Book Reviews – Page 23

* Review * THE SOUTHERN CHARMER by Janice Maynard

February 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE SOUTHERN CHARMER by Janice Maynard

The Southern Charmer by Janice Maynard
Series: Blossom Branch #3
Published by Canary Street Press on January 28, 2025
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Second time’s the charm.

When a guy leaves your best friend at the altar, you should hate him. Avoid him. You definitely shouldn’t fall for him…right? But when Gabby Nolan runs into her BFF’s ex, Jason Brightman, eighteen months after the wedding that wasn’t, one thing is certain: the secret crush she had on him in college—the one Gabby worked hard to bury—is still very much alive and kicking.

What’s worse is that Jason is no longer the immature, privileged boy he once was. The man who stands before Gabby now is thoughtful, self-aware and somehow more handsome than ever. But none of that changes the fact that Gabby shouldn’t be looking in the first place. Unlike Jason, Gabby has worked hard to climb to where she is, something he could never understand. The last thing she wants is to derail everything she’s accomplished for a guy.

Except Gabby isn’t the only one who’s been carrying a torch, and Jason’s efforts to make her smile are working entirely too well. Maybe yesterday’s mistakes can lead to a promising future—as long as the baggage they’re both carrying isn’t too much to bear.

A visit to Blossom Branch is always a delight! Maynard is quick to have her readers invested in the story as we are reminded of Cate’s earlier book when she was jilted by Jason but found love with Harry and now Jason is back and her BFF Gabby is finding him hard to resist. The backstory makes this book compelling right from the start even if you haven’t been following the series but if you have, you’re going to love watching Jason be redeemed right before your eyes. I loved him with Gabby and I really enjoyed their story. The characters are refreshingly down-to-earth and face real life issues with grace and healing. I occasionally wanted to shake Gabby and tell her to get it together when she gave him the run around one too many times, but I loved how they overcame it all in the end. Well developed and heartwarming!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a tight-knit small town where love finds a way no matter what the roadblocks it might face.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THIRD WHEEL by Golden Angel

February 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Third Wheel by Golden Angel
Series: Masters of Marquis #9
Published by Golden Angel LLC on January 28, 2025
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It only took one man to shatter her heart. It will take two to put it back together.

When the 'happiest' day of her life ends in humiliating betrayal, Amy turns to the one man she can still trust. Inside the club, Zach is her best friend and platonic top... and longtime crush, if she's being completely honest, though she would never act on those feelings.

Especially not now that Zach and his ex-boyfriend, Kincaid, just got back together.

Homeless and heartbroken, Amy is starting her life over by moving into the men's guest room. As she begins to heal, her imagination starts running wild with inappropriate thoughts about her handsome hosts. She can't escape the fantasies of joining Zach and Kincaid in bed, relishing the feel of being under them, and the ecstasy of being between them.

But Amy's double daydreams would never come true. After all, no one's happily-ever-after ever included a third wheel... especially one as broken as her.

Super steamy, heartfelt and oh so satisfying! The fun with the Masters of Marquis just keeps getting hotter and I’m loving every minute of each and every one of them. The set up for the emotional turmoil in this book is front and center as it kicks off and I was immediately hooked on Amy’s plight. Once Zach and Kincaid came into the picture and I got to know them, I was adoring them all separately and all together. Great build up and follow through and the characters were well developed with each having a support system and interesting back story. I loved their story so hard!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys reading about and diving heart first into the BDSM lifestyle and meeting this tight knit group of friends who always support each other and love hard while doing it. *NOTE* Must be okay with BDSM and bisexual MMF to enjoy this book.

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* Review * BOUND AND BLITZED by Gina Azzi

February 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BOUND AND BLITZED by Gina Azzi

Bound and Blitzed by Gina Azzi
Series: Knoxville Coyotes Football #4
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on January 27, 2025
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Knoxville Coyotes Quarterback Avery Callaway is a football legend.

And he thinks I’m a stalker.

I promise, I'm not. Turns out we just happen to live in the same building.

Besides, I know men—athletes—like Avery. Egocentric, undeniably charming, downright gorgeous.

I dated one once. Until he broke my heart.

But that was a long time ago and I’m a smarter, more driven, and disciplined woman because of it.

In fact, I’m only in Tennessee to get my PhD in ornithology.

So what's the problem? My visa is tied up in red tape, I’m at risk of losing the career of my dreams, and Avery Callaway is proposing to marry me.

I know his reasons are selfish, and his motive is personal.

I know our marriage is just an arrangement.

I need to remember that as Avery shows up for me in ways I never anticipate.

He makes me feel seen and cherished. Cared for and loved.

But is it real?

Or is being bound to the quarterback a blitz neither of us sees coming?

A shining redemption! Azzi is pouring on the feels with book four in her Knoxville Coyotes Football series and watching Avery Callaway (who we all sort of loved to hate in his ex-girlfriend Mila’s story when she fell for Devon) is finally meeting his match and waking up to make up for his poor behavior in the past. I was able to overlook his youthful transgressions to actually like him and enjoy him with Lena. Great characters, fun plot and lots of fun moments as they work their way towards forever.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced sports romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and lots of camaraderie and romance along the way.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BETTER THAN FRIENDS by Jill Shalvis

January 23, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BETTER THAN FRIENDS by Jill Shalvis

Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis
Series: Sunrise Cove #7
Published by Avon on January 21, 2025
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Old flames reignite in Sunrise Cove in this charming enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, small-town, forced-proximity love story about family, friendships, and true love.

When Olive Porter’s off-the-grid parents go missing, she reluctantly seeks out Noah Turner, her ex and the only person she both trusts implicitly and not at all.

As a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, Noah’s used to living under intense pressure. Or he was until he got injured on the job. Now unhappily recuperating at home while being smothered by his loving but nosy family, he’d love nothing more than a good distraction.

So when Olive shows up looking like a million bucks, he has to do a gut and heart check. Because nope, no matter what, he can’t fall for her again, the woman who once blew up his entire life and never looked back. How ironic then that his own personal hell (Olive) is also his ticket out of town. The question is, will the risk be worth the reward?

Heartfelt and emotionally riveting! Shalvis always delights with a return trip to Sunrise Cove and Better Than Friends continues the tradition! I was quickly hooked as we’re thrust into the heart of the connection between former friends (and more!) when tragedy reunites Olive and Noah as his sister (and her BFF) need them both to rally around her in a time of need. The drama is high, the romance that arises is heartwarming and the angst is attention grabbing. I loved every minute of their story! Great characters, fun yet endearing and lots of warmth to wrap around your heart.

Olive was my favorite character and was really easy to like. She didn’t have it easy in her youth, but her connection to Sunrise Cove turned her life into more than she could have hoped for all those years ago until an accident tore it all apart and sent her running across the world to settle into a new life. Now back temporarily, she’s finding the temptation to settle into life back where she truly felt at home a little too seductive.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a reunion story after being apart with a rift in the connection and with lots of family interference/love wrapped within the storyline.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * FAKING IT WITH A FORTUNE by Michelle Major

January 23, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FAKING IT WITH A FORTUNE by Michelle Major

Faking It with a Fortune by Michelle Major
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: Secrets of Fortune's Gold Ranch #1
Published by Harlequin Fortunes of Texas on January 21, 2025
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A baby on her doorstep

Might also reunite her with the man who got away

When a baby is left on Poppy Fortune's parents’ doorstep, the newly minted foster mom is determined to lavish infant Joey with love—all on her own. She’s stunned when her former flame Leonardo Leonetti leaps in to help her. Leo’s consumed with running his family’s vineyard…and now he’s got something to prove to his ailing grandfather. Love? Family? Not for Leo. But that’s before he falls hard for infant Joey—and again for Poppy. But will Leo’s shuttered heart block this second chance at a forever future?

Major has me hooked and ready for more! The kick off to the newest Fortunes of Texas continuity series was filled with strife and drama and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out! Secrets of Fortune’s Gold Ranch is centering on the paternity of the baby left on the Fortune’s doorstep and which branch of the family is going to find themselves up in arms with scandal. I really enjoyed Poppy and Leo and loved their warmth as they settled in to caring for baby Joey. There’s a bit of awkwardness that quickly passes between these two as their past bubbles up, but the warmth and love they showed to the baby and the addition of his grandpa in the mix was heartwarming. There were a couple of occasions where timeline/editing discrepancies were distracting and had me flipping back to see if I misread but overall I really enjoyed their story and happily ever after. Intriguing characters, heartwarming family moments and lots of mystery to keep you interested.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a found baby story and who enjoys a continuity where several things are happening over the time and with different authors picking up the story and running with it towards the resolution and tie up at the end of the series.

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* Review * ARCTIC PURSUIT by Anna J. Stewart

January 23, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ARCTIC PURSUIT by Anna J. Stewart

Arctic Pursuit by Anna J. Stewart
Series: The McKenna Code #1
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on January 21, 2025
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Falling in love…
Isn’t supposed to be part of the job

FBI special agent Ty Savakis keeps his promises. That’s why he’s asked Wren McKenna to join him in an isolated Alaskan town: he wants her help safeguarding a witness he swore to protect. To find the assailant who tried to kill her, Ty and Wren go undercover as a married couple. These partners have always been a perfect team, but sharing an apartment makes it impossible to resist the attraction they’ve both fought to deny. Will the violent criminal they’re tracking give them a chance to imagine a future together?

High octane suspense and addictive characters will delight! Stewart is taking her fans on a fantastic ride with the kick off to a brand new series with a familiar family taking center stage. I was quickly drawn to the chemistry between Wren and Ty and once they were knee deep into the chaos this case turned into, all bets were off and I was hooked on every minute. I wanted a smidge more background on their pasts, but I loved them together, both as professional partners and as love interests. I can’t wait for how the rest of the siblings stories play out! Great complexity, well developed chemistry and lots of intrigue to keep you guessing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced suspense with close knit characters and lots of drama and interaction.

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* Review * A KISS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS by Susan Carlisle

January 23, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A KISS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS by Susan Carlisle

A Kiss Under the Northern Lights by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on January 21, 2025
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A CONNECTION TO STAY FOR?

When Dr. Trice moves to the far north of Iceland, she’s looking forward to immersing herself in her job and getting away from her painful past. She’s nervous, but her temporary colleague Dr. Drake Stevansson is happy to show her the ropes. Drake has the looks of a real-life Viking, and a way of making Trice feel safer than she ever has before. Their snow-melting desire is undeniable, but Drake is leaving. So what happens when stolen glances turn to fiery kisses that threaten to derail both of their plans?

Love when they least expect it! Susan Carlisle paints a magical story in majestic Iceland that pulls on the heartstrings and delights across every page. The plot of the story was easy to follow and took me into the heart of each character quickly and held my attention easily throughout. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Drake and Beatrice even as they were settling in as temporary colleagues, but once their attraction took hold and started shining bright, they were even more delightful. I really enjoyed their story! Well developed, heartfelt and satisfying.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a medical based romance especially when it includes a scenic backdrop of a different culture to sink your teeth into.

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* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN HEARTS by Chelle Bliss

January 14, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BROKEN HEARTS by Chelle Bliss

Broken Hearts by Chelle Bliss
Series: Open Road Series #5
Published by Bliss Ink LLC on January 14, 2025
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Eagle lived for one thing…the club. But when the Disciples MC became defunct, he felt lost. Needing to hustle and make more money, he took a side-gig at a swanky event center to work security. The money was decent, but the boss…she was everything Eagle always wanted in a woman. He stayed for her and no matter how hard he tried to resist her; she had a pull over him like no other ever had. And when another man goes a little too far, he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

Lacey’s had one too many broken hearts. She decided she needed a break and wanted to focus on her work. She had her dream job, and everything started to go her way. Until her last boyfriend, who lied about being married, tries to get her fired. As her personal and business life collide, everything spirals out of control. Lacey’s doesn’t have much hope in men when a biker she’d hired steps in, having her back like no one else.

And what should’ve stayed a professional relationship takes them on a path they never expected, but neither one could stop. Can two broken hearts find love again?

Broken Hearts is the last book in the Open Road Series. It's a romantic suspense, opposites attract, later in life romance.

Temptingly delicious! The final book in Chelle Bliss’s Open Road series is filled with angst and drama as a sexy, forbidden connection draws our attention quickly and keeps us turning page after page to see if Eagle is going to get his happily ever after. The main characters are both super easy to like and the plot is intriguing while leaving ample attraction in the forefront to tempt us. I would have loved to see a bit more development of his relationships with the MC guys and showcasing who he is at heart, but overall I enjoyed both characters a lot. The ending was satisfying and a fitting wrap up for the series.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a steamy love connection between two characters who put their heart and soul into living the life they’ve been handed and sweetening the pot as time goes by.

Broken Hearts by Chelle Bliss is live!

Eagle lived for one thing…the club. But when the Disciples MC became defunct, he felt lost. Needing to hustle and make more money, he took a side-gig at a swanky event center to work security. The money was decent, but the boss…she was everything Eagle always wanted in a woman. He stayed for her and no matter how hard he tried to resist her; she had a pull over him like no other ever had. And when another man goes a little too far, he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

Lacey’s had one too many broken hearts. She decided she needed a break and wanted to focus on her work. She had her dream job, and everything started to go her way. Until her last boyfriend, who lied about being married, tries to get her fired. As her personal and business life collide, everything spirals out of control. Lacey doesn’t have much hope in men when a biker she’d hired steps in, having her back like no one else.

And what should’ve stayed a professional relationship takes them on a path they never expected, but neither one could stop. Can two broken hearts find love again?

Get your copy today in ebook, audio, & print!

Direct: https://geni.us/BH-Direct
Amazon: https://geni.us/brhrts-kindle
Apple: https://apple.co/49mnBmG
Nook: https://geni.us/brhrts-nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/brhrts-kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/brhrts-gp

Paperback:
Amazon: https://geni.us/brhrts-pb-zon
Barnes & Noble: https://geni.us/brhrts-pb-bn
Signed: https://geni.us/brhrts-pb-signed

Audio:
Direct: https://geni.us/bh-audio-direct
Narrated by Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Release Blitz / Review * RAFFERTY by Sawyer Bennett

January 14, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz / Review * RAFFERTY by Sawyer Bennett

Rafferty by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #15
Published by Big Dog Books on January 14, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Rafferty Abrams has been having the time of his life since joining the Pittsburgh Titans, but a poorly thought out one-night stand is about to cause unwanted drama with potentially serious repercussions.

As a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, I’m afforded a certain level of leniency in my behavior. The perks of being a celebrity, I suppose. But a run-in with my “one-night stand turned borderline stalker” has me crossing all sorts of lines with a beautiful but unsuspecting grocery store employee. When I surprise the complete stranger with a giant kiss and quiet plea to help a guy out, she not only plays along but gets my blood racing like I’ve never experienced before. Score one for Rafferty Abrams.

Temperence Martin isn’t just the stunning girl in the international foods aisle. Tempe is also a devoted daughter taking a break from college to help her mother as she heals from a serious accident. That includes making sure her younger brother stays on track with school and keeping everything running at home. To say she’s burning the candle at both ends is an understatement, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t see the spark in her eyes after our spontaneous make out session. That’s exactly what has me coming back for more, even if I use that pesky stalker as my excuse.

As we get to know one another, I realize a fake relationship just isn’t going to work. I want something other than a ruse, something real, and lucky for me, so does Tempe. But when my mistake of a hookup starts telling lies in retaliation for my alleged betrayal, things get messy. For me and for Tempe, who has found herself embroiled in a love triangle that doesn’t even exist. I can only hope Tempe isn’t scared away by the baggage I unintentionally brought to our relationship because the truth is, I saw my happily ever after with her the first time our lips met.

A feisty meet-cute leads to sexy seduction at it’s best! Bennett continues to delight her hockey fans with one hunky hero after another who manage to stumble upon the ideal woman for them and with her always entertaining Pittsburgh Titans series. This particular book had a playboy hero who fell fast once the right woman crossed his path. I really enjoyed Tempe and her family interaction. The characters were easy to like, their storyline was both fun and flirty and tinged with mischief and danger. I couldn’t have enjoyed them more and always look forward to another visit with this team!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a tight-knit hockey team who have lots of angst behind them as each player finds his “one” and settles in to his happily ever after.

New Release
Rafferty (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #15)
Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis:

Rafferty Abrams has been having the time of his life since joining the Pittsburgh Titans, but a poorly thought out one-night stand is about to cause unwanted drama with potentially serious repercussions.

As a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, I’m afforded a certain level of leniency in my behavior. The perks of being a celebrity, I suppose. But a run-in with my “one-night stand turned borderline stalker” has me crossing all sorts of lines with a beautiful but unsuspecting grocery store employee. When I surprise the complete stranger with a giant kiss and quiet plea to help a guy out, she not only plays along but gets my blood racing like I’ve never experienced before. Score one for Rafferty Abrams.

Temperence Martin isn’t just the stunning girl in the international foods aisle. Tempe is also a devoted daughter taking a break from college to help her mother as she heals from a serious accident. That includes making sure her younger brother stays on track with school and keeping everything running at home. To say she’s burning the candle at both ends is an understatement, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t see the spark in her eyes after our spontaneous make out session. That’s exactly what has me coming back for more, even if I use that pesky stalker as my excuse.

As we get to know one another, I realize a fake relationship just isn’t going to work. I want something other than a ruse, something real, and lucky for me, so does Tempe. But when my mistake of a hookup starts telling lies in retaliation for my alleged betrayal, things get messy. For me and for Tempe, who has found herself embroiled in a love triangle that doesn’t even exist. I can only hope Tempe isn’t scared away by the baggage I unintentionally brought to our relationship because the truth is, I saw my happily ever after with her the first time our lips met.

Shop direct at the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

E-Book | Audio | Signed Paperback
(narrated by Aaron Shedlock and Mackenzie Cartwright)

Grab your copy at these other retailers:

E-Book: Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

Audio is a WIDE live release on 1/14!

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * TRACK HER DOWN by Melinda Leigh

January 14, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TRACK HER DOWN by Melinda Leigh

Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh
Series: Bree Taggert #9
Published by Montlake on January 14, 2025
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

For Sheriff Bree Taggert, a gruesome double murder exposes the secrets of the dead in a shocking novel of suspense ...

A teenager returns home from work and finds her parents shot to death in their bed. Responding to the call, Sheriff Bree Taggert realizes the crime wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. The couple was executed. The sole survivor: their traumatized teenage daughter, Claire Mason.

Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but together they uncover more questions than answers. When Claire is stalked at the park, it’s clear the killer isn’t finished—and she’s the next target.

As Bree and Matt sift through the past—suspect by suspect—a tangled web of deception emerges, and the truth becomes harder to see. Because the victims’ entire lives were a lie. And the only way to protect the vulnerable girl is to unravel her parents’ secrets.

Addictive and filled with exhilarating drama and heart! The ninth book in Leigh’s Bree Taggert series does not disappoint as the Sheriff is handed an epic mystery with twists around every corner. The case they are entrenched in this time hits close to home for Bree as memories from the past keep tormenting her as she races against time to keep a teen safe and figure out exactly what the motive in this madness really is. I wanted a smidge more from the home connection that is always so endearing in this series, but overall I really enjoyed the depth of emotion and strife throughout this story and look forward to more to come from Bree Taggert.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a strong feminine lead in a law enforcement storyline with a cast around her that always has her back and feels like family.

Filed Under: Book Reviews