Book Reviews – Page 26

* Review * THE DAY SHE DIED by Shannon Hollinger

April 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE DAY SHE DIED by Shannon Hollinger

The Day She Died by Shannon Hollinger
Series: Chief Maggie Riley #5
Published by Bookouture on April 14, 2025
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Maggie’s heart pounds as she clutches the autopsy report. What she’s reading is impossible. Yesterday, a woman died in a fire. But her remains belong to someone who died twenty years ago.

When the body of Ruby Anderson is found in a burnt-out trailer, Chief Maggie Riley is called to solve the biggest case Coyote Cove has ever seen. Ruby supposedly drowned on a kayaking trip twenty years ago—how could she have been alive today?

For years there have been whispers about how Ruby died. There was one witness who swore they saw the river drag Ruby away. Ruby’s body was never found, and she was presumed dead.

But when the autopsy report is returned, Maggie makes a shocking discovery. It shows that Ruby never drowned at all. She’d been hiding in plain sight for the past twenty years. Who was she hiding from and why would they want her dead?

As Maggie unravels the web of lies around Ruby’s murder, she discovers that the witness to Ruby’s drowning is her closest colleague at the Coyote Cove Police Department. And they’re protecting a dark secret from Ruby’s past that Maggie must uncover before anyone else loses their life.

But how deep do the lies around Ruby’s death truly go? With no one to trust, Maggie needs to uncover a deadly secret alone and it lies at the heart of the police force. How much will she have to sacrifice to discover the truth?

Non-stop action and suspense! I really enjoy revisiting Maggie and her team time and time again in Shannon Hollinger’s Chief Maggie Riley series which takes place in the Maine countryside. We get answers to a few unanswered questions from the past in this book, but uncover a few more. I really would like a little better refresher of what has happened previously to keep newcomers to the series up to date and even to refresh a fan’s memory. In particular Steve’s sis wasn’t detailed in catching up the drama that put her in the state she’s currently in enough. I’m looking forward to whatever comes next in the Steve/Maggie saga and I will enjoy seeing Kal come into the forefront in a story soon. Great characters, intense drama and always intense another mystery to solve.

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* Review * ACCIDENTALLY FOREVER by Carrie Ann Ryan

April 3, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * ACCIDENTALLY FOREVER by Carrie Ann Ryan

Accidentally Forever by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Montgomery Ink Legacy #8
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on April 14, 2025
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In the world of romance, Aria Montgomery knows two things for sure:

She’s not in love with the man everyone thinks she is.

And she refuses to let herself love Crew McTavish.

Her former best friend is spiraling, and her photography career seems to be standing in her father’s shadow. Aria knows she needs to find her way out of the darkness. Yet she’s afraid if she allows Crew inside, he’ll not only take over—but he’ll get hurt in the process.

Crew McTavish enjoys being the mysterious friend of the Montgomerys. They may joke that he’s dating his way into their family one-by-one, but in the end, it’s only one Montgomery he wants: Aria.

Their pull to one another is inevitable and once a line is crossed, the heat between them ignites.

Only his family’s dark secrets threaten to pull him down and when Aria is threatened, Crew will stop at nothing to protect her.

Even if it means watching the world he’s built burn.

**Accidentally Forever is a next generation, protector, enemies to lovers, best friend’s ex romance in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series featuring Aria and Crew. Each book can be read as a complete standalone. An HEA is guaranteed!**

Aria Montgomery is Alex and Tabby’s daughter from Ink Exposed.

Sexy, heartfelt and oh so addictive! The next book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery Ink Legacy series brings us Aria’s story. For fans of the Montgomery world, she is Alex and Tabby’s daughter. For newbies to the series, you won’t know all of the life stories, but it’s very easy to enjoy Crew and Aria on their own without feeling lost. There will be a lot of family surrounding them, but no necessity to keep track of who’s who to any great extent. The overall pace of the book was steady with lots of sexy times but equal amounts of family, connection and emotion. I loved getting to know them and seeing the fulfillment having the Montgomery fam at their back brought. Great characters, sincere interactions and so much heart melting love. I can’t wait for more from this fam!

Crew was my favorite character in this book because he had to grow the most and learn to let someone in to the most private areas of his life. He thrives on being part of the Montgomery posse, and it looks really good on him!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Montgomery library to anyone who loves a sexy hero/heroine who also has a strong family support system behind them as love comes around and knocks them for a loop.

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* Review * NOT SO FAST by Karen Booth

March 28, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Not So Fast by Karen Booth
Published by Afterglow Books by Harlequin on April 1, 2025
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Mia Neal is a champion overthinker. Find something, fixate on it and spiral down. Fortunately, she puts that energy to good use: in a podcast about Formula One, her favorite sport in the world. There’s nothing about racing Mia doesn’t adore. The speed. The drivers. The fierce competition. The single-minded ambition. Ironic for a woman who’s changed careers more times than she can count.

Only now, her salty takes on gorgeous Brit driver Xander Bishop have gone viral, and the podcast feels more and more like what she’s meant to do… Then Xander’s teammate invites her to the Miami Grand Prix to see F1 up close—and get in Xander’s head. He’s not exactly delighted at the shade she’s been throwing his way.

It should be all-out war. Instead, Mia and Xander are stunned by the sudden crackle of…something sexual arcing between them. It’s irresistible, unbelievably hot—and Mia’s warning flags are waving. Because this reckless attraction is coming at Mia all too fast…

Entertaining, snarky and fun! Karen Booth is taking the racing world by storm with her delve into F1 racing and podcasting. The concept is fresh and the characters are drama filled and easy to sink your teeth into. I especially loved Xander and his family oriented mind-set. Mia was entertaining, but she also had conflicting messages. She was all for speaking freely and not shying away from the truth, but at other times she let people walk all over her (her mom, the fan club, etc.) which didn’t coincide with her mantra. Overall, I enjoyed the story very much and wouldn’t mind heading back into the pit again with some of the other drivers getting a story.

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* Review * K-9 GUARDIANS by Nichole Severn

March 28, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * K-9 GUARDIANS by Nichole Severn

K-9 Guardians by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #4
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on April 1, 2025
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A violent cartel’s bloody reign of terror must be stopped

But these K-9s and their partners don’t scare easily

When King Elsher’s murdered partner falls in Scarlett Beam’s path—literally—the DEA agent and security expert find themselves in a deadly cartel’s crosshairs. The message is clear: stop interfering with their business or they’ll be the next victims. The past taught King to keep professional and personal separate. But Scarlett’s wit and determination tempt him to break his code. And then his son is kidnapped, raising the stakes even further. One wrong step can get them killed. Can King get justice…and keep them all alive?

Non-stop action from start to finish! The next book in Severn’s New Mexico Guard Dogs series for the Harlequin Intrigue line is attention grabbing and exciting. The characters both have powerful back stories and are easy to like. I felt like the intrigue of the book was top notch and very easy to hold my attention, but the relationship between them in the end was fairly unbelievable because of the lack of relationship development. I enjoyed them overall and loved the outcome of their story.

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* Review * LOADED LACES by Elise Faber

March 28, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Loaded Laces by Elise Faber
Series: Eagles Hockey Novella
on March 31, 2025
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A decade ago she broke me.
Now she’s back…with a kid in tow.

Belle Harrison dumped me right before I got my first big contract, breaking my heart and sending me straight into a life of singlehood.
Once bitten and twice shy, and all that.
Of course that was before she showed up after a decade, asking questions in the locker room after a game.
Questions that make me rethink everything I thought I knew.
And remind me why I never wanted to let her go in the first place.
And why I won’t ever let her go ever again.

Attention grabbing and drama filled! I’m loving Elise Faber’s Eagles Hockey team and the mix of characters she’s bringing to the pages. I was instantly hooked on West and Belle and rooting for them the entire way through. I feel like their story wasn’t as developed as it could have been due to the novella length, but key things were missing that made the story feel somewhat incomplete. I wanted more, but I did really enjoy their story regardless. Great character connections and an interesting core plot.

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* Review * MAID TO MARRY by Dani Collins

March 28, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MAID TO MARRY by Dani Collins

Maid to Marry by Dani Collins
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 1, 2025
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How to avoid scandal?
Marry the Greek!

An illicit kiss with Atlas Voudouris got chalet maid Stella Sutter fired. When she bumps into him five years later, she’s still furious! Except as she accuses him of ruining her life, long-dormant desires come alive…

Atlas is about to announce the convenient wedding that will secure his inheritance. However, once paparazzi photos of his and Stella’s heated encounter go public, Atlas is left short a bride. The only answer? Make Stella his wife! But are his diamond and their dangerous passion enough to bridge the gap between their very different worlds?

Tempting, sweet and sexy! Dani Collins delivers a satisfying marriage of convenience/star crossed lovers storyline that will quickly have you hooked on the down-to-earth characters and their back stories. I liked Atlas and Stella a lot, and though the storyline is a bit cookie cutter, they had a swift connection that was electrifying and kept me reading. There was drama in the mix, attraction and lust but also a gentle connection between the two that led to friendship and love. I was happy with the story.

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* Release Blitz/Review * SOMEONE TO LOVE by Michelle Major

March 27, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * SOMEONE TO LOVE by Michelle Major

Someone To Love by Michelle Major
Series: The Skylark Series #1
Published by Romilda House on March 27, 2025
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Goodreads

One month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.

I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.

I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding. Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah. There’s no way I’m walking into that ceremony as the awkward, untouched older sister.

Enter single dad Ian Barlowe—my sinfully hot, NFL legend neighbor, who owes me big time after his daughter breaks into my house. He offers to make amends by playing my fake boyfriend. How can I say no?

It should be easy enough—except nothing about Ian feels fake. The chemistry? Explosive. His unexpected sweetness? Heart-melting. And the way he seems to like me just as I am? Ruh, roh.

Here’s the thing—I don’t do vulnerability, and neither does he. But as the line between pretend and real starts to blur—especially in the bedroom—I wonder if happily-ever-after is a game we can win. I set out to score one for the bucket list, but now I’m playing for keeps. And if we’re not careful, I might lose my heart in the final play.

Filled to the brim with emotion, friendship and a sexy man next door, Michelle Major’s kick off of a brand new Skylark, Colorado series is heartfelt and endearing! I loved the concept of friends from a book club right from the start, and add in a former NFL quarterback, a moody pre-teen and dogs galore and I was so there. I loved that the sisterhood of friendship was brought into the core of the story before we ever even get a glimpse of the hunky man and all the drama he might bring. It set the stage of the smalltown backdrop very nicely and let us get to know Sadie and her kindheartedness from the start.

Sadie was obviously my favorite character for so many reasons. Her allegiance to family, friends and animals for one. Her innocent soul who didn’t think twice to offer a helping to hand to pretty much anybody. Her ability to see to the heart of the matter. She’s the friend we all need!

Ian and his precocious child were also easy to like once we got beneath the surface. I loved his relationship with his brother and his ability to go with the flow.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a smalltown romance with a cast of friends and family behind the scenes pulling for true love to win out.

One month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.

I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.
I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t
say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding.
Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah. There’s no way I’m walking into that
ceremony as the awkward, untouched older sister.
Enter single dad Ian Barlowe—my sinfully hot, NFL legend neighbor, who owes me big time
after his daughter breaks into my house. He offers to make amends by playing my fake
boyfriend. How can I say no?
It should be easy enough—except nothing about Ian feels fake. The chemistry? Explosive. His
unexpected sweetness? Heart-melting. And the way he seems to like me just as I am? Ruh, roh.
Here’s the thing—I don’t do vulnerability, and neither does he. But as the line between pretend
and real starts to blur—especially in the bedroom—I wonder if happily-ever-after is a game we
can win.
I set out to score one for the bucket list, but now I’m playing for keeps. And if we’re not careful,
I might lose my heart in the final play.

Buy Link:
https://a.co/d/9RsZkOH
Available in KU

Meet Michelle Major:
USA Today bestselling author Michelle Major loves stories of new beginnings, second chances and
always a happily ever after. An avid hiker and avoider of housework, she lives in the shadow of the
Rocky Mountains with her husband, two teenagers, and a menagerie of spoiled fur babies. Connect with
her at www.michellemajor.com.

Connect with Michelle Major:
https://www.instagram.com/michellemajorauthor/

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * BITTER BEATS by Gina Azzi

March 25, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Bitter Beats by Gina Azzi
Series: Dating the Drummer Trilogy #1
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on March 26, 2025
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Being forced to share my band's townhouse with a gorgeous third-year law student wouldn't be so terrible, but Mckenna Byrne is a pretentious, by-the-book know-it-all. Sadly, she's also the key to helping me save The Burnt Clovers.

My drum kit, my bandmates, and our arenas of fans mean everything to me. When a scandal jeopardizes The Burnt Clovers’ success, I’ll do whatever it takes to overhaul my image. Even fake date my reluctant roommate.

Sure, McKenna might despise me, but while she’s living under my roof, I’ll do anything to protect her.

Our arrangement is simple. I pay off McKenna’s tuition in exchange for her pretending to be my girlfriend to soften my bad boy, rockstar reputation.

But my wholesome, down-on-her-luck significant other is more than I bargained for. As days turn into weeks, mocking her dull sweaters, type-A personality traits, and boring social life morphs into a possessive need and a hot desire I can’t ignore.

When a threat from Mckenna’s past emerges, I’ll cross every line to keep her safe. Even if the outcome tears me apart.

***
Please note: This material was originally published on Kindle Vella as Bitter Rockstar. Additional scenes have been added and Mav and Mckenna's entire story will release in three installments throughout 2025.

Fast paced and quick to hook you! Fans of Gina Azzi’s Burnt Clovers trilogy will recognize the key players in this book as it is Maverick’s story. It was previously published on Kindle Vella and is now being added to and re-released as a Dating the Drummer trilogy throughout 2025. This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and Book 2 will pick up where this one left off. The characters are both easy to like and have drama-filled lives to juggle. He’s a rockstar and scandal seems to follow him everywhere. She’s a law student who is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life while her parents fight their way through a divorce and forget she’s even around. Seeing this enemies to lovers story develop is humorous and heartwarming as they first learn to become friends and then connect on a deeper level. We have hints of more drama to ensue when book two comes around on a couple of different fronts. Both their relationship and her past are raring to flare up. I enjoyed the characters, their story and the overall feel of the series. Great to see the Burnt Clover guys again!

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* Review * EDGE OF FOREVER by Kat Mizera

March 25, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * EDGE OF FOREVER by Kat Mizera

Edge of Forever by Kat Mizera
Series: Crimson Edge Prequel Novella
on March 24, 2025
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Goodreads

The first time I laid eyes on Kirsten, I knew she was going to be mine.

But I had to wait until she was ready.

Now she is, but I’m about to go on tour and she’s going off to college—how the hell are we going to make this work?

The odds are stacked against us, but I’m willing to risk it.

I just don’t know if it’s fair.

To either of us.

We’re teetering on the edge of forever…but is our love strong enough to keep us from going over the edge?

Slightly angsty and addictive! Kat Mizera is kicking off a brand new rockstar series with a prequel novella with a familiar heroine that we met in her sister Sydney’s story. I really enjoyed getting to know Kirsten and Sam and get a little jumpstart into knowing the guys in Crimson Edge a little bit, but it’s going to drive me a little crazy to not get the rest of their story until Book 5. I enjoyed their connection and the glimpse into her life and his career so far, but there was a really abrupt ending and now a delay for several books to wait for more. I’m sure they’ll be worth it … but I might kick and scream along the way to getting there. First love, slight age gap, rockstar.

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* Review * THE TWO OF US by Lori Foster/Maisey Yates

March 25, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TWO OF US by Lori Foster/Maisey Yates

The Two of Us by Lori Foster, Maisey Yates
Published by Kensington Books on March 25, 2025
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The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER
Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destined . . .

Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES
Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take him: to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .

** Reviewing THE ODD COUPLE by Lori Foster **

Fast paced and adorable! You’re always guaranteed a good read when there’s an animal on one of Lori Foster’s covers. She writes with heart and humor always, but there’s an even more special something there when an animal is involved. It’s always fun to see a familiar face that with friends with a hero in a previous book come back for their story, and this time it’s Ford Caruso’s turn. It was great to see Marcus, Knox and Bray again briefly. I really enjoyed Ford and Skye and their adventures with their furry friends. I wanted a smidge more development of their backgrounds and a little more time with them to solidify their relationship development, but a novella length is always harder to reach that perfection. I really loved them and enjoyed their story!

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