Book Reviews – Page 2

* Review * THE BALL AT VERSAILLES by Danielle Steel

November 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BALL AT VERSAILLES by Danielle Steel

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel
Published by Dell on November 21, 2023
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It’s the summer of 1959 and the Palace of Versailles is hosting an event that will make history. It is an exclusive dusk-to-dawn ball in which a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty. Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime.

Amelia Alexander, who hopes to eventually attend law school, hesitates to participate in what she sees as an archaic and privileged tradition. But her indomitable widowed mother, Jane, who’s struggled financially and sacrificed for a career, encourages her to attend. Jane would do anything for Amelia to have the chance at a happily ever after.

Felicity Smith is equally uncertain about the ball. Although her family is prominent in the Dallas social scene, Felicity prefers to keep to herself, avoiding the older sister who torments her. But to get out of her sister’s shadow, Felicity decides to accept. If it’s a success, the tables will have turned at last.

For Caroline Taylor, the beautiful ingénue and daughter of Hollywood legends, the ball is an irresistible opportunity. But an unexpected heartbreak just before she leaves for France gets things off to a bad start.

Then there’s Samantha Walker, an art history major with an overprotective father. Her excitement about the invitation is overshadowed by the emotional and physical effects of a past tragedy that still haunts her.

For all these young women, Paris and one transcendent night will change their lives forever. Bestselling author Danielle Steel extends an invitation to all, in The Ball at Versailles.

Danielle Steel can always be counted on to weave a captivating tale as she wraps characters around her reader’s heart! THE BALL AT VERSAILLES quickly hooks us on four main families as their debutante daughters converge in Paris for the ball of the century. The story covers a few months in time but is fairly fast paced with each main character having ample time for drama, romance and various family obligations. I was highly entertained and didn’t want to put the book down until they each reached a high point.

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* Review * BAIN by Sawyer Bennett

November 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Bain by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #9
Published by Big Dog Books on November 3, 2023
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Bain Hillridge is new to the Titans and he’s building relationships with his new team, both on and off the ice. If only he could keep his hands off his teammate’s little sister.

I loved playing for the Arizona Vengeance but I’m stoked to be part of the legacy the Pittsburgh Titans is building. A team that has risen from the ashes, I’m eager to help them achieve their goal of winning a championship. I’m also looking forward to becoming part of a new hockey family. A night out with my new mates introduces me to the little sister of our goalie, Drake McGinn, and I’m powerless to resist her.

Keira and I have an instant and insatiable attraction and it doesn’t take long before we find ourselves tangled up in one another. While Drake has declared his sister off limits, I’m not deterred because I always go for what I want. I refuse to heed Drake’s warnings and take great pleasure in goading him every chance I get. It’s become one of my favorite hobbies, outside of making his sister scream my name.

As things with Keira get hotter, feelings start to develop making it a little more complicated than we intended. But a bucket of ice-cold water is tossed on our relationship and we’re forced to reprioritize everything. Neither of us were looking for more than a hot fling but fates get twisted all the time. Faced with tough decisions, Keira and I know that no matter what choices we make, our lives are never going to be the same.

Bennett is bringing on the feels in this emotionally gritty delve into Drake’s little sister’s life and I enjoyed watching her connection with Bain grow and prosper. Part of the subject matter is heavy, but the lightheartedness of their feel good romance can carry the weight of disappointment as life changes in the blink of an eye. The characters are easy to connect with, and their joy with each other is everything. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a sports romance revolving around a teammates sister.

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* Review * CODE NAME: GEMINI by Janie Crouch and Danielle M. Haas

November 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CODE NAME: GEMINI by Janie Crouch and Danielle M. Haas

Code Name: Gemini by Janie Crouch, Danielle M. Haas
Series: Zodiac Tactical, Injured Heroes
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on November 9, 2023
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Tasha Volkov has been on the run for three years from a brutal cartel who want her dead.

Aka: her family.

She already paid a heavy price for crossing them, and has the scars to prove it. Her only choice is to keep running, even if the tiny town of Pine Valley feels more like home to her than anywhere else she's ever been.

The last place Zodiac Tactical agent Andrew Zimmerman expected to find the missing Volkov sister was with his friends at the Crossroads Mountain Retreat in the mountains of Tennessee—a place for wounded law enforcement and veterans to heal.

Tasha may not have been the one who gave the order that killed his wife—and very nearly killed him and his twin baby girls—but she can lead Andrew to the man who did.

And Andrew's willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

No matter how much Tasha's vulnerability pulls at him. No matter if everything about her screams innocent, not guilty. No matter how his gut says to keep her safe and close to him.

He thinks he knows all her secrets. But he doesn't.

Turns out, neither does she...

Heartfelt drama mixed with tumultuous danger around every corner makes for one fine read! Readers of Crouch’s previous series will be familiar with the Zimmerman family and several characters mentioned as his past comes back to haunt him in a stunning way. I haven’t read Haas’s series that this is a crossover into the world of, but there was nothing lacking to confuse me because of that. I highly enjoyed the fast paced excitement, the endearing characters and the happily ever after was all that I could have wanted. Really enjoyed!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys intrigue with take charge characters, heartwarming friendships and hints of romance as they take down the bad guy.

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* Release Blitz/Review * HIS WICKED WAYS by Melissa Foster

November 8, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * HIS WICKED WAYS by Melissa Foster

His Wicked Ways by Melissa Foster
Series: The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #5
Published by World Literary Press on November 8, 2023
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Blaine Wicked can spot trouble a mile away. As the eldest of five and raised in a Dark Knights biker family, he has always been a protector. Rescuing a stripper from a bad situation comes with the territory, regardless of the hell the mouthy, slightly awkward, and seriously hot leggy blonde gives him for it. She’s far too innocent to bend to his wicked ways, but the more he learns about her, the harder it is for him to walk away.

Forensic scientist Reese Wilder never imagined herself as the entertainment at a bachelor party, but she’d do anything to keep food on the table for her teenage sister. With their mess of a mother in rehab—Third time’s a charm, right?—Reese is stuck paying off their mother’s debt to a dealer and trying to make ends meet. Reese has had it rough, and she knows better than to rely on anyone for help, much less a pushy biker with piercing blue eyes who probably has dozens of women at his beck and call.

The more flames Reese throws, the more determined Blaine is to walk through them. The closer he gets, the hotter they burn—and the more curious she becomes. But Blaine Wicked has the power to torch Reese’s walls to embers, and with her sister’s well-being at stake, that’s a risk she can’t afford to take.

Melissa Foster is the queen when it comes to tugging on her reader’s heart strings! Just when we think we can’t possible fall for yet another Foster hero, she pours on the sentimental angst of a down to earth truly good man and hooks us yet again. I have loved every book in this series and Blaine is no exception. Great characters, well developed drama and such a satisfying, steamy love story!

Reese is such a sweetheart! I loved very minute of seeing Blaine cherish her and show her the love she should have always known.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a book revolving around a close-knit group of family and friends who love hard and protect even harder. Great relationships, humor and so much heart!

HIS WICKED WAYS

The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside

Melissa Foster

Releasing Nov 8, 2023

World Literary Press

Blurb:

Blaine Wicked is used to women doing as he says in and out of the bedroom. Find out happens when he falls for the one woman who won’t submit to his wicked ways in the newest insanely sexy, deeply emotional, and laugh-out-loud funny standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.

Blaine Wicked can spot trouble a mile away. As the eldest of five and raised in a Dark Knights biker family, he has always been a protector. Rescuing a stripper from a bad situation comes with the territory, regardless of the hell the mouthy, slightly awkward, and seriously hot leggy blonde gives him for it. She’s far too innocent to bend to his wicked ways, but the more he learns about her, the harder it is for him to walk away.

Forensic scientist Reese Wilder never imagined herself as the entertainment at a bachelor party, but she’d do anything to keep food on the table for her teenage sister. With their mess of a mother in rehab—Third time’s a charm, right?—Reese is stuck paying off their mother’s debt to a dealer and trying to make ends meet. Reese has had it rough, and she knows better than to rely on anyone for help, much less a pushy biker with piercing blue eyes who probably has dozens of women at his beck and call.

The more flames Reese throws, the more determined Blaine is to walk through them. The closer he gets, the hotter they burn—and the more curious she becomes. But Blaine Wicked has the power to torch Reese’s walls to embers, and with her sister’s well-being at stake, that’s a risk she can’t afford to take.

Listen to the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3UY9Ua4VPwI6oZVph0VpUI

Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63263546-his-wicked-ways

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/269450-the-wickeds-dark-knights-at-bayside

Buy Links:

➜KINDLE: https://lnk.to/HWW_Kindle

➜APPLE: https://lnk.to/HWW_Apple

➜NOOK: https://lnk.to/HWW_Nook

➜KOBO: https://lnk.to/HWW_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://lnk.to/HWW_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/HWW_Pb

Audio, narrated by Jacob Morgan and Andi Arndt

➜AUDIBLE: https://lnk.to/HWWa_Audible

➜AMAZON: https://lnk.to/HWWa_Amazon

➜APPLE: https://lnk.to/HWWa_Apple

For more Dark Knights, check out The Whiskeys: https://melissafoster.com/series-the-whiskeys-dark-knights-at-peaceful-harbor/

Excerpt:

Read Sneak Peek here, https://melissafoster.com/his-wicked-ways-sneak-peek/

Author Info

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

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* Review * MERRY PUCKING CHRISTMAS by Kelly Jamieson

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MERRY PUCKING CHRISTMAS by Kelly Jamieson

Merry Pucking Christmas by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Bears Hockey II
Published by Kelly Jamieson Inc on November 14, 2023
Goodreads

Harley Reid

My holiday plans? Boxed wine, flannel pajamas, and Netflix minus the “chill”. I hadn’t planned on getting off my apathy until after New Years—until I accidentally crash into my ex’s new girlfriend’s car. But it’s the motivation I need to flee to my Aunt Nora’s place in NYC for Christmas.

Colliding with a typically grouchy New Yorker isn’t my best foot forward. But sweet Jesus on a cracker, he’s a lickable, Viking-size hunk of hotness. As we somehow keep running into each other, I begin to believe I can shed the hurt and humiliation and be fearless.

Nils Axelsson

My holiday plans? Spending my hockey team’s break alone. My friend Nora, however, won’t let me escape her vortex of holiday cheer, and I find myself agreeing to take her niece to a Rockettes show.

I was expecting an awkward teenager in braces, but it’s the same woman who plowed into me in the elevator. A knock-me-sideways stunning blonde whose beauty and kindness hits me like a puck to the chest. The more time I spend with her, the more I want as much as I can get before she has to go back home. Unless I can give her a reason to stay.

Sexy holiday cheer at it’s best! Kelly Jamieson is delighting her fans with a return to the Bears Hockey II series for the holidays and you can’t go wrong with this humorous dip into a celebration like only New York can do it. The characters are endearing and easy to adore while their romance is whimsical and steamy all rolled into one delightful read. The ending was weak and I would have loved a bit more development there, but overall a really fun read filled with holiday goodness throughout. Loved them!

Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to sports fans who enjoys a tight knit team camaraderie as each player falls hard for his true love.

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* Review * JUST ONE TEASE by Carly Phillips

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE TEASE by Carly Phillips

Just One Tease by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #10, The Dirty Dares
Published by CP Publishing on November 14, 2023
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Goodreads

He’s the last single Dare sibling standing.
She’s his lost love who disappeared.
Now she’s back, bringing secrets and danger.

Hadley Stevens is on the run with her younger sister—again—but this time, she’s in control. Zach Dare might hate her, but she knows he’d never turn away someone in need. He’s the only man she trusts. The man she’s never gotten over. Even if she left him without a word.

Zach never expected the girl he once loved to walk into his bar. The last time he saw her, he’d dropped her off after school and promised to pick her up for prom. Except she disappeared.

Now, she’s back with a new name, but the same doe eyes and pouty lips, and she’s asking for the help he would have gladly given her all those years ago.

Zach agrees to protect them, but he refuses to fall for Hadley again. But late nights working side by side give them a tempting glimpse at the life they could have had…and all the reasons he loved her come flooding back.

He’ll have to keep her safe.

Before he can convince her to stay.

This reunion is filled with angsty goodness just like we expected for Zach Dare! Reader’s of this series have known for awhile now that there was going to be some drama playing out when we finally got around to getting Zach’s story because of his background of having his high school love disappear and never be heard from again and how that changed his life so dramatically. Carly Phillips did not disappoint! Great characters, lots of drama and turmoil and such a sweet reunion. I loved every minute of Hadley and Zach!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a sassy romance filled with high brow characters who know how to love hard and cherish family.

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* Review * A BET BETWEEN FRIENDS by Jules Bennett

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A BET BETWEEN FRIENDS by Jules Bennett

A Bet Between Friends by Jules Bennett
Series: Dynasties: Willowvale #2
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 24, 2023
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It was just an innocent bet…

Will it change a friendship forever?

A career-ending injury leaves baseball star Mason Clark without direction. But inheriting a farmhouse brings him home to Willowvale Springs and reunites him with his childhood friend, pilot Darcy Stephens. They once shared everything, including playful wagers.

When Darcy’s ex crosses her boundaries, Mason bets they can pretend to be a convincing couple. It’s just a one-time thing…until their unexpected chemistry ignites. Soon they’re renovating his farmhouse by day and scorching the sheets by night. But how will their friendship hold up, now that they’ve crossed the line?

Fast paced and delightful! Jules Bennett is turning on the heat in this satisfying friends to lovers second book in the Dynasties: Willowvale series and I loved every minute. Both characters are easy to like and developed enough to enjoy their backstories without overshadowing the current dialogue. I am looking forward to more to come in this series as the other two beneficiaries are revealed.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys lots of drama mixed into your steamy romance.

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* Review * THE WHOLE TIME by Catherine Bybee

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE WHOLE TIME by Catherine Bybee

The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee
Series: The D'Angelos #4
Published by Montlake on November 14, 2023
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Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos' restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena’s never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that’ll raise big bucks…and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Tattooed biker Ryan is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He’s perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge-D’Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship with benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena’s keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily ever after she never knew she wanted.

Heartfelt and addictive! We’re back in the fold of the lovely D’Angelo family again when restaurant manager and friend Salena moves in upstairs and falls for Gio’s new brother-in-law. The characters are hard not to love, the setting is humorous and warm and the angst is at an all time high when an even stricter Italian family than Mari and Luca come into the picture! I loved every minute of this book and the series in general. We need more siblings so we can keep returning!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a buttinsky family who always has to be a part of every brewing relationships and who loves hard and loud. Such a fun family!

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* Review * FOUR PUCKING CHRISTMASES by Emma Foxx

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FOUR PUCKING CHRISTMASES by Emma Foxx

Four Pucking Christmases by Emma Foxx
Series: Chicago Racketeers #2
Published by Blake Wilder Books, LLC on November 3, 2023
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Goodreads

Chicago Racketeers Book Two

I always imagined bringing my hot, charming, amazing new boyfriend home for Christmas.

And I thought about how great it would be to meet his parents too.

But I never really thought about what that might look like if I was dating three men. Together. As in, what it would be like if we were all dating each other.

And now it's here. Our first Christmas. And our first chance to be together...with our families.

Four Christmases in two days.
Where's that spiked eggnog?

Dani, Nathan, Michael, and Crew are back in Four Pucking Christmases,a steamy, fun why-choose rom com! No cheating, a guaranteed HEA, and the guys are all about her.

Short, sexy and satisfying! What could make our holiday celebration any more complete than a quick visit with Danielle, Nathan, Crew and Michael?? I can’t stress enough that you really need to read the first book in the series to truly have a connection with this little family and appreciate the nuances of their relationships fully. The characters are adorable and addictive and the love they share is heartwarming while they are heating up the sheets with their steam! Don’t go into this book looking for sports because it’s not here, but there’s a pro hockey player mixed in there who will steal your heart regardless.

As we often see in a shorter novella type length there just simply isn’t enough time to truly develop a complex storyline, but fans of the first book will adore getting to see the gang again and will appreciate the glimpse into each of their families as their relationship continues to develop and we are teased with what’s coming next. I’m looking forward to joining in on their fun again soon!

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* Review * ALL THE LITTLE TRUTHS by Debra Webb

October 24, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ALL THE LITTLE TRUTHS by Debra Webb

All the Little Truths by Debra Webb
Series: Finley O’Sullivan #3
Published by Thomas & Mercer on November 7, 2023
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Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan has dealt with her share of shady characters, but the firm’s latest client has an even darker past than most. In fact, Nashville Metro Police seems to think he’s a murderer.

Finley isn’t so sure. Her investigation into Ray Johnson’s history focuses on the unsolved murder of a teenager who died thirteen years earlier. The case went cold, but questions remain. After the girl’s death, people close to her started disappearing—Ray’s brother first, then the girl’s mother. But why?

As Finley races to solve a decade-old murder, she uncovers new clues and long-buried secrets that could blow the case wide open. But whoever killed the girl all those years ago may still be a threat—and now the chase is on.

Delectable angst around every corner! Debra Webb is pulling our heartstrings in several directions as we work with Finley O’Sullivan to solve a cold case that has ties to those close to her as we also get further unraveling of her past and confirmation of her future. I have loved this series and always get hooked on the case playing out in each book. The characters are riveting, the danger is exciting and the human interest part of Finley’s private relationships is always entertaining. I recommend reading this series in order because each book builds on what has been uncovered in the past and some nuances will be hard to pick up if you don’t have all of the details.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a classic whodunnit with lots of danger and drama circling the main characters as secrets are uncovered and relationships are tested.

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