Book Reviews – Page 4

* Review * NASH by Victoria Denault

May 2, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Nash by Victoria Denault
Series: Hockey Royalty #4
on April 22, 2025
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She’s gorgeous, smart, and the bane of my existence. She’s also my wife.

Tenley Garrison and I hate each other. Sure, she’s a leggy, blonde with a gorgeous smile and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, but she lives to push my buttons. One night in Vegas, I decide to push hers right back. Biggest mistake of my life.

Somehow, after too many margaritas and too many dares, we wake up in the same bed with a hazy memory of a wedding chapel. No surprise, we both want an annulment. Tenley is busy launching her career as a documentary filmmaker, and I’m busy with hockey playoffs. Neither of us wants a partner we like let alone one we can’t stand.

But when the media finds out, Tenley’s producers tell her they won’t make her sports documentary unless we’re in it, together. And my team makes it clear a divorce during playoffs is off the table. So we’re forced to shack up and fake a happy marriage.

When no one is looking, we’re pranking each other, insulting each other and making each other squirm. I refuse to turn down her ridiculous dares. If I did, Tenley would think she’s won, and I’m Nash Westwood, I never lose.

Except when the dares turn sexy, sparks fly, shocking us both. Maybe there really is a fine line between love and hate. But there’s no way I’m crossing that line with Tenley Garrison… am I? Oh crap.

This enemies to lovers hockey romance with a twist is so much fun! Victoria Denault is pouring on all the feels and angst with the fourth book in her Hockey Royalty series and I loved every single minute. We got to know both Nash and Tenley pretty well in the previous book in the series when his twin brother fell for her cousin, and this book picks up right where we left on in that one with a big bombshell. There’s humor and angst mixed up with a whole lot of mixed emotions as these supposed enemies who love to hate on one another find they also enjoy loving on one another a bit too much too. Loved them! Great characters, lots of drama and just the right amount of falling hard to make for an excellent happily ever after.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance that centers around a big boisterous family who loves hard and always welcomes newcomers to the fam as each sibling/cousin falls for their “one”.

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* Review * CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW by Debra Webb

May 2, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW by Debra Webb

Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb
Series: Vera Boyett #3
Published by Thomas & Mercer on May 6, 2025
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Vera Boyett is a master at cracking a case.

After tragedy destroyed her career as deputy police chief, she felt lost. Moving back home near her sisters, she put her skills back to use as a crime analyst, and now her star is finally back on the rise. Vera’s work really begins to heat up after the local sheriff, Gray “Bent” Benton, calls to ask her for assistance with a pressing case.

Pushing aside their complicated past, Vera agrees to help Bent search for a missing reporter. But their investigation uncovers an improbable connection to the Messenger, a serial killer she put behind bars twelve years ago. The killer, who is dying of cancer, wants his final revenge. And the reporter is merely a distraction—Vera is his true target.

When the Messenger pulls her sister Eve into his twisted game, Vera vows to stop him for good. But can she find Eve and the reporter before it’s too late?

Attention grabbing from start to finish! The second book in Debra Webb’s Vera Boyett series is just as addictive as the first with lots of twists that will leave the reader guessing. I really enjoy Vera and Bent and their connection. I wanted a little more backstory catch up from the first book, in particular what truly happened to ruin her career other than the little bit we get caught up on when her old friend Eric arrives in town. There are a ton of characters across this book, but for the most part it’s easy to keep things straight and not feel too overwhelmed. If that catch up between stories would be a little more developed, I think the series would be top notch. I’m looking forward to more to come from Vera!

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* Review * HERO MINE by Janie Crouch

May 1, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hero Mine by Janie Crouch
Series: Linear Tactical, Heroes of Oak Creek #6
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on May 4, 2025
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“Survival is always the most important thing.”

You don’t get far in Oak Creek, Wyoming, home of Linear Tactical and its gruff and rugged heroes, without hearing that motto.

Free-spirited Joy Davis—opposite of gruff and rugged—heard the slogan her whole life and generally met it with a roll of her eyes.

Until the night she was attacked and left for dead.

He’s always been her anchor. But now, she’s his reason to fight.

Bear Bollinger, the Oak Creek’s rough-hewn mechanic, has been Joy’s protector and confidant for years, waiting for the right time to make his move.

Watching her struggle in the aftermath of the attack breaks something inside him. Determined to see her smile again, he steps in to help her rebuild her shattered confidence.

But Oak Creek has danger closing in.

When a new threat begins to stalk the town, Bear must protect the woman who means everything to him, even as Joy fights to reclaim her life and face a danger unlike anything she’s ever known.

Highly emotional and addictive! Heading back to Oak Creek, Wyoming is always a pleasure when we get to see any of the old Linear Tactical crowd and extend our fandom with the next generation of heroes. Bear Bollinger has adored Joy Davis for years, but something always got in the way of pursuit. Seeing Joy trying to work through the trauma she went through with Sloane is breaking his heart and he can’t resist stepping in to ease her fears. The concept of the story is easy to relate to, the characters have a connection immediately and the danger that’s lurking is just enough mystery to keep it all exciting. I really enjoyed their story!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series plus the prior LT books to anyone that likes romantic suspense with a strong military type hero who meets his match in an equally spirited woman to share their life with while the backdrop of danger and camaraderie with their friends and family bring lots of entertainment along the way.

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* Review * TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD by Nancy Naigle

May 1, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD by Nancy Naigle

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle
Series: Shell Collector #3
Published by WaterBrook on April 29, 2025
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Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug.

But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild.

As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

Smalltown, heartwarming romance and more at it’s very best! With an enchanting follow up to The Shell Collector, Nancy Naigle brought emotion to the forefront quickly as it felt like going home again for the reader to revisit Whelks Island, NC and reconnect with Paul, Amanda, Tug and the kids with memories of Maeve around every corner. New to town visitor Rosemary is quick to connect with the town and it’s core team as a storm rolls through just as she’s beginning her visit. New friendships develop, family dynamics are tested and healing is abound. Great characters, heartfelt drama and many happy endings.

I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a smalltown women’s fiction strong on friendships and family along with hints of romance and tidbits of drama to round it all out.

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* Release Blitz/Review * LOVE, LIES AND WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

May 1, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * LOVE, LIES AND WHISKEY by Melissa Foster

Love, Lies, and Whiskey by Melissa Foster
Series: The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch #5
Published by World Literary Press on April 30, 2025
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First loves that were ripped apart, and the epic love that saves them.

At nineteen, Seeley “Doc” Whiskey fell hard for the governor’s daughter, and then she was torn away. He risked his life and his family’s legacy to get her back, only to find out that everything he believed about her was a lie. His heart has been locked down ever since.

Betrayed by everyone she loves, Juliette Chambers has been through hell and back. Now a single mother and veterinarian, Juliette moves back to Colorado to start over. The last person she expects to run into is the man who completely destroyed her.

A chance encounter turns into a moment of fury, sending them into an emotional maelstrom. Tears and accusations fly and passion ignites, but in their wake they discover a trail of secrets and lies and a life-changing blow that takes them to their knees.

The Whiskey just keeps getting smoother and smoother! Melissa Foster is the queen of family development and she proves it time and time again, series after series. The Whiskeys are a phenomenal group of people who love hard, support each other and those in need of a helping hand and they give every aspect of themselves to life. I adore each and every one of them. Getting to enjoy seeing Doc get his happily ever after was really rewarding! Great characters, well developed drama and so much heartwarming love!

Doc loves his family and is always available with a helping hand, but he’s lived life on the outskirts ever since his heart was shattered as a teen. He enjoys life, but he’s always kept a piece of himself closed off. That changes in the blink of an eye when he crosses paths with the one that got away and has his eyes opened to all of the secrets and lies that were woven around their lives.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a steamy romance with a strong family presence as each sibling finds their forever love.

LOVE, LIES, AND WHISKEY
The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch
Melissa Foster
Releasing April 30, 2025
World Literary Press

Blurb:

Get ready to fall hard for the mysterious Seeley “Doc” Whiskey and the one woman he never thought would walk back into his life, in this sexy and emotional second-chance standalone romance. The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch is a small-town, big-family series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal, insanely sexy bikers who give horses—and people—a second chance. No cliffhangers, no cheating, and a happily ever after that will leave you breathless.

First loves that were ripped apart, and the epic love that saves them.

At nineteen, Seeley “Doc” Whiskey fell hard for the governor’s daughter, and then she was torn away. He risked his life and his family’s legacy to get her back, only to find out that everything he believed about her was a lie. His heart has been locked down ever since.

Betrayed by everyone she loves, Juliette Chambers has been through hell and back. Now a single mother and veterinarian, Juliette moves back to Colorado to start over. The last person she expects to run into is the man who completely destroyed her.

A chance encounter turns into a moment of fury, sending them into an emotional maelstrom. Tears and accusations fly and passion ignites, but in their wake they discover a trail of secrets and lies and a life-changing blow that takes them to their knees.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210669710-love-lies-and-whiskey

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/324539

Sneak Peek: https://melissafoster.com/love-lies-whiskey-sneak-peek/

Buy Link

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Audio narrated by Aiden Snow and Erin Mallon

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Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling and award-winning 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
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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster
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* Release Blitz/Review * NORTH by Sawyer Bennett

April 22, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * NORTH by Sawyer Bennett

North by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #16
Published by Big Dog Books on April 22, 2025
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Life as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans is pretty freaking fantastic. I live in one of the best cities around, get paid to play the game I love and enjoy all the perks of being a professional hockey player. While many of those perks are because of who I am, one in particular is because of who I know.

Farren Abrams wasn’t on my radar until she came to town to visit her brother Rafferty. She’s smart, sarcastic, sexy as hell and can talk hockey like a pro. So when a night out with the team became a drunken hookup with Farren, there were zero complaints from yours truly. We had our fun and then she went back home—no harm, no foul. Now she’s moved to Pittsburgh permanently and while she’s still looking for some fun, I’m starting to look for more.

The more time I spend with Farren the more I like her, but to say she’s relationship averse is an understatement. Something in her past has caused her to head for the hills whenever someone gets too close, but she shuts down whenever I push for details. When she rejects my attempts to take this thing to the next level, I’m forced to seek help from none other than Rafferty, who has no idea I’m banging his little sister. With his assistance, I set out to do the one thing none of those chumps in Farren’s past have taken the time to do—help her face her demons and give her something worth staying for.

Forbiddenly hot! The next book in Bennett’s always entertaining Pittsburgh Titans hockey series is bringing North to the forefront alongside Rafferty’s little sister Farren. I really like the core cast of this series and their tight camaraderie. I liked North and Farren both and enjoyed their time together but felt like the book was too fast paced with not a lot of development of their actual relationship or enough about his back story. I wanted more … but loved them as a couple.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit hockey team that have made themselves a true family as one after another finds love.

New Release
North (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #16)
Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis:

New to the Pittsburgh Titans but no stranger to relentless ambition, North Paquette knows exactly how to put in the work to ensure the win. But this time, the stakes are personal because the game isn’t just on the ice.

Life as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans is pretty freaking fantastic. I live in one of the best cities around, get paid to play the game I love and enjoy all the perks of being a professional hockey player. While many of those perks are because of who I am, one in particular is because of who I know.

Farren Abrams wasn’t on my radar until she came to town to visit her brother Rafferty. She’s smart, sarcastic, sexy as hell and can talk hockey like a pro. So when a night out with the team became a drunken hookup with Farren, there were zero complaints from yours truly. We had our fun and then she went back home—no harm, no foul. Now she’s moved to Pittsburgh permanently and while she’s still looking for some fun, I’m starting to look for more.

The more time I spend with Farren the more I like her, but to say she’s relationship averse is an understatement. Something in her past has caused her to head for the hills whenever someone gets too close, but she shuts down whenever I push for details. When she rejects my attempts to take this thing to the next level, I’m forced to seek help from none other than Rafferty, who has no idea I’m banging his little sister. With his assistance, I set out to do the one thing none of those chumps in Farren’s past have taken the time to do—help her face her demons and give her something worth staying for.

Shop direct at the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

E-Book | Audio | Signed Paperback
(narrated by Stephen Dexter and Savannah Peachwood)

Grab your copy at these other retailers:

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

** additional audio links coming this week as it goes live at retailers! **

About the Author:

When Sawyer Bennett isn’t writing New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling books, she’s listening to her favorite audios, catering to her dogs, and schlepping her daughter to and from the horse barn. Known for strong character development and romance that caters to a wide variety of readers, find Sawyer at https://geni.us/SawyerBennett.

Connect with Sawyer:

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* Review * THE COWBOY’S WEDDING PROPOSAL by Melinda Curtis

April 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * THE COWBOY’S WEDDING PROPOSAL by Melinda Curtis

The Cowboy's Wedding Proposal by Melinda Curtis
Series: The Cowboy Academy #7
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on April 29, 2025
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What's sweeter than chocolate?

A second chance at love!

Single mom Tillie Powell has spent enough time getting over Keith Morgan and his misguided marriage proposal six years earlier. All she wants now is to be the perfect maid of honor to her cousin, proving to her uncle that she’s ready for the ranch manager job, which will support her daughter, Shay, in the process. But best man Keith suddenly seems to be everywhere she is, helping with wedding tasks and annoyingly winning over Shay. As the big event draws closer, Tillie must decide if she’s finally ready to hear Keith’s side of the story—and let his love in.

Tumultuous and attention grabbing! Curtis is delighting her readers with an adventure filled wedding and a handful of second chances with the next book in her Cowboy Academy series. The plot was quick to catch my attention and I was rooting for Keith and Tillie to find their way back to each other very quickly. Her daughter and Gran made for lots of adorableness along the way. Lots of emotion, laughs and upset throughout. Highly recommend!

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* Review * K-9 CONFIDENTIAL by Nichole Severn

April 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * K-9 CONFIDENTIAL by Nichole Severn

K-9 Confidential by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #5
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on April 29, 2025
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This fierce K-9

Is facing killer odds

Security agent Granger Morais is stunned when he and his K-9, Zeus, confront the one person he thought was dead—and can’t afford to trust again. Helping ex-informant Charlie Acker discover who killed her young sister may be key to taking down her powerful extremist family. But when Granger must protect her from a ruthless cartel that wants her special skills, will his and Charlie’s troubled history—and reignited heat—keep them alive…or be the one trap they never saw coming?

High intensity and danger lurking everywhere! Severn is delivering angst galore as her New Mexico Guard Dogs series with Harlequin Intrigue is drawing near it’s end. The next to last book is giving Granger his match as he encounters a part of his past that he thought was long gone. I liked the characters and the suspense a lot. The twists were attention grabbing. I wanted a smidge more in the end to give Granger and Charlie a more satisfying step forward to where they are going to end up, but overall I enjoyed their story very much and am looking forward to the final book in the series on it’s way soon.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a fast paced suspense with lots of danger and action along the way.

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* Review * PERSONAL SECURITY by Lisa Childs

April 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * PERSONAL SECURITY by Lisa Childs

Personal Security by Lisa Childs
Series: Bachelor Bodyguards #15
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on April 29, 2025
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He’ll risk anything to protect her…

Even his heart.

Watching over Blair Etheridge as she reopens her family’s art gallery is Ivan Chekov’s first chance to prove himself as a bodyguard. He hopes it’s also a chance to start over. But this job brings up bad memories, and Blair doesn’t want him anywhere near her. Ivan overcomes her stubborn streak after an attack on her life proves she’s in danger. The undeniable attraction sizzling between them makes posing as her boyfriend easy, while the thought of losing her frightens him more than he’s willing to admit.

Mystery and danger around every corner! With the next book in her Bachelor Bodyguards series, Lisa Childs takes us on a ride of suspense as Blair and Ivan are challenged and thrust into the past to seek answers and run from the sinister visitors lurking. The characters were easy to like, the storyline was intense and the danger was satisfying. There were a lot of characters and past cases to keep up with for a stand alone, but if you’re kept up with the series along the way you will feel less overwhelmed. I wanted more development in their relationship and a bit more fill in on the past happenings with this group of investigators, but overall it was a solid, entertaining read.

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* Review * LILAC TIME by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, Carolyn Brown

April 17, 2025 Leave a Comment

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* Review * LILAC TIME by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, Carolyn Brown

Lilac Time by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, Carolyn Brown
Published by Kensington Books on April 29, 2025
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The air is sweet, the days grow warm, and the budding branches bring the promise of bright new beginnings in this heartwarming springtime collection headlined by one of the most beloved storytellers of our time, Fern Michaels, joined by bestselling authors Carolyn Brown and Lori Foster.

SWEET AS HONEY * Fern Michaels
Natalie is through with pining over her ex. If only her efforts to be social again didn’t lead to repeated run-ins with an infuriating beekeeper at the local farmer’s market. Yet Garrett keeps buzzing around. And as Natalie watches his patience and dedication in tending his hives, she begins to wonder if life has a sweet surprise in store.

EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED * Lori Foster
Annabeth can see that her neighbor’s handsome nephew, Devlin, has his hands full, raising his little girl single-handed. Yet though his life is frazzled, it’s full of the kind of joy and togetherness she longs for. And when Devlin’s daughter and Annabeth’s tiny dog fall hard for each other, it might be the start of more than one beautiful friendship.

THE MEMORY CABIN * Carolyn Brown
Jenna Stewart loves gathering at her Texas lakeside cabin with her girlfriends. It’s an annual tradition to reconnect with the women who helped her deal with her mother’s passing along with the end of her marriage. But this year, lives are changing, dreams are evolving. And perhaps Jenna’s heart has healed enough to welcome a new love that arrives with the first flowers of spring . . .

* Reviewing EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED by Lori Foster *

Short, sweet and endearing! Foster always has a way of wrapping a family around my heart and taking me along on their journey of healing and rediscovery. I loved every minute of AnnaBeth and Devlin’s story and particularly loved the addition of his daughter and elderly uncle to bring the adorable humor into the storyline that softened the loss and angst.

I highly recommend this story to anyone wanting a fast paced read with an enjoyable second chance on love trope with lots of cuteness and sass.

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