Book Reviews – Page 61

* Review * RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY by Reese Ryan

April 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RETURN TO HUMMINGBIRD WAY by Reese Ryan

Return to Hummingbird Way by Reese Ryan
Series: Holly Grove Island #2
Published by Forever on April 25, 2023
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In this heartwarming small‑town romance, can three months, two planning projects, and a meddling grandmother finally make two high school hate crushes see just how right they are for each other?

Ambitious real estate agent Sinclair Buchanan is ecstatic to be her best friend’s maid-of-honor—until she discovers the best man is Garrett Davenport. Sin and Rett’s mutual hate crush ignited when they were teens and hasn’t let up since . . . except for that one extremely hot (and extremely regrettable) night they shared five years ago.

Nothing gets Rett fired up like going toe-to-toe with Sinclair. She’s as infuriatingly stubborn, and as absolutely gorgeous, as when he fell for her back in high school. Working together to plan their best friends’ last-minute wedding is one thing, but when his matchmaking grandmother gets involved Rett knows he’s in deep. Attraction has always simmered between them, but this time, they’re both in danger of losing their hearts.

Small town romance at it’s best! Reese Ryan delivers an awesome second dip into her Holly Grove Island world when she reconnects a pair of former high school enemies that loathe the fact that they’ve been secretly crushing on each other throughout the years. The setting is quaint with a comfort feeling of home with a secondary character that steals the show in all the very best ways. Sinclair and Garrett are each easy to like on their own and their attraction yields a pull that had me routing for them to get together from the very beginning. Loving this series!

Sin is accomplished and self-assured and knows how to go after what she wants in life and I simply adored her go-getter, take no prisoners sass.

Rett is a sweetheart and I loved his wholesome heart when it came to Mama Mae.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town romance with lots of sass and sweet, addictive romance.

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* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH EXES by Sera Taíno

April 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TROUBLE WITH EXES by Sera Taíno

The Trouble with Exes by Sera Taíno
Series: The Navarros #3
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on April 25, 2023
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A prescription for love…

Or disaster?

Fighting for funding for her local clinic, Dr. Natalía Navarro never expected her ex—surgeon Leo Espinoza—to show up in her ER! Five years earlier, Nati knew the only way to compel Leo toward the prestigious future he'd been working towards was to set him free. But with Leo back in East Ward, the duo's long-dormant electricity sparks into instant flame. Now Leo not only holds the clinic’s future in the balance…but might also have Nati’s heart!

A sweet and sentimental reunion of first loves! The third book in The Navarros series from Sera Taíno and Harlequin Special Edition brings little sis Natalia to the forefront when her former love comes back to town and sparks they thought had died flare right back up. The characters are endearing, their back story is a little sweet, a little angsty and their connection still beneath the surface makes for an intriguing read. I enjoyed this family very much!

Nati is an accomplished workaholic, but she’s never forgotten the one that got away and seeing her reconnect and admit she’s always pined for him is heartwarming.

Leo is a sweetheart and I enjoyed getting to know him and watching their love begin to shine again.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a bit of family saga rich with cultural heritage and affectionate family members all up in your business along with your romance.

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* Review * EXPECTING HER ENEMY’S HEIR by Pippa Roscoe

April 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * EXPECTING HER ENEMY’S HEIR by Pippa Roscoe

Expecting Her Enemy's Heir by Pippa Roscoe
Series: A Billion-Dollar Revenge #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on April 25, 2023
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Then: a forbidden encounter.

Now: a binding consequence!

After working undercover at Alessandro Rossi’s company for two years, Amelia Seymore is still trying to prove that the Italian billionaire stole her birthright. The only thing she has been able to prove is their incendiary off-limits attraction—which explodes into life at Alessandro’s irresistible touch!

But when Amelia tries to reignite her revenge plan, it quickly comes crashing down…as she learns that she’s expecting her enemy’s heir! Avenging her family meant everything to Amelia. Yet, as she’s whisked away to Alessandro’s Tuscan villa, is it still what she wants the most?

Passion, deceit and scandal are at the heart of book two in the Billion-Dollar Revenge duet! I was quickly invested in Amelia and Alessandro’s story because I had read the first book in the duet that told a good bit of the back story through her sister and his cousin’s romance.

Amelia comes into this story the most flawed of all of the characters because not only is she out for coldhearted revenge without having all of the facts straight, but she also chose to lie to her sister who thought she was fully her partner in crime. She was a hard sell to redeem, but by the end when Alessandro had seen past her subterfuge, I began to like her more but there was still a disconnect between fully airing out what happened with her sister.

I recommend this book as a follow up to the first in the duet because if you read one without the other you will miss a good bit of the heart of the story of each couple.

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* Review * A MID-SUMMER MURDER by Geri Krotow

April 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A MID-SUMMER MURDER by Geri Krotow

A Mid-Summer Murder by Geri Krotow
Series: Shop 'Round the World #2
Published by Tule Publishing on April 25, 2023
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This small Pennsylvania town once again becomes a hotbed of secrets.

Only Angel Warren, a retired Navy Pilot and owner of Shop ‘Round the World, can turn a summer day at the river into a murder investigation. But when her brother Bryce’s unicorn float snags on a corpse’s hand, suddenly Angel and Bryce are suspects. It doesn’t help that Angel knows the victim and was one of the last people to see Hank Price alive, or that Angel witnessed a disturbing argument between Hank and his wife. Plus, she and Bryce may have heard the shot that killed Hank.

Once more, Angel inserts herself into the middle of the investigation, this time with her best friend Detective Trinity Colson’s tacit approval. Who could have wanted Hank dead? Angel soon discovers Hank had a secret life that included sketchy business dealings and a gambling addiction.

The question isn’t how Angel will juggle her sleuthing alongside managing her gift store during the height of tourist season, family drama, and a burgeoning romance. It’s how will Angel solve the crime without stumbling into the killer’s sights?

Small town fun and hijinks ensue with the second book in Geri Krotow’s Shop ‘Round the World cozy mystery series! Fans will recognize the lead character Angel and her feathered sidekick Ralph as the story picks up slightly after the holiday drama from book one. Book two was slightly slower to snag my attention, but once we got into the heart of the whodunnit part of the book I was immersed into figuring out who the culprit was. I loved boyfriend Nate and best friend Trinity’s continuation in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Angel will get herself into in the coming book(s).

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* Review * SURE SHOT by Kat Mizera

April 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Sure Shot by Kat Mizera
Series: Lauderdale Knights #5
on April 18, 2023
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Welcome to Fort Lauderdale... where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter!

Camden:
I gave up everything for hockey… even my chance at love. But relocating to Florida to be the starting goalie for the Lauderdale Knights is still the best decision I’d ever made. I have everything… except someone to share it with.

As the league’s Most Valuable Player, I have my choice of women, but the one I want broke my heart. When she gets injured, I finally get the second chance I’ve been waiting for.

Sutton:
Being a female professional hockey player is hard. Doing the right thing is even harder. And I would know. Breaking things off with my college boyfriend so we could both have a shot at a career… was the wrong move.

When a party gets out of control, I find myself reaching out to the only man I’ve ever loved—the sexy-as-sin goalie for the Lauderdale Knights. Nothing like a concussion to break the ice. Turns out the sparks between us burn hotter than ever.

I don’t know if there’s a chance to fix what I broke, but my heart is telling me I have to try.

A heartfelt and emotional reunion of first loves! The fifth book in Kat Mizera’s Lauderdale Knights hockey series is heartstring pulling worthy and sexy to boot! The plot quickly hooked me and the endearing characters and their turmoil kept me by their side throughout. I really enjoyed Cam and Sutton and look forward to more to come in the series!

Camden is an all around good guy who might be riding the high of playing in the big leagues at the moment, but he never got over the heartbreak of losing his one true love. Seeing them reconnect is really heartwarming.

Sutton is accomplished and strives for the top, but injury, burnout and life’s hard knocks are making her second guess her past decisions. I loved seeing her get to spread her wings.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a group of close knit hockey players who know how to have fun, yet always have each others backs and enjoy bringing new members into the fold as one after another settles into love.

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* Review * JUST ONE FLING by Carly Phillips

April 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE FLING by Carly Phillips

Just One Fling by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #9, The Dirty Dares
Published by CP Publishing on April 18, 2023
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It was just supposed to be a fling.
Now she’s having his baby.

Winter Capwell knows all about billionaire Harrison Dare’s bad-boy reputation.

His all-pleasure, no-commitment rule worked well for her, too. Until fate changed everything.

Harrison never wanted a wife or kids. His incredibly large family provides all the siblings and children he needs. Besides, no woman has ever tempted him to give up his bachelor lifestyle.

Until the mysterious and sexy Winter entered his life.

But when someone comes after the woman he loves, he will stop at nothing to protect her and make her his. For good.

Heartfelt and fun as new love sparks as old scandal continues to unravel! Carly Phillips only has to say Dare and I’m whole heartedly in because this family is so fun to spend time with. They are rich and successful yet down-to-earth with a wholesomeness to their love for one another. I love watching each one find their happily ever after with equally tenacious partners! This particular story has a hint of scandal in the back story and a bit of mystery along the way towards their forever. Entertaining throughout!

Harrison has been an attention grabbing character in past Dare stories so to see him meet his match was really satisfying.

Winter is kind-hearted and deserving of having the family she deserves.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series revolving around both the Kingstons and the Dares to anyone who enjoys family drama and sibling connections playing a large part in their romance.

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* Review * PLAYING IT TOUGH by Amy Andrews

April 16, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * PLAYING IT TOUGH by Amy Andrews

Playing It Tough by Amy Andrews
Series: Sydney Smoke Rugby Series #8
Published by Entangled: Brazen on April 17, 2023
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Cosmetic tattoo artist Orla Stewart doesn’t do anything in half measures. She went from being the ultimate party animal to living a life that’s ridiculously straight and narrow. Turns out, cancer can change a girl. A lot. Adios to delicious cheeses, boozy dance parties and easy men. Hel-lo to celibacy and a sweet house-sitting gig with a massive pool. Until one very hot, very unwelcome intruder turns things upside down.

American rugby import Ronan Dempsey’s partying is trashing both his reputation and his game—and risking his chances for making the US Olympic team. He needs to clean up, and the pool house belonging to a family friend is the perfect place to hideaway. No. More. distractions. Which is exactly when a gorgeous, pink-haired hellion knocks Ronan on his ass…

The chemistry is instantaneous, charged, and absolutely, completely, totally off-limits. Proximity makes temptation nearly impossible to resist. Now it’s a deliciously torturous game of pushing boundaries and holding out. It’s just a matter of time before someone breaks…

Real life angst portrayed with a whole lot of heart, sass and feel good, steamy romance! Amy Andrews is putting a heart-wrenching twist into the latest book in her always popular Sydney Smoke rugby series and she does it very well with no nonsense grit and depth. The characters are very easy to like and their story is hugely addictive. I loved Orla and Ronan!

Orla is strong-willed and tenacious and I enjoyed her whole-heartedly. She has spunk and bravery coming out of every pore of her body and kept me hooked throughout.

Ronan is a sweetheart and totally different than I was expecting after his party reputation. I loved his heart!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a sports romance filled with great characters, sweet romance and lots and lots of passionate fun!

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* Review * THE VOICES ARE BACK by Lani Lynn Vale

April 11, 2023 Leave a Comment

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* Review * THE VOICES ARE BACK by Lani Lynn Vale

The Voices are Back by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Gator Bait MC #5
on April 11, 2023
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Her: Just a word, yet one person came to mind.

Morrigan St. Pete.

The woman that’d been hounding my every step since the day she was born. From the moment we first comforted each other in the hospital, to the day that I left her to follow her dreams, I knew that she was my one.

Through marriage, divorce, and a prison sentence, I had low expectations when it came to her ever coming around to my way of life. What kind of woman wanted a man that’d been to prison, had a child that disliked him and everything he stood for, and had zero prospects in life?

But then she popped into my life again, and that feeling of suffocation slacked off for the first time since I let her go.

***

The first time I tried to come back to Aodhan, I found him married with a kid on the way.

The second time I tried, he was heading to jail.

As one would say, the third time is the charm, right? Wrong.

The third time, he was divorced, fresh from prison, had a kid, and was again with his ex-wife.

That was the final nail in my coffin. I decided to give up.

I would do anything and everything I could to avoid him. Hiding wasn’t beneath me.

I only wish he’d stuck with my plan, because the moment he sees me again, it’s like he’s seen the light. Avoiding him is impossible when he goes out of his way to insinuate himself into every aspect of my life.

If only life was as perfect as my dreams.

An unputdownable delight! Lani Lynn Vale has a way with creating her characters that really endears them to her reader’s heart and this book might just have two of the most addictive ones ever. Morrigan and Aodhan have been connected since birth, but life pried them apart and sent them on their separate paths and only years later do they reconnect and settle into their fate. I loved their story and while there were quirky parts like always, they were super easy to root for. I can’t wait for more to come in the series!

Aodhan is my favorite! There’s just something humbling about him that warms my heart even from the first page we connect with his backstory.

Morr has had a hard life and seeing her get to be with the one she was always meant to be with and meander the drama one day at a time is really satisfying.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a passionate story filled with heart, angst and a thrilling happily ever after.

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* Review * SUPERSTAR by Kate Meader

April 11, 2023 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Superstar by Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #8
Published by Kate Meader LLC on April 11, 2023
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He never saw her coming ...
After almost a year away from hockey, Bastian Durand’s return to the game should be a triumph.

Instead he’s taken down by the Chicago Rebels mascot.

It can’t get worse. Or maybe it can. Because the human inside the Rowdy Rebel costume is none other than Pepper Calhoun.

His friend’s sister.
His coach’s daughter.
And the woman Bastian has wanted for the longest time.

Pepper has always been a magnet for bad luck and now she’s ruined superstar Bast Durand’s big comeback. So that tracks. Everyone, from her father and brother to the fans and press, heck, even the NHL commissioner, hates her.

Everyone but the one guy who should.

Hiding away is the only thing she can think of, except Bast has the same idea. To her utter dismay, he’s determined to protect Pepper from anyone who dares breathe a word against her.

And to convince her that crashing on the ice isn’t all that different from … falling in love.

Wholesome goodness wrapped up in a whole lot of passionate sass! The next book in Kate Meader’s Rookie Rebels hockey series is addictive from the very start when fan fav Reid Durand’s little brother Bastian joins the team and plans his ultimate comeback from last season’s drama. The characters are easy to like and become invested in and the happily ever after is heartwarming. I loved every minute of Bast and Pepper!

Bastian will be familiar to anyone who read his brother Reid’s story previously, so getting to hear his side of the drama that went down throughout his life with his sibling was rewarding. I have to say I liked him a lot and was rooting for him throughout.

Pepper was a tad on the flighty side when it came to deciding what she wanted to do with her life, but she was relatable when the truth starts to surface about her past love life and the drama with her fam.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit group of hockey players that rally around each other through thick and thin just like a solid family as one after another finds their true love and settles into life outside of the game.

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* Release Blitz/Review * COMING HOME FOR US by Carrie Ann Ryan

April 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

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* Release Blitz/Review * COMING HOME FOR US by Carrie Ann Ryan

Coming Home for Us by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Wilder Brothers #4
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on April 10, 2023
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I made plans. I followed the path. I fell in love.

Then the world took her away from me.

I swore to never love again, and I’ve done all I could to keep that vow.

But life finds a way and I can’t stop this burning attraction with my best friend.

Maddie stood by me when my world shattered.

She deserves more than a broken man who promised to never love again.

Only I swear she feels the same way about me. And I have no idea what to do about it.

Now she might leave the Wilders and I can’t tell her to stay—even if it means shattering the one piece of me I have left.

Highly emotional and full of heart! The fourth book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Wilder Brothers series is filled with emotion as we get Elijah and Maddie’s story. The characters have played a key roll in books prior in the series and we already know them well, but this book goes slightly forward and shows the healing and rediscovery after Joy. It’s emotional, it’s heart-wrenching and most of all, it’s rewarding. I loved their story!

Elijah has always been a happy go lucky type of guy in the previous books, but after the loss he lived through, he’s a more complex soul and shines in different ways. I enjoyed him.

Maddie is a sweetheart and we always had a soft spot for her and her unrequited love, so seeing her shine and get some of the happiness she deserves is heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family of former military guys who are coming together in life after coming home as each brother finds their forever.

Title: Coming Home for Us
Series: The Wilder Brothers #4

Author: Carrie Ann Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 10, 2023

BLURB

The Wilder Brothers from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continue with Elijah’s last chance at redemption and love.

I made plans. I followed the path. I fell in love.

Then the world took her away from me.

I swore to never love again, and I’ve done all I could to keep that vow.

But life finds a way and I can’t stop this burning attraction with my best friend.

Maddie stood by me when my world shattered.

She deserves more than a broken man who promised to never love again.

Only I swear she feels the same way about me. And I have no idea what to do about it.

Now she might leave the Wilders and I can’t tell her to stay—even if it means shattering the one piece of me I have left.

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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, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She’s the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over one hundred 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.

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