Archives for July 2024

* Review * THE FORBIDDEN by Sawyer Bennett

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment
* Review * THE FORBIDDEN by Sawyer BennettThe Forbidden by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Bluegrass Empires #2
Published by Big Dog Books on July 23, 2024
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four-half-stars

The prince of his family’s Kentucky bourbon empire, Gabriel Mardraggon is a ruthless and cunning businessman. Focused on the continued success of Mardraggon Enterprises, relationships and settling down aren’t even on his radar. After all, he’s the product of two people who always put money before love. Loyal to the family’s creed of winning at all costs, as well as their hatred of the Blackburns, Gabe will never accept peace between the dynasties.

Katherine Blackburn is Gabe’s polar opposite—carefree, lighthearted and completely mischievous. Kat works hard as a horse trainer but never hesitates to let her hair down and have a little fun. And lately that has included poking at Gabe and his buttoned-up ways, much to his irritation. Getting a rise out of the cold but gorgeous Mardraggon heir brings Kat unfettered joy, especially given their two families’ ugly history together.

Blackburns and Mardraggons are bitter enemies. Any type of relationship would be strictly forbidden. But when Gabe’s business dealings hurt Kat in a way he never imagined, his walls crumble and he’s forced to lay his feelings for Kat bare. Now Gabe has to decide if he’s ready to alter the course of history or walk away from the only genuine thing he’s ever known.

 

Dashingly sinful, fresh and alluring! A surprise reunion amidst family hatred is sure to please fans of Sawyer Bennett’s Bluegrass Empires series. Venturing into a storyline of wealth and family dynamics looks really good on Bennett and I’m loving getting to know the Blackburns and the Mardraggons as drama plays out around every corner as love wins out time and again with this Blackburn crowd. I can’t wait to see more play out with this series. The ending felt rushed, but overall I loved every minute of Gabe and Kat’s story and following up on all that we learned in Ethan and Marcie’s story. I adore Bennett’s hockey hunks, but getting to see her spread her wings into a relaxed yet privileged family drama is rewarding. Great characters, satisfying drama and just the right amount of passion to keep me entranced.

four-half-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * A COWGIRL NEVER FORGETS by Melinda Curtis

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment
* Review * A COWGIRL NEVER FORGETS by Melinda CurtisA Cowgirl Never Forgets by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Blackwell Belles #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on July 23, 2024
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four-stars

Even the best cowgirl falls…

When it’s the right cowboy

Rodeo cowgirl Maggie Blackwell doesn’t need her estranged family. She’s got Clem Coogan—her best friend, rodeo buddy and absolute rock. But when a rodeo accident leaves Clem with a terrible concussion, he’s convinced they’re a romantic item…and proposes to her. Now until his memory comes back, Maggie’s playing along. But can she keep this headache from turning into heartache for both of them?

 

Fans of the Blackwells are in for a treat! Big E and his extended family are back! A brand new series kickoff is underway for Big E’s sister Denny’s granddaughters and Melinda Curtis is starting us off with Magnolia’s story. I was quickly hooked though there is a hint of a cliche amnesia storyline tidbit to withstand. I loved Clem and really enjoyed the side of Maggie that he helped release. I feel like the set up for the series was laid pretty well for the coming books, but I was surprised that we didn’t get any of the interaction between the whole group of sisters at all yet. I’m looking forward to watching them develop and for the drama yet to come. So excited to have the Blackwells back again!

four-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * LOCK ‘EM DOWN by Gina Azzi

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment
* Review * LOCK ‘EM DOWN by Gina AzziLock 'em Down by Gina Azzi
Series: Bang Brothers #4, Tennessee Thunderbolts #7
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on July 23, 2024
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four-half-stars

I’m a carpe diem, live-in-the-moment, kind of woman. But waking up in Vegas with a rock on my finger and a gorgeous man in my bed? Well, now I’m redefining what it means to roll the dice…

Especially because my new husband is Tennessee Thunderbolts center, Leif Bang.

Yes, he has electric blue eyes that pierce me to my core. For sure, I’ve never seen forearms quite like his. And — another point for him — he makes me fold over with laughter.

But he’s also the man my mother was scheming to set me up with once I settled in Knoxville for my new job.

Determined to start my new life on my own terms, the last thing I need — or want — is a wickedly charming husband who’s never had a serious girlfriend, much less an impulsive wife.

It’s fine because I’m all about those annulment papers. Except, our moms are old friends, I’m new in town, and Leif is nothing like I expected.

Especially when he asks me to fake this marriage a little while longer.

Now, I’m forced to embrace my life’s motto and leave things up to chance…

Even if I’m gambling with my heart.

 

Sexy, sweet and sentimental! I’m loving getting to know the Bang family so much as each sibling finds their forever love. This time it’s Gina Azzi’s turn to turn on the heat for Leif and his quickie Vegas wife Cami. They won me over quickly when they met and dove into life with each other without a second thought … until the next day. The characters both had an interesting back story and zest for their own ways, but together they were really sweet and adorable. I wanted a smidge more to the development of them together once they decided they were in it for the long haul, but overall I was addicted and there throughout for that happily ever after. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

four-half-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * JUST ONE MORE DARE by Carly Phillips

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment
* Review * JUST ONE MORE DARE by Carly PhillipsJust One More Dare by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #2
Published by CP Publishing on July 23, 2024
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five-stars

A runaway bride.
Her older brother’s off-limits friend.
Taking one more shot at love should be easy, right?
Not on a dare.

Samantha Dare had one thought when she found out her fiancé was a lying cheat. Escape. So, she ran from her wedding… straight into the arms of the man who once gave her the hottest kiss of her life. But rebounding with her brother’s friend would be a huge mistake… wouldn’t it?

The last thing Dex Sterling needs is more chaos in his life. Retiring from football and starting over in broadcasting gave him plenty of that. But even though Samantha is chaos personified, for some reason, he’s still not able to keep his mind—or hands—off her…

Is a little bit of forced proximity and a lot of sexual chemistry enough to earn them a second chance at happily ever after?

Samantha and Dex are about to find out…

 

Scruptiously addictive! Carly Phillips is delighting long-time readers with the long-awaited story of Samantha Dare as book two in her Sterling Family series and the drama, passion and heart of her book did NOT disappoint! Great angst to kick off the drama and then so much warmth and feelings between these two to hold my attention throughout. I loved Dex and Samantha!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that adores a close-knit family who always has each other’s back as one sibling at a time finds their happily ever after.

five-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * THIRST TRAP by Lani Lynn Vale

July 9, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THIRST TRAP by Lani Lynn ValeThirst Trap by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Carter Brothers #3
on July 9, 2024
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four-half-stars

Toxic: very harmful or unpleasant in an invasive or sinister way.

One word. Two consonants. Five letters. Two people.

Quinn James Carter met Solei Shayne Rodriguez his senior year of high school.

At first, he tried to stay away from her. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and if there were two people in this world who were meant to be together, it was Shayne and him.

Sadly, life doesn’t work out like you plan.

A single, brash, knee-jerk reaction has them both deciding that their relationship is never going to work. A cop and a notorious criminal’s sister can’t have a happily ever after, can they?

Consequently, they go their separate ways.

They live their lives.

And time after time, they come right back to each other, giving the term ‘toxic relationship’ a new meaning.

Anger, jealousy, hurt, and pain run hand in hand with their persistent need to stay in each other’s lives, no matter if it’s in a healthy way or not.

But eventually, time catches up to them.

Fate decides their path for them, and one of them has to wind up nearly dead for them to admit that they can make it work if they want to. They only have to try.

 

An angsty reconnection of first loves! Lani Lynn Vale always delivers on yummy heroes who fall hard when they meet the one and cherish them forever, so it’s no surprise that the latest Carter Brother is still carrying a torch for his first love who he tore the heart out of when he chose his career over her teenage heart. I adored Shayne and Quinn earned his way back into my heart as well, but I did enjoy that she made him work for it. Lots of drama, heartache and turmoil as true love finds a way to outlast even the biggest divide. Well developed characters and plot. I’m really enjoying the Carter Brothers series and am looking forward to more to come!

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Thirst Trap
Series: Carter Brothers #3
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Trope: Bad Girl/Good Guy
Release Date: July 9, 2024
BLURB

 

Toxic: very harmful or unpleasant in an invasive or sinister way.

 

One word. Two consonants. Five letters. Two people.
Quinn James Carter met Solei Shayne Rodriguez his senior year of high school.
At first, he tried to stay away from her. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and if there were two people in this world who were meant to be together, it was Shayne and him.
Sadly, life doesn’t work out like you plan.
A single, brash, knee-jerk reaction has them both deciding that their relationship is never going to work. A cop and a notorious criminal’s sister can’t have a happily ever after, can they?
Consequently, they go their separate ways.
They live their lives.
And time after time, they come right back to each other, giving the term ‘toxic relationship’ a new meaning.
Anger, jealousy, hurt, and pain run hand in hand with their persistent need to stay in each other’s lives, no matter if it’s in a healthy way or not.
But eventually, time catches up to them.
Fate decides their path for them, and one of them has to wind up nearly dead for them to admit that they can make it work if they want to. They only have to try.

 

 
 
BOOKBUB

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
 

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

COMING SOON
Releasing August 6
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.
AUTHOR LINKS
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four-half-stars
Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

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