Archives for October 2023

* Review * MERRY PUCKING CHRISTMAS by Kelly Jamieson

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MERRY PUCKING CHRISTMAS by Kelly Jamieson

Merry Pucking Christmas by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Bears Hockey II
Published by Kelly Jamieson Inc on November 14, 2023
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Harley Reid

My holiday plans? Boxed wine, flannel pajamas, and Netflix minus the “chill”. I hadn’t planned on getting off my apathy until after New Years—until I accidentally crash into my ex’s new girlfriend’s car. But it’s the motivation I need to flee to my Aunt Nora’s place in NYC for Christmas.

Colliding with a typically grouchy New Yorker isn’t my best foot forward. But sweet Jesus on a cracker, he’s a lickable, Viking-size hunk of hotness. As we somehow keep running into each other, I begin to believe I can shed the hurt and humiliation and be fearless.

Nils Axelsson

My holiday plans? Spending my hockey team’s break alone. My friend Nora, however, won’t let me escape her vortex of holiday cheer, and I find myself agreeing to take her niece to a Rockettes show.

I was expecting an awkward teenager in braces, but it’s the same woman who plowed into me in the elevator. A knock-me-sideways stunning blonde whose beauty and kindness hits me like a puck to the chest. The more time I spend with her, the more I want as much as I can get before she has to go back home. Unless I can give her a reason to stay.

Sexy holiday cheer at it’s best! Kelly Jamieson is delighting her fans with a return to the Bears Hockey II series for the holidays and you can’t go wrong with this humorous dip into a celebration like only New York can do it. The characters are endearing and easy to adore while their romance is whimsical and steamy all rolled into one delightful read. The ending was weak and I would have loved a bit more development there, but overall a really fun read filled with holiday goodness throughout. Loved them!

Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to sports fans who enjoys a tight knit team camaraderie as each player falls hard for his true love.

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* Review * JUST ONE TEASE by Carly Phillips

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE TEASE by Carly Phillips

Just One Tease by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #10, The Dirty Dares
Published by CP Publishing on November 14, 2023
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He’s the last single Dare sibling standing.
She’s his lost love who disappeared.
Now she’s back, bringing secrets and danger.

Hadley Stevens is on the run with her younger sister—again—but this time, she’s in control. Zach Dare might hate her, but she knows he’d never turn away someone in need. He’s the only man she trusts. The man she’s never gotten over. Even if she left him without a word.

Zach never expected the girl he once loved to walk into his bar. The last time he saw her, he’d dropped her off after school and promised to pick her up for prom. Except she disappeared.

Now, she’s back with a new name, but the same doe eyes and pouty lips, and she’s asking for the help he would have gladly given her all those years ago.

Zach agrees to protect them, but he refuses to fall for Hadley again. But late nights working side by side give them a tempting glimpse at the life they could have had…and all the reasons he loved her come flooding back.

He’ll have to keep her safe.

Before he can convince her to stay.

This reunion is filled with angsty goodness just like we expected for Zach Dare! Reader’s of this series have known for awhile now that there was going to be some drama playing out when we finally got around to getting Zach’s story because of his background of having his high school love disappear and never be heard from again and how that changed his life so dramatically. Carly Phillips did not disappoint! Great characters, lots of drama and turmoil and such a sweet reunion. I loved every minute of Hadley and Zach!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a sassy romance filled with high brow characters who know how to love hard and cherish family.

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* Review * A BET BETWEEN FRIENDS by Jules Bennett

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A BET BETWEEN FRIENDS by Jules Bennett

A Bet Between Friends by Jules Bennett
Series: Dynasties: Willowvale #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 24, 2023
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It was just an innocent bet…

Will it change a friendship forever?

A career-ending injury leaves baseball star Mason Clark without direction. But inheriting a farmhouse brings him home to Willowvale Springs and reunites him with his childhood friend, pilot Darcy Stephens. They once shared everything, including playful wagers.

When Darcy’s ex crosses her boundaries, Mason bets they can pretend to be a convincing couple. It’s just a one-time thing…until their unexpected chemistry ignites. Soon they’re renovating his farmhouse by day and scorching the sheets by night. But how will their friendship hold up, now that they’ve crossed the line?

Fast paced and delightful! Jules Bennett is turning on the heat in this satisfying friends to lovers second book in the Dynasties: Willowvale series and I loved every minute. Both characters are easy to like and developed enough to enjoy their backstories without overshadowing the current dialogue. I am looking forward to more to come in this series as the other two beneficiaries are revealed.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys lots of drama mixed into your steamy romance.

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* Review * THE WHOLE TIME by Catherine Bybee

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE WHOLE TIME by Catherine Bybee

The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee
Series: The D'Angelos #4
Published by Montlake on November 14, 2023
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Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos' restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena’s never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that’ll raise big bucks…and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Tattooed biker Ryan is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He’s perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge-D’Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship with benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena’s keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily ever after she never knew she wanted.

Heartfelt and addictive! We’re back in the fold of the lovely D’Angelo family again when restaurant manager and friend Salena moves in upstairs and falls for Gio’s new brother-in-law. The characters are hard not to love, the setting is humorous and warm and the angst is at an all time high when an even stricter Italian family than Mari and Luca come into the picture! I loved every minute of this book and the series in general. We need more siblings so we can keep returning!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a buttinsky family who always has to be a part of every brewing relationships and who loves hard and loud. Such a fun family!

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* Review * FOUR PUCKING CHRISTMASES by Emma Foxx

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FOUR PUCKING CHRISTMASES by Emma Foxx

Four Pucking Christmases by Emma Foxx
Series: Chicago Racketeers #2
Published by Blake Wilder Books, LLC on November 3, 2023
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Chicago Racketeers Book Two

I always imagined bringing my hot, charming, amazing new boyfriend home for Christmas.

And I thought about how great it would be to meet his parents too.

But I never really thought about what that might look like if I was dating three men. Together. As in, what it would be like if we were all dating each other.

And now it's here. Our first Christmas. And our first chance to be together...with our families.

Four Christmases in two days.
Where's that spiked eggnog?

Dani, Nathan, Michael, and Crew are back in Four Pucking Christmases,a steamy, fun why-choose rom com! No cheating, a guaranteed HEA, and the guys are all about her.

Short, sexy and satisfying! What could make our holiday celebration any more complete than a quick visit with Danielle, Nathan, Crew and Michael?? I can’t stress enough that you really need to read the first book in the series to truly have a connection with this little family and appreciate the nuances of their relationships fully. The characters are adorable and addictive and the love they share is heartwarming while they are heating up the sheets with their steam! Don’t go into this book looking for sports because it’s not here, but there’s a pro hockey player mixed in there who will steal your heart regardless.

As we often see in a shorter novella type length there just simply isn’t enough time to truly develop a complex storyline, but fans of the first book will adore getting to see the gang again and will appreciate the glimpse into each of their families as their relationship continues to develop and we are teased with what’s coming next. I’m looking forward to joining in on their fun again soon!

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* Review * ALL THE LITTLE TRUTHS by Debra Webb

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ALL THE LITTLE TRUTHS by Debra Webb

All the Little Truths by Debra Webb
Series: Finley O’Sullivan #3
Published by Thomas & Mercer on November 7, 2023
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Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has dealt with her share of shady characters, but the firm’s latest client has an even darker past than most. In fact, Nashville Metro Police seems to think he’s a murderer.

Finley isn’t so sure. Her investigation into Ray Johnson’s history focuses on the unsolved murder of a teenager who died thirteen years earlier. The case went cold, but questions remain. After the girl’s death, people close to her started disappearing—Ray’s brother first, then the girl’s mother. But why?

As Finley races to solve a decade-old murder, she uncovers new clues and long-buried secrets that could blow the case wide open. But whoever killed the girl all those years ago may still be a threat—and now the chase is on.

Delectable angst around every corner! Debra Webb is pulling our heartstrings in several directions as we work with Finley O’Sullivan to solve a cold case that has ties to those close to her as we also get further unraveling of her past and confirmation of her future. I have loved this series and always get hooked on the case playing out in each book. The characters are riveting, the danger is exciting and the human interest part of Finley’s private relationships is always entertaining. I recommend reading this series in order because each book builds on what has been uncovered in the past and some nuances will be hard to pick up if you don’t have all of the details.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a classic whodunnit with lots of danger and drama circling the main characters as secrets are uncovered and relationships are tested.

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* Review * INTERFERING by Jami Davenport

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INTERFERING by Jami Davenport

Interfering by Jami Davenport
Series: Portland Icehawks #4
Published by Cedrona Enterprises LLC on October 26, 2023
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Heidi

I've never had a man be kind to me unless he wanted something, so when a gorgeous hockey star shows interest, I don't believe it's genuine. I was a throwaway child of a drug addict and I learned to survive in dark places. Now I'm determined to get my life on track, and I don’t need complications, especially from a drop-dead gorgeous professional hockey player with delusions of rescuing me. I don't need to be rescued by him or anyone else. I'm doing it on my own.

Trent

I'm attracted to Heidi and have been from the moment I saw her. Timid Heidi brings out my protective instincts, but my interest goes beyond that. Sure, I know where she's been and what she's had to do just to stay alive, but instead of disrespecting her, I admire her ability to rise above her unfortunate circumstances.

Heidi's still harboring secrets, and they're driving a wedge between us. And that's not the only wedge, my sisters have invaded my little piece of paradise and set up an animal rescue on my small farm. I don't like chaos, and my sisters don't like Heidi. Not exactly a recipe for a happily ever after, but I'm bound and determined get what I want because losing isn't an option.

Angsty goodness! The next book in Jami Davenport’s addictive Portland Icehawks hockey romance series centers around Heidi and Trent and all the emotional feels. I don’t typically feel like you have to read a series in order to get a full appreciation, but with this one there are some big happenings in previous books that aid in the satisfaction of what unravels in this one, so I would highly recommend you read this series in order for full enjoyment. The characters are easy to like, the pace is fast and attention grabbing and the happily ever after is enjoyable. I felt like the ending was quite rushed and would have liked a bit more development there, but overall a very solid read that I highly enjoyed. Looking forward to more in the series!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sports romance with lots of heart filled friendships as each teammate finds their forever love with his sidekicks at his side cheering him on.

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* Review * WORKING WITH HER CRUSH by Reese Ryan

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

Working with Her Crush by Reese Ryan
Series: Dynasties: Willowvale #1
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 24, 2023
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An inheritance stirs up old resentments…

And revives undeniable sparks.

Dray Walker is devastated when tech entrepreneur Kahlil Anderson inherits the horse ranch she’s managed for years. Her friend (and secret crush) left town decades ago without looking back, and now Kahlil, whose tech skills do not apply to thoroughbreds, needs her help.

Delectable characters with addictive backstories! Loving this premise already! Reese Ryan is kicking off a four book Desire series with fellow author Jules Bennett with the first book in Dynasties: Willowvale and I’m exciting to see what the series holds. Andraya and Kahlil had my interest peaked quickly and as secrets are uncovered and trust pushed to the limit, we get to the heart of the story and all it entails. I loved the characters, their connection and their love story as it all played out. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Dray is a sweetheart, and the hurt she feels from both her former best friend and the father figure she has respected for all of these years sets the story on a path of healing.

Kahlil is a little less straightforward as he keeps secrets and isn’t as forthcoming as Dray, but I liked his character none-the-less.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a drama filled romance with attention grabbing characters who instantly have us hooked on how their story is going to play out.

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* Review * HIRED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET SON by Joss Wood

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HIRED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET SON by Joss Wood

Hired for the Billionaire's Secret Son by Joss Wood
Published by Harlequin Presents on October 24, 2023
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Her job is temporary!
Is their connection permanent?

When world-renowned yacht designer Bo Sørenson is named guardian to the son he never knew existed, he needs help—fast. Anticipating the relentless demands of his clients he can do. But a baby? The scars of his own childhood have left him clueless.

Haunted by the shadows of her last assignment, this summer in Denmark is Olivia Cooper’s last as a nanny. She can’t allow herself to get too close to Bo or his child, which should make it easier to ignore the billionaire’s heated gaze… But it only makes it harder!

Quickly hooked and loved every minute! Joss Wood is great at painting a vivid image of a foreign city so her reader feels like they can visualize just where her characters are at the time. With Olivia and Bo, the chemistry is instant and forbidden. I loved seeing them let their guard down with each other and grow close. The plot was easy to follow, the pace was quick but thorough and the characters were really addictive. I loved their story!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a forbidden boss romance with a whole lot of heart and drama mixed into the chemistry as they find their way towards forever.

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* Review * SHOW OFF by Lani Lynn Vale

October 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

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Show Off by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Welcome to the Circus #3
on October 24, 2023
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Seventy shades of messed up.

That was what she’d been told about herself for nearly her entire life.

From a young age, she knew what it was like to be hated. To be loathed so much by a person that they literally resented the air you breathed.

For her entire childhood, she fought to live, despite her father’s constant effort to make her life a living hell.
Her sisters and brother have no clue what kind of closet psychopath their father really was, and she’ll die before she ruins their picture-perfect view of him.

Why? Because she’s already broken. There’s no fixing this kind of damaged. But there’s no reason everyone else needs to suffer, too.

***

From the moment Hannibal Peters laid eyes on Hades Singh, he knew she was the one.
That was why he ran.

That was why, when he saw her suffering, he couldn’t stay away.

Talk about a glorious redemption! WOW! Hades was not what I was expecting at all after the previous books in the series, but I absolutely love that Vale managed to redeem her so beautifully that we managed to overlook our preconceived thoughts about her by the end and be able to truly see her for the person that she is. Powerful story with lots of heart and emotion as well as a wicked sexy love story. Loving this series!

I loved Hannibal and his instant connection to Hades and ability to love her regardless of her hang ups and secrets. Seeing him help her heal by showing her the first true love she’s ever known was beautiful.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a family saga romance that showcases each sibling finding their happily ever after as family drama ensues and real life comes to a head time and time again.

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