Archives for November 22, 2022

* Review * THE INNOCENT WIFE by Lisa Regan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE INNOCENT WIFE by Lisa ReganThe Innocent Wife by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #16
Published by Bookouture on December 12, 2022
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five-stars

Candles are lit and their rich vanilla scent twists its way through the cabin. The table is set for a romantic anniversary dinner with fresh roses dropping crimson petals on crisp white linen. But the woman seated at the table is cold to the touch, and there’s blood trickling down her neck…

When Denton’s most loved TV presenter returns home to find his wife dead at the dining table, it shatters the close-knit community. Beautiful and absolutely besotted with each other, Beau and Claudia Collins were idolized for being the perfect couple. But the devastating scene Detective Josie Quinn finds in their remote hideaway has her asking what dark secrets lurk beneath the surface of this seemingly flawless marriage?

Beau is grief-stricken by the loss of his kind-hearted wife who gave so much to others as a therapist, but Josie needs to know the significance of the small wooden puzzle box found clutched in Claudia’s hand. A prop in a popular game Beau played with his viewers to test the strength of their relationships, is it a twisted calling card, or a challenge from the killer?

The broken body of one of Beau and Claudia’s assistants is found the next day, a matching little box left in the dirt beside her. It’s clear that if Beau doesn’t start telling the truth about the flaws in his marriage, those dearest to him will die.

Caught in a cat and mouse chase with disturbing revelations and a mounting body count at every turn, Josie and her team work night and day to keep Beau’s loved ones safe. What kind of calculating monster would do this? A faded newspaper article about a tragic accident is the break Josie desperately needs. But she may already be too late, an innocent child is in danger…

 

Lisa Regan sure can hook a reader! With the sixteenth book in her beloved Detective Josie Quinn series, Regan continues to craft a mind boggling mystery filled with danger around every corner, lies upon lies from even the most trusted and more drama than we know what to do with. I can’t get enough of Josie Quinn!

A mysterious death opens the door to secrets and lies that will surprise the town as one of their most revered couples is thrust into the spotlight.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a thriller set in a small town with a familiar cast of characters trying to solve crime after crime as we follow along in the drama that marks their own lives.

five-stars

* Review * THE WEDDING RANCH by Nancy Naigle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE WEDDING RANCH by Nancy NaigleThe Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on December 6, 2022
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five-stars

When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

 

Nancy Naigle is synonymous with heartfelt, spiritual goodness with a hint of sass, a smidge of humor and a boatload of sweet love! If you are looking for a romance that will quickly hook you and will keep you entertained throughout, you have come to right place. I was intrigued by Lorri’s marriage drama, but it didn’t take long for the town of Dalton Mill and Ryder’s past to weave their way into my heart as well. I loved every minute of this book and the mix of emotions it brings to the forefront. Great characters, endearing storyline and a great happily ever after!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that entails the truthful heartache that sometimes leads to a second chance on love.

five-stars

* Review * JUST ONE TASTE by Carly Phillips

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE TASTE by Carly PhillipsJust One Taste by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #7, The Dirty Dares
Published by CP Publishing on November 29, 2022
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five-stars

One grumpy billionaire.

One sassy-sweet supermodel.

Add in a tropical private island paradise.

What could go wrong?

As owner and CEO of Dirty Dare Spirits, thirty-three year old, Asher Dare has it all. Money. Power. Women whenever he wants. A private island retreat when he doesn’t. People he trusts? He can count those on one hand. When one of his best friends asks a favor—hide his twenty-one year old, supermodel sister, on the island until a scandal blows over—Asher can’t say no. But he doesn’t have to like it.

The daughter of a Senator and a Presidential candidate, Nicolette Bettencourt always acts with decorum. Yet through no fault of her own, scandal seems to follow her every move. When nude photos surface, the uproar puts her father’s campaign at risk. And forces her into hiding with Asher, the hottest—and grumpiest—billionaire she’s ever met.

Under soothing tropical breezes, Asher discovers that Nicolette is nothing like the spoiled brat portrayed in the tabloids. She’s warm, sexy, and a temptation Asher must resist at all costs—or he risks betraying his closest friend, bringing a powerful political dynasty to its knees… and losing the woman he loves.

 

Carly Phillips steals my heart again and again! With book seven in The Kingston Family series and book three of The Dirty Dares, Asher Dare takes center stage in a sexy twist on a brother’s BFF/age gap story with Nicollette Bettencourt. I was quickly hooked on Nikki’s scandal and seeing the sweet connection begin quickly between she and Asher kept me turning page after page. Loved them together!

Nikki is sweet and sincere, but other than her adoring big brother, she doesn’t have a whole lot of family love at her side. When she’s thrust into a scandal that once again has her mother glaring daggers at her, she’s happy to get to Asher’s hideaway for a bit.

Asher is sexy and successful and has his own bit of a past that has him being a bit abrupt with who he thinks he is vacationing with. Once he gets to know the person underneath the persona, it’s easy to see the sparks flying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a series of highly successful people who love their family hard and support each other through thick and thin as happily ever after comes calling on one sibling after another.

five-stars

* Review * PREGNANT PRINCESS IN MANHATTAN by Clare Connelly

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PREGNANT PRINCESS IN MANHATTAN by Clare ConnellyPregnant Princess in Manhattan by Clare Connelly
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 29, 2022
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four-half-stars

Expecting the royal heir

Expected to wed the billionaire!

Escaping the oppressive control of her protection detail leads Princess Charlotte Rothsberg to the New York penthouse of sinfully attractive Rocco Santinova. But this one rebellious night leaves innocent Charlotte pregnant with Rocco’s baby…

Rocco’s self-made reputation is the stuff of Manhattan legend. But discarded and disowned by his own father, he has no intention of letting history repeat itself. So he makes Charlotte a proposal she can’t refuse—he’ll save her from royal disgrace…as long as she agrees to be his Christmas bride!

 

A delectably tempting royal romance! This sizzling romance is sure to please with a surprise baby trope pairing with royal drama as Princess Charlotte escapes her guards for a passionate night with a stranger and winds up knee deep in turmoil. I loved their story!

Charlotte is sweet and understandably feeling stifled just as she’s about to be betrothed in an arranged engagement. I enjoyed seeing her get to spread her wings a bit and eventually get to choose her own happiness.

Rocco is suave and successful, but he carries his own share of family burden on his shoulders. Charlotte brings out a warmer side of him that I really enjoyed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a royal romance with lots of passion and a sincere likeability to the characters that make them easy to root for.

four-half-stars

* Review * PETS OF PARK AVENUE by Stefanie London

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PETS OF PARK AVENUE by Stefanie LondonPets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London
Series: Paws in the City #2
Published by HQN Books on December 6, 2022
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five-stars

What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?

Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove she’s finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward mother’s wayward daughter, Scout’s used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout can’t afford a single mistake…like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.

On the surface, it appears Lane Halliday’s life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old times—except for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scout’s not sure she’s ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.

 

London excels at rom-com with a healthy side of emotional healing! With the second book in the Paws in the City series we get BFF Scout’s story. Fans from Isla’s book will recognize her and be able to jump into the heart of their biz quickly. The adorable animals are still front and center in this book, but there’s a strong emotional tie in with this book to both Scout’s estranged husband and the family that turned their back on her. I really enjoyed seeing her grow in her ability to love herself and reach for all that she deserved in life. Great characters, humor and happily ever afters!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a good bit of humor with their romance.

five-stars

* Review * DOWN IN FLAMES by Kate Meader

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DOWN IN FLAMES by Kate MeaderDown in Flames by Kate Meader
Series: Hot in Chicago Rookies #2
Published by Kate Meader LLC on December 6, 2022
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five-stars

A steamy and emotional standalone MM firefighter-hockey player romance …

It was supposed to be a random hookup.

At a crossroads, my life a hot mess, I swiped right on the guy with the washboard abs and the tree-trunk thighs. His handle was Holt (yeah, really) but as soon as he opened the door, I recognized him: Hudson Grey, the hottest prospect in pro-hockey and apparently, secretly playing for my team. Not mind-blowing enough? He needed someone to punch his V-card, and I was only too happy to volunteer as tribute . . .

Then he ghosted me when it got to be too much.

A year later, my life is back on track and I’m a candidate firefighter at legendary Engine 6. While I might be new to the Chicago Fire Department, I’m a veteran in the game of steamy hookups. My No. 1 rule? No newbies. Except now Hudson has been traded to my hometown team, the Chicago Rebels, and he’s out, proud, and ready to date. And he wants my help introducing him to the local gay scene.

My messy past means I’m the worst guy to be mentoring the shy, sexy jock. But neither can I stand by and watch while others touch the man who already feels like mine.

I might have been his first, but I’m about to learn that the new guy has even more to teach me about hunger, hope, and falling hard . . .

Includes: First times, hot firefighters, sexy hockey players, mini-golf shenanigans, meddling friends, and fighting like hell for the love of a lifetime.

 

Sizzling, heartfelt goodness! When two of Kate Meader’s franchises collide, her readers are in for a deliciously sexy M/M gay romance filled with snarky wit, tender connections and more drama than they will know what to do with. I adored every single minute of Hudson and Jude’s story!

Hockey star Hudson starts the book out as secretly gay and inexperienced but with a trusting soul and a socially awkward adorableness that quickly stole my heart.

Bartender turned rookie firefighter Jude is out and proud and finally getting his head on straight after a youthful recklessness that fractured his life a bit. His genuine kindness endeared him to me and as his story unraveled, I only grew to love him more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a gentle anthem in the beauty of letting your light shine bright even in the darkest moments. Fans of Meader’s Chicago firefighters and hockey players will delight in the sighting of some fan favorites throughout.

five-stars

* Review * ONE CHRISTMAS NIGHT by Jules Bennett

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE CHRISTMAS NIGHT by Jules BennettOne Christmas Night by Jules Bennett
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals #8
Published by Harlequin Desire on November 29, 2022
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five-stars

They’re in for a little holiday surprise…

Morgan Grandin has bickered with Ryan Carter for years…until one night of passion changes everything. Now she’s having his baby! The wealthy rancher insists on preserving his family legacy by proposing marriage, but can Morgan trust that their sizzle will last? Ryan is a rival she can’t resist, especially when he challenges her to live on his ranch for one month—where he will do everything he can to convince her to say yes. As sparks fly and Christmas approaches, will he give Morgan the gift she wants most of all?

 

Pure perfection! The next installment of the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Ranchers and Rivals series has Jules Bennett taking her reader along for the ride on an enemies to lovers turned surprise baby trope that will delight all. The characters are easy to like, their banter is amusing and their passion is spell binding. I enjoyed their story so much!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a whole lot of drama mixed into loving families as crisis after crisis comes into play and has to be handled as one sibling after another finds their true love.

five-stars

* Review * THE GIRL IN THE RIVER by Rita Herron

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE GIRL IN THE RIVER by Rita HerronThe Girl in the River by Rita Herron
Series: Detective Ellie Reeves #7
Published by Bookouture on December 6, 2022
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five-stars

The body lay in the river, arms outstretched. Long brown hair swirled in all directions, flowing with the current of the water. Her eyes were wide open in death, pale pink lips parted in a scream.

Detective Ellie Reeves should be enjoying the wedding of her dear friend Mia Norman. But instead of celebrating, she is frantically searching for the missing bride. Something is terribly wrong—just hours ago, Mia was blissfully happy. Why would she suddenly vanish?

Bursting through the dressing room, Ellie finds it in disarray—chairs overturned, a perfume bottle shattered. Hiding in the bathroom is Mia’s six-year-old daughter Pixie, curled in a ball and sobbing her heart out. The little girl says she was locked inside when she heard a man’s voice, and her mother crying. “I just want my mommy back,” she pleads. Ellie vows to make that happen.

Turning the venue upside down, Ellie’s blood turns to ice when she reaches the riverbank. Someone is dead in the rippling water, floating beside a white veil. Ellie holds her breath as she turns the body over. It belongs to Tori, Mia’s bridesmaid, a gunshot wound in her back. Near the murder scene, Ellie discovers a button from a man’s shirt, and her friend’s engagement ring. The race is on to find Mia—before it’s too late.

When forensics come back, the investigation takes a dark turn. DNA proves that Mia was actually Jesse Habersham, a woman who went missing five years ago. Ellie is certain that Mia was running from someone. Did her past finally catch up with her?

Facing the most complex case of her career, Ellie is in a race against time. Can she uncover the truth before her friend is brutally killed? And when the murderer comes after innocent little Pixie, will Ellie save her from the clutches of death?

 

Rita Herron always delivers on a Detective Ellie Reeves mystery! Exhilarating secrets are uncovered as Ellie dives into the middle of a missing persons/murder case when attending a friend’s wedding. Danger is lurking around every corner and lies are uncovered time and again in this action packed mystery. Fast paced, addictive and high octane!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town thriller with a cast of returning characters trying to solve crime after crime as life’s drama wraps around them time and again and makes for a relatable story.

five-stars