles galore and always such an endearing happily ever after.

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