• Home
  • Book Review
  • Contest
  • Blog Tour
  • Sneak Peek
  • About

Romantic Reads and Such

~ Book Blogger & Reviewer

Romantic Reads and Such

Author Archives: romanticreadsandsuch

Review – Stealing His Thunder

14 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Beth Bolden, Book Review, Stealing His Thunder, Toronto Thunder series

Stealing His Thunder

Toronto Thunder series

by Beth Bolden

Designer:ย Ozark Witch Cover Design

Blurb:

Can rookie Camโ€™s sunshine steal veteran Dawsonโ€™s thunder?

Kicker Dawson Hall is ready to leave his past in the dust. His last season was catastrophically bad, with the distraction of his divorce and discovering that his father-in-law wasnโ€™t managing his moneyโ€”he was stealing it, instead.

He signs with the Toronto Thunder, poised for his redemption arc, but heโ€™s grumpy and frustrated he has to undertake one at all. He should be better than this. Heย isย better than this.

The new rookie punterโ€™s hero worship might be just another annoyance, but Cameron Green is sweet and kind and more than a little naรฏve. Heโ€™s a country boy suddenly dumped amongst all the skyscrapers, with no idea of how the real world can chew him up and spit him out. Itโ€™s practically Dawsonโ€™s duty to mentor him and if Dawson soaks up a little of his sunshine, too?

Well, nobody could blame him for that. Not after the yearโ€™s heโ€™s just had.

But when Dawson starts craving more and more of Cam, his crush dangerously teetering into passion kind of territory, heโ€™s forced to not just confront his own past, full of disappointment and distrust, but his future, too.

He wants his redemption, and that perfect vision of a season feels just within reach. But it turns out he doesnโ€™t just want Cam for single seasonโ€”even if itโ€™s everything he believed he wantedโ€”he wants Cam for every season.

Available on:ย Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, paperback, and audio narrated by Darcy Stark (est February)

On Amazon & Kindle Unlimited:ย  https://readerlinks.com/l/5111928

*****

Review:

I think I’m going to wear out the word but once again this is such a sweet read. Cam is all sorts of golden retriever energy. Positive, happy, set on showing Dawson how awesome Daws is … and that Cam might just be the perfect man for him. Loved it from the first kiss to the HEA.

And Dawson really is awesome. He’s a little battered, a little doubtful, and way too hard on himself but he’s had a rough year. No one could blame him for being a little hesitant to trust, in himself and in others. But there’s no denying his attraction to Cam. And while he’s a little slow to recognize how deep he is in with Cam, the man does eventually figure it out ๐Ÿ™‚

Bolden did it again. I love Cam & Dawson together – they are just so sweet as a couple. I love, love, love that she didn’t make it overly angsty. Instead we get Dawson working to get his feet back under him after his divorce and the fall out from his FIL’s deception. And when he starts to look up, there’s Cam right there in all his sunshiny, positive glory. Oh, my heart.

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – Rebound Control

09 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Chicago Thunder Hockey series, Jodi Oliver, Rebound Control

Rebound Control

Chicago Thunder Hockey series

by Jodie Olver

Blurb:

Elliot

How is it possible to be surrounded by people who love me, yet I still feel alone? 

Everyone is falling in love, and itโ€™s like Iโ€™ve been left on the outside. 

I want that for myself, but the thought of putting myself out there is terrifying.

Growing up being told youโ€™re โ€˜too muchโ€™ puts a dent in your confidence, no matter how hard you try to hide it.

Until one day, Lieutenant Hunter Bowen finds me trapped in an elevator.

His kind words and gentle smile only heightens the crush I have on him, and when he asks me to join him one night, I push my fears aside and say yes.

Iโ€™m great at controlling the rebound on the ice, but when it comes to bruised hearts?

I guess weโ€™ll find out. 

Hunter

When I became a widower seven years ago, my entire world was flipped upside down. 

I needed a fresh start, so I left the military and moved across the country, and vowed never to fall in love again. 

That was until I met Elliot Olsen.

The guy who has the brightest smile, the biggest heart, and a whole heap of unspoken emotions.

I try to keep my heart at a distance, but the fire burns too bright between us to ignore.

The only problem is Iโ€™ve been here before, and I donโ€™t know if I can risk having my heart torn apart again.

Rebound Control is a sports romance featuring a hockey goaltender and a firefighter. It includes ADHD rep, a protective mc, late night ice cream drives and all the Thunder found family vibes.ย 

It is book five in the Chicago Thunder series and can be read as a standalone.

Buy Link:

https://mybook.to/ReboundControl
Available in KUย 

*****

Review:

I am all over the board on this one. I’ve only read a couple of the Thunder books so I don’t have a lot to go on when it comes to Elliot. I remember him as playful and fun loving but scattered and he’s definitely that, tho here his ADHD really becomes evident. And I’m not sure how those close to him missed it. Not so much his brother, because it would have just been how he always has been to Blaine, but his teammates and their SOs … I mean, it is blatantly obvious. But I do love that he finally gets the recognition and help that he needs, that he finds someone who understands him and loves him exactly as he is.

I adored Elliot’s enthusiasm for life and my heart went out to him for his struggles. It cannot have been easy, even with his brother and his friends, to struggle thru them alone. He’s developed a few coping mechanisms but he still has to deal with so much anxiety and negative thoughts.

There were times tho where I felt like his personality might read as younger than his actual age. His unrestrained joy and the way he throws himself into things, plus his difficulty in doing some of the more “adult” things, has him coming across as childlike. But his relationship with Hunter didn’t read as icky to me but it did make it hard for me to get a feel for Elliot.

Especially when compared to Hunter’s more old soul. He’s a little beaten up and aged by his experiences so he comes across as older than I imagine he is. I do wish he’d gotten some help for his issues because they seemed to just go away and that’s not how it works. That man really needed to see a therapist, especially as he finds himself falling in love again. But he does throw himself into their relationship whole heartedly and I love that so much.

I do appreciate that there isn’t a whole lot of angst to go along with all of their issues. There are so many emotions, so much internal turmoil, that I don’t think I could have handled the external too. Instead we get Hunter learning to let himself care about someone again and Elliot finding that someone that can truly appreciate him for who he is. It’s just so so sweet.

*****

Author Info:

Jodi Oliver is a British author who writes MM romance, happily ever after guaranteed. She loves donuts, dogs and ice hockey, and when she hasnโ€™t got her head in a book or hiding in the writing cave, you can find her at an ice hockey game.

She lives in England but dreams of living in the Canadian countryside, with some highland cows and otters.

You can find her on Instagram @JodiOliverAuthor or in her Facebook reader group โ€˜Jodi Oliverโ€™s Sin Binโ€™

Connect with Jodi Oliver:

https://www.jodioliver.com/links

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – A Cowboy Holiday

02 Friday Jan 2026

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

A Cowboy Holiday, Book Review, Lane Hayes

A Cowboy Holiday

by Lane Hayes

Blurb:

The cowboy, the rancher, and a little holiday magic… 

TANNER

I met the grumpiest man on the planet and Iโ€™m head over heels in lust. No joke. Oak Ridge Ranchโ€™s new part-time vet slash ranch hand is a bear and heโ€™s built like one too. If I were smart, Iโ€™d keep my distance.ย 

In a twist, Iโ€™m not so smart. 

But I can tell that under his hard as nails exterior, the cowboy is a gentle giant. Axel is a devoted single dad, a dedicated vet, andโ€ฆI think he likes me. Or he wants me.ย ย 

I can work with that.  

Thereโ€™s nothing wrong with a little holiday fun, is there?  

AXEL

I need the job at the ranch through December, then Iโ€™m out of here. I have a kid to think ofย and itโ€™s time to settle old scores and build a new life.ย ย 

But Tanner is making things complicated. Heโ€™s smart, intuitive, and charming, andโ€” Whoa! Iโ€™ve learned my lesson. This is temporary. Iโ€™m not Tannerโ€™s cowboy. I might be attracted to him, but I can handle it.ย ย 

I hope.  

Okay, fine. I may need some Christmas magic to get out of this with my heart in one piece. Wish me luck.ย 

A Cowboy Holiday is an MM, bisexual romance featuring a single dad-cowboy-grump, aย sweetheart of a rancher, and some holiday magic.ย ย 

AVAILABLE NOW

*****

Review:

Hayes delivers a sweet, low angst, and quick holiday read. I always love her characters, how they interact, and this one is no different. Tanner is a big hearted, sweetheart of a cowboy and Axel is a little bit gruff, somewhat jaded, but a wonderfully committed girl dad. They find themselves attracted to each other but both have been burned in the past and with a time limit on Axel’s stay things get a little complicated. They are great together and have such a lovely connection, as Tanner helps Axel let go a little and allow himself to be a little more free. It doesn’t take long for their feelings to take over and I appreciate that Hayes doesn’t let things get overly difficult. A Cowboy Holiday is a little bit of grumpy/sunshine with a single dad cowboy twist (I do wish we’d gotten more of Axel’s daughter tho, she’s a cutie) all tied up with a Christmas bow.

**There are a few field trips to the Christmas themed town from Moody’s Grumpy Holiday but the story can easily be read as a stand alone.**

*****

Author Info:

Lane Hayes lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully  doesnโ€™t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, whoโ€™s pure mischief.  Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write. Sheโ€™s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find  

love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk  and dealt with numbers, so yesโ€ฆromance is much more satisfying! 

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolateโ€ฆin any order. Add a book and sheโ€™s set! 

My Readersโ€™ Group, Laneโ€™s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYgย 

My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK

Website: www.lane-hayes.comย 

Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3ย 

FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthorย 

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayesย 

BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayesย 

Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayesauthor/ย 

Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayesย 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lane.hayes6

*****

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – The Five Hole

27 Saturday Dec 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Aries France, Book Review, The Five Hole, The Games We Play Season Two, The Games We Play series

The Five Hole

The Games We Play Season Two

by Aries France

Blurb:

Roe Monroe

Taking a lap in hockey purgatory wasnโ€™t in my plan, but I guess even hockey players donโ€™t plan on blowing out a knee, much less picking up some bad habits on how to deal with the injury.

Fox River Falls wasnโ€™t in the plan either, a town where gossip spreads faster than a slapshot and the local coffee shop doubles as a soap opera set.

Iโ€™m here to earn my way back to the NHLโ€”not to flirt with the grumpy carpenter who hates everything I stand for.

Too bad his kid worships me, his scowl kind of turns me on, and his quiet, steady belief in me? Yeah, thatโ€™s dangerous.

Iโ€™m not here to stay. But heโ€™s making me want things I swore Iโ€™d given up on.

Gabe Thatcher

I build things with my hands, raise my kid, and avoid the gossip that Fox River Falls loves so well.

Roe Monroe is exactly the kind of trouble I donโ€™t want, donโ€™t need.

Heโ€™s cocky, chaotic, and everything I swore I wouldnโ€™t let near my sonโ€”or my heart.

But he sees something in me I stopped believing was there. And when he looks at me, I forget my name.

Somehow, he fits into the life I thought I was building alone.

The Games We Play Season 2 is the second season of this multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

*****

Review:

Apparently this was the time of new to me authors because this is the third in a row (fourth if you count Tortuga since I’ve only read one or two of) and I have loved every single one! France’s character dynamics are so fun and sweet.

I loved how much Roe enjoyed pushing Gabe’s buttons but also how much he truly saw of the grumpy single dad. He understood him, helped push him out of his little bubble, challenging him to truly live for more than his son. It was so very sweet and I couldn’t get enough. And the little family they slowly create together … *sigh* just the sweetest. And I loved how they supported each other in their short term and long term needs. I just … *ugh* gonna say it again, so sweet!

The Five Hole just hit so many of my tropes – small town charm, grumpy/sunshine, single dad, athlete, sweet AND spicy. I’ll definitely be checking out other books by France because if they are all like this? *swoon*

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – Colliding Hearts

20 Saturday Dec 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Colliding Hearts, Jax Calder, Rainbow Redemption series

Colliding Hearts

Rainbow Redemption, book 3

by Jax Calder

Blurb:

One voice kept me alive in the darkness. One Halloween night changed everything. One secret threatens to destroy it all.

When my car plunges into a ravine, a stranger’s chocolate-cake voice becomes my lifeline in the endless dark. But after Iโ€™m rescued, the mysterious paramedic vanishes without a trace, leaving me with nothing but scars and memories.
After a year of avoiding mirrors and first dates, I manage to hook up with the hottest Darth Vader in existence while dressed as a surprisingly seductive Yoda. But the morning light reveals my one-night stand is not only my new neighbor but also my long-lost rescuer.

Jared and I try the just-friends route, but who can resist a guy who bakes brownies and gives great massages. When our connection extends into a friends-with-benefits arrangement, things become complicated. Especially since Iโ€™m still learning to navigate a world where my face no longer opens doors and my wit has become my armor and my greatest weapon.
Before the crash, I was the guy who could charm anyone with a smile. After? Let’s just say Frankenstein would think I’m having a rough time.

I’m falling hard for the man with the chocolate-cake voice, but every time we get close to something real, Jared pulls away. Are my scars holding him back?

Or is Jared hiding secrets of his own?

Colliding Hearts is a novella set in the Rainbow Redemption universe, but can be read as a standalone book.

*****

Review:

This was my first book by Jax Calder and OH MY GOSH is this what they are all like? The ups and downs and emotional upheaval but done in a way that isn’t overly angsty … so good! I’m not going to give anything away but I definitely was surprised by how everything played out.

Going into it I wasn’t really thrilled with the single POV but it really is the only way this worked and I loved Felix. His hang-ups, his seeing his old self with new eyes, the way he falls for Jared, the scars both inside and out left by his accident, everything just punched me in the feels. My heart went out to him from the very first page to the very last.

There is so much to love about Colliding Hearts. The way Felix approaches things with humor, the connection between him and Jared, the steamy AND tender moments, the heartbreak and the forgiveness – it all comes together so wonderfully. I’m so happy I took a chance on this one and I’ll be adding more of Calder’s books to my TBR shelf.

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – Cowboy Needed

19 Friday Dec 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

BA Tortuga, Book Review, Cowboy Needed, Cowboy Wanted series

Cowboy Needed

Cowboy Wanted series

by BA Tortuga

Blurb:

Ichabod Miller Johns needs a cowboy.

When his kids inherit their grandfather’s ranch, Ichabod moves them lock, stock, barrel to Western Colorado, leaving the cityscape of Denver behind. Despite this being his deceased husband’s family ranch, he knows he has to take this chance to get his teenager away from the bad stuff he’s involved in and give himself some breathing space to work at his hardcore pottery business. It can’t hurt the other two kids either. Except that he’s now living on a run-down ranch that no cowboy in the area will touch with a ten-foot pole.

When he calls Cowboy Wanted, he ends up with Ellis McIntyre. Ellis has worked some major ranches and has ridden the rodeo, but he has an ulterior motive when he comes to Ichabod’s place. Aside from needing the job, his half-brother Rick has asked him to look into whether or not Ichabod would be willing to sell the ranch, since Rick feels like he should have inherited it from his step-father.

As Ellis gets to know Ichabod and his kids, though, one thing becomes clear to him. This family needs this ranch, and he intends to help them keep it. Can he convince Ichabod he means no harm, and that he has no designs on the ranch for his half-brother? And can Ichabod open up and trust someone else in his life after so much loss?

*****

Review:

I’ve only read a few of Tortuga’s books but I’ve really enjoyed what I have read so far and I think Cowboy Wanted reminds me a bit of The Cowboy’s Bullfighter. Like with that story, there wasn’t a ton of angst or drama (although I would have expected more with the whole issue over the farm, although I’m kinda happy we didn’t go there) just characters that feel real with real issues, real connection. The romance is a little more at the forefront here but there’s still a good dose of the family feel. And I loved the little family they create when they bring Ellis into their group. It’s such a lovely thing that I would have loved even more of them together with the kids but I did appreciate the simplicity of it – two people who meet, spend time together, fall in love, and work towards a future together. With slow burn, feel good stories like this, I’ll definitely keep putting Tortuga on my TBR list.

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – In a Heartbeat

16 Tuesday Dec 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, In a Heartbeat, Laura Pavlov, Rosewood Rivers, series

In a Heartbeat

Rosewood River series

by Laura Pavlov

Blurb:

A Small Town, Cowboy, Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers, Standalone Romance from USA Today andย Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, Laura Pavlov.

Wren Waterstone isnโ€™t just one of the most decorated equestrians in the worldโ€•she was also my best friend for as long as I can remember. Until she wasnโ€™t.

Now sheโ€™s back in Rosewood River, and thanks to a temp agency, Wren has been placed atย myย ranch. I have no intention of allowing my ex-best-friend to work for me, but when I see the desperation in her eyes, I canโ€™t turn her away, even though I know I should.

Old habits die hard.

Seeing her every day is more challenging than I expected. Sheโ€™s guarded. Wounded. And she looks at me like Iโ€™m the enemy. I need to know why. The more time we spend together, the more the lines between past and present blurโ€•and we find our way back to one another. The only problem is, sheโ€™s got big dreams to chase.

And I only want to chase her.

Iโ€™ve loved this girl my entire life, and our time apart didnโ€™t change that. I let Wren Waterstone get away once. Am I really going to make that mistake again?

Goodreads:ย http://bit.ly/477mR5w

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://geni.us/inaheartbeat

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4iGiano

Hardcover: Coming soon!

Audible:ย https://geni.us/IAHAUDIO
Narrated by:ย Alex Knox and Samantha Brentmoor

*****

Review:

Like everything else in the Rosewood River series, I enjoyed the heck out of this one. From their decades-long friendship to their HEA, Axel & Wren’s journey just worked for me. The support and love they have for each other, with understanding and an undeniable connection, means that it doesn’t take them long to come back to each other.

And Pavlov could easily have made it more angsty but I think she included just the right amount of drama. They have their issues but all it really takes is one honest conversation (which, yes, could have happened 2 years ago but I understand where Wren was coming from.) I also appreciated that she didn’t make any of the characters truly bad. They were just people with flaws and issues – granted one or two with really BIG flaws and issues – and most even learned a thing or two.

Plus, how can you not love this family. The guy’s text message threads are some of my favorite parts of this series. And as they find their matches, it brings even more girls into the family and they have formed such a fun squad, just as wild and hilarious and fun as their SOs. You know those Sunday dinners are a hoot!

We’ve got one more guy left to find his HEA and it’s going to be a nanny romance, which means little kid adorableness and daddy hotness … definitely looking forward to that one ๐Ÿ™‚

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – Worth the Fall

12 Friday Dec 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Copper Ridge Ranch series, Laura Beth, Worth The Fall

Worth the Fall

Copper Ridge Ranch series

by Laura Beth

Blurb:

Sometimes losing everything is the only way to find what matters.

Dr. Holly Carrington has officially hit rock bottom. 

When a panic attack strikes in the middle of a hectic ER shift, sheโ€™s forced to step away from her prestigious career as a trauma doctor. Broken, exhausted, and more uncertain of herself than ever, she accepts a temporary position at a sleepy small-town clinic โ€“ never expecting to find comfort in the arms of a six-foot-tall rancher with a soft smile and filthy mouth. 

Grayson Hart is nothing like the men Hollyโ€™s used to. With his worn Leviโ€™s and calloused hands, heโ€™s a far cry from the polished city types she once dated. Heโ€™s steady where sheโ€™s restless. Grounded where sheโ€™s been drifting. Heโ€™s everything she didn’t know she needed. 

But as her time in town runs out and reality calls her back, Holly has to make a choice: return to the life she built, the only life sheโ€™s ever known, or take a leap into the life sheโ€™s only just discovered. 

Is this new love enough to bridge the gap between who she was, and who sheโ€™s meant to be? Or are some worlds just too far apart?ย 

Worth the Fall is a slow burn, small-town, city girl meets country boy romance. Itโ€™ll have you believing in fate, healing, and the courage it takes to choose a life that sets your soul on fire.

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/88Sc6lS

Available in KUย 

*****

Review:

Oh, the sweetness! These two together are just about perfect. From their Hallmark Channel worthy meet-cute to Holly finally finding herself, it’s just so sweet.

Grayson is the perfect mix of country gentleman and dirty talking cowboy, with just that hint of insecurity. From their very first meeting, he shows Holly all the support and understanding that she hasn’t really gotten from anyone else in her life. He’s there to help her find her way to a life that truly makes her happy.

And she does the same for him. He’s been the steadfast older brother, taking so much on his shoulders and fading into the background for a lot of years, but Holly sees him and what he needs. Taking care of him just the same as he does her. Oh my heart it is so much with the feels … and the steam.

This is the first book by Laura Beth that I’ve read but I’m confident it won’t be the last. Her characters are well developed, feel so real with real issues, and the story is a nicely paced slow burn. It’s got that small town country charm and I want to visit the farm to cuddle the goats & feed the chickens & sit around the dinner table with them all. There are three more Harts that need to find their HEA and I really want their stories ASAP.

*****

Author Info:

Laura Beth is your typical Midwestern gal who writes swoony and steamy medical romance born from her career as an RN. She lives in small town Wisconsin with her husband, toddler, adorable pup, and her own feral orange kitty. When she’s not writing about a book boyfriend who falls hard for a sassy nurse, she can be found reading all things romance, gardening, or spending time outdoors with her family. 

Connect with Laura Beth:

https://linktr.ee/authorlaurabeth

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – Shattered

11 Thursday Dec 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Adrenalin series, Book Review, Michele Lenard, Shattered

Shattered

Adrenalin series

by Michele Lenard

Blurb:

Some people meet cute. Theirs was court-ordered.

Ryder Vorhees was born to rideโ€”until the day he stopped.

A tragic accident stole his brother, his will to compete, and any reason to step back on a snowboard. Now heโ€™s stuck serving community service hours at the last place he wants to be: the mountain that haunts him. The only thing worse? The man in charge of babysitting him.

Hayden Chaulke lives for helping people rediscover what theyโ€™ve lost. Running a fledgling adaptive sports program is supposed to be his dream jobโ€”until his newest โ€œinstructorโ€ shows up hungover, bitter, and infuriatingly gorgeous. Hayden doesnโ€™t do lost causesโ€ฆ but Ryder isnโ€™t just anyone.

Forced to work together on the slopes, sparks fly between the surly exโ€“pro and the rule-following manager. What starts as hostility turns into something neither expectedโ€”an attraction that feels as dangerous as it is undeniable. But Ryderโ€™s ghosts are never far behind, and learning to let go might mean facing the one thing heโ€™s fought hardest to avoid: forgiveness.

Because some mountains arenโ€™t meant to be conqueredโ€”theyโ€™re meant to heal you.

*****

Review:

I enjoyed these two together so much. From the beginning, when Ryder got such a kick out of getting Hayden all riled up, finally feeling something more than his pain, they were fun together. Ryder needs someone who doesn’t know why he’s struggling, someone who won’t baby him as he lives with the loss of his brother. And while Hayden doesn’t let him get away with a lot, he does show Ryder patience and understanding when it’s important.

My only complaint was that I wish they had gotten Ryder some professional help. Hayden does what he can with the training he has had as well as his own personal experiences with losing a loved one but … Ryder just really needed someone to help him work thru his grief and his survivor’s guilt. The man is carrying a lot. A lot.

Shattered is another enjoyable installment to Lenard’s Adrenalin series, so emotional and with characters that captured me from the first page. It looks like maybe Beck finally gets his story next and I’ll be here waiting for it.

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – Keeping Score

11 Thursday Dec 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Keeping Score, Moonshot Hockey series, Rebecca Jenshak

Keeping Score

Moonshot Hockey #2

by Rebecca Jenshak

Blurb:

I woke up in Vegas with hazy memories of the night before and the hottest hockey player alive wrapped around me.

Some people come to the city of sin for gambling and partyingโ€”I did one better and left asย Mrs. Travis Bennett.

My annoyingly handsome and charming neighbor has been asking me out for weeks. After nearly costing me my gymnastics career, Iโ€™ve tried to stay far away from the hot, cocky hockey player.

And now Iโ€™m legally bound to him.

When the media gets wind of our whirlwind romance, we agree to stay married until my season starts to avoid a PR nightmare.

I think itโ€™s a mistake. He thinks itโ€™s fate. And heโ€™s doing everything he can to prove me wrong.

In public, Iโ€™m wearing his ring and his jersey. At home, heโ€™s walking around shirtless, packing my lunches, and trying his best to make my heart race.

Unfortunately, heโ€™s succeeding.

This game of pretend is starting to feel a lot more real.

My new husband is keeping score, and he wonโ€™t stop until he wins my heart.

Goodreads:ย https://bit.ly/43VQjJA

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4oQ9ahk

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/HdTo8

*****

Review:

So, I loved Lucky Shot. I loved the found family the guys created, Ruby was cute & fun, and the romance was sweet. But I was struggling a little in the first half of Keeping Score. Loved, loved, loved me some Travis – all the golden retriever energy. And the relationship between the guys was just as fantastic as I remembered with the way they aren’t afraid to have the hard talks about their feelings. I liked Hannah too – her grit, determination, and hard work is admirable. I just needed her to give Travis a little more grace. That man is so much awesomeness wrapped up in a gorgeous, giving, fun-loving package and I needed her to recognize that ๐Ÿ™‚ But it definitely picked up about the halfway point. She stopped pushing him away and let herself enjoy the relationship they were building together. I didn’t mind her prickliness, just felt like it went a little too long … but maybe that’s just because I whole heartedly loved Travis.

Share this:

  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...
← Older posts
Newer posts →

FTC Disclaimer - see bottom of page for complete statement, but please be aware that in many cases I am provided a book to read. However my opinions are my own & no guarantee of positive review is given by any party.

Recent Posts

  • Review – Free Falling
  • Review – The Ultimate Goal
  • Spotlight – Kissing the Irish
  • Spotlight – Sterling Stone
  • Review – Sincerely, Mr. Braden
  • Spotlight – Falling for the Fake Lumberjack
  • Review – Just Don’t Call It Love
  • Review – Louis
  • Review – Protected from Villainy
  • Review – What It Takes
  • Review – Stealing His Thunder
  • Review – Rebound Control
  • Review – A Cowboy Holiday
  • Review – The Five Hole
  • Review – Colliding Hearts
  • Review – Cowboy Needed
  • Review – In a Heartbeat
  • Review – Worth the Fall
  • Review – Shattered
  • Review – Keeping Score
  • Review – Chasing Home
  • Review – Love It Or List It
  • Review – Boyfriend Without Benefits
  • Book Review – Persistent
  • Spotlight – Shattered
  • Bluesky
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads

Email me

romanticread@gmail.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Romantic Reads and Such on WordPress.com

Facebook

Facebook

Instagram

"Being a second chance romance, with a small town feel, thereโ€™s just so much to like with Free Falling." Full review at romanticread.com Worth the Wait by @kbromberg is now LIVE! ๐—ฆ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐˜† ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐˜† ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ธ๐—ฒ๐˜† ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต ๐—ฎ ๐—•๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ๐—น๐˜†๐—ป ๐—ฎ๐˜๐˜๐—ถ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฑ๐—ฒ! Letโ€™s celebrate the release of KISSING THE IRISH by @authorbrycequinn! Grab it in KU! Letโ€™s celebrate the release of STERLING STONE by @lbdunbarwrites! Grab it in KU! "What do you mean the MMC is a dirty talker in little nerdy glasses and quirky clothes, with a too big brain?" Full review at romanticread.com Letโ€™s celebrate the release of FALLING FOR THE FAKE LUMBERJACK by @saraneyauthor! Grab it in KU! ๐Ÿ”ฅEXCLUSIVE EARLY RELEASE ๐Ÿ”ฅ "From the the very first page, I was hooked. Goofiness mixed with heart is a hallmark of Nicholasโ€™s stories and she brings it in spades." Full review at romanticread.com

Goodreads

Archives

  • February 2026 (2)
  • January 2026 (11)
  • December 2025 (14)
  • November 2025 (12)
  • October 2025 (6)
  • September 2025 (12)
  • August 2025 (15)
  • July 2025 (22)
  • June 2025 (18)
  • May 2025 (10)
  • April 2025 (20)
  • March 2025 (21)
  • February 2025 (13)
  • January 2025 (17)
  • December 2024 (12)
  • November 2024 (14)
  • October 2024 (11)
  • September 2024 (7)
  • August 2024 (11)
  • July 2024 (8)
  • June 2024 (13)
  • May 2024 (13)
  • April 2024 (9)
  • March 2024 (17)
  • February 2024 (9)
  • January 2024 (11)
  • December 2023 (10)
  • November 2023 (15)
  • October 2023 (14)
  • September 2023 (13)
  • August 2023 (15)
  • July 2023 (11)
  • June 2023 (14)
  • May 2023 (12)
  • April 2023 (19)
  • March 2023 (17)
  • February 2023 (4)
  • January 2023 (6)
  • December 2022 (7)
  • November 2022 (11)
  • October 2022 (8)
  • September 2022 (12)
  • August 2022 (14)
  • July 2022 (17)
  • June 2022 (11)
  • May 2022 (16)
  • April 2022 (15)
  • March 2022 (13)
  • February 2022 (7)
  • January 2022 (17)
  • December 2021 (21)
  • November 2021 (12)
  • October 2021 (20)
  • September 2021 (14)
  • August 2021 (10)
  • July 2021 (7)
  • June 2021 (14)
  • May 2021 (23)
  • April 2021 (19)
  • March 2021 (21)
  • February 2021 (11)
  • January 2021 (14)
  • December 2020 (13)
  • November 2020 (13)
  • October 2020 (13)
  • September 2020 (5)
  • August 2020 (10)
  • July 2020 (4)
  • June 2020 (13)
  • May 2020 (11)
  • April 2020 (12)
  • March 2020 (14)
  • February 2020 (11)
  • January 2020 (10)
  • December 2019 (5)
  • November 2019 (10)
  • October 2019 (12)
  • September 2019 (14)
  • August 2019 (6)
  • July 2019 (13)
  • June 2019 (18)
  • May 2019 (13)
  • April 2019 (16)
  • March 2019 (20)
  • February 2019 (19)
  • January 2019 (14)
  • December 2018 (12)
  • November 2018 (18)
  • October 2018 (22)
  • September 2018 (20)
  • August 2018 (17)
  • July 2018 (15)
  • June 2018 (21)
  • May 2018 (16)
  • April 2018 (21)
  • March 2018 (20)
  • February 2018 (21)
  • January 2018 (22)
  • December 2017 (21)
  • November 2017 (19)
  • October 2017 (25)
  • September 2017 (22)
  • August 2017 (21)
  • July 2017 (21)
  • June 2017 (29)
  • May 2017 (29)
  • April 2017 (23)
  • March 2017 (25)
  • February 2017 (23)
  • January 2017 (22)
  • December 2016 (22)
  • November 2016 (27)
  • October 2016 (28)
  • September 2016 (20)
  • August 2016 (23)
  • July 2016 (21)
  • June 2016 (24)
  • May 2016 (26)
  • April 2016 (25)
  • March 2016 (24)
  • February 2016 (39)
  • January 2016 (24)
  • December 2015 (25)
  • November 2015 (27)
  • October 2015 (27)
  • September 2015 (27)
  • August 2015 (36)
  • July 2015 (31)
  • June 2015 (21)
  • May 2015 (24)
  • April 2015 (30)
  • March 2015 (30)
  • February 2015 (26)
  • January 2015 (22)
  • December 2014 (21)
  • November 2014 (32)
  • October 2014 (34)
  • September 2014 (28)
  • August 2014 (34)
  • July 2014 (45)
  • June 2014 (44)
  • May 2014 (44)
  • April 2014 (38)
  • March 2014 (42)
  • February 2014 (38)
  • January 2014 (36)
  • December 2013 (32)
  • November 2013 (35)
  • October 2013 (33)
  • September 2013 (24)
  • August 2013 (19)
  • July 2013 (20)
  • June 2013 (18)
  • May 2013 (19)
  • April 2013 (19)
  • March 2013 (22)
  • February 2013 (14)
  • January 2013 (17)
  • December 2012 (8)
  • November 2012 (16)
  • October 2012 (12)
  • September 2012 (11)
  • August 2012 (13)
  • July 2012 (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTC Disclaimer

I have received ARCs of books free from NetGalley (and many moons ago from BookTrib.com) to review but the majority of the stories are either bought by me or provided for free from the publisher, author, or PR company. The opinions I share are my own and in no way are influenced by an author or publisher. There is no promise of a positive review by any party and there is no additional compensation. Unless otherwise noted, I am not affiliated with any contest or other event mentioned on this blog and I do not receive a paid endorsement for any post.

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Romantic Reads and Such
    • Join 604 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Romantic Reads and Such
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d