Book Reviews – Page 4

* Review * GOOD TROUBLE by Lani Lynn Vale

December 6, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * GOOD TROUBLE by Lani Lynn Vale

Good Trouble by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Gator Bait MC #2
on December 6, 2022
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Bain met Diana, a.k.a. Luce, the night before he was set to deploy to Afghanistan.

It’s not every day that you take your brother’s girlfriend to prom because he refuses to put out the effort.

That night was one of the best nights of his life and the next day, he leaves and doesn’t see her again.

But there are letters. Not many, but enough for them to form a connection.

Over the two-year deployment, they became great friends.

The best of friends—at least, as good of friends as you can be when it’s your brother’s wife.

Fast-forward six years and she still counts him as one of her greatest friends. Even going as far as to stick by him when he’s sent to prison because his own brother turned on him.

***

Luce had a crush on her then-boyfriend’s brother since way before she and Bain’s brother were married. From the moment he volunteered to take her to prom, she’d fallen.

Over the years, she’d tried to hide it. Tried to go on with her life and act like she loved her husband and only her husband. But as time went on and Braxton started to treat her more and more like crap, she realized the truth. Her husband wasn’t Bain. Her husband would never be him.

Hell, that’d been proven time and time again.

The smoking gun, though? The thing that made her realize it was time to leave?

When her husband stood by while she was assaulted, while the man she tried to act like was just a friend protected her. Then was sentenced to eight years in jail for it.

It was time to admit the truth.

Bain McDempsey was it for her. She just had to help him see it. Oh, and get him out of prison first.

An unforgettable connection steals the show in the second book in Lani Lynn Vale’s Gator Bait MC series! This book had my attention immediately and held it throughout as drama and intrigue kept popping up around every corner. The characters are endearing and such kind-hearted people and their road to happily ever after was indeed paved with roadblocks that they steamrolled over in an addictive storyline.

I loved Bain! He’s everything that is good in this story and I enjoyed watching him get to be with Luce and overcome injustice.

Diana AKA Luce is a bit complex and at times you wonder why she does the things that she does (like her ex!), but overall I liked her and enjoyed their story.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves an action packed, dramatic romance filled with passion, love and drama galore.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * THE PATH TO YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

December 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * THE PATH TO YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

The Path to You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Wilder Brothers #3
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on December 5, 2022
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Goodreads

The moment I saw Bethany Cole, I knew she was not only out of my league, but in a whole different world.

Only I didn’t realize I’d met her before.

An explosion stole part of my past, including the first time I’d seen her pretty face.

Now she’s an A-list celebrity.

And I’m just a Wilder.

But when her boyfriend cheats on her, Bethany needs a safe place to hide from the paparazzi.

The Wilder’s Retreat seems like the perfect escape.

Only every time we see each other it’s hard to remember we come from two different worlds.

And that the danger that follows her is only the beginning.

The ultimate in a star-crossed lovers trope! Carrie Ann Ryan is doing a great job at endearing this family of The Wilder Brothers to her readers hearts and the third book in the series will NOT disappoint. The drama is high, the passion is top notch and the heart this family brings forth is the ultimate in comfort reading. I am loving this fam!

Bethany is highly successful and should be on top of the world but her cheating ex and the scandal he brings to her life is really bringing her down. It’s funny that the place she feels the safest is where “he” is … the man that stole her heart and seemingly stomped on it … the man who acts like he doesn’t even know her.

Everett is loving and sincere and the fact that he has had such a hard time after his injuries that caused his military career to end abruptly is really a drag. He doesn’t let it stop him from having a fulfilling life, but he’s constantly hindered. Like when he can’t remember the beautiful woman he supposedly spent time with before it all came crashing down.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who likes a family of former military guys who love wholeheartedly and cherish the family they were born into as much as they cherish the life they have managed to enjoy.

Title: The Path to You
Series: The Wilder Brothers #3

Author: Carrie Ann Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 5, 2022

BLURB

The moment I saw Bethany Cole, I knew she was not only out of my league, but in a whole different world.

Only I didn’t realize I’d met her before.

An explosion stole part of my past, including the first time I’d seen her pretty face.

Now she’s an A-list celebrity.

And I’m just a Wilder.

But when her boyfriend cheats on her, Bethany needs a safe place to hide from the paparazzi.

The Wilder’s Retreat seems like the perfect escape.

Only every time we see each other it’s hard to remember we come from two different worlds.

And that the danger that follows her is only the beginning.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / GOOGLE PLAY

PAPERBACK / SPECIAL EDITION

AUDIOBOOK

ALSO AVAILABLE

FREE PREQUEL

AMAZON / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / GOOGLE PLAY

ALSO AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK

AMAZON / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / GOOGLE PLAY

PAPERBACK / SPECIAL EDITION

AUDIOBOOK

AMAZON / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / GOOGLE PLAY

PAPERBACK / SPECIAL EDITION

AUDIOBOOK

COMING SOON

Releasing April 10

AMAZON / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / PAPERBACK

Releasing August 14

AMAZON / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS

AUTHOR BIO

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

AUTHOR LINKS

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NEWSLETTER
TWITTER

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Re-Release Blitz * A CHRISTMAS NEGOTIATION by Karen Booth

December 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

Author Karen Booth is having a re-release of a fan fav today with A CHRISTMAS NEGOTIATION (former Harlequin Desire – A Christmas Rendezvous) so be sure to check it out at her website by clicking the cover below for more info and buy links!

A Christmas Negotiation (Karen Booth)

Subtitle: A Winter Romance

A read-in-one-sitting, fast-paced, steamy Holiday Rom Com.

“Electrifying chemistry! Karen Booth takes us along for a delectable ride!”—Goodreads

Right before the holidays, these two lawyers go from the bedroom to the boardroom in this steamy, rivals to lovers romance!

Upon her return to New York City, high-powered attorney Isabel Blackwell has vowed to avoid drama at all costs, so it’s bad enough that she is spending her Christmas on a high-stakes case. Then she discovers she’s up against the man who took her breath away one very special night.

After his messy divorce affected his performance at work, Jeremy Strong needs a win. He doesn’t need a stubborn client who won’t compromise, or his father constantly undermining his authority, and he definitely doesn’t need to be distracted by his beautiful, sexy opposing counsel…

A must-read for fans of:

Rivals to lovers
Workplace romance
Christmas in New York City
Kittens!

“This book has me mentally transported to a sexy NYC during the holidays. There are quite a few tropes being toyed with, and it all makes it such a wonderful time!”—Goodreads

Previously published as A Christmas Rendezvous.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * DOCKSIDE DANGER by Carol Ericson

November 25, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DOCKSIDE DANGER by Carol Ericson

Dockside Danger by Carol Ericson
Series: The Lost Girls #3
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on December 27, 2022
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Goodreads

With innocent lives on the line
Trusting each other is their only chance…

LAPD detective Jane Falco knows a recent murder is no open-and-shut case. She doesn’t need FBI agent Tim Ruskin back in her life to complicate the investigation—and reignite still-dangerous sparks between them. But to stop a vicious human trafficking ring, Jane and Tim must gamble on each other—and an endgame impossible to survive…

Drama and mystery throughout! With the third book in The Lost Girls series Ericson is bringing a fling back together again to reunite and solve the crime of a lifetime as danger lurks around every corner.

Jane is self-assured and good at her job. She doesn’t take any gruff off of the men she works with day in and day out and she doesn’t plan to let the one man who got under her skin and pulled the wool over her eyes know how much he hurt her.

Tim might be an accomplished lawman, but he has a lot to learn about love.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery unraveling throughout each book as romance takes a side romp with danger.

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* Review * THE INNOCENT WIFE by Lisa Regan

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE INNOCENT WIFE by Lisa Regan

The Innocent Wife by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #16
Published by Bookouture on December 12, 2022
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Goodreads

Candles are lit and their rich vanilla scent twists its way through the cabin. The table is set for a romantic anniversary dinner with fresh roses dropping crimson petals on crisp white linen. But the woman seated at the table is cold to the touch, and there’s blood trickling down her neck…

When Denton’s most loved TV presenter returns home to find his wife dead at the dining table, it shatters the close-knit community. Beautiful and absolutely besotted with each other, Beau and Claudia Collins were idolized for being the perfect couple. But the devastating scene Detective Josie Quinn finds in their remote hideaway has her asking what dark secrets lurk beneath the surface of this seemingly flawless marriage?

Beau is grief-stricken by the loss of his kind-hearted wife who gave so much to others as a therapist, but Josie needs to know the significance of the small wooden puzzle box found clutched in Claudia’s hand. A prop in a popular game Beau played with his viewers to test the strength of their relationships, is it a twisted calling card, or a challenge from the killer?

The broken body of one of Beau and Claudia’s assistants is found the next day, a matching little box left in the dirt beside her. It’s clear that if Beau doesn’t start telling the truth about the flaws in his marriage, those dearest to him will die.

Caught in a cat and mouse chase with disturbing revelations and a mounting body count at every turn, Josie and her team work night and day to keep Beau’s loved ones safe. What kind of calculating monster would do this? A faded newspaper article about a tragic accident is the break Josie desperately needs. But she may already be too late, an innocent child is in danger…

Lisa Regan sure can hook a reader! With the sixteenth book in her beloved Detective Josie Quinn series, Regan continues to craft a mind boggling mystery filled with danger around every corner, lies upon lies from even the most trusted and more drama than we know what to do with. I can’t get enough of Josie Quinn!

A mysterious death opens the door to secrets and lies that will surprise the town as one of their most revered couples is thrust into the spotlight.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a thriller set in a small town with a familiar cast of characters trying to solve crime after crime as we follow along in the drama that marks their own lives.

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* Review * THE WEDDING RANCH by Nancy Naigle

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE WEDDING RANCH by Nancy Naigle

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on December 6, 2022
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When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew—whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination—keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

Nancy Naigle is synonymous with heartfelt, spiritual goodness with a hint of sass, a smidge of humor and a boatload of sweet love! If you are looking for a romance that will quickly hook you and will keep you entertained throughout, you have come to right place. I was intrigued by Lorri’s marriage drama, but it didn’t take long for the town of Dalton Mill and Ryder’s past to weave their way into my heart as well. I loved every minute of this book and the mix of emotions it brings to the forefront. Great characters, endearing storyline and a great happily ever after!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that entails the truthful heartache that sometimes leads to a second chance on love.

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* Review * JUST ONE TASTE by Carly Phillips

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE TASTE by Carly Phillips

Just One Taste by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #7, The Dirty Dares
Published by CP Publishing on November 29, 2022
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One grumpy billionaire.

One sassy-sweet supermodel.

Add in a tropical private island paradise.

What could go wrong?

As owner and CEO of Dirty Dare Spirits, thirty-three year old, Asher Dare has it all. Money. Power. Women whenever he wants. A private island retreat when he doesn’t. People he trusts? He can count those on one hand. When one of his best friends asks a favor—hide his twenty-one year old, supermodel sister, on the island until a scandal blows over—Asher can’t say no. But he doesn’t have to like it.

The daughter of a Senator and a Presidential candidate, Nicolette Bettencourt always acts with decorum. Yet through no fault of her own, scandal seems to follow her every move. When nude photos surface, the uproar puts her father’s campaign at risk. And forces her into hiding with Asher, the hottest—and grumpiest—billionaire she’s ever met.

Under soothing tropical breezes, Asher discovers that Nicolette is nothing like the spoiled brat portrayed in the tabloids. She’s warm, sexy, and a temptation Asher must resist at all costs—or he risks betraying his closest friend, bringing a powerful political dynasty to its knees… and losing the woman he loves.

Carly Phillips steals my heart again and again! With book seven in The Kingston Family series and book three of The Dirty Dares, Asher Dare takes center stage in a sexy twist on a brother’s BFF/age gap story with Nicollette Bettencourt. I was quickly hooked on Nikki’s scandal and seeing the sweet connection begin quickly between she and Asher kept me turning page after page. Loved them together!

Nikki is sweet and sincere, but other than her adoring big brother, she doesn’t have a whole lot of family love at her side. When she’s thrust into a scandal that once again has her mother glaring daggers at her, she’s happy to get to Asher’s hideaway for a bit.

Asher is sexy and successful and has his own bit of a past that has him being a bit abrupt with who he thinks he is vacationing with. Once he gets to know the person underneath the persona, it’s easy to see the sparks flying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a series of highly successful people who love their family hard and support each other through thick and thin as happily ever after comes calling on one sibling after another.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * PREGNANT PRINCESS IN MANHATTAN by Clare Connelly

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PREGNANT PRINCESS IN MANHATTAN by Clare Connelly

Pregnant Princess in Manhattan by Clare Connelly
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 29, 2022
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Expecting the royal heir

Expected to wed the billionaire!

Escaping the oppressive control of her protection detail leads Princess Charlotte Rothsberg to the New York penthouse of sinfully attractive Rocco Santinova. But this one rebellious night leaves innocent Charlotte pregnant with Rocco’s baby…

Rocco’s self-made reputation is the stuff of Manhattan legend. But discarded and disowned by his own father, he has no intention of letting history repeat itself. So he makes Charlotte a proposal she can’t refuse—he’ll save her from royal disgrace…as long as she agrees to be his Christmas bride!

A delectably tempting royal romance! This sizzling romance is sure to please with a surprise baby trope pairing with royal drama as Princess Charlotte escapes her guards for a passionate night with a stranger and winds up knee deep in turmoil. I loved their story!

Charlotte is sweet and understandably feeling stifled just as she’s about to be betrothed in an arranged engagement. I enjoyed seeing her get to spread her wings a bit and eventually get to choose her own happiness.

Rocco is suave and successful, but he carries his own share of family burden on his shoulders. Charlotte brings out a warmer side of him that I really enjoyed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a royal romance with lots of passion and a sincere likeability to the characters that make them easy to root for.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * PETS OF PARK AVENUE by Stefanie London

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PETS OF PARK AVENUE by Stefanie London

Pets of Park Avenue by Stefanie London
Series: Paws in the City #2
Published by HQN Books on December 6, 2022
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What do you do when The One is also the one who broke your heart?

Self-proclaimed hot mess Scout Myers is determined to prove she’s finally got her act together. Raised by grandparents who saw her as her wayward mother’s wayward daughter, Scout’s used to being written off. So when the opportunity for a promotion arises at Paws in the City, the talent agency where she works, Scout is desperate to rise to the occasion. With shared custody of her little sister also on the line, Scout can’t afford a single mistake…like suddenly needing a canine stand-in for an important photoshoot. Luckily (or not) she knows the owner of the perfect pup replacement: the estranged husband she walked out on years ago.

On the surface, it appears Lane Halliday’s life has been blissfully drama free without Scout, but she suspects her handsome-as-ever not-quite-ex-husband doth protest too much. Working together even feels like old times—except for all that lingering, unresolved tension. But Scout’s not sure she’s ready to confront the reasons she left Lane, and when their plans to finalize the divorce become very real, Scout starts to wonder whether second chances might be worth a little hot mess.

London excels at rom-com with a healthy side of emotional healing! With the second book in the Paws in the City series we get BFF Scout’s story. Fans from Isla’s book will recognize her and be able to jump into the heart of their biz quickly. The adorable animals are still front and center in this book, but there’s a strong emotional tie in with this book to both Scout’s estranged husband and the family that turned their back on her. I really enjoyed seeing her grow in her ability to love herself and reach for all that she deserved in life. Great characters, humor and happily ever afters!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a good bit of humor with their romance.

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* Review * DOWN IN FLAMES by Kate Meader

November 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DOWN IN FLAMES by Kate Meader

Down in Flames by Kate Meader
Series: Hot in Chicago Rookies #2
Published by Kate Meader LLC on December 6, 2022
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A steamy and emotional standalone MM firefighter-hockey player romance …

It was supposed to be a random hookup.

At a crossroads, my life a hot mess, I swiped right on the guy with the washboard abs and the tree-trunk thighs. His handle was Holt (yeah, really) but as soon as he opened the door, I recognized him: Hudson Grey, the hottest prospect in pro-hockey and apparently, secretly playing for my team. Not mind-blowing enough? He needed someone to punch his V-card, and I was only too happy to volunteer as tribute . . .

Then he ghosted me when it got to be too much.

A year later, my life is back on track and I’m a candidate firefighter at legendary Engine 6. While I might be new to the Chicago Fire Department, I’m a veteran in the game of steamy hookups. My No. 1 rule? No newbies. Except now Hudson has been traded to my hometown team, the Chicago Rebels, and he’s out, proud, and ready to date. And he wants my help introducing him to the local gay scene.

My messy past means I’m the worst guy to be mentoring the shy, sexy jock. But neither can I stand by and watch while others touch the man who already feels like mine.

I might have been his first, but I’m about to learn that the new guy has even more to teach me about hunger, hope, and falling hard . . .

Includes: First times, hot firefighters, sexy hockey players, mini-golf shenanigans, meddling friends, and fighting like hell for the love of a lifetime.

Sizzling, heartfelt goodness! When two of Kate Meader’s franchises collide, her readers are in for a deliciously sexy M/M gay romance filled with snarky wit, tender connections and more drama than they will know what to do with. I adored every single minute of Hudson and Jude’s story!

Hockey star Hudson starts the book out as secretly gay and inexperienced but with a trusting soul and a socially awkward adorableness that quickly stole my heart.

Bartender turned rookie firefighter Jude is out and proud and finally getting his head on straight after a youthful recklessness that fractured his life a bit. His genuine kindness endeared him to me and as his story unraveled, I only grew to love him more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a gentle anthem in the beauty of letting your light shine bright even in the darkest moments. Fans of Meader’s Chicago firefighters and hockey players will delight in the sighting of some fan favorites throughout.

Filed Under: Book Reviews