Archives for August 2023

* Review * ALASKAN BLACKOUT by Joanne Rock

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ALASKAN BLACKOUT by Joanne RockAlaskan Blackout by Joanne Rock
Series: Kingsland Ranch #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 22, 2023
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five-stars

His search leads him to the one woman he must resist at all costs—until one storm-tossed night…

When Quinton Kingsley arrives in Alaska’s rugged Aleutian Islands in search of his missing half brother, he finds a brash, red-haired beauty instead. McKenna O’Brien maintains his brother’s bar while he’s off-grid. She has her reasons for keeping the truth from the wealthy cowboy CEO. Too many men have taken advantage of McKenna’s trust.

Though McKenna’s off-limits, Quint can’t ignore their sizzling attraction. Giving into temptation the night a storm strands them together only makes Quint desire McKenna more. With the stakes high and a precious new complication, has Quint finally found the woman of his dreams? Or will he risk losing her forever?

 

Emotional, angsty goodness! Joanne Rock is pulling at our heartstrings with the third book in her Kingsland Ranch series and I loved every single minute of it. I wanted slightly more info on the back story of his father and the games he had played from the previous books to make it feel like a complete stand-alone, but having read the previous ones myself I knew the backstory and was hooked from start to finish. I’m looking forward to Clay’s story!

Quinton is accomplished and sincere in wanting to right the wrongs with how some of his siblings were treated. I liked his character a lot.

McKenna is a sweetheart and very protective of her step-bro who has treated her more like family than anyone else ever has. I enjoyed watching her fall for her forever love.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys family drama mixed up with your romance. The series is fast paced and satisfying.

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * TIGHT SPOT by Stacey Lynn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * TIGHT SPOT by Stacey LynnTight Spot by Stacey Lynn
Series: Nashville Steel #3
on August 15, 2023
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Goodreads
five-stars

When a fake relationship feels a little too real…. I’m in a Tight Spot.

I’m not a nice guy. I’m too rude. Too gruff. I want to be left alone and stay in my lane as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Too bad management has a sudden problem with my image and all the fines I’ve been racking up.

Now I’m told I need to settle down, shape up…or they’re shipping me out.

Except no playbook could have prepared me for the Hail Mary pass they threw at me:

Enter Hailey Parillo. My fake girlfriend. She’s the Sunshine to my Grump, the Sweet to my Sour and the Smile to my Scowl. As ridiculous as it is, she agrees to play this fake game with me, for something in return:

Lessons in seducing a man and losing her virginity.

I almost balk at the idea, but I've got a career I don't want to lose in a city I don't want to leave.

AND little did I know this is the most important game of my life.

 

This unlikely pair heats up the pages and will have you pulling for them from the very start! He’s grumpy with good reason and she’s sweet and sincere. The mix is pure delight! Great characters, drama galore and just enough gruff to make the sweet all that much better. Loved them!

Hailey is a sweetheart and I loved her from the start. I enjoyed seeing her get the admiration she finally deserved.

Dawson has been a high point for the first couple of books. We knew the drama with his sister was going to come to a head and knock our socks off and boy did it. He’s had a bad rap … but he’s on the right path now.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a football romance with a lot of heart and steam. Not a huge amount of game time, but the characters are addictive and the happily ever afters are rewarding.

 

 

 

Tight Spot by Stacey Lynn is now live! 

 

When a fake relationship feels a little too real…. I’m in a Tight Spot. 

I’m not a nice guy. I’m too rude. Too gruff. I want to be left alone and stay in my lane as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Too bad management has a sudden problem with my image and all the fines I’ve been racking up. 

Now I’m told I need to settle down, shape up…or they’re shipping me out.

Except no playbook could have prepared me for the Hail Mary pass they threw at me:

Enter Hailey Parillo. My fake girlfriend. She’s the Sunshine to my Grump, the Sweet to my Sour and the Smile to my Scowl. As ridiculous as it is, she agrees to play this fake game with me, for something in return: 

Lessons in seducing a man and losing her virginity. 

I almost balk at the idea, but I’ve got a career I don’t want to lose in a city I don’t want to leave.

 AND little did I know this is the most important game of my life.

 

Buy Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3isQV57
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3IEi93m
Nook: http://bit.ly/3imT6at
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3jY1QUI
Google Play: http://bit.ly/3X3VfqA

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3w9Jza5

 

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/

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * STAY HERE WITH ME by Carrie Ann Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * STAY HERE WITH ME by Carrie Ann RyanStay Here With Me by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Wilder Brothers #5
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on August 14, 2023
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four-half-stars

The world thinks I only write songs about my ex-boyfriends.

They study each lyric to point a finger at which man broke my heart—even if I’ve never met him.

Only the man I refuse to write about is the one who is so tangled in my mind that I know I can never be with him.

I had one night with East Wilder, and I know that’s all there will ever be.

He broke my heart without even trying.

Yet now I can’t seem to write a single verse and I need a place to hide while I figure out who I am. The Wilder Retreat will have to be my refuge as the Wilders prepare for my best friend’s wedding.

And when I’m there, I refuse to fall for East again.

Even if the dark shadows in his eyes draw me in. And the dangers of his past might be the one thing that forces us to finally give in.

 

Emotional, sexy goodness! Carrie Ann Ryan is bringing on the angst with East Wilder’s story, the fifth in her addictive Wilder Brothers series and I loved the ride! The characters are easy to like, the turmoil is addictive and the passion that flares every time they look at each other is delightful. I’m loving this series and can’t wait to see what’s in story for Elliot!

Lark is a complex character. She’s successful and dedicated, but she’s having a bit of a re-awakening when she realizes the words she puts on paper are harder when they actually remind her of the guy she’s got in her heart. I liked her a lot and was happy to see her get what she wanted.

East has been a favorite since the start of the series because he’s been one of the most wounded that we knew would have a powerful story.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a group of close-knit brothers who rally together to re-enter real life after military careers and wind up falling one after another for their forever love.

 

 

 

 

Title: Stay Here With Me
Series: The Wilder Brothers #5
Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers/Rock Star/Tortured Hero
Release Date: August 14, 2023

 

BLURB

 

The Wilder Brothers from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a secret romance that East and Lark never saw coming.

 

The world thinks I only write songs about my ex-boyfriends.
They study each lyric to point a finger at which man broke my heart—even if I’ve never met him.
Only the man I refuse to write about is the one who is so tangled in my mind that I know I can never be with him.
I had one night with East Wilder, and I know that’s all there will ever be.
He broke my heart without even trying.
Yet now I can’t seem to write a single verse and I need a place to hide while I figure out who I am. The Wilder Retreat will have to be my refuge as the Wilders prepare for my best friend’s wedding.
And when I’m there, I refuse to fall for East again.
Even if the dark shadows in his eyes draw me in. And the dangers of his past might be the one thing that forces us to finally give in.

 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS

 

 
ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

COMING SOON

 

Releasing December 11

 
 
 

 

 

Releasing April 22
 
AMAZON / B&N / KOBO

 

 

 

 

Releasing May 13
 
AMAZON / B&N / KOBO

 

 
 
 

 

 
AUTHOR BIO
Carrie Ann
Ryan is the New York Times and USA
Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance.
Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and
Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She
started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry
and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and
novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional
and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her
clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
AUTHOR LINKS
four-half-stars

* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH LITTLE SECRETS by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH LITTLE SECRETS by Joss WoodThe Trouble with Little Secrets by Joss Wood
Series: Dynasties: Calcott Manor #3
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 22, 2023
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five-stars

Their one-night stand was off-the-charts… Now she must reveal the consequences.

Fearing his powerful grandmother, Peyton Caron has concealed her baby son from hotel magnate Jack Grantham. Their single spectacular night was unforgettable, but Peyton kept her distance because Jack’s grandmother blamed Peyton for the death of his late brother. Now rumors have forced Peyton to reveal Jack’s identity as her baby’s father.

Because of blackmail and newly unearthed family secrets, Jack’s life is complicated, so he’s wary of Peyton’s revelation. But the raging desire they felt two years ago has only grown. Jack wants Peyton and his son in his life, but he doesn’t believe in love. And with all that stands between them, Peyton won’t settle for anything less.

 

A deliciously scandalous addition to the Dynasties: Calcott Manor series by Joss Wood! Secrets are unraveling quickly as each book in this series unfolds. I highly recommend you read the books in order because you get a much deeper connection with the family if you are already familiar with the previous aspects when coming into this one. The characters are easy to like, the drama is riveting and the romance is heartfelt. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Peyton is a fulfilling character. She has kept secrets, but she did them for the right reasons.

Jack is really sincere. He wants answers for the secrets surrounding his family, but he also doesn’t want to damage the core of who they are.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced romance backed by scandal and drama.

five-stars

* Review * WEDDING DATE WITH HER BEST FRIEND by Susan Carlisle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * WEDDING DATE WITH HER BEST FRIEND by Susan CarlisleWedding Date with Her Best Friend by Susan Carlisle
Series: Atlanta Children's Hospital
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on August 22, 2023
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four-half-stars

Who knew a second chance…

was right in front of them!

Anesthesiologist Val agrees to be the wedding date for her best friend, widower Owen, to stop his overprotective family fussing. It should be a breeze—except Val has long harbored a secret crush on Owen! As long as she maintains some boundaries, she should be fine, right? Yet when fake dates lead to an unexpected kiss, Val knows they’ve crossed a line…but will they want to go back?

 

Heartfelt and emotional! Susan Carlisle continues the Atlanta Children’s Hospital series for Harlequin Medical Romance with a great friends to lovers addition. This story shines with an older aged couple who show that a second chance on that forever love can be just as gorgeous as the first. I whole-heartedly loved Valerie and Owen and their dance towards forever but found the ending to be a bit abrupt and underdeveloped. Overall a really great story!

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced medical setting where romance blooms and forever is extra special.

four-half-stars

* Review * ONE SUMMER OF LOVE by Reese Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ONE SUMMER OF LOVE by Reese RyanOne Summer of Love by Reese Ryan
Series: Valentine Vineyards #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on August 22, 2023
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four-half-stars

She’s beautiful, competent…and wreaking havoc on his self-control!

Brains and beauty? Scientist Delaney Carlisle challenges all of CFO Nolan Valentine’s professional boundaries—and inspires a passion unlike any other. Their chemistry is as intoxicating as the wine they’re creating. But she’s an employee. She’s off-limits. Not to mention, the determined single mom is only in town for the summer to help turn Valentine Vineyards into a success. Then she’s off to a full-time job and stability. Yet when Nolan finally rebels thanks to Delaney’s irresistible charms, he’ll have to choose between listening to his head and following his heart…

 

Electrifying chemistry! Reese Ryan is on point with the instant connection between her latest pair in the second book in her Valentine Vineyards series. The sexual tension is on fire, and the emotional depth that each character puts into their fast paced relationship is really heartwarming. I enjoyed every minute of Laney and Nolan, I only wish we had seen a tad more of his additional siblings to give that familial connection a stronger zing. Overall a very solid read and a great stepping stone in the series.

Nolan has no intention of stumbling upon the woman of his dreams when he undertakes his new position at Valentine Vineyards, but happenstance can be a powerful thing. Watching him fall hard for Laney is exciting.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a high powered family as the background of a series as each sibling stumbles upon their happily ever after.

four-half-stars

* Review * FUN HOUSE by Lani Lynn Vale

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FUN HOUSE by Lani Lynn ValeFun House by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Welcome to the Circus #1
on August 15, 2023
Buy on Amazon
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five-stars

Sometimes you need to crash a funeral to experience happiness.

At least, Kissimmee Singh, aerial artist for Singh Circus, the most sought-after traveling circus of all time, keeps telling herself that’s why she crashes funerals.

In reality, she’s lost and confused. Sometimes it’s nice to experience other people’s grief and be reminded that life isn’t as bad as it could be.

Though attending the funeral of some random old man that died of cancer wasn’t supposed to change her life completely. It does.

With one look at the grieving man and woman, she realizes that this was one funeral she probably should’ve stayed away from.

He’s in a black suit, black undershirt, black gloves, and black shoes. He looks like the devil himself.

When she tries to make a run for it, he follows and demands to know why she’s there.

If she’d known he was going to be trouble, she’d have stayed away. If she’d known that he’d follow her to their next stop, she might’ve tried a little harder to hide who she was. What she was.

But she didn’t.

Instead, she gave him everything in one single night. And will live to regret it.

 

Highly entertaining and addictive! The first book in the brand new Welcome to the Circus series from Lani Lynn Vale does not disappoint! We have circus antics, romance, drama and even a bit of mystery to delight us as this family begins to wrap themselves around our hearts in just the first book of the series. I can’t wait for more!

Kissimmee is a sweetheart and I really enjoyed her as the first member of the Singh family to find their happily ever after. She was authentic and down to earth, and her connection with Coffey was sizzling.

Coffey is just a doll. He had me from hello! He’s sincere, he’s carrying heartache that needs soothing and he’s just a nice guy all the way around.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast paced romance with lots of humor and drama mixed in as danger comes knocking close to home and loved once have to rally around in times of need.

five-stars

* Review * BENEATH DARK WATERS by Karen Rose

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BENEATH DARK WATERS by Karen RoseBeneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose
Series: New Orleans #2
Published by Berkley on August 15, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

There’s no safe place for a child to hide when danger comes from every direction.

Public prosecutor J.P. “Kaj” Cardozo has only lived in New Orleans for six months, and he’s already working on a high-profile celebrity sexual assault case that’s made headlines all over the country. But when his son becomes the target of a kidnapping attempt as a threat to Kaj, he is desperate to keep him safe and turns to a private investigative firm famous for their protection services.

A veteran Marine, Val Sorensen is glad to have found a new career with Broussard Investigations. Her latest assignment as the bodyguard to ten-year-old Elijah Cardozo reminds her why—Val is a kick ass guardian with a tender heart. Through her duties, Val grows fond of the boy—and his handsome father.

But when the high-stakes investigation reveals an explosive network of crime through a revived drug gang, lingering deep-seated corruption in the NOPD, and a group of murderers-for-hire targeting Kaj, Elijah, and his star client, they’re all left scrambling for safety…

 

Addictive drama and bone chilling danger come knocking in the latest from thriller queen Karen Rose! The very beginning is a tad slow while we get the lay of who the characters are and what’s truly going down, but once you get a tight grasp on all of the players this book is highly entertaining and unputdownable! The characters are complicated as the familiar faced saviors are always likable, but there’s some complexity to the bad guys here that have even some of them winning us over before the end. I loved every minute and can’t wait to see more of these familiar white knights in books to come from Rose!

Val was by far my favorite character. She has a past of her own that makes her relatable and sensitive to those around her, and the drama her family brings to the storyline adds a level of humanity that levels out the starkness of some of the background of crimes.

I highly recommend this read to anyone that enjoys a thriller/mystery that will have you guessing from beginning to end as to who all of the bad guys are.

five-stars

* Review * RESTLESS ROCKSTAR by Gina Azzi

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RESTLESS ROCKSTAR by Gina AzziRestless Rockstar by Gina Azzi
Series: The Burnt Clovers Trilogy #3
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on August 17, 2023
Buy on Amazon
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four-stars

Derek Reiner is an epic, consuming, forever, kind of love.

He’s also at the center of my deepest heartache.

While he focuses on his personal growth, I figure out my future.

As much as I want him in it, I won't choose Derek at the expense of myself.

Not anymore.

My rockstar may be desperate and restless, but I’m calm and decisive.

Some epic loves burn out before they have the chance to blaze.

Sometimes, it’s for the best.

 

A worthy conclusion to the Burnt Clovers Trilogy! We’ve been all in for Derek and Allegra, and this is their happily ever after. The characters are endearing, the camaraderie of the band behind them is super sweet and their growth as people and as a couple is warming. I wanted a little more overall from this final chapter considering all of the drama they’ve had going on, but overall the story as a whole was rewarding.

Derek has been an attention grabbing character since the very beginning and to see him actually put in the work to better himself is heartwarming.

Allegra had a lot of growing up to do, and she managed to accomplish a good bit towards that goal.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the trilogy to anyone that enjoys a subtle rockstar romance with a good bit of a family saga feel to it and tight friendships as a backdrop. You must read all three in order to get a full enjoyment out of the story.

four-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * NEVER TOO SOON by Chelle Bliss

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * NEVER TOO SOON by Chelle BlissNever Too Soon by Chelle Bliss
Series: Star Falls #2
Published by Bliss Ink on August 8, 2023
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Grace Bianchi has always been drawn to men who are allergic to relationships. But when a mysterious man walks into her shop, saving her from a disaster, she finds herself wondering… is he different than the others?

Ryder Cooper is fumbling his way through life. He’s been lost since his wife passed away, leaving him to raise two young children alone. But when he meets a beautiful tattoo artist with a zest for life, she makes him wonder…could he love again?

Never Too Soon is a journey of two broken hearts who believe in love as they mend their broken hearts, finding their happily ever after.

 

What a delicious read! Chelle Bliss is really tugging on our heartstrings with the second book in her Star Falls series and I loved every single minute of it! The characters are really easy to like, the chemistry is instantaneous and the emotions are high throughout. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series and seeing more of the Bianchi’s fall hard for their forever love.

Grace is strong and successful, but she’s got some secrets that weigh heavily on her. Watching her fall hard for this guy that truly deserves her is really heartwarming.

Ryder is a doll! I loved every minute of his journey of healing and falling for “the one”.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a close-knit family that butts into each other’s lives but it’s always done with love. Watching each sibling fall in love is really rewarding.

 

 

 

 

 

Never Too Soon by Chelle Bliss is now live!

Grace Bianchi has always been drawn to men who are allergic to relationships. But when a mysterious man walks into her shop, saving her from a disaster, she finds herself wondering… is he different than the others?

Ryder Cooper is fumbling his way through life. He’s been lost since his wife passed away, leaving him to raise two young children alone. But when he meets a beautiful tattoo artist with a zest for life, she makes him wonder…could he love again?

Never Too Soon is a journey of two broken hearts who believe in love as they mend their broken hearts, finding their happily ever after.

 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://geni.us/nts-kindle
Apple Books: https://geni.us/nts-apple
Nook: https://geni.us/nts-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/nts-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/nts-gp
Discreet Paperback: https://geni.us/NTS-Discreet

Goodreads: https://geni.us/nts-gr

 

  

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
Book+Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/chellebliss/bites

Text BLISS to 24587

 

five-stars