Archives for December 2022

* Review * THE BACKUP PLAN by Jill Shalvis

December 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BACKUP PLAN by Jill Shalvis

The Backup Plan by Jill Shalvis
Series: The Sunrise Cove Series #3
Published by Avon on January 17, 2023
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When Alice receives a call about an unexpected windfall, she's stunned to learn the gift is a falling-apart-at-the-seams old Wild West inn she once considered home ... and she's inherited it along with two strangers. Except they weren't always strangers. Once upon a time, they were friends. One is her ex-BFF Lauren. The other is Knox, the only guy to ever break her heart, all while never even knowing she existed.

It turns out their lives are unknowingly entangled because they once separately helped the same woman without expecting anything in return. Years later, Alice, Lauren and Knox are broken in their own way, with their own history - and secrets - causing them to start out on the wrong foot with each other. But according to the will, they must renovate and be partners in the inn for one year or else lose their inheritance.

Jill Shalvis is synonymous with heartfelt characters and snarky, laugh-out-loud romance! The third book in her Sunrise Cove series is whimsically cozy and filled with sass, passion and reconnection. I wasn’t quite as invested in this group of characters as I was in the previous two books in the series, but still enjoyed them and their story lines as a whole.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a feel-good romance with lots of humor, real life moments and whimsical heart. The characters in the series don’t overlap into the next book, but all center around this town around Lake Tahoe area.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * DRAKE by Sawyer Bennett

December 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Drake by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #5
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on January 3, 2023
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Drake McGinn turned his back on hockey after the league betrayed him. Will the Titans be his chance to clear his name and take back the career he once loved?

After I made the decision to divorce, my ex-wife set out on a smear campaign against me, telling anyone who would listen that I was betting on hockey and throwing games. It wasn’t surprising that my ex told the lies, but the fact that the media, league, and fans chose to believe her baseless claims was unforgivable. I walked away from it all and never looked back.

Having settled into life as a single dad to three boys, I’m content. I have more money than I could ever need, and plenty of time to do whatever I want, whenever I want, and whoever I want. So when Brienne Norcross, the team owner for the Pittsburgh Titans, shows up at my house with a job offer, I have no problem turning her down. But the no-nonsense billionaire, with sinfully seductive red lips and killer heels that would look hot as hell thrown over my shoulders, won’t take “no” for an answer.

Now I need to find balance between hockey, my boys, and the explosive chemistry Brienne and I can no longer deny. A cast-off hockey player and the league’s only female team owner? I can think of a million reasons why it could never work but can’t bring myself to care about a single one of them. Game on.

A muscular, brooding delight! Sawyer Bennett is pulling out all the stops in book five of her Pittsburgh Titans hockey series to bring us a gruff, sexy as all get out hero whose bark is worse than his bite when he starts falling for the boss lady! I was hooked from the moment these two started creating sparks across the room the first time they met in book one and I’m utterly entranced with their happily ever after!

I love Brienne! She’s smart, she’s successful and she’s willing to fight for what she wants and beneath the surface lives a lonely, grieving sister who had the rug pulled out from under her and makes herself get up and prosper every day of her life regardless. She’s the bomb!

Drake had me from hello when we first learned the gist of his story at the start of this series. I adore his love for his sons and enjoyed watching his story play out.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey franchise filled with more heart than you’ll know what to do with as they overcome adversity and heal from heartache.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * WITHOUT A TRACE by Danielle Steel

December 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WITHOUT A TRACE by Danielle Steel

Without a Trace by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on January 3, 2023
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Charles Vincent seems to have it all—a beautiful wife, two successful children, and a well-paying career. Yet happiness remains out of reach. He is trapped in a loveless marriage and his job is simply a paycheck. But his life changes forever one night as he drives along the Normandy coast, heading to their lavish château for the weekend. In one terrifying moment, Charles falls asleep at the wheel and veers off the road, plunging thirty feet down the face of a rocky cliff.

Miraculously, Charles survives. After gathering the courage to climb to safety, he starts to walk—bruised, bloody, and desperate for help. In the dark of night, he happens upon a cabin where he meets the kind and beautiful Aude Saint-Martin. They have an instant connection, and as she nurses him back to health, Charles begins to discover the passion he’s been missing for so many years.

In the aftermath of the crash, Charles has a startling realization: He doesn’t have to go back. He could simply choose to disappear, to walk away from his old life. When his car is discovered, he’ll be presumed dead, washed away at sea. If he stays with Aude, he has a chance at a fuller, happier life that he didn’t know was possible. It all seems too good to resist. But Aude has secrets of her own, and before long their pasts catch up to them, threatening everything they have fought to build.

What would happen if you were given a chance to walk away from everything in your life and start over with a blank slate, and you had a split second to decide? In Without a Trace, Danielle Steel tells an irresistible story of the risks two people are willing to take in exchange for a chance at the life they’ve always wanted.

Quick to catch my attention and hold it throughout! Danielle Steel always has a way of weaving a character into my soul in a way that has me entrenched in the outcome of their happiness even if I don’t always agree with their methods of getting there. Moral boundaries are straddled as passion ignites in the most unorthodox of ways that nonetheless left me rooting for the happily ever after from start to finish. Another addictive read from Steel!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a look in the life of someone that will take extreme measures when life on the other side looks brighter. The characters have a personable quality to them and while some of his actions are questionable, a delve into the depth of his despair shows the reader his thought process and makes him fairly redeemable.

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* Review * HOT SHOT by Kat Mizera

December 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hot Shot by Kat Mizera
Series: Lauderdale Knights #4
on December 27, 2022
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Welcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter.

Wolf:
I’ve been in love with the same girl since we were seventeen. Back before our careers took off and pulled us away from one another. No amount of fame, money, or puck bunnies could ever replace Scarlett. But she has a mind of her own, and dreams that don’t include me. We might not want the same things in life, but we still want each other. No matter how hard she fights it, she can’t deny that truth. I just need to prove to her it’s enough… we’re enough.

Scarlett:
I didn’t want to have to choose between Wolf and surfing, but I couldn’t have both. As much as he hates to admit it, neither of us might be where we are now if I hadn’t walked away. His life is about being the best on the ice, and mine is chasing down the next wave. I refuse to give it all up for a guy— even if he is the only guy I’ve ever loved.

A single mistake changes everything… turning both our worlds upside down. Now I have to figure out how to regain balance, not just in my life, but with Wolf. This time, there’s no bailing… even if it means a wipeout.

Author's note: There are some difficult themes in this story. For CW information, please check this book's page on my website.

An emotional roller coaster of meant-to-be vs career. With the fourth book in the Lauderdale Knights series Kat Mizera is delivering a sexy, heart wrenching tale that had me hooked quickly and hung up on every page from start to finish. I’m really loving this hockey franchise!

Wolf is kind, sincere and loyal and the fact that he hasn’t stopped loving his first love during all of these years apart goes to show how deep what they shared touched him.

Scarlett protects her heart by attempting to stay closed off from Wolf, but she admits to herself on a daily basis how much she loves him … she just doesn’t tell him much anymore.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves to read a hockey romance where the players know how to play hard and love just as deeply while having close friendships and successful careers.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A FORTUNE’S WINDFALL by Michelle Major

December 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A FORTUNE’S WINDFALL by Michelle Major

A Fortune's Windfall by Michelle Major
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: Hitting the Jackpot #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 27, 2022
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He might just find more than an inheritance!

When Linc Maloney inherits a fortune—in more ways than one!—he throws caution to the wind and vows to live life like there’s no tomorrow. He finally has it all and can’t wait to treat his loved ones to the finer things in life. His friend and former coworker Remi Reynolds thinks that Linc is out of control and tries to remind him that money can’t buy happiness. She can’t admit to herself that she’s been feeling more than like for Linc for a long time. But Remi is cautious and doesn’t dare risk her heart on a man with a big-as-Texas fear of commitment…

Another sexy Fortune branch to sink your teeth into! Michelle Major is delighting fans of the Fortunes of Texas series with the kickoff to a brand new spin off, Fortunes of Texas: Hitting the Jackpot. The groundwork is laid for the newly discovered Fortunes and the setting is rich with warmth, prestige and family. I’m looking to more to come in the series!

Linc is kindhearted and down-to-earth and the perfect type of older sibling to carry the torch of setting the stage for the series. His brothers are coming up next!

Remi is loved by many but overlooked as more than a friend from the guy she’s crushed on for years, but times are changing in more ways than one and she’s finally getting her opportunity to shine.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a background of drama as a family steps onto the pages to introduce themselves and the core of their foundation as each sibling ends up finding love when they least expect it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * SECRET KEEPER by Stacey Lynn

December 13, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * SECRET KEEPER by Stacey Lynn

Secret Keeper by Stacey Lynn
Series: Las Vegas Vipers #7
on December 13, 2022
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What started as a typical night out with my team, became the best night of my life.

Picking up a smoking hot blonde, I take her back to the hotel, expecting the evening to go down like any other.

But nothing about her is average… she’s sassy, witty and throws me off my game. After one incredible night, I wake up wanting to see her more than I want to go to hockey practice. Then another first happens, she kicks me out – wearing only a sheet and a frown.

The next time I see her, three months later, I knock her on her ass. Literally. Even dripping in tears, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.

Then I find the source of her tears. Her father. My hockey coach.

Turns out, I’ve gone and fallen for my coach’s daughter. Our attraction is undeniable. It’s also unavoidable since she’s now travelling with our team. I have more to lose than a spot on my hockey team if he catches us… like my heart.

Good thing I’m a pro at keeping secrets.

Another enchanting connection in the Las Vegas Viper world! Stacey Lynn excels at wrapping a hunky, self-assured hockey player around her reader’s heart, but this story also brings forward an intriguing mate who has a heck of a back story that brings on the drama. I loved their connection and watching them wade their way through the down and dirty to be able to be open about their relationship. Strong characters, enough drama to hold my attention throughout and a compelling conclusion. Loved them!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit hockey franchise that plays hard and falls even hard when “the one” crosses each player’s path.

Secret Keeper by Stacey Lynn is now live!

What started as a typical night out with my team, became the best night of my life.

Picking up a smoking hot blonde, I take her back to the hotel, expecting the evening to go down like any other.

But nothing about her is average… she’s sassy, witty and throws me off my game. After one incredible night, I wake up wanting to see her more than I want to go to hockey practice. Then another first happens, she kicks me out – wearing only a sheet and a frown.

The next time I see her, three months later, I knock her on her ass. Literally. Even dripping in tears, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.

Then I find the source of her tears. Her father. My hockey coach.

Turns out, I’ve gone and fallen for my coach’s daughter. Our attraction is undeniable. It’s also unavoidable since she’s now traveling with our team. I have more to lose than a spot on my hockey team if he catches us… like my heart.

Good thing I’m a pro at keeping secrets.

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

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mu5vaP

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/vipers6

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3aU3wKF

Nook: https://bit.ly/3Qb492n

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3aD6XVM

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3QavD8o

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3zs9YT0

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/

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * RULES OF THEIR FAKE FLORIDA FLING by Juliette Hyland

December 12, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Rules of Their Fake Florida Fling by Juliette Hyland
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on December 27, 2022
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Rules can be broken…

Can hearts be mended?

Hotshot neurosurgeon Asher needs cool, controlled anesthesiologist Rory on his team. The only problem? While Rory can’t deny his skill, she finds his carefree attitude infuriating. So when Asher learns Rory is a bridesmaid for her sister—whose groom is her ex-fiancé!—Asher proposes a pretend fling in return for her expertise. The terms are simple: six weeks, one wedding, no falling in love. Easier said than done when their attraction becomes anything but fake…

Highly entertaining and emotional! Juliette Hyland is bringing her signature heart to the storyline of her latest when two characters who each have painful back stories collide and begin to see the sunshine on the other side. I loved their story and the depth it contained. There were a couple of places that could have used a little more fleshing out to feel totally complete, but the overall story was strong and carried the plot well.

Asher is a sweetheart and I loved him to pieces. He hides behind humor when emotions get high and while it makes him the life of the party, it holds him back from connecting … just like he wants it to.

Aurora is accomplished and successful, but she has spent most of her life letting others walk all over her. She is finally coming to terms with what she can allow herself to be and is thriving.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys romance in a medical setting with heartfelt characters, lots of drama and a sweet happily ever after guaranteed.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE WIFE THE SPANIARD NEVER FORGOT by Pippa Roscoe

December 12, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Wife the Spaniard Never Forgot by Pippa Roscoe
Published by Harlequin Presents on December 27, 2022
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His wife is back…

Can he make sure it’s for good?

When Emily is called to her estranged husband’s bedside after an accident, amnesia is the word on everyone’s lips. But the arrogance in Javier Casas’s powerful gaze tells a different story…

Although Javier may wish he didn’t recall the pain of Emily walking out six years ago, his memory is perfectly intact. Yet the misdiagnosis provides the ideal opportunity to finally discover why she left. And to remind Emily of the connection he’s not ready to forget…not when every heated look makes it clear she still feels it too!

Intriguing characters, a powerful backstory and sizzling passion galore! Pippa Roscoe’s latest will delight fans of a reunited love when the estranged wife is called to her husbands hospital bedside and drama ensues. I loved them and their story!

Emily is accomplished and sincere, but she has the drama of her past buried beneath the surface and it all comes to a head when she receives the call that her estranged husband is injured and rushes to his bedside.

Javier is self-assured and direct and when he sees the opportunity to keep her around with a little white lie it brings a bit of humor to the storyline.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a reconnection of past love as their baggage is unpacked and hurt and anger are healed as that happily ever after gets closer and closer.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SECOND CHANCE WITH THE BRIDESMAID by Jennifer Faye

December 12, 2022 Leave a Comment

Second Chance with the Bridesmaid by Jennifer Faye
Series: Greek Paradise Escape #3
Published by Harlequin Romance on November 29, 2022
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Reunited at a wedding
Reawakening their spark!

Billionaire best man Krystof must preserve his friends’ dream wedding. Only, he’ll be working alongside bridesmaid Adara. He can’t forget their undeniable bond, but Krystof could only ever offer something casual. Now, alone on a luxurious private island, their chemistry is once again irresistible. But this time, Adara makes it clear that she’s only interested in a second chance if the lone-wolf Greek promises it’s forever…

Casual to forever in the blink of an eye! Jennifer Faye is pulling on our heartstrings with the conclusion of her Greek Paradise Escape trilogy and I loved every minute of it! The characters are endearing and addictive and their story was wholeheartedly satisfying.

Adara is successful and self-assured and she’s decided she’s no longer willing to settle for less than she deserves.

Krystof holds himself aloof from love because of past disappointments, but he’s quick to go all in when it means have Adara back in his life again.

I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone that enjoys a gorgeous backdrop as a high powered billionaire finds his match when he least expects it.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ALWAYS YOURS by Jules Bennett

December 12, 2022 Leave a Comment

Always Yours by Jules Bennett
Series: A Haven Novella
Published by Jules Bennett on December 3, 2022
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Newly elected Mayor Ben Monroe loves his hometown and will do everything to make it even better – including take on the newest business owner and her excessive love of exterior Christmas décor.

Emily James, owner of Emmy’s Corner Boutique, has butted heads with Ben since she put out her first chalk sign on the sidewalk during her soft opening. The man has too many rules and is killing her business, not to mention the festive vibe.

Will their opposing views keep them at odds or will the magic of Christmas bring them together?

Enemies to lovers in all their glory! I’m always delighted to visit Jules Bennett’s Haven, Georgia world to reunite with old friends and build on the relationships there, but this book was too short to really give me the bite that I wanted. I enjoy the town, but we didn’t get to see very much of the core group of the story this time and their presence was dearly missed. The characters are intriguing and I enjoyed the connection between them, I just wish there had been more delving into their backstories to set the stage and most importantly more development of their relationship before calling it the end. I wholeheartedly love this series and town … I just want a complete story, even if it’s novella length.

Filed Under: Book Reviews