Archives for October 6, 2024

* Review * BALLAD by Gillian Archer

October 6, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Ballad by Gillian Archer
Series: Tin Gods Rock Stars #3
on October 10, 2024
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What happens on tour in Europe doesn’t stay on tour in Europe. Especially when you’re a rock star’s fake girlfriend.

Harper Grey

As assistant tour manager for the Tin Gods, I love my job. Especially the delicious eye candy that is their manager, Tyler Worthington. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner—attractive, polished, and above all, the definition of stable. Too bad he doesn’t see me as anything other than a worker bee.

Always helpful, the Tin Gods drummer has a brilliant plan: I should fake date guitarist, Xander Lang, to make Tyler finally see me. WHAT?!

Xander Lang

Tyler sold his soul to the devil. It’s the only explanation I have for why he approved my ex-girlfriend as our opening act. Our relationship was the definition of toxic. Cue our drummer’s harebrained scheme.

And honestly, I’m all in. It’ll keep my ex off my junk and help Harper with drama in her life too. Simple. Only problem is once we start “dating” lines get blurred. Her kisses don’t feel like someone who’s pretending. And when did Harper get so sexy?

Now I’m tangled in a clusterf*ck of emotions and confusion. So much for simple.

Angsty and drama-filled! The next book in Gillian Archer’s Tin Gods rockstar romance series is Ballad and centers on Xander Lang and all that surrounds him. He’s newly single and trying to pick up the pieces of the cluster his life has become when all of a sudden he’s being told that his ex is their new opening act for their European tour. The characters are easy to like and the plot had my attention quickly. I wanted a little more to the abrupt ending. Follow up on what happened with one character, more completion on where the relationship was going, etc.

Harper is their assistant tour director and crushing on band manager Tyler when her friend and band drummer Noah comes up with the bright idea that she pretending to be dating X will solve both of their problems. Tyler will see how cool she is and Xander’s ex will see him with someone else instead of pining after her. Now if only the drama didn’t keep pouring in.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a steamy rocker romance with lots of angst along the road to forever.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * CHRISTMAS IN CHESTNUT RIDGE by Nancy Naigle

October 6, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CHRISTMAS IN CHESTNUT RIDGE by Nancy Naigle

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge by Nancy Naigle
Series: Chestnut Ridge #2
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on October 8, 2024
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In the enchanting mountain town of Chestnut Ridge, where tree farms blanket the hillsides and the promise of a white Christmas is ever-present, a heartwarming holiday romance is about to blossom. When Sheila's best friend convinces her to help decorate a tree in the annual Christmas Tree Stroll fundraiser, she embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, all wrapped in the cozy embrace of a tight-knit community. As she immerses herself in the joy of twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and the camaraderie of the townsfolk, Sheila's world begins to transform, and she finds the sense of belonging she never knew she needed.

Meanwhile, Tucker, the town's reliable fire captain, is gathering volunteers to help a family with four young children who have just lost their home to a devastating fire weeks before Christmas. Sheila offers her helping hand, and as the town rallies to support the family in their time of need, sparks of love begin to flicker between her and Tucker.

In this charming town where dreams come true, and Christmas magic is everywhere, come along for a tale of love, community, and the true spirit of the season.

A sweet and sentimental holiday season! With the second book in her Chestnut Ridge series, Nancy Naigle brings us a delightful tale of friendship and warmth during the holiday season as Natalie from the first book in the series persuades her best friend Sheila to come for a visit over Christmas. The characters are familiar and endearing and seeing Sheila let herself be submerged into smalltown life is heartwarming. I wanted a little more follow through with Sheila and Tucker, but overall I enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone that loves a downhome Christmas feel in a sweet holiday romance.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * SECOND CHANCE HUSBAND by Carrie Ann Ryan

October 6, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * SECOND CHANCE HUSBAND by Carrie Ann Ryan

Second Chance Husband by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: First Time #3
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on October 7, 2024
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The First Time series concludes with an enemies to lovers romance that has been a long time coming. August and Paisley finally figure out what they’ve been missing.

The first time I got married, I watched the man I love walk away from me.

The second time around, I’m the one signing the dotted line first—this one a man who I realized I never loved.

Once burned, twice broken, I’m done looking for love.

Only my first ex-husband seems to be everywhere I turn—at my work, with my friends, and eventually…in my bed.

I didn’t mean for it to happen.

Twice.

But I know if I don’t protect my heart, there will be nothing left of me if he walks away again without telling me why he did so in the first place.

I don’t know if I can trust this new version of ourselves or if it’s merely the heat between us striking hot.

After all, second chances only exist in my dreams.

And there’s no such thing as a second chance husband.

Angsty goodness! All of the drama that has been festering from the minute they stepped on the page in the beginning of the series is EVERYTHING when August and Paisley reconnect and set the finale of the First Time series on fire! If you’ve been reading along and seeing her friendship with his brother’s significant others grow, you’ve just been waiting for them to lock horns and go at it right? I loved their story and their happily ever after.

Paisley was a really endearing character and maybe even my favorite of the three heroines of the series. She was accomplished and a go getter, but beneath the facade she was filled with hurt and uncertainty that made her really easy to connect with because we’ve all been there right?

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys watching a close knit group of siblings love and support each other as each finds “the one” that changes their life.

Filed Under: Book Reviews