Review – Cross My Candy Heart

12 Monday Feb 2024

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A Belleview Holiday Romance, A.C. Thomas, Belleview Holiday series, Book Review, cross my candy heart

Cross My Candy Heart

A Belleview Holiday Romance

by A.C. Thomas

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: 02/06/2024

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 26700

Genre: Contemporary, contemporary, holiday/Valentine’s Day, office worker, singing telegram, nerds, size difference, mistaken identity

Blurb:

Love is the last thing on Justin’s mind. Sure, he’s noticed the big, shy guy who comes in for his coffee every morning, but Justin doesn’t have time to indulge in a crush. After his last disastrous breakup, he needs to get his head out of the clouds and focus on climbing out of debt with his pile of part-time jobs. The singing telegram gig is the most embarrassing by far, but at least no one will ever recognize him in his ridiculous costumes. It’s temporary, just through the Valentine season.

Adam is in love. He just needs to drum up the nerve to do something about it. A daily smile from the cute guy behind the coffee counter is the bright spot in his day, keeping him going through the work week in an office filled with jerks. Especially when one of the jerks starts sending him romantic telegrams as a joke. There’s nothing he hates more than public humiliation. If he ever finds out who’s behind it, heads will roll.

Love songs, lies, and an absurd amount of glitter pave the way to a romance neither of them expected. Adam is everything Justin’s ever dreamed of, but he can never discover Justin’s terrible, fuzzy, off-key secret.

This Valentine’s Day, Cupid doesn’t miss, even if he has terrible timing.

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205793658-cross-my-candy-heart

NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/cross-my-candy-heart/

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/candy-heart

*****

Excerpt:

The stares started in the parking garage and only got worse as he entered the lobby.

This latest assignment brought him to one of the four high-rise buildings that defined downtown Belleview, the biggest one, some financial firm. It stood out against the mountain landscape like alien architecture that had dropped from the sky, dark and shining and bleak beside the trees and mountains jagged with life.

Ignoring the gobsmacked expressions on the receptionists’ faces, he approached the front desk. “Hi, how you doing? I’m here to make a special delivery on the sixteenth floor.”

The older of the two receptionists shushed the other’s giggling as she dutifully tapped away at her computer. “Name?”

Out of habit, Justin almost glanced at a name badge he was no longer wearing. Instead, he passed along the crumpled order form in his sweaty gloved fist. “I represent Season’s Greetings, with a telegram delivery for Adam Hubert.”

She perked up immediately, taking in his work uniform with a slowly spreading grin. “Adam Hubert, up in IT? Oh, honey, wish I was coming with you. That’s gonna be a sight to see.”

Nothing in her words or her delivery inspired confidence. Oh well, some gigs were more difficult than others. Not everyone appreciated a personalized singing telegram. Justin had already run the gamut of reactions from delight to disgust, and now, he just wanted to get each assignment done so he could move on to the next. “Can you direct me to his office?”

“Says right there on your paper. Floor 16, room 319. I promise you’ll know him when you see him; he stands out around here. Not as much as you in that getup, but he’s never exactly blended in either. Big hulking guy, always wears a frown, nobody can get a smile out of him. Folks up on his floor call him ‘Lurch.’” She added that final aside in a stage whisper with a conspiratorial air that rubbed Justin the wrong way.

He retrieved his order form and stuffed it in his pocket. “That doesn’t seem like a very nice name to call somebody.”

“He’s not very popular. Alright, here’s your badge.” She slapped a little barcode sticker on his furry chest with uncalled-for glee. “That should let you in the right doors. Tell Charlene up in reception to call me when you get there. I wanna listen in.”

He left with a half-hearted wave, his boss’s ancient boom box weighing heavily in his hand. “Thanks.”

Cross My Candy Heart
A.C. Thomas © 2024
All Rights Reserved

*****

Review:

This book has all the corn syrupy feels you would expect from a Valentine’s Day novella. Justin and Adam together have that OTT cute & funny thing going on and the meet-cute between the two & the sweet interactions once they start actually talking to each other is just the bestest. There was plenty of awww moments and a quite a few chuckles before the end.

Being a novella, it does’t take long to get to the conflict and their happily ever after but I liked them so much I really wish we’d gotten more. I wanted to know more about why Adam feels the way he does about himself, how he is with his coworkers and others besides Justin. And I wanted more of Justin finally getting a good relationship and getting himself back on his feet. And I really wished I’d gotten a bit of a better conclusion to the “secret admirer”. I guess there’s always some of that with a novella but can we make this into a longer book, please?

But I think the fact that even with all those wants I still finished it with a smile shows that Thomas does a really good job of creating those characters and moving them through well to that HEA ending.

*****

Author Info:

A.C. Thomas left the glamorous world of teaching preschool for the even more glamorous world of staying home with her toddler. Between the diaper changes and tea parties, she escapes into fantastical worlds, reading every romance available and even writing a few herself.

She devours books of every flavor—science fiction, historical, fantasy—but always with a touch of romance because she believes there is nothing more fantastical than the transformative power of love.

Website: http://www.acthomasbooks.com/

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acthomas_books

*****

Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive a $50.00 NineStar Press Gift Code!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/555033ec1035/?widget_template=589504cd4f3bedde0b6e64c2

*****

Review – Something Like Love

06 Tuesday Feb 2024

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Book Review, Chicago Grizzlies series, Piper Rayne, Something Like Love

Something Like Love

Chicago Grizzlies series

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

I want to.

I can’t.

I’ve been friends with Cooper Rice from the moment we met. He was just as famous a decade ago on our college campus as he is now being the star quarterback for the Chicago Grizzlies.

But he’s not only talented on the field, he’s also the gorgeous football star women fawn over, posing in underwear and razor ads.

Here’s a secret those women don’t know—Cooper Rice isn’t a playboy. He’s the kind of man who wants to settle down with a family. He’s content ordering pizza and massaging my feet after my long shift as an emergency room doctor. He listens to me as if he’s as invested as I am in my patients. He has never let me down.

This is exactly why I refuse to live without Cooper in my life. Eight years ago, I made him promise me that we’d never cross that line. And just like I knew Cooper would, he’s held to that promise.

Despite our best efforts, our relationship is evolving, shifting into new territory and I find myself unsure if I want Cooper to keep that promise. Ignoring the obvious could tear us apart, but so could giving in, meaning there’s a chance I’ll lose Cooper forever no matter what decision I make.

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3y6pEtx

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

https://books2read.com/sllove
Audio narrated by Aaron Shedlock & Emma Wilder

Something like Love is a football, friends to lovers story and is the third and final book in Piper Rayne’s Chicago Grizzlies series.

Start the Chicago Grizzlies series with Something like Hate!
https://books2read.com/slhate

*****

Review:

There’s a comment at the end that the authors find it hard to write a friends-to-lovers story and I agree that it can be hard to pull off. I think they did well with what they had. I appreciated that they didn’t do a ton of flashbacks to their college years (I struggle with that as a reader) and that they concentrated the first half on the “will they” and the second half on the transition.

Cooper is just about perfect, as he has been throughout the series. He does pretty much everything for Ellery and lets her set the rules when it comes to their relationship, even when it isn’t what he wants. It’s worked so far … until it doesn’t any more.

Elle struggles a lot with what she wants. She’s allowed her dad to dictate her career (and a good portion of her life) so any changes to her relationship with Cooper scares her. But losing him would be even worse.

I can definitely see both sides of this relationship and what brings them to the brink of throwing everything away. While I appreciate that their struggles get them to their HEA, I do wish Elle had maybe handled things a little differently. I still really enjoyed the story but once I saw where it was heading I kinda didn’t want to go there 🙂

Piper Rayne knows how to deliver somewhat spicy romances with a satisfying HEA. I always plow through their stories, enjoying the characters and their struggles and finishing them in just a couple of days. They have definitely become a must read for me!

*****

Author Info:

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

Connect with Piper Rayne

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

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

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

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

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

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Review – The Bright Spot

16 Tuesday Jan 2024

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Book Review, Jill Shalvis, Sunrise Cove series, The Bright Spot

The Bright Spot

Sunrise Cove #5

by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a heartwarming story about the choices we make and the love we let into our lives…

Luna Wright is a lot of things, but sweet and trusting aren’t on the list. However, she’s a sucker for the underdog and a hard-luck story. Adopted at birth, with scant knowledge of her biological family, she’s created her own inner circle, a motley crew which includes her bestie Willow, to help her run the struggling but charming Apple Ridge Farm.

With a farm-to-table café as well as a menagerie of rescued animals (complete with a baby goat who keeps escaping to the pantry to eat the secret stash of decidedly not organic potato chips), it’s the best home she’s ever known. But when Silas, the owner who they secretly call The Grinch, passes away, Luna discovers the farm is now under the control of both his investment manager, the enigmatic Jameson Hayes….and her. And that Silas had many, many secrets.

Now Luna’s carefully controlled corner of the world is threatened and she—along with some of her friends—has to dig deep to find true strength and the real meaning of love and family.

Review:

There are things that you come to expect from a Shalvis book – witty banter, quirky characters, and an emotional journey to a HEA. She delivers all and more with The Bright Spot.

Both Luna and Jameson have abandonment issues from their childhoods that they’ve handled in different ways. Luna surrounds herself with people that she loves but doesn’t really let them all the way in. Jameson keeps on the move and doesn’t stay anywhere long enough to form a deeper connection. Thrown together to save Apple Ridge Farm, they may have finally found the person that will help them put their pasts to rest and look to the future.

I enjoyed all the antics, both human and animal, at the farm – their adventures, hijinks, and lack of regard for personal space. It means there is a decent amount of humor mixed in with deeper moments. And if I have any complaint, it’s that there really wasn’t enough of them 🙂

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Shalvis story, then you know what you are going to get. But just because it isn’t anything new, doesn’t mean that it isn’t a delightful read. It has the feels. It has the playfulness. It has the characters that you like and root for to find that happy ending. And, of course, a HEA that leaves you satisfied and reminds you why you read her books in the first place.

(Part of a series because they are set in the same area, but they are all independent and read as a stand alone.)

Review – The Rockstar

11 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, books, Emerson Beckett, Giveaway, Portland Protectors-EHM Security series, Review, Rheland Richmond, romance, The Rockstar

The first book in the sexy new bodyguard series set in the Package Deal World.

The Rockstar

Portland Protectors- EHM Security Series, Book 1

by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond

Blurb:

Adam Spencer – “The Rockstar”

Here’s what I know — some people aren’t meant to find love.

And as much as I want to be someone’s everything, that’s not meant for me.

After a painful breakup, I channeled all my hurt into a song that has skyrocketed my band, Fallen Angel, to the top of the charts.

Now I need protection from the one person who was supposed to love me no matter what—my mother.

Whether I want him or not, I now have a sexy, silver-tongued southern charmer as my 24/7 bodyguard.

I’ve tried not to fall for him, because I don’t do relationships. They hurt too much.

But Michael has me thinking I could take one more chance to find love.

Or was I meant to be alone like I thought all along?

Michael Coleman – “Phantom”

I’ve always been a protector. During my career as a Navy SEAL, my duty was to protect my four best friends.

Now I need to protect the sexy rock star I love flirting with every time he walks in the door to our EHM office.

Adam Spencer lights me up like no one ever has. And that’s saying something.

I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him, even from himself.

Have I finally found the love I’ve been hoping for with the Rockstar?

The Rockstar is a flirty, friends-to-lovers, bodyguard and rockstar MM Romance that takes place in the Package Deal Series World. It can be read as a stand-alone book.

Trigger Warning: There is off the page reference to physical abuse to a minor. Off the page domestic violence and death of a mentioned character.

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*****

Excerpt:

I pulled up to the window and handed the smiling girl my card. “Here ya go, darlin’.”

Adam went to retrieve his wallet, but I waved him off. “Business expense.”

I watched as she gathered our food and put it in the bag.

“Would you like one of our loyalty cards? You can get a free item if you come back enough,” she asked, smiling at me.

“Why yes, please,” I replied, returning her smile.

I watched as she added napkins to the bag before handing it to me. I then handed it to Adam, who sat there with his head cocked to one side, looking at me.

I smirked and turned my attention back to the girl in the window.

“Here you go,” she said with a wink as she handed me my credit card. “Come back and see us again.”

I smiled at her. “Thank you.”

Pulling away from the window, I put my credit card back in my wallet, then placed the loyalty card with her name and phone number on the back onto the dash. When I closed it, I could see he hadn’t moved and was watching me like a bug under a microscope.

I chuckled. “What?”

“Do you flirt with everyone?”

“What do you mean? She was flirting with me.”

Adam laughed. “You started it!”

“I did no such thing,” I said, pulling out of the drive thru. “She started it, and I didn’t want to embarrass her by not playing along.”

Adam’s high-pitched strangled noise drew my attention. “You called her ‘darlin’’ like you’re a cowboy on the range wrangling cows or something.” He was mimicking me, and it made me smile.

Now it was my turn to laugh. “I did, but I’m telling you—she started it.”

“How?” he asked incredulously. I imagine if he could put his hands on his hips, he would have.

I guess I had to share this with him. “She gave me the smile.”

Adam shifted to look at me. “What smile? I really think you’re imagining things.”

“No, I’m not. She smiled that smile with her eyes, like a girl does when she wants you to ask her out. You know what I mean.”

He barked out a laugh. “No, the fuck I don’t. I’m gay.”

“But you’re a rockstar. Girls have to hit on you.”

He snorted. “Yeah, they do. But I’m usually paying more attention to their boyfriends.”

I laughed at his response and shook my head.

Damn, this was going to be fun.

*****

Review:

I loved this book. Then again, I also loved pretty much everything about the Package Deal series so I’m not surprised. These two deliver enjoyable HEAs time and time again.

Adam has some abandonment and self-worth issues left over from his childhood and he’s feeling raw from the end of his last relationship. Having given up on love, he’s content getting ready for his tour and having fun flirting with a certain ex-SEAL.

Michael is demiromantic and hasn’t really experienced that deeper connection with anyone before. While he enjoys teasing Adam, this time it seems a little different. When there’s a threat to Adam his protective side comes out and it doesn’t take long to realize that it definitely means something more.

Adam and Michael’s interactions are all in fun at first but then quickly develop into a romantic connection. Michael is so patient with Adam as he deals with his trauma from being abused and abandoned by his mother. Michael’s unwavering support helps Adam realize that he is worthy of love & commitment. It’s endearing and low angst and very satisfying.

The stalker/blackmailer story line isn’t as huge a part of the story as the romance, which surprised (and dismayed) some. But it does work to get these two together and to give Michael an excuse to find Adam’s father. Which is all sorts of heart-warming and helps to put some of Adam’s ghosts to rest.

Cole & Patrick’s relationship has a pretty decent side story here too, which makes sense as they are both very important parts of Adam’s life and they’ve all been close for decades. It also heavily sets up the next book, which some found a little too much for this story.

(Speaking of which – Rheland! Emerson! Why did you have to tease us so much with Cole and Patrick? And seriously that preview for the next book! Readers, don’t read it unless you want to be anxiously waiting for The Linebacker which doesn’t release for another 2 months! I’ll be sitting on pins and needles until March. *sigh*)

Emotional, funny, and sweet, The Rockstar is a gratifying start to a new series. Both characters are likeable, they are entertaining together, and watching their relationship develop into something more made me so happy.

(At first, I thought this one could stand on its own but after reading some of the other reviews I think maybe it CAN but probably shouldn’t. There are a lot of characters from the Package Deal world who are either mentioned or make an appearance. And while they don’t play a direct role here I know that it can be confusing and annoying when you don’t know who they are. But then again those books are good reads so you can’t go wrong starting there are ending here 🙂 )

*****

Author Info:

Rheland Richmond

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

Emerson Beckett

Emerson Beckett is new to the publishing world. As an avid sports fan and lover of well-written M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author of gay romance. It’s even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal MM romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing- Rheland Richmond. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference, Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, Illegal Motion, Ineligible Receiver, and one more upcoming book in the series. She plans to release her first solo book in 2023.

Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 32 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd, three cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch. 

Connect with Emerson:
www.emersonbeckett.com
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

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of The Rockstar, Rheland & Emerson are giving away 2 e-books of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – Holiday Crush

13 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Elmwood Stories series, Holiday Crush, Lane Hayes

Holiday Crush

The Elmwood Stories, Book Three

by Lane Hayes

Blurb:

The hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic…

Court
Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what?

This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup.

Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more.

But you know, I like him. A lot. He’s funny and relentlessly upbeat. I’m a better person when I’m with him—the kind who volunteers to deck the halls and wrap garland on lampposts and—

Whoa. What’s happening here?

Ivan
I love the holidays! But running the coffee shop on my own during the busiest season of the year is going to be a challenge. And the sudden appearance of my former crush is all kinds of distracting.

See, I spent my formative years mooning over Court Henderson, our high school’s hockey phenom, even though he was out of my league. Thankfully, I grew up and left the silly remnants of my youth behind. Or did I?

Grown-up Court is full of surprises, and under his gruff yet extremely fine exterior, he’s a good soul with a huge heart. He’s charming, sweet, handsome, and— Uh-oh.

My crush is back. Just in time for the holidays…

Holiday Crush is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a renewed ancient crush, some mistletoe latte art, and a little seasonal magic.

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*****

Excerpt:

Court shook his head at my amazing, incredible Christmas tree on his way to the door. “I can’t get over that thing. It’s wild.”

I beamed. “I know. I love it. I buy a regular tree too, even though it’s holiday overkill. But who cares? This is my favorite time of year, and I celebrate to the nth degree!”

He shoved his arms into his jacket, a playful grin on his handsome mug. “And do you celebrate by watching scary movies and stringing candy corn and plastic spiders into garland?”

“No, smartass, but damn, that’s a great idea for Halloween next year.”

He chuckled. “So…what do you do for Christmas?”

I braced my left hand on the doorjamb and cast a quick glance at the fireplace to keep from staring at my guest. Standing a foot apart in the cramped doorway between my foyer and living room felt oddly intimate. Court took up space in my tiny abode, with his broad shoulders, towering height, and big muscles. I was more aware of him than ever. It took me a second to gather my thoughts and remember what we were talking about.

Christmas. Right.

“The usual—decorate my house, string lights outside, drape fresh garland everywhere. And yes, there’s always mistletoe. I also watch holiday movies and listen to Christmas music from mid-November till the end of the year. I bake cookies too, which always turn out to be a hot mess, but baking is festive and fun, and my family and friends are kind enough to compliment me anyway. And…I sign up for every holiday event in town, including the Skate with Santa party at the rink, caroling at Wood Hollow’s Home for the elderly, Toys for Tots Sled Fest next to the Christmas Tree Farm in Fallbrook, and of course, Holiday Bingo. By the way, all of those, including Bingo, have volunteer positions…if you’re interested.”

“I’d rather shovel snow in Siberia,” he deadpanned.

I grinned. “Your holiday spirit needs a tune-up.”

“Yeah, yeah. I don’t do holiday spirit.”

“That’s an awful thing to say!”

“Why? There’s no point. I’m usually on the road, so I’ve never bought a tree and I don’t always remember to buy gifts, either. My brother shamelessly shows me up every holiday. Oren bought our folks an oil painting of their ten-year-old golden retriever a couple of years ago. And it was really nice. I bought Mom the same gloves I bought her the previous year and the wrong-sized slippers for Dad.”

“Oh, dear. Well, I’m happy to help you this year. I’m an expert at gift-giving and—what’s so funny?”

Court’s eyes crinkled in amusement. “You’re Elmwood’s emo elf, aren’t you?”

“Ha. Ha.” I moved by him to unlock the door. “Good-bye, Grinch.”

He snickered. “Later. And thanks for tonight. It was fun.”

“Yeah. It was,” I agreed, smiling as he stepped closer.

This was where I was supposed to shuffle out of the way to give him room to slip outside without letting the cold inside, but my feet were seemingly glued to the floor. And now, we were inches apart. So close I could see flecks of gold in his blue eyes and a scar half-hidden in his left brow. I should have jumped away and laughed off this little dance before I accidentally made it awkward.

Too late.

Ugh. Now I was staring at him and he was staring at me and…his mouth was right there, hovering over mine. I could feel his breath on my lips and smell gin and something woodsy and masculine on his skin. And nope, I couldn’t resist.

I leaned in, set my palm on his chest and pressed my lips to Court’s.

And that was the match that started the fire.

*****

Review:

I loved this story and read it in less than a day. It’s perfect as a holiday read, full of winter cheer & fun with minimal drama.

Ivan is a delight, with his mix of brashness, charm, and awkwardness. He’s a proud romantic and embraces everything about the holidays. Court on the other hand doesn’t really want anything to do with the season, especially now that he’s at loose ends. But a few run-ins with Ivan soon has him embracing what Elmwood has to offer. Especially the sexy barista.

Court already accepts his bisexuality, which helps keep the angst to a minimum. I don’t mind a bi-awakening, they can be interesting and full of emotion (like Next Season). But here our main characters get to move straight into getting to know each other again … and getting to KNOW each other. It’s steamy but also playful and sweet. The first book, You Again, might not have been quite my thing, but everything else by Hayes has been a delight and Holiday Crush is no different. I’m so ready for what she delivers next.

(Although this is book three in the series, I feel like it can be read as a stand alone. There are returning characters, and Ivan & JC’s amusingly unusual friendship was a highlight in book two, there’s not anything that would have directly impacted this story.)

*****

Author Info:

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

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

*****

Giveaway:

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

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*****

Review – Something Like Lust

12 Tuesday Dec 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Chicago Grizzlies series, Piper Rayne, Something Like Lust

Something Like Lust

Chicago Grizzlies #2

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

Do it.

Don’t do it.

Never in my life did I think I’d wager in my head whether to sleep with Chicago Grizzlies wide receiver, Damon Siska.

He’s the perfect package—hot body, killer smile, and flirts like he earned a doctorate in it. But anyone who reads gossip blogs knows he is looking for one amazing night and nothing more.

I’m not the usual type of woman he beds. I’m a middle school teacher who cherishes her quiet nights in, drinking wine, and watching romantic comedies, dreaming I’m the heroine. I’m not embarrassed to admit—I want the fairy tale.

But Damon caught me at a weak moment. Fresh off a break-up and feeling lousy about myself, I gave into temptation and left the next morning like every other woman he’d slept with.

Except I walked away with more than just the memories when three weeks later the little white stick glowed with two pink lines.

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

https://books2read.com/sllust

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3Ja6wAW

*****

Review:

I think that if you haven’t read Something Like Hate you’re probably going to be a little confused about Damon. Everyone is referencing how he is this playboy who sleeps around but since this book starts when he finds out about Adeline’s pregnancy we don’t see it. Instead he shows himself to be an amazingly caring, responsible, and giving guy. Going by just what you see here, he’s so very easy to fall in love with. Which of course Adeline does, complicating their co-parenting situation.

I’m not a fan of hiding and teasing a main character’s reason for doing things. We know there is something in Damon’s past that causes him to be afraid to commit but it isn’t until basically the end that we find out what it was. And for me it wasn’t developed quite enough to be a satisfying issue/resolution. But since the rest of their relationship was so dang adorable and I really like them together, I’m not letting it affect my satisfaction with the rest of their story.

Maybe not my favorite of Rayne’s stories, but definitely a good read and maybe one of my favorite male leads on their’s. I love Damon as the reforming rake fighting his feelings and he’s beyond adorable as the doting dad. Adeline is a good match for him. She’s down-to-earth but feisty and won’t let anyone walk all over her when it comes to her child and what she feels is best. But she also understands Damon’s position and is willing to work with him. It creates minimal drama but a whole lot of sweetness and fun.

*****

Author Info:

Connect with Piper Rayne

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

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

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

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

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Review – Saints Like Him

08 Friday Dec 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Aimee Nicole Walker, Book Review, Redemption Ridge series, Saints Like Him

Saints Like Him

Redemption Ridge, Book Three

by Aimee Nicole Walker

Blurb:

From ex-con to self-made millionaire, there’s no challenge too tough for Cash Sweeney to conquer. So why has he spent twelve years pining for his best friend instead of doing something about it? Because losing Nick would be like existing with half of his heart. Is it better to settle for what he can have or battle for what he wants?

Banged up and burned out, FBI Agent Nick Scott arrives at Redemption Ridge with a trunkful of luggage and a yearning heart. Cash is easy to love but hard to read, and Nick fears his epiphany has come too late. Does he tuck his tail and run or fight for the man who’s become his home?

Tender gestures and heartfelt conversations lead to thrilling revelations neither man can ignore. No more what-ifs or maybes. Cash and Nick are all in. And they’ll need each other more than ever when a devious enemy emerges from the shadows to put their promising future at risk. With the stakes so high, will the guys double down or fold to pressure?

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

Content Warning: homophobia, abuse, and conversion therapy are briefly discussed in this book, though no graphic descriptions are used.

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Check out the Series on Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

Cash pursed his lips while studying the chip selection at the grocery store in Last Chance Creek. What snack was most suitable for a forty-nine-year-old man while bingeing the newest season of Heartstopper? Cash wasn’t one to use his age as a reason to avoid many things, but he wasn’t proud of his obsession with the series about queer teenagers and their first loves. Their vitality and innocence sometimes made him feel older than dirt, but mostly it made him grateful that a new generation could see themselves in the characters.

It was unlikely Cash’s life would’ve turned out differently if he’d had positive representation as a teen. He’d lost his mom to poverty and drugs and had gone to live with strangers at a time when he was figuring things out about himself. Cash hadn’t felt comfortable coming out, or letting others in, until he was thirty. He’d rebuilt his life from the ashes of his past and had been tired of living a lie. The penniless dirt track racer had to pretend, but the successful technology inventor did not. Cash had thought his newly gained wealth would insulate him from scrutiny and scorn, but it only perpetuated the narrative that he was an outsider who didn’t belong. But those closed doors and snubs didn’t deter him; they fueled the perpetual fire in his soul and made him richer.

He couldn’t think of a single hard knock he’d change because they’d all led him to this point. Well, maybe not to standing in a grocery store staring at the same bag of Fritos for a solid ten minutes. He meant his ranch, his people, and the journey he’d taken to have them in his life. Contentment didn’t negate his few regrets or warm his bed, but the one man who could fix both problems was across the country. Who the hell was he kidding? It wouldn’t have mattered if Nick was at Quantico, on Mars, or standing beside Cash. He was off-limits. Cash just needed to convince his foolish heart of that fact—a feat he hadn’t accomplished in twelve years. But had he really tried that hard?

A warm, masculine chuckle invaded his thoughts, and Cash jerked his head to find Seth Burke approaching him. He bit back a snort. Burke didn’t approach; he swaggered with big dick energy. The sheriff was a good five inches taller, a few years younger, and had the persistence of a bloodhound when it came to Cash. Burke’s uniform consisted of a pressed khaki shirt, dark denim jeans, boots, and a white Stetson hat. Cash wasn’t sure what shone brighter in the store’s overhead lights—the shiny sheriff star pinned to Burke’s shirt or his white, toothy grin. Damn, but the man was fine as hell with jet-black hair, gray eyes, and sun-kissed skin. No matter the time of day, that superhero square jaw was clean-shaven to show off his magnificent bone structure. Why the hell couldn’t Cash return the man’s interest? He could trade heartache for the kind of twinges and stings that left a man smiling instead of moping.

“What’d that bag of chips do to you?” Burke asked when he reached Cash. His voice was jovial, pure good ole boy, but the tension around Burke’s mouth betrayed him.

Cash snorted and faced his friend. “I was just lost in thought.” He glanced down and saw Burke had already placed several items in his basket. “I didn’t see your truck in the parking lot.”

A dark brow arched. “Or you would’ve kept driving?”

Cash sighed. “Of course not. I was just making conversation.”

“The inane kind you make when you’ve been avoiding your friend?” Burke pressed.

Were they friends? They met for lunch regularly at the diner and texted often, so definitely more friendly than acquaintances.

*****

Review:

This series has not been stand alone stories and the latest is no different. Someone else mentioned it felt like an extended epilogue and I think I can agree with that. We find out why Salvation Anew has been causing trouble for Redemption Ridge and get to see Cash & Nick finally decide to stop dancing around each other. It’s satisfying from an overall story perspective but may leave some readers wanting for something more robust.

I love Cash – how level headed, caring, and strong he is. He obviously cares about his guys and his community, willing to do just about anything to help them and to right any wrongs he can. We’ve known since the beginning that there was something going on between him and Nick but we didn’t know exactly what. And we finally find out. I can’t decide how I feel about Cash with Nick though. For someone who has come across as so put together for so long, it’s a bit of a disconnect to see him so unsure and vulnerable. On one hand it’s reassuring to know that he has a weakness for someone so important to him but it’s also a little discomforting. Kinda like life.

We also find out a lot more about Nick & his feelings about Cash and we get small glimpses of their time together. The connection they have is strong enough to survive 12 years of separation and the hardships that life gave them. But those long years of only being friends also means that when they finally decide to chance their friendship for what their hearts have been craving they slide right into being a couple. There’s very little drama but a whole lot of sweetness as they show each other how much they care with special gestures, small and large.

I don’t know if this is another of those times when the fact that I’m a straight female means that I ask “is that sexy” or “do people really say that” more than once. I don’t think I did that in the first two stories (and I didn’t mention it in either review) but I did notice it in an unrelated book I read by this author. It may be the way Walker writes or it may just be me 🙂

Steamy and emotional, Walker brings her readers the resolution to this couple that they have been waiting for. And sets up future stories wonderfully – I can’t wait to see what trouble Rue can cause or what makes Owen & Tyler finally get their act together. Looking forward to more of the men from Redemption Ridge.

*****

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/

Connect with Aimee:
https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Saints Like Him, Aimee is giving away 3 e-copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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*****

Review – Bad Pucking Influence

30 Thursday Nov 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Bad Pucking Influence, Book Review, Colorado Bulldogs series, Michele Lenard

Thor meets Tony Hawk in this comedic, low-angst/high spice MM romance about a serious hockey goalie who is drawn out of his shell by a bratty skateboarder, a dare involving cake, and a lesson in how to use joysticks-for video games of course.

Bad Pucking Influence

Colorado Bulldogs #2

by Michele Lenard

Blurb:

On the surface, I’ve got it all. I’m the starting goalie and Captain of the Colorado Bulldogs hockey team. I’ve got more money than I know what to do with. I can count an entire team of elite athletes as my friends. And according to the pundits, I’m an eligible bachelor.

That’s the image everyone sees, but it’s just a role I play. A part dictated by my career. I have to be just as perfect off the ice as I am on it since everything I do reflects on my team in some way or another. So, those questions I have about why I don’t crave sexual contact the way my teammates do–questions I’m afraid to ask with the world watching… I decided a long time ago it didn’t make sense to look for answers until after I retire.

Then I ran into him.

Tripp is loud, obnoxious, and full of confidence. Some people find his sass off-putting, but not me. I find it intriguing, and I admire his ability to be himself, consequences be damned. Apparently, I also admire the way he looks, since my eyes seem to linger on him longer than they should, and when he sets his sights on me…

Waiting for retirement to explore who I am seems like too big a sacrifice, so when Tripp offers to help me answer some of those questions about myself, I jump.

I’m tired of pretending to be Mr. Perfect… Tripp and his playboy antics might be just the thing I need to figure out who I am outside of hockey. The only problem is, everyone–including our mutual friends–see him as a bad pucking influence.

Bad Pucking Influence is a low-angst, high-spice MM romance featuring a hockey player and a brat, not a hockey book featuring a romance. Fans of bratty playboys and gentle giants will enjoy this light-hearted, steamy yet touching love story.

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*****

Excerpt:

Since I first saw Tripp at a team barbeque Xander dragged him to last summer, I’ve found myself noticing him more and more. In my defense, it’s hard not to. Standing at six feet, with perfectly mussed bleached-blond hair and dark stubble that’s hard to miss since the contrast is so stark, it’s the mischievous tilt of his lips that really captures my attention. I often find myself wondering what’s going on in his mind, particularly since he’s a professional at giving people the shock-and-awe treatment. His antics amuse me more than they should, even when they involve silly excuses to measure my biceps with his hands.

Between his loud looks and even louder personality, he doesn’t exactly fade into the background, and if I’m being honest, I find his brash nature freeing. I sort of like that he’s become a bit of a regular fixture in our social circle. What’s confusing to me is that it’s not just his personality that catches my attention. His appearance fascinates me, especially now, with him skating around shirtless.

Tall and lean, every muscle is on display, showing off a smattering of tattoos that would otherwise be hidden. They’re kind of mesmerizing to watch as they ripple under his skin. So is the youthful gleam in his eye. It’s not arousing exactly, but it’s something. Something I’ve yet to put a label on, but I only seem to experience it around him. Which might mean sitting here watching him is a bad idea, at least until I sort out some of my confusion.

If only I could look away.

*****

Review:

I liked the characters – Noah is a big, ol’ teddy bear and Tripp is as in-your-face as you can get – but there’s definitely something more lurking beneath the surface of both. We get an understanding of Noah’s pretty early on, and Tripp is definitely all in for helping him explore his sexuality, which means he also brings his own baggage into their situation. There’s a reason he’s not willing to get involved with people and it takes a while to share it with us. I don’t know that everyone is willing to put in the time needed to go from casual sex to Tripp opening up & spilling all his secrets but I found it a satisfying resolution to their relationship.

While it isn’t necessary to have read the first book, Bad Pucking Timing, I do think it will help with how quickly Noah and Tripp fall into a sexual relationship together. It also gives a better look at the fun, & supportive, side of Tripp and how he & Noah have gotten to this point. While the beginning is oh-so-steamy, I think that foundation may be needed so that Tripp’s bratty side is better understood and to help readers get through the slower transition of their relationship.

*****

Author Info:

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

Connect with Michele:
www.linktr.ee/mlenard
https://www.instagram.com/mlenardbooks/
https://www.facebook.com/michelelenardbooks

*****

Giveaway:

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

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – Next Season

17 Friday Nov 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Elmwood Stories series, Lane Hayes, Next Season

Next Season

The Elmwood Stories, Book 2

by Lane Hayes

Blurb:

The injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…

Riley

My time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the rumors: he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.

Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.

Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine…and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—

Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.

This is a new one.

Jean-Claude

Confused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is…fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi.

I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.

No…I think it’s me.

And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.

I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.

Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen.

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*****

Excerpt:

Riley shook his wrist and stole a glance my way. “You don’t strike me as the type who likes to follow rules.”

“Not true. Religion was a big part of my life when I was a child. Church on Sundays and high holidays, Catholic school. I always did well with structure and discipline. Hockey gave me that too. The practicing, the camaraderie…the game is always bigger than one player, but your contribution matters. It’s like that in a kitchen too. Everyone has a role to play, and we’re better at it when we work as a team. Rules are good, but…” I pulled the dough from him and grinned. “It’s fun to break them.”

He snickered, diligently pushing and folding the dough. “Uh-huh. Now, me? I was a quintessential rule follower. Even after I left home, I made my own rules about…everything in my life. Food restrictions, daily exercise, sleep, alcohol…I even had a no masturbation rule twenty-four hours before a game.”

I wrinkled my nose in distaste. “Is this some kind of testosterone bullshit?”

He blushed, and it was so fucking cute I couldn’t resist looping my arm around his waist, nuzzling his neck, and pressing kisses behind his ear.

“Cut it out.” He wriggled in my arms, then leaned against me. “To be honest, I got carried away with the rules. I have a mild obsessive-compulsive streak, and I’m hard on myself. I was like this as a kid too—always trying to be the best and do the best. It’s fucking exhausting.”

“I bet. I can’t relate. I was terrible.” I sighed. “My poor parents. I was the kid who fell asleep in church, ditched school to smoke with my hooligan friends, and the D-man who showed much promise, but spent far too much time in the penalty box for using my fists instead of my brains. It’s not that I didn’t want to follow rules, but some of them seemed pointless to me.”

“Yeah, that sounds more like you.”

“Oui. I had too much energy or not enough. I never got the balance right until I worked in a kitchen and found out the hard way that everything I touched would turn to shit if I didn’t pay attention. So I learned to be patient and put in the work. And because of that, I don’t have to cross my fingers or double-check my recipes. I know this bread will be amazing…unless you fucked it up somehow.”

Riley swatted my ass with a dish towel. “I made it better. Admit it.”

“We shall see.”

*****

Review:

I loved this story. It’s low angst, so sweet, and I didn’t even mind that 90% of it is just the two of them together (although seeing JC interact with others is a hoot and a half). It is a joy getting to know all of JC’s secrets as Riley gets him to open up bit by bit. He had a few forks in the road that helped make him into the grumpy, caring, funny man he is today.

Riley is impatient to get back on the ice, but JC proves to be a good distraction. Maybe too good as Riley starts to realize that his feelings are turning a direction he didn’t anticipate. I didn’t mind that Hayes lets them explore this new side to Riley without a lot of drama. He just goes with the flow, evaluating his comfort level every step of the way, and JC’s calm support definitely helps as things get steadily more steamy.

When I read You, Again I felt that any issues with the book were squarely on me and I was right. With this follow up book Hayes reminds me what I like so much about her stories. Her MCs are great together – I love JC’s playfully gruff personality and Riley is a superstitious mess as he faces his future & his feelings for JC. Together, they are loving, so supportive, and they made me very happy. I’m excited that there’s a holiday story coming soon because I’m ready to get back to Elmwood.

*****

Author Info:

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 Next Season, 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

*****

Review – Claus and Effect

14 Tuesday Nov 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Claus and Effect, Piper Rayne

Claus and Effect

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

Two strangers who couldn’t be more opposite find themselves on an unexpected cross-country road trip days before Christmas where whatever can go wrong, does.

He’s an Army Ranger.

She’s a baker.

He’s organized and rigid.

She’s messy and carefree.

He doesn’t do relationships.

She’s following her heart.

His family chat blows up his phone.

She just buried her last living relative.

The holiday season doesn’t seem so jolly as they venture from one mode of transportation to the next. But, they have to become friends and rely on each other if they’re going to survive all the obstacles thrown their way.

As the miles grow shorter, vulnerabilities are shared, and by the time they reach their destination, neither one of them is sure what they really want for Christmas anymore.

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

https://books2read.com/cae/

Audio Narrated by: Lee Samuels & Brooke Bloomingdale

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

*****

Review:

Y’all, Piper Rayne is one of those one click authors for me. It doesn’t matter what their book is about, and there have been some where the blurb made me go ehhh, they have never let me down. Their characters are always interesting and detailed, the plot is engrossing, and the love story leaves me with a happy smile.

Claus and Effect is no different, full of hijinks and feels in equal measure. I enjoyed the insta-hate that these two have going. The dual POV makes it a little bit easier to be OK with their initial level of snark (I think it’s easy to get heavy-handed with it and move into rude & unattractive instead of tension hiding something more type thing). As they are forced into one unexpected, and often madcap, situation after another, forcing them to get to know each other better, their feelings start to morph into something a bit more positive. And before they can make it to Portland, they realize that maybe they were wrong about a whole lot of things.

I’ll admit I didn’t see the third act trouble coming. And I’m not sure I 100% followed Tre’s issues, at least not to the extent that they come into play here. But it made for an extra quirky ending 🙂 There’s not a lot of steam here, in case that’s your thing, but I didn’t mind at all. It was all about the journey, and what a wacky & fun journey it was. Keep it coming Piper Rayne!

*****

Author Info:

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