Archives for July 26, 2024

* Review * THE FORBIDDEN by Sawyer Bennett

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

The Forbidden by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Bluegrass Empires #2
Published by Big Dog Books on July 23, 2024
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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.

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* Review * A COWGIRL NEVER FORGETS by Melinda Curtis

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

A Cowgirl Never Forgets by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Blackwell Belles #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on July 23, 2024
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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!

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* Review * LOCK ‘EM DOWN by Gina Azzi

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

Lock '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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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!

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* Review * JUST ONE MORE DARE by Carly Phillips

July 26, 2024 Leave a Comment

Just One More Dare by Carly Phillips
Series: The Sterling Family #2
Published by CP Publishing on July 23, 2024
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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.

Filed Under: Book Reviews