Book Reviews – Page 6

* Review * JUST A LITTLE PROMISE by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

January 20, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST A LITTLE PROMISE by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

Just a Little Promise by Carly Phillips
Series: Dare Crossover #3
on January 23, 2024
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He’s the one she’s never forgotten.
She’s the one he regrets letting go.
Now they have a second chance to get it right.

When Skye Tremont runs into her sexy former flame, Tripp Daniels, she’s reminded of the baby pact they’d made years ago… If she was single and childless by the age of thirty, he’d step in and be her baby daddy and fulfill her dream of having a child.

Now, after a bitter divorce that has left her guarding her heart, and wanting only one thing, Skye is ready to take Tripp up on his promise. When he’s one of the bachelors up for bid at a charity auction, it’s the perfect opportunity to have him all to herself for a weekend of baby making fun, as long as he agrees to her terms.

Tripp is on board to fulfill the promise he made to Skye. If he’s going to have a baby with anyone, it’s going to be the one woman he’d foolishly let slip through his fingers. But not this time because he’s all in. Skye is even more beautiful than he remembers, and the chemistry between them is hotter than ever, but while she gives him free rein with her body, she’s made it clear her heart is off limits.

Now, with a second chance within his grasp, Tripp is prepared to do whatever it takes to win the woman he loves and give them both the family they’ve always craved.

A sexy and sweet reunion is center stage in the next Dare Crossover novel by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde and I loved every juicy minute of it! The characters each have a rich backstory both together and singularly and the drama that Skye is embarking on in her life sets an interesting stepping stone for their reconnection. Each has a supporting cast of friends/colleagues that are familiar faces to fans of the previous series. Highly addictive and super satisfying!

I highly recommend this book as well as the previous Dare series to anyone that enjoys a steamy romance with easy to connect with characters, lots of drama along the way towards their happily ever after and lots of family and friends to interact with throughout the series.

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* Review * THE SLEEPING GIRLS by Rita Herron

January 16, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE SLEEPING GIRLS by Rita Herron

The Sleeping Girls by Rita Herron
Series: Detective Ellie Reeves #9
Published by Bookouture on January 22, 2024
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The young girl looked so innocent, like a sleeping angel. Kelsey lay on a bed of white sheets, golden hair fanned across the pillow, eyes closed, pale lips pressed together. A white teddy bear was tucked under her slender arm… “My baby, she’s dead” her distraught mother choked out.

When the call comes in that fifteen-year-old Kelsey Tiller has gone missing from her bedroom in the middle of the night, Detective Ellie Reeves rushes to talk to her distraught parents. They tell her that Kelsey, a slender blond with green eyes and a timid smile, had plans to go shopping for her homecoming dress the next day, insisting she would have no reason to run away. But when neighbors report seeing Kelsey with a secret boyfriend, Ellie wonders how much Kelsey really told her parents.

Ellie is determined to find Kelsey’s boyfriend and interviews her friends and teachers at school. But just as she is making headway with the case, she receives some devastating news. Kelsey’s parents have received a photo of their daughter lying on a bed with white sheets over her body, skin ghostly pale under the freckles dotting her nose, her precious life snuffed out.

Desperate to find answers for those who loved Kelsey, Ellie studies the picture and realizes that her body has been posed in the same way as a teenage girl murdered ten years earlier. And when she learns Darnell, the killer in that case, has just been released from prison, fear crawls through her. Could Darnell have stolen another innocent life?

But just as Ellie thinks she has cracked the case, Kelsey’s best friend Ruby is snatched from her home, and Darnell has an unbreakable alibi. Haunted by Kelsey’s ashen face, Ellie knows she must race against time to find Ruby alive. And when she discovers one of her team is hiding critical information, she realizes she needs to act alone. But is she dealing with a twisted copycat killer or is the danger far closer to home?

Mind tingling drama and suspense at it’s best! Rita Herron always delivers when it comes to sending Detective Ellie Reeves into the heart of a case we think we know the background on and then turning the case upside down with unexpected twists and diabolical criminals. I like that we are finally getting a little closer to a Ellie/Cord/Derrick resolution, but really want that happily ever after for someone soon.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit group of characters who support each other and the town as they track down criminals who terrorize their small town time and again. Hints of romance here and there, but mostly an addictive thriller/whodunnit each time.

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* Review * THE BABY HIS SECRETARY CARRIES by Dani Collins

January 16, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BABY HIS SECRETARY CARRIES by Dani Collins

The Baby His Secretary Carries by Dani Collins
Series: Bound by a Surrogate Baby #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on January 23, 2024
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The Italian boss’s proposal…
The secretary’s secret!

Faced with a hostile takeover, tycoon Gio must strengthen his claim on the Casella family company with a fake engagement. He’ll never commit to a real one again. Despite his forbidden attraction, his dedicated PA, Molly, is ideal to play his adoring fiancée. The only problem? Molly is pregnant!

Secretly carrying a surrogate baby, Molly can’t reveal the truth of her pregnancy. But knowing Gio’s protecting his legacy, she agrees to the ruse temporarily. Until pretend passion becomes red-hot reality! Will innocent Molly walk away from Gio unscathed or forever burned by his irresistible touch…?

Sexual tension and drama hooked me from page one! Dani Collins delivers on angst with the first book in her Bound by a Surrogate Baby duo and I highly enjoyed every minute! The characters are rich with emotion and the drama from various angles kept me entertained throughout. I can’t wait for Sasha and Rafael’s story!

Molly is a very heartfelt character. She has secrets that she can’t openly share, but overall she’s upfront with her feelings and emotions in a way that makes her easy to like and understand.

Gio has a soft side to him that only his grandfather generally sees, but Molly brings out more in him than he ever expected when they entered this fake relationship ruse and he’s loving every minute of it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fake relationship trope that is fast paced and emotional as the characters start to fall for each other for real.

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* Review * DANGEROUS TEXAS HIDEOUT by Virginia Vaughan

January 16, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DANGEROUS TEXAS HIDEOUT by Virginia Vaughan

Dangerous Texas Hideout by Virginia Vaughan
Series: Cowboy Protectors #3
Published by Love Inspired Suspense on January 23, 2024
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Seeking refuge from danger…

with threats at every turn

When her daughter is the only witness able to identify a group of bank robbers, single mom Penny Jackson knows their lives are in danger. These men will do anything to keep Missy quiet—permanently. Escaping to a small Texas town was supposed to be safe, but when the criminals track them down, police chief Caleb Harmon becomes their only hope for survival…

Fast paced and highly addictive! Virginia Vaughan’s Cowboy Protectors series has been filled with turmoil and unrest throughout, but Penny’s story really snags the reader’s attention quickly and takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotion as danger rounds every corner as she tries to keep her daughter safe while falling for chief of police Caleb. I was invested in the outcome from the very start and really enjoyed the emotional depth the characters portrayed.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a faith based romance filled with emotional intrigue and heartwarming characters.

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* Review * ROCK STEADY by Kat Mizera

January 16, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Rock Steady by Kat Mizera
Series: Rock Harder #3
on January 16, 2024
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Why should I do relationships when I have the world at my feet?

As the electrifying rhythm guitarist of the hottest rock band in the world, women are throwing themselves at me like guitar picks. Why would I settle for just one?

Until Jesse. She's not just anyone. She's smart, sassy, and gives as good as she gets. I think I’ve finally met my match.

One problem—she’s the best friend of my bassist, which means I have to keep my wild side in check and my magic hands to myself.

Except for that one unforgettable night.

And the encore that followed.

Okay, maybe there were a few more “performances” after that, too...

Jesse is unforgettable.

And there’s a lot more stake than just my heart…

More emotional depth than you might expect from a rocker romance! Yes, there’s partying and steamy sex, but there’s also a lot of heart, angst and sentimentality as well that really amps up the heart factor of the plot. I really enjoyed seeing a few familiar faces from other Mizera series, and to really get a feel for Kellan and Jesse, I actually recommend reading this series in order to get the back story of them and the band.

Kellan has been one of my favorites since the beginning of the series, and that continues … the only weakness is I would have enjoyed seeing him pour his heart out a little more about his past with Carter to keep him an integral part of the band in each book.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a rocker romance with an emotional depth that keeps you turning page after page to get to the heart of every book. I’m really looking forward to Mizera ripping my heart out with Tommy’s story!

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* Release Blitz/Review * BOONE by Sawyer Bennett

January 16, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BOONE by Sawyer Bennett

Boone Series: Pittsburgh Titans #11
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on January 16, 2024
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Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down.

As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game. I live for the smell of the ice, the cheer of the crowd and the way my heart pounds whenever I step into the arena. But once I’m out of my skates, my focus is on giving back to the city of Pittsburgh.

It’s funny how life puts people in your path. I meet Aiden while visiting the children’s hospital and I’m struck by the strength and resilience of this 12-year-old kid fighting for his life. As my visits continue, we bond over video games and hockey until one day Aiden’s older sister walks into his room and I realize there might be a bigger purpose here.

Lilly Hoffman has the weight of the world resting on her slight shoulders. Aiden’s illness isn’t getting better, she’s at risk of losing her job and their father is looking for the answers to his prayers at the bottom of a liquor bottle. I find myself wanting to lessen Lilly’s burden and what starts as a simple act of friendship turns into so much more. As we grow closer, I can’t help but fall for this fiercely protective and independent woman with a tender heart and bruised but not yet broken spirit.

As we face a future of never-ending uncertainty, I vow to be Lilly’s source of strength and comfort. Lilly and Aiden have reaffirmed to me the importance of giving and receiving love unconditionally, even in the darkest of times. And no matter what happens next, no one can take that from us.

Gut punching emotion and really fantastic characters to fall in love with! Sawyer Bennett always has me with her down to earth hockey players as they fall hard when they meet “the one”, but there is something really special about Boone and the amount of depth to his soul that makes him unforgettable. The plot was highly addictive and the angst is heartfelt and I think it’s going to be hard to beat as my most emotional read of the year even though we’re just starting out! Loved them all so hard.

New Release from Sawyer Bennett
Boone (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #11)

Sawyer has FIVE signed paperbacks of Boone up for grabs on her website!
If you’d like your chance at a copy, visit: https://sawyerbennett.com/giveaways/boone/
(ends 1/23/2024)

Synopsis:

Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down.

As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game. I live for the smell of the ice, the cheer of the crowd and the way my heart pounds whenever I step into the arena. But once I’m out of my skates, my focus is on giving back to the city of Pittsburgh.

It’s funny how life puts people in your path. I meet Aiden while visiting the children’s hospital and I’m struck by the strength and resilience of this 12-year-old kid fighting for his life. As my visits continue, we bond over video games and hockey until one day Aiden’s older sister walks into his room and I realize there might be a bigger purpose here.

Lilly Hoffman has the weight of the world resting on her slight shoulders. Aiden’s illness isn’t getting better, she’s at risk of losing her job and their father is looking for the answers to his prayers at the bottom of a liquor bottle. I find myself wanting to lessen Lilly’s burden and what starts as a simple act of friendship turns into so much more. As we grow closer, I can’t help but fall for this fiercely protective and independent woman with a tender heart and bruised but not yet broken spirit.

As we face a future of never-ending uncertainty, I vow to be Lilly’s source of strength and comfort. Lilly and Aiden have reaffirmed to me the importance of giving and receiving love unconditionally, even in the darkest of times. And no matter what happens next, no one can take that from us.

Boone contains subject matter that may be sensitive to some readers. If you would like additional details, please visit https://bit.ly/TW_Boone

Grab your copy of Boone directly from Sawyer by shopping the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

E-Book and Audio (audio narrated by Jeremy York and Stella Hunter): https://bit.ly/STORE_Boone
Signed paperback (available to US mailing addresses): https://bit.ly/Boone_PB

You can also get Boone at the following retailers:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

Not sure if you’re ready to commit to Boone? Sawyer’s got you covered!

READ the first three chapters | HEAR the first chapter

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, Release Day Blitz

* Review * ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS FAMILY by Susan Carlisle

December 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

Once Upon a Christmas Family by Susan Carlisle
Series: Cherry Creek Holiday Romance
on December 1, 2023
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Will the legendary book Once Upon a Christmas Kiss create another happily ever after?

After Justin Myers’s wife is killed in a violent crime in Los Angeles, he moves to Cherry Creek, Tennessee, hoping his in-laws will help bring stability to his young son’s life. He focuses on his job and his son while fighting through guilt that he contributed to the death of his wife.

Little does he know that Lizzie Williams, a waitress at the local diner, will complicate his life. She has abandonment issues stemming from her parents leaving her as a child. Lizzie's roots are firmly planted in Cherry Creek., her place of security. After getting to know Justin, the lore of the book has her believing there can be a true love, even for her, and that one person could want her forever.

Justin unlocks a world of possibilities for Lizzie empowering her to seize control of her destiny and go after her dreams with newfound strength. Rather than retreating from Justin’s emotional wounds, Lizzie resolves to give him unwavering support and compassion.

Together they work to find the compromise that will bring the best Christmas gift – a forever family.

Heartfelt drama and endearing characters will warm your heart! Another heartwarming tail set in fictional Cherry Creek is sure to appeal to sweet holiday romance fans. I was quickly hooked on the camaraderie waitress Lizzie shares with single father Justin and his adorable son Mason. There is drama and heartache beneath the surface, but the sweet connection between this trio makes for satisfying romance. I really enjoyed them!

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* Review * HER HIDDEN GRAVE by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

December 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * HER HIDDEN GRAVE by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Her Hidden Grave by Pamela Fagan Hutchins
Series: Detective Delaney Pace #2
Published by Bookouture on January 16, 2024
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Someone is preying on the town’s teenagers.

When Detective Delaney Pace is called to a local high school in her small hometown of Kearney, Wyoming, she is devastated to find the body of star football player Noah Pinehurst slumped in the changing room, his team shirt hanging behind his lifeless body. Days later, two of his friends vanish from Noah’s memorial. Haunted by memories of her own father’s murder, Delaney is convinced that another twisted killer is stalking Kearney looking for victims.

More innocent lives are about to be taken.

As one of the missing teenagers stumbles into town, covered in blood and dirt, she tells Delaney she was kidnapped and buried alive. Delaney’s heart pounds in her chest as she recognises the kidnapper’s description. It sounds like someone close to her—someone she thought was dead…

She will stop at nothing to catch the killer.

If Delaney’s suspicions are correct, she’s about to face a ruthless murderer: but she’s prepared to put herself in unthinkable danger to catch them. She made a vow to keep the people of Kearney safe, even if it means taking the life of someone she loves…

I’m hooked! The drama of from Book 1 continues as Delaney Pace takes on another mystery that feeds off of the secrets floating around her town. The mystery of this book kicked off quickly while still building on the drama that happened previously and the ongoing crime spree. I am loving the dynamic duo of Delaney and Leo and the sparks that sizzle every time they interact. Looking forward to more to come! Non-stop action, great core base of crime fighters and lots of family drama and feels.

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* Review * BIG NICK ENERGY by Lani Lynn Vale

December 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * BIG NICK ENERGY by Lani Lynn Vale

Big Nick Energy by Lani Lynn Vale
on December 19, 2023
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Big Nick Energy is a compilation of things that I’ve written as companion pieces to already published novels.

Somethin’ About That Boy: You’ll get some of the ‘rest of the story’ from Banner and Perry’s new life together far away from their family and friends. But don’t worry, big, rich, all grown up and famous Slone and Titus make appearances in their update. You’ll also get the story between Blue and Titus that you’ve been waiting for in Titus’s very own short story.

But don’t despair, Viddy and Trance, as well as their kids, have their own Christmas story, too!

Catching up with the gang for the holidays! I’ll admit that I loved catching up with Banner and Perry and seeing Trance and Viddy again, but after their little reunion I kind of lost interest because all of the switching about was really confusing. I would have enjoyed it more if it was a longer story catching up with that whole family instead of many tidbits with lots of book couples through the years. I enjoyed part of it, but overall I could have skipped it.

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* Review * A DETECTIVE’S DEADLY SECRETS by Anna J. Stewart

December 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A DETECTIVE’S DEADLY SECRETS by Anna J. Stewart

A Detective's Deadly Secrets by Anna J. Stewart
Series: Honor Bound #8
Published by Harlequin Romantic Suspense on December 26, 2023
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To solve her husband’s death…

She needed the man who still adored her.

Detective Lana Tate’s convinced there’s only one man who can help untangle her husband’s mysterious death: Agent Eamon Quinn. The FBI superstar is an old friend who will stop at nothing to find the truth. He joins forces with Lana—the once-favorite colleague he’d secretly pined for. But as their long-buried attraction bursts into flame, so does the danger threatening them at every turn…

High octane conclusion to an awesome series! Anna J. Stewart saved the best for last when it comes to her Honor Bound series. The entire series has been really good and has had some great connections between the characters, but along the way there was always just something about everyone’s friend, Eamon. He was endearing and attention grabbing and a truly nice guy and I absolutely adore that he is finally getting his happily ever after with this book. Lana is the perfect match for him and I loved their story so hard!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced intrigue filled with a close knit group of friends/co-workers who put their lives on the line on the regular to bring down the bad guys and cheer each other on along the road to forever.

Filed Under: Book Reviews