Archives for June 12, 2025

* Review * CRUEL SUMMER by Maisey Yates

June 12, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Cruel Summer by Maisey Yates
Published by Canary Street Press on June 24, 2025
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There are no rules this cruel summer
…

“I think we should see other people…” That one sentence unravels Samantha Parker’s perfect life. She has a loving husband, three wonderful kids and a comfortable suburban lifestyle. But on the brink of their long-awaited empty-nest chapter, Will asks Samantha for something she never dreamed of: an open marriage.

Desperate to keep her husband happy, Samantha proposes a summerlong separation with no contact. She knows she has to use the opportunity to find herself, but she also has no interest in being with anyone but Will. She’s confident when the season is over, they’ll get back together like this time never happened.

Then Sam gets an offer of adventure from an unlikely source: Logan Martin, a classic-car restorer who happens to be Will’s best friend, asks Sam to help him drive across the country to make deliveries. Logan and Sam have never had an easy relationship. He’s prickly, aloof and a little too handsome. And as they traverse the winding roads and breathtaking backdrops of North America, her changing connection with Logan challenges everything she believed she wanted in life, love and passion. When her summer with Logan is up, will she go home to the familiar stability of her past…or choose the thrilling uncertainty of her future?

Not your typical Maisey Yates novel, but I loved every minute of watching her spread her wings and deliver an angsty heartbreaker! I was instantly hooked when this devoted wife and mother was told by her husband that he wanted an open marriage … after the kids were already raised and the fun was supposed to begin! The story is centered around Samantha and her journey of acceptance and an eye opening summer. There is sadness, heartbreak and angst … but there is also beauty in figuring out self-worth, journeying for the tough answers of what happiness really means and a peace and happiness in the end. There is technically cheating, but during an agreed upon separation. I easily connected with Sam and enjoyed watching her learn things about herself and come into a life she could see flourishing as one chapter ends and another begins. Really enjoyed!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * MIC DROP by Arell Rivers

June 12, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Mic Drop by Arell Rivers
Series: Passionate Beats Trilogy #3
on June 26, 2025
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The Final Turn: Will “I Do” Twist into “Goodbye”?

Bennett Hardy, Battling for Forever

I can’t live without Jenna, no matter how hard I try to return to my old life. Driven by emotion that defies reason, I track her down, desperate to understand what went wrong. When I find her, she's a shadow of herself, her heart fractured by a discovery that left her in freefall. I won't let her face this alone. I'm here, offering not just love, but a sanctuary.

Yet it feels like the whole world is closing in, poised to spin us both out of control.

Jenna Westfield, Surrendering to Grief

Bennett is my anchor, the one who saw through my walls and made me believe in a love I never thought possible. But grief is a ravenous monster, devouring everything in its path. I'm pushing him away, testing the limits of his devotion, even as I crumble inside. Then, the past explodes, a twisted echo of old betrayals threatening to destroy the fragile peace we’ve built.

I'm trapped in a helix of despair, the final loop threatening to shatter us forever.

MIC DROP is the final book in the Passionate Beats trilogy. You’ll need to read both of the prior books in the trilogy first, and it ends with a much-deserved HEA. The story is told from Bennett and Jenna’s points of view. If you’re looking for a slow burn, found family rockstar romance filled with unexpected twists and turns, then get ready to defy gravity with Untamed Coaster!

Highly emotional and addictive! The conclusion to the Passionate Beats Trilogy brings more angst and turmoil to Jenna and Bennett while their love is tested. I’ve liked these characters from the first book so seeing their relationship play out through the hits that just keep coming is emotional. I wanted a bit more from them quite honestly. I wanted answers to the 007 hatred, I wanted to see them move forward in public in a connected way, I wanted more oomph for the ending. Overall, well developed characters, lost of angst and drama to sink your teeth into and heartfelt passion paved the way. I highly enjoyed their story overall.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE LOVE FIX by Jill Shalvis

June 12, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis
Series: Sunrise Cove #8
Published by Avon on June 24, 2025
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Welcome back to Sunrise Cove for this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers tale where found family, forgiveness, and love may just be the key to finding yourself.

Lexi Clark’s life is falling apart around her, so when she’s summoned home to Sunrise Cove, the last thing she wants to do is face all the complications she left behind. Her past, her stepsister Ashley, and especially her infuriatingly gorgeous childhood nemesis-turned-crush Heath Bowman.

Yep, Lexi’s pretty sure being home again just might kill her. She’s an overachieving art appraiser who doesn’t believe in trust, love, or Happily Ever Afters. Free spirit Ashley, on the other hand, is so full of life it hurts to look at her. But Lexi can’t refuse Ashley’s plea to honor their late mother’s final wish to make amends with the people she’d wronged. So, on behalf of her estranged mother’s estate—and with Heath in tow as the executor—Lexi embarks on a road trip to repay all the people her gambling addicted mother owed money to.

Complicating everything are the feelings that well up for Lexi: for her mom, for Ashley, and most of all, for Heath. And for the record, she doesn’t like it, or the way he has of scaling the walls she’s built around her heart. The road trip shenanigans that ensue are both funny and heartbreaking, but Lexi finds something shocking along the way. Acceptance. Family. And unbelievably—if you ask Lexi anyway—love.

Shalvis makes a habit out of pulling on my heartstrings while making me chuckle out loud and I dearly love her for bringing all the feels time and time again! If you’ve read any of the Sunrise Cove series, you know it’s a laid back, friendly area where people seem to be drawn to in order to heal and find their forever love. The characters from book to book are not interconnected, but the warmth of the town, the heart of the scenery and the depth of the emotional relaxation is always at the forefront of every story. This particular book had loss and healing with so much underlying tension and mixed emotion to purge through. The characters hooked me quickly and the journey they set out on kept me turning page after page to see what was going to happen next. There was a strong backstory that explained where they each were coming from and really good development of the characters, the family in general and the emotion that their journey was bringing to each. I loved every minute and highly recommend to all.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * PLAYING WITH FOREVER by Erika Wilde

June 12, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PLAYING WITH FOREVER by Erika Wilde

Playing with Forever by Erika Wilde
Series: Players Club Sinners #1
on June 23, 2025
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Chase Noble always seemed unattainable…until one night with him at the Players Club changed everything.

I’ve wanted Chase for years, but much to my frustration, he’s always considered me off limits. When I walk into the Players Club with one goal in mind, to find a man who will give me what I need, it’s the maddeningly dominant, possessive (and I soon discover, pierced) Chase who refuses to allow any other man to touch me. He gives me a night I’ll never forget, a taste of what is possible, and I want more. With him.

But Chase is a man with a dark past and secrets, and even though we come to an agreement, where I’m the student and he’s the teacher, he insists this is all it could ever be. That’s he’s not capable of anything more.

Just as things begin to heat up between us, someone starts leaving me cryptic messages and watching my every move. Chase insists I move in with him so he can protect me, and the moment I do, our undeniable chemistry ignites into something deeper than either of us expected.

Soon, his protection isn’t enough. I want all of him—his body, his heart, and his trust. And this time, I’m not letting him go without a fight.

Playing with Forever is a steamy romance with high stakes tension, a possessive alpha hero, and a love worth fighting for.

Emotional and decadently sexy! The first book in Erika Wilde’s Players Club Sinners spin-off series was very quick to catch my attention and hold it as Andrea found just what she was looking for in Chase. The characters were easy to connect with and though each had a unique backstory, they also had common denominators that connected them even before their passion flared. The plot was sexually steamy and very satisfying, but there was also a bit of a suspense factor to the storyline that played a big part in the drama as well. I wanted to see a little more of them out and about as a couple once they were solidified, but overall I loved their story and can’t wait to see where the series goes next. Must be okay with BDSM to enjoy! Highly recommend!