Book Reviews – Page 20

* Review * LOOK AT HER AND DIE by Lani Lynn Vale

June 9, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * LOOK AT HER AND DIE by Lani Lynn Vale

Look at Her and Die by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Content Advisory #2
on June 10, 2025
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Posy “Doc” Hicks has high blood pressure. All thanks to a certain hazel-eyed blonde who drives him absolutely insane in her short shorts and cowboy boots.

At first, Searcy Hodges is just a passing fancy.

A look but don’t touch kind of girl.

She has a bad attitude, an even worse bedside manner, and a chip on her shoulder the size of Texas.

It would be wise to stay away, even if that attitude of hers really does great things for him.

But how is a man supposed to stay away when her temper is just that spectacular to experience?

He’s literally watched Searcy make one of her customers cry and not care.

She’s the poster child for ‘don’t do this if you want to stay in business.’

Yet, everyone keeps coming back.

And she keeps shelling out the attitude.

He’s a grown man. He shouldn’t get as much enjoyment out of watching the woman struggle.

He should be figuring out his own life, not wanting to dig into hers.

But the moment she breaks down in his arms and asks him for help, setting aside the attitude and exposing her vulnerability, he finds it impossible to say no.

He’s a Truth Teller. A biker with a hero complex. A paramedic and a former SEAL.

It’s literally ingrained in his psyche to help, and it’s painfully obvious that Searcy could use everything he has to give.

And while he’s solving her problems, he’ll make her his along the way.

She’ll never see it coming.

Vale wraps another couple around my heart with ease! Book 2 of the Content Advisory Series is easy to become invested in from the very start. Searcy is tough as nails and doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind, but beneath the surface there is a wounded heart who is taken advantage of time and again. I loved seeing her eventually get the better of those who have held her down all of her life. This series revolves around the Truth Tellers MC, but so far they are protective and kind-hearted but there’s not a lot of MC front and center, so a casual connection so far. The characters are well developed and the emotion is spot on with lots of turmoil and heart to sink your teeth into along the way. Highly enjoying the series so far!

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* Review * HER FIRST MISTAKE by Kendra Elliot

June 9, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER FIRST MISTAKE by Kendra Elliot

Her First Mistake by Kendra Elliot
Series: Noelle Marshall #1
Published by Montlake on June 10, 2025
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Thirteen years ago, Assemblyman Derrick Bell was murdered in his home by an intruder. His wife, Noelle Marshall, was left for dead. The crime was unsolved, but it wasn’t forgotten.

Today the FBI is tackling a fresh perspective on the case and looking to Noelle, now a detective for the Deschutes County sheriff’s office, for new clues. It is reopening everything Noelle thought was behind her. Memories of her escape from a traumatic childhood. A marriage that wasn’t the perfect love story she’d been promised. And a husband whose charm and privilege hid a dark side. But Noelle has been hiding something too: a secret about the night Derrick died that she has never told anyone.

As past and present and leads and misleads collide, one thing is frighteningly clear. Derrick’s murder wasn’t just unsolved. It’s unfinished. And only the truth—no matter the risk—can save the next victim.

Explosive yet endearing! The first book in a brand new series from Kendra Elliot is sure to please her diehard readers because we see some familiar faces along the way from previous series that we all love and adore. The main character that this series revolves around is Detective Noelle Marshall. We learn quickly about her unexpected past and follow along every step of the way as twists and turns lead us to answers we never were expecting. The characters are easy to like and make you want to know more about them, the case is intriguing and the mystery surrounding it is addictive. I loved every minute and can’t wait to see what happens next for Noelle and Max. Highly recommend!

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* Review * AN UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING by Carrie Ann Ryan

June 9, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * AN UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING by Carrie Ann Ryan

An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Cage Family #2
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on June 9, 2025
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He left me with a note.

Weston Caldwell and I had two months together. Two months of intense heat and plans for our future. Then one day he left me sleeping with a note and never turned back. I closed off my heart and my dreams after he left and promised to take care of my family, never trusting love again.

So when I am forced to head to my family’s small town for protection, I never expect to turn around and see the man I loved.

I want to walk away and never look back, but when I find out he left for a heartbreaking reason, I’m not sure what to think. The chemistry between us hasn’t gone away—if anything it burns even brighter.

But my life is in the city and his is in this small town that draws me. Between his siblings, the town itself, and my new found family, walking away might break me.

Only Weston isn’t the only secret from my past. And it turns out, if Weston and I aren’t careful, we could lose everything before we find our second chance.

An emotional reunion filled with heart and angst! The next book in Ryan’s Cage Family series focuses on oldest sis from the “other” side of the fam, Isabella. She is powerful, opinionated and always looking out for her family. When she comes face to face with the man that left her behind all those years ago with no explanation, her emotions are churning like a roller coaster and she has to confront feelings she buried long ago. The main characters are really easy to like and the family that each of them brings into the picture are heartwarming and down-to-earth. I loved the way Ryan painted their worlds so that the reader could understand her pain, yet not hold anything against Weston for being a truly good guy in the end. I enjoyed their story from start to finish and can’t wait to see more of the Cage’s find their forever. Highly recommend!

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* Review * THE LOST BOOK OF FIRST LOVES by RaeAnne Thayne

June 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE LOST BOOK OF FIRST LOVES by RaeAnne Thayne

The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne
Published by Canary Street Press on June 3, 2025
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Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Alison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister she never knew about, it’s clear there are things her father didn't tell her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next…

Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently fired—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives, her life will never be the same.

Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they'll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters.

Highly captivating and emotional! This story was quick to catch my attention and as the groundwork was being set for the story as a whole, I quickly became ingrained into the lives of these two half sisters who knew nothing about each other but forged an unbreakable bond through happenstance. A bit of subterfuge brings Ali into June’s life at just the right time to save her and begin the slow journey of building a friendship that will carry forward into sisterhood when all of the secrets are unraveled. Each sister has a caring man open their eyes to what could be as their worlds collide and beauty shines through. I loved every minute of their story, but really wanted an epilogue to give us a hint into how their stories played out on the love, distance and job fronts. Highly recommend!

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* Review * THE SUMMER THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING by Brenda Novak

June 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE SUMMER THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING by Brenda Novak

The Summer That Changed Everything by Brenda Novak
Published by MIRA on June 3, 2025
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She returned to prove her father's innocence, but there's no telling what she'll find…

It's been fifteen years since Lucy Sinclair saw her father. Fifteen long years since she sat in a courtroom and watched him sentenced to life in prison. He murdered three victims—all people she knew—which ruined her life at just seventeen. But now she’s back in Virginia to talk to him, wondering if there’s more to the story of what happened that fateful night.

An old flame, Ford Wagner, makes his own return to North Hampton Beach, fleeing a marriage that seems destined for divorce. He’s wary of Lucy and her digging into the past, but the more time they spend together, the closer they get and the more he finds himself reconsidering the truth behind the death of their mutual friend that summer. Problem is, there are plenty of those in this small coastal town who would prefer things stay quiet…

Highly addictive and emotional! With a riveting storyline, Novak takes her readers on a heartfelt story of reconnection and righting wrongs. The main character Lucy returns to the place where her life changed forever because 15 years later she still hasn’t been able to let go of the feeling like something doesn’t add up. She sets out on a journey to discover the truth once and for all about what happened on that one summer night, but twists and turns make for even more turmoil as she shakes up the town in a way no one will ever be able to forget. There’s sadness, emotion, reconnection and love shining bright as numerous people step up to get to the truth and let justice prevail. The core of the story was very quick to catch my attention and hold it throughout. I enjoyed the twists and I especially enjoyed seeing love conquer all. Highly recommend!

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* Review * KEEPING SCORE by Kelly Jamieson

June 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * KEEPING SCORE by Kelly Jamieson

Keeping the Score by Kelly Jamieson
Series: The New Jersey Storm #2
Published by Boldwood Books on June 3, 2025
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An unexpected game changer…

Ford

My brain is hard-wired to hockey. To train hard, to win, to be the best. I don’t date, I basically live and breathe hockey and I plan everything. Until I find a newborn baby outside my apartment. It’s like something out of a movie, except she’s mine and this is my life. I panic, the only person I know who can help is my neighbor Andi. But in doing so, I risk inviting her into my life. So far she’s just been a friend, but I’m out of my depth and losing control. Now with each late night together, we feel like a family and I can see the lines blurring.

Andi

I have no idea how to look after a baby. But Ford has always come through for me. So now it’s my turn to help. It’s only temporary. I know Ford is a pin-up, but I’ve never been attracted to him…until now. Seeing him holding his tiny daughter is melting my heart. I thought I had no interest in love and settling down, but I’m catching feelings. I just know this set-up won’t last forever, but I’m scared of what will happen when things go back to normal...

An emotional journey of healing and determination! With the second book in her New Jersey Storm hockey series, Jamieson turns her goalie’s life into turmoil with the discovery of a baby he knew nothing about being dropped into his lap. The characters are endearing, the plot is a mix of adorable and emotional and the overall story is heartfelt. I loved the friendship that Ford and Andi shared before things turned into more between the two of them. He helped her previously when her life was turned upside down and seeing her get to do the same for him before things started to progress was very heartwarming. Lots of humor, so much heart and a little sadness all made for a really great story. Highly recommend!

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* Review * PROPERTY OF SHOTGUN by Janine Infante Bosco

June 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

Property Of Shotgun by Janine Infante Bosco
Series: Kings Of Anarchy MC: New York #1
on May 18, 2025
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When anarchy reigns, nothing is truly forbidden.

From the time they were kids in Brooklyn, Shotgun knew he was meant to follow Irish everywhere. But living in the shadow of the man who got everything he ever wanted has tested the limits of Shotgun's loyalty. So when Irish brutally meets his maker, Shotgun's devotion shatters once and for all.

Stepping up to fill his fallen brother's shoes, Shotgun accepts his new role as VP of the Kings of Anarchy MC. Then the first in a long line of betrayals begins as Shotgun finds himself drawn to Irish's overwhelmed widow. Jade is the one woman Shotgun always wanted but could never have, and he can't stand by and just watch as she and her children drown in their grief.

Heartache pulls Shotgun and Jade together quickly, their connection deepening as they cope with their shared loss. Soon neither can deny that beneath their sadness simmers the potential for a red hot passion. But defying the Kings' code would be a costly mistake for both of them since Jade still belongs to Irish in the club's eyes.

As Shotgun wrestles with the decision to face the wrath of his brothers, chaos erupts, and the new VP finds himself face-to-face with a deadly shot at revenge. But surviving means facing the demands of outlaw justice. Will Shotgun finally claim Jade or will their forbidden love also find its way to an early grave?

Heartwrenchingly emotional and oh so good! With the first book in the Kings of Anarchy MC: New York series, Bosco takes her readers on a journey of pain and redemption and I was hooked on every single minute. The plot is attention grabbing from the very first page and the characters are super easy to relate to and empathize with. I loved the depth that was put into his connection with her kids. I wanted more development in a few places but in particular I wanted to see the showdown when he brought their relationship to the club. It was really a let down not to be included in that conversation and confrontation after being there every step of the way of their turmoil. Overall, I loved Shotgun, Jade and their fam and am looking forward to seeing where the series takes us next. Highly recommend to MC romance fans!

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* Release Blitz/Review * BRICK’S REDEMPTION by Nikki Landis

May 29, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BRICK’S REDEMPTION by Nikki Landis

Brick's Redemption by Nikki Landis
Series: Graven Bastards MC Las Vegas, NV #5
Published by Nikki Landis Books on May 29, 2025
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Brick:
Fifteen years ago, I lost my best friend, my sponsor, and the man I was proud to call a brother.
He was gunned down in the middle of the street on a Sunday afternoon.
A hit by a rival club as he rode toward his daughter on her thirteenth birthday.
Three miles from home, he missed her party and a pivotal moment in her life.
She never got to say goodbye.

Now, all these years later, we meet up again.
A snowstorm and a canceled flight in Denver put her in my path as I arrived at the airport to help my club brother.
I offer her a ride, and since it's her only option of arriving home safely, she accepts.
But we're targeted and followed, and nearly killed.
I manage to get her home safely for the holidays, only to kidnap and bring her to a safe house.

Ginny is mine.
I've claimed her and fallen hard for the sexy, curvy redhead.
I won't risk her safety. She's got to stay in hiding until I can deal with the threat.
But she's got secrets, and so do I.
Ginny doesn't know that I was the one who found her father, Hesh, in his last moments.
I made a promise to protect her, to get vengeance for the men who stole Ginny's father from her.
And if I have to ride into hell to do it, I will.

This is not a standalone. It's highly recommended to read My Christmas Biker first.

Action packed with emotion and suspense! This book was a bit of a conundrum for me. I read the prequel My Christmas Biker first and absolutely loved Brick and Ginny and the kickoff to their story. From that book, I believed him to be a part of the Saints Outlaws MC and this book was going to be the continuation of their story and book one in a that series, but this book says he’s a member of Desert Titans MC and ends up rolling into the middle of another MC series … this one with a tad of a paranormal vibe which the first one was not. I was really disappointed with that because I would have gotten familiar with that MC’s prior books before reading this one had I known that … but whatever. The characters are well developed and endearing. I really enjoyed them as a whole and look forward to seeing more of them if I dive back in with this group of bikers. There was intense situations, sadness and lots of drama to sink your teeth into throughout. I wanted a bit more development of their life together, but overall it was a solid read and I enjoyed their story.

Title: Brick’s Redemption

Series: Graven Bastards MC: Las Vegas, NV

Author: Nikki Landis

Genre: MC Romance

Release Date: May 29, 2025

From USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Landis comes a steamy, age gap, morally grey, revenge-driven MC romance—the first in a new series with a slight paranormal twist.

Brick:

Fifteen years ago, I lost my best friend, my sponsor, and the man I was proud to call a brother.

He was gunned down in the middle of the street on a Sunday afternoon.

A hit by a rival club as he rode toward his daughter on her thirteenth birthday.

Three miles from home, he missed her party and a pivotal moment in her life.

She never got to say goodbye.

Now, all these years later, we meet up again.

A snowstorm and a canceled flight in Denver put her in my path as I arrived at the airport to help my club brother.

I offer her a ride, and since it’s her only option of arriving home safely, she accepts.

But we’re targeted and followed, and nearly killed.

I manage to get her home safely for the holidays, only to kidnap and bring her to a safe house.

Ginny is mine.

I’ve claimed her and fallen hard for the sexy, curvy redhead.

I won’t risk her safety. She’s got to stay in hiding until I can deal with the threat.

But she’s got secrets, and so do I.

Ginny doesn’t know that I was the one who found her father, Hesh, in his last moments.

I made a promise to protect her, to get vengeance for the men who stole Ginny’s father from her.

And if I have to ride into hell to do it, I will.

This is not a standalone. It’s highly recommended to read My Christmas Biker first.

Welcome to Las Vegas, where sin, corruption, and the law tangle together. Control belongs to the ones who wear a patch and ride an iron steed. Get ready to rev your engines with the wicked, possessive, protective, alpha men of the Saint’s Outlaws Las Vegas Chapter.

Nikki Landis is a romance enthusiast, tea addict, and book hoarder. She’s the USA Today Bestselling Author of over fifty novels, including her widely popular Tonopah, NV RBMC series. She writes wickedly fierce, spicy romances featuring dirty talkin’ bikers, deadly, possessive reapers, wild bad boys, and the feisty, independent women they love. She’s a mom to six sons, two of them Marines. Books are her favorite escape. Nikki also writes steamy alien and monster romance under the pen name Synna Star.

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* Review * PENALTY SHOT by Jami Davenport

May 29, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PENALTY SHOT by Jami Davenport

Penalty Shot by Jami Davenport
Series: The Scoring Series #11
Published by Cedrona Enterprises LLC on May 29, 2025
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LEVI:
My relationship with Juniper is all fun and games until my heart enters the equation.

I'm a rookie pro hockey center who's touted to be a future star in the league. I have a rep to uphold as a player on and off the field. Along comes Junie. She's six years older than me, and there's something to be said about older being better. She's unlike any other woman I've dated, but therein lies the problem. I'm not relationship material. When my battered heart becomes involved, I cut and run. Call me a coward, and you'd probably be right. Caring about someone gives them power to do irreparable damage, and I vow to never again allow anyone that kind of control.

JUNIPER:
Ever since the divorce from my abusive husband I've been playing the field - and loving it. I'm not interested in a relationship, only a good time. Levi and I have a casual situation that suits us both until out of the blue Levi ends it. I've always been able to bounce back and move on, but this time, I can't stop thinking about him and how good we were together. Regardless, he did me a favor. I'm starting a new career as the team chef. I can't afford distractions and he's a huge one. Now I'm forced to see him every day. When he suggests we get back together, I resist on the surface, but deep-down I want him so badly I can't think straight. Still, I have other problems to tackle. Someone's sabotaging my position with the Sockeyes, and I'm certain I know who it is.

Despite my convictions to steer clear of Levi, I'm too weak, and we're barreling toward our fate at light speed. I'm not sure we'll survive the crash.

Fast paced and quite entertaining! The next book in The Scoring Series hockey romance centers on rookie Levi and Caro’s best friend Juniper. I was quickly hooked on both main characters because they each have an interesting back story that has made them the distrustful and aloof people they have been with each other so far. Once their initial situation ends and they are getting introspective with themselves, we learn more about each of them and understand them more. I liked the hint of suspense going on behind the scenes as well. The characters as a whole are well developed and the main plot kept me hooked, but I felt like many balls were left up in the air in an ending that could have been much more settled and powerful if some of those had been tied up more. Overall a really fun read with lots of angst.

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* Review * TAINTED TEMPOS by Gina Azzi

May 29, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Tainted Tempos by Gina Azzi
Series: Dating the Drummer Trilogy #2
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on June 2, 2025
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Maverick Tate is a rock legend, a charismatic playboy… and the man I asked to marry me.

Waking up in Vegas with his ring on my finger should be the beginning of our happily ever after. Instead, it triggers memories I’ve tried to forget.

As buried trauma claws its way to the surface, our marriage spirals into something darker—and far more dangerous.

The threat from my past has returned and someone is watching me.

Maverick wants to protect me—fiercely, completely—but to keep me safe, he harbors secrets, crosses lines, and makes choices that leave me questioning everything.

Including him.

Emotional and addictive! The second book in Gina Azzi’s Dating the Drummer series which continues our love affair with The Burnt Clovers band brings turmoil to Mav and Kenny’s lives as they begin to unravel the recourse of their elopement in Vegas. She spirals a bit and pushes him away, and he doesn’t handle it well at all. The depth of emotion is intense in this portion of their story and I felt for both of them. I like the characters very much and I’m invested in them as the story moves on even though they both keep pushing the wrong buttons in each other. I’m looking forward to the conclusion in book three.

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