Category Archives: Book Review

Review – Biggest Player

30 Wednesday Jul 2025

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Bestselling author Sara Ney scores with a fiery romance about online dating, where a single mom and a football pro ignite sparks when they swipe right—even though they know it’s all wrong.

Biggest Player

Not Yours #2

by Sara Ney

Blurb:

Margot’s a busy single mom juggling teaching, parenting, and trying not to die alone. Dating apps? Total nightmare. But desperate times call for desperate swipes, even if they make her break out in stress hives. When she matches with a guy who looks too good to be true, she’s convinced he’s a walking red flag—or worse—a catfish.

Dex is hot, and he knows it. A quarterback with a killer smile and looks to spare, he’s a good guy looking for a long-term relationship. He wants what his friends have: someone to come home to…and if they’re naked when he gets there, even better. When he logs on for a casual scroll, he’s not expecting to meet her. One swipe, and suddenly he’s hooked.

Margot’s convinced he’s a catfish. Dex has zero dad bod and no dad energy. But their sizzling back-and-forth leaves them both thinking “what if.” After a surprise run-in leads to a mind-blowing (and soggy AF) kiss, their opposites-attract energy skyrockets. Can they find a way to make it last?

Buy Link:

https://books2read.com/BiggestPlayerSNKU

Available in KU

*****

Review:

I’m so torn on this one. I was amused by the text interactions between Dex & Margot. They are funny and I can actually see them bantering like that together. I also loved Wyatt and her precocious interactions with people, especially Dex.

I think the biggest issue is that Ney kinda struggled with Dex as a character. He comes across as a big, dumb dog – he’s playful & fun but sometimes not all that bright and really makes a mess of things occasionally. Buuuut he’s also 25, hasn’t really been in an adult relationship, and has been catered to for years. He’s young & dumb & proud so … *shrug*

Margot shows a lot of patience with him and he does have redeeming moments. To me, he’s genuine in his feelings for her & his responsibility for what happens, but I can see why readers want more from him. Especially at the end. I can also see, tho, why he’s appealing to her. Yeah he’s hot & rich but he’s also enthusiastic about things, fun to be around, and is attentive.

I think part of the issue is that Margot is a single mom, a little older, and seems to have her stuff together. And Dex is her complete opposite. He’s reaching a point where he wants to grow up a bit and get involved with someone for real, I think he just needs time 🙂 Overall, Biggest Player is fun and flirty, you just need to be good with some pretty big moments where you want to smack Dex or sit him down for a talking to.

(Standalone story in a series.)

Review – Over the Moon

29 Tuesday Jul 2025

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

A Small Town, Hockey, Forbidden, Standalone Romance from USA Today and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, Laura Pavlov.

Over the Moon

Rosewood River series

by Laura Pavlov

Blurb:

Hockey is my first love. And I’m coming off the best season of my life.

In the process of scoring the winning goal that gave us the Stanley Cup I tore my MCL, and I’ll need to spend the next few months recovering.

Eloise Gable, the team’s new physical therapist, has been sent to Rosewood River to help me heal and get me ready for the new season.

Yet, she doesn’t seem all too happy about the situation.

In fact, she can’t stand me most days.

It doesn’t stop me from staring at her any chance I get.

She’s beautiful and brilliant, but she’s got her guard up the minute I get close.

Eloise is a distraction I wasn’t prepared for.

Did I mention that she’s also my coach’s daughter?

But after a long run together in the summer heat, our built up tension snapped.

We end up stripping down and jumping in the river.

It seemed like the logical thing at the time.

The problem is, Eloise Gable is completely off limits.

But I’m a professional hockey player, and in my world, limits were meant to be pushed.

Hockey may be my first love, but after falling for my coach’s daughter—it’s definitely not my last.

Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited

https://geni.us/overthemoon1

Paperback: https://geni.us/OvertheMoonPB

Audible: https://bit.ly/4lFEjTc

Hardcover: Coming Soon!

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4hK7dyX 

*****

Review:

**minor spoilers**

Is this a hockey romance? Probably not enough for those looking for one. Is it a romance involving a hockey player? Yes, indeed, and one where when he finally falls he falls hard. Not that he was a player, more just one that didn’t have serious relationships. But his momma taught him right and he proves himself to be supportive & caring.

While the first part is all sorts of fun & flirty & slowly falling in love, once they get home there are complications with the team. While we pretty much know how things are going to play out, telegraphed well in advance, it still works for me. And when their secret is revealed some people prove themselves to be good eggs and some are very, very definitely rotten.

Seeing Clark in his element, both in his hometown and at the arena, is great and Eloise fits in perfectly. The friendship that develops between her and the girls is sweet, especially the way they (along with Clark) support her when she needs it. I love the Chadwicks. They are quirky and funny and full of big personalities, and the way the family opens their arms and embraces everyone brings all the feels. I enjoy coming back to them time & again.

(There are a few moments with Bridger, who is the hero for the next story, where he crosses a line into bullying. He’s got a backstory there that is interesting and I’m going to trust Pavlov to bring a good story but it may be difficult for some.)

Review – Don’t Clause a Scene

21 Monday Jul 2025

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Don’t Clause a Scene

Love In Maplewood #10

by Lee Blair

Blurb:

The world expects us to hate each other, but fate has other plans.

As a member of a Maplewood founding family, I’ve always known what I’m supposed to do with my life:

Take over Red’s, the diner that’s been in my family for generations.
Support the community, which usually means helping out with the town’s almost-monthly festivals.
Hate everything about, and everyone involved with, Sparky’s Diner.
For the most part, it’s been an easy destiny to fulfill, even if sometimes I wish for something else. Something more. Maybe that’s why I take a chance on Halloween with a costumed guy who shouldn’t look so good in a mullet wig.

I’m stunned when his costume comes off and I see the one man I can’t have anything to do with. The man who’s temporarily back in town and working at his family’s diner. The man I can’t get off my mind.

No worries. It’ll be easy to avoid Amos—I’ve been doing it my entire life. Except Amos and I are voluntold to plan an event for the big Christmas festival. Together.

When others on the planning committee say we couldn’t possibly pull it off, we decide to prove them wrong. It turns out stubbornness is just the beginning of a long list of things we have in common.

The more time we spend together, the more I realize my life is sweeter with Amos in it. I begin to wonder how deep this rivalry goes, how long Amos plans to stay in Maplewood, and what matters more: my destiny or my freedom.

Don’t Clause a Scene is a low-angst, small-town story about an introvert and extrovert finding a groove, secrets—so many secrets—and a well-meaning town that cares maybe a little too much.

With the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ residents in Vermont, Maplewood is a town where everyone belongs. And with festivals year round, there’s always something fun happening! This multi-author, low-angst queer series features ten standalone romances—each set against the backdrop of a different festival. Come for the celebrations, stay for the happily-ever-afters!

*****

Review:

This book has all of the slow burn feels and sweetness I could ask for. I so so so loved Amos and Mickey together. The way their shared experience as kids of the diners and their love of geeky things help them connect in a special way. And I felt for them so much, not only for what is going on now – having to hide the feelings for “the enemy” – but also seeing how the family feud affected them when they were young. Those missed opportunities to be friends well before this point. But they have each other now, at a time when they really need support from someone that truly understands them as they have to make big decisions about their futures.

Not everyone is going to like the secrets and lies portion of the story but I can kinda see how easy it was for everyone to get caught up in things. While I wanted to give a few people a swift kick for not realizing how things could affect this generation I kinda appreciate how it all plays out. It wraps up in a way that gave me all sorts of warm and fuzzies.

Review – Only One Island

20 Sunday Jul 2025

Posted by in Book Review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

Only One Island

by R. Cayden

Blurb:

Castaway with his boss’s son.

HANK

I’ve attended some dreadful company parties, but getting lost at sea marks a new low for a work event.

My only companion on this life raft is Elliot. He’s ten years younger than me, wildly chaotic, and mostly responsible for getting us in this mess.

The fact that he’s also my new boss’s son is just a cherry on top of this terrifying, near-death sundae.

We crash on a small island, stranded somewhere off the coast of Seattle.

Elliot and I are exhausted, battered, and hungry. We lost half our clothes in the desperate swim to shore, and there are more storms on the horizon.

But we made it, and surely, we’ll be rescued soon.

If only we can agree on a survival strategy.

I’m an amateur naturalist and detail-oriented person, while Elliot is… creative.

Maybe it’s a survival instinct, but as the nights pass, Elliot and I find comfort in each other’s arms.

He becomes everything to me, my other half.

Until we get rescued, that is, and the real world comes to pull us apart.

Only One Island is a 70K M/M romance, loaded with heat and geeky fun. Our opposites-attract heroes danger-bang their way to survival and a well-earned HEA, with plentiful nature facts and constant disasters along the way. Enjoy!

*****

Review:

There’s not a lot of drama here, outside of how horrible Elliot’s family treat him and how & when they will get off the island. While enjoy feels like the wrong word I liked the first half of the book for their struggle to survive, trying to find food & shelter & rescue, and as it turns into a case of if it can go wrong it will go wrong. Unfortunately it doesn’t get that much easier for them once they do get saved.

But they’ve developed a connection and it’s one strong enough to get them through whatever life throws at them. I like that they recognize that things they’ve been thru could create a trauma bond but after time recognize that they have real feelings and work well together. They are opposites and Elliot brings lightness & fun to Hank who does a good job of providing the support & confidence that he needs.

I’m not sure if I’m disappointed or delighted by how things turn out, most especially with the issues at Hank’s office. I can definitely say I thought it was going to go in a different direction. But I do like where everyone ends up so I consider it a win. And the epilogue is just the sweetest.

Review – Sweet Thing

17 Thursday Jul 2025

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Sweet Thing

Chicago Players #1

by Kate Meader

Blurb:

My dad’s teammate needs a nanny and I need a job. Sounds perfect, right? Except for my massive crush on him … the one he knows all about.

LARS

I just found out I’m a dad.

My one-night stand dropped a baby bombshell in my local bar where I was celebrating my team’s win. Then she fled, leaving me holding my new daughter.

Thank God for Adeline. The daughter of my teammate and closest friend on the Chicago Rebels, she practically raised her little sister and knows exactly how to deal with this situation. I need a nanny; she needs a job. Problem sorted, right?

Not so fast …

ADELINE

I think you’re the sexiest guy alive.

That’s what Lars Nyquist overheard me say while recounting my embarrassing crush on him. Yeah, that Lars Nyquist. Defenseman for the Chicago Rebels. Owner of the thickest thighs in the league. More than a decade my senior. Oh, and my dad’s teammate.

My only option? Leave the country, of course. Luckily, I’d already planned a round-the-world trip with my bestie and by the time I returned to Chicago a year later, I expected my blunder would be long forgotten. Shows what I know. Now I’m lying awake in the bedroom next to his while playing nanny to his surprise little girl. But I can ignore this stupid infatuation. I have to. Even though the sight of Lars learning to be a dad leaves me breathless and takes that crush to a whole other level.

One that has the potential to break my sorry little heart …

Sweet Thing is the first book in the brand new Chicago Players hockey series from Kate Meader, the USA Today bestselling author of the Chicago Rebels and Rookie Rebels series.

https://geni.us/sweet-thing

*****

Review:

I’m a little conflicted about this one. I liked the slow burn and the characters are interesting, with their hangups and troubles (although I do wish both of them had gotten some professional help). Plus his daughter, and the relationship he develops with her, is just the absolute cutest. I also like the idea of Addy and Lars together, the way they are brought together and even the way things are resolved between them. It is a little predictable but aren’t most romances 🙂

I did find the age gap a little much for me, just a personal preference when its anything over 10 years and one of them is that young. It helps that Addy is a bit of an old soul so most of the time I didn’t even really think about it unless they brought it up. Some others found issue with the friendship between her dad and Lars but it didn’t really bug me all that much. I found their relationship kinda fatherly anyway.

Overall I liked these two together, loved little Mabel, and enjoyed them figuring out a way to a HEA. There are some hints leading to future books, including a cliff-hangerish moment in the epilogue. I’m definitely intrigued and excited to see where Meader is going to take things.

(There’s a lot of characters that returning readers will know but I got a little jumbled for me as a newbie. But the romance itself will stand on its own.)

*****

Author Info:

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, a fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with big-hearted guys and strong heroines – and heroes – who can match their men quip for quip..

Connect with Kate Meader:

https://www.katemeader.com/links

~

Review – Tempting Me

15 Tuesday Jul 2025

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Tempting Me

The Asher Family #3

by Jami Rogers

Blurb:

Luca Asher is my brother’s ex-best friend, the best contractor in our small town of Lovers, a walking dream when he doesn’t have a shirt on—heck, with it on, too, and he was the first boy I ever loved.

He just doesn’t know that last part.

On the rare occasions I converse with him, I get a comeback for everything.

Our banter is my favorite thing. He’s so clever and quick and, again, sexier than any man I’ve ever met.

But none of that changes the fact that he betrayed my brother. My family. Me.

And none of those facts would matter except for my one little problem.

I had this plan to save my family’s marina, which backfired. Now, my parents have given me a deadline to prove to them it’s still worth saving. If I don’t make it, they’ll sell everything, and I’ll lose my dream to keep the place.

They gave me one rule: do not hire that Asher boy.

At this point, I have only one option left to make this happen.

Hire Luca and beg him not to tell a single soul about it.

My heart forgave him years ago, but my head knows better than to trust the enemy.

And yet, in a matter of weeks, he starts to remind me of the old us, and I find myself falling for him all over again.

The idea of me and Luca is … tempting.

Tempting Me is a small-town, steamy, enemies to lovers romance with his ex-best friend’s sister, lots of banter, and a secret agreement.

Buy Link: 

https://geni.us/AmazonTM

Available in KU 

*****

Review:

I liked Luca and his blunt truthfulness. His straightforwardness is refreshing and leads to some fun (and awkward) moments with Shay. And I can’t blame him for his hurt over the past and the want to feel like enough as he is. Who doesn’t want to be trusted and liked for all they are.

Shay definitely comes across as a bit childish in spots. Especially in her treatment of Luca. I understand where she’s coming from, trying to hide her crush and follow the wishes of her family. But come on girl! I do feel for her with the way her parents treat her attachment to The Marina. The way that plays out is harsh … but also sweet.

This is my first book by Rogers and I enjoyed it. I found the characters a little immature in some places and I felt like a few places needed a bit more resolution, but I’m definitely interested in more from her.

*****

Author Info:

Just a girl who loves to write small town romance books and wants to share them with the world.

Connect with Jami Rogers:

https://linktr.ee/authorjamirogers

Review – Scrooge You!

14 Monday Jul 2025

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Scrooge You!

Christmas Falls series

by Brigham Vaughn

Blurb:

Joel McArthur thought he knew everyone in the small town of Christmas Falls. He’s been running Ginger’s Breads bakery for more than a decade, after all. But who is the mysterious runner who’s been passing by his shop every morning?

Hayden Bradley’s post-college plans fell through, landing him in this stupid small town he can’t get out of fast enough. He hates Christmas and he’s tired of the endless holiday cheer. But as Hayden finds himself spending more and more time at Joel’s bakery, he’s forced to admit that he’s developed a taste for the ginger-molasses cookies and the handsome ginger-haired baker who makes them.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

Scrooge You! (Christmas Falls Season 1) – Audiobook

*****

Review:

I got the audiobook of this one and I really enjoyed it. It’s a little Christmas in July treat with all sorts of holiday fun, read by James Edward Jones who has a smooth voice and gentle cadence. He helps make it a soft and comfy listen.

I like both Joel & Hayden and enjoyed seeing them figure things out. Hayden is a fun grump to Joel’s more sedate sunshine. A sunshine that slowly gets Hayden looking at the holidays in a more positive manner and evaluating exactly what he wants for his future.

Scrooge You! is non-angsty, easy to read with no real drama other than the expected over whether Hayden will stay or find a job somewhere else. It has characters that feel real, with real problems and real relationships, and a romance that slowly works its way to a HEA. That cozy kind of read is one of my favs, especially in a holiday romance.

Review – Take a Chance

12 Saturday Jul 2025

Posted by in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Take a Chance

Blue Creek Ranch series

by Kris T. Bethke & Tia Fielding

Blurb:

To say Mal Trevino is down on his luck might be an understatement. Out of work and the sole parent of his young son, he’ll do whatever it takes to get back on his feet again. But his luck seems to finally be turning when he applies for, and lands, a job at Blue Creek Ranch. The Harringtons seem too good to be true but he’s not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He takes all that they offer and works hard, while also trying to avoid getting too attached. Mal knows all too well that the good things in life can be taken in a blink.

Crew Harrington’s mission in life is to keep his family ranch thriving. Hiring Mal quickly proves to be a good decision. Mal is competent, capable, and shows a lot of talent. The only downside? That’s Crew’s kryptonite. Getting involved with an employee is a recipe for disaster. But there’s no denying the chemistry between the two men. All they have to do is figure out how to make it work. 

It starts out as a bit of a rough ride. Crew’s missteps reinforce Mal’s walls. But as the days pass and the more time they spend together, the harder it is for them to stay away from each other. As Crew and Mal learn to communicate, and let each other in, love isn’t far behind. All Crew wants is for Mal to take a chance; on him, on their future, and on happily ever after. 

Buy Link:

https://getbook.at/BlueCreekRanch1

*****

Review:

Take a Chance is all about the slow burn & slow angst as there isn’t a ton of drama or issues with others. Just a bit of miscommunication and some troubles caused by Mal’s history. It’s handled well by Crew as he gets to know Mal and his absolutely adorable son. He is so supportive and understanding, but that makes sense based on his amazing family. They all opened their doors, arms, and hearts to Mal and Payton.

Mal has some issues with trust and letting people in. As much as he wants to believe the Harrington’s are truly as caring as they seem, he struggles. People haven’t been as accepting of him and it’s left some scars. But it doesn’t take long for them to wear him down, tho it does take a little longer for him to be as sure of Crew.

Found family is one of my fav tropes and this delivers in spades. I’m looking forward to getting know the rest of the siblings as we get more books in this series. And hopefully get more of Mal and super cute Payton!

Review – Crazy Love

10 Thursday Jul 2025

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

A small town, marriage of convenience, single dad, sports romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Aster

Crazy Love

The Single Dad Playbook Series

by Willow Aster

Blurb:

Penn Hudson. Sexy. Intense. Gorgeous.
The star running back of the Colorado Mustangs.
Well-known playboy and consummate bachelor.
We met in the Bahamas.
I knew exactly who he was.
He had no idea who I was.
Yet for a few blissful hours, it didn’t matter.
We had an unbelievable connection…
Something special that held so much promise.
Then I unexpectedly had to leave and never had a chance to say goodbye.

Fast-forward to today, when I am about to see Penn again,
and he’s going to find out exactly who he was kissing in the Bahamas.
I’m excited about my new job and returning to my hometown of Silver Hills.
But seeing him every day won’t be easy,
especially with the lingering memory of his touch and the attraction that still burns between us.
When he faces an obstacle in adopting a young boy he’s mentored for years,
I offer him a solution I never thought I’d make:
A fake marriage.
He needs to show stability and a squeaky-clean public image,
and I figure, how hard could it be to play house?
But as time goes by, nothing feels fake anymore.

I’d always planned on getting married for love,
but sometimes we make once-in-a-lifetime sacrifices.
I just hope I won’t be devastated in the process.

Crazy Love is book five in the standalone The Single Dad Playbook series.

Goodreads: https://geni.us/CrazyLoveGR 

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://geni.us/Crazylove

*****

Review:

Honestly, I don’t think I even read the blurb before signing up for this one so I was a smidge disappointed that we went the obvious fake marriage route. The trope can be fantastic but it can also be bad, depending on how it’s written, but I shouldn’t haven’t doubted Aster because she handles it like a dream. And really the story is about so much more.

It’s full of humor and feels, with adorable kids and a just as adorable dad Penn, and I couldn’t have been happier with how everything goes. Crazy Love is low angst and so satisfying as we get to be there while Penn figures out how to be a dad and a husband, from the first meet cute with Addy to the sweet ending for this adorable family.

I am so sad to see this series end. I absolutely loved these guys. The way that they support each other, stepping up when they needed to, giving themselves whole body to their kids and their women. And Penn is no different. He comes into himself so much here and I loved every minute of it.

Aster was a new to me author when I picked up my first Single Dad Playbook story but she quickly found a place on my must read author list.

Review – Guarded From Havoc

08 Tuesday Jul 2025

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Guarded From Havoc

Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team #6

by Gia Cobie

Blurb:

I knew it was a risk venturing over to my new neighbor’s cabin during the storm.

After all, I barely knew him. All I’d learned from our chance meeting in the woods was that he was visiting the Adirondacks on a well-deserved vacation, he used to serve in the Army, and he was the most handsome man I’d ever seen.

The last part definitely made the whole knocking on a near-stranger’s door offering food and flashlights idea more appealing.

When he invited me inside, I nearly said no. But there was just something about Erik that told me I could trust him. That if I didn’t accept his offer, I’d end up regretting it.

Then four masked intruders stormed the cabin, with both of us in it. And nothing could have prepared me for what would come next.

I should have been able to defend myself from anything.

I used to be Special Forces, after all. Now I work for one of the top private security companies in the country. But when Tatum’s life was threatened, I had no choice but to concede. To accept whatever was waiting for me after.

Waking up in the middle of the woods with an unconscious Tatum nearby wasn’t a promising start.

Finding out we’ve been dumped into the middle of a sinister game is even worse. A deadly game it’s clear we’re not supposed to survive.

But there’s no way I’m letting anything else happen to Tatum. I’m getting her out of here, no matter what it takes. And once we escape, I’m going to see her again. Because I’m not losing the first woman I could see a future with.

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/aivAvdj

Available in KU 

*****

Review:

I think the blurb is a little off. I went into it thinking it would be mostly about them trying to survive, while falling in love of course, and then bringing the bad guys to justice. And it does happen, but not in proportions I expected. It was about 25% getting kidnapped, surviving, & then rescued. The next 50% or so was the guys working together to figure out who did it, helping Tatum come to terms with the experience, and falling for each other. The last bit was wrapping up their romance and everything that has happened & where their future is going. I enjoyed it but I think that there was a little disappointment over the limited action after that first bit.

Buuuut if I had gone into it with the proper expectations I think it would have hit even better. Because I like these two. Erik is sweet and caring, obviously loved by the guys on his team and their spouses, very capable in the field and eventually as a boyfriend. Tatum is amazingly strong, doing all the things to work through what she’s experienced, as well as being there to support Erik when he needs it.

Overall, Guarded From Havoc is a really enjoyable read but slower paced with less of the danger element that I expected. I just think that readers need to approach it as a slower paced romance and not the romantic suspense it originally comes across as.

(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.)