Archives for July 2022

* Review * LAKESIDE MYSTERY by Carol Ericson

July 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LAKESIDE MYSTERY by Carol Ericson

Lakeside Mystery by Carol Ericson
Series: The Lost Girls #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

He’ll have to trust a woman who knows too much

To solve his biggest homicide case yet

LAPD detective Denver Holt doesn’t know what to make of true crime blogger Ashlynn Hughes—no matter how attracted he is to her. The stubborn writer has inside information that can help him crack his biggest homicide case yet. But as anonymous tips carry them further into danger, Denver wonders if he can keep a target off Ashlynn’s back…or if she’ll be silenced for good.

An intricate mystery! The second book in The Lost Girls series brought a new mystery to the forefront that held ties to ongoing drama. I enjoyed the characters and the course of their investigation quite a bit but I felt like there were some holes that weren’t developed and a very abrupt ending without a real relationship foundation.

Ashlynn is a compelling character with both the sympathy aspect as well as the intrigue going for her.

Denver is interesting, but to truly delve into him I wanted to know more about his past and particularly why Sean was throwing his mother under the bus in his dad’s case.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a high amount of intrigue mixed with a hint of romance and tidbits of family drama.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * INNOCENT IN HER ENEMY’S BED by Dani Collins

July 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INNOCENT IN HER ENEMY’S BED by Dani Collins

Innocent in Her Enemy's Bed by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Keeping her enemy close…
…means getting far closer than she thought!

Ilona Callas is aware that Leander Vasilou will do anything for revenge against her stepfamily. She just never pictured herself becoming the formidable Greek businessman’s ally! Yet uniting with Leander will give Ilona freedom and financial independence for the first time.

Since clawing his way to the top after being betrayed, Leander exists alone. Ilona should be his ticket to vengeance…until an explosive moment of intimacy changes everything. So begins a sensual back-and-forth that will lead to one place: their marriage bed!

This enemies-to-lovers story comes to life quickly and does not disappoint! With a cast of formidable players, I was quickly drawn into the sweet innocence of Ilona and the steadfast relentlessness of Leander. I was hooked from start to finish and really enjoyed their story.

Ilona is an accomplished, sweet woman who has been mistreated a lot throughout her life, so to see her have an awakening of what life will be like out from under the cloud she’s existed in is very satisfying.

Leander is cold and calculating in his vendetta for revenge, but Ilona brings out a warmth in him that even he doesn’t recognize.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys family drama mixed with vengeful lust and attraction as they find themselves falling into an amazing happily ever after.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BODY HEAT by Carly Phillips

July 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Body Heat by Carly Phillips
Series: Simply Series #4
Published by CP Publishing on July 19, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Not much has stirred Detective Jake Lowell’s interest since a perp put a bullet in his shoulder, killed his partner, then walked on a technicality. Until a sexy waitress at a tiny neighborhood café catches his eye.

Physical therapy is the last thing on Jake’s want-to-do list, but he needs it to get back on the street and track down the killer. But what’s a guy to do when he meets his new PT—and it’s his smoking hot café angel?

Working two jobs, Brianne Nelson never expected to do more than fantasize about Mr. Tall, Tanned and Gorgeous. But when her new private PT client turns out to be the man who fuels her fantasies, she realizes she’s going to be seeing a lot more of him—in the flesh—than she bargained for.

It’s not long before skin-on-skin contact turns into a hot summer fling. But the killer Jake is after isn’t going down without a fight and more than their hearts could get caught in the crossfire…

Note: This title was originally published in 2002 by Harlequin Blaze. It appears here in its original glory, without substantial revision.

A classic case of instant attraction! Interesting characters, a hint of danger throughout and satisfying chemistry. This is a re-release of a Harlequin Blaze by Carly Phillips that was released a couple of decades ago, and while satisfying, it’s not what a current reader typically expects from Phillips. Her writing style has grown stronger over the years and this one felt a little flat because of it’s age. I enjoyed it, just not my fav by the author.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * WYOMING PROMISE by Anna J. Stewart

July 14, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WYOMING PROMISE by Anna J. Stewart

Wyoming Promise by Anna J. Stewart
Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A reunion with a twist…
May save the day!

After a near-fatal day on the job, firefighter Ryder Talbot's finally back in Eagle Springs, Wyoming, and ready for a new start with his daughter. Seeing Corliss Blackwell again stirs up old feelings he tried to leave behind. Now that Corliss needs his help to close a deal on a loan that will save her gran’s ranch, can he finally prove they’re worth taking a chance on?

Dreams do come true! From the moment I met sly, cantankerous Elias Blackwell in the first Return of the Blackwell Brothers series from Harlequin Heartwarming in 2018, I have been addicted to this family and their loving drama. I adored the Blackwell Sisters series in 2020 and I hoped we’d see this family again and I’m so so happy to have a third installment with another branch of the family intermingling with Big E and the gang with this new Blackwells of Eagle Springs kickoff! The characters are endearing and addictive, the drama is subtle yet highly motivating and the happily ever after was such a satisfying reward! I can’t wait for more of the Flying Spurs Ranch!

Corliss and her devout belief that she can save their struggling ranch hooked me to the story quickly. She’s accomplished and steadfast and easy to like and root for.

Ryder is the loyalest best friend a gal could have and having him come back to town to heal and reconnect with his daughter with friends and family by his side is very rewarding.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with loads of family drama going on as love sneaks up on them and shows them they are worth it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * RHETT REDEEMED by Chantal Fernando

July 14, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RHETT REDEEMED by Chantal Fernando

Rhett Redeemed by Chantal Fernando
Series: Knights & Dragons MC #2
Published by Carina Press on July 26, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Life is about choices. He had a history of making bad ones.

Ready for a New Start

United with her newly discovered half sister, Constance Wilder finally has a family. She should be happy, but she’s not. Instead, she’s even lonelier, which is why a one-night stand with a sexy biker is just what she needs. A few hours of wild sex won’t just bring her pleasure—it will help her forget.

A Series of Bad Choices

Rhett did what was necessary to step into his role as leader of the Wind Dragons MC, which included cutting ties with the woman he loved. He wouldn’t change it, but that doesn’t make it easier. Thankfully, the beautiful woman across the bar is a welcome distraction. He never expected her to light a spark inside him, leaving him wanting more.

Destined for Disaster

Constance falls hard for Rhett. Not only is she pretty sure he’s her soul mate, but he’s the one person she has connected to in a long time. But when it is revealed that Rhett is her sister’s ex, Constance is faced with losing her newly found family, making happily-ever-after seem damn near impossible.

Highly addictive and sensually satisfying! With the second book in the Knights and Dragons MC series Chantal Fernando brings a familiar face to the forefront and reunites Rhett with love and happiness when his life after Cara turns dramatic when he accidently falls for her half-sister Constance! The characters are down-to-earth and real and the situation is dramatic yet comforting. I would recommend that you read the first book in the series so you are familiar with Rhett’s past and get to know the story behind Cara and Decker and company before reading this one so you’ll get the full affect.

Con is a sweetheart and really is misunderstand and judged way more than she deserves. I really enjoyed seeing her fall for Rhett and get to be loved for herself.

Rhett made decisions that made him the bad guy, but his heart is good and seeing him with Con is really sweet.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a laid back MC romance that has a group of close knit friends and family who will do anything for the other as love comes knocking when they least expect it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

July 14, 2022 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

The Trouble with Whiskey by Melissa Foster
Series: The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch #1
Published by World Literary Press on July 20, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

She’s the only woman he’s ever loved, and the one he could never have…
Years after losing one of their best friends to a dare gone wrong, Devlin “Dare” Whiskey continues to live up to his name, endlessly testing fate, while Billie Mancini buried the best parts of herself. Billie is beautiful and tough, and battling demons Dare has no idea exist. But Dare is done watching her pretend to be something she’s not and takes on his most important challenge yet—showing the woman he loves that some dares are worth the risk.

I don’t know where Melissa Foster keeps coming up with these sexy, sweet, and heart melting men she creates, but I’m here for every single one of them! Redemption Ranch might just be my new favorite hangout if all of the men residing there are going to be as yummy as Dare. He stole my heart early in the book and didn’t let go throughout. Highly emotional, sexually scrumptious and addictive as all get out!

Devlin “Dare” Whiskey is the epitome of a good-hearted man. He loves hard and he doesn’t forget it a day of his life.

Billie is easy to understand even though she walked away from so much in her life when tragedy struck. I enjoyed seeing her work through healing and re-engaging with those who love her so much.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sexy as sin hero who has a heart of gold and isn’t afraid to shout his love from the rooftops.

THE TROUBLE WITH WHISKEY

The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch

Melissa Foster

Releasing July 20, 2022

World Literary Press

Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch, a new small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horses—and people—a second chance. Buckle up for a wild ride in Hope Ridge, Colorado, as these big-hearted badasses and their sassy sisters wrangle in their forever loves. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and always a happily ever after.

She’s the only woman he’s ever loved, and the one he could never have…

Years after losing one of their best friends to a dare gone wrong, Devlin “Dare” Whiskey continues to live up to his name, endlessly testing fate, while Billie Mancini buried the best parts of herself. Billie is beautiful and tough, and battling demons Dare has no idea exist. But Dare is done watching her pretend to be something she’s not and takes on his most important challenge yet—showing the woman he loves that some dares are worth the risk.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58754487-the-trouble-with-whiskey

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/324539

Sneak Peek: https://melissafoster.com/the-trouble-with-whiskey-sneak-peek/

Buy Link

➜Kindle US: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_Kindle

➜Kindle worldwide: https://smarturl.it/TWW_Kindle

➜Apple: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_Apple

➜Nook: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_BN

➜Kobo: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_Kobo

➜GPlay: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW_GPlay

➜Standard Paperback: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW

➜Special edition paperbacks / hardbacks with bonus content: https://melissafoster.com/TTWW

➜Audible: COMING SOON (narrated by Jacob Morgan and Savannah Peachwood)

Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling and award-winning 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

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * MONTANA MYSTERY by Josie Jade/Janie Crouch

July 14, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MONTANA MYSTERY by Josie Jade/Janie Crouch

Montana Mystery by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
Series: Resting Warrior Ranch #4
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on July 12, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Some nightmares you don’t wake up from.

Noah Scott spent two months in an enemy prison camp but made it out alive—unlike most of his SEAL team. He’s one of the lucky ones but doesn’t always feel that way with his scarred body and daily fight against PTSD.

Working with the animals at the Resting Warrior Ranch helps. So what if he trains service dogs, fosters a couple of kittens, and has an alpaca as one of his best friends?

He’ll take whatever holds back the darkness.

When beautiful Kate Tillbeck arrives at the Resting Warrior Ranch neck deep in danger, Noah knows he can’t stand by silently. Especially when the threat centers around a dog fighting ring—and some of the pups he trained may be involved.

But to save the animals he loves and the woman he can’t get out of his mind, Noah will have to embrace the darkness he’s pushed down for years.

And hope he doesn’t lose himself in the process.

Chock full of suspense, danger and sexual chemistry! The fourth book in the Resting Warrior Ranch series continues to delve into the former soldier’s lives that founded this ranch to help fellow soldiers suffering from PTSD as they are hot on the heals of a dog fighting ring in the neighboring area. I wasn’t as invested in this book as I normally have been the ones earlier in the series. It was intriguing and a solid read, but something fell a little flat for me. I’m still looking forward to the next in the series though.

Noah is a solid character with a heart of gold, but I don’t think his background was developed quite enough to really make his suffering gut-wrenching to the reader.

Kate is a bit naive in the trust she places in her brother, but I liked her regardless.

I recommend this book and the rest of the series to anyone that enjoys a group of former soldiers coming together to make a connection for life and help others who might have suffered their same experiences. The intrigue is high, the emotional connections are satisfying and the romance is sweet and sassy.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * LOVE LESSONS by Sarina Bowen

July 12, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * LOVE LESSONS by Sarina Bowen

Love Lessons by Sarina Bowen
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #7
Published by Tuxbury Publishing LLC on July 12, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

After I’m arrested for throwing a raucous party, my hockey team says I have an image problem. And I need to fix it, stat.

Charity work? Check. Haircut? Sure. But I draw the line at hiring my neighbor to style me. In the first place “style” shouldn’t be a verb. And I’m tired of people who’d judge me on appearances.

Vera and I don’t see eye to eye on anything. She wants me to try on clothes, while I just want to remove hers. She's distractingly pretty, with soulful eyes and a sinful mouth that likes to argue with me.

But when management threatens my summer vacation, I grudgingly agree to Vera’s unusual proposal: she’ll give me an image makeover. But in return, she wants lessons in the art of seduction.

It sounds a little nutty, but I know a good opening when I hear it. Besides, it’s not like I’ll ever fall for her…

Such an adorable take on a little enemy to lover hockey action! The next book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series is a whole lot of angsty sexual tension when a problem player ends up coming up with a mutually rewarding arrangement with his pesty neighbor. Loved the characters, loved their growth as people and a couple and the chemistry between them kept me coming back for more and more.

Ian is such a misunderstood guy. I loved him from the first page and the turmoil that befell him on more than one occasion was heartfelt with a twist of humor.

Vera is sweet, sincere and a really fun character to see come into her own as she learns what love really is and what she truly deserves out of life.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a hockey romance with a great cast of players, spouses, friends and soon to be happily-ever-afters!

RELEASE DATE: JULY 12, 2022

He needs an image makeover, she needs a mojo upgrade. A new lessons-in-seduction hockey romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

After I’m arrested for throwing a raucous party, my hockey team says I have an image problem. And I need to fix it, stat.

Charity work? Check. Haircut? Sure. But I draw the line at hiring my neighbor to style me. In the first place “style” shouldn’t be a verb. And I’m tired of people who’d judge me on appearances.

Vera and I don’t see eye to eye on anything. She wants me to try on clothes, while I just want to remove hers. She’s distractingly pretty, with soulful eyes and a sinful mouth that likes to argue with me.

But when management threatens my summer vacation, I grudgingly agree to Vera’s unusual proposal: she’ll give me an image makeover. But in return, she wants lessons in the art of seduction.

It sounds a little nutty, but I know a good opening when I hear it. Besides, it’s not like I’ll ever fall for her…

VENDOR LINKS

Amazon: https://geni.us/lovelessons-amazon
Apple Books: https://geni.us/lovelessons-apple
Kobo: https://geni.us/lovelessons-kobo
Nook: https://geni.us/lovelessons-nook
Google: https://geni.us/lovelessons-google
Audio: https://geni.us/lovelessons-audio

ADD TO GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60811919-love-lessons

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * ROYALLY INDECENT by Kelly Jamieson

July 9, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ROYALLY INDECENT by Kelly Jamieson

Royally Indecent by Kelly Jamieson
Published by Kelly Jamieson on July 19, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

A warrior. A prince. The one woman who can reconnect their broken hearts…

Chelsea Alderich

From the moment Ford rescues me from a bad date, I feel a spark. Too bad he’s gay, but he quickly becomes my best friend. And a roommate I can’t stop having hot dreams about. Then, at a charity gala, I meet Prince Griffin of Eria, a reformed playboy who runs a non-profit for veterans. And it isn’t long before flirting turns into falling in love.

Griffin Marlow

This American girl is messing with my head. I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s sweet and pure, and I’m falling hard, but there’s no way we can have a future together. I’m only here in the U.S. temporarily. I have to go back to Eria to take my place in line to the throne.

Ford Sullivan

Chelsea’s my best friend and my roommate, and even though my feelings for her are more than friendship, I won’t touch her unless she wants it. I know she’s seeing someone else, and to be honest, I’m a little jealous. Until I walk into our apartment and meet her new boyfriend—Prince Griffin of Eria. Then I’m freakin’ ballistic.

Kelly Jamieson is steaming up the pages with this fresh take on a menage with a twist! I loved each character individually and there was a whole lot of goodness to this story, both sensually and heartwarming but I wanted a little more oomph overall.

Chelsea is sheltered but sincere and watching her grow into herself and who she wants to be as a person was fulfilling.

I loved Ford from the moment he stepped onto the page. He’s accomplished and has a take-charge mentality that has carried him far, but beneath it all he’s sincere and such a sweetheart.

Griffin is structured and rigid in his royal life, but he’s such a down-to-earth fun person when he gets to truly be himself.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a triple connection between a group of characters that are both fun and endearing. I was rooting for them from start to finish.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * GET TRAGIC by Lani Lynn Vale

July 9, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Get Tragic by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Battle Crows MC #5
on July 12, 2022
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Usually when you find out you have a stalker, you don’t fall in love with him.

But Banger Olivia Crest isn’t your normal, run of the mill, everyday girl. Banger is a truck driver who just so happens to know how to sling drinks in her spare time.

She’s had a bad hand dealt to her time after time, and the last thing that she wants is to go all in. At least, that’s until she meets the geeky biker with his shy looks, and his surprisingly awesome fighting skills.

Easton McKennick, ex-FBI agent and newest member of the Battle Crows MC, never really intended to actually reveal that he’d been stalking Banger since his early days in the FBI. In fact, he never intended to do anything at all when it came to the woman that held his heart.

That was, until she offered to be his fake date to a police ball that just so happened to be where his own stalker would be. To sell it that he was happy and he’d moved on from his previous relationship, Banger and Easton pretend they’re a couple.

All it takes is two hours for them both to realize that there’s not very much pretending going on.

The only problem is, Easton’s stalker put a bull’s-eye on their backs, and they don’t know how to fix it.

A highly emotional roller coaster! The fifth book in Lani Lynn Vale’s Battle Crows MC series is riddled with drama, angst and sexy goodness. If you are following along with this series, you will pick up all of the undercurrent and know the background of everyone easily, but if you’re trying to read this as a stand-alone, there are some holes that will make it somewhat confusing and incomplete. I love this group of guys and gals and can’t see what is left in store for us … I recommend reading the series in order.

Banger is sincere and open to healing after the trauma her family has put her through over the years. I wanted a little more from her background-wise, but I really enjoyed her as a character.

Easton is intense and I loved watching him let Banger become his life and watching him interact with his brother Trouper was a lot of fun.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a whole lot of heart, testosterone and down-right goodness in the heroes of your romance. This group of guys isn’t afraid to do what needs to be done in the name of justice.

Filed Under: Book Reviews