Review – Unbreakable Love

15 Thursday Aug 2024

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Unbreakable Love

A Kelley Family Novel

by Stacey Lynn

Blurb:

A small town, single dad, forbidden romance from bestselling author, Stacey Lynn.

I don’t think anyone would’ve chosen to be a single dad before their driver’s license even arrived in the mail, but that was the curveball that life threw at me. While my classmates were partying it up at football games and Prom, I was dealing with ear infections and learning how to be the best kind of dad like my father was to me.

I all but gave up on trusting a woman again and finding love as I had more important

responsibilities: being a proud girl dad to Josie, helping my family out on their ranch, and starting my own construction business.

Then Penelope Pesco shows up and kills my resolve to remain alone. She’s not only the most alluring woman I’ve ever met, but a forbidden one too: She’s my daughter’s new teacher.

She’s also my new neighbor.

Sweet Penny is pure temptation in one gorgeous package with her sunflower blonde hair and beguiling sky-blue eyes, and I’m having a hard time staying away. Keeping myeight-year-old daughter from falling in love with her is hard enough. We both don’t need to fall in love with her and end up with our hearts broken.

Then tragedy strikes my family in an entirely shocking way, and reality hits. Life’s too short to keep running and living in fear. This is my chance and I’m grabbing it with both hands.

I can only hope I haven’t screwed everything up. Hopefully, there’s a chance I can fix what

I’ve broken. Josie and I love and adore Penny and can only hope that our unbreakable love isn’t shattered beyond repair.

Download today or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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

Amazon Worldwide: https://geni.us/7jNcEvD

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3KPkb0A

Unbreakable Love is a small town, single dad, forbidden romance from bestselling author, Stacey Lynn.

Read the other books in The Kelley Family series!

Undeniable Love (novella): https://viewbook.at/undeniable24

Unending Love: https://viewbook.at/30p4zp

Unstoppable Love: https://viewbook.at/unyielding24

*****

Review:

This is the first in this series for me (and only 3rd or 4th by this author) so I don’t have a lot to compare it to or any previous feeling for any of the characters. I liked Gavin and it helped getting his perspective so I was willing to give him a little grace – plus, his daughter is adorable – but if I was Penny I’m not sure how many second chances I would have given the man. He was rude WAY too many times to count as he struggled with his attraction to his daughter’s new teacher. And his new neighbor. Burned once, he finds it difficult to trust but the draw to Penny proves hard to resist.

Penny is a wonderful teacher and has a big heart. And a huge propensity to forgive, which is lucky for Gavin after he treats her poorly on more than one occasion. Sure, he apologizes each time and eventually shows himself to be the decent guy he is, but it does take a bit … he may be worth the wait tho 🙂

Unbreakable Love is a sweet read, with an enjoyable cast of characters, a sweetheart of a kid, a good balance between lighthearted and serious, and just a touch of heat. With the latest in the Kelley Family series, Lynn gives readers a good way to wrap up their summer beach reads.

(There are a few moments that I’m guessing would be beneficial to have read the previous book but Lynn does a good job of explaining what’s going on that it isn’t necessary.)

*****

Author Info:

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey

Website: www.staceylynnbooks.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6995826.Stacey_Lynn

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Lynn/e/B00CD6VVQG/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/staceylynnbooks

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

Instagram: www.instagram.com/staceylynn.author

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

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacey-lynn

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

~

Spotlight – Hotshot

14 Wednesday Aug 2024

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Hotshot

The Elmwood Stories, Book 5

by Lane Hayes

Blurb:

The rookie superstar, the desperate cowboy, and a naughty proposition…

Denny

The press calls me this year’s hotshot, the rookie who scores at will and conjures plays out of thin air. Truth is…I’m a PR nightmare. Seriously. Ask my agent.

My anxiety is off the charts. I can’t talk to the media without breaking into a cold sweat, but once I get through the season, I can regroup at home. Life is simpler in Vermont.

Well, not anymore. There’s a new cowboy in town. Literally, a cowboy. At least, Hank looks like one—he owns a horse, wears a hat, and did I mention he’s hot?

And get this…he has a proposition for me.

Hank

Proposition is a strong word. I prefer to call this a mutually beneficial arrangement. See, I could use Denny’s help with a family business venture, and though I was planning to offer cash, the jock has a sexier idea.

Not gonna lie, I’m interested.

This could be a fun distraction while I’m stuck in Elmwood. Nice enough place, however, the locals are wary of an outsider taking over the neighboring mill. Long story short…they don’t trust me. But they love their hometown hockey hero.

I get it.

I’ve never met anyone like Denny—skittish in street clothes and a feral beast with cunning instincts on the ice. He’s fascinating, sexy, smart, and—

Whoa! I’m not falling for the hotshot rookie. No way, no how, no chance…

Too late.

Hotshot is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small town romance featuring a hotshot rookie, a sexy cowboy, and a proposition that changes everything.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

“Let’s get this over with. What did you want?”

“Ouch. I can’t remember the last time anyone was happy to see me,” he groused without heat. “Except Steve the contractor. He likes me okay, but he’s being paid well. Our employees do well too, but sadly, they don’t like me at all.”

“I can’t help you with that. Sorry.”

Hank sipped his beer and shrugged. “Yes, you can. I’m extorting you, remember?”

“Oh…yeah.” I chuckled.

And fuck, I didn’t want to be amused. I didn’t want to like Hank at all, but it was hard not to appreciate his self-deprecating honesty. He emanated “nice guy” vibes with the right amount of edge. No wonder drunk me had gotten flirty with him. Fortunately, sober me knew he was more than I could handle.

Which was fine since Hank wasn’t interested anyway. He wanted my alleged star power, not me.

So why was I grinning like an idiot?

Fuck, I had a bad feeling my eyes were twinkling too. I had to rein that shit in, stat.

“So…let’s make a deal,” he said, thankfully unaware of my inner detour. “I need an Elmwood buddy. My dad gave me the all-clear to make my offer sexy, so…what’ll it be?”

I bugged my eyes out. “Sexy?”

“Yeah, something interesting. If it’s money, name your price. Tell me what you want in exchange for your time.”

You.

The word tripped to the tip of my tongue. I bit it back and swallowed it, clearing my throat to be sure it was gone.

“I just…want to make sure that whatever I blabbed while I was wasted off my ass stays between us.”

“Yeah, but I’ll do that for free. You can trust me.”

“I don’t know you,” I retorted.

“True,” he conceded, sipping his beer. “But you don’t really have a choice. I can’t prove that I won’t sell you out. It’s a trust thing. Let’s talk about the sexy angle, ’cause I need an Elmwood buddy like yesterday.”

“I can’t believe I’m asking this, but…what does an Elmwood buddy do?”

“He shows the new guy the ropes.” Hank leaned in. “Introduce me, give me tips on who’s who and what to avoid. I suck in Elmwood and I need a champion, a liaison…a friend. That can be you.”

I huffed in amusement, feeling strangely at ease. He was charming as fuck and I was not immune. “How can you suck in Elmwood? Everyone is cool there.”

He slumped on his stool. “I don’t know, but I’m even worse in Wood Hollow. I don’t get it. People in Denver like me just fine. Even you like me.”

“No, I like your hat.” I reached for his water and winked.

I fucking winked.

Me.

That was me flirting. Ugh. Bad, Denny. Bad.

I felt surprisingly relaxed with him. Like I had last weekend when I’d spilled my guts and…other things. The point was, I could talk to him without feeling immediately depleted, and that alone was a minor miracle.

Hank kicked my shin playfully. “Nah, you like me. You did last weekend, anyway.”

“I was drunk, and I’m still mortified. Go easy on me.” I took a swig of water as if I were knocking back whisky.

“I’ll try, but…you shook your dick at me, then fell buck-ass naked in my bed, so c’mon.”

My eyes had to be saucer-sized. “I shook my dick at you?”

He inclined his chin and winked in a touché move that made my cock swell against my zipper.

“A week later, I’m still thinking about it,” Hank drawled.Whoa. Was he serious?

*****

Author Info:

Lane Hayes lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

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_hayes

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Hotshot, 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!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Spotlight – The Billionaire

12 Monday Aug 2024

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The Billionaire

Portland Protectors- EHM Security series
Book 3

by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond

Blurb:

There’s a thin line between love and hate, and I hate that I’m still in love with him.

★Austin “Daredevil” Wentworth★

I hate Greer Rowan.

Hate how I feel when he looks at me, hate the way things ended, and I hate that he’s my older brother’s best friend.

I hate how badly I want him, and most of all, I hate that I’m still stupidly in love with him.

But I have a job to do. Greer has hired me to do the impossible with him on an international excursion that’s going to land us together in his bed. Problem is, I might not hate that.

★Greer Rowan★

I’ve been such a fool.

I had my reasons for doing what I did, and I know I hurt him. Austin may never understand, but I’m going to force him to hear me out. And if pushing all his protector buttons to get him to pretend to be my boyfriend at my niece’s wedding won’t do the trick, I’ll dare him to do something else because that angry man is all I want.

Austin is the love of my life. We’re supposed to be together, and I’ve already wasted too many years without him.

The Billionaire is book three in the Portland Protectors- EHM Security series. It is a not so fake boyfriend, gay for you, brother’s best friend, grumpy sunshine MM Romance with a swoony HEA.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

Greer turned to appraise me with a knowing smile, making my breathing a little raspier than normal. I was no longer Carter’s kid brother. I was more. And his appreciative smile and long assessing gaze that took in my face, my sharp jaw, and my lips said he knew it. And he looked pleased to see me.

“Well, hello there. It’s good to see you, Austin.”

I smiled and held out my hand to shake his. “Hello, Greer. It’s really nice to see you.”

He shifted on his stool toward me, then looked momentarily at my hand before sliding his into mine.

When he touched me, a warm sensation started in my hand before heading straight into my pants. I looked down at where our skin made contact and, for the briefest of moments, I wondered if his lips on mine would have the same effect. Would he taste like I’d imagined?

Would kissing him cause an electrical current to run through me, making me want things I knew I shouldn’t? He was my much older brother’s best friend, and old enough to be my father. But that didn’t stop the tidal wave of longing and desire I’d carried for him for years. And at that moment, I didn’t think anything could.

Greer held my hand as he looked into my eyes, making me lose track of time. I’d always been attracted to him, and if the way he looked at me was any indication, he was feeling it, too.

“Want a drink?”

I felt my face heat as his words registered in my lust-addled brain. That’s what he reduced me to every single time I was near him.

“Uh, yeah,” I said, clearing my throat and pulling my hand from his. “I’ll have a stout.”

Greer smiled like my choice of beverage answered an unasked question, then turned back toward the bartender, where he raised a hand to get his attention. I took a breath and righted myself on the stool. His familiar cologne filled my nose again, and I wanted to rub up against him like a cat. I wanted his scent all over my skin.

The close confines of the bar caused my thigh to line up with his, igniting an entirely new wave of scorching desire and need through every cell in my body. No man had ever caused this kind of fire in me. And it was dangerous as fuck.

*****

Author Info:

Emerson Beckett is an avid sports fan and lover of M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author. It gets even better when she can combine the two. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series and The Portland Protectors: EHM Security Series with Rheland Richmond. The We Could Do This Duet is her first solo project.

Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 34 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance.

Emerson is now mom to an Australian Shepherd, four cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.


Connect with Emerson:
www.emersonbeckett.com
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Emerson-Beckett/author/B0B456CD9S?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
https://www.instagram.com/mm.author.emerson.beckett/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mmauthoremersonbeckett
https://www.facebook.com/author.emerson.beckett
https://www.facebook.com/groups/beckettsbookbrigade
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emerson-beckett

~

For as long as she can remember, Rheland’s had her nose stuck in a book, getting lost in the world of someone else’s creation (She still does). Her love for writing came from her love for reading. She could never have one without the other.

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.


Connect with Rheland:
www.rhelandrichmond.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@rhelandrichmondmmauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rhelandrichmond/
https://www.facebook.com/rhelandrichmond.author.58
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondsRiders/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rheland-richmond

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of The Billionaire, the authors are giving away 2 e-copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – Fumbled Arrangment

09 Friday Aug 2024

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Fumbled Arrangement

The Atlanta Arrows #3

by S. Jones

Blurb:

What started out as a night of fun at a Vegas hotspot somehow turned into saying “I Do” by an Elvis impersonator. 

If you think that’s bad, it gets worse. My new husband lied to me and told me he ran a not-for-profit. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Imagine my surprise when I realized I married one of the best tight ends in the league. 

Did I mention my uncle owns the team?

If you think things couldn’t get any more complicated, our plans to get an annulment are unexpectedly put on hold. So, now I’m trapped in this unforeseen marriage until we can find a way out. He assured me not to worry, proposing a temporary solution—move in with him and keep our relationship a secret. 

Except, the more I get to know my husband, the more I want to stay married, especially when he calls me—”his wife”. 

But life doesn’t always go as planned, especially when my uncle intercepts our news before we have a chance to tell him. 

Now his spot on the team is at risk, my heart is on the line, and the fallout could cost us everything.

Buy Link:

https://geni.us/Fumbledarrrangement

Available in KU

*****

Review:

There’s something endearing about how much Rhett throws himself into this accidental marriage. He feels a connection to Natalie that he can’t explain but that he feels like he must pursue. And while she wants to forget that their marriage ever existed, especially when they realize exactly how complicated it makes their lives, she feels that draw too and doesn’t fight him when he wants to see where it can go.

I think the blurb made me think the uncle-finding-out thing would be a bigger part of the story than it was. It is a concern but the majority of the storage is them spending time together so that when it does happen towards the end of the book they have so much more at stake.

Do I think these two handled their marriage and the issues that it caused in the most mature way possible? No. Do I think that it was realistic, with all of the messiness that comes with real relationships? Definitely. It’s not easy or pretty, but it rarely is.

*****

Author Info:

S. Jones is a contemporary romance author from Upstate New York. She has a strong passion for writing and reading stories that will rip your heart out before it’s put back together again.

If she’s not buried in her writing cave, she’s usually reading or planning out her next vacation.

She loves to travel to different places and spends all her free with her husband, and two college age children.

When the weather permits, you can find her outside walking her golden retriever, or enjoying a nice cocktail by the pool. She loves cooking and entertaining for her family and friends.
When she’s not holding a glass of wine in one hand and her kindle in the other, she loves to hear from her readers at authorsjoneswrites@gmail.com

~

Spotlight – Rally

06 Tuesday Aug 2024

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Rally

by Devney Perry

Blurb:

An accidental pregnancy, small town, sports romance from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Devney Perry.

Pregnant. Homeless. Broke. Not what I’d expected for my senior year in college. Neither was Rush Ramsey.

We met the day I went camping and got stranded on the side of a gravel road. I didn’t believe in white knights who freed damsels in distress. Life had taught me that if something bad could happen, it probably would. The only person who would save me was me.

But Rush Ramsey rescued me that day. He was sweet and kind and charming. He made a dark, starry night a little less lonely.

I should have realized it was too good to be true. That an incredible night of passion would come with consequences. That the bad luck rollercoaster I’d been riding for twenty-one years wasn’t ready to stop.

Because Rush Ramsey, Treasure State University’s most eligible bachelor and quarterback extraordinaire, just got me pregnant.

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

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VGa6cl

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

Audible: https://bit.ly/4d1NiKz
Narrated by: Jason Clarke & Vanessa Edwin

*****

Author Info:

Devney Perry is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over forty romance novels. After working in the technology industry for a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to pursue her passion for writing. She was born and raised in Montana and now lives in Washington with her husband and two sons. 

Connect with Devney

Website: www.devneyperry.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kncXnb

Amazon: https://geni.us/nAXkP

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/324585607979213/

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

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2v1Hr7t

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

~

Review – The Keeper

01 Thursday Aug 2024

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The Keeper

Redemption Ridge, Book 5

By Aimee Nicole Walker

Blurb:

Sabotaged brakes didn’t kill Rueben Sanchez, but waiting for his assailants’ trial to start just might. A potential witness for the prosecution can’t explore his lusty feelings for the hunky sheriff who saved him, but that doesn’t stop his imagination from running wild. Rueben has already shaped his traumatic mountainside meet cute with Seth Burke into a happily ever after to tell their future grandkids. When the delay threatens to stretch on for years, Rueben feels his dreams slipping out of reach. Should he surrender gracefully or fight for his man?

Pressure and scrutiny are nothing new to Seth, but shouldering his duties has never felt like a burden until they keep him from the man he wants most. Cracking an unsolved murder, safeguarding a high-profile trial, and winning re-election should be enough to keep him busy. But he can’t stop thinking about the perfect weekend he shared with Rueben before everything careened off course. Are they as good together as Seth remembers, or is his memory swayed by the allure of the forbidden? And does he dare to find out?

Late-night phone calls and shared secrets lead to stolen kisses and a lakeside cabin rendezvous. But one encounter isn’t enough, and the two men will risk everything to explore their deepening bond. When a series of chilling events rock the county, Rueben and Seth must put more than their hearts on the line because one misstep could prove fatal.

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

Universal Link

Add on Goodreads

*****

Review:

We’ve been waiting for these two to find their HEA and it was just a steamy, sweet, & funny as readers could expect. They had a meet cute that was a little more hazardous than most – with Seth keeping Rueben calm as he was stuck in a wrecked vehicle perilously hanging off the side of a mountain. It was a good indication of where their relationship would go – moments of levity to keep their mind off of more serious concerns.

I’m not sure I’m as confident that Seth would be willing to risk so much for Rueben. It’s not like it can’t ever happen, just not right now. But then again, they’ve been dancing around each other for a bit so it was just a matter of time.

My biggest wish was that we’d get more of the ranch folks. The relationship of these guys to each other is one of the best things of the series. I’m enjoying seeing each one of them fall in love and the suspense element that ties the series together but I love their friend group and I really want to see more of that. I’d have loved to see Rueben and Keegan interact a bit more because what we did get was exactly what we’ve come to expect from these guys.

I always look forward to a book in this series and the romance between Seth & Rueben is no exception. It has always been a hoot to see Rue flirt so shamelessly with Seth and I was ready to see that come to fruition. The having to hide part could put some off and while I think that it didn’t quite fit the situation & Seth’s steadfast personality, I understand that Walker was going for an attraction that can’t be ignored. So excited that there are two more books coming!

**It really is better to read the entire series because there are elements that flow from one book to another.**

Review – Book Boyfriendish

25 Thursday Jul 2024

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Book Boyfriendish

Naked Runway series

by Lisa Wells

Blurb:

Professional Day Dreamer Sophie E. Clark has gotten the last laugh. 

Those who told her she would never make money daydreaming can bite her curvaceous derriere, because she has just landed the day-dreamiest of daydream gigs with Naked Runway. Of course, if you want to get technical about it, for tax purposes and what not, she’s listed as a columnist. But her assignment is to—drum roll please—search out Manhattan men who could match up against the winners of this year’s Swooniest of Book Boyfriends contest.

Former ex-Navy SEAL Stone Blackthorn is on the injured list at the security firm he co-owns with his brothers. When a friend calls in a favor, he reluctantly agrees to become an undercover bodyguard. As such, he will play the part of a cinnamon roll boyfriend for a fluff-reporter. A no-action assignment if ever there is one.

Little does he know, his client—the president of a romance book club—will piss off members of motorcycle gangs and mafia sorts in her quest to find real men who are the living, breathing equivalent of the fictional Book Boyfriends her club drools over at weekly meetings.

Coming out of this assignment unscathed isn’t looking favorable for either of them.

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/fWWCGvR

Available in KU 

*****

Review:

**maybe minor spoilers ahead … maybe, I’m not sure**

I enjoyed so much of this book. I like Sophie and Stone and I think they complemented each other well – the whole grump/sunshine thing. I think the premise of finding real life book boyfriends is fun (kinda wish we’d gotten more of the guys because it’s a fun idea). But there are a few things I didn’t like as well.

I’ve never read this author before so I had no idea what to expect. A little bit in I found out that there was a smidge of paranormal to this one, which is fine – love a good supernatural romance – but I had no idea it was coming and I’m not sure that I got a good understanding of how their world works. Maybe this story is part of a bigger world that I don’t know about since I’ve not read anything else in the series? But it did make me struggle just a little. Without any kind of background, it just felt like it was vague for no reason or to be mysterious and instead was confusing.

I also wish I’d gotten more of a feel for Stone’s family because I think there could be some great interactions between the brothers. I like Stone as a character and I wanted more of his history, of his family, & what made him into the man he is today. I like him and want to know him even better.

Sophie is an entertaining heroine. She’s bubbly, passionate about her HEAs, and willing to work hard for what she wants. I love her connection with her Poppie and her creativity in making a life she can be proud of. In working with Stone to make sure that her dreams can come true.

The back & forth between Sophie and Stone is entertaining and I was rooting for them to figure things out. It’s lighthearted with a bit of steam and quite a few laughs. I’m intrigued enough I might pick up the other books in the series to see if it’ll help clear a few things up.

*****

Author Info:

Lisa Wells writes romantic comedy with enough steam to fog your eyeglasses, your brain, and sometimes your Kindle screen. On the other hands, her eighty-year-old mother-in-law has read Lisa’s steamiest book and lived to offer her commentary. Which went something like this: You used words I’ve never heard of…

She lives in Missouri with her husband and slightly-chunky rescue dog. Lisa loves dark chocolate, red wine, and those rare mornings when her skinny jeans fit. Which isn’t often, considering the first two entries on her love-it list.

Connect with Lisa Wells:

https://www.instagram.com/lisawellsauthor/

~

Spotlight – Knot Really Engaged

25 Thursday Jul 2024

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Knot Really Engaged

Happily Ever Mishaps #2

by Kendall Hale

Blurb:

Our little white lie tied us up in ways we never expected.

I promised my family I would bring my boyfriend home.

Everything was going my way.

Until his wife showed up at the airport instead of him.

Thankfully, my brother’s best friend is taking the same flight.

Liam Cohen saw me at my worst, but during our trip, we make a pact:

To shield each other against the relentless matchmaking efforts of our mothers.

We were single and happy with it.

Or so we thought.

Liam, however, decided our agreement wasn’t quite enough.

Suddenly, we found ourselves engaged.

“It’s for my grandmother,” he claimed.

“You’ll benefit from it too,” he dared to say.

“Just for the weekend,” he reassured.

“Everything will be just fine,” he promised.

Except, it wasn’t.

My mother is now on the brink of choosing my wedding dress and color palette if I don’t beat her to it.

His relatives are suggesting we make it official that very weekend.

And my brother, Liam’s best friend, is now in on the scheme. Joy.

But it will all be worth it when we’re able to go our separate ways, single and free.

That’s what all the shared jokes, close touches, and fleeting glances have been about.

Right? What could possibly go wrong?

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/aizseF8

Available in KU

*****

Author Info:

Kendall Hale is a daydreamer and a bookworm with a dangerous addiction to chocolate and wine.

At night, she’s a fiery wordsmith with a penchant for creating romantic mayhem with a lot of heat. She believes in the power of laughter, love in its messiest form, and the magic of happily ever afters.

When she’s not crafting swoony, steamy stories, Kendall can be found at home with her family, including her adorable furry companions. She loves experimenting with new recipes, watching movies, and losing herself in her favorite books while music plays in the background.

Connect with Kendall Hale:

https://authorkendall.com

~

Review – Savior Complex

19 Friday Jul 2024

Posted by in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Savior Complex

A Sunset Bay Novel

by Crissi Langwell

Release Date: July 19

Blurb:

He’s perfect for me. He’s also my cousin’s fiancé.

If there’s anything life has taught me, it’s that men are not to be trusted. Case in point, the night three men corner me on my walk home. I froze, they closed in, and I was sure history was about to repeat itself. But this time, I had a knight in shining armor. Brayden Winters, who used his quick wit to rescue me and prove that not all guys are bad. In fact, I can’t fight the unmistakable connection between us, including the realization that he fits every single thing I once listed about my perfect man, right down to his deep dimples, love for country music, and the way he calls me Sugar.

But this cowboy isn’t as perfect as I thought. I discovered this at a family dinner, sitting across from my estranged cousin and that gigantic rock on her finger…and Brayden Winters sitting right next to her.

And as if life can’t wait to throw more curveballs, I somehow get roped into letting my cousin live with me. So I not only have to navigate the fragile eggshells of our family dynamic under the same roof, I am also unable to let go of my insane attraction to her fiancé.

Life is about to get messy.

Savior Complex is the story of Nina Chance and Brayden Winters…and Jordy Gallo — a steamy dual POV love triangle romance with sizzling scenes and a fully-developed love story. This is the third book in the Sunset Bay series. All novels in the Sunset Bay series are complete standalones with HEAs and no cliffhangers, and take place in the same small coastal town.

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/0ZXfYw4
Available in KU

*****

Review:

There’s a trigger warning at the beginning that mentions infidelity, SA, and toxic family relationships (which all are present in spades), so please make sure that you are OK with these. Langwell doesn’t shy away from these and delivers them with a bluntness that may not be for everyone.

As for me, I really wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one because I am not usually a fan of cheating in my romances. But Langwell does such an amazing job of showing how messy and hard and complicated life can be. It definitely helps that we are given both Brayden and Nina’s POV, since that lets us see it from his perspective and have an understanding of where his head is. We truly see the conflict for the two of them and the depth of their connection as they grow closer. It’s so real and raw and heartbreaking. Readers will feel for them as they struggle with an attraction that they shouldn’t do anything about but find too strong to ignore.

*****

Author Info:

Crissi Langwell is the author of 13 published books, with genres that include romance, young adult, and women’s fiction. Her upcoming novel is Naked Coffee Guy, the second book in her Sunset Bay romance series, which will be released on October 24. Crissi is the vice president, web editor, and newsletter editor of her writing club, Redwood Writers, and she is the Communications Director for Oakmont Village Association. She lives in Petaluma, California with her fellow writerly husband and a sassy Maine Coon cat.

Connect with Crissi Langwell:

https://crissilangwell.com/links

~

Spotlight – The Keeper

17 Wednesday Jul 2024

Posted by in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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The Keeper

Redemption Ridge, Book 5

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Blurb:

Sabotaged brakes didn’t kill Rueben Sanchez, but waiting for his assailants’ trial to start just might. A potential witness for the prosecution can’t explore his lusty feelings for the hunky sheriff who saved him, but that doesn’t stop his imagination from running wild. Rueben has already shaped his traumatic mountainside meet cute with Seth Burke into a happily ever after to tell their future grandkids. When the delay threatens to stretch on for years, Rueben feels his dreams slipping out of reach. Should he surrender gracefully or fight for his man?

Pressure and scrutiny are nothing new to Seth, but shouldering his duties has never felt like a burden until they keep him from the man he wants most. Cracking an unsolved murder, safeguarding a high-profile trial, and winning re-election should be enough to keep him busy. But he can’t stop thinking about the perfect weekend he shared with Rueben before everything careened off course. Are they as good together as Seth remembers, or is his memory swayed by the allure of the forbidden? And does he dare to find out?

Late-night phone calls and shared secrets lead to stolen kisses and a lakeside cabin rendezvous. But one encounter isn’t enough, and the two men will risk everything to explore their deepening bond. When a series of chilling events rock the county, Rueben and Seth must put more than their hearts on the line because one misstep could prove fatal.

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

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Add on Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

Seth scanned the hallway again, and his gaze landed on the stockroom. “In here.” He curled his fingers into fists to avoid doing something stupid like reaching for Rueben’s hand. Seth opened the door and turned on the light. The space wasn’t huge to start with, and rows of tall metal storage shelves aligned both walls, leaving only a narrow aisle between them. Seth shut the door and gave in to the urge to take Rue’s hand, guiding him past stacks of toilet paper, napkins, and nonperishable food items. They stopped by a section of table condiments toward the back of the room. The aisle was barely big enough for one person, let alone two, and Seth ended up crowding Rueben against the metal shelving. Body heat drew him in, or maybe Rueben gave Seth’s heartstrings a little tug. Either way, it was nearly impossible not to react to the energy pulsing between them. “I want to apologize.”

Rueben’s gorgeous mouth curved into a wicked smile. “I can’t fault your style.”

Seth almost laughed and replied with a snappy comeback, but they didn’t have much time. He went for a direct approach instead, though he didn’t step back to put distance between them. How could he when Rueben smelled so damn delicious? Seth tried not to be too obvious when he inhaled a little deeper on his next breath. Mmmm. Sunshine and clean clothes. “And clear the air,” he added.

“I’m trying to decide if your growing erection is making things clearer or if it’s muddying the water,” Rueben said.

Seth’s exhale came out sounding more like a needy whimper than the heavy sigh he’d intended. Rueben’s warm chuckle was such a small sound, but it rippled over him like a seductive caress. Seth needed to take a step back, screw his head on right, and put things in proper perspective, but he settled his hands at Rueben’s hips and held on for dear life. Being together was so wrong but felt so fucking right.

“Not that I’m complaining, but I’m getting mixed signals from you today,” Rueben said. “You iced me out at the prosecutor’s office and wouldn’t even look at me. And now, you’re a few heartbeats away from rubbing one out against me.” Seth hadn’t moved his hips so much as an inch, but grinding against Rueben’s answering hard-on was the only thing on his mind. “Use your words, Burke. I don’t have enough emotional spoons left in the drawer to guess where your head is.” He raised his hand and caressed Seth’s jaw with two fingers. “This one, I mean. The other head’s desires are pretty self-explanatory.”

*****

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:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aimee-nicole-walker
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AimeeNWalker
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/aimeenicole.walker
Instagram – http://instagram.com/aimeenicolewalker
Blog – AimeeNicoleWalker.blogspot.com

Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj

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/

https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

*****

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!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Join us for Book 1 in the Redemption Ridge Series with:

Guys Like Him

Redemption Ridge, Book 1

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?

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Add to Goodreads

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.

*****