Archives for June 2023

* Review * ONE NIGHT IN MY RIVAL’S BED by Melanie Milburne

June 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE NIGHT IN MY RIVAL’S BED by Melanie Milburne

One Night in My Rival's Bed by Melanie Milburne
Published by Harlequin Presents on June 27, 2023
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He’s forbidden to me

So why can’t I resist him?

Grayson Barlowe has always been my enemy. We were taught by our warring families to compete on the business battlefield. But everything changes when we’re forced to work together!

I have never been immune to his devilish good looks. But as I learn about the pain that Grayson keeps hidden from the world, it becomes obvious he’s not just a playboy. Yet a truce seems impossible, until I find myself in the place I vowed I’d never be: between my enemy’s sheets!

Sentimental and heartfelt! I was quickly invested in the characters of this story, and though there was a lacking of development for the main couple, I felt the inclusion of their sibling’s romance added a sweet touch to the storyline and left me feeling warm towards them. I wanted more, but I wholeheartedly enjoyed them!

I recommend this book to fans of a quick and fast paced romance that finds a happily ever after for all involved.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * INFERNO by Chelle Bliss

June 13, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * INFERNO by Chelle Bliss

Inferno by Chelle Bliss
Series: Men of Inked: Heatwave #12
Published by Bliss Ink on June 13, 2023
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Goodreads

Stone Gallo has lived life like every day is a party. No attachments, no responsibilities, and absolutely no falling in love. He spent his days at Inked and his nights wherever he pleased. But when Stone rescues a beautiful woman in need, his entire world gets turned upside down, and he’ll never be the same.

Opal hasn’t had much luck in life. No family, no friends, and absolutely no love. But when a handsome tattoo artist steps in and saves her from a horrible situation, her entire world changes. She's immediately sucked in by his charming family, wanting nothing more than to be one of them, but knows it’s not in the cards for her…it never is.

But when fate steps in, they can’t stop what’s coming—Stone and Opal sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g…

Fast paced and exhilarating! Chelle Bliss can always wrap a new Gallo man around my heart and Stone was even easier than ever. He’s sweet, sincere and sexy as all get out and his instant connection with Opal was really addictive. I love this series so hard!

Inferno was quick to hook me and brought a depth of drama into the picture early on that carried the pace throughout. Emotional and riveting!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close-knit family who has their nose all up in each other’s business … but in such a loving way! The men are bold, the women are sassy and the love is forever!

Inferno by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Stone Gallo has lived life like every day is a party. No attachments, no responsibilities, and absolutely no falling in love. He spent his days at Inked and his nights wherever he pleased. But when Stone rescues a beautiful woman in need, his entire world gets turned upside down, and he’ll never be the same.

Opal hasn’t had much luck in life. No family, no friends, and absolutely no love. But when a handsome tattoo artist steps in and saves her from a horrible situation, her entire world changes. She’s immediately sucked in by his charming family, wanting nothing more than to be one of them, but knows it’s not in the cards for her…it never is. But when fate steps in, they can’t stop what’s coming—tone and Opal sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g…

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

Amazon: https://bit.ly/44Cg0Om

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3NBp8ga

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

Kobo: https://bit.ly/44o1nxU

Google Play: https://bit.ly/42g67DQ

Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/inferno-tbr

Meet Chelle

Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.

She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.

Connect with Chelle

Website: menofinked.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7164384.Chelle_Bliss

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chelle-Bliss/e/B00FIPAHYQ/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchellebliss1

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blisshangout/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorchellebliss/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChelleBliss1

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chelle-bliss

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chellebliss10/

Other: https://bingebooks.com/author/chelle-bliss

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * THE SWEETHEART LIST by Jill Shalvis

June 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis
Series: Sunrise Cove #4
Published by Avon on June 13, 2023
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Goodreads

What makes life sweet?

Freshly baked bread
A cool lake on a hot summer day
The comfort of a cozy bookstore
Second chances and new beginnings

When Harper Shaw’s life falls apart, she knows it’s time for a change. She removes everything that doesn’t spark joy—from her soul-sucking job to eating kale to making lists—and sets off for the last place she was happy, Lake Tahoe (who wouldn’t feel good there, right?) to fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery.

With her Sugar Pine Bakery in between a tavern, owned by sexy, grumpy Bodie Campbell, and a bookstore, run by her new BFF, she feels a peace she’s never experienced since…well, forever.. Then she meets Ivy, a teenage runaway, who barrels into her heart. She sees a lot of herself in Ivy and takes her under her wing, but the teenager has secrets…

When those secrets explode, it changes Harper’s new world, and she’ll learn, it’s never too late to start over, it’s never too late to figure out your life, and best of all, it’s never too late to let yourself believe in love.

Shalvis always delivers heartfelt characters, loveable backdrops and humor just when we need it! The fourth book in her decadent Sunrise Cove series was quick to hook me and keep me turning page after page to inhale all of the angsty goodness!

Harper is a character who it’s hard not to like because she’s just so down-to-earth and real. She’s got her list of problems, but she tackles them with an upbeat attitude and still always has a helping hand for others. I really enjoyed her … snark and all!

Bodie was my favorite! He’s a sweet at heart grump and I adored every minute with him.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a romance filled with warmth and humor in a gorgeous setting and with relatable characters.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BRAY by Lori Foster

June 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

Bray by Lori Foster
Series: Ultimate Series #5
Published by Canary Street Press on June 1, 2023
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Goodreads

She’s turned him down every time.

But this fighter is determined to win her over.

Bray Barlow is a simple guy. A light heavyweight MMA fighter, he trains, keeps his weight for fights and is known to blow off steam with willing women—especially when he’s frustrated. He’s frustrated a lot lately because deep down, he knows Karen is the one for him. But every time he asks out the mysterious dark-haired woman with the bluest eyes, she politely declines. Every. Single. Time.

For Karen Hall, Bray is extra. The brown-eyed and very ripped MMA fighter is extra hot, extra nice, extra tempting—and totally off-limits. Karen moved here and changed her name to disappear. She’s worked hard to keep her distance from people, especially from Bray. When a car runs off the road, she knows it’s no accident and that her past has finally found her. The instinct is to run, but her heart is telling her to take a chance and turn to the one person who can help her. Bray.

Check out the other titles in the Ultimate series, including Fighting Dirty where we first meet Bray!

Foster delivers a dose of angsty goodness with a dip back into a fan favorite series! With her annual benefit novella, Lori Foster lends a hand to an animal rescue near and dear to her heart as she brings a familiar face into the spotlight with a brand new novella reviving the Ultimate Series. Longtime fans of the series will be delighted with a cameo by legendary Armie when his mentee Bray needs a nudge in the right direction. The characters and drama are quick to catch a reader’s attention, and the non-stop heart will keep you addicted page after page. I loved every minute!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Ultimate Series to anyone that enjoys MMA romance filled with a group of kind-hearted, alpha males who have each other’s backs and relish the day they each find their forever.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * ROCK BOTTOM by Kat Mizera

June 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Rock Bottom by Kat Mizera
Series: Rock Harder #1
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Goodreads

My family calls me Zeke. But the music industry refers to me as Big Z… and women everywhere know why.

Being lead guitarist for the hottest band in the world should be enough. But it’s not. Nothing ever is. And I don’t know why.

Money. Fame. Girls. I’m drowning in all three. But it’s the sweet, spunky college girl offering up her virginity in exchange for an interview that I can’t get out of my head. And I wish I knew why.

But Presley’s been keeping a secret that changes everything. She becomes my lifeline. And instead of pushing her away, I should’ve held on tighter.

Because the whole band is on a downward spiral, out of control… and none of us knew what was coming.

Kat Mizera can always be counted on to deliver a gritty, raw hero who manages to melt our heart in no time! This kick off to a brand new Rock Harder rockstar series delivers on more levels than I expected when we get an unexpected tender connection right off the bat. The storyline delivers highs and lows along the way towards heartache and pain but in the end love and brotherhood leads the way. Great characters, endearing angst and all the feels!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys seeing a highly successful hero show his softer side when he meets his match in a sweet, down-to-earth way. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the series!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE CAFE AT BEACH END by RaeAnne Thayne

June 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Cafe at Beach End by RaeAnne Thayne
Series: Cape Sanctuary #5
Published by Canary Street Press on June 13, 2023
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When Meredith Collins was a child, the little beach town of Cape Sanctuary lived up to its name. Spending summers there with her grandmother, Meredith finally felt safe and loved.

Now she’s returning in disgrace. Her late ex-husband swindled investors out of millions of dollars and made Meredith a figure of scorn—though she knew nothing about his scheme. But she still has the beach cottage she inherited from her grandmother and half ownership of the local café. It’s a place to work and earn a little money. That’s if her cousin, Tori, will let her through the door. Once, Tori and Meredith were as close as sisters—until Meredith chose her neglectful parents’ expectations over their bond. Now widowed with a teenage daughter, Tori isn’t setting out a welcome mat for the woman who let her down so badly.

While Meredith tries to make a fresh start, she is drawn to a mysterious writer renting the cottage next door. Liam Byrne’s kindness is a balm, though she worries he might not be so friendly if he knew who she was. But Liam has his own secret and a mission that will help Meredith confront her past—and maybe, claim a surprising future…

RaeAnne Thayne always delivers an addictive plot with endearing characters and lots of heartfelt emotion! The next book in her Cape Sanctuary series brings drama and rediscovery to an all time high as estranged family reconnects and healing begins to offer new life to old souls.

Meredith was a character that was really easy to feel compassion for. She carries the weight of her secrets on her shoulders and never once fails to take accountability for her actions and choices.

Tori was a bit of a tougher nut to crack and at times comes across as sanctimonious and harsh. She redeems herself a bit, but I felt the lack of a true healing for the past with the cousins.

I wanted a little more development in the ending which seems too abrupt, but overall I highly enjoyed my return trip to Cape Sanctuary and recommend this book as well as the entire series to all fans of small town romance with strong family and friend connections as a backdrop.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * HENDRIX by Sawyer Bennett

June 6, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hendrix by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #7
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on June 6, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Hendrix Bateman is one of The Lucky Three, a trio of players who were not on the Titan’s team plane the night it crashed. Feeling as if he’s been given a second chance, Hendrix is determined to make the most out of his life, but that doesn’t mean he’s not suffering from scars that can’t be seen.

When I lost my Titan brothers in the crash, it was a mixed bag of emotions. I was devastated and grief stricken, but I was also grateful to be alive. Yeah, that might cause a little—okay, a lot of—guilt, but now I’m determined to live each day as if it’s my last.

A night out with friends puts me in the crosshairs of Stevie Kisner—the devastatingly beautiful bar owner with a sharp tongue and a fire in her eyes that lets me know she has zero tolerance for guys like me. I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge, so I’m not dissuaded by Stevie’s tough as nails attitude or her big biker dad who looks like he wants to kill me. Fueled by too many shots and the raucous urging of my teammates, I set out to show Stevie I’ve got game both on and off the ice.

While I shouldn’t be looking for anything more than a good time, I can’t help but be captivated by Stevie. She’s cool as hell and we burn hot together. But the more I get to know her, the more I can tell she’s holding something in reserve, and let’s just say I’ve got some trust issues after my last disastrous attempt at a relationship. Now I need to decide if I’m going to let my past dictate my future or if I am willing to put my heart on the line to find out if Stevie is exactly what I think she is—my everything.

Addictive and heartfelt! Hendrix is heating up the pages of book seven in Sawyer Bennett’s Pittsburgh Titans hockey series and he does it well. I have to admit that I wanted more angst from one of The Lucky Three’s stories, but I still adored him and was rooting for him to get his happily ever after along the way.

Stevie is really easy to like and I adored her charisma, but man did she irritate me with buying into her mom’s BS all the time.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit group of hockey players who stick beside each other through thick and thin and happily fall for “the one” one lucky guy at a time.

Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: June 6, 2023

Synopsis:

Hendrix Bateman is one of The Lucky Three, a trio of players who were not on the Titan’s team plane the night it crashed. Feeling as if he’s been given a second chance, Hendrix is determined to make the most out of his life, but that doesn’t mean he’s not suffering from scars that can’t be seen.

When I lost my Titan brothers in the crash, it was a mixed bag of emotions. I was devastated and grief stricken, but I was also grateful to be alive. Yeah, that might cause a little—okay, a lot of—guilt, but now I’m determined to live each day as if it’s my last.

A night out with friends puts me in the crosshairs of Stevie Kisner—the devastatingly beautiful bar owner with a sharp tongue and a fire in her eyes that lets me know she has zero tolerance for guys like me. I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge, so I’m not dissuaded by Stevie’s tough as nails attitude or her big biker dad who looks like he wants to kill me. Fueled by too many shots and the raucous urging of my teammates, I set out to show Stevie I’ve got game both on and off the ice.

While I shouldn’t be looking for anything more than a good time, I can’t help but be captivated by Stevie. She’s cool as hell and we burn hot together. But the more I get to know her, the more I can tell she’s holding something in reserve, and let’s just say I’ve got some trust issues after my last disastrous attempt at a relationship. Now I need to decide if I’m going to let my past dictate my future or if I am willing to put my heart on the line to find out if Stevie is exactly what I think she is—my everything.

Get Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel in digital, signed paperback and audio (narrated by Tor Thom and CJ Bloom) direct from Sawyer:

SHOP the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore

Download Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel at the following retailers:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

PLEASE NOTE:
Ebooks purchased from the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore will be delivered via BookFunnel and can be sent to the e-reader of your choice.
Audio will be available exclusively on the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore for approximately 90 days before releasing at all retailers and libraries (excluding Audible). Hendrix is narrated by Tor Thom and CJ Bloom. Audio purchase from the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore must be enjoyed within the BookFunnel app (which is VERY user friendly and FREE!).

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:

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz/Review * MADE FOR ROMEO by Natasha Madison

June 2, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Made For Romeo by Natasha Madison
Series: Made For Series #4
on June 2, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Gabriella Stone
Moving to LA was my dream since I was thirteen.
By the time I was twenty, I was sought out by some of the most beautiful people in the world to take their pictures.
No one cared that I came from a hockey dynasty.
Everything was perfect.
Then I met him.
It was supposed to be a one-time thing.
But it ended up being more. So much more.
Until he betrayed me.

Romeo Beckett
Growing up in LA, everyone knew I came from Hollywood royalty.
Following in my father's legendary footsteps, I learned early on not to fall for the shallow shine of this city.
When I met her, I didn't know she was what I'd been looking for.
In one night, I ruined everything.
She left without a second thought.
I've spent every day since becoming the man she deserves.
She thinks it's over.
She's wrong.
It's time to win her back.

Undeniably the most angsty book in the series! Natasha Madison is throwing us a curve ball with book four in her Made For Series and making us learn to forgive a man for his sins when he proves himself worthy of redemption. It will never be my favorite because the rift made it hard to get that warm and cozy feeling about their connection from the very beginning, but Romeo does endear himself to the reader with his willingness to be truthful. I truly enjoyed seeing Gabriella and Romeo find themselves back to each other.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a family hockey dynasty with the family members always loving hard and enjoying life with each other by their sides.

MADE FOR ROMEO

Natasha Madison

Release Date: June 2

FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new stand-alone enemies to lovers, second chance sports romance.
A spin-off from the Hollywood Royalty Series & The Only One Series

Gabriella Stone
Moving to LA was my dream since I was thirteen.
By the time I was twenty, I was sought out by some of the most beautiful people in the world to take their pictures.
No one cared that I came from a hockey dynasty.
Everything was perfect.
Then I met him.
It was supposed to be a one-time thing.
But it ended up being more. So much more.
Until he betrayed me.

Romeo Beckett
Growing up in LA, everyone knew I came from Hollywood royalty.
Following in my father’s legendary footsteps, I learned early on not to fall for the shallow shine of this city.
When I met her, I didn’t know she was what I’d been looking for.
In one night, I ruined everything.
She left without a second thought.
I’ve spent every day since becoming the man she deserves.
She thinks it’s over.
She’s wrong.
It’s time to win her back.

Grab Your Copy!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B918Q3DY

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…