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Romantic Reads and Such

Monthly Archives: February 2025

Review – Duke of Pryde

27 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Duke of Pryde, Mariah Stone, Seven Dukes of Sin series

Duke of Pryde

Seven Dukes of Sin #3

by Mariah Stone

Blurb:

A marriage of convenience forces a powerful duke to choose between his ferocious pride and unexpected love that melts his icy heart.

Reputation is everything in the ton. And no one’s is more pristine than the Duke of Pryde’s. But when a blackmailer threatens to expose his devastating secret he’s forced to marry Miss Modesty Fairchild, a woman far below his station, his perfect facade begins to fracture.

A budding archeologist, Miss Modesty Fairchild would rather dig in the dirt than host a gala. But a deathbed promise has left her the guardian of an orphaned baby. She’ll do anything to protect her little ward…even marry the heartless duke who looks down his nose at her.

Lonely and lost in Pyrde’s elegant Mayfair home, she despises him. But his touch awakens a longing that leaves her quaking. And when his rigid control shatters, desire consumes them both. Glimpsing the tender heart beneath her husband’s haughty exterior, Modesty dreams of a loving future.

But a villain in the shadows plots Pryde’s downfall. And as the Seven Dukes of Sin hunt for clues, the blackmailer raises the stakes.

Faced with a dreadful choice, will Constantine sacrifice his reputation and his fortune for the wife and child he has come to treasure?

Buy Link:
https://geni.us/SD_3
Available in KU

*****

Review:

Constantine & Modesty are such a great contrast. She’s poor, lower class but raised by her clergy father to be giving to others. He’s had everything (except his father’s love & acceptance) and while he has a big heart underneath he’s been trained to show a cold, perfect facade to others. Marriage and time spent together has her seeing that loving, struggling man underneath and she starts making him want for something more. But a secret from his past threatens it all.

While I didn’t think this one had quite the emotional punch as Duke of Luhst, I did enjoy it. I found the mystery of the blackmail to be well done and I really liked when the villain was unmasked. I do feel that maybe we needed a few more close moments between Constantine and Modesty. To see just a little more of them growing closer together and falling in love because I liked them both so much. The epilogue tho is a delight and I couldn’t have asked for a better resolution for them.

*****

Author Info:

Mariah Stone is a bestselling author of time travel romance novels, including her popular Called by a Highlander series and hot Viking, Pirate, and Regency novels. With nearly one million books sold, Mariah writes about strong modern-day women falling in love with their soulmates across time. Her books are available worldwide in multiple languages in e-book, print, and audio.

Connect with Mariah Stone: 
https://linktr.ee/Mariahstone

~

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Review – Mr. Swoony

25 Tuesday Feb 2025

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Book Review, Mr. Swoony, Piper Rayne, The Nest series

Mr. Swoony

The Nest #3

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

Hockey players were never my type.

At least, that’s what I thought—until I met Conor Nilsen. In truth, I didn’t know he was the goalie for the Chicago Falcons when he struck up a conversation the night of my bachelorette party.

He proved he wasn’t just some hot guy looking to score when he helped me get my drunk bridesmaid safely back to our hotel. That’s when he discovered my 30-before-30 bucket list—a list I hadn’t managed to check a single item off.

What was meant to be a night of stargazing turned into so much more. The chemistry between us was undeniable, and after one innocent night together, I started to question everything—especially my upcoming wedding to a man I wasn’t sure loved me.

Fast forward to my wedding day, and just as I’m standing at the altar, Conor bursts through the church doors to object. And now, somehow, I’m his roommate. Yikes.

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4cCLyGA

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

https://books2read.com/MR-S

Audio Full Cast Narration by: Connor Crais, Luci Christian Bell, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Troy Duran, Teddy Hamilton, & CJ Bloom

*****

Review:

Piper Rayne just keeps getting better and better. Just like the previous stories, the found family part of this is just the best. I love how the guys have each other’s backs and now that each is finding their other half, the women are connecting as well. This shows so well with the help and support they provide to both Conor and Eloise.

And I SO ah-dored these two together.

Eloise is working her way to figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life. She spent years with a man who didn’t love and support her the way he should have. Then she meets Conor. And, for not having had a serious relationship before, he is the best at it. He doesn’t always make the best decisions, but he’s earnest, funny, and all in with his support of Eloise. He so much wants to build her up and keep her spirits up. It’s just the sweetest.

We know that these two are going to end up together, since it is their book, but I appreciated the journey to getting there. It isn’t easy thanks to the way they met, who Conor is, and Eloise’s journey. With patience, love, and the support of their friends, they eventually figure things out.

(Part of a series, but can be ready on its own.)

*****

Author Info:

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write “heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle” about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they’re married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they’re both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

Connect with Piper Rayne

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15810938.Piper_Rayne

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Piper-Rayne/e/B01ND0R15R

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiperRayne/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PiperRaynesUnicorns

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpiperrayne/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PiperRayneRocks

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorpiperrayne

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/piper-rayne

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorpiperrayne/_created/

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PiperRayne?ref=shop_sugg

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@authorpiperrayne

~

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Review – Returning Your Love

22 Saturday Feb 2025

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Book Review, Lynn Burke, Pippen Creek series, Returning Your Love

Returning Your Love

Pippen Creek Book 1

by Lynn Burke

Blurb:

Career-ending injury.

The most dream-crushing words I’ve ever heard. Goodbye NFL’s Rookie of the Year title I fought for since I was a kid, hello return to my small-town origins and wallow in unrequited love. Seeing my best friend Chaz married and trying for a baby will hurt worse than any torn ACL.

But things have changed since I escaped Pippen Creek—Chaz flounders beneath financial burdens and emotional turmoil instead of living his happily ever after.

Friendship takes precedence over longing, and I gladly take on the roles of comforter and supporter since those who have the right to love him out loud only see his failures. However, the more time I spend with Chaz, the harder it is to hide my feelings.

In a moment of mutual weakness, unexpected passion ignites.

Secret betrayal is a poisonous infection, but a twist of fate uncovers even more truths that further wound us both.

Will forgiveness allow us to survive traumatic grief and overcome guilt? Or will too much honesty end the other dream of always that has owned my heart since childhood?

https://geni.us/ReturningYourLove

*****

Review:

So I went from a low angst book to one that is pretty much ALL the angst. We get Jamie who has just had a life changing injury and Chaz whose marriage is on rocky ground. They end up back in each other’s lives and long denied emotions come out, and quite a few secrets, leading to all sorts of complications.

I feel for both of them and I do appreciate that Burke emphasizes mental health & professional help. (I am loving all the authors that have their characters address it and not just going with love fixes everything.) Chaz has a lot of issues – with his marriage, his friendship with Jamie, and his parents. It takes a while for him to come to terms with things but he puts in the work. It’s not easy, on him or Jamie, but it ends up being worth it.

As well as angsty, this one is also steamy … eventually, once they work thru their feels. It’s raw, raunchy, and spicy. These two have so much pining and suppressed feelings that when they get to that point it leads to so much sizzle.

This is my first book by Burke, but she’s prolific & well liked and I can see why. She piled it on her characters but she takes good care of them as they address their issues and try to figure out what the future holds. I’ll be keeping my eye out for what she has in store next for the men of Pippen Creek.

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Review – In Plain Sight

21 Friday Feb 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Book Review, In Plain Sight, Legacy Mechanics series, Willow Dixon

In Plain Sight

Legacy Mechanics – Book Three

by Willow Dixon

Release Date: February 20, 2025

Cover Design: Lori Jackson Design
Photo: Michelle Lancaster
Model: David Bodas

Blurb:

Zander

The last thing I expect when I meet the new guy at work is for my life to be thrown into chaos. I’ve spent years hiding my attraction to men, but Luka is funny, outgoing, and for reasons I can’t explain, he sees past my introverted nature and wants to be friends.

I’ve never felt a connection with anyone like I do with Luka. He makes me want to open up and share the parts of myself I usually keep hidden. I don’t want to make things awkward between us, but the more I try to get over my feelings, the harder it is to stay away.

Just when I think my life can’t get any more complicated, I start chatting with a guy on an anonymous kink app. Sinbin might be a stranger, but he’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. But then again, so is Luka.

How did I go from never having guy trouble to wanting two men I can’t have?

Luka

Being the new guy at work isn’t easy. Neither is having a crush on one of my coworkers. Zander is quiet and shy, and doesn’t have the best social skills, but he’s also sweet and caring and one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met.

I’ve never known anyone like Zander, and the more time we spend together, the harder it is to only see him as a friend. I want him, but he’s straight. And to the outside world, so am I.

In a desperate attempt to get over my crush, I log into an anonymous kink app and start chatting with a man who doesn’t just rock my world but understands me in ways no one else ever has. I might not know what MrNiceGuy looks like, but he feels familiar, like we’ve known each other forever. But then again, so does Zander.

How can I be drawn to two men at the same time? And more importantly: how do I choose between them?

Genre: M/M Romance Standalone
Trope: Coworkers to friends to lovers, found family, hurt/comfort, anonymous sexting, kink exploration

Add to your TBR List!
GOODREADS LINK

Purchase Link
Amazon Universal ~ https://geni.us/InPlainSightPL

*****

Review:

This is just my second book by Dixon and like It’s Complicated it is super steamy and low angst. I loved these two, alone and together. Both of them are hiding their sexuality but are secretly developing feelings for each other. And thinking the other is straight, it’s difficult spending so much time together at work, believing they can only be friends. And then when they both make a connection with an anonymous person online, it complicates things.

I actually appreciate the way that they figure things out. And the confrontation is satisfying. I do wish we’d gotten a little more of their time together, to see them deepening their connection, but what we do get is great. Luka suffers from issues with anxiety and the way that Zander supports him is just the sweetest. And the way that their friends and family react to their relationship is touching as well. They realize that they have a great support network, one that everyone should have.

I’m enjoying these stories by Dixon. Low angst and high steam isn’t going to be for everyone but I like having that option. Sometimes you want the drama but then a more realistic look at two people meeting, developing a connection, and getting involved is perfect too.

*****

Author Info:

What can I say about myself? It’s kind of like being the new kid in school and being asked to tell everyone a bit about yourself. Anyone else forget everything they’ve ever liked, thought of, and even their name in those moments?

A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.

I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on. 

Website: https://www.willowdixon.com/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/3hQpa68

Facebook Author Page: https://bit.ly/3vjfWmg

Facebook Reader Group: https://bit.ly/3FZeg66

Goodreads Author Page: https://bit.ly/3WGqR5z

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3WHeEgm

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Gi2C7U

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3WEX7p0

Amazon Author Page: https://bit.ly/3YPBq7H

Bookbub Author Page: https://bit.ly/3I3LvI9

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter Giveaway

ENTER HERE

~

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Spotlight – When We Burn

20 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Blackwells of Montana series, Kristen Proby, When We Burn

When We Burn

Blackwells of Montana #1

by Kristen Proby

Blurb:

Bridger

I’m her safe place.

I always have been.

The torment that Dani Lexington went through at the hands of her father was something no child should have had to endure. But I was the lucky one she turned to.

Our age difference and the fact that her brother was my best friend kept her off-limits, even though something was always there, lingering under the surface.

But when she was old enough, she left Bitterroot Valley, and I was forced to move on with my life.

I got married and had my little girl. Now, I’m a single dad, focused on my job as fire chief and making sure my daughter stays healthy after a mysterious illness has plagued her for the past year.

But after Dani’s father dies, she returns to Bitterroot Valley and is now living across the street from my daughter and me.

Dani’s no longer a child. No longer off limits.

This time, I won’t let anything or anyone stop me from being her safe place again.

Dani

I’ve been in love with Bridger Blackwell for as long as I can remember.

He’s a smoke show, kind, and gives the best hugs in the world. But best of all? He’s everything my sorry excuse for a father wasn’t.

Now, I’m back in Bitterroot Valley, living across the street from Bridger and his adorable daughter.

It doesn’t take long for all those old feelings to come rushing back, and every cell in my body knows that I belong with them.

That they’re mine.

Bridger’s arms are where I feel safest. They feel like home.

I’m growing to depend on him, to truly love him and his daughter. But I have deep-rooted baggage, and Bridger’s past has decided to rear its ugly head.

Will we survive this, or is our relationship doomed from the start?

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/41SPt0m

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Dyb04e

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/WhenWeBurn

Audible: https://bit.ly/4aZHUHI
Narrated by: Erin Mallon & Sean Masters

*****

Author Info:

Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana. 

Connect with Kristen

Website: https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6550037.Kristen_Proby

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BD4vfq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksByKristenProby/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/684662744993031/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenproby/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenprobyauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristen-proby

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/handbagjunkie/

~


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Spotlight – Here and Now

19 Wednesday Feb 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Corinne Michaels, Ember Falls series, Here and Now

Here and Now

Ember Falls #2

by Corinne Michaels

Blurb:

I’ve crafted my new life in Ember Falls with two simple rules: maintain superficial relationships and always be ready to run.

But when my son’s incredibly hot hockey coach Miles Anderson walks in, things get very, very complicated.

With his charming smile and our accidental dates, he’s the exact opposite of any man I’ve ever dated. That should make saying yes to being with him simple, but nothing in my life is easy.

In fact, it’s a mess.

Miles makes me smile and treats my son like his own. When we’re together, I forget about my troubles and dream of a life that I will never be able to have with him.

It’s only a matter of time until the past comes knocking and I’ll have to leave, breaking us both in the process.

Goodreads: https://geni.us/HAN_GR

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://geni.us/HereandNow

Available in ebook, audio, and in print!

Duet Narration by Jason Clarke & Angelina Rocca

Indie paperback available until April 1, 2025

*****

Author Info:

Corinne Michaels is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of romance novels. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love, and she enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak before finding a way to heal them through their struggles.

Corinne is a former Navy wife and happily married to the man of her dreams. She began her writing career after spending months away from her husband while he was deployed–reading and writing were her escapes from the loneliness. Corinne now lives in Virginia with her husband and is the emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children.

Connect with Corinne

Website: http://corinnemichaels.com

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2N1H2Gb

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NVZmhv

Facebook: https://bit.ly/1iwLh6y

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/corinnemichaelsbooks/

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2L1Vzo6

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corinne.michaels

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2yc6rss

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2m7MkEL

BingeBooks: https://bingebooks.com/author/corinne-michaels

CMBOOKS TO 77948

~


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Spotlight – Delay of Game

18 Tuesday Feb 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Delay of Game, Game Time series, Tam DeRudder Jackson

Delay of Game

Game Time series

by Tam DeRudder Jackson

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance

Blurb:

Danny Chambers is back.

I lost my heart to Danny Chambers in high school, even though he parked me in the friend zone five minutes after we met. It’s taken years to stop thinking about him at least once every hour. It helped when he enlisted in the Air Force. But he’s back, and he’s walking onto the football team. He could go to college anywhere, so why does it have to be Mountain State?

Even best friends keep secrets from each other.

When Danny earns a spot playing receiver for the Wildcats, I’m in the clear. I can admire him from the stands and go back to my boring life of finishing my undergrad and resigning myself to being married to my career. After what went down with my one-and-only boyfriend last semester, well, I need to stop dreaming about happily-ever-after. Which makes the head games Danny is playing with me so painful. Why is he acting like he wants something more with me?

Five years ago, I made a colossal mistake.

I need a second chance. Growing up a military brat, the one constant in my life was playing football. Though I met all kinds of people while switching schools on the regular, one look at Taryn Hamilton and she’s my girl. Yet after we met, I discovered quick she was off-limits if I wanted to catch passes on Friday nights. I paid a big price for my bad choice. Now after giving Uncle Sam four years so I could attend college, I’m at Mountain State where I’m taking every opportunity to show Taryn how I truly feel—how I have always felt about her. She is so much more than my best friend.

Football was my first love. Now I’m playing for my only love.

Game Time.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

**Don’t miss the rest of the Game Time series!**

Finding the End Zone
Game Time Series Book 1

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Out of Bounds
Game Time Series Book 2

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Offsides
Game Time Series #3

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

*****

Author Info:

Tam DeRudder Jackson is the author of the paranormal romance Talisman Series and the contemporary romance Balefire Series. Her favorite “room” in her house is her patio where she dreams up stories of romance and risk. When she’s not writing her latest paranormal or contemporary romance, you can find her driving around in her convertible or carving turns on the slopes of the local ski hill. The mom of two grown sons, Tam likes to travel, attend rock concerts, watch football and soccer, and visit old car shows with her husband. She lives in the mountains of northwest Wyoming where she spends most of her free time trying to read all the books. Her TBR piles are threatening to take over her office, and she’s fine with that.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

*****

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Spotlight – Captivating

13 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Bella Matthews, Captivating, Red Lips & White Lies series

Captivating

Red Lips & White Lies #4

by Bella Matthews

Blurb:

Killian St. James was the boy I loved. Now he’s the man I love to hate.  

To the world, I’m America’s sweetheart. A brand built on fairy tales and love songs that sell millions. But the truth? I’m not sure I believe in happily ever afters . . . At least not for me. 

Burned-out and desperate for a break, I return to my hometown, craving quiet and a tiny taste of freedom. But instead of peace, I find a stalker in the shadows, paparazzi on my heels, and a meddling family with their own ideas about my life. 

Everyone insists I need protection, and having my new bodyguard pose as my fake boyfriend makes total sense . . . Not that they asked me. If that’s not enough, did I mention that Killian is all too happy to volunteer for the job?  

This MMA champion is brooding, relentless, and inconveniently perfect at keeping me safe. He’s also unimaginably gorgeous, with a quiet confidence that’s even sexier than the ink tattooed on his golden skin.  

But as lines blur and sparks fly, I’m left wondering if the boy I once loved could be the man I can trust with my life . . . and my heart. 

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4iwL3C6

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://a.co/d/jgwBaMK

*****

Author Info:

Bella Matthews is a USA Today & #1 Amazon Bestselling author. She is married to her very own Alpha Male and raising three little ones. You can typically find her running from one sporting event to another. When she is home, she is usually hiding in her home office with the only other female in her house, her rescue dog Tinker Bell by her side. She likes to write swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, smart heroines. Sarcasm is her love language and big family dynamics are her favorite thing to add to each story.

Connect with Bella

Website: www.authorbellamatthews.com  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20795160.Bella_Matthews 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08NFK9K4M?ingress=0&visitId=8b4845c0-1ab8-467b-ac2a-4ddf36d673fd   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.Matthews.Author   

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bellamatthewsgamechangers   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellamatthews.author/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bellamatthewsauthor  

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bella-matthews   

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bellamatthewsauthor/   

~

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Review – Playing Mr. Perfect

12 Wednesday Feb 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Melissa Foster, Playing Mr. Perfect, The Bradens at Ridgeport series

Quarterback Clay “Mr. Perfect” Braden is determined to show sexy scientist Pepper Montgomery the benefits of hands-on research in PLAYING MR. PERFECT, the first book in the Bradens at Ridgeport series by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster. Loaded with heat, humor, and heart, this steamy, small-town, opposites-attract standalone romance is unputdownable. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after that will leave you breathless.

Playing Mr. Perfect

The Bradens at Ridgeport #1

by Melissa Foster

Releasing Feb 12, 2025

World Literary Press

Blurb:

What happens in Paris, stays in Paris, right?

Oh, Pepper. If only…

Okay, I admit it.

Sleeping with the NFL quarterback who the media has dubbed Mr. Perfect might not have been the smartest move, but I’m in the City of Love, I’d had a few drinks, and was jacked up on giddy girl talk and hopeful hearts—two things I never buy into—and I threw caution to the wind.

I want to sneak out before he wakes up, but when I open my eyes, he’s already up.

In more ways than one.

Convincing the ridiculously cocky (pun intended) man that I’m not the woman he slept with last night is awkward.

Actually, he makes it impossible.

The thing is, I don’t even know who that woman was.

And now he’s determined to find out.

About the Series:

Fall in love with the Bradens at Ridgeport and join these business-savvy, pleasure-oriented New Englanders as they fall head over heels with their forever loves.

Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208459267-playing-mr-perfect

Buy Links:

BUY DIRECT FROM MELISSA’S SHOP: https://bit.ly/shop_PMP 

KINDLE: https://lnk.to/PMP_Kindle

APPLE: https://lnk.to/PMP_Apple

NOOK: https://lnk.to/PMP_Nook

KOBO: https://lnk.to/PMP_Kobo

GPLAY: https://lnk.to/PMP_GPlay

PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/PMP_Pb

AUDIOBOOK: https://shop.melissafoster.com/products/playing-mr-perfect-audiobook

*****

Excerpt:

Read Sneak Peek at https://melissafoster.com/playing-mr-perfect-sneak-peek/

*****

Review:

I enjoyed Pepper and Clay’s story. There was a little awkward dialogue in the beginning but once we got moving all was good. They were adorable together, with each of them bringing out the good in the other – Pepper needs someone to to bring out her fun-loving side, to get her away from being all work, while Clay needs someone who appreciates him for who he is and doesn’t expect him to be “Mr. Perfect”.

But he is a pretty perfect boyfriend. He listens, observes, and pushes when Pepper needs it. He’s thoughtful in the things he does and the gifts he gives her. And how to relax. Which she does for him as well. Allowing him to remember what he loved about football and what’s important to him.

Playing Mr. Perfect is steamy, sweet, and playful. There’s not a lot of angst, drama, or miscommunication. Just a couple of moments where they let their insecurities overcome them but they are few and short.

(There are a lot of characters from a related series, with Pepper’s sisters. I’ve read some, probably not all, but I still got confused about their stories. I think if you focus on Pepper & Clay and just look at them as her siblings & their spouses it is a little easier.)

*****

Author Info:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling 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.

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 

Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/ 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

~

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Review – Not So Over

09 Sunday Feb 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Ashley Rayne, Book Review, Not So Over, Not So series

Not So Over

Not So series

by Ashley Rayne

Blurb:

What if he’s not the one who got away?

Parker
I knew the minute I broke Marcus’ heart—and my own in the process—that I was making the biggest mistake of my life. But try telling that to the anxious voice in my head, telling me I’m not good enough or how bored he must be with me. I’d give anything for a second chance with him, or at the very least, a chance to apologize. When my best friend’s destination wedding gives her the chance to play ‘match re-maker’ with her brother and me, will he finally listen to what I need to say?

Marcus
One minute, I was looking forward to a future with my soulmate and the next, I was devastated by him ending things with no explanation. He’s tried to call and explain what happened, but I’m not ready to hear. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be ready. Unfortunately, my twin sister is his best friend, so we’re going to be around each other for the next week. A supposed reservation snafu—that has Kendra written all over it—has me forced to share a room and the only bed in it with him. With my plan of ignoring him now impossible, am I finally ready to hear what he has to say?

*Please make sure to check the authors note at the beginning of the book. On-page anxiety attack.

Buy Link – https://getbook.at/NotSoOver

*****

Review:

I’m a bit all over the board on this one. I love the idea, Marcus is an amazing partner, and I felt so bad for Parker. But I also felt like the pacing was a bit off – the first part was a bit rushed and the second part dragged.

Parker is a bit nervous because he’s going to be in the same location as his ex and is hoping that he’ll get the opportunity to explain why he broke up with him. But he’s also nervous that it won’t go the way he hopes. Marcus isn’t open at first to listening but he gets there pretty quickly. (Maybe a little too quickly.) And they spend the week finding their way back together.

I do feel like Marcus was a bit too fast being alright with sharing a room with Parker. I understand that he isn’t over him and I’m guessing he is hoping that this will give him the excuse to get back together. But he says he was devastated and I think he needs a bit more to get to that point. I do appreciate how he takes what Parker tells him and puts the effort into figuring out how he can help. The man straight up does the work to be a good partner and I love it!

So the first part is all the feels and by midway they are pretty much together. After that it is a lot of steam, with a little bit of moving their relationship further along. I’m not against heat in my stories but I think the balance is off. A bit more time needed to be spent on addressing how hurt Marcus was by the way their relationship ended, forgiving Parker, and being comfortable with giving him another chance. To working their way towards each other again.

Pacing issues aside, I did enjoy it. Loved me some Marcus and his happiness made me happy.

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