Archives for May 2024

* Review * LACE ‘EM UP by Elise Faber

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LACE ‘EM UP by Elise FaberLace 'em Up by Elise Faber
Series: Bang Brothers Hockey #1, Eagles Hockey
on June 11, 2024
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four-half-stars

With a last name like Bang, the jokes were endless.
I’d decided long ago it was easier to pretend to embrace my namesake than try to prove myself to the world.
No one had ever seen through that…
Until I rescued a runaway bride from the side of the road.
Then my mom—my interfering, matchmaking mom—saw the diamond ring, made assumptions I didn’t have the heart to dispel, and, suddenly, Rory and I were pretending to be engaged.
Only…somewhere along the way, it became real.
Somewhere along the way, I realized I could never let her go.

Meet the Bang Brothers—five hot hockey-playing brothers who are allergic to commitment.
The brothers are about to face off against their newly-retired mother…who suddenly has plenty of time to play matchmaker. Add in their baby sister and some secret dating, a single dad, an accidental pregnancy, a marriage of convenience, and a wrong bed—or two—and these siblings are not going to know what hit them!

Lace 'em Up is Book 1 in the Bang Brothers Hockey series

Bang Brothers Hockey Series Titles:
Book 1: 6/11/2024–Lace ’em Up by Elise Faber
Book 2: 6/25/2024–Show ’em How by Jami Davenport
Book 3: 7/9/2024–Hit ’em Hard by Kat Mizera
Book 4: 7/23/2024–Lock ’em Down by Gina Azzi
Book 5: 8/6/2024–Light ’em Up by Kelly Jamieson
Book 6: 8/20/2024–Hook ’em Hard by Cathryn Fox

 

A decadently sinful kick-off to the Bang Brothers series we’ve all been waiting for! Elise Faber is first up in the list of beloved hockey authors who are teaming up to bring us this steamy series of a much-loved hockey family. Faber gave a glimpse of what was to come at the tale end of the first book in her Eagles Hockey series Broken Laces and this book picks up where that one left off. You don’t have to have read that book first, but I highly recommend that one too because it was equally yummy. I loved King and Rory and the warmth that their relationship portrays within a few pages of the book, and getting to know his family and her support system as he helps her heal from trauma is heartwarming. The characters are down-to-earth, the drama is heated and the love and passion is intense. I wanted just a smidge more in revenge for the wrongs done to her, but overall I loved it and can’t wait for his sibling’s stories!

I highly recommend this book to hockey fans who enjoy heat and angst mixed into their romance. Elise Faber will be followed by books by Jami Davenport, Kat Mizera, Gina Azzi, Kelly Jamieson and Cathryn Fox for the rest of the series.

four-half-stars

* Review * 15 SUMMERS LATER by RaeAnne Thayne

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * 15 SUMMERS LATER by RaeAnne Thayne15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne
Published by Canary Street Press on June 18, 2024
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five-stars

15 summers ago, everything changed…

Ava Howell seemed to have it all. She moved away from Emerald Creek, Idaho, married the love of her life and published a bestselling memoir. But she never expected that her husband would feel so betrayed by a secret from her past—the truth of what happened to her and her sister all those years ago—that he’d walk away. Now Ava is back home and trying to move on with the only person who can truly understand…

Following years of healing, Madison Howell is finally happy. After college she built a no-kill shelter where she works with animals every day, and she’s in love with the town veterinarian, Dr. Luke Gentry. But she can’t ever bring herself to tell him. Years ago, his dad died protecting Madi and her sister, so how could he ever love her back?

With the truth laid bare, and the past that Ava and Madison have worked so hard to leave behind threatening everything they have built for themselves, the Howell sisters’ reunion is bittersweet. And as Ava and Madi attempt to remedy the rifts in their lives and reconcile their futures, they must face the demons of their past together.

 

RaeAnne Thayne’s unique voice always endears me to her story from the very first page! With this summer’s brand new women’s fiction release, Thayne is once again hooking her reader with attention grabbing characters, heartwarming love and also a bit of a twisted background that we learn about a little at a time over the course of the book. This story was slightly unorthodox for Thayne, but really enjoyable and fulfilling to the reader to witness the emotional healing of the characters. It isn’t what I would consider a fluffy beach read as the cover might lead one to believe, but it’s very rewarding once we get to the heart of each character. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys seeing family and friends overcome a past trauma to go on to grow and prosper in happiness and joy.

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * REFRAIN by Gillian Archer

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * REFRAIN by Gillian ArcherRefrain by Gillian Archer
Series: Tin Gods Rock Stars #2
on May 30, 2024
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four-half-stars

What happens on tour doesn’t stay on tour. Not when she’s your best friend’s little sister.

Ella Robinson

I’m kinda the definition of a flake. I’m on my—one, two three—fourth career. And I’ve had to ask my brother for help navigating through all of them. I thought I’d have my life together by now. But here I am, still leaning on my big brother. He’s hired me to be his social media photographer while he’s on tour with his band, The Tin Gods. The last thing I need right now is complications. Enter Jesse Mala.

Jesse Mala

She’s the definition of forbidden—my best friend’s little sister. I’ve known her since she was in kindergarten. She was always a pest to Chase, but it made me feel good to look out for her. Until her graduation party when I almost stepped over that invisible line. Since then I’ve done my best to put distance between us. Ella is just too damn tempting.

Good thing she’s going on tour with us. And following us around with her camera. And sleeping on our bus.

No way is this gonna end well.

 

Gillian Archer is delivering forbidden love in all it’s glory! The second book in her Tin Gods Rock Stars series brings us Jesse’s story of falling for his best friend and bandmates little sister. The connection is electrifying and super sweet between Jesse and Ella and the background of the book taking place during a tour makes it even more attention grabbing. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot and the emotional depth. Looking forward to more in the series!

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a good rock star romance with lots of drama, tons of emotion and a sexy happily ever after.

 

 

 

Title: Refrain
Series: Tin Gods Rock Star #2
Author: Gillian Archer
Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Rock Star Romance/Best Friend’s Sister
Forced Proximity/Forbidden Romance
Release Date: May 30, 2024
BLURB
What happens on tour doesn’t stay on tour. Not when she’s your best friend’s little sister.
Ella Robinson
I’m kinda the definition of a flake. I’m on my—one, two three—fourth career. And I’ve had to ask my brother for help navigating through all of them. I thought I’d have my life together by now. But here I am, still leaning on my big brother. He’s hired me to be his social media photographer while he’s on tour with his band, The Tin Gods. The last thing I need right now is complications. Enter Jesse Mala.
Jesse Mala
She’s the definition of forbidden—my best friend’s little sister. I’ve known her since she was in kindergarten. She was always a pest to Chase, but it made me feel good to look out for her. Until her graduation party when I almost stepped over that invisible line. Since then I’ve done my best to put distance between us. Ella is just too damn tempting.
Good thing she’s going on tour with us. And following us around with her camera. And sleeping on our bus.
No way is this gonna end well.

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

COMING SOON
Releasing January 16
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AUTHOR BIO
Gillian has a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering but prefers to spend her time on happily ever after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—the hotter the better!
When Gillian’s not pounding away on the keyboard, she can be found surfing the couch indulging in her latest reality tv fixation, baking something ridiculously tasty (and horrible for her waist line) or snuggling with her husband.
Home is currently in the wilds of Nevada with her amazing husband, ridiculously cute kiddo, and goofy dog.

 

four-half-stars

* Review * BROKEN LACES by Elise Faber

* Review * BROKEN LACES by Elise FaberBroken Laces by Elise Faber
Series: Eagles Hockey #1
on February 27, 2024
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four-half-stars

He’s the captain.
I’m the owner’s daughter.

I live next door to a hockey player who makes my heart race.
Just so happens, he plays for my father’s team.
My overprotective, has warned me away from all hockey players, but especially those playing on the team he owns—the Oakland Eagles—father.
Only…
When it comes to the gorgeous, curly haired, nice guy with a body built for sin who’s suddenly living next door, I’m not thinking about my father’s warnings.
Or the complications Rome’s arrival is going to bring to my life.
I’m lost in the temptation of him.
And I don’t care it’ll spell disaster for both of us.

 

Elise Faber is the bomb at delivering angsty hockey romance! The first book in her new Eagles Hockey series delivers on a forbidden love trope with so much adorableness along the way. When newly acquired hockey player Rome lays eyes on his new neighbor, he falls hard … it’s not until he’s officially hooked that he finds out she’s the team owner’s baby girl. Uh oh! Sparks fly, connections are made and drama becomes their best friend. I loved the characters, loved their connection and adored their steamy side. I wanted a little more to the ending because it felt really abrupt and unsettled, but I did enjoy the couple of scenes to set up the next couple of books in the series. I’m hooked and looking forward to more!

four-half-stars

* Review * THE SUMMER ESCAPE by Jill Shalvis

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE SUMMER ESCAPE by Jill ShalvisThe Summer Escape by Jill Shalvis
Series: The Sunrise Cove Series #6
Published by Avon on June 11, 2024
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five-stars

Secrets are revealed and forbidden sparks ignited in this sizzling Sunrise Cove standalone, a tale of enemies to lovers, redemption, missing treasures, and love

Anna Moore didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go on a wild quest—especially since her life no longer lends itself to wild anything—so how in the world does she end up racing against the clock with Owen Harris, a sexy, enigmatic adventurist, to prove her beloved dad innocent of stealing a million-dollar necklace?

It’s all Wendy’s fault. Her older, bossy sister, who’s seven months pregnant and on bed rest in their small Lake Tahoe hometown, is desperate to clear their departed dad’s name. Owen, though, is convinced he’s guilty as hell and wants to return the jewelry back to its rightful owner—his elderly great aunt. Together Anna and Owen go on a scavenger hunt for clues to the past (with Wendy remotely along for the ride via an earbud, supplying a running wry commentary to boot).

On opposing sides and suspicious of each other as they are, Anna and Owen still can’t deny the inexplicable and explosive chemistry between them on this heart-stopping adventure, the outcome of which will prove the necklace isn’t the only thing stolen—their hearts have been as well.

 

Chock-full of Shalvis’ signature wit, emotional turmoil and endearing characters! Sunrise Cove is one of my very favorite places to visit time and time again. The characters in this series don’t overlap as some do, but the setting of a small town in Tahoe is always good for a relaxing setting as humor and romance warm my heart. Anna and Owen are both really easy to like and sympathize with even though they start out on conflicting sides and as their attraction grows and secrets unravel, their connection only continues to shine as we follow along on their journey. I loved every minute of them, her crazy sister and the drama they run into on their way to forever.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys rom com at it’s best with addictive characters, chuckles throughout and so much heart to sink your teeth into!

five-stars

* Review * THE MONEY SHOT by Anne Dano

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE MONEY SHOT by Anne DanoThe Money Shot Published by ALG Publishing LLC on June 4, 2024
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four-half-stars

An award-winning talk show host famous for saving marriages puts her own under the spotlight. What she finds in the harsh glare will change everything.

Dr. Rebecca Matthews is the queen of daytime talk. Her fairy-tale marriage, nine Emmys, and twelve years as the top-ranked show prove there's nobody better at fixing a broken relationship. But when her ratings slip and her biggest sponsor bolts, the network pressures Becca to spice things up. The suits want their money shot. Making matters worse, Becca uncovers a troubling secret about her husband, Ryan, thrusting her into a crisis that threatens not just her marriage, but her show and career.

Never one to shy away from adversity, Becca decides to make her boss happy and repair her marriage on her hit show. As she navigates this uncharted territory, more devastating discoveries come to light, testing her resolve and forcing her to question everything she believes in. Desperate for time and space to recover, Becca retreats to the one place she finds sanctuary: Her beach house. There, she makes a series of discoveries and decisions that will alter the rest of her life.

In this story of redemption and the relentless pursuit of happiness, Becca must learn who she is and what she wants and whether the money shot is worth the cost.

 

Adrienne Giordano does not disappoint as she spreads her wings under a new Anne Dano pen name with her first women’s fiction novel! The plot was thick with strife and held my attention from the very start all the way through to the final page. I liked Becca a lot and found her tenacity in meeting conflict head on inspiring. I wanted a tad more grit when fleshing Ryan’s secrets out straight to his face and letting that drama feed into the storyline, but I was happy enough with the outcome. Strong character development, filled with angst but also heartwarming in support that comes from the most unexpected places. Highly recommend!

four-half-stars

* Review * VICIOUS THRONE by MJ Crouch

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * VICIOUS THRONE by MJ CrouchVicious Throne by MJ Crouch
Series: Gilded Empire #4
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on May 31, 2024
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four-half-stars

It all comes down to this.

Mari Marcosa's family—the three men who are her very world—is back together.

She won’t let anything tear them apart. Not again.

May God have mercy on her enemies.

Because she won’t.

•••••

Author’s note: Vicious Throne is the conclusion of the Gilded Empire series, and cannot be read out of order. This is a "Why Choose?" romance with violence, dark themes, and ruthlessly possessive—and protective—men.

 

Crouch delivers the angst and does not disappoint with her first dive into mafia romance and polyamory! I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers, but if the characters draw me in enough I’m willing to pull out my patience once in awhile and these characters definitely held my attention. This series was powerful and dramatic as danger and secrets lurked around every corner. Each book delivered on drama, angst and sexy allegiance. I loved the characters, the plot had lots of twists and turns and this final one really revealed some unexpected secrets that no one was expecting. I wanted a tad more sewing up of a few tidbits, but overall a very solid series with so much to enjoy. Highly recommend!

four-half-stars

* Review * TATE by Victoria Denault

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TATE by Victoria DenaultTate by Victoria Denault
Series: Hockey Royalty #2
on May 28, 2024
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five-stars

She’s always been off limits, but when she shows up with my baby, it’s a game changer.

I’m the only son of one of the best forwards in the history of hockey. I play for a team on the brink of winning the Cup, and I’m about to break one of my dad’s league records. Life is absolutely golden.

Until Mallory Echolls comes to my game in Los Angeles with a baby. She says the little guy is mine, and as soon as I see his green eyes and the dimple in his pudgy chin I know she’s not lying.

The tragic twist? He’s not Mallory’s baby. An awful accident on the other side of the world took his birth mom, and now I’m all he’s got. Well, me and my ninety-seven relatives… once I find the guts to tell them.

Mallory offers to stay in L.A. and help with the baby until I can wrap my head, and my life, around him. She’s amazing with my son. She always knows what to do and what to say and… was she always this gorgeous?

Our families back home hate each other so just being friends with her was always a risk. Now the stakes are higher than ever. My son needs her. And I can’t stop the feelings I have from growing stronger.

I always take my shot on the ice, but do I dare take this one?

 

Denault is pouring on the angst with her Hockey Royalty series and I’m loving every minute of it! Strong minded characters are front and center as we delve into a life turned upside down and how the pieces are assembled to put it back together again, better than ever. The storyline is well developed, the main couple is super easy to like and sincere in their connection and the feels are all I needed and more!

Tate is a really great character. He’s a young hockey playing playboy, but he has been raised well to be kindhearted and honest in his relationships. I loved seeing him bond with his kiddo and watching him find that forever love was heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance revolving around close knit families of blood and of hockey as each leading man meets the one that knocks him off his skates.

five-stars

* Review * MIND GAMES by Nora Roberts

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MIND GAMES by Nora RobertsMind Games by Nora Roberts
Published by St. Martin's Press on May 21, 2024
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five-stars

As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse—because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them—and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…

 

Nora Roberts weaves a story that takes her reader into the heart of her character’s turmoil as we follow along on an emotional journey of healing and survival! I was quickly hooked from the very first description of this family and once the drama really started to play out, there was no way I could put it down. Fast paced and addictive with a family that is easy to love and pull for as twist after twist comes knocking. I loved Thea and Tyler made a really great sounding board for her to rely on in the end. Lots of angst, danger and romance mixed in. Highly recommend!

five-stars

* Review * SWAP AND SMELL THE ROSES by Karen Booth

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SWAP AND SMELL THE ROSES by Karen BoothSwap and Smell the Roses by Karen Booth
Series: The Swap #1
Published by Afterglow Books by Harlequin on May 21, 2024
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five-stars

In this deliciously tender, steamy romance, a burned-out musician swaps city life for cottage country only to find that slowing down means a racing heart, thanks to the grumpy guy next door…

When Willow Moore’s lifelong dream of music stardom goes bust, she’s burned out enough to need drastic change. As in, she’s trading her Brooklyn apartment for two months in the Connecticut countryside. Soon she’s baking bread, spending Saturdays at the farmer’s market and stopping to smell the roses, but some things in her new #cottagecore life aren’t so pleasant. Like her landlord, former chef Reid Harrell. As grouchy and reserved as Willow is chatty and outgoing, Reid is an annoyingly sexy keep-out sign. If only Willow was good at staying away.

Something about Reid, a sliver of pain poking through that flinty facade, makes her wonder if they’re more alike than she thought. Reid once chased success, too, and found it—at a price. Now all he wants is to be left alone to garden, but Willow's not giving up so quick, especially when one of their heated arguments sparks an idea for a song. Her renewed creativity awakens them both, hurling them into a passionate vortex neither expects.

As the summer winds down, Willow is forced to confront her needs, wants and desires, not to mention Reid, the hardest puzzle of all to figure out. Maybe it’s time for the city girl to stop dwelling on dreams dashed and start following her heart—no matter where it might take her…

 

Heartfelt and inspiring! I didn’t get a huge romantic comedy vibe out of this storyline, but I got a whole lot of healing and rediscovery and I loved every single minute of it! Willow and Reid were super cute. He was grumpy and she was sort of supposed to be perceived as sunshine but since she was dealing with her own upheaval of life it was more like she brought heart and just genuine kindness to the picture. Very easy to like them both, really quaint take on falling for a summer fling and I loved the town as a whole. I’m looking forward to Bailey’s story … but she has some redeeming to do because I sort of don’t like her already.

Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read that pulls at your heartstrings and brings a satisfying happily ever after in the end.

five-stars