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Romantic Reads and Such

Author Archives: romanticreadsandsuch

Review – Between Now and Forever

17 Tuesday Dec 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Adriana Locke, Between Now and Forever, Book Review

Between Now and Forever

by Adriana Locke

Blurb:

Neighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.

When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towelโ€”right in front of her sexy new neighbor.

Jay Stetson is 100 percent hero material with those arms, that chest, and his deliciously oh-so-sexy smirk. The chiseled hunk in flannel has an irresistible off-limits attitude while plucking Gabrielle out of the bushes and saving her from a snake. Unfortunately, heโ€™s not indulging in what Gabrielle is offeringโ€”not with his emotional train wreck of a past.

Just neighbors. Just friends. Or so he says.

Secretly, heโ€™s smitten with the single, fierce mama bear of two who plays Miss Fix-It at the house next door. He doesnโ€™t even really mind the noise or the chaos her young sons cause. What he does mind is how his lonely heart races when looking into her emerald-colored eyes.

Can Jay let his painful memories go, or will he let the woman of his dreams slip between his fingers?

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4eENe4k

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NjPdPn

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

Audible: https://bit.ly/4fZY5G7
Narrated by: Rachel Vivette & Oliver Clarke

*****

Review:

This is my first Locke book and there were things that I enjoyed and things that I was only OK with. I was interested in Jay’s path as he worked his way through his problems. I felt for him, for the heartache he’d gone through, and his hesitation to get involved again. But the pull to Gabrielle and her sons was just too strong.

I did feel like there could have been some more time spent addressing the issues with Gabrielle’s oldest, regarding his dad as well as a new relationship for his mom. There’s a lot of mental health that could have been explored that I felt was only partially done.

Speaking of the kids, Dylan is pretty much the teen you would expect in his situation, a little sullen and walking that line between kid & adult. Carter is just downright adorable – cute, spunky, and fun. His interactions with Jay were some of my favorites. Gabrielle is a great mom, caring and thoughtful. She does a lot to help them as well as her friends & Jay.

As a first read for this author, I’m satisfied. The characters are interesting, their issues feel realistic, and the pacing is even. It’s a slow burn, angsty, and humorous with a satisfying HEA.

*****

Author Info:

USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows bestโ€”big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor.

She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.

Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.

Connect with Adrianaย 

Website: www.adrianalocke.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379774.Adriana_Locke

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Adriana-Locke/author/B00NPBY8FE/

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

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

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

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/authoralocke

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adriana-locke

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

Other: https://www.youtube.com/adrianalocke

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/adrianalocke

~

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Review – Pure Country

13 Friday Dec 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Central Texas series, Kelly Fox, Pure Country

Pure Country

Central Texas series

by Kelly Fox

Blurb:

Iโ€™d sooner cage a wild bird than try to pin that cowboy down. But God, I want to make him mine.

Our sizzling banter and filthy texts are the stuff of legends, but Rowdy is the king of one-night stands, and one night with him will never be enough. 

I crave a future with him, which is why Iโ€™ve kept him at armโ€™s length. 

One drunken kiss, however, has me questioning everything I thought I knew about Rowdy Lockwood. Is he the lovable himbo everyone thinks he is, or is there more to him than meets the eye? 

Whatever the truth is, Iโ€™ve decided that my cowboy is a mystery worth solving.

Pure Country is an age gap, friends-to-lovers romance that features a secretive cowboy with a filthy imagination, a sweet city lawyer with a nose for deflection, and a pushy friend with a flare for the dramatic.

Buy Link:

https://readerlinks.com/l/4335563
Available in KU

*****

Review:

(minor spoilers ahead … maybe … not sure)

This is the first book by Fox that I’ve read and the first chapter had me uncertain about what I was in for. But I loved the way Kess thought of Rowdy and the flirty – and naughty – interactions between the two. After that, there was no way I wasn’t going to keep reading ๐Ÿ™‚

They’ve been dancing around each other for a long time but Kess has decided it’s finally time to do something about it. And the more he interacts with Rowdy, the more he discovers. And the more he wants to discover. With love, patience, and care, he gets to the heart of the man he’s coming to love.

Rowdy struggled so much with the scars from his childhood as well as the understanding & acceptance of his sexuality. And to protect himself he’s created this persona that hides the real him. He has people that love him and people that he loves, but even the ones closest to him don’t know his secrets. But once Kess decides to find out his truths, he has to decide how much he’s willing to trust him.

Pure Country is jam packed with enjoyable characters – from Kess and Rowdy, Emery & Woody & Stevie, to Jaxson & Skylar (so looking forward to his story with Kit!). Fox does a wonderful job of developing them and giving them time to come into themselves, which leads to so many swoony, steamy, funny moments. Found another author whose works are going onto my TBR list!

(There’s a lot here that I’m probably not the person to talk about. Sexuality is individual and the spectrum is wide & ever changing and it is awesome to have this reflected in stories. But since I’m not a member of the community, I can’t say that the representation in this book is well done or not, although other reviews suggest it is. I can say I LOVED that the representation is there at all and how it covers so much with care. It’s refreshing to see it handled in what feels like a straightforward, honest, and heartfelt manner.)

*****

Author Info:

Hi there! I write gay romance, which is to say that I curse way too much, drink exactly the right amount of red wine, and sleep far too little. Iโ€™m also lucky enough to live in Central Texas with my wife and two dogs, where the astonishing diversity of humans and landscapes and tattoo shops serve as my muse.

For the latest info on new releases and access to free short stories, check out my website: https://www.authorkellyfox.com/

Want to know what projects I have coming up? Check out my Facebook reader group The Fox Den for giveaways, first-look cover reveals, and more, and follow me on Amazon to be notified of new releases by email.

Connect with Kelly Fox :

https://www.instagram.com/authorkellyfox/

~

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Review – See It Through

12 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Julia Wolf, See It Through, The Kelly Ranch series

See It Through

The Kelly Ranch Series

by Julia Wolf

Blurb:

This house isn’t big enough for the both of us…

As my older brotherโ€™s best friend, Remington Town used to be like a member of my family. But the minute he turned eighteen, he left our small town of Sugar Brush, Wyoming and never looked back.

Thirteen years later, Remi shows up to settle his fatherโ€™s estate, but as far as Iโ€™m concerned, he shouldโ€™ve stayed gone. Besides, heโ€™s in for a big surprise when he finds out the old farmhouse he intends to sell is now half mine.

I expect Remi to hit the road just like he did all those years ago, but infuriatingly, he settles in like he plans on staying for a while. Itโ€™s impossible to avoid him since I run my farrier business out of the house heโ€™s now haunting. Everywhere I turn, I seem to find him, with his slow, easy smiles, and endless patience, no matter what I throw at himโ€”literally.

When push comes to shove and Iโ€™m in danger, Remi stands by me without question. His steady, surprisingly gentle presence softens me to him. Soon, a tentative friendship leads to a fiery passion neither of us saw coming.

Remi and I find solace and beauty in each other, but behind the picturesque facade of our small town lurks an ugliness. Someone doesnโ€™t like me having all that I do, and if they have their way, Iโ€™ll be left with nothing at all.

See It Through is a small town, western romance featuring the Kelly family. It can be read as a complete standalone, however this series is second generation. The Kelly kids’ parents are Lock and Elena, and their story starts in Sweet Like Poison. This is Hannah Kelly’s story.

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4h4gCT5

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dQuWMa

*****

Review:

I’ve only read a couple of Wolf’s books and like with those I really enjoyed her characters (but this time I never felt the need to give them a stern talking to). Hanna is dealing with grief, hurt from a broken relationship, and ADHD. But putting one foot in front of the other, she’s getting better. I appreciate how he recognizes things that are difficult or hurtful for her and has learned to handle them. She’s strong, sassy, and loving.

Remi is pretty dang awesome too. He understands all the various Kellys and why they react to him the way they do. He’s a good man but I do wish that he’d gotten some help with his issues. I think it would have been nice to make therapy more common for characters who have experienced the things he has. He’s got a lot to come to terms with and talking with a professional would go a long way. I mean, he’s awfully well adjusted for everything that’s happened to him.

While there is a romantic suspense element to the story, I don’t think it is a big enough part to truly satisfy someone looking for it. But readers do need to be aware because there is danger and mystery in the story. Just not a central part ๐Ÿ™‚ (There’s a few moments with the dialogue and the more … um, “flowery” moments that might not be everyone’s cuppa as well so just a couple of heads up things.)

I enjoyed it tho – the steam, the feels, and the supportive family & friends. From the few that I’ve read, Wolf’s writing is pretty on point. She delivers characters that have their issues, good points, and flaws. And while the story isn’t necessarily fast paced, it’s a satisfying trip as Remi and Hannah go from enemies to friends to lovers to more.

*****

Author Info:

Julia Wolf writes sexy rockers, broken bad boys, snarky heroines, and bad ass women. She’s a firm believer in happily ever afters, no matter how rocky the road is to get there.

Julia lives in Maryland with her husband and three crazy, beautiful children. When she’s not writing romance, she’s reading it. Some of her favorite things are, in no particular order: goats, books, coffee, and Target.

Connect with Julia

Website: http://juliawolfwrites.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17563191.Julia_Wolf

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Julia-Wolf/author/B078VDJ3Z1

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2086152844974595

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaIsWriting

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julia-wolf

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

~

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Spotlight – She’s a Wild One

12 Thursday Dec 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Kristen Proby, She's a Wild One, The Wilds of Montana series

She’s a Wild One

The Wilds of Montana series

by Kristen Proby

Blurb:

I have loved Millie Wild for more than eight years. Since that summer long ago when we were inseparable, stealing moments and keeping our love a secret.

And my girl has hated me for just as long.

When my father found out about my love for Millie, the daughter of the rival family next door, he threatened everything I love the most if I didnโ€™t let her go. My father didnโ€™t make idle threats.

So, I did the only thing I could to keep her safe: I made her hate me.

For eight long years, Iโ€™ve stayed away. But now, my monster of a father is dead and buried, and he couldnโ€™t help but stick it to me one more time by leaving a caveat in the will that stated in order to inherit whatโ€™s rightfully mine and my sistersโ€™, I have to marry and stay that way for one full year.

Thereโ€™s only one woman in the world that I would consider saying โ€œI doโ€ to.

Millie is happy with her life. She owns the local coffee shop and enjoys being with her family. I torture myself by visiting her coffee shop under the guise of needing caffeine. I deserve her glares and snarky comments. Every moment of pain, whether self-inflicted or from her, is mine to own. 

She deserves so much more than me and my baggage, standing on her doorstep, asking her to marry me. To help me.

But she says yes. Yes to one year of being mine, but I plan to show her that sheโ€™ll be mine until the stars fall from the sky.

With the name Lexington, I know that Iโ€™ve caused pain for not only Millie but the entire Wild family. Will I be able to convince my wild rose that Iโ€™m in love with her for all the right reasons? Or will the centuries-old family rivalry tear her away from me? For good, this time.

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Ylokkr

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U6BrmX

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

Audible: https://bit.ly/3ZImRp6
Narrated by: Sebastian York & Grace Grant

*****

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 – Baby Cakes

10 Tuesday Dec 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Baby Cakes, Bite series, S.J. Tilly, The Complete Bite Series

Baby Cakes

The Complete Bite Series

by S.J. Tilly

Blurb:

When a holiday baking competition goes incredibly wrong. Or rightโ€ฆ

Michael –

Iโ€™m starting to think Iโ€™ve been doing this for too long. The screaming fans. The constant media attention. The fat paychecks. None of it brings me the happiness I yearn for.

Yet here I am. Another year. Another holiday special. Another Christmas spent alone in a hotel room.

But then the lights go up. And I see her.

Alice –

Itโ€™s an honor to be a contestant, I know that. But right now it feels a little like punishment. Because any second Chef Michael Kesso, the man Iโ€™ve been in love with for years, the man who doesnโ€™t even know I exist, is going to walk onto the set, and it will be a miracle if I donโ€™t pass out at the sight of him.

But the time for doubts is over. Because Second Bite is about to start – โ€œin threeโ€ฆ twoโ€ฆ oneโ€ฆโ€

Read now for the full three part series!

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3YE6XLH

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://a.co/d/hUaOhkX

Audible: https://bit.ly/4iiG6Na
Narrated by: Gomez Pugh & Callie Dalton

*****

Author Info:

Like all her books, S.J. Tilly resides in the glorious state of Minnesota, where she was born and raised. To avoid the freezing cold winters, S.J. enjoys burying her head in books, whether to read them or write them or listen to them.

When she’s not busy writing her contemporary smut, she can be found lounging with her husband and their herd of rescue boxers. And when the weather permits she loves putting her compost to use in the garden, pretending to know what she’s doing. The neighbors may not like the flowery mayhem of her yard, but the bees sure do. And really, that’s more important.

Connect with S.J. Tilly

Website: https://www.sjtilly.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21212705.S_J_Tilly

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.J.-Tilly/author/B08WPK79SN

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJTillyAuthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@s.j.tilly.author

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/s-j-tilly

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

~

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Spotlight – Enticing

04 Wednesday Dec 2024

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Bella Matthews, Enticing

Enticing

by Bella Matthews

Blurb:

From USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Bella Matthews comes a Single Mom, Marriage Of Convenience, Hockey Romance.

Youโ€™d think a romance author would know better than to fall for her fake husband. Itโ€™s the oldest trope in the book . . . literally. But it turns out writing it and living it are two very different things.

The plan was enticingโ€”marry hockeyโ€™s hottest player so I could receive my inheritance and give my daughters the life they deserve. Iโ€™m already a single mom at twenty-fiveโ€”how hard could it be?

Well . . . the answer is harder than you think because Leo Sinclair is so much more than I bargained for. Six foot, four inches of toned muscle and golden skin wrapped around the most perfectly chiseled jaw and dangerously charming smile. I knew heโ€™d be hard to resist . . . but itโ€™s not just his looks that weaken my resolve.

Itโ€™s the way he wins over my daughters with ease.

The way he sees through my defenses and quiets my fears.

The way he says โ€œmy wifeโ€ like he means it.

Suddenly, this arrangement doesnโ€™t feel so fake. And Iโ€™m no longer sure which of us is playing pretend.

But when love wasnโ€™t part of the deal, will saying โ€œI doโ€ turn out to be his biggest regretโ€”or mine?

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3XSNIwd

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

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

*****

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 – Winnie Takes Paris

30 Saturday Nov 2024

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Book Review, Lane Hayes, Love and Travel series, Winnie Takes Paris

Winnie Takes Paris

Love and Travel, Book 2

by Lane Hayes

Length: 54,000 words

Series:Genre: Contemporary

Tropes: Age-Gap, Opposites Attract, Humor, RomCom, Travel Romance.

Heat: 5 out of 5

Blurb:

The fabulous stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventureโ€ฆ

Winnie

Hey, I donโ€™t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and style guru in LA. The only worrisome snag is that the professor is determined to do everything on his own.

Not acceptable. Iโ€™m here to help the impossibly smart geek with mismatched socks who just happens to be my best friendโ€™s boss.

Alistair

Paris calls. And somehow, I have a new temporary assistant. 

Winnie is a technicolor, whirlwind American with a wicked laugh and the subtlety of a steamroller. Heโ€™s brash and ridiculous andโ€ฆfunny, warm, lovely, andโ€”

Oh no. 

Winnie can take Paris, but he canโ€™t take my heart.

Winnie Takes Paris is an MM romantic comedy featuring a fabulous diva, a nerdy professor, and the Parisian adventure of a lifetime!

AVAILABLE NOW: https://getbook.at/WinnieTakesParis

*****

Review:

Oh my goodness, I couldn’t have loved these two together more! Winnie is fabulous and outrageous and so dang joyous. He loudly embraces life with energy & enthusiasm, finding delight in things big and small. He may be feeling a little down lately but he’s not going to let it defeat him, instead uses it as an opportunity to revamp himself.

And that radiance is a great foil for Alistair who tends to get caught up in his work and forget the rest of the world even exists. Winnie lets him for a little while but soon has him out seeing the sights of Paris, while getting to know each other. He may not know what Winnie sees in him at first but it doesn’t take him long to fall under Winnie’s spell, just like us.

Winnie Takes Paris is full of heat, humor, and heart. These two couldn’t be more different but complement each other so well – Alistair supports Winnie when he has doubts and Winnie reminds him that there is more to life than his studies. We could all do with someone who matches with us that well.

~

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Review – The Beautiful Mess

30 Saturday Nov 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Aimee Nicole Walker, Book Review, Redemption Ridge series, The Beautiful Mess

The Beautiful Mess

Redemption Ridge Book Six

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Blurb:

A heroic, sworn bachelor risks his neck to save lives, but his heart needs a daring rescue.

Kerry likes his beer cold, his coffee hot, and sex without strings. Running an emergency response crew takes up most of his time, and he reserves the rest for his family. Besides, heโ€™s experienced enough heartache for two lifetimes and isnโ€™t looking for more misery. Kerryโ€™s carefully crafted peace shatters when he meets Keegan, a hazel-eyed hottie and his brotherโ€™s new friend.

Falling for Kerry is a collision waiting to happen, but Keegan canโ€™t resist the heroic hunkโ€™s charm. Smoldering eyes and wicked grins tempt Keegan to go flat-out, even when heโ€™s barreling toward a dead end. Rejection is the last thing his newfound confidence needs, but the crash might be worth the risk if Kerryโ€™s there to give him mouth-to-mouth.

A crowded bar. A slow song. Months of mutual pining reach a fever pitch, and the invitation is out of Kerryโ€™s mouth before he can stop it. Three minutes. Two battered hearts. One dance that changes everything.

Brick by brick, Kerry and Keegan dismantle the walls around their hearts to build something beautiful together. But old habits die hard, and traumas are slow to heal. Their love will either be the most beautiful gift or the messiest mistake.

The Beautiful Mess is book six in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. The Beautiful Mess contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

Universal Link

Add on Goodreads

*****

Review:

While it really isn’t necessary to read any of the other books in the series to enjoy this one, returning readers are going to love how far Keegan has come and that he gets to explore his attraction to Kerry. He’s finally at the point in his recovery that he’s starting to embrace himself fully, not without some self-doubt and thanks to the support of those that love, but he’s getting there. He’s worked so hard for this and been thru so much that it makes this story so much sweeter.

Kerry has also been struggling after his sister’s murder and the death of his father. He’s never quite worked thru them and it’s colored all of his relationships in the decades since. He’s a stand up guy but one that isn’t willing to open himself up to others … until Keegan. He doesn’t handle things well once his heart starts getting involved but that’s to be expected. And when he steps up he goes all in!

Every time I think I’ve found my favorite of Walker’s couples a new book comes along and I fall all over again. Once we get over the back and forth of Kerry struggling with his feelings, these two are adorable together. Unfortunately we only get snippets (like their first date) but I’m only upset because they are so sweet and how come we can’t have more of that? Unlike some of the previous stories we don’t get a lot of a suspense element, but I didn’t really miss it and just enjoyed the more intimate look of two guys trying to find their footing together.

(There’s an end of the year novella coming soon and I’m ready to get my hands on it. The sooner the better because Sven is going to be ah-some!)

~

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Review – Misadventures of a Bookworm

30 Saturday Nov 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Kathleen Brooks, Misadventures of a Bookworm, Paige Turner series

Misadventures of a Bookworm

Paige Turner series #2

by Kathleen Brooks

Release Date: November 15

Blurb:

From bookworm to main character . . . with several mishaps in-between.

Paige Turner is ready to jump back into the New Yearโ€™s Resolution she made with her book club to use the heroines from her romance books to lose her V-card. She said fate would tell her if she should continue, and fate sent in the Marines. Only this time, Paige has a lot more riding on her resolution than just her virginity.

The resolution wasnโ€™t simply a romance genre and trope checklist. It was to embody all the things Paige had learned from the heroines in her favorite books. That included the confidence it took to go after what she really wanted, inside and outside the bedroom. Now, Paige is on the cusp of achieving her dream job and possibly living out the billionaire boss fantasy. That is if she doesnโ€™t end up in the emergency room where the sexy and flirtatious doctor is. Or if the hot cop doesnโ€™t have to ride to her rescue . . . again.

Paige is in for the misadventures of a lifetime, from enemies to lovers, an encounter with the mafia, meeting firefighters, Paigeโ€™s chance at her own Regency romance, and an encounter with a sexy strangerโ€”a stranger who is hard to forget. Paigeโ€™s time to fulfill her resolution is getting shorter, but will these misadventures lead her closer to her own heart, desires, and happily ever after?

Buy Link:

https://kathleen-brooks.com/books/misadventures-of-a-bookworm

*****

Review:

Brooks continues all the hijinks and fun from Adventures of a Bookworm and I’m here for every moment. It looks like Paige’s adventures will find their resolution at the end of the next book, but as readers have come to expect it isn’t going to be smooth sailing for our heroine. And as with the first book, she meets fantastic new people and gets into one hilarious situation after another.

Paige’s friends, old and new, are an eclectic group – from a dom billionaire to a furry real estate agent, Paige brings them all together with love & acceptance and they repay her in kind. Her openness and willingness to try new things is delightful … and leads to more than one mishap.

I will admit that there were a few times where I wasn’t thrilled with the direction things took but Brooks is a skilled writer and had me back on board within just a few pages. She delivers quirky fun, humorous moments, and a surprising amount of growth. Is it realistic? No. Is it entertaining? Oh, yes! I am so glad I found this delightful little rom-com. I’m not usually a fan of books that have a cliffhanger but for Paige I’m more than willing and looking forward to more.

*****

Author Info:

Kathleen Brooks is a multiple time New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleenโ€™s stories are romantic suspense mostly set in small fictional towns. Kathleen loves writing about strong female heroines, the men who love them, quirky characters, funny animals, strong communities, sassy octogenarians, and happily-ever-afters.

Kathleen lives in Kentucky with her husband, daughter, and dog who is waiting to make her appearance in one of her books. When not writing, Kathleen always finds time to enjoy reading a good book.

Connect with Kathleen Brooks:

https://kathleen-brooks.com

~

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Review – Hard to Break

26 Tuesday Nov 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Denver Kodiaks series, Hard to Break, Piper Lawson

Hard to Break

Denver Kodiaks #3

by Piper Lawson

Blurb:

My teammateโ€™s little sister is all Iโ€™ve ever wanted. Now Iโ€™ll do whatever it takes to keep her.

Iโ€™ve loved her in secret for years. I kept her safe from the sidelines, even though I knew better.

Everyone knows me as the good times guy, the player with a million dollar smile. Never taking anything too seriously.

Except for her.

Sheโ€™s my end game. Iโ€™d sacrifice anything for Brooke, but my choices risk my team and the future of the Denver Kodiaks.

The past never forgets and Iโ€™m about to play for my life.

The world might count me out, but I wonโ€™t go down without a fight. I have my team at my back and the girl of my dreams on the line.

Everyoneโ€™s going to learn Iโ€™m hard to break.

Hard to Break is a pro basketball romance with banter, spice, and all the swoony vibes! Itโ€™s the third and final book in the Denver Kodiaks series. Miles and Brookeโ€™s addictive story begins in Hard to Fake and continues in Hard to Take.

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

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WU2QZS

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3YJO1LY

Nook: https://bit.ly/4dRXjtF

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3CFjMNf

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3MdgdzB

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yKlZFH

Start the Denver Kodiak series now with Hard to Fake!

https://bit.ly/3WJmCr6

*****

Review:

I enjoyed the heck out of Miles & Brooke’s journey. He’s so supportive of her – helping her when she needs it, making sure that everyone knows how amazing she is, and taking delight in her successes. Big ol’ cinnamon roll and I’m here for the way he loves. She’s there to show him support as well, cheering him on and believing in him. Both are coming into their own, with him stepping up as a leader of the team and her finding a path that fulfills her and makes her happy.

But as much as I love them and was super excited to see them find that HEA, I did have a few issues. I felt like there needed to be a bit more to address the issues Jay had with the pair together, even if just a heartfelt conversation to address it. And with everything coming at Miles, I felt like everyone should have shown him more support than they did. For them to be so close, there needed to be a little less doubt. And while I understand Brooke’s issues, this was about him and he needed both her & the guys during that time.

Lawson wraps things up so well, tying up everything in a way that had me grinning (well, more of a smirk than a grin) and I’m so excited to see what she has in store next. Looks like it’s going to be Chloe and Jay, lots of secrets waiting to be revealed ๐Ÿ™‚

*****

Author Info:

Piper Lawson is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of smart and steamy romance.

She writes women who follow their dreams, best friends who know your dirty secrets and love you anyway, and complex heroes you’ll fall hard for.

Piper lives in Canada with her tall and brilliant husband. She’s a sucker for dark eyes, dark coffee, and dark chocolate. 

Connect with Piper

Website: https://www.piperlawsonbooks.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13680088.Piper_Lawson

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

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

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

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

~

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