Review – My One & Goalie

01 Wednesday Jan 2025

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My One & Goalie

Return to Starlight Bay series

by Kara Kendrick

Man of the Month: January

Blurb:

He’s the bad boy of professional hockey.
She’s a struggling single mom.
What neither of them sees coming is each other.

I have a reputation—and it’s not a good one. I’m a fighter on the ice, a player in the sheets, and apparently that’s more trouble than my coach wants on his team.

After one too many run-ins with the press, my agent sends me to small-town Starlight Bay to rehab my image. A few well-placed articles and photo ops of me coaching a youth hockey team should get me back in everyone’s good graces quickly. Then I can leave this sleepy town behind for good.

What I don’t count on is falling hard for struggling single mom Rachel. She’s smart, funny, wildly gorgeous—and doesn’t even know it. And the bonus point? Her kid’s got real talent on the ice.

I shouldn’t shoot my shot with a single mom, but I can’t help myself. One night of red-hot passion leaves me wanting more, so much more. For the first time, there’s more to my life than hockey. Now I want a chance at forever with Rachel and her son.

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4fAcLf2

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/48CTxD0

*****

Review:

I didn’t know going in that this was a novella and I think that probably influenced how I felt about it. I loved Xander & Rachel and the relationship they created together. But my biggest issue, being such a short story that I enjoyed that much, is I wanted SO much more!

Xander is known for his temper, on and off the ice, but he’s not a bad guy. He usually gets in trouble standing up for himself and his teammates. And once he meets Rachel and her son, he finds himself standing up for them too.

Rachel is a good mom with a terrible ex. She’s making sacrifices to make her son happy and trying her best to limit the fall out from her ex’s bad behavior. The last thing she has time for is her son’s sexy new coach. But he’s not one to give up.

I would have loved to see more of the reforming of the bad boy. He immediately feels this pull towards Rachel and as they get to know each other he shows himself to be a good man. He takes care of her when she needs it, supports her, and respects her. He’s an amazing boyfriend and I really just wanted more of it!

I definitely think that if I’d known that this was a novella my attitude would have been different as I read their story. It’s smooth, flows well, and is believable with likable characters – everything that makes for a great read. It’s because I liked them so much, I enjoyed their story, that I was looking for more out of it, that extra detail and development. Make it a full length story and you’re getting 5*s from me.

*****

Author Info:

Kara Kendrick writes fun and flirty small-town romance destined to give you all the feels. A reformed English major, she also has a master’s in counseling and was an elementary school counselor in her pre-mom life.

She loves the beach, wine, and rock hard abs, not necessarily in that order. When she’s not dreaming up Happily Ever After’s, you can find her chasing after her boy-girl twins, working out semi-hardish, or walking her adorable Shiba pups with her husband, who’s not too bad himself.

Connect with Kara

Website: https://karakendrick.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20805216.Kara_Kendrick

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/karakendrick

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2098624546943555

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkkendrick

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-kendrick

~

Review – Mr. Broody

31 Tuesday Dec 2024

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Mr. Broody

The Nest #2

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

I’ve loved Henry Hensley since I was seven years old. We’ve gone from best friends to lovers to nothing.

To most people, he’s the Chicago Falcons starting right winger and hot single dad, but to me, he’s my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first love.

Eight years ago, that all changed when our lives took us in two different directions. Our break-up almost broke me, so I kept my distance until our hometown called me back to where our story began.

I promised myself a quick visit to help my family out, and then I’d leave town before he even knew I was back, which should have been easy. He’s way too busy being a professional hockey player and raising his son to ever find out.

Of course, I’m only in town for a week before I run into him, and one thing is clear from our brief encounter—Henry wants to hash out our past, whereas I’d rather forget it.

But my plan really goes up in flames when I take a temporary substitute teaching job, and on day one, his son walks into my classroom. Boom.

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/473feeG

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

https://books2read.com/MR-B

Audio with Duet Narration by: JF Harding & Brooke Bloomingdale
Also featuring: Sean Masters, Connor Crais, Troy Duran, Teddy Hamilton & CJ Bloom

*****

Review:

I was so happy to see Henry find his HEA. He’s such an old soul – serious about his family, his friends, and his sport. He was such a delightful part of Mr. Heartbreaker as he provided guidance and a level-head to the others. They call him Daddy for a reason (and not an “ewww” one) as he’s the father figure to more in the group than just Bodhi. But now that he’s got a second chance with the only woman he’s ever loved, their love & attraction still as strong as ever, he’s struggling to take it slow 🙂

While his connection to Jade is lovely, it’s his obvious love and care for Bodhi that is swoony. Bodhi is just as much an old soul as Henry but with the enthusiasm of a child. I loved getting his side in a few chapters and it is relatable how badly he wants a woman’s influence in his life. Enter Jade as his substitute teacher – obviously someone important to his dad in the past – what could be better?

I feel for Jade. I totally understand why she’s stayed away for so long and why she’s hesitant to see Henry again, knowing how strong her feelings for him are still. It had to be hard balancing that pull with trying to figure out where she’s going with her life. Now she’s finding herself at a crossroads again, unsure of who she wants to be, and realizing that their feelings for each other are still just as strong as ever … Can they make it work?

Looking from the outside I think there could have been a better way to handle it all those years ago, but I get where they are coming from and why they would think the way they did. While I don’t feel like Jade’s issues were completely resolved, and I really needed that clarity moment about whether staying is right, I know we’ll see more of them over the next couple of books to get some of those answers.

Seeing them together tho is *chefs kiss*

I love the guys in The Nest – the way they each have their strengths that they bring to the group and how they are there to support one another, never failing to show up, from listening & providing advice to giving each other heck to being there for Bodhi. It’s sweet and wholesome and I love seeing them find someone to share their lives with, bringing them into the fold. I’m so looking forward to what’s coming next for them!

*****

Author Info:

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

Connect with Piper Rayne

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PiperRayneRocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

~

Review – Meant to be Falling

27 Friday Dec 2024

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Meant to be Falling

Blackstone Falls #3

by Alexandra Hale

Blurb:

When the boss’s wife asks me to fill in for a stranger photoshoot the only answer is yes. 

And man am I glad I did. 

At twenty-three, most people think I have no business chasing after the divorced, single mom more than a decade older than me. 

But they’d be wrong. 

I’ve lived more in my time than most will in the entirety of theirs. I survived the kind of life that will crush you if you give it too much space to breathe. 

But I’m still standing. 

One look at Lana Richards, and I know why. She’s beautiful and sassy and there’s no denying the way my body lights up when she’s near. She’s the kind of woman that consumes you and makes you beg for more. 

She’s everything. 

They say age is only a number but it might just be our downfall. Especially when her ex husband finds out I’m more than just warming her bed. She’s scared but I can’t help if she won’t let me in. 

How can we be meant to be, when everything is falling apart?

Buy Link: https://a.co/d/2gvrxCP
Available in KU

*****

Review:

There were things I enjoyed about this book and things that weren’t my favorite. The characters were amazing, all of them, and the best thing about the book. I loved them all and couldn’t wait to get to know them better.

Bodhi and Mason have a special bond (although I would have loved to see more of them together) and the friends they’ve met have become a second family. The found family aspect is beyond sweet and just tugs at the heartstrings, especially as we get to know Mason’s history.

From the moment Mason meets Lana, he knows that she’s the one for him. The insta-love may not be for everyone but I found it sweet. Especially as Mason woos her, helps with her kids, and shows them that they are loved & important. It’s not all smooth sailing, but with good communication and patience they’ll figure it out.

On the lesser side, this is my first book in this series so I’m not sure how much of it would have been different if I’d read any of the others. While I loved their support for Mason and Lana, it did leave me confused about all the different people and how they relate to each other. Because I loved so much of the rest of the story, I think I probably should have just read the others first … more books for my TBR 🙂

*****

Author Info:

Alexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination. 

A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community. 

She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon. 

Connect with Alexandra Hale:

https://linktr.ee/authoralexandrahale

~

Spotlight – Undeniably Married

27 Friday Dec 2024

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Undeniably Married

by J. Saman

Blurb:

The last thing I expected when I ran out on my wedding was to wake up in Vegas married to Mason Reyes, the cocky, gorgeous, and much younger NFL quarterback for the Boston Rebels.

I’ve always been a smart, responsible doctor. The good girl.

And yet here I am with a drunken photo of our nuptials leaked and spreading like wildfire.

Considering my ex is his former teammate, it’s as bad as it gets.

Mason says the only way to save face and avoid further scandal is to move in with him and stay married for three months. After that, he promises we can talk annulments.

Reluctantly, I agree. It’s only three months and I’ve put us in a strict no-sex zone.

For a while, the plan seems to work.

The press moves on, my ex starts to get the picture that it’s over, and we’re on our way toward the finish line of this marriage being done. I even manage to ignore the way my body reacts when he calls me, “My wife.”

That is until two things happen that completely derail everything.

One, our no-sex zone flies out the window in a tangle of hot, sweaty limbs and filthy whispered words.

And two, the stick shines with one bold word: Pregnant.

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

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eD5dI

*****

Author Info:

J. Saman is a USA Today and Amazon top 40 bestselling author who writes sassy, swoony, and scorching contemporary romances. She is addicted to Diet Coke, sour candy, and indie rock. She swears way too much (especially after a glass of wine) and has a penchant for sarcasm (or so her husband and children like to tell her).

J. is an admitted lover of second chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the perfect amount of angst. She is best known for writing funny and emotional romances filled with smart, strong women, and sexy alphas who have a softer side—especially for their women.

Connect with J. Saman

Website: https://www.jsamanbooks.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14923699.J_Saman

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-Saman/author/B01FOIUR46

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jsamanbooks

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

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jsamanbooks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jsamanbooks

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-saman

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

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

Review – Wyatt

26 Thursday Dec 2024

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Wyatt

A Lucky River Ranch series

by Jessica Peterson

Blurb:

Wyatt Rivers is the perfect no-strings hookup—a cowboy Casanova who rocks a Stetson, looks smokin’ hot in his Wranglers, and never rests his head on the same pillow twice.

He’s exactly what I’m looking for. If only Wyatt wasn’t also my best friend…

I’m back in my hometown of Harstville, Texas, for a few months while I wait for my dream job to start thousands of miles away. While I’m here, I hope to end an epic dry spell in the bedroom, preferably with a local cowboy. If the rumors are true, they really do ride harder and stay on longer.

Wyatt and I have been best friends since second grade, and I’ve been in love with him for almost as long. But he’s as wild and untamed as a colt that can’t be broken—not to mention, totally out of my league with his good looks and heartbreaker reputation.

Then I get to thinking: since Wyatt is such an expert, why doesn’t he teach me the ropes of how to find a hookup? He begrudgingly agrees, and a little fake flirting suddenly leads to fake dating, which leads to real kissing, which leads to real…well, everything else.

And let me just say, the rumors are absolutely true.

Now, I want so badly to be Wyatt’s last rodeo. But I’m leaving town, and even if I wasn’t, I’m not sure Wyatt would ever change his playboy ways.

I know cowboys can’t be tamed. Apparently, neither can hearts…

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3MPC3cw

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zok89I

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

*****

Review:

I’m not a huge fan of romances where both characters have feelings for each other but they feel like they have to hide it for some reason. I understand where they are coming from, and it is definitely hard to put yourself out there, but it can get a little old after a while.

I think that Peterson does a great job with her story though. Pacing is well done, with a good flow from friendship to something more. The characters are believable in their actions & feelings and the way they approach a change in their relationship as well. So while it isn’t my personal favorite, I feel like it will delight those that enjoy that kind of thing.

While Wyatt wasn’t quite the home run for me that Cash was, I did enjoy it a whole heck of a lot. Peterson gives us another dirty talking Rivers cowboy and a sassy woman to keep him on his toes. The relationship between Sally and Wyatt is the sweetest – the connection they have and their history together – and I was so happy for them to figure things out.

*****

Author Info:

Jessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughter Gracie, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.

A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.

Connect with Jessica

Website: https://www.jessicapeterson.com/

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/JessicaPetersonGR

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KoS0sb

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

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

~

Review – Hearts We Claim

20 Friday Dec 2024

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Hearts We Claim

Hearts of Texas #3

by Christina Berry

Blurb:

While jogging with Drusilla, the awkward puppy drags me right into a tangle of leashes with another pooch and his person.

For the dogs, it’s puppy love at first sight. For us humans, well, I’m certainly not complaining when I get a look at who she’s tangled me with.

Tall, dark, and handsome: this must be Markus, the town’s new veterinarian.

More than one gossiping granny has suggested he’d be perfect for me. Pump the breaks, Gladys, we don’t even know if Krause’s new resident is gay.

Though the dazzling smile he just gave me sure holds a lot of promise.

Hearts We Claim is a sexy, full-length, small town, male/male dog dads romance. Featuring a sexy firefighter hero and the town’s new veterinarian, this is Book Three of the Hearts of Texas series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/6mx9rNC
Available in KU 

*****

Review:

This is the first by Berry that I’ve read and I doubt it’ll be the last. Her writing is well-paced and her characters are fun. Both Markus & Adam went through things in their childhoods because of their sexuality, but even tho it didn’t leave them unscathed they aren’t going to let it get them down. Both have become good men – sweet, caring, and giving.

They find themselves connecting pretty much right away as it seems like life keeps throwing them together. There’s a little bit of a dance as they feel each other out, deciding if they are willing to take a chance on their attraction, but they soon become friends and maybe even something more. As long as they are willing to take that chance.

While I enjoyed Markus and Adam’s story, I do really wish they’d done a bit more talking. There’s a little bit of angst, most of which could have been avoided with a few questions from one or the other of them. But even that was a minor complaint. In general, it was a really smooth and easy read with lots of feel good moments flowing into a HEA ending.

*****

Author Info:

My debut novel, Up for Air, won “Sexiest Consent” in the 2021 Good Sex Awards, and my first two Lost in Austin series books won the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal in Romance – Sizzle in 2021 and 2022.

A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, I’m originally from Oklahoma, and currently reside in Austin, Texas. When not writing, I’m usually helping my husband with our never-ending home remodeling adventure or marathon watching true crime television.

Connect with Christina Berry:

https://christinaberry.com

~

Review – Moody’s Grumpy Holiday

20 Friday Dec 2024

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Moody’s Grumpy Holiday

by Lane Hayes

Blurb:

The geek, the cowboy, and a not-so-grumpy holiday…

Moody

Living in Christmas Town doesn’t make me a fan of the holidays. Quite the opposite. In fact, eleven months out of the year, I’m perfectly happy running my bookstore in peace and quiet. Of course, that changes in December when it’s mistletoe madness and mayhem. Ugh.

But this year, there’s a new cowboy in town and it’s not as easy to grumble about…anything. I admit, Hudson is handsome and hunky, but everyone knows I’m not myself till January, so he’ll have to buzz off and charm someone else.

Bah humbug.

Hudson

Moving to California wasn’t in my plans. I could use the change of scenery, though, and the ranch is a good investment. That’s not a sneaky way of saying I’m hiding from my past…no siree. I’m following a new path to a new town, that’s all.

And so far, so good. Except…my attraction to the nerdy bookstore owner is throwing me off my game.

Look, I’m not interested in anything other than a casual hookup. But Moody is a mystery and I want to know more about the adorable geek with a sunny disposition who turns into a holiday grump every year.

For some reason, he feels like home away from home. December may be the last month of the year, but something tells me this is our beginning.

Moody’s Grumpy Holiday is an MM grumpy-sunshine, romantic comedy featuring an adorkable geek, a hunky cowboy, and a little seasonal humbug.

*****

Review:

Hayes latest is a fun, sweet, and humorous holiday romance. When Hudson first meets Moody, he’s funny, upbeat, and quirky. They spend a couple of days together, and one steamy evening, before Hudson heads back home … with a warning from Moody not to come back until January.

December Moody is very different from every other month Moody. While he’s a little bah humbug-y, he’s not horrible about it. He still finds things he enjoys, is willing to help friends and family, and makes his bookstore a welcoming place (in an entertaining way by bringing the opposite of the rest of the town’s Christmas cheer). We find out eventually why he has such an issue with the month, and its understandable why the month isn’t his favorite.

Hudson is smitten after his first visit and just as smitten with grumpy Moody. He slowly and carefully brings Moody back around to enjoying the holiday season again – from convincing him to go tree shopping to making a gingerbread house. He’s sensitive to Moody’s feelings but also sees hints that suggest that Moody isn’t as sour on the season as he wants people to think he is.

So far I have loved everything I’ve read from Hayes. It’s her characters that keep me coming back over and over again. Only one hasn’t been my cup of tea but even he was interesting & well developed and I enjoyed the heck out of his story. Hayes is a favorite and I look forward to every book that she comes out with.

~

Review – Between Now and Forever

17 Tuesday Dec 2024

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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 towel—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, he’s not indulging in what Gabrielle is offering—not with his emotional train wreck of a past.

Just neighbors. Just friends. Or so he says.

Secretly, he’s smitten with the single, fierce mama bear of two who plays Miss Fix-It at the house next door. He doesn’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 best—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 Adriana 

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

~

Review – Pure Country

13 Friday Dec 2024

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Pure Country

Central Texas series

by Kelly Fox

Blurb:

I’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 I’ve kept him at arm’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, I’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 🙂

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. I’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 in Blog Tour, Book Review

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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 brother’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 father’s estate, but as far as I’m concerned, he should’ve stayed gone. Besides, he’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. It’s impossible to avoid him since I run my farrier business out of the house he’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 him—literally.

When push comes to shove and I’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 doesn’t like me having all that I do, and if they have their way, I’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 🙂 (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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