From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes The Stand-In, the newest novel in her beloved Single in Seattle series, featuring Drew Montgomery!
The Stand-In
Single in Seattle series
by Kristen Proby
Blurb:
I donโt like my new boss. Not at all.
London Ambrose is a spoiled billionaireโs daughter. And now sheโs the new co-owner of the Seattlefootball team,but that doesnโt mean that she knows diddly squat about football.
Thereโs nothing I hate more than having someone micromanaging me, shadowing my every move, and giving me their two cents on Every. Little. Thing. as I coach MY defensive line.
I donโt care about new team jerseys and branding or answering her million and one questions about how I do my job. But, I canโt help but come to her defense when an old flame shows up and starts harassing her. Iโm a Montgomery. We donโt let anyone mess with women.
Now, Iโm suddenly in a fake relationship, pretending to date the gorgeous billionaire and learning so many surprising things about this captivating woman that I just canโt seem to stay away from her.
When the lines between our fake relationship and real relationship blur, and my initial distaste for her turns into desire, I find myself coaching the most important game of my life – do I let my guard down or do I let London Ambrose walk away forever?
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This is the first by this author for me but I see her name everywhere and I know that she’s well loved by readers so I decided to take a chance on Drew’s book. Joining a series 5 books in wasn’t an issue. There are a lot of characters (and after this I’m looking forward to adding all of their books to my TBR pile) but the author made sure that new readers are able to keep up with them easily. So, if this is your first too I think you’ll be OK.
This book got a few middle of the road reviews because the story didn’t quite live up to the blurb and that was something I noticed as well. It’s not like Drew actively dislikes London, he just doesn’t think that she takes her ownership duties seriously, but as he gets to know her his opinion quickly changes. And their fake dating story line lasts all of about 10 pages so people who are looking for either an enemies-to-lovers or fake dating trope are going to be a little disappointed.
Instead we get a feel-good, slow burn, realistic romance. We’re there as London and Drew get to know each other better, act on their attraction, and let their feelings grow. It’s all sorts of heart-warming, and Drew’s relationship with London’s son is just the sweetest. I loved how serious London takes being a mom and the amazing way that she handles being a pillar of the community. She’s smart and dedicated, enjoys the benefits of her position but also is down-to-earth and real. And Drew isn’t afraid to let her shine. But he’s also there to support her when she needs it, which is awesome. If all her books have such charming characters I’m definitely looking forward to working my way thru Proby’s back list and seeing what she has coming up next.
*****
Author Info:
Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
Blaine Wicked is used to women doing as he says in and out of the bedroom. Find out happens when he falls for the one woman who wonโt submit to his wicked ways in the newest insanely sexy, deeply emotional, and laugh-out-loud funny standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.
Blaine Wicked can spot trouble a mile away. As the eldest of five and raised in a Dark Knights biker family, he has always been a protector. Rescuing a stripper from a bad situation comes with the territory, regardless of the hell the mouthy, slightly awkward, and seriously hot leggy blonde gives him for it. Sheโs far too innocent to bend to his wicked ways, but the more he learns about her, the harder it is for him to walk away.
Forensic scientist Reese Wilder never imagined herself as the entertainment at a bachelor party, but sheโd do anything to keep food on the table for her teenage sister. With their mess of a mother in rehabโThird timeโs a charm, right?โReese is stuck paying off their motherโs debt to a dealer and trying to make ends meet. Reese has had it rough, and she knows better than to rely on anyone for help, much less a pushy biker with piercing blue eyes who probably has dozens of women at his beck and call.
The more flames Reese throws, the more determined Blaine is to walk through them. The closer he gets, the hotter they burnโand the more curious she becomes. But Blaine Wicked has the power to torch Reeseโs walls to embers, and with her sisterโs well-being at stake, thatโs a risk she canโt afford to take.
When I first started this one, and Blaine started to show his more dominant side, I wasn’t sure I was going to be ok with him. Not because I’m opposed to that take charge, demanding type but there was just something about his attitude that didn’t sit right. He seemed a little too inflexible and uncaring about his partner. He talked about how he made sure they were ok with things but … I don’t know. His attitude was just off.
Then Reese showed that she wasn’t going to let him get away with it. He made demands of her but she made her demands as well and she wasn’t going to let him get away with not giving her what she needed. There’s definitely a submissive thing going on with her but it’s also a give & take relationship on both sides. Which, to me, seems much more healthy than what I was afraid we were going to have going it.
I also appreciated that it wasn’t an overly bumpy ride emotionally. They had their issues but they worked thru them and moved on. I enjoyed the relationship that Blaine built with both Reese and her sister, providing them both with the support and care that they needed. And that Reese was there to help him come to terms with his own issues and look a little more closely about why he does the things he does.
As is to be expected with a Whiskey man, when they meet the one they fall and fall fast. And usually take a little convincing to realize it ๐ But once they do, *whew*, especially since it takes a strong woman, one willing to stand up to him when he needs it, to win that Whiskey heart. His Whiskey Ways is Foster’s trademark (and delicious) blend of sweet and oh-so-steamy, heart and sass, humor and love.
Like always, the Whiskeys show that they are all heart under gruff, tattooed exteriors. They live big and love big, protecting those that need it and supporting everyone in their ever expanding circle. Showing us that family is more than just the ones you share blood with.
If you are new to Foster’s world, this is a good place to start. There’s a little bleed over from The Wicked Truth (and a lot of history & characters as always) but this one does a pretty decent job of standing on its own.
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissaโs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedโperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Raised in Hell. Living in Buffalo. And on the verge of accidentally destroying both realmsโฆ
Dark angel and actuary Evangeline Thayer hates taking unnecessary risks, but she knows becoming human will be worth it. All the creatures in Hell have bullied her about her negligible โpowerโ her whole life. And donโt get her started on why she has wings if she canโt even fly?!? She just needs a teensy bit of help with removing her powerโฆwhich is where a very hot, very flirty, and absolutely infuriating Nephilim comes in.
Half-angel Gideon Durand has been fighting demons a long time, but heโs never heard of a dark angel. Least of all one this gorgeous, stubborn, and with the power to completely nullify evil. Maybe in Hell, thatโs a weaknessโbut with an unknown evil on the loose and murdering Nephilim?โthatโs a damned useful skill. So Gideon strikes a deal with Evangeline: heโll scratch her wingsโฆif sheโll scratch his.
Now good and evil areโtemporarilyโworking together. And might even be having steamy funโฆif it wasnโt for a rather inconvenient threat trying to unleash the apocalypse, once and for all.
Each book in the Unlocking His Heart series is STANDALONE: * Imperfect Angel * Hell of an Angel
*****
Review:
This book is said to be a standalone and I’ll have to disagree. While it is an individual romance for Gideon and Eva, and she does have her own adventure as the main plot of the story, it does directly tie into Maisy & Rhys from the first book and will be a part of the next story as well. As an interconnected book, readers should not start here to truly enjoy it. (I think that will help with a decent amount of the negative reviews.)
As a returning reader, I enjoyed getting to continue in this intriguing world that Barth has created – full of mythical creatures and a battle between good & evil. Her three heroes are great together, thru a shared traumatic past they have created a family. One that is slowly expanding as they meet and fall in love with strong women. It’s fun seeing these big, tough soldiers fall in love and learn to open up & share their lives with more than just each other.
Of the three, Gideon is the more outgoing and flirty. He’s working his way through the female population of both the normal and supernatural world … until he comes face to face with one that is not impressed by his charm. Some are not going to enjoy his attitude, but having gotten to know him before and then having his history laid out in this story it definitely becomes a lot more understandable.
Eva grew up as an entity of good in hell, which made her childhood … difficult. All she’s wanted is to get out and become normal, and now is her chance. She just needs to work with Gideon and the other Nephilim but something more is going on than they would ever have guessed. Add in an unwanted attraction to the playboy she’s been paired with, who has more going on than she would have ever guessed, and things quickly become very complicated
These guys have not had it easy (especially Zavier – and I cannot wait for his story!) but they still have big hearts and a deep seated need to protect. It makes for fun interactions as they start to realize that those big hearts have been stolen by spunky women with smarts, attitude, and guts. (Seriously, I cannot wait to get the last book!) It all happens in a world filled with angels & demons, mythical creatures, and Lucifer as the most fabulous, and proud, grandfather. I’m not 100% on my religion & mythology but I think that Barth does a good job of creating a complicated world full of all sorts of interesting creatures. And I can’t wait to see how she wraps it up. (Did I say that already? Well, I can’t.)
From the New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes a funny, sexy romantic comedy featuring a twice-divorced, stressed-out romance writer who finds out that sometimes true love can be a hot mess.
Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, thatโs who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, Iโm not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. Iโve got enough on my plate with writerโs block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. Thatโs what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or Iโve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.
At least Iโve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. Iโm his Writer Girl. Heโs my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to beโoh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?โstoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.
A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because Iโm a hot mess, too? At least heโs inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then Iโd have a better idea of how this was going to end.
Hot Mess Summer is published by Montlake Romance and will be available in paperback and audio formats at all book retailers, and exclusively in digital format for Kindle and Kindle apps. Download a free Kindle reading app here: http://bit.ly/FreeKindle_App1
I am always so happy to get my hands on a new book by Melissa Foster. Her characters are invariably engaging and her writing can turn something simple into a story that draws you in & won’t let go. The fact that this one focuses on an older hero and heroine, a couple that are grown but not done growing, is refreshing. And I was delighted by their journey from being new friends into more.
Both Declan and Nicole are moving into a new phase of their lives – figuring out where they fit with their friends and family, and learning what they want for themselves going forward. The way they do this together, going on delightful adventures, getting closer, and growing as people is just a fun read.
There’s very little drama and angst here, instead it’s a story about self discovery filled with delightful characters, humor, and small town charm. Oh, and a good amount of heat, of course.
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissaโs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedโperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Romance between them is strictly off-limits, but forbidden attraction has never felt so irresistibleโฆIโm playing a risky gameโฆ
Iโm the brand new coach of the current Super Bowl Champions. If that isnโt hard enough, Iโm also one of the youngest coaches in the league.
Coupled with a recently finalized divorce and the goal to take the team and the city of Nashville’s fans by storm, my ex throws me for a loop when she says sheโs sending our daughter to me so she can take an extended three-month vacation.
Donโt get me wrong, I love my little girl more than anything but suddenly becoming a full-time single dad and the Steeleโs new coach rocks the turf beneath my feet. I need some help and I need it fast.
Enter Ruby Moore.
The answer to my prayers. Sheโs looking for a new start, is great with kids and is the perfect set of eyes to watch my daughter when Iโm not around.
The problem? I think she is perfect for me too.
The other problem? Sheโs not only my nanny, but sheโs also the younger sister of a guy Iโm tasked with leading. Sheโs way too young and sweet for me and the way she loves Amelia makes my heart melt. I donโt expect her perfume to remind me of lazy beach days and for her smiles to become a craving I canโt live without. But I canโt stop thinking about her. Fleeting glances turn into deeper conversations and even more carnal nights.
Soon, sheโs a forbidden addiction I canโt quit.
I know I’m playing a Risky Game, but can I keep the woman I’ve fallen in love with, while still maintaining the respect of the team Iโm trying to lead to another Championship?
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I’m back & forth on age gap romances and I’m not always sure what makes them work. I feel like Logan is right to be a little concerned about their relationship – mostly because of his connection to her brother and the bad optics. But Ruby is smart, with a good head on her shoulders. Her life up to this point hasn’t been all that easy and I feel like that helps her be more mature for her age.
I’m also a little conflicted on their steamy times. I mean, I’m not one to kink shame (and I’ll be honest for all the wide variety of spice I read, I’m personally pretty vanilla) but I think because there is such an emphasis on their age difference that it could also parlay into a power balance issue. Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely HAWT and I love that they both have a chance to explore that side of themselves together. I just wonder a little about adding that to a story when there was already an imbalance in their relationship.
OK, so that’s the less than positive, but I will say overall I enjoyed the crap out of this book. Lynn does a fantastic job of giving us characters to pull for – Logan is struggling with his new, high-pressure job and trying to figure out how to take care of his daughter in his limited free time. It’s obvious that he loves Amelia but it’s a complication that he didn’t need right now. Throw in his growing desire for his new (young) nanny and it doesn’t take him long to crack. And crack beautifully he does ๐ While I can worry about their dynamic in a real world situation, I can also find it hot as all get out in a fictional one . . . bossy, growly, and sexy, OH MY.
Ruby is running from a heartbreak back home and taking a little time to get her feet back under her. I can appreciate her need to do it on her own, especially with the wonderful relationship she has with her brother & his family. It would be super easy to let him fix it all. But that self-reliance has her in Logan’s sphere, which leads to new trouble as she struggles to connect with his daughter while also having to resist the oh-so-sexy single dad. (I’m impressed she lasts as long as she does, honestly.)
With her sassy mouth, independent personality, and the care she puts into winning over his daughter, it’s harder and harder for Logan to resist Ruby the more time they spend together. There’s the typical third act troubles, but I appreciate how both of them recognize the roll they play in it. And definitely take advantage of the opportunity to make up after a fight … *whew*
Steamy, humorous, and full of feels, Risky Game was a fast read and a great addition to the Nashville Steel series.
(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.)
*****
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.
Merrick has the perfect life: a husband, a baby, and a great future ahead of him. Until all that is ripped away, and heโs left alone with his daughter. After two years, he knows itโs time to move on. To find a new life for him and Willow. It comes in the shape of a derelict mill house nestled in the hills above a Devon seaside town.
Drew
When Drew loses the chance to buy and restore the house heโs loved all his life, the last thing he wants to do is renovate it for the mysterious new resident. But something about Merrick Green intrigues him, and he feels compelled to lift the heaviness surrounding him. The fact that Merrickโs daughter seems to have taken an instant infatuation with Drew makes it easier.
As the two men become friends, Merrick battles with his attraction to Drew. How can he be interested in the ruggedly handsome when heโs still in love with Josh?
Letting go of the past is hard, but with Drew by his side, he finds a way forward.
Life After Loveis a sweet small-town, opposites-attract, hurt/comfort romance with low angst and a sweet little girl that everyone falls in love with.
Warning: The book deals with the loss of a loved one.
As I approach my truck, a man is looking at it. No, heโs taking a photograph. โCan I help you?โ I put my toolbox into the open flat bed.
The man blushes and takes a step back. โOh, is this your truck? Iโm sorry. I wanted to get a photo of your contact details. Iโm looking for a building contractor.โ
He must be the latest resident in our small beachside town. The new owner of the Mill House. Heโs incredibly good looking. Iโd say around my age, thirty-five. About the same height as me at five eleven and has eyes the colour of soft, faded denim. His hair is short at the sides, but with honey-blond curls on top, which I envy. My hair is straight and long enough to tie up. I should get it cut. The amount of dust, plaster and sawdust is a bloody nightmare to wash out every night.
I pull a notebook out of the side pocket on my shorts and the pencil from behind my ear. โIโm sure I can do that for you. What sort of work?โ
โUm, itโs pretty much everything. The house is a bit of a wreck. Iโd hoped to do some of it myself, but I know thatโs out of my abilities. I donโt know if itโs something youโre interested in doing?โ
I get the feeling the guy is overloaded with things that need immediate action and has got himself lost in the process. โWhy donโt you show me? Iโve got nothing else planned for the day.โ
He lets out a sigh. โThat would be so good. Itโs Mill House. Do you know it?โ
I smile. My suspicions this is the new guy were right. โI do. I was born and bred in this town. I can follow you there if youโd like?โ
โOkay, thank you so much. See you in a few.โ
I wait until heโs in his car, then start the engine on mine. His smart, new, not-cheap-at-all BMW is something else for the gossips to talk about. Handsome, single, and seemingly rich. Melanie will be waving her knickers on a pole in front of him in the blink of her false eyelashes.
The drive takes ten minutes, winding through the town and up parallel to the river that runs down to the sea. The Mill House still has the original water wheel. Although the river has been diverted away from the property, itโs still an impressive feature of the house.
I park next to him and climb out. He opens the back door of the coupรฉ and lifts a small sleeping child from her seat. He wipes her hair, which is the same colour as his, from her forehead and kisses her gently. A sweet, loving moment that makes my heart swell. The obvious love for the child is in his every gesture and expression.
He turns to me. โThis is my daughter, Willow. Iโm Merrick Green.โ
โIโm Drew Roberts, but you probably guessed that from the signage.โ
โOh, yes, well, itโs nice to meet you.โ Heโs flustered as he juggles the sleeping toddler to shake my hand.
He gestures with his head. โWelcome to my home. Or what will be my home. Come on in.โ
I follow him up the stone steps to the solid oak door.
He pushes the door open. โItโs a bit of a mess. Please be careful where you walk.โ
โThanks for the heads-up.โ I step in, holding back my smile. I used to come here a lot when I was a kid. Itโs not as bad as I remembered.
I wait in the hallway as he places the sleeping child on a sheet partly covering an old mulberry velvet sofa that has been here forever.
โI havenโt been in here for years,โ I say when Merrick walks back out.
Surprise flashes in his eyes. โYou know the house?โ
I chuckle. โEveryone whoโs grown up here has played around in this house. Not that we were supposed to, but kids will be kids. School-leaving parties took place here, and teenagers just wanting to hang out would come here. Itโs about time someone came and loved it again. Itโs a good place to live and raise a family, Merrick.โ
A flash of pain rocks over his face, and he closes his eyes as he takes a deep breath.
โHey, are you okay? Iโm sorry if I said the wrong thing.โ
โNo, itโs fine. Can I get you a drink? Iโve got some bottled water or some juice. Then we can walk around, and Iโll show you what needs your attention as soon as you can.โ
โIโm good, and is it just the urgent work you want me to do, or are you looking for a quote for all the renovations? Who else have you spoken to?โ
โNo one else. Iโve only been here a couple of days.โ
โYouโre not staying in the house now, are you? I donโt think itโs safe.โ
He looks at the cracked walls and sagging ceilings and chuckles. โNo, Iโm staying in a hotel for now. But if you could give me a quote for the initial work, we can discuss the rest of the work when I have the plans back.โ
I scratch my chin. โYouโre putting a lot of faith into a man youโve just met.โ
โI asked around. You were the first name mentioned. Plus, you look like a decent guy.โ Finally, he gives me a small smile.
โWhen does your wife arrive?โ
*****
Review:
I’m amused that the things I liked the most about this story are the things that have it getting some lower * reviews. I mean I get that everyone has their own preferences (there’re lots of romances that are loved that I didn’t even finish) but it’s just funny that those are specifically what is called out ๐
Life After Love is definitely slow burn and low angst, with very little conflict between the two main characters. Instead it’s about Merrick finally starting to get over the death of his husband and choosing to move on with his life. Meeting, and falling in love, with Drew is definitely not something he expected but maybe something he needed. (The little encouragements from Josh are touching and the push that he needs at the right time.)
I enjoyed both Drew and Merrick as characters. They are good-hearted and sweet together, making me pull for them from the first page. Merrick has a lot he needs to face, just getting up was hard for a long time after Josh died, but a change of scenery and new friends are definitely helping. Drew shows a lot of patience and understanding as he gets to know Merrick and his daughter (who is just the sweetest). It’s easy to see why Merrick opens up to him and gives him his trust & eventually his heart.
The supporting characters are good for Merrick as well. From Drew’s meddling sister and her friend, to Luke and Benny at the cafe, everyone is welcoming to the little family and there for both Drew & Merrick when they need it. Definitely need to see more of Merrick’s sister and best friend. Both are good eggs, full of heart and support. And I’m hoping that Harper gives us more of Josh’s brother. We didn’t get to know him well but he seemed like a stand up guy who’s hurting as well. Drew’s friend definitely needs a resolution … ok, so there’s a lot of opportunity here. I hope you have big plans Harper!
This is a new author for me and obviously I’m looking forward to finding out what’s in store for us next.
*****
Author Info:
Just in case you donโt know me. Iโm a simple soul that puts all my hopelessly romantic thoughts down on my computer. Iโm usually in the living roomโtyping awayโwith my wayward Great Dane, Siddiqi, next to me on the sofa.
Iโm a hopeless romantic, always falling in love with my men, determined to make sure they get the happy-ever-after they deserve, even if they do have to work hard for it.
I live in a tiny village in Lincolnshire, UK, with my husband and dog, who are forever patient with me when I forget the time, and the dinner!
Preston James did things to me. Things that had me wanting more of him and his dirty mouth, even though I knew better. Things that made my heart race. Things that made me come to realize there was more to my bossโs best friend than met the eye.
Nick Reed
As one of the bartenders at Alejandroโs Bar, Iโve seen it all. Iโve even watched my friends, Christian and Cooper, both find the loves of their life. Six years after breaking up with my college boyfriend, Iโm convinced thatโs not the life Iโm supposed to have until forty-five-year-old Preston James makes me the target of his relentless sexy stares and his straight-forward, dirty propositions.
Maybe being the object of his desire wouldnโt be so bad.
Preston James
The first time I laid eyes on Nicholas Reed, I knew I had to have him. There was something about my best friendโs bartender that captivated me. And I always got my way. But this twenty-eight-year-old grad student has me jumping through all kinds of hoops to get his attention. Thereโs nothing I wonโt do to prove to him Iโm exactly what he needs. Iโm relentless like that and I wonโt stop until heโs mine.
We Could Do This Forever is the first book in the We Could Do This Duet and is an MM Bisexual Romance. Additional tropes: Age Gap; Mutual Pining; Bossโs Best Friend; Secretly Wealthy; Humor.
The dance these two go thru getting together provided quite a few entertaining moments. Drunk Preston laying out everything he thinks and feels for everyone is downright hilarious and I can’t blame Nick for finding him irresistible. Once they finally give in, Preston is an attentive and giving boyfriend, taking care of Nick and showing him as much as telling him how much he cares.
But while I liked Nick and Preston’s story overall, there were a few issues. Mainly that these two REALLY need to work on their communication skills. A good portion of the beginning of the book is spent with them giving each other googly eyes, but not going anywhere because they won’t have an actual conversation. Throw in that once they do get together there’s a lot of suggestion about things but no talking and when something that Nick knows needs to be talked about comes up he … avoids it. Does he think it’s just going to go away? And then there’s the whole third act breakup and Preston, because of his additional years of maturity, works thru it like a grownup, right? Uh, no. He handles it about as well as he did the actual conflict, which was not well. At all. I liked the two of them together, but sheesh there were moments.
I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything that I’ve read from Beckett and I’m definitely looking forward to Alejandro’s story to complete this duet. I’m also really hoping that introducing Nick’s friend Evan means that we’re going to get some new football players in San Diego. Please!
*****
Author Info:
Emerson Beckett is an avid sports fan and lover of M/M romance books. She loves her new career as an author of gay romance. Itโs even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.
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 Roughing the Kicker.
Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 33 years. She is a mother of three, 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.โฉ
When my best friend’s little sister walks in on me moaning her name, it’s all over. All restraints are shattered, and every boundary demolished. Nothing will be the same…
For years, I’ve tried to keep my distance from Dakota Cooper. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted and the one thing I can’t have.
But when she calls me in the middle of the night after someone tries to break into her house, I can no longer handle that distance, and I convince her to stay with me, along with her young son.
I should have known having her living under my roof would push me to the edge. Ignite the need that has simmered for so long.
The problem is, she’s forbidden. Off-limits. And I know better than crossing that line.
I can’t drag her into the dark secrets of my life.
But I can’t stay away from her either, so I do the one thing I shouldn’tโI take.
And now that I’ve had her, I’m not sure I can save her from who I am. . .
What to expect in Don’t Forget Me Tomorrow… *Brother’s best friend *Small town romance *Secret past *Pierced MC *Touch her and die vibes *Romantic suspense *No cheating *HEA Check CW’s at author’s website
So I almost didn’t give this one a chance. I’m not a fan of the darker romance trend (mafia, biker gangs, etc.) and this one seemed like it would fall into that category when I first started it but I decided to give it a few more chapters. While there is a touch of that, and it is the reason that Ryder doesn’t feel like he’s good enough for Dakota, it isn’t the focus.
Instead we spend time with the will they/won’t they as Ryder struggles against his feelings, for Dakota and about himself, and Dakota believes that he doesn’t want her as more than a friend. While I enjoyed the back and forth, getting to know the two of them and seeing them struggle with their feelings, it did drag a little in the middle. But once the truth comes out, and Ryder and Dakota have to face the consequences of his past, it definitely picks up. (I think that it needed more of the danger element actually – the part that I didn’t think I’d want, yeah I get the irony.)
The story is told with moments of flashback that explain how Dakota and Ryder have gotten to this point. As we get Ryder’s story, my heart just went out to him. He goes through a difficult period where he loses himself, gets caught up in things that he shouldn’t, and sets himself on a path that he can’t get off. It costs him so much and it takes a long time for him to start the process of saving himself. There’s a lot of gray area there that makes his actions with Dakota understandable, although it doesn’t make him breaking her heart any less devastating.
The characters definitely make this story for me. The heartache and struggle they go through, but also the amount of care and love they have for each other. Dakota’s son, Kayden, is just the cutest and the way Ryder loves him will melt even the hardest heart. This is the first of Jackson’s stories that I’ve read and I’ll definitely give the next one a shot (hello, Ezra!)
*****
Author Info:
A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
From Amazon Charts bestselling author Jennifer Millikin comes a brother’s best friend, second chance romance filled with heart, heat, and humor.
Better Than Most
by Jennifer Millikin
Blurb:
Back then? They were great together. Now? They could be even better.
Rhodes Porter.
A name Georgia Whittier would prefer never cross her lips again. Not only was her older brother’s best friend her first love, her first everything, but he broke her heart for a reason she still hasn’t fully accepted. To make it worse, Georgia couldn’t properly nurse her broken heart, because nobody knew about the love affair.
A decade has passed, and Georgia is all grown up. She’s twenty-seven, a college graduate who had a real world job. Had. Her small hometown of Green Haven isn’t flush with teaching jobs, but she knew that when she moved back home. She’s making ends meet with odd jobs, and has rediscovered her old love of West Coast swing dancing. Life isn’t great, but it’s good enough.
Until Rhodes returns to Green Haven. For good.
As much as Georgia would prefer to banish him from her life, she can’t. See: Brother’s best friend. Now Rhodes is everywhere. Her brother’s wedding. At a family barbecue. On the sidewalk across the street while Georgia waits in line at the post office.
And that broken heart Georgia thought had healed? It hasn’t. Because Rhodes is just like before. Better, even.
Georgia is determined to keep Rhodes at arm’s length, even when he’s buying her blackberry orange jam at the Sierra Grande farmer’s market. Even when he’s holding eye contact a beat too long. Especially when she finds out the old note she wrote him is still sewn into the brim of his baseball hat.
The hat he still wears.
Every day it gets more difficult for Georgia to refuse her heart. But if what Georgia wants is a reason not to fall in love with Rhodes again, she need look no further.
Rhodes is holding onto it. All these years he’s kept the truth of why he left her a secret, but secrets have a way of revealing themselves.
There’s just something about charming small town romances that makes them a delight to read. They inevitably have an entertaining supporting cast and quirky moments, and Millikin’s latest firmly lands in that category. She balances heartbreaking moments with lightheartedness as Georgia and Rhodes dance around each other, facing their past and figuring out a future.
Rhodes leads with his heart and it makes him a delightful book boyfriend, and while Georgia starts out being controlled by her hurt, it doesn’t take long for their feelings to overcome their pain. I do feel like Georgia was suddenly “OK, I’m over it. Let’s be friends” which just didn’t mesh with the attitude that she’d been expressing up to that point. I think maybe if there had been a little more discussion, even within her inner monologue, it would have been just a little better.
Overall, though, Millikin’s newest is a low angst and sweet second chance romance that leaves readers with a satisfying HEA.
(Some characters from other stories make an appearance but this story can stand on its own.)
*****
Author Info:
Jennifer Millikin is a bestselling author of fifteen contemporary romance and women’s fiction novels. She is the two-time recipient of the Readers Favorite Gold Star Award, and readers have called her work โemotionally rivetingโ and โunputdownableโ.
Following a viral TikTok video with over fourteen million views, Jenniferโs third novel, Our Finest Hour, has been optioned for TV/Film. She lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, children, and Liberty, her Labrador retriever.
From USA Today bestselling Author Chelle Bliss comes a sexy, opposites attract, friends to lover romance.ย
Olive Thornbury only had one crush in high school, and his name was Asher Gallo. She was smitten with him from the first time she had laid eyes on him. But instead of acting on how she felt, she kept her nose stuck in a book, finding safety in the words rather than emotions.
Asher had never thought of Olive as anything more than a friend. She was aloof, preferring to read books. instead of spending time with her friends. And when she moved away almost a decade ago, their friendship quickly disintegrated.
But when Olive returns to visit a local university, she never expected to run into a very grown up and even more handsome Asher. And what starts off as a rekindling of an old friendship turns into a fiery relationship.
Do the opposites have enough in common to go the distance? Or will their combustible chemistry cause the flames to turn everything into cinders?
I’ve only read one other book by Bliss (earlier this summer actually) and it had a bit of a different feel than this one. With Never Too Soon, the characters had an initial connection but they spend some time deciding whether they want to act on it. Cinder on the other hand is very much an insta-love story and then we see how that plays out.
Asher runs into Olive in a parking lot after not seeing each other for about a decade. While they were in the same circle as kids, Olive moved away at 16 but is now back to go to graduate school. His grandma, in all of her meddling glory apparently, pushes him to invite her to a get together they are having that day and … well, the rest is history. Before the party breaks up they’ve pretty much have decided to live happily ever after together. Not having read the rest of the series, I’m not sure if this is normal for this group but from the reviews I think that it might have been surprising to some readers. So just a warning in case that isn’t your kinda of thing ๐
I liked the characters, individually and together, so I didn’t mind so much. I just went “oh-kay” and then accepted it. It’s not overly realistic but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. There are a few bumps in the road but for the most part their relationship is drama free, sweet, and enjoyable.
While the book can stand on its own, I kinda wish I’d read more in the series because I would have liked to have known Asher a bit better going in and his whole clan is fantastic together so I would have loved to have more of that. Their interactions are full of love and humor, teasing and support, and the occasional butt-kicking when it’s needed. Olive didn’t have that growing up and I’m happy that she finally gets that with Asher’s family.
I get the idea (granted it’s based on a whopping two book of her’s that I’ve read) that Bliss might be for a particular audience. Not everyone is going to enjoy a slow burn romance, whether it starts with insta-love or a little more caution, but I think that if that’s your thing her characters will be enough to keep you coming back.
*****
Author Info:
Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.
She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.
Romantic Reads and Such 