Archives for July 2022

* Release Blitz/Review * BRAWLER’S WEAKNESS by Gina Azzi

July 7, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BRAWLER’S WEAKNESS by Gina Azzi

Brawler's Weakness by Gina Azzi
Series: Tennessee Thunderbolts #2
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on July 7, 2022
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There’s only one woman I truly care about: my daughter. Until Maisy Stratford flounces into the front office of the Tennessee Thunderbolts with a heartfelt smile and a tray of baked goods.

As the Bolts’ newest hire, Maisy is optimistic, enthusiastic, and a goddess at manifestation.

Everything I’m not.

Known as Brawler, I’m a gruff, quiet, rough-around-the-edges, NHL defenseman. I haven’t dated in decades. I’ve never been married and my daughter’s a twenty-one-year-old mischief maker. I don’t know how to talk about feelings or place my trust in the hands of a woman. Even one with a heart of gold.

With my daughter Lola egging me on, I finally ask Maisy out.

But I don’t want to be her rebound; I want to be her forever. Even if I don’t know how to tell her that. Even if she’s not ready for me.

If I’m being honest, I’m not ready for her either.

I loved every minute of Maisy and Axel! The second book in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series brings us a powerfully driven hockey romance, but has a uniquely heartfelt older hero that stole my heart quickly. The characters are well-developed, the supporting cast is hilarious and the heart of the romance brewing between Maisy and Axel is just so sweet and sexy that you just have to be in their corner from the very start of the book until the happy conclusion. Loved them!

Maisy is sweet, sincere and so easy to like. She’s been knocked down a time or two in life and is just looking for her happy place to land. Seeing her enjoy the type of treatment she’s supposed to expect from a guy was heartwarming.

Axel is such a kindhearted guy and I loved him to pieces. It’s not unusual to see a hockey dad in romance, but this one started way young and has a college aged daughter and that puts such a different feel to their relationship that was really fun.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fun-filled hockey romance with adorable characters to fall in love with.

Title: Brawler’s Weakness

Series: Tennessee Thunderbolts #2

Author: Gina Azzi

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance

Release Date: July 7, 2022

BLURB

There’s only one woman I truly care about: my daughter. Until Maisy Stratford flounces into the front office of the Tennessee Thunderbolts with a heartfelt smile and a tray of baked goods.

As the Bolts’ newest hire, Maisy is optimistic, enthusiastic, and a goddess at manifestation.

Everything I’m not.

Known as Brawler, I’m a gruff, quiet, rough-around-the-edges, NHL defenseman. I haven’t dated in decades. I’ve never been married and my daughter’s a twenty-one-year-old mischief maker. I don’t know how to talk about feelings or place my trust in the hands of a woman. Even one with a heart of gold.

With my daughter Lola egging me on, I finally ask Maisy out.

But I don’t want to be her rebound; I want to be her forever. Even if I don’t know how to tell her that. Even if she’s not ready for me.

If I’m being honest, I’m not ready for her either.

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AUTHOR BIO

Gina Azzi writes emotional and captivating contemporary romance novels with heart-warming happily-ever-afters. She is the author of Boston Hawks Hockey, Second Chance Chicago Series, The Kane Brothers Series, Finding Love in Scotland Series, The College Pact Series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay.

A Jersey girl at heart, Gina has spent her twenties traveling the world, living and working abroad, before settling down in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three children. She’s a voracious reader, daydreamer, and coffee enthusiast who loves meeting new people. Say hey to her on social media or through www.ginaazzi.com.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * HEATED by Naima Simone

July 7, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Heated by Naima Simone
Series: Burned Inc. #1
Published by Montlake on July 5, 2022
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Zora

I’m Denver’s unmatchmaker. Every city needs one.

Why? Because people break up—and sometimes they should. But when I learn that entertainment attorney Cyrus Hart is someone else’s mistake, I can’t believe it. He’s smart, successful, and sexy as hell.

When a chance encounter with Cyrus turns into something more, I can’t help but fall for him. Our chemistry is undeniable. But his ex used my company to send him that letter—and that’s a problem. Especially since he doesn’t know I own the company.

How can this possibly work? I know from experience that the riskiest ventures are the worthiest ones…but falling for Cyrus Hart may be my biggest gamble yet.

Cyrus

I’m a man with a plan—college, law school, a great career. So far, so good.

Until a stranger shows up on my doorstep and reads me a breakup letter from my girlfriend. My carefully laid plans unravel.

But then I meet someone new. It’s spontaneous. It’s electric. And it’s not according to plan.

Such a fresh concept! The first book in the new BURNED Inc series by Naima Simone delivers a bit of humor, a whole lot of heart and a group of delectable characters that were a lot of fun to get to know.

Zora is a take charge type of person in the business she is running with her siblings, but she has a lot of baggage she carries around from an unpleasant childhood. Seeing her internal struggle made for an emotional side to this story.

Cyrus is driven and unbudging in his pursuit of a certain type of success, but beneath it all he’s still the heart of a young man who tried his best to overcome hardship.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes a unique concept built on characters with an instant attraction driving the initial connection with family drama coming into the picture often.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HER OFF LIMITS PRINCE by Lucy Monroe

July 7, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER OFF LIMITS PRINCE by Lucy Monroe

Her Off Limits Prince by Lucy Monroe
Published by Lucy Monroe LLC on July 12, 2022
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The last thing she wants is to join the royal family, but the sizzling tension between Blythe and Prince Tor of Tapt Oyer is about to explode and all her good intentions with it.

Blythe and Tor are friends, but the sexual tension has always simmered between them, just under the surface. Only he's the younger brother (in law) of her best friend and a prince, to boot. So why can't she stop fantasizing about the hunky royal?

Prince Tor isn't like the rest of his family. He's spending his military service in combat for one. A law unto himself, he doesn't follow the usual rules and has no desire to give into his father's pressure to marry and settle down. He doesn't want to settle for anything or anyone.

Tor wants Blythe and he's not letting her hide behind the age difference, or his status as a royal. Once the passion detonates between them, is there any hope they can build something lasting despite how different their worlds are?

Is self-plagiarism a thing now? I wouldn’t have thought so, but there is a scene from this book that is copied basically word for word from the Harlequin Presents this same author released just a few months ago (THE COST OF THEIR ROYAL FLING) and that just seems unclean to this reader. Similar elements or familiar tropes is one thing … but copying exact sentences and actions is totally not cool and I simply couldn’t stomach it even though I was enjoying the book up until that point.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * GAGE by Sawyer Bennett

July 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * GAGE by Sawyer Bennett

Gage by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #3
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on July 5, 2022
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Veteran player Gage Heyward retired from the league following a successful career. Now the Titans need him, but does he have what it takes to get back on the ice and pull this team together?

After achieving the goals I set for myself, I walked away from my professional hockey career. It was a tough decision, but the right one at the time. When the Titans organization approached me about joining the team they were rebuilding following a devastating plane crash, I felt a passion for the game and a competitive spirit I hadn’t felt in years. The opportunity to make a huge difference to a lot of people spoke to me, and I accepted their offer and headed to Pittsburgh without a second thought.

Jenna Holland is also new to town, having moved from Phoenix to Pittsburgh to take a job with the Titans. Her past has left her with scars—both physical and emotional—and she’s slow to trust others. But the more I learn about Jenna, the more I want to know. The more I need to know. Because the beautiful blonde with honey gold eyes and a wall around her heart has me enamored.

My game on the ice is the best it’s ever been, but it’s my game off the ice I’m focused on these days. Because while Jenna may not be willing to take a chance, I know the potential is there for something big. Something life changing. Now I just need to convince her to take the shot.

The team turmoil continues to unravel! With the third book in the Pittsburgh Titans series we continue to root for this team of misfits to find a way to rally and mesh into the powerhouse we all hope they will be. The emotions are still high and the drama continues to take center stage. The main characters in this book were a joy to read and I highly enjoyed their connection and watching them develop a friendship and more as the book progressed. I felt the ending was abrupt and would have enjoyed seeing them together a bit more, but I found them very fulfilling.

Gage is so easy to cheer on. He’s likeable and engaging but mellow in his sincere love of the game and all it stands for.

Jenna is a sweetheart who I wanted to hug from start to finish. She was dealt a raw bargain, but with a kindhearted guy like Gage showering her with love, she’s beginning to see past the pain and open her eyes to what life can truly be.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a hockey romance with loads of drama taking place as players begin to mesh into a new team and one after another settles into life with the love of their life.

Gage: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
Sawyer
Bennett
Release Date: July 5, 2022

Read the first THREE chapters of Gage: https://sawyerbennett.com/chapter/gage/

Veteran player Gage Heyward retired from the league following a successful career. Now the Titans need him, but does he have what it takes to get back on the ice and pull this team together?

After achieving the goals I set for myself, I walked away from my professional hockey career. It was a tough decision, but the right one at the time. When the Titans organization approached me about joining the team they were rebuilding following a devastating plane crash, I felt a passion for the game and a competitive spirit I hadn’t felt in years. The opportunity to make a huge difference to a lot of people spoke to me, and I accepted their offer and headed to Pittsburgh without a second thought.

Jenna Holland is also new to town, having moved from Phoenix to Pittsburgh to take a job with the Titans. Her past has left her with scars—both physical and emotional—and she’s slow to trust others. But the more I learn about Jenna, the more I want to know. The more I need to know. Because the beautiful blonde with honey gold eyes and a wall around her heart has me enamored.

My game on the ice is the best it’s ever been, but it’s my game off the ice I’m focused on these days. Because while Jenna may not be willing to take a chance, I know the potential is there for something big. Something life changing. Now I just need to convince her to take the shot.

Buy the digital and signed paperback direct from Sawyer
Bennett: https://bit.ly/STORE_Gage
** Digital files must be read within the BookFunnel app **

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
✦ TikTok: https://bit.ly/Sawyer_TOK
✦ Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG
✦ Website: www.sawyerbennett.com
✦ Newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup
✦ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR
✦ Master Blogger List: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_Bloggers

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * AN UNLIKELY ALLIANCE by Toni Shiloh

July 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh
Series: K-9 Companions #7
Published by Love Inspired on June 28, 2022
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To save her animal shelter,
She’ll have to work with her biggest foe…

With her emotional support dog at her side, Jalissa Tucker will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of the local animal rescue—even ally herself with her nemesis, firefighter Jeremy Rider. As working together dredges up old hurts, putting the past aside could be the key to their future joy. But can Jalissa resist falling for the man she’s always considered the enemy?

Highly emotional goodness! With book seven in the K-9 Companions series Toni Shiloh brings an inspirational opposites attract to life in AN UNLIKELY ALLIANCE and I wholeheartedly enjoyed it! The characters were complex and emotions were high throughout the storyline.

Jalissa is one of those characters who almost makes it easy to dislike her with her stout venom against a guy like Jeremy, but uncovering the depth of her past trauma makes it easy to forgive and see where her emotions come from. I didn’t like how she treated him for a good part of the book, but I understood it and enjoyed watching her overcome her judgements and truly heal her heart.

Jeremy is simply a sweetheart. He’s good, he’s wholesome, and he’s forgiving. There wasn’t a thing to dislike about this man.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys an inspirational romance filled with love, laughter and healing.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE by Delores Fossen

July 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SHERIFF IN THE SADDLE by Delores Fossen

Sheriff in the Saddle by Delores Fossen
Series: The Law in Lubbock County #1
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on June 28, 2022
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To uphold the law…will she take down her ex?

The town wants her to arrest her former boyfriend for a murder on his ranch—but Sheriff Leigh Mercer refuses. The newly elected law enforcer doesn't have evidence against bad boy Cullen Brodie. In fact, the search for the killer draws them passionately close again…and into relentless danger. Not only could Leigh lose her job for not collaring Brodie…but they could both lose their lives.

Attention grabbing from start to finish! The kick off to The Law in Lubbock County series is an intense reunion of former loves in the middle of a crime scene. The pace is fast, the drama is high and the storyline is addictive. I highly enjoyed their reconnection!

Leigh is the new sheriff of Lubbock County and watching her step into leadership is refreshing. She has a lot going against her in the form of her former sheriff father who won’t back off, her deputy who still acts like her dad is the boss and an ex taking center stage in her newest and most difficult crime scene.

Cullen is goodhearted and sincere and watching him try to get to the bottom of the murder that has occurred on his ranch while reconnecting with the one that got away is satisfying.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a drama filled bit of intrigue as danger is lurking around the corner when they least expect it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SUSPECTS by Danielle Steel

July 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

Suspects by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on June 28, 2022
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A dedicated CIA agent becomes an unexpected ally to a woman haunted by the kidnapping of her family, in this thrilling novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.

Theodora Morgan is fashion royalty. Founder of a wildly popular online shopping service, she is one of the most successful businesswomen in the world, although she prefers to keep a low profile, especially over the last months. It was a year ago when the unthinkable struck her family, and her husband, industry mogul Matthieu Pasquier, and their son were kidnapped and held for ransom—a nightmare that ended in tragedy.

The case has gone cold, despite evidence linking the crime to Matthieu’s Russian competitors. Theo has reluctantly gone back to work running her company. On the flight to a launch party for one of her highly anticipated pop-up shops in New York City, she crosses paths with high-society networker Pierre de Vaumont. Theo politely invites him to her event—unaware that Pierre has been flagged by the CIA.

Senior supervising CIA operative Mike Andrews investigates Pierre’s suspicious Russian contacts and clears him to enter the country, but when he realizes that Theodora Morgan is on the same flight, he becomes concerned for her safety. Posing as a lawyer, Mike begins a covert mission—starting with Theo’s opening party. When Mike and Theo meet, their connection is instant, but Theo is completely unaware of Mike’s true objective or identity… or that the life she is rebuilding is in grave danger.

A journey of healing, growth and awakening! Steele was quick to grab my attention with this storyline and the connectability of her main character. I was engrossed in both the drama of what had happened to her family and in the subtle danger that seemed to be lurking around her. Once she met Mike and their relationship began to develop, I was fully entrenched.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hint of danger mixed with a growing romance as the heroine picks up the pieces of her broken world and begins to live again.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * MASTER OF PLEASURE by Tara Sue Me

July 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MASTER OF PLEASURE by Tara Sue Me

Master of Pleasure by Tara Sue Me
Series: Lessons From the RACK #3
Published by After Six Publishing on June 28, 2022
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The long awaited third and final book in the Lessons From the RACK Series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tara Sue Me.

Five years ago, Terrence and Ronnie’s evening of incomplete pleasure ended with unspoken plans to get back together soon. Those plans died a slow and painful, public death when their private parting was captured by the paparazzi, and their identities were published for everyone to see, including each other. Because while Ronnie had no idea the Dom she’d played with was Hollywood’s golden boy, Terrence Knight, he didn’t know she was the just-turned nineteen year old daughter of the most conservative man in the US Senate.

When their paths cross again at RACK Academy five years later, they’re both wary of the other and vow to keep their distance. It’s a promise they don’t believe they’ll have any trouble keeping. However, they didn’t count on the not-so-subtle matchmaking attempts of the two couples residing at the academy with them for the summer, Fulton and Andie Matthews, and Lennox and Marie MacLure. As the summer goes on, they find it more and more difficult to resist the temptation of giving into what they both want - to finish what they started five years ago.

But the forces behind that long ago night have yet to be discovered, and the truth has the ability to bring an end to Terrence and Ronnie before they can truly start.

The conclusion of the Lessons from the RACK series is here! I’ve enjoyed all of the couples from this series as a whole and seeing them all again in this book was really nice. The characters are quick to catch my attention and the storyline held my interest throughout. I would have liked a bit more development on what happened to her during the fallout of their original scandal and then more time with them at the end to develop their relationship would have been welcome, but overall I enjoyed their story, I enjoyed the cameos of previous couples and I enjoyed the overall feel of the book.

Terrence is successful and commanding as a Hollywood actor and dominant. I enjoyed his personality very much.

Ronnie walked away from a lot after their scandal years ago and she finally feels like this new adventure might be her step in the right direction … until she sees a blast from the past and it all crumbles down around her again.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a sensual BDSM storyline with a group of characters who treasure their close friendships as love finds them all.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ADVENTURE WITH A SECRET PRINCE by Andrea Bolter

July 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ADVENTURE WITH A SECRET PRINCE by Andrea Bolter

Adventure with a Secret Prince by Andrea Bolter
Published by Harlequin Romance on June 28, 2022
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They started in Miami…

And found forever in New York!

Prince Ras has a few weeks of freedom left before he must marry for duty. He doesn’t plan on wasting a second! But when he meets Gracie aboard a cruise ship, he recognizes the same need for adventure in her eyes. As they travel the East Coast, Gracie welcomes the distraction, which takes her further from her disastrous past—and closer to Ras! Except the secret he’s hiding could change everything…

A star-crossed royal romance! Prince Ras had my attention from the very first page and I was quickly hooked on watching him have his adventure. The pace was just right for the characters to endear themselves to the reader’s heart and seeing their love play out is rewarding.

Prince Ras is kind-hearted and loyal to his country, but he wants a few weeks of not being under scrutiny before he has to wed and begin his more stringent family duties.

Gracie is the sweetest and really brought a likable character to life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a royal romance with a twist!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SHE’S EXPECTING by Laurel Greer

July 1, 2022 Leave a Comment

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* Review * WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SHE’S EXPECTING by Laurel Greer

What to Expect When She's Expecting by Laurel Greer
Series: Sutter Creek, Montana #8
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on June 28, 2022
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This is one fire

He never wants to extinguish

Since childhood, firefighter Graydon Halloran has been secretly in love with Alejandra Brooks Flores. Now, with Aleja working as the building contractor near to where he's staying, it’s becoming impossible for Gray to hide his feelings. But Aleja's situation is complicated. She’s pregnant with IUI twins and she isn’t looking for love. Can Gray convince his lifelong crush that he can make her dreams come true?

Heartfelt characters, adorable connections and just a really fun return to Sutter Creek, Montana! With the eighth book in this small town series a childhood crush finally pays off when firefighter Graydon Halloran finally gets the attention of contractor Alejandra Brooks Flores and sparks flare and ignite.

Gray is adorable and I adored every minute of him on the pages.

Aleja is a real go getter who isn’t afraid to take chances to get to where she is today, but she’s afraid the chance she might take on her heart and career by falling for a younger man who is wrapped up in the heart of the town might be more than she can handle.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced small town romance that’s always filled with love, laughter and family as drama paves the way towards forever.

Filed Under: Book Reviews