Book Reviews – Page 97

* Release Blitz/Review * STONE by Sawyer Bennett

March 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * STONE by Sawyer Bennett

Stone by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #2
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on March 1, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Minor league player Stone Dumelin lost his younger brother when the Titans’ team plane went down. He never expected the phone call that followed.

After a shoulder injury put my NHL career on ice, I resigned myself to the fact I’d never see my way out of the minor league again. As my career faded, my estranged brother’s star shot into orbit as the first line left winger for the Pittsburgh Titans. But when the team’s plane crashed returning home one night, his light was snuffed out, and I was given the opportunity of a lifetime.

Now I’m in Pittsburgh, playing for the Titans, and face-to-face with my dead brother’s ghost at every turn. His locker, his legacy, his persistent and annoyingly gorgeous attorney who won’t stop contacting me about his estate, even though I’ve demanded she leave me alone.

Harlow Alston would be extremely appealing if she wasn’t so aggravating. Only…that’s a complete lie. She pushes all the right buttons for me, and as much as I want her to quit pestering me about Brooks’s estate, I find myself intrigued by the fiery redhead who can’t take no for an answer. And the more I learn about Harlow, the more I find she might be the key to understanding who Brooks really was, and who I want to be.

I’ve got a second shot at a career I thought I’d lost and the opportunity to build something real with Harlow, but can I find strength to move forward or will my past dictate my future?

He had me from hello! We all knew Sawyer Bennett’s Pittsburgh Titans series was going to be a heartstring puller from the moment we learned almost the entire team perished in a plane crash mid-season, but no one prepared me for STONE! I felt his emotions, his pain, his heart. I loved every minute of this emotional journey of healing.

Stone’s story is full of angst and hope. Disappointment, grief, acknowledgement of what he should have done better and most importantly acceptance to move forward after the pain and reach for the stars.

Harlow is outspoken and so real and I love that Brooks sent her to Stone.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance that has equal parts emotion as romance and sports. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Stone (Pittsburgh Titans, Book 2)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: March 1, 2022

Synopsis:

Minor league player Stone Dumelin lost his younger brother when the Titans’ team plane went down. He never expected the phone call that followed.

After a shoulder injury put my NHL career on ice, I resigned myself to the fact I’d never see my way out of the minor league again. As my career faded, my estranged brother’s star shot into orbit as the first line left winger for the Pittsburgh Titans. But when the team’s plane crashed returning home one night, his light was snuffed out, and I was given the opportunity of a lifetime.

Now I’m in Pittsburgh, playing for the Titans, and face-to-face with my dead brother’s ghost at every turn. His locker, his legacy, his persistent and annoyingly gorgeous attorney who won’t stop contacting me about his estate, even though I’ve demanded she leave me alone.

Harlow Alston would be extremely appealing if she wasn’t so aggravating. Only…that’s a complete lie. She pushes all the right buttons for me, and as much as I want her to quit pestering me about Brooks’s estate, I find myself intrigued by the fiery redhead who can’t take no for an answer. And the more I learn about Harlow, the more I find she might be the key to understanding who Brooks really was, and who I want to be.

I’ve got a second shot at a career I thought I’d lost and the opportunity to build something real with Harlow, but can I find strength to move forward or will my past dictate my future?

Download Stone (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #2):

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Print

Buy direct from Sawyer Bennett: https://bit.ly/Store_Stone

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

✦ Facebook: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_FB
✦ Reader group: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_NEP
✦ Twitter: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_TW
✦ Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG
✦ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR
✦ BookBub: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BB
✦ Newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * ONLY ONE LOVE by Natasha Madison

March 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * ONLY ONE LOVE by Natasha Madison

Only One Love by Natasha Madison
Series: Only One Series #7
on March 1, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Wilson
I was the bad boy on and off the ice.
I loved it — owned it.
Hockey. Women. Money.
Until she came into the picture.
Now, all I want to do is be better.
I want to prove to myself I don’t have to be the guy everyone thinks I am.
She knocked down the walls I spent my whole life building.

Franny
My last name opened the doors, but proving I was worth the title of TV producer took all of my time.
He walked in with a chip on his shoulder.
I was happy to point out all his flaws.
Falling for him was inevitable.
When scandal hits, no one expected me to stand by his side.
Not even him.
But I’ve learned that you get only one love.

They are irresistible! Natasha Madison knows how to endear a bad boy hockey player to her reader’s heart and Wilson is a prime example. He’s trouble, but he’s a sweetheart. I loved seeing him fall for a strong go-getter like Franny! Relatable characters, lots of laughs and heartfelt emotions and a backdrop of her fun-loving fam made for a really great read!

Franny and her take no prisoners attitude made this book! She’s not afraid to set out on her own and put her stamp on the world and falling for hockey’s biggest bad boy doesn’t daunt her in the least.

Wilson is so much fun to read. He’s had hard knocks in life, and he’s overcome a lot, but he doesn’t let anything stop him when it comes to the game and the woman he can’t believe he gets the honor of loving.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series if you love a hockey series filled with angst, passion and a whole lot of laughs. Love these guys!

Release Date: March 1

From USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new standalone sports romance. The seventh installment of the Only One Series. A spin off from the Something So Series and This is Series

Wilson

I was the bad boy on and off the ice.

I loved it — owned it.

Hockey. Women. Money.

Until she came into the picture.

Now, all I want to do is be better.

I want to prove to myself I don’t have to be the guy everyone thinks I am.

She knocked down the walls I spent my whole life building.

Franny

My last name opened the doors, but proving I was worth the title of TV producer took all of my time.

He walked in with a chip on his shoulder.

I was happy to point out all his flaws.

Falling for him was inevitable.

When scandal hits, no one expected me to stand by his side.

Not even him.

But I’ve learned that you get only one love.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet Natasha Madison

When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

Connect with Natasha Madison

Facebook| Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Reader Group

Follow on Amazon | Follow on BookBub | Subscribe to Newsletter

Hosted By:

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * MAKE ME YOUR VILLAIN by Lani Lynn Vale

February 28, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MAKE ME YOUR VILLAIN by Lani Lynn Vale

Make Me Your Villain by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Battle Crows MC #2
on March 8, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Flaws—he has them.
Laws? He breaks them.
Dues? He’s paid them.
Scars? He bares them proudly.
Lessons? He’s learned them.
Problems? He has one.
Her name is Iris, and she’s the one thing in his life that he can’t control.

Unputdownable goodness! Lani Lynn Vale knows how to wrap a man around her reader’s heart no matter how bad he seems to think he is. Shine is rough and sweet all rolled up into one package of holy hotness and I loved every minute of the second book in the Battle Crows MC series. As always, there is a lot happening in a fast paced nature, so there’s a tad here or there that could be developed more, but MAKE ME YOUR VILLAIN had me hooked quickly, held my attention throughout and left me fully satisfied. I can’t wait for more in the series!

Iris has had a hard life, and it is really comforting to see her finally have someone in her corner who will be there for her through thick and thin with no strings and no expectations.

Callum is a teddy bear when it comes to Iris and I loved watching the two of them fall hard and fast for each other.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a group of alpha men with feisty women at their sides standing up for what’s right and being willing to do what needs to be done to keep their loved ones safe.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE CHASE by Victoria Denault

February 28, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CHASE by Victoria Denault

The Chase by Victoria Denault
Series: Racing Hearts #1
on February 28, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

They crashed and burned in the past, but The Chase is on again.

Frankie
I grew up on the track, surrounded by race car drivers. I loved it.
But along with the good times came some really bad ones. So, I left that life behind and didn’t look back.
Until now.
I never thought I’d care enough about the family legacy to take control when my dad retired. But…I did
So now I’m in charge of a racing team that includes the man who kissed me, then ghosted me before that was even a thing. Sadly, he’s as sexy as ever.
But if he thinks my heart will be his next big win, he's sorely mistaken.

Billy
I was worried when Frankie took over Mirabella Racing.
Not for the team. She could handle that. I was worried for me—the guy she hates.
Problem is, I don’t hate her. She’s…everything.
But in my line of work, relationships are complicated at best, dangerous at worst. Not to mention, now she’s my boss.
Even with all those red flags, I still can’t stop trying to charm my way into her bed.
She won’t make it easy. But I love a good chase…

I was hooked from start to finish! I’ve been a fan of Victoria Denault’s hockey heroes for awhile now, so when I saw she was going to give racing a try, I was all in and I was NOT disappointed. THE CHASE is the first book in her brand new Racing Hearts series and brings us a reconnection of passing teen infatuation when the new boss of up and coming racer Billy is the one that got away a decade ago. Great characters with an interesting back story, a touch of mystery along the way and a whole lot of yummy racing stamina!

Billy is a total sweetheart and I enjoyed seeing him get the girl in the end.

Frankie was a whole lot of drama and mystery, but she had such a good personality. I enjoyed seeing her finally get answers for the past and reconnect with the guy she wanted from the word go.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good sports romance with lots of angst, turmoil and desire mixed up with a whole lot of heart. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ONE NIGHT CONSEQUENCE by Yvonne Lindsay

February 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE NIGHT CONSEQUENCE by Yvonne Lindsay

One Night Consequence by Yvonne Lindsay
Series: Clashing Birthrights #4
Published by Harlequin Desire on February 22, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

An unexpected visitor

leads to a surprise that rocks her world…

After being in a controlling relationship, hotelier Stevie Nickerson won’t let anyone take away her hard-earned independence. So when construction CEO Fletcher Richmond, her deceased husband’s best friend, unexpectedly strolls into her boutique hotel for a little R and R, she’s leery to say the least. But when innocent flirting leads to off-limits innuendo, she ends up in his bed…and expecting his baby. With Fletcher insisting on marriage and providing a boost to her business, will Stevie rebuff his bossy moves…or let her guarded heart melt?

Captivating! With the fourth book in her Clashing Birthrights series Yvonne Lindsay continues to bring us the stories of Douglas Richmond’s children as they each come to grips with his deception and what it has means for their futures. ONE NIGHT CONSEQUENCE centers around Fletcher, his unhappiness with the job and family dynamic these days and his reunion with the lady that drew his attention the moment he met her as his BFF’s love. The characters are compelling, the back stories are powerful and their interaction is addictive. Really enjoying this series, though I felt a lack of connection to the other side of the fam compared to the previous books in the series.

Stevie is understandably leery after her past relationship, but in my opinion she was a bit too heavy handed in her attitude with Fletcher considering what a kind, easy going guy he was.

Fletcher feels a lot of family pressure and the peace it brings to run into Stevie and spend some time away from it all is well deserved and most needed.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a lot of family drama at the heart of the story as one sibling after another finds their forever love.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * REDEEMED BY HER MIDSUMMER KISS by Liz Fielding

February 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * REDEEMED BY HER MIDSUMMER KISS by Liz Fielding

Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss by Liz Fielding
Published by Harlequin Romance on February 22, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

An escape to the country

A kiss to reawaken them both…

Honeysuckle Rose finds much-needed solace in her great aunt’s garden. But her peace is threatened by her distracting and brooding neighbor, Lucien Grey. Once a high-flying news reporter, Lucien returned from the front line a changed man. Honey can see that beneath his frosty exterior is a heart waiting to be thawed. Can their unexpected but impossible-to-ignore midsummer kiss be the beginning of a fresh start…together?

Temptingly sweet! REDEEMED BY HER MIDSUMMER KISS by Liz Fielding takes us into the hearts of a pair of souls who are wounded and attempting to put the pieces of their minds and hearts back together again. The back stories are intriguing and though it was slightly confusing putting the pieces together in the beginning, they kept me captivated throughout. I highly enjoyed their story.

Lucien is a kind man at heart who thinks the scars he carries in his mind after reporting in war zones and returning home has changed who he is forever. Watching him accept peace with Honey by his side was heartwarming.

Honey is quite the character and easily brought smiles to my face often as I read her.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gentle romance brewing between two wounded characters as they help one another find their footing again.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE BEST KEPT SECRET by Tawna Fenske

February 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BEST KEPT SECRET by Tawna Fenske

The Best Kept Secret by Tawna Fenske
Series: Where There’s Smoke #3
Published by Entangled: Amara on February 22, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Nurse Nyla Franklin knows three things to be true. Taking care of others brings more joy than a basket full of kittens. A triple-fudge sundae can cure just about anything. And no good ever comes from keeping a secret… So when her best friend spills his biggest one ever, Nyla knows she’s not just holding a secret. She’s holding a ticking time bomb.

Mr. Always Does the Right Thing Leo Sayre knows three things to be true. Piloting smokejumpers over burning forests is the best job in the world. His best friend Nyla is the smartest, funniest, and okay, sexiest woman ever. And pain meds are apparently his truth serum. Now his post-surgery confession has everything flipped upside down and turned inside out… including his relationship with Nyla.

Secrets have a way of piling up, and it’s just a matter of time before someone lights a match. Because while the truth can set you free, it can also burn completely out of control…

Tawna Fenske always delivers a generous dose of heart, laughter and steamy goodness! With the third book in her Where There’s Smoke series, Fenske once again had me at hello with her signature snark and laugh out loud moments. THE BEST KEPT SECRET revolves around Nyla and Leo and the family drama that will either make them or break them. We didn’t really have interaction with the former couples in the series, but it felt complete even without it.

I loved Leo! He’s kind, he’s down-to-earth and most of all he’s committed to the things and people that mean the world to him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of laughter mixed into your romance. Heartfelt characters plagued by serious issues still found time to be real.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE COST OF THEIR ROYAL FLING by Lucy Monroe

February 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE COST OF THEIR ROYAL FLING by Lucy Monroe

The Cost of Their Royal Fling by Lucy Monroe
Series: Princesses by Royal Decree #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on February 22, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

The only man to tempt her?

A prince!

Jenna Beals put love to one side and worked hard to achieve her dream career as a fashion journalist. So when she’s catapulted into an incendiary fling with gorgeous Prince Dimitri, she knows it has an expiration date—she’s not looking for a crown!

Dimitri’s mission to discover who’s leaking palace secrets led him to Jenna, but their passion-filled tryst reveals someone who sees him for more than his royal title. As their connection deepens, could the truth cost him the only woman who could truly be his

Electrifying sexual tension! Lucy Monroe does NOT disappoint with the third Merikov prince in her Princess by Royal Decree series. Dimitri just might be my favorite of the three, but don’t tell Nik and Kon! He’s self-assured and direct, but a genuinely nice guy with a warm heart. I really enjoyed getting to know him and seeing him fall in love.

Jenna is accomplished and goes after what she wants in life, but when her ability to protect those around her comes into question, it really throws her for a loop.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a dramatic royal romance with a lot of genuine affection and modern day situations.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH by Elle James

February 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH by Elle James

Held Hostage at Whiskey Gulch by Elle James
Series: The Outriders Series #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 22, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Guarding her 24/7…just became his most important mission.

To discover what real life is about, Outrider Joseph "Irish" Monahan left the army. But the former Delta Force soldier still needs his military skills. A masked stalker is attempting to murder Tessa Bolton, and Irish is assigned to be her bodyguard. Though the fiercely independent nurse resists his protection, Irish won't back down…or abandon his mission to catch the killer and keep Tessa alive.

Filled with mystery, heart and just the right amount of romance! Elle James has not lost her touch one bit with the third book in her always exciting Outriders Series. HELD HOSTAGE AT WHISKEY GULCH quickly delves into the heart of a mystery and held my attention whole-heartedly throughout. The ending was a tad too abrupt for my liking and I would have liked for loose ends to have been tied up a little more, but overall a great addition to the series and left me hungry for the next book!

I adored Irish and his determination to protect Tessa after seeing her in danger. He’s sweet, down-to-earth and just what she needs in her life.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who likes an action packed, fast paced mystery with a healthy dose of romance mixed in to the mix.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE HERO NEXT DOOR by Carrie Nichols

February 21, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE HERO NEXT DOOR by Carrie Nichols

The Hero Next Door by Carrie Nichols
Series: Small-Town Sweethearts #6
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on February 22, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Love—and kittens—to the rescue!

Olive Downing has big dreams for her Victorian bed-and-breakfast. She doesn’t need her handsome new neighbor pointing out the flaws in her plan. But Cal Pope isn’t the average busybody. The gruff firefighter can be sweet, charming—and the perfect partner for the town fundraiser. Then Cal surprises her with two adorable rescue kittens. Maybe there’s a soft heart underneath his rough exterior that needs rescuing, too…

Two unlikely hearts ignite in the latest book in Carrie Nichols’ Small-Town Sweethearts series and bring on all the feels! THE HERO NEXT DOOR brings town newcomer Olive and all around good guy Cal into each others lives with a smidge of an enemies to lovers feel. I was quickly hooked on both the characters as well as the town interaction.

Olive is sincere and sweet and made me want to see her succeed right off the bat.

Cal is well-liked and kind-hearted but thinks he needs to distance himself from Olive before she wants more than he can give. Their predicament is humorous and heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet small town setting to your romance with a touch of drama, a bit of passion and a whole lot of heart.

Filed Under: Book Reviews