Category Archives: Book Review

Review – Better Than Most

05 Thursday Oct 2023

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From Amazon Charts bestselling author Jennifer Millikin comes a brother’s best friend, second chance romance filled with heart, heat, and humor.

Better Than Most

by Jennifer Millikin

Blurb:

Back then? They were great together.
Now? They could be even better.

Rhodes Porter.

A name Georgia Whittier would prefer never cross her lips again. Not only was her older brother’s best friend her first love, her first everything, but he broke her heart for a reason she still hasn’t fully accepted. To make it worse, Georgia couldn’t properly nurse her broken heart, because nobody knew about the love affair.

A decade has passed, and Georgia is all grown up. She’s twenty-seven, a college graduate who had a real world job. Had. Her small hometown of Green Haven isn’t flush with teaching jobs, but she knew that when she moved back home. She’s making ends meet with odd jobs, and has rediscovered her old love of West Coast swing dancing. Life isn’t great, but it’s good enough.

Until Rhodes returns to Green Haven. For good.

As much as Georgia would prefer to banish him from her life, she can’t. See: Brother’s best friend. Now Rhodes is everywhere. Her brother’s wedding. At a family barbecue. On the sidewalk across the street while Georgia waits in line at the post office.

And that broken heart Georgia thought had healed? It hasn’t. Because Rhodes is just like before. Better, even.

Georgia is determined to keep Rhodes at arm’s length, even when he’s buying her blackberry orange jam at the Sierra Grande farmer’s market. Even when he’s holding eye contact a beat too long. Especially when she finds out the old note she wrote him is still sewn into the brim of his baseball hat.

The hat he still wears.

Every day it gets more difficult for Georgia to refuse her heart.
But if what Georgia wants is a reason not to fall in love with Rhodes again, she need look no further.

Rhodes is holding onto it. All these years he’s kept the truth of why he left her a secret, but secrets have a way of revealing themselves.

And this one? It’s a doozy.

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/42EFfNG

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*****

Review:

There’s just something about charming small town romances that makes them a delight to read. They inevitably have an entertaining supporting cast and quirky moments, and Millikin’s latest firmly lands in that category. She balances heartbreaking moments with lightheartedness as Georgia and Rhodes dance around each other, facing their past and figuring out a future.

Rhodes leads with his heart and it makes him a delightful book boyfriend, and while Georgia starts out being controlled by her hurt, it doesn’t take long for their feelings to overcome their pain. I do feel like Georgia was suddenly “OK, I’m over it. Let’s be friends” which just didn’t mesh with the attitude that she’d been expressing up to that point. I think maybe if there had been a little more discussion, even within her inner monologue, it would have been just a little better.

Overall, though, Millikin’s newest is a low angst and sweet second chance romance that leaves readers with a satisfying HEA.

(Some characters from other stories make an appearance but this story can stand on its own.)

*****

Author Info:

Jennifer Millikin is a bestselling author of fifteen contemporary romance and women’s fiction novels. She is the two-time recipient of the Readers Favorite Gold Star Award, and readers have called her work “emotionally riveting” and “unputdownable”. 

Following a viral TikTok video with over fourteen million views, Jennifer’s third novel, Our Finest Hour, has been optioned for TV/Film. She lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, children, and Liberty, her Labrador retriever.

Connect with Jennifer

Website: https://www.jennifermillikinwrites.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jennifermillikin

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0161EZ30K

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~

Review – Cinder

03 Tuesday Oct 2023

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Cinder

Men of Inked: Heatwave #13

by Chelle Bliss

Blurb:

From USA Today bestselling Author Chelle Bliss comes a sexy, opposites attract, friends to lover romance. 

Olive Thornbury only had one crush in high school, and his name was Asher Gallo. She was smitten with him from the first time she had laid eyes on him. But instead of acting on how she felt, she kept her nose stuck in a book, finding safety in the words rather than emotions.

Asher had never thought of Olive as anything more than a friend. She was aloof, preferring to read books. instead of spending time with her friends. And when she moved away almost a decade ago, their friendship quickly disintegrated.

But when Olive returns to visit a local university, she never expected to run into a very grown up and even more handsome Asher. And what starts off as a rekindling of an old friendship turns into a fiery relationship.

Do the opposites have enough in common to go the distance? Or will their combustible chemistry cause the flames to turn everything into cinders?

Goodreads: https://geni.us/cinder-gr

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

Amazon: https://geni.us/cinder-zon

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3wg4yrD

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Kobo: https://geni.us/cinder-kobo

Google Play: https://geni.us/cinder-gp

*****

Review:

I’ve only read one other book by Bliss (earlier this summer actually) and it had a bit of a different feel than this one. With Never Too Soon, the characters had an initial connection but they spend some time deciding whether they want to act on it. Cinder on the other hand is very much an insta-love story and then we see how that plays out.

Asher runs into Olive in a parking lot after not seeing each other for about a decade. While they were in the same circle as kids, Olive moved away at 16 but is now back to go to graduate school. His grandma, in all of her meddling glory apparently, pushes him to invite her to a get together they are having that day and … well, the rest is history. Before the party breaks up they’ve pretty much have decided to live happily ever after together. Not having read the rest of the series, I’m not sure if this is normal for this group but from the reviews I think that it might have been surprising to some readers. So just a warning in case that isn’t your kinda of thing 🙂

I liked the characters, individually and together, so I didn’t mind so much. I just went “oh-kay” and then accepted it. It’s not overly realistic but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. There are a few bumps in the road but for the most part their relationship is drama free, sweet, and enjoyable.

While the book can stand on its own, I kinda wish I’d read more in the series because I would have liked to have known Asher a bit better going in and his whole clan is fantastic together so I would have loved to have more of that. Their interactions are full of love and humor, teasing and support, and the occasional butt-kicking when it’s needed. Olive didn’t have that growing up and I’m happy that she finally gets that with Asher’s family.

I get the idea (granted it’s based on a whopping two book of her’s that I’ve read) that Bliss might be for a particular audience. Not everyone is going to enjoy a slow burn romance, whether it starts with insta-love or a little more caution, but I think that if that’s your thing her characters will be enough to keep you coming back.

*****

Author Info:

Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.

She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.

Connect with Chelle

Website: menofinked.com 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7164384.Chelle_Bliss

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chelle-Bliss/e/B00FIPAHYQ/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchellebliss1

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

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Text BLISS to 24587

~

Review – Something Like Hate

26 Tuesday Sep 2023

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Something Like Hate

Chicago Grizzlies #1

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

I love him.

I loathe him.

It’s like plucking daisy petals in my head, but he’ll never know.

When Miles Cavanaugh, the best safety in the league, was traded to the Chicago Grizzlies football team last year, I could finally breathe. Temptation was miles away.

How naïve to think it would end there because when the opportunity to write for a national magazine based in Chicago lands in my lap months later, I can’t turn it down. Sure, it’s a big city, but the sexual energy feels like a beacon between us the minute my plane lands. 

To make matters worse, I end up having to take over the job of reporting exclusively on the Chicago Grizzlies. Which means traveling with the team, interviewing players, and pretty much having an all-access pass to their lives during the season. 

Miles and I put up a great front, quickly hating on one another, but we both know it’s a lie. We also know the rules are simple. For me, don’t sleep with the subject of your articles. For him, don’t sleep with the journalist who can make or break your career.

I thought straight-laced Miles Cavanaugh followed all the rules… oh how wrong I was.

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

https://books2read.com/slhate
Audio Narrated by: Tim Paige & Stefanie Kay

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3EUnSiU

*****

Review:

I have to say I really wished they’d found some way to get Miles and Bryce a story without moving him to Chicago. I felt so bad for him, having to leave his friends (yeah, I understand the reality of the sport but this is a work of fiction), and I don’t quite feel like they gave him a connection with the new team to replace that just yet. It helps to amplify his issues, especially with Bryce’s articles, but I like him so much I just wish he’d been treated a little better 🙂

Having said that, I enjoyed this story a lot more than I thought I would. I don’t know why the way these two fight never appealed to me in the Kingsmen stories but I should have remembered that Piper Rayne writes a dang good story and I just needed to have faith. Their characters are a delight to read and the stories flow so smoothly to endings that always make me so happy.

Returning readers know that there had to be more to Miles & Bryce’s bickering so it’s satisfying to finally get our answers. And Bryce proves to be just as feisty as we knew she’d be, as well as troubled by her past. It will take a patient man to break through her barriers and luckily Miles is just the guy to do it.

With fun & spicy banter, plenty of sexy times, and moments that deliver the feels, Something Like Hate is a satisfying conclusion to an old series and a good start to a new series. I’m so looking forward to getting to know the rest of the Grizzlies!

(Can be read as a stand alone but will probably be better enjoyed having read the Kingsmen series to really get a feel for Miles & Bryce’s history.)

*****

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/

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~

Review – A Boy Called Rainbow

25 Monday Sep 2023

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A Boy Called Rainbow

by Robin Knight

Blurb:

Love comes in all colors…

Art evaluator Miles Tate is finally about to start living his dream… that is if he can get the funding in place to open his own art gallery in New York. But when an unexpected turn of events finds every one of Miles’ perfectly-planned dreams turned upside-down, it’s time to escape Manhattan and reluctantly take up a well-paid job in the tiny seaside town of Hope’s Bluff, Georgia. For Miles, it’s his only chance to make some money, claw back what little dignity he has left, and figure out what the hell to do with his life.

But evaluating the art collection of a deceased estate isn’t made easy by the grandson of the dearly departed in question. Indeed, the young man who calls himself Rainbow is a hot-tempered, hotter-than-hell artist whose secrets run deep and passions run raw. He is talented, troubled, tempestuous and deaf… and possibly the one person who can save Miles from his own heartache.

Can Miles finish the job he’s been paid to do… or will two opposites find that they have more in common than they first imagined? Can the pair of them find the strength in each other to rebuild their lives… or will the traumas of their pasts drive them both away? Will Miles turn his back on the handsome, hurt, artistic genius he’s stumbled upon… or will he finally find true love in the arms of a Boy Called Rainbow?

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*****

Excerpt:

Instead, I tried to compose myself, watching as he squeezed paint onto the palette and began mixing colors together. 

An intense focus overcame his handsome features, his brow creasing, eyebrows dancing in deep concentration as he conjured up tones and textures until he was happy with the colors he’d created. Then he began to paint. He lathered the brush and took to the canvas like a man at the whim of a spirited muse. He made strokes both large and small. His eyes looked from my reclining body to the canvas and back again. Occasionally he switched tools, biting the brush between his teeth as he grabbed a spatula and slathered thick gobs of paint onto the canvas, before switching back to his brush. At times he abandoned the tools altogether, using his strong hands, his dextrous fingers, to smear and dab the paint before wiping his hands on his chest and abs, unwittingly turning his torso into an artwork of its own. 

The vision of this beautiful, naked artist at work— the sight of his talent unfurling from his hands, his creative genius spilling onto the canvas— made me want him more desperately than ever before. My cock ached. My lungs burned as I tried to calm my heaving chest. I clenched my fists and he noticed, gesturing for me to loosen my hands and relax my fingers.
I did as I was told, counting down the seconds until the painting was done.

As soon as he was finished, he stepped back— his cock still hard, his brow beaded with sweat, his belly panting with the physical efforts of his creativity— and looked from the canvas to me and back again once more.

He added several feathery brushstrokes to complete his work.

Then, after putting down the brush and palette, he took the canvas and spun it around for me to see.

I hadn’t really looked at myself— I mean, really looked at myself— in years. Practically the only reason I looked in the mirror at all in the mornings was to tie my bowtie and make sure my hair didn’t look like a bird’s nest. I suppose after being run out of home all those years ago, I didn’t really see much reason to look too long into the eyes of a man who could be so easily rejected by those who were supposed to love him the most.

But as I looked at the portrait of myself that Rainbow had so masterfully conceived— his eyes capturing a vision of myself I had never dreamed of, his hands so skilfully sowing the seeds of his creativity— I saw something in myself that I hadn’t seen in a long, long time… if ever.

The dazzling colors made me bold.

The rough strokes and fearless use of textures made me defiant. 

The rawness of my naked body made me brave. 

I saw a confidence in myself I almost didn’t recognize.

I saw uniqueness. 

I saw beauty. 

And all I could wonder was— had Rainbow used his paints to create my portrait… or unravel my mask of insecurity?

I stood from the chaise lounge and walked slowly up to Rainbow’s work of art, my eyes fixed, my heart spellbound.

“This is me?” At first the words came out as a question, but as he gave me the painting and I took it in my hands, the question mark vanished. “This is me.”

*****

Review:

The villains in the story were a bit … over the top. Rainbow’s brother might as well be twirling his mustache and cackling (he does stroke his goatee, does that count?). The family has an almost fanatical hatred of Rainbow and Franklin is set on taking everything away from him now that their grandmother has died. It’s a little much and might come across as cartoonish for some but it is a vehicle to bring the mains together and team up with some of the more quirky townsfolk.

I do wish we’d gotten Rainbow’s perspective, get an idea of his feelings about his family as well as his feelings towards Miles. I think that he’d have a unique voice and also it would help readers feel like he’s participating fully in what happens. But being a single POV we have to infer a lot and it’s a bit of a missed opportunity.

I do like Miles. He’s a little frumpy in his personality but he’s got a good heart. The effort he puts into his relationship with Rainbow, to helping him and understanding him, is sweet. It may be a little fast, especially with how his last relationship imploded, but if you go into it knowing there’s a bit of insta-love I think it’ll be more enjoyable.

With quirky characters, outrageously vile villains, and a touch of magic thanks to Rainbow’s grandmother, A Boy Called Rainbow isn’t going to be for everyone. But I think that it’ll definitely be a hit with the right audience.

*****

Author Info:

Robin Knight is the author of gay fiction novels, novellas, and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense, and gay comedies.

The heroes of Robin’s books love to spend their time jumping off the page, stumbling through misadventures, and falling in love.

Robin has worked in advertising, politics, journalism, and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories.

Website – www.authorrobinknight.com
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robin-Knight/author/B002F89TV6?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
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*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of A Boy Called Rainbow, Robin is giving away an e-copy of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – Tempting the Player

19 Tuesday Sep 2023

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Tempting the Player

Campus Wallflowers series

by Rebecca Jenshak

Blurb:

He’s the last guy I should fall for.

Valley U was supposed to be my fresh start after I escaped the glitz and glam of Hollywood.

I didn’t want to be the former child star who graced TV screens across the world.

I wanted to feel normal.

When the same hot guy runs past my off-campus house every day, I assume he’s another college student.

When he protects me from boys who still think of me as the character from their teenage dreams, I think he is being kind.

When my past comes back to haunt me, he makes me feel safe.

I’m falling hard and fast for a guy I barely know.

Until I realize my mysterious new crush has a secret.

He was hired to be my undercover bodyguard.

Download today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3q9LVFO
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TemptingPlayer

Audio: https://geni.us/TmptngthePlyrAudio
Narrated by: Jacob Morgan & Ava Erickson

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3q4vOJV

*****

Review:

This is the second of this series that I’ve read and I enjoyed it just as much – Jenshak has definitely converted me to a reader of new adult romances. I will say there were a few moments that stretched reality just a little, mostly around Hendrick’s career, but the writing is so smooth and the characters are so charming that I just didn’t care.

Hendrick and Jane are adorable together. They are flirty and fun – Jane with her upbeat take on life and Hendrick’s with his broody sexiness. Her safety issues have them spending a lot of time together quickly which has them falling fast, not insta but close, however it works here. Jane works well with both Hendrick and his life that it feels right.

I do wish we’d gotten more of the girls together, because I remember that was one of my favorite parts of the other book. But I feel like Jenshak makes up for it with the brother dynamic. I’m really hoping this is her way of introducing us to the next series because these guys are all the feels with how they support each other and do what they can to handle all the things that life has handed them. With Jane there as a badly needed feminine touch and outside voice, it’s just a heart squeeze to see them come together.

The mystery of who is threatening Jane is a lesser concern over the romance and family dynamic but I feel like it was well done and I believed the person could have done it. I think if that was something important to you as a plot point then you might be disappointed in how it wasn’t more of a focus but if you are coming at it as a romance with a little bit of a suspense for drama then I think you’re good 🙂

Looking forward to what Jenshak has in store next (and hoping it has one of Hendrick’s brothers getting his HEA).

*****

Author Info:

Rebecca Jenshak is a USA Today bestselling author of new adult and sports romance. She writes sexy, feel-good stories with lots of swoon-worthy moments.

Rebecca lives in Arizona. When she isn’t writing, you can find her cheering on local sports teams, hanging out with friends and family, or curled up with a good book.

Sign up for her newsletter to be notified of new releases: https://rebeccajenshak.com/newsletter/

Website: https://www.rebeccajenshak.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16681160.Rebecca_Jenshak

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Jenshak/e/B074F258NP/

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

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rebecca-jenshak

~

Review – The Summer I Saved You

14 Thursday Sep 2023

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The Summer I Saved You

The Summer Series #2

by Elizabeth O’Roark

Blurb:

CALEB

I came to the lake to be left alone, to lick my wounds. I wasn’t counting on neighbors and I especially wasn’t counting on her.

Lucie was a little kid the last time I was here. Now she’s grown—and God, did she ever grow up—with two young kids of her own.

She’s everywhere I look, no matter how hard I try to avoid her. I’d forgotten all the things I used to want, used to dream about. She’s reminding me…and making me want every last one of them again.

LUCIE

From the moment I first saw Caleb when I was six, I knew he belonged to me. And I knew I’d have to save him—because how else does the girl nobody wants win over the boy beloved by all?

Nothing about his life or mine has gone to plan. He’s isolated and miserable. I’ve got a vindictive ex and more problems than I can count.

But what hasn’t changed is this: it still feels like he’s mine.

And I still think I may need to save him.

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/44yL3do

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

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Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3qg50Ha

*****

Review:

This one is listed as “an Angsty, Single Parent Romance” on Goodreads and it’s not a lie. There’s SO much drama going on here. Lucie’s ex is quite the piece of work. He’s controlling and manipulative and pretty much a horrid human being. He doesn’t really care for her or their kids and shows it every way possible, but he also can’t stand to lose so he’s not going away. It leads to more than one moment of trouble.

Caleb has never really recovered from a few traumatic events in his past. They’ve made him hard and detached and sometimes pretty self-absorbed & crappy. He’s a terrible boss, which has caused some retention issues, which is where Lucie comes in as the newest hire at his company.

While I feel like Lucie gives Caleb more than he sometimes deserves, I found myself liking him just because she does. She’s had a terrible childhood, unloved and ignored, and just as bad young adulthood but she’s resilient and so very obviously loves her kids. It makes her appealing as a character and I felt compelled to keep reading to make sure she finally gets a HEA she deserves.

But I do feel like both of the characters could probably have done with some therapy. There is a lot of hurt on both sides and I don’t know that they properly address them. I do have hope for them though and feel a lot of that is due to O’Roark’s depiction of them. I’m curious to see what else she can do.

(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. In fact, I didn’t even realize it was the second book until today.)

*****

Author Info:

Elizabeth O’Roark spent many years as a medical writer before publishing her first novel in 2013. She holds bachelor’s degrees in journalism and arts from the University of Texas, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Notre Dame. She is the recipient of the 2017 IBPA gold medal for romance. She lives in Washington DC with her three children. 

Website: www.elizabethoroark.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7233016.Elizabeth_O_Roark

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-ORoark/e/B00EPGPGW2/

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/763175423764640/

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~


Review – You, Again

08 Friday Sep 2023

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You, Again

The Elmwood Stories #1

by Lane Hayes

Blurb:

The hometown hockey hero and his best friend’s brother…

Vinnie

Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.

So I’m going home to Elmwood.

But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.

That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.

And that’s almost as scary as coaching teens.

Nolan

No, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.

He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.

So maybe my life isn’t particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.

And I’m not coaching with him. No way.

Ugh…

I can’t believe I’m doing this again.

You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friend’s brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA!

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*****

Excerpt:

Vinnie set a twenty on the table and stood. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“It’s on the house,” I insisted, pushing the money toward him.

“No, no. I support local businesses. Keep the change.”

His over-the-top wink practically begged me to roll my eyes, but I had more to say. We had to clear the air…at least a little.

“Um…hey, even if you don’t make it through summer, your presence alone is good for business for the whole town. ‘NHL Hero Comes Home’ and all that bullshit. If you don’t mind the attention, and I’m assuming you don’t—come help out at the rink. It’s easy and fun. You won’t regret it.”

Vinnie rubbed his scruffy jaw thoughtfully. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

I smiled tentatively and raised my hand for a high five. “Great.”

“But only if you’re my assistant.”

“What?” I pulled my hand away before he could slap it, furrowing my brow. “No way. Gavin is perfectly capable of—”

“Nope. It has to be you.”

I frowned. “Why?”

“ ’Cause…” Vinnie blew out an exasperated breath. “I want to fix this. Me and you. And I can’t do that if you ignore me.”

And just like that, the invisible wall between us shook in its foundation.

“We’re fine,” I bluffed.

Vinnie arched a brow. “You’re mad at me. I know why, and I get it. We don’t have to go into it now, but at the very least, we should call a truce ’cause if we’re working with impressionable teens, you really oughtta be nice to me, Moore.”

My mouth opened in a perfect O. “I’ve been perfectly civil to you. More civil than you deserve, Kiminski.”

“See? That wasn’t nice,” he teasingly scolded. “I can’t believe I’m the voice of reason here.”

I fixed him with a bored sardonic stare. “You are never the voice of reason.”

“I kind of am now.”

“No, you aren’t.”

“Yes, I am.”

“No, you—oh, my God.” I pointed at the door. “Good-bye, Vinnie.”

He snickered, flashing a lopsided devil-may-care grin my way. “Wait up. Let’s seal the deal on this truce.”

“Oh, brother.”

“I’m serious. Let’s shake hands, hug it out, kiss and make up, or all of the above.”

I regarded his outstretched hand suspiciously and cautiously slid my palm against his. “Fine. Truce.”

“See, that didn’t sound friendly. You ruined it. Gimme a hug,” he demanded, pulling me into a bear hug, squeezing me hard enough to crack a rib.

I let out an oomph of surprise and tried to wriggle out of his hold. He took the hint and loosened his grip. I knew it was all in good fun or at least meant to playfully rile me up, but when he bent to kiss my cheek, I turned my head just as he swooped in and bam! Our lips collided in an actual, honest-to-God kiss.

A fucking kiss.

I couldn’t speak for Vinnie, but I was too shocked to move.

We’d been here before.

Sure, it had been almost twenty years ago, but I was positive neither of us was looking for a repeat. I certainly wasn’t. Any second now, he’d back up, swipe his hand across his mouth and make some ridiculous joke to right the balance. But he didn’t.

He softened his lips and molded them to mine, tilting his chin as if testing a new angle. And suddenly, this felt real.

Oh, no.

Oh…no.

I pushed out of his arms, sucking in a gulp of air.

Holy shit.

My heart beat like a drum, and my mouth was bone dry.

“I think—I think we’re good now,” I rasped.

Vinnie’s shell-shocked expression gave way to something unreadable. He scratched his nape and stepped aside.

“Yeah. Uh…what time is practice?”

“Thursday at three.”

He nodded and tried a smile that never reached his eyes. “Cool. See ya, Nol.”

I froze in place as the door swung shut behind him, willing my heartbeat to calm the fuck down.

Did that happen?

It wasn’t real. I knew that, but he didn’t pull away. He lingered, he pressed closer, he…he kissed me.

Reality check: Vinnie was a notorious prankster. He was always doing something to push boundaries—make you laugh, make you mad, make you stop taking life so damned seriously. Silly was his fallback language. If lighthearted pranks and teasing kept some uncomfortable parts of the past at bay, I was all for it.

But I was still confused. Very confused.

*****

Review:

I’m going to say straight up that I’m pretty sure the reason I didn’t like this one as much as the other books by Lane Hayes that I’ve read is … me. I just didn’t like Vinnie as a character. He’s one of those overgrown guy’s guys that just irritates me to no end. He’s in his late 30s, still giving people noogies, playing practical jokes, and acts the class clown. Not that I’m against people having fun but that’s not my idea of fun and that colored my reading of the book. I get that he’s got a lot of issues – from his mother’s death to his father’s absentee parenting to coming to grips with his future and sexuality. But I just couldn’t let the rest go to really invest in him. When he was more serious, though, I definitely could see the appeal.

On the other hand, I loved Nolan. He’s a pillar of the community and his family, a fabulously loving & supportive uncle, and once he gets over the way things ended between them he’s there for Vinnie too. Even knowing it most likely means another broken heart.

I always enjoy Hayes’s writing — she gives readers robust characters (even when they aren’t my type), compelling stories, and satisfying HEAs. And I’m definitely excited to see what happens next – the little teaser with JC has me impatient to see him and Riley together. This one character being not my favorite in no way reflects on Hayes and her skills, it’s just a me thing.

*****

Author Info:

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayes3/
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayesauthor/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lane_haye

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of You, Again, Lane is giving away the Winner’s choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****

Review – Bad Pucking Timing

05 Tuesday Sep 2023

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Bad Pucking Timing

Colorado Bulldogs, Book 1

by Michele Lenard

Blurb:

The ice is my happy place. My sanctuary. The source of my happiest memories, and the promise of my future. It’s also the reason I’m living a lie.

As a kid you don’t think about the sacrifices you’ll have to make for your dreams. After all, dreams are supposed to be happy, so all you see is the finish line, not what you’ll have to give up to get there.

I surrendered a carefree childhood to hours upon hours of grueling practices. Abandoned life with my family in favor of a boarding school that would hone my skills to perfection. But my biggest sacrifice, the one I couldn’t predict I’d have to make as a little boy, is denying who I am.

To the world I’m the top rookie in this year’s NHL draft. The most promising defender the league has seen in years. For years that’s all I wanted to be, and now that I’m here…

I knew my career would intersect with my personal life at some point, I just didn’t expect it to happen before I played my first pro game.

That’s why he is so dangerous. My lifelong dream is within reach, and now there’s another I want to pursue. If only it weren’t such bad pucking timing.

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*****

Excerpt:

“What’s your address?” I change the subject, pulling my phone from my pocket to open my contacts. “I need to get an Uber back to my car.”

“Uh, uh. No address until I get your phone number.” He smiles triumphantly around a mouthful of coffee.

“Didn’t Tripp already give you my information so you could deliver me home last night? Which you clearly didn’t do.” I make a show of looking at the room around me.

Niko rubs the bridge of his nose. “He gave me your address, which I lost while I was trying to copy it in the Uber app, so no.”

“Typical jock.” I can’t stop the corner of my lip from ticking up as I shake my head. 

“Don’t avoid the subject,” he barks. “Phone number, or you’re walking. And stop pretending you don’t like jocks.”

“I don’t.”

“You like me.”

“I tolerate you.” I drink my coffee to disguise what I’m pretty sure is a grin.

“You tolerate hockey. You like me. That smile you’re trying to hide says so.” He crosses his arms in front of his broad chest with a proud smirk.

I look at him from under hooded eyes. “Still not fucking you, Nikolas.” Flirting yes, fucking no.

“Yet… Alexander.” His blue eyes seem to promise there’s a distinction.

Jesus he’s going to give me a semi.

“Address.” I tap the screen of my cell.

“Phone number.”

“Address first.”

“Same time.” He slides his phone toward me and picks mine up, arching a sly brow as he waits for me to meet his challenge.

“Fine.” We each tap at the screens, entering the information, and the moment my phone is back in my hand it starts to vibrate.

“Just checking.” He flashes me those coy dimples.

*****

Review:

Xander, still a little burned by a relationship gone bad, is comfortable in his life and pretty much only looking for a good time. Meeting a hottie at the bar for a night of great sex and a definite connection … not his usual but he’ll never see him again. Well, not until Xander finds him in his dad’s backyard and discovers that his one night stand is the newest member of his dad’s hockey team.

Niko is new to town and thrilled to see Xander again. But things are complicated – not only does he play for Xander’s dad but he’s also not exactly looking to broadcast his sexuality the first year of his NHL career. But that connection is still there and one night of great sex turns into more. Can they figure out how to balance their needs and wants?

I loved Niko’s teammates. They are a hoot and help support him as he figures out how to be a pro player, to settle into his new life. And Xander’s friend Tripp is definitely a highlight, with how he supports them in his own way and how he unabashedly enjoys life.

I enjoyed the start of Lenard’s Colorado Bulldogs series. There’s some drama, but not too much. Lots of steam, but there can never be too much. A grumpy/sunshine mix that can go bad but is a delight when done right (which it was). And entertaining secondary characters that are just begging for their own stories. A good mix of humor and heat, Bad Pucking Timing is a fun first book and I’m all for finding out what’s coming up next!

*****

Author Info:

Michele is a tomboy who writes contemporary romance (usually sports themed) that is both sweet and steamy. Her goal is to make you fan your face as you wipe a tear from your eye. Her books are part of a series but there are no cliffhangers so each can be read as a standalone. When she isn’t reading or writing she enjoys the outdoors, something that pops up in her books from time to time.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21706386.Michele_Lenard
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/michele-lenard
https://www.instagram.com/mlenardbooks/
https://www.facebook.com/michelelenardbooks
https://mlenardromance.com/newsletter-signup/

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Bad Pucking Timing, Michele is giving away a paperback copy of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****

Review – Play Maker

29 Tuesday Aug 2023

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Play Maker

King of the Court series

by Piper Lawson

Blurb:

I chose a championship over love. 

When Nova smashed her way into my hardened heart, she showed me there’s more to life than basketball. 

She taught me patience and forgiveness. With her help, my Kodiak teammates became brothers instead of rivals. For the first time, I cared about more than a game.

But one mistake sent me crashing from all-star to rock bottom.

Broken inside and out, there’s no one to blame but myself. 

I won’t let the people I love suffer for my mistakes, on or off the court. I’ll win back the brothers who trusted me, the city that backed me, and the woman I don’t want to live without.

Unless I’m too late.

I have one last shot. One last chance. 

Countdown’s on, and I’m playing for keeps.

Play Maker is the third and final book in the King of the Court series. Clay and Nova’s steamy, addictive grumpy sunshine sports romance begins in Game Changer and continues in Shot Taker.

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3J7z6mj

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

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3NruJF1

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Kobo: https://bit.ly/3Jcxk34

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

*****

Review:

I really enjoyed the conclusion to Lawson’s King of the Court series. Maybe it was because I knew we’d be getting the resolution and HEA that we’d been waiting for but I didn’t find it quite as angsty as the others.

Clay does still struggle with letting Nova in, with letting her help him when he needs it. It leads to some difficult moments as he tries to visualize the future he wants now that he’s gotten what he thought he wanted. Fortunately he figures things out and goes after the things that would truly make him happy … since he realizes that maybe it’s more than just a championship ring.

Play Maker gives readers two characters who really come into themselves – Nova as an artist, believing in herself and her craft, and Clay as a team player, working for more than just the glory. It’s a satisfying ending to quite the roller coaster of a series.

*****

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

~

Review – The Fortunate Son

23 Wednesday Aug 2023

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The Fortunate Son

Redemption Ridge Book Two

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Blurb:

Ivan Gallagher’s first and only attempt at love nearly cost him everything—his reputation, family, and even his freedom. Needing an outlet for his pent-up passion, the gruff foreman turns his beekeeping hobby into a successful business. Just when he’s on the verge of taking his liquid gold to the next level, a granted favor transforms his orderly life into a sticky mess.

Rory Snyder was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but wealth couldn’t spare him from loss and heartache. Finding himself at the center of a dangerous media storm, the social media influencer seeks refuge at Redemption Ridge. Too bad the Viking-sized Ivan seems impervious to Rory’s charms because he could use a sexy distraction from the chaos threatening to ruin his life.

Predawn collisions in the hallway lead to revelations, explorations, and something far sweeter than honey. Soon, living in the moment becomes living for the moment. But for how long? A future seems impossible for the humble foreman and the fortunate son until a common nemesis makes Ivan and Rory realize what they truly stand to lose.

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

Content Warning: homophobia, underage alcohol addiction, and intentional overdosing are briefly discussed in this book, though no graphic descriptions are used.

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*****

Excerpt:

The big mountain of muscle doth protest too loudly, even if it was presented as stomping away from the conversation. Rory wasn’t really into the whole daddy thing, but it was sure fun as hell to rile people up. His brother had cringed when he’d applied the label to Cash when the silver fox had headed in their direction, but Rory suspected Ivan’s reaction had nothing to do with disgust. The guy reminded him of a Viking with his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and thick thighs. He wore his auburn hair in a fade with closely shorn sides and longer strands on top. The Viking’s beard was a darker red, and Rory wanted to know what the rest of his body hair looked like. He’d bet the hunk was furry in all the right places too. Christ, the man was even sexier up close. Amber eyes the color of expensive whiskey assessed him in a way that made Rory feel vulnerable. He couldn’t have that and decided to regain the upper hand with outrageous flirting.

Ivan. His name, build, and dark scowl belonged to a conqueror as he’d said, but his soft voice belonged to someone gentler like a scholar. Would his touch be rough and firm or soft and teasing? A Viking-sexual such as he could hope for both. Fascinated by the dichotomy, Rory was eager to follow the man who held his fate at the ranch in the palm of his enormous hand, but first he turned his attention to the dark-haired hottie who’d entered the kitchen in time to overhear Ivan shouting his displeasure about having Rory foisted on him to settle a debt between Cash and Nick.

Dark brown eyes had studied Rory with unabashed curiosity. “Who are you?”

“I’m the favor.”

*****

Review:

I’ve chosen a lot of low angst stories lately, which just means that they are meant for a certain reader (or at least a reader in a certain mood). But readers who read Guys Like Him won’t be surprised and, like the first book, there’s a lot more than just the mains involved. There are some complaints about that in reviews and I think that maybe we get used to connected but stand alone series, which this isn’t. Instead these are interconnected stories that focus on particular people in each book, but don’t end on a cliffhanger for the main two characters. Like the fact that there isn’t a lot of drama, I think that this means it won’t appeal to everyone. Personally, I loved getting attached to all the characters, not just the mains – I want all of them to be happy and content and finding the HEA they need. I’m look forward to seeing more of them, even if they have to share a book.

Here, though, we focus on Ivan (who I think pretty much everyone wanted to get to know better), a strong but silent type that just begs to be ruffled and whose secrets need to be exposed. His history just tugged at the heart strings and made him even more likable as a character. He’s obviously a nurturer who cares deeply but who’s also been hurt badly, and we see that even more so here.

Rory is the opposite of Ivan and the perfect match for him. He’s more in your face, sassy and vibrant. From the moment they meet, and Rory challenges him with his cheek, you just know they are going to be a hoot together. And he doesn’t disappoint.

Funny and steamy and emotional and fun, The Fortunate Son is an entertaining read. From the way Rory and Ivan make amends with their families to their obviously going to fail attempt at keeping things short-term, I adored their story. They have their struggles but when together they are so open, caring, and just absolutely loving that it made my heart melt. And I can’t forget the rest of the characters – I loved seeing more of the others on the ranch (especially Dylan and Harry), but as always Hope stole the show and a little more of my heart. I can’t wait to see what is coming in book 3 because there are more guys that need their story told.

*****

Series Info:

Join us for Book 1 in the Redemption Ridge Series with Guys Like Him

Kieran Sullivan is broken when he arrives at Redemption Ridge. A wrongful conviction and twenty months in lockup will do that to a man. The ranch is a place for second chances and fresh starts, but for him, it’s an opportunity to discover who set him up. Get in, get answers, and get out. The plan sounds easy enough until Kieran meets an equine specialist whose sunny smile could warm the coldest heart.

Finley Ashe is a sucker for bruised spirits and sad eyes. The horse whisperer and broken-boy magnet is six months into a hiatus from love when Kieran, the king of emotionally unavailable men, gets assigned to work under his supervision. Mutual attraction is gasoline on proximity’s flame, testing Finley’s resistance in new ways.

Priorities shift, shields come down, and truths get exposed. Will the inevitable combustion redeem Kieran and Finley or consume them?

Guys Like Him is book one in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Guys Like Him contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

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*****

Author Info:

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:
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Twitter – https://twitter.com/AimeeNWalker
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/aimeenicole.walker
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Blog – AimeeNicoleWalker.blogspot.com

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My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimee’s Dye Hards? We’d love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/

Connect with Aimee:
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*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of The Fortunate Son, Aimee is giving away 3 e-copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****