Review – The London Chance

04 Friday Aug 2023

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Book Review, Lane Hayes, The London Chance

The London Chance

by Lane Hayes

Publisher: Lane Hayes

Release Date: July 25, 2023

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 27,500

Genre: Romance, Romantic Comedy, Bisexual Romance, Gay Romance, Humor, Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Two strangers, an online dating app, and a chance at forever…

Chance

After months of online correspondence with a sexy businessman, we’re finally meeting in person—in London, no less!

Okay. It’s a casual meet-up. Nothing to get excited about. I fully understand that online connections don’t always translate in person. Roman could be pompous or worse…boring.

Wish me luck!

Roman

Dinner with my online “friend” doesn’t go well. I shouldn’t be disappointed. That’s life.

But just as I’m ready to write our peculiar acquaintanceship off, Chance turns up unexpectedly at a karaoke bar. Don’t ask what I’m doing there. I have no idea. However, I don’t mind at all. It feels like the universe is giving us a cosmic redo. Sure, Chance lives in California and my home is in the UK now, but this feels like the real thing. Something worth taking a chance on.

A forever chance.

The London Chance is an MM, bisexual romance featuring an American, a Canadian, a dating app, and an unexpected HEA.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/164590478-the-london-chance

Purchase at Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6FQ42NL

*****

Excerpt:

“What time is it?” I grumbled, rubbing my stubbled jaw.

“Half one,” a deep, rumbly voice replied.

I spun on my heels with my mouth wide open, unsure where to begin. An apology, a thank-you, maybe even a fuck-you.…Words weren’t my friend without caffeine and if it was really one thirty in the afternoon, I was going to have a difficult time navigating this one.

If I was going to unravel in a foreign country, was an audience necessary? And better question…did it have to be this man?

Roman stepped into the room, instantly taking over the space. The combination of his height, broad shoulders, and broody presence made him seem intimidating as fuck even in a navy V-neck sweater, casual jeans, and bare feet. His hair flopped roguishly over his right eye, which should have softened his sharp features, but…it didn’t. He was devilishly handsome and sexy and— I think I puked on his shoes last night. Oh, please let this be a bad dream.

I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping for a scene change and a new cast when I opened them again.

Nope. I was still in Roman’s guest room, standing three feet from the man himself, wearing his T-shirt and—

“Are these your boxers?” I asked, plucking at the silky red fabric.

One corner of his mouth twisted in wry amusement. “They were a gift. You can have them. How are you feeling?”

I wrinkled my nose. “I’ve been better. I’m sorry about—”

“Don’t worry about it.” He waved dismissively and moved to the doorway. “Would you like coffee or tea?”

“Coffee, please.”

He smiled kindly. “You got it. I’ll make toast and bacon too.”

“Thank you. Coffee is fine, but—” I paused to look around the immaculate room. “I need my clothes.”

“Trust me. You don’t want your clothes.”

“Huh?”

“I threw your socks and underwear in the wash, but your suit and shirt needed to be dry-cleaned. They’ll be ready tomorrow. I’ll grab a pair of sweatpants and socks for you. You’re welcome to shower. The toothbrush on the counter is the one you used last night. I’ll leave clothes on the banister for you. Meet me downstairs when you’re ready.”

Roman was gone before I could thank him or protest. I decided I wasn’t ready to deal with the fuzzier parts of last night that had resulted in my clothing immediately needing to be dry-cleaned. I headed for the bathroom instead.

The deliciously hot shower under a wide spray felt so amazing, I never wanted to get out. And the thick towel on the warming rack was a slice of nirvana. I dried myself, then wrapped the towel around my waist and wiped steam off the mirror. I scanned the marble-and-glass haven as I brushed my teeth, sighing at the very unwelcome memory of kneeling on the tiled floor in front of the porcelain god.

How was I going to face this man? I’d been a fucking mess last night. Running into traffic, dancing in the rain…and oh…shit. I’d called him daddy.

More than once.

Heat bloomed across my cheeks as I rinsed and patted my mouth dry, but I couldn’t exactly hide in here. I slipped the boxers and tee on and found a pair of gray sweats and black socks perched on the banister post where Roman said they’d be. I finished dressing, finger-combed my short hair, and took one last cleansing breath before following the scent of coffee downstairs.

*****

Review:

The London Chance is perfect for people who are looking for a low angst, easy read. From the fall out of a disastrous first date to a sweet bonus story, it’s all sweetness and steam.

Chance and Roman are both enjoyable characters. Chance is lively & carefree, a good match for Roman’s reservedness. Neither thinks that a long distance relationship can work but are willing to enjoy the time they do have as much as they can. It leads to some moments as they realize the end is coming and a cute resolution.

Humor and heat blend well to give readers a quick journey to HEA for two delightful characters. After enjoying this and Fairy Cakes in Winter so much, Lane Hayes is going on my must read author list.

*****

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.

Author Links

Website: https://lane-hayes.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaneHayes3

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/LaneHayes

Instagram: https://instagram.com/Lanehayes3

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes

*****

Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive a Lane Hayes Ebook or Audiobook of Winner’s Choice!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/555033ec1022/?widget_template=589504cd4f3bedde0b6e64c2

*****

Review – Wild Island Love

02 Wednesday Aug 2023

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Book Review, Melissa Foster, The Steeles at Silver Island series, Wild Island Love

Wild Island Love

The Steeles at Silver Island

by Melissa Foster

Releasing Aug 2, 2022

World Literary Press

Blurb:

Sparks fly between a PR rep and an A-list actor who want nothing to do with each other.

Leni Steele might be looking for love, but she’s definitely not looking to be someone’s fake date. Especially not one of the most infuriatingly handsome and annoyingly cocky actors on the planet, Duncan Raz. But when the owner of the PR firm for which she works forces her to walk the red carpet on his arm, she has no choice. Neither wants to be there, much less with each other. They’re like oil and water, and he gets on her last nerve. But after a few tequila shots, that’s not all he gets on. What was supposed to be one date turns into a media frenzy they can’t afford to ignore, and Leni has no other option than to continue the ruse. All the fake kisses, furtive glances, and seductive touches eventually start to feel very real. But Raz didn’t earn his A-list-actor status for nothing. Is he just doing what he does best? Playing a role? Or is Leni the leading lady in Raz’s real-life love story?

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61914315-wild-island-love?

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/282375-the-steeles-at-silver-island

KINDLE: https://lnk.to/WIL_Kindle
APPLE: https://lnk.to/WIL_Apple
NOOK: https://lnk.to/WIL_Nook
KOBO: https://lnk.to/WIL_Kobo
GPLAY:  https://lnk.to/WIL_GPlay
STANDARD PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/WIL_Pb
SPECIAL EDITION PAPERBACK: https://lnk.to/WILsp
HARDBACK: https://lnk.to/WIL_hb
Audio coming soon! Narrated by Zachary Webber and Savannah Peachwood
AUDIBLE: https://lnk.to/WIL_Audible
AMAZON: https://lnk.to/WILa_Amazon
APPLE: https://lnk.to/WILa_Apple

*****

Excerpt:

Read a Sneak Peek at https://melissafoster.com/wild-island-love-sneak-peek/

*****

Review:

Fake dating can be hit or miss and I think Foster does well by her characters. There’s not a lot of build up like you’d expect, instead they pretty much jump right into it and quickly find themselves enjoying their “relationship” a little too much. Duncan proves himself to be more than just a pretty face and ego. He’s a funny, sexy dirty-talker with a big heart. And as much as he’s drawn to Leni’s sassy mouth, he also likes her brain and dedication.

But because they hook up pretty much right away, the rest of the story was a little bit of rinse and repeat. Both Duncan and Leni have their reasons to avoid getting involved, and Leni has some pretty high walls protecting her heart, but their connection is just too strong to resist. When they let themselves give in though, they are a delight – oh-so-hawt and funny, with moments of vulnerability.

Emotional, steamy, and humorous, Foster’s newest is delivered with her trademark style of enjoyable characters and a HEA that will leave readers with a smile on their face. (Seriously, this is one of my favorite endings by her.)

*****

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. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster
Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissafoster_author

Review – Hello Doctor

28 Friday Jul 2023

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Book Review, Hello Doctor, Kelsie Hoss

Hello Doctor

by Kelsie Hoss

Blurb:

I knew I was playing with fire. But I was a doctor. I could handle the burn…

The first time I see my high school crush since graduation, I’m a thirty-year-old woman laying on the table for a pap smear.

He’s the hot, newly single doctor who just moved back to his hometown, hoping to find some stability for his daughter. Meanwhile, I’m a hot mess, just fired from my job and ousted from company housing. I’m living in my old bedroom and trying to get my appointments in before my insurance runs out along with what little is left of my money.

That’s when Fletcher tells me we may be able to help each other out. He needs a live-in nanny for his daughter over the summer, and the last three have quit after a day.

With no other job options in my small hometown, I quickly accept.

After all, I’ve dealt with pigheaded, balding middle managers. I can handle an eight-year-old girl . . . right?

If I can’t help her and set aside my feelings for this hot single dad, I’ll need to find a new job away from my family and outside of the town I love.

Hello Doctor is full of sweet moments with a firecracker of a little girl, her dad with a heart of gold, and the woman who brings them both together. Grab your copy of this spicy contemporary romance between a nanny and her smoldering boss today!

Hello Doctor is perfect for lovers of hot single dads, brother’s best friend, plus size heroines, broken heroes and steamy small town romance!

Grab your copy today!

eBook: amzn.to/3qaw8H4

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3QxLAIz

Hardback: amzn.to/47bTHjB

Audio: https://kelsiehoss.com/products/hello-doctor

*****

Review:

I’m not 100% sure how I feel about this one. I loved both Fletcher & Liv and Fletcher’s daughter, Maya, works well as a troubled kid that needs someone. Hoss handles all their issues well, I think the pacing may be just a little off for me. It sometimes seems like things go a little longer than they should, only to be resolved pretty quickly at the end. But it feels real so it definitely has that going for it.

The way Fletcher supports Liv and lifts her up is fantastic, as is his dedication & love for his daughter, family, and friends. He’s dealing with a lot tho – issues from his time as a resident, guilt over his marriage, and concern for Maya. He feels like he’s not a good bet and definitely not worthy of Liv, regardless of how much and how long he’s loved her.

Liv has had a crush on Fletcher forever and to have him back in her life, but once again untouchable, is hard. But she’s got a good head on her shoulders and a strong sense of self-worth – she’s not going to settle for less than everything she deserves.

Hello Doctor combines a bit of humor with a good amount of sizzle and a whole heap of sweetness & angst to get readers to a lovely and well deserved HEA. This is my first by the author but I’ll definitely be looking for what comes next.

(Part of a series, after Hello Billionaire, but can stand on its own.)

*****

Author Info:

My favorite stories are the ones that make you laugh, cry, and feel. In all of my books, you’ll find amazing curvy women, heartwarming moments, and plenty of laughter.

I currently live in Colorado where I watch way too many rom coms, chase my three boys up the mountains (huffing and puffing), and write books for lovely readers like you.

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

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

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

Website: https://kelsiehoss.com

Review – Always the Best Man

28 Friday Jul 2023

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

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Always the Best Man, Book Review, Deanna Wadsworth, Destiny Ink series

Always the Best Man

Destiny Ink Romance, Book 13

by Deanna Wadsworth

Blurb:

What happens in Vegas doesn’t just stay in Vegas.

Since high school, Dillon Hintz has been in love with his straight best friend, Jackson McCaughey. He knows nothing will come of his crush, however, because Jackson is getting married… until his fiancée leaves him at the altar. WTF?

To compensate for a lost honeymoon, Destiny Resorts offers Jackson a jilted groom vacation at their luxurious Las Vegas casino, courtesy of the sisters Fate. Jackson invites his twin cousins and Dillon to be his plus-threes, and the guys set out for a fun-filled weekend to help Jackson party away his heartbreak. But Dillon is surprised to find his best friend isn’t very heartbroken.

In fact, Jackson is being unusually attentive with Dillon. Flirty even.

It has to be Dillon’s imagination, right? There’s no way his straight best friend is interested in nerdy Dillon.

But after one night of too much fun and alcohol, Dillon wakes up in Jackson’s bed… wearing a wedding band. WTF?

Just what did they do last night?

Universal Link

Add on Goodreads

Be sure to check out all the stories in the Destiny Ink Romances

Universal Series Link

*****

Excerpt:

Sensations he’d never experienced before—being pleasured by someone who truly loved him—washed over him, until a startling thought hit him.

You can’t fuck this up.

If he ruined this, he would break Dillon’s heart.

It would shatter his own, too.

When he saw the honesty, the vulnerability in Dillon’s eyes, felt it in his soul as he rose up and down on his cock, sudden fear whipped through Jackson, dampening the pleasure.

This was why he’d waited.

Right here, right now, was exactly why Jackson had denied the magnetic pull toward Dillon. Their souls had been trying to unite for years, waiting for Fate to give them the destiny neither could’ve foreseen. But if Jackson had acted sooner, he would’ve destroyed Dillon’s heart and a friendship that meant everything—to them both.

Recently, after being reminded of pleasure with men, he’d only felt emptier, more wanting than ever before. Because Jackson didn’t want gay porn, angry make-up sex, or hot three-ways.

He wanted Dillon.

Needing to reassure his husband, reassure himself, Jackson stroked Dillon’s hair, his gaze locked, emotions flayed open.

I can’t hurt you.

Jackson whimpered at the thought. Dropping his head back on the pillow, he squeezed his eyes closed, the intimacy suddenly too overwhelming.

Dillon pulled off, still gripping his shaft. “You okay? Change your mind?”

The fear in Dillon’s voice kicked him in the figurative gut, and Jackson’s eyes popped open. He caressed Dillon’s brow until the wrinkle disappeared. The fearful look Dillon wore broke his heart.

You’re putting that fear there.

Sober, this was scarier than expected—not the sex, he wanted that—rather, the magnitude of tonight.

“No,” Jackson whispered. “I didn’t change my mind.”

“Then what is it?” Dillon let go and pushed onto one elbow, leaning against Jackson’s leg. Dillon traced the prominent veins on Jackson’s forearm, almost distracting him.

He’d never keep secrets from Dillon again. “I’m scared.”

Dillion’s eyebrow arched in concern.

Fearing Dillon might change his mind or stop touching him, Jackson hurried to say, “I want to be here, like this. But this is, I dunno, significant? Our first time. We’re really doing this. It’s for real. It hit me for a second how important this is.” He stroked Dillon’s cheek, heart swelling with love. “I don’t wanna hurt you, or lose you, or disappoint you. I’m afraid I’ll never be good enough for you.”

Rodgers Jackson McCaughey III had never said anything like that to anyone, even when concerned about losing past relationships.

But this was Dillon.

He didn’t have to be the person his parents wanted. He didn’t have to put on a front. There were no games, no expectations.

With Dillon he could just be Jackson.

“You’re worried you’re not good enough for me?” Dillon scoffed. “How do you think I’ve felt forever? The nerdy friend with a crush? The hanger-on—”

“Don’t,” he begged, not wanting his father’s degrading bullshit to tarnish tonight.

“You know what I mean, Jacks,” he said softly. “I’m terrified you’ll change your mind, too.”

Sitting up and forcing Dillon to his haunches, Jackson grabbed his arms fiercely. “Never! I love you. I want to be your husband. I’m just…”

Dillon’s lips quivered—wet and swollen from blowing me.

Jackson could hardly meet his eye but forced himself to. “I’m so damn afraid I’ll fuck it up.”

“Then don’t fuck it up, Jacks.”

Jackson laughed mirthlessly. He cupped Dillon’s face and kissed him hard. “I’ll try.”

“There is no try. Do or do not.”

He laughed harder, for real this time. “That is honestly the first time someone’s quoted Yoda before they sucked my dick.”

Dillon smirked. “Oh, I have more up my sleeve.”

His heart skipped. “And that would be?”

“Talk no more. Show you I will.”

“That is the worst Yoda I’ve ever heard!” With a hearty laugh, Jackson dropped back on the pillows, cradling his head in one hand. “But I love what a dork you are.”

“You’ll love this even more.”

*****

Review:

**some mild spoilers**

I feel so bad for Dillon. To love your best friend, and pretty much have everyone know it, only to have him be with every one but you. I can totally understand why he struggles so much after waking up married to Jackson. There’s so much there and while there’s good, there’s a lot of hurt too.

Jackson, oh my goodness poor Jackson. That poor man has been through so much and he’s so lucky to have Dillon there for him. It’ll take patience and honesty but he knows a life with his best friend is worth just about anything.

Readers will get plenty of steam but even more emotion with Wadsworth’s newest. The characters have heart and I just felt for them every step of the way, anxiously waiting for them to figure things out and get the HEA they deserve. The author is new to me, as is the series, but I’m looking forward to more.

*****

Author Info:

Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. She has served multiple board positions for different RWA chapters, including President of the Rainbow Romance Writers in 2017. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. An avid reader, she also loves gardening, cooking, music, and dancing. Often she can be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.

Join Deanna’s Facebook Group HERE

Website│BookBub│Amazon│Facebook│Twitter │Goodreads │Instagram │ Pinterest

You can also find her young adult alter ego, K.D. Worth Amazon│Twitter│BookBub

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the upcoming release, Deanna is away 2 e-copies of Book 2 Accidentally Beautiful!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – On the Shore

27 Thursday Jul 2023

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Book Review, Cottonwood Cove series, Laura Pavlov, On the Shore

On the Shore

Cottonwood Cove #3

by Laura Pavlov

Blurb:

He’s the GOAT of the NFL. She’s a hot-headed reporter who despises him. They’re in the same small town for the summer. What could possibly go wrong?

I’m more than aware of the responsibilities that come with being a quarterback in the NFL.

The upside—I get to do what I love every day, which is play football.

And I make more money than I know what to do with.

The downside—everyone wants a piece of me, and the press stalks me ruthlessly.

And one reporter in particular, Brinkley Reynolds, has crossed a line.

She takes things too far.

So yeah, I have her escorted out of the press conference.

Imagine my surprise when the same woman walks into the coffee shop in the small town where I’ve gone to get some privacy for the summer.

I accuse her of stalking me.

She calls me every name in the book before proceeding to make me feel very unwelcome in Cottonwood Cove.

Her hometown.

The place where she tucked tail and ran after I’d unknowingly gotten her fired.

So now I’m enemy number one.

That’s fine with me.

I’m not the biggest fan of her either.

She’s equal parts stubborn and aggravating.

But she happens to be the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.

So I try to make amends.

I’m not the devil after all.

But she won’t give me the time of day unless I agree to give her my story.

One I’ve fought hard to protect since the day I started playing professional ball.

I don’t owe Brinkley Reynolds anything.

So why am I considering giving her everything?

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

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://geni.us/ontheshore

Paperback & Hardback: Coming soon!

Audible: https://bit.ly/3K8OC1D
Narrated by: Erin Mallon & Joe Arden

*****

Review:

I wasn’t sure if we were supposed to like Lincoln at the beginning. He came across as the a**hole that he’s called more than once. But as we get to know him, and he lets his guard down around Brinkley and her family, he becomes the hero our book deserves. He’s got a big heart and is very giving but he also doesn’t want every moment of his life out there to be dissected by the world. He keeps his circle small and it feels good to be let in.

I don’t know if more was given in other books about the situation that got Brinkley fired because it didn’t make a lot of sense to me. For her thinking of herself as one of the good reporters, I’m not sure why she thought it was OK to follow a man into the bathroom to ask him questions. In general, I think I liked Brinkley more because Lincoln found her so appealing. She’s sassy and fun, but also stubborn and sometimes I wonder about her choices. Kinda makes her real, huh?

The Reynolds siblings are a hoot. I loved all of their interactions (and their love of Lincoln 🙂 ) They are supportive but also willing to give each other hell. The group text chat was hilarious and I really want more of all of them. Funny and steamy, with a good dose of family love & support, I enjoyed my intro to Pavlov’s world and look forward to what comes next.

(While this one can technically stand on its own, I think it would best be enjoyed with some background info. There were a lot of siblings and cousins that had their own stories to tell. It got a little confusing in a couple of places – not critical to Brinkley and Lincoln’s story but still a bit troublesome.)

*****

Author Info:

Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome almost-grown kids, and dog-whisperer to one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. Laura resides in Las Vegas where she is living her own happily ever after. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves to hear from readers!

Website: https://www.laurapavlov.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6569734.Laura_Pavlov

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3c1xKZX

Facebook: http://bit.ly/3eSvEdp

Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2OKU6T5

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2TKf5Zs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurapavlov2

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/3ii8Vdp

Review – Twist of Date

24 Monday Jul 2023

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Book Review, Happily Ever After Inc series, Lauren Helms, Twist of Date

Layla James has always been in the business of love and never mixes business with pleasure, but when Cole Reed walks back into her life, she’s left questioning everything. Can this blast from the past convenience Layla to set her rules aside and take a chance on love? Fans of secret fling romances will love TWIST OF DATE by Lauren Helms, a steamy matchmaker romance.

Twist of Date

Happily Ever After, Inc. #2

by Lauren Helms

Blurb:

Once upon a time, there was a charming restaurant owner and an unsuspecting matchmaker who refused to mix business with pleasure…

Layla

I’ve always been in the business of love. Happily Ever After, Inc. has thrived under my leadership and the hard set of rules that I set for myself. But when a never quite forgotten blast from my past walks into my life, I’m suddenly questioning everything and everyone around me.

Cole Reed is everything I want in a man – handsome, successful, and charming.

There’s just one small hiccup…Cole is Happily Ever After’s latest client, and he’s got his sights on me.

Cole

I’m used to getting what I want and I’ve never left a date unhappy. So when my grandmother insists I need to work with a matchmaker…her lifelong best friend at that…I’m skeptical. Especially when my path crosses with the girl that always seemed to get away.

She’s sexy, smart, and determined – everything I’ve always admired about her. And this time, I refuse to let her get away.

There’s just one small problem…Layla James is my so-called matchmaker’s granddaughter – and the owner of the matchmaking company that’s just taken me on.

It feels like a weird twist of date that’s put the two of us back in each other’s life, but Layla doesn’t quite see it that way.

Can I convince her to break a few rules and take a chance on our own happily ever after?

Add to Goodreads!

Read Now!

*****

Excerpt:

“For real, though, a matchmaker? Really, Cole?”

I groan and cover my face with my hand, scrubbing my palm over my eyes then down my cheeks and chin. “Long story short, my grandma asked Ruth to do her a solid and get me settled down. So Ruth went through her song and dance. I think she may have mind ninja’d me into agreeing to be her newest client.”

“Well, shit.” He barks out a laugh.

“Yeah. So I guess I’ll be going on prearranged dates and stuff. I’m not one hundred percent sure what this whole thing involves.”

“I’m here for it, though. This is gonna be one hell of a ride, brother. Entertaining as fuck, I’m sure.” Travis is going to have a blast with this.

“Here’s the crazy thing, though. Ruth’s granddaughter, who actually owns the company, I went to school with her. We had a few business classes at IU and kinda hung out in the same crowd. We were never a thing, but I think we both wanted to be.”

“Oh, snap,” he mutters. “Tell me more.”

“I didn’t know she was related to Ruth, but I saw her today. We chatted a little. I gave her my number. I want to catch up with her.”

“Is she hot?”

I glare at him, his use of the term hot rubbing me the wrong way when it comes to Layla.

He throws his hands up and adds, “What? It’s a legit question. It’s okay if she’s not. You don’t always have to date a ten, man.”

I shake my head, annoyed. “No, Layla is a fucking twelve. She was a solid ten back in college, but she’s even more beautiful now.”

Travis whistles. “Damn, you’ve got it bad.”

“No, I don’t, just wasn’t expecting to run into her today. It’s been ten years.”

Travis hits me with the back of his hand. “Oh, oh, what if Ruth sets you up with her? Can’t you just ask your matchmaker to set you up with people?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I doubt it works like that, but maybe.” I trail off. Maybe I should ask Ruth about Layla. If she’s single and I’m single, maybe we can finally give it a go.

“Well, I’m team Layla then, man. That’s who I want you to give your first rose to. Oh, and then I’ll be the friend that she gets to meet before you take her home to meet the parents. It’s gonna be an intense ride getting to that final rose ceremony.” He gushes. I see the smirk.

“What the fuck is wrong with you, man? This isn’t a dating show, it’s my life, and I’m not even sure I’m going to go through with it.” I stand from the chair and walk toward the door.

“You’ll do it. Or Dorthy is gonna come hunt you down,” he says from the couch.

He’s not wrong.

“I’ll be back down around six on my way out. You better not be here.” I point at him and give him my best “I’m your boss” glare.

“Oh, hey, if you can fit it into your busy dating schedule”—I roll my eyes at his dig, but he doesn’t miss a beat and continues—“trivia night is coming up at that books and coffee place a few blocks from my apartment. Theme is ’90s Pop Culture. Wanna go and destroy the other teams?”

I chuckle because of our hobbies, the pop culture trivia is the one we both enjoy the most. He is training at becoming a blacksmith, and me, well, I’m a sucker for a good Dungeon and Dragons campaign. But trivia? Put us in a team and we are unstoppable.

“Sure, send me the info and I’ll add it to my calendar.”

“You got it, boss.” He salutes.

“Don’t call me that,” I grumble as I walk out his office door.

“If the shoe fits,” he yells after me. I raise my hand and flip him off, shaking my head at his laugh that follows me down the hallway.

He’s got about two hours before he needs to be kicked out for the night, so I’ve got two hours to get some work done and focus on my task list.

No more thinking about the gorgeous brunette from my past.

At least that’s what I tell myself anyway.

*****

Review:

Just like Wed Like Wildfire, Helms’s newest is sweet, fun, & sexy and I had a tough time putting it down. Cole & Layla work seamlessly together as a couple. From the moment Layla gives in, it’s like they’ve always been together. . . if only he wasn’t in the process of being matched to someone else.

As for the matchmaking, it’s obvious there is something going on, and from the outside looking in we know what Ruth is up to, but it takes a bit for the characters to catch on. Plus, Layla fights it every step of the way – I’m not 100% sure of all her reasons but she does take her company seriously. If they’d only talk to each other, and to those around them, things could have been handled a lot easier (usually the lack of communication is a big problem from me, but somehow Helms takes those things and make them OK. She did it in Win My Heart, too, which was the first book I read by her.)

There were a couple of things involving the conflict that didn’t make a lot of sense to me, but it was overshadowed by how much I enjoyed these two and couldn’t wait for them to get to their HEA. I’m so enjoying Helms’s writing and look forward to checking out more of her books.

(Part of a series but can easily stand on its own.)

*****

Author Info:

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

*****

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Review – Roughing the Kicker

03 Monday Jul 2023

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

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Book Review, Emerson Beckett, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond, Roughing the Kicker

Roughing the Kicker

The Package Deal Book 6

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

Do you believe in fate? Yeah, me neither until the sexy Navy SEAL I hooked up with three years ago suddenly reappears back in my life in the form of one of my best friends’ older brother. And now, they want me to share a room with him in the Keys.

“Can you share a room with Jesse tonight?”

How could I say no?

What Greg and Cooper didn’t know was Jesse and I met three years ago in Madrid. And when I finally hooked up with the handsome Navy SEAL, our night turned into a weekend of the best sex of my life. Jesse made me see stars twenty-four hours a day. We had a connection, but our timing wasn’t right. He was going back to America, and I was headed back to Italy to play soccer.

It was all for the best because I didn’t do relationships. Especially with a man nine years older and the total opposite of me. But I never forgot him, even though I tried.

Fast forward three years later, and we find ourselves thrown back together again in Portland. I’m the new kicker for the Portland Pirates and Jesse Evans has reappeared in my life. And just as fate would have it, my dream hookup is Cooper’s older brother, and he’s moving his security firm to Portland.

Would he remember me? Did that weekend three years ago affect him as much as it did me?

I guess time would tell when we shared that room in the Florida Keys.

Roughing the Kicker is a bisexual age gap and opposites attract MM Sports Romance and Book 6 in The Package Deal Series.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

“Do you mind sharing a room with Jesse? It would only be for the night. They’ll have the other one ready tomorrow.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. Think Dom, think. But nothing useful came to mind except images of Jesse Evans naked. What was I supposed to say? No?

I inclined my head and somehow managed to form words. “Sure. Uh… no problem.”

“Are you sure?” Greg held my gaze, searching my reaction for any indication that I wasn’t okay spending the night with that hot fucker. And honestly, I wasn’t sure I was.

Still, I swallowed and just let the first thing I could think of fall out of my mouth.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I was just worried. I have sleep apnea and I might snore. That’s all,” I laughed maniacally. “Don’t wanna keep him up or anything.”

Don’t think about him being up. Don’t think about him being up.

Greg blew out a breath. The look of relief on his face would have been comical if I wasn’t a massive ball of nerves, but there was no way I’d burst his bubble. He and Cooper didn’t have to invite me, but they did. And I needed to be gracious and not bust a nut right here in the airport. Or get on the next available flight back to Portland.

“Oh, yeah, okay. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Jesse was in the military, so I’m sure he’s used to all kinds of noises at night.”

I tried to control the squirming, but I couldn’t stop myself from fidgeting. I tried tamping down my raging, overwhelming lust for the former Navy SEAL . “Yeah. Yeah, okay.”

Greg clapped me on the shoulder. “Thanks, man. We really appreciate it.” With that settled, he walked away and went over to talk to Marcus.

Jesse Evans was the hottest man I’d ever seen. He had muscles for days. Muscles I wanted to lick, and—no. Couldn’t go there or I’d be sporting a huge boner. It seriously wasn’t fair for one man to be so damn tempting. He was tall and dressed like a runway model, with his perfect blond hair and his perfect smile. And then there was his commanding tone that just did it for me. I felt like I might have a heart attack right here at the airport and he was nowhere around to resuscitate me with vigorous mouth-to-mouth. I’d die right here on the floor of the airport before I could get my hands on him.

Dropping my head back, I stared at the ceiling and prayed to Saint Rocco to protect me from myself tonight. All I wanted to do was to climb him like a tree and rub myself all over him.

I bet he could make me cum just by looking at me with that piercing and smoldering look that said hold your ass still while I rim you till you lose your damn mind.

And I would, too. I’d hold still and let him have his wicked way with me in any goddamn position he wanted. God, now I was hard.

Fanculo la mia vita. Fuck my life.

*****

Review:

This is a good chance for returning readers to catch up with the rest of the guys, see Dom get his chance at love, and be introduced to what comes next. It’s low angst, insta-love, and STAH-EEMY (!)

There were a few things I had problems with – mainly around what happens in the second half of the story. Things that I felt weren’t realistic (or maybe that weren’t handled correctly, because I could see it happening in real life) but as a conclusion to the series I’m glad that we got the chance to see Jesse & Dom’s HEA.

*****

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/

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

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the cover reveal of Roughing the Kicker, Rheland & Emerson are giving away 2 e-books of your choice from the series!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates

27 Tuesday Jun 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, Lake Starlight series, Piper Rayne, The Issue with Bad Boy Romances

The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates

Lake Starlight series

by Piper Rayne

Blurb:

I was only looking for a roommate…

I’m the town widow.

Not the only one, but the youngest by far.

My husband died one year after our wedding, casting me as the charity case in my small Alaskan town.

Since then, everyone—including my big family—try to keep me busy as if that will stop the haunting memories from resurfacing.

Do I know it’s time to move on? Of course, but that’s easier said than done.

Then Van Adler rides into town. His bad boy vibe complete with his motorcycle and tattoos causes my body to fill with need for the first time since my husband’s death.

To make matters worse, he’s the one who answered my ad for a roommate. Sharing the close quarters of our two-bedroom apartment means I have to set some ground rules like keeping his rippled abs covered. Soon we become friends, he’s making me dinners, and we’re binge-watching television shows all night.

The more our lives intertwine, the more I start to fall for him. Leaving me wondering, can you find the love of your life twice in one lifetime?

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

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XePhnb
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3TWcOGC
Nook: http://bit.ly/3Xofujj
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3AwY8Hd
Google Play: http://bit.ly/3AxCnH1
Audio: https://books2read.com/tiwbbr
Narrated by: Connor Crais & Melissa Moran

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

*****

Review:

I feel like this one needs a little bit of a warning. As I moved through it, I felt like I’d missed out a little by not reading a lot of Piper Rayne books. Not so much from missing the first in the Lake Starlight series but The Baileys series. This is a HUGE family and there is a lot that has happened to get to the point where this generation is finding their own HEA. It’s not required reading but I will say I felt a little confused by some of the references to how the misc parents got together. If that’s going to bother you, I’d suggest adding a few books to your TBR pile 🙂

Having said that, I did enjoy getting to know Van and Brinley. Brin has been a little stuck since her husband died four years ago. It doesn’t help that she lives in a small town so it’s hard to escape the label of “widow”. She’s not really put herself out there, but she’s definitely not been pushed. Until Van.

Van isn’t the bad boy that the title implies – he’s caring, brave, and dedicated to his job. He’s patient when Brin needs it but he’s there to help her to be more daring, to be more herself and not who she thinks she should be. His support and encouragement of her is pretty awesome.

But while I liked the two of them, there was something just a bit missing for me from what I expect in a Piper Rayne story. The characters are interesting, their romance works, and I love all the assorted side characters … I don’t know. It’s a darn good story, it’s just not spectacular and that’s the norm when I pick up one of their stories. Others seemed to have loved it so maybe it was just me … regardless, it’s definitely worth a read no matter what.

*****

Author Info:

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

Connect with Piper Rayne

Website: www.PiperRayne.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15810938.Piper_Rayne
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Piper-Rayne/e/B01ND0R15R
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiperRayne/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PiperRaynesUnicorns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpiperrayne/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PiperRayneRocks
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorpiperrayne
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/piper-rayne
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorpiperrayne/_created/
Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PiperRayne?ref=shop_sugg
Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/PiperRayne

Review – Shot Taker

27 Tuesday Jun 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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Book Review, King of the Court series, Piper Lawson, Shot Taker

Shot Taker

King of the Court Book 2

by Piper Lawson

Blurb:

He leads the league in scoring. My heart won’t give him another shot.

He leads the league in scoring. My heart won’t give him another shot.
I swore I’d never come back to Denver.
I’d never trust the wrong man again.
But here I am, back in the same place as the bad boy athlete who broke my heart.
Clay rules the basketball court, and now he’s gunning for redemption. But I’m not the same girl who fell for the man behind the all-star image and reputation.
He made me want him like I’ve never wanted anyone.
He made me feel like I was the only thing that mattered.
A single look can make me ache.
A whispered promise in his gruff voice makes my chest tight.
Clay’ll do anything to prove we’re worth another shot.

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

Amazon: https://bit.ly/43YQJgH
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3LrTNen
Nook: https://bit.ly/3Lq7qug
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3oCXqVL
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3LnszV1

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/41LOGeo

*****

Review:

I am NOT a fan of books that end on cliffhangers. Well, at least not if I have to wait for more books to be released before I can get to the end 🙂 I picked up Game Changer without knowing that it was a part of a trilogy, and I almost didn’t give it a shot but by the time I put it down I was so glad I did. Shot Taker picks up basically where the last book left off and we get to see what happens when Nova comes back to Denver & into Clay’s orbit.

While this is definitely the middle part of the story, without the excitement of the introduction or the satisfaction of a HEA, I enjoyed getting to know both Clay and Nova better. Nova is still that mix of sunshine & vulnerability, but she’s also developed a bit more grit. The implosion of her relationship with Clay really hurt her and she’s using that to her advantage. She’s going after what she wants with her art and she’s also going to make Clay work for another chance if he wants one.

Clay’s connection to Nova has changed him as well. It has him looking at more than just his goal to get to LA and has him evaluating the man, friend, & teammate he has been up to this point and whether that’s who he wants to be going forward. I’m really enjoying seeing him grow into a bit more than the grumpy (as$) baller that Nova first met.

Being the middle of the story there is a cliffhanger leading us to the last book, but I was really pleased with the lack of serious angst in this one. While there is some work that has to be done to get Clay & Nova back together, it wasn’t drama for drama’s sake and instead moved us forward to what will hopefully be a HEA. I’ll be interested to see where Lawson goes from here because I feel like, to get a full third book, there is going to have to be more drama to come. I have faith though that she can make it work.

*****

Author Info:

Piper Lawson is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of smart and steamy romance.

She writes women who follow their dreams, best friends who know your dirty secrets and love you anyway, and complex heroes you’ll fall hard for.

Piper lives in Canada with her tall and brilliant husband. She’s a sucker for dark eyes, dark coffee, and dark chocolate.

Website: https://www.piperlawsonbooks.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13680088.Piper_Lawson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piperlawsonbooks
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/piperlawsonromance/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piperlawsonbooks
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/piper-lawson

Review – The Sweetheart List

13 Tuesday Jun 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Jill Shalvis, Sunrise Cove series, The Sweetheart List

The Sweetheart List

Sunrise Cove series

by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

What makes life sweet?

When Harper Shaw’s life falls apart, she knows it’s time for a change. She removes everything that doesn’t spark joy—from her soul-sucking job to eating kale to making lists—and sets off for the last place she was happy, Lake Tahoe (who wouldn’t feel good there, right?) to fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery. With her Sugar Pine Bakery in between a tavern, owned by sexy, grumpy Bodie Campbell, and a bookstore, run by her new BFF, she feels a peace she’s never experienced since…well, forever. Then she meets Ivy, a teenage runaway, who barrels into her heart. She sees a lot of herself in Ivy and takes her under her wing, but the teenager has secrets…

When those secrets explode, it changes Harper’s new world, and she’ll learn, it’s never too late to start over, it’s never too late to figure out your life, and best of all, it’s never too late to let yourself believe in love.

*****

Review:

Harper has been hurt in the past, let down by those who were supposed to love her, so she decides to go back to the last place she was truly happy. To open a bakery and live a life that her mother could be proud of her for. She’s a little prickly, a lot wounded, but she craves the love that the people of Sunrise Cove can give her.

Ivy has been let down by her own mother more times than she can count so she runs away. A pitstop in Sunrise Cove has her reevaluating her plan … and, with the help of Harper, Bodie, and all their friends & family, maybe making choices that she didn’t plan on.

I really enjoyed getting to know the big, boisterous, oh-so-loving Campbell clan. They can be loud and pushy but also have big hearts and only want the best for those they care about, family or not. I kinda wish there’d been a series about all the brothers because I’d love to see more of this group.

With her newest, I think Shalvis straddles a line between women’s fiction and romance. While I really enjoyed Harper and Bodie getting to know each other and learning to open up, to take a chance on giving away their hearts, The Sweetheart List is really a family story at its heart. There’s a lot here about finding the place you belong and the people who will support you.

(Part of a series but … not really? I think these are more like unconnected books set in the same place.)