Review – Sweet Home Cowboy

01 Friday Apr 2022

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

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Book Review, Caitlin Crews, Jackie Ashenden, Jasper Creek Collection, Maisey Yates, Nicole Helm, Sweet Home Cowboy

Sweet Home Cowboy

A Jasper Creek Collection

by Maisey Yates, Jackie Ashenden, Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm

ISBN: 9781335639967

Publication Date: March 29, 2022

Publisher: HQN Books

Blurb:

SWEET HOME COWBOY S is a Western-themed anthology featuring four stories from bestselling authors Maisey Yates, Nicole Helm, Jackie Ashenden and Caitlin Crews!

Four half sisters create the family they’ve always dreamed of in this enchanting quartet from bestselling authors Maisey Yates, Nicole Helm, Jackie Ashenden and Caitlin Crews.

The Hathaway sisters might have grown up apart, but when they agree to move to Jasper Creek, Oregon, to revitalize their grandfather’s farm, it seems a straightforward decision. Until they meet their neighborhood cowboys…

Sweet-natured Teddy has never met a man worth taking a risk on, until now. Tomboy Joey has more affinity with farm equipment than men, until a brooding cowboy changes her mind. Prickly baker Georgie can’t resist the temptation of the most forbidden cowboy of all, and sparks fly between ceramicist Elliot and the grumpy single-dad rancher next door.

The sisters’ feelings are anything but simple, but with the love and support of each other, they discover that a cowboy might be the sweetest thing of all about coming home.

*****

Excerpt:

PROLOGUE

It was never comfortable for people when four sets of violet eyes zeroed in on them with the level of intensity the Hathaway sisters could manage.

A fact the half sisters had learned when they’d first met at summer camp, thanks to their families, who’d been careful to give the girls the opportunity to meet each other, without the pressure of having to become friends or even real sisters.

But sisters they had become that first day at the age of thirteen. In each other, they’d found kindred spirits. Not just in the unusual color of their eyes, but in the depths of their passions, and in their driving need to forge family out of the fragments their father had left behind when he’d impregnated all their mothers at different points in the same year.

So that, as adults, though they lived in different parts of the country, they were the best of friends. Sisters, through and through, and when Georgie had informed them of Grandpa Jack’s heart attack in Jasper Creek, the rest had rushed to the small Oregon town to see what they could do.

Grandpa Jack looked at each of them with his usual squinty-eyed suspicion. Though their father had never made any effort to be a part of his daughters’ lives, Grandpa Jack had always made it clear he’d be there if needed.

But not to expect him to be cheerful about it.

“Didn’t all have to come,” he grumbled, shifting in his hospital bed.

“Well, of course we did. And we’ll stay until you’re on the mend,” Teddy said, patting his hand. The squinty-eyed suspicion became a full-fledged scowl as he pulled his hand away.

While Teddy was all about gestures of affection, Grandpa Jack was decidedly not.

Which made the fact Georgie was the only local granddaughter a blessing as she shared the discomfort with such goings-on. He turned his glare to her. “Didn’t have to call them.”

Georgie shrugged.

“She was right to,” Joey said firmly, meeting Grandpa Jack’s scowl with her own. “We won’t hear another complaint about it. A waste of time. You know how stubborn we are.”

Grandpa Jack grunted.

Elliot smirked. “Wonder where we got it.”

A nurse knocked on the door, then poked her head in. “Sorry, girls, it’s time to head home. Visiting hours are over.”

“Girls,” Elliot muttered under her breath with a considerable amount of disdain for the word.

But Teddy pressed a kiss to Grandpa Jack’s wrinkled forehead, Elliot touched his shoulder, and Georgie and Joey hovered at the door until they all left the room, chorusing goodbyes.

“I hate leaving him all alone,” Teddy said as Elliot linked arms with her. Teddy reached out and took Joey’s arm.

“He’ll be home soon enough,” Joey reassured her. She gave Georgie an apologetic shrug, then linked arms with her too, so they were a unit as they walked out of the hospital into the cool spring evening.

“He’s not going to let you fuss over him, Teddy. It isn’t his way,” Georgie said pragmatically as they walked to her truck.

Teddy frowned. “I think you misjudge my tenacity.”

Elliot’s eyebrows winged up. “Do we?”

Teddy wrinkled her nose, but didn’t argue with Elliot.

“I found an Airbnb closer to the hospital,” Georgie said, sounding tired as she climbed into the driver’s seat. “I knew this wouldn’t be a quick visit and we’d need more room than Felix and I have.” Georgie had grown up with her half brother right here in Jasper Creek.

The four sisters climbed into Georgie’s truck. Whatever belongings they’d packed were strapped into the bed of the truck from when Georgie had picked Joey and Teddy up at the airport this afternoon, after Elliot had driven down from Portland.

Georgie drove onto the highway, and it was only about fifteen minutes later she parked in front of a pretty little farmhouse just outside of Jasper Creek.

“This place is amazing,” Teddy said.

“Much better taken care of than the main house at Grandpa Jack’s property,” Georgie returned.

The women got out, grabbed what they’d need for the night, then headed inside.

“I’ll make us some dinner,” Teddy said, already moving for the kitchen.

“The host said she left some things for us to eat when we arrived,” Georgie replied, dropping her stuff in the front room.

They all descended on the kitchen, which was quaint and old-fashioned—something that suited all four women to the bone. On the table were a variety of baked goods.

“I found a teapot and some tea,” Teddy said.

“Scones and sweet rolls for dinner sounds good to me,” Joey said, already unwrapping the plate of baked goods and digging in.

Elliot found plates and set the table, shoving one at Joey as she’d already plowed through three-fourths of a scone.

“Do you think Grandpa Jack is stressed about the ranch? And that’s what caused this?” Teddy asked, fiddling with the stove.

“I think he’s an old man who eats poorly and smokes cigars regularly. But…” Georgie sighed.

“He’s been talking about selling off the last piece of land to Colt West next door. He’d keep the cabin and about an acre around it, but the rest would go to Colt.”

“Even the main house?” Joey asked, as she licked crumbs from her fingers.

“You could hardly call it that these days. It’s falling apart at the seams.”

Teddy frowned. “That’s just not right.”

Georgie shrugged. “He hasn’t lived in that house in decades. He’s a single, old, grumpy man. He’s finally accepting he can’t really take care of the ranch. Why not sell?”

“It’s our legacy,” Joey said. Then she looked around the table. “Isn’t it?”

“It’s our absent father’s legacy,” Elliot returned. “Assuming he’s still alive.”

All eyes turned to Georgie, who was the only one who’d ever had any contact with Mickey Hathaway. She lifted her shoulders. “Far as I know.”

Silence filled the room until Teddy’s teakettle began to whistle. She poured tea for everyone, then took a seat at the kitchen table. As far as she was concerned, this was all fate. The timing, the chance of all four of them coming here at a point in their lives where they got to decide what came next.

“We’ve always talked about how much we wanted to live there, so why don’t we?”

“Why don’t we what?” Joey replied, mouth full with her last bite of scone.

“Live there. Do what we all love to do. Put together some kind of…business. Honey, eggs,” Teddy said, pointing to herself. “Produce,” she said, pointing to Joey. “Ceramics.” Elliot’s specialty. “Our sweet Georgie’s baked goods,” she said, grinning at Georgie’s negative reaction to being called sweet.

“Most of us are already selling our wares anyway. Why don’t we do it here? The four of us.”

It would be more than the year her mother wanted, more than just learning some independence. It would be actually, hopefully permanently, forging that independence. Well, with her sisters. Which suited Teddy better. She didn’t want to be alone. She wanted to be a part of a family. Her family.

“You’d move here all the way from Maine?” Joey asked dubiously. “Leave your mother?”

Teddy sniffed. “I can leave my mother.” Then she wrinkled her nose. Subterfuge wasn’t her strong suit.

“She wants me to move out anyway.”

“Why?” her sisters demanded, offended on her behalf.

“She thinks I need a year of independence. To find my own way. Apparently twenty-five is too old to have always lived with your mother, according to her.”

When none of her sisters argued, she glared at them. “You agree with her?”

Elliot shrugged. “I don’t disagree with her.”

“Well, anyway, this would solve that, wouldn’t it? We can fix up the house. I’m sure some people need bee removal around here, so I’ll start a new hive. Buy new chickens. Elliot can drive her ceramics van down here. Joey, you could start the farm of your dreams with local produce and flowers—a brand-new challenge, all yours. Georgie, you can design the baking kitchen you’ve been planning since childhood. And we’ll be close enough to Grandpa to help him—and far enough away he won’t beat us away with sticks.”

They looked at Teddy, varying looks of consideration and concern on their faces. But as the idea took shape in Teddy’s mind, she knew it was exactly right. This wasn’t some new dream out of left field; it was an old dream.

And if she had to be independent, why not make that old dream a reality?

“We always wanted to live in one place. Like a real family,” Teddy said. She would have reached out and grabbed all their hands if she had three herself. As it was, she only looked at them imploringly. “Sisters. Live together. Work together. It’s the dream. Maybe something good can come out of Grandpa’s health scare. If Grandpa lets us live in the house, and we pool whatever our savings are together, it’s not a financial stretch. Elliot and I can keep our independent businesses running while we get our joint business set up. Then we split the farm profit four ways.”

“Profit. That is optimistic at best,” Georgie said.

“You know I am all about optimism,” Teddy returned.

A wind chime tinkled from the front room, which was odd considering there shouldn’t be enough wind to make it move here inside.

“Did someone leave the door open?” Joey asked, pushing back from the table. The girls got up and walked toward the door, which was indeed open.

“Look at that,” Elliot said.

They stepped out onto the porch together. Beyond the dogwood in the front just beginning to bloom, the sun was setting in a riot of colors—bright magentas, deep oranges, fading into lavenders and lighter pinks.

“It’s the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen.”

“That’s a tad dramatic, Teddy,” Georgie said gently, though her voice held all the awe of someone who agreed, but would never admit it.

“We have to do it,” Teddy said, her voice almost a whisper. “This is a sign. Don’t you believe in fate?”

Elliot nodded. “Yeah. I’m mobile. I go where I please. Why not right here?”

Georgie shrugged. “Don’t know about fate, but it wouldn’t change much for me, except you guys would be close. I’d like that. Felix is talking about leaving Jasper Creek.”

Teddy reached out, but Georgie stopped her with a quelling look. “It’s fine.” She offered a smile, or Georgie’s version of a smile anyway. “Especially if you guys are here.”

All eyes turned to Joey.

“I have to talk timing over with my mom. I don’t want to leave her short-staffed,” Joey said, her eyes still on the sunset. Then she pushed out a breath and looked at her sisters and grinned. “But why the hell not?”

Teddy smiled at the sunset, feeling a bit teary over the whole thing. But it was meant to be, she was sure of it. “Four Sisters Farm.” She looked at each of her sisters. “That’s what we can call it. Because it’ll be ours. Always.”

Excerpted from Sweet Home Cowboy
by Nicole Helm, Maisey Yates, Jackie Ashenden, Caitlin Crews.
Copyright © 2022 by Nicole Helm, Maisey Yates, Jackie Ashenden, Caitlin Crews.
Published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

*****

Review:

The four Hathaway sisters may not have grown up together, and they may be as different as can be, that doesn’t mean they don’t love each other deeply. So when the opportunity arises to make a life together in Jasper Creek, they don’t hesitate. But what started as a chance to be there for their grandfather and start a life together, quickly becomes so much more.

I gotta admit, I’m pretty impressed with how well these authors manage to blend their voices. I don’t think I would have known that the stories were written by different people if they didn’t tell me. Each one is an easy-to-read mix of humor and emotion, romance and familial bonds, but still highlights the distinctiveness of each sister and the cowboy who captures her heart.

The newest anthology in the Jasper Creek series is a delightfully fun read. While I haven’t read the first two, and you really don’t need to, I’m definitely adding them to my TBR pile.

*****

Author Info:

Maisey Yates is a New York Times bestselling author of over one hundred romance novels. Whether she’s writing strong, hard working cowboys, dissolute princes or multigenerational family stories, she loves getting lost in fictional worlds. An avid knitter with a dangerous yarn addiction and an aversion to housework, Maisey lives with her husband and three kids in rural Oregon. Check out her website, maiseyyates.com or find her on Facebook.

Author Website: http://www.maiseyyates.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaiseyYates.Author/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/maiseyyates

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

Jackie Ashenden writes dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who’ve just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.

She lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with her husband the inimitable Dr Jax and two kids. When she’s not torturing alpha males, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, wasting time on social media, or forced to mountain biking with her husband.

Author Website: https://www.jackieashenden.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackie.ashenden

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/jackieashenden

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

Caitlin Crews is a USA Today bestselling, RITA-nominated, and critically-acclaimed author who has written more than 100 books and counting. She has a Masters and Ph.D. in English Literature, thinks everyone should read more category romance, and is always available to discuss her beloved alpha heroes. Just ask. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her comic book artist husband, is always planning her next trip, and will never, ever, read all the books in her to-be-read pile. Thank goodness.

Author Website: https://megancrane.com/

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

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/megancrane

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

Nicole Helm writes down-to-earth contemporary romance and fast-paced romantic suspense. She lives with her husband and two sons in Missouri. Visit her website: http://www.nicolehelm.com

Author Website: https://www.nicolehelm.com/

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

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_t_helm/

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

*****

Review – Crazy, Wicked Love

31 Thursday Mar 2022

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Crazy Wicked Love, Dark Knights at Bayside, Melissa Foster, The Wickeds series, The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series

Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and swoon-worthy moments abound in this sexy new standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster.

What happens when the player gets played?

Sidney Carver has a big problem, and he goes by the name of Dwayne “Gunner” Wicked: six-plus feet of muscular, motorcycle-riding, animal-loving deliciousness. Gunner is her boss, roommate, and best friend. They’ve seen each other through life-altering injuries and unimaginable losses, and they work side by side at Wicked Animal Rescue, fulfilling their passion to save animals. Unfortunately, Gunner is also the man Sidney is in love with, and he’s the ultimate player. As her former military comrade, Gunner sees her as his buddy—just one of the guys. Sidney is at her wit’s end, ready to risk the friendship and job she adores for a chance at forever love with the man she can’t live without. Like any good marine, she comes up with a mission. Enter Operation Get My Guy.

Gunner loves his life. He has a family he adores, a brotherhood that always has his back, and a host of willing women to warm his bed. As the owner of Wicked Animal Rescue, he saves lives and works with his best friend, Sid, the coolest woman on the planet. When Sid concocts a crazy plan to win his cousin’s heart, Gunner reluctantly agrees to be her wingman.

Practices heat up as roommates become teammates. Let the wicked fun begin…

No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed to melt panties and leave readers hopelessly in love with the sinfully delicious Wickeds.

About The Wickeds:

Dark Knights at Bayside
Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. These men are wickedly alpha and intensely loyal, but they are NOT alphaholes.

Available to buy from …

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble Kobo Apple GPlay Paperback

Audible narrated by Jacob Morgan and Ava Erikson coming soon!

“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” – NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely

“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” – NYT Bestseller Brenda Novak

“Melissa Foster writes worlds that draw you in, with strong heroes and brave heroines surrounded by a community that makes you want to crawl right on through the page and live there.” – NYT bestseller Julia Kent

Also available in The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series

A Little Bit Wicked

A captivatingly funny and deeply emotional new standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. When the Dark Knights at Bayside and the cast of Bayside Summers collide, sparks fly, and trouble—or maybe love—is not far behind.

What do a cocky biker and a businesswoman who has sworn off dating bad boys have in common? According to Chloe Mallery, not much.

Justin came into the Wicked family after a harsh upbringing by a thieving father. He’s gone through a lot to become a true Wicked, and he’s made them proud. Now he’s ready to show the woman he loves exactly what type of man he is. But Chloe Mallery has worked hard to move past her difficult upbringing, and she’s wary of getting involved with a man who looks like he’s walked right out of it. When tragedy strikes, will their trying pasts draw them together, or will Justin’s protective nature be too much for Chloe’s independent heart to accept?

Available to buy from …

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble Kobo Apple GPlay Paperback Audible

The Wicked Aftermath
An emotionally gripping story of love, loss, and hope, with a rich and entrancing happily ever after. Set on the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Wickeds feature fiercely protective heroes, strong heroines, and unbreakable family bonds. If you think bikers are all the same, you haven’t met the Dark Knights. The Dark Knights are a motorcycle club, not a gang. Their members stick together like family and will stop at nothing to keep their communities safe. Some of the Wickeds’ love stories will be hilariously fun and deeply emotional, others will tear at your heartstrings and include injections of humor, but they will all leave you wishing you could climb between the pages and join them. All Wicked novels may be enjoyed as standalone romances.

When the person you blame for your grief is the only one who can save you from the pain…

Tank Wicked lost his sister and has since vowed to save everyone else in his path. He lives by the creed of the Dark Knights motorcycle club, sworn to protect and respect his community. He selflessly saves lives as a volunteer firefighter and treats the men and women who work for him at his tattoo shop like family. But life isn’t a balance scale where good deeds negate bad things to come, and one foggy night life guts Tank once again. When a car careens over the side of a bridge and into a river, Tank springs into action, plunging into the water to rescue the passengers. Four people go into the river, but only three come out alive.

Leah Yates is just trying to make it through each day. When the man she blames for her grief becomes the only one who can pull her from the depths of despair, she discovers that even hope comes at a price. Maybe this time she won’t have to face it alone.

Available to buy from …

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble KOBO Apple GPlay Paperback Audible

Pre-order, releasing 1st February 2023

The Wicked Truth
Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and swoon-worthy moments abound in this sexy new standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster.

What happens when you’re not looking for love, but it walks in the door?

When a mysterious stranger crosses paths with Madigan Wicked, their connection is undeniable, yet neither is open to love. He’s on a road to redemption, and she’s been hurt before. But love has been known to bully its way into even the most resisting hearts. When the wicked truth of his dark past is revealed, will it be too much for them to overcome?

Available to pre-order from …

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble Kobo Apple GPlay Paperback

MEET THE WHISKEYS (cousins of the Wickeds)! MORE WICKED LOVE STORIES COMING SOON!

A Little Bit Wicked

The Wicked Aftermath

Crazy, Wicked Love

The Wicked Truth (pre-order 1st February 2023)

Wicked Temptations

Wicked Lucky

Now available for your binge-reading pleasure!

RUNNING ON DIESEL (releasing 15th September!)

And don’t miss RIVER OF LOVE, the first story in which the Whiskeys were introduced!

About the author

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 women’s fiction 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, the perfect beach reads for contemporary romance and women’s fiction lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find Melissa on the following sites….

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube Goodreads Bookbub Amazon Author Page

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I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

Sidney is caring and strong, but a little awkward in her femininity and not much into flirting. Raised by her dad and then becoming a marine, it makes sense that she hasn’t had a lot of practice. It really hasn’t been a problem until she starts comparing herself to Gunner’s conquests. As her heart gets ever closer to breaking with every new woman than joins him in bed, she realizes she has to do something – either convince him to see her as more than a friend or find a way to move on. It’s not going to be easy, and definitely has plenty of potential for going horribly wrong, but she’s gotta take that chance.

Gunner knows that Sidney is the best thing that ever happened to him and the thought of losing her friendship is unbearable. Faced with the possibility of losing her to someone else, especially his cousin, has him in knots. Before long, he realizes that maybe she’s more to him than his best friend who is like one of the guys. But is he willing to risk everything to find out?

Man, I felt for Sidney. Firmly put in the friend zone and living with Gunner while he brings women home with a great deal of frequency … it’s no wonder she gets a little desperate. Watching him wake up and realize exactly what they could be together – very satisfying!

Click to get your FREE Love in Bloom Series Reading Order

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Review – Crazy, Wicked Love

23 Wednesday Mar 2022

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Crazy Wicked Love, Dark Knights at Bayside, Melissa Foster, The Wickeds series

Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and swoon-worthy moments abound in this sexy new standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster.

Crazy, Wicked Love

The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside

by Melissa Foster

Releasing March 23, 2022

World Literary Press

Blurb:

What happens when the player gets played?

Gunner loves his life. He has a family he adores, a brotherhood that always has his back, and a host of willing women to warm his bed. As the owner of Wicked Animal Rescue, he saves lives and works with his best friend, Sid, the coolest woman on the planet. When Sid concocts a crazy plan to win his cousin’s heart, Gunner reluctantly agrees to be her wingman.

Practices heat up as roommates become teammates. Let the wicked fun begin…

No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed to melt panties and leave readers hopelessly in love with the sinfully delicious Wickeds.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57811944-crazy-wicked-love

Goodreads series link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/269450-the-wickeds-dark-knights-at-bayside

Buy Links:

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Kindle

➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Apple

➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Nook

➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/CWL_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/CWL_Pb

Audio, narrated by Jacob Morgan and Ava Erikson

➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/CWLa_Amazon

➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/CWLa_Apple

➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/CWLa_Audible

For more Dark Knights, check out The Whiskeys: https://melissafoster.com/series-the-whiskeys-dark-knights-at-peaceful-harbor/

For more Bayside Summers fun: https://melissafoster.com/series-bayside-summers/

*****

Excerpt:

Read Sneak Peek here, https://melissafoster.com/crazy-wicked-love-sneak-peek/

*****

Review:

*****

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

*****

SERIES LINKS:

A LITTLE BIT WICKED (Book 1)

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Kindle

➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Apple

➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Nook

➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/ALBW_Pb

Also available in audiobook (narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow)

➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Amazon

➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Apple

➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/ALBWa_Audible

THE WICKED AFTERMATH (Book 2)

➜KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/WA_Kindle

➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/WA_Apple

➜NOOK: https://smarturl.it/WA_Nook

➜KOBO: https://smarturl.it/WA_Kobo

➜GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/WA_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/WA_Pb

Also available in audiobook (narrated by Lance Greenfield and Jennifer Mack)

➜Amazon: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Amazon

➜Apple: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Apple

➜Audible: https://smarturl.it/WAa_Audible

THE WICKED TRUTH (Book 4) – REL FEB 1ST, 2023

➜KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Kindle

➜APPLE: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Apple

➜NOOK: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Nook

➜KOBO: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Kobo

➜GPLAY: http://smarturl.it/TWT_GPlay

➜PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/TWT_Pb

Review – Our Best Shot

16 Wednesday Mar 2022

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

≈ Leave a comment

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A.M. Williams, Book Review, Our Best Shot

My life seemed perfect until he came back to town. With his sights set on me, he’s ready to settle down and face any challenge. Fans of Briar U by Elle Kennedy will devour Our Best Shot by A.M. Williams, a small-town, forced proximity, hockey romance.

Our Best Shot

by A.M. Williams

Blurb:

Rory

On the outside, my life seems perfect. I have my friends, family, and quirky small town to keep me satisfied plus my secret writing career that’s done better than I ever dreamed. What’s not to love?

There’s just one thing missing. But I don’t know what it is.

At least until he comes back to town. The man I crushed on so hard in high school, I couldn’t talk in full sentences around him.

He’s back, he’s ready to settle down, and he’s set his sights on me, the wallflower.

Every time I turn around, there he is. He wants to know about me. And no matter how hard I try to ignore him…I can’t. He’s everything I wanted as a teenager.

And as an adult? I’m discovering that he’s the total package and is ready to sweep me off my feet.

Alex

Deciding to retire from my professional hockey career was easy. I miss my family, friends, and hometown. I crave a slower lifestyle so I can finally settle down.

What isn’t easy? Figuring out how to coach teenaged boys in how to play hockey and win over the woman I can’t stop thinking about.

I think about her constantly and am constantly finding ways to run into her ‘by accident’. I want to know everything about her, but she’s hesitant and I have my work cut out for me to convince her to step outside her comfort zone and date me.

But I’m up for the challenge. I’m ready to show her what being with me could be like and that she doesn’t need to be scared.

With outside forces working against us, can we get it together for our best shot at a happily ever after?

Add to Goodreads! → https://bit.ly/3pOGYjd

Read Now! Amazon → https://amzn.to/3ENIfv5

*****

Excerpt:

“You want to sit for a little while?” Alex asked, pointing to a bench just ahead of us and off the main path.

I nodded, hoping that the bench would be enough out of the way that people wouldn’t notice us sitting there and stop staring.

We settled in and I sipped my coffee, looking the park over.

Compared to the weekend before, the park looked totally transformed.

There were bright tents throughout the trees with local crafters and artisans, and loud chatter filled the air from people walking around.

“This festival looks no different from when I came as a kid,” Alex said, pulling my attention to him.

I glanced at him and watched as he looked over at what I’d just been looking at.

“Are you surprised? You know we like tradition here.”

Alex chuckled. “Not really. I guess since it’s been so long since I was here, that I expected something to have changed. But nothing has. The same tents, same vendors, same atmosphere.”

I made a noise low in my throat. “There are some new vendors. They’re just peppered throughout. Some ones you’re thinking of don’t come anymore.”

What I didn’t say was that some owners had died because of how old they were and their businesses closed. The town had to get some new life for the vendors, otherwise this festival would have dwindled.

“Still. This is the same. If I close my eyes, I bet I could recall where everyone is and the order of the games at the rink. I feel like no time has passed.”

I said nothing at first. Then I asked, “Are you happy to be here at least?”

Alex met my gaze and nodded. “I am. It’s weird how I didn’t think about so much related to town while I was gone. I came home for holidays and brief visits, but everything else was just background. But now that I’m here, I can’t help remembering coming as a kid with my mom and sister. Hanging with my friends before our games. And all the other shit that the town does throughout the year.”

I thought about what he was saying. I didn’t have any experience not coming to the town events, considering I went to college close by and returned to town the minute I could. I’d kept coming to everything, even throughout college.

*****

Review:

I have to admit that a lot of my enjoyment of this book is because of that bookish high school girl hiding deep inside of me. Rory getting a second chance with the popular jock she had a crush on as a teenager is just so gratifying. It helps that Alex has grown into a well-rounded, stand-up guy so you totally get where she’s coming from. There are some moments that hearken back a little too much to those younger years with a villainous mean girl and a jealous ex that at times could be a little bit OTT. Overall, though, Williams delivers likable characters and an enjoyable trip to a satisfying HEA. I’m looking forward to what she brings us next.

*****

Author Info:

A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.

*****

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Review – The Summer Getaway

14 Monday Mar 2022

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

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Book Review, Susan Mallery, The Summer Getaway

The Summer Getaway : A Novel

by Susan Mallery

On Sale Date: March 15, 2022

9781335479990

Hardcover

$27.99 USD, $34.99 CAD

416 pages

Blurb:

Already a worldwide success in mass market and trade paperback formats, Susan Mallery’s newest hardcover is an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story about a woman who takes a trip to California to figure out her life and get a break from her family…only to be reminded that life–and your children–follow you wherever you go. With a powerful mother/daughter relationship at its core, fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Susan Wiggs, Mary Alice Monroe, and Nancy Thayer will love this book.

Robyn Caldwell’s family is driving her crazy. There’s Harlow, her daughter, who’s engaged to a man she’s only known a short time and is rapidly turning into bridezilla. And her son, Austin, who would rather work with his dad’s family charter boating business than go to college. Her friend, Mindy, who’s playing with fire by contemplating an affair with her tennis instructor. And let’s not forget her ex-husband whose bad behavior has just crossed the line yet again.

Robin needs some time to catch her breath and figure out what her next step should be. So when her beloved aunt Lillian asks her to come to Santa Barbara for an overdue visit, Robyn jumps at the chance. Her aunt Lillian is working on settling her affairs and a distant relative is staying with her that stands to inherit the house. Trouble is the last thing Robyn needs, but she refuses to let her aunt be taken advantage of.

While staying in her aunt’s beautiful, quirky mansion and spending time in the Santa Barbara sunshine with the woman who’s like a mother to her, Robyn will see herself—and the people she loves most—with a bit more clarity. And it will push her to take chances she hadn’t dreamed of before.

But life has a funny way of following you wherever you go. What began as an escape soon becomes an unforgettable adventure…and Robyn is ready to dive in, feet first.

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/the-summer-getaway/9781335479990

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1335479996?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwsusanmalle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1335479996

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-summer-getaway-susan-mallery/1139380149?ean=9781335479990

Books-a-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Summer-Getaway/Susan-Mallery/9781335479990?id=8185827134866

Indie Bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335479990

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093T6319S?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwsusanmalle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B093T6319S

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-summer-getaway-susan-mallery/1139380149?ean=9780369703668

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Susan_Mallery_The_Summer_Getaway?id=ZgcsEAAAQBAJ

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-summer-getaway/id1565341890

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-summer-getaway-1

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Summer-Getaway-Hardcover-9781335479990/209254131

Target: https://www.target.com/p/the-summer-getaway-by-susan-mallery-hardcover/-/A-83982879

*****

Excerpt:

ONE

“I’m going to sleep with Dimitri.”

Robyn Caldwell picked up her glass of white wine and briefly thought about swallowing the entire contents in one gulp. Mindy’s statement was certainly gulp-worthy. But she knew pacing herself through lunch was the responsible thing to do. A lesson her friend had yet to learn.

“You are not,” Robyn murmured, because shrieking wasn’t attractive. Especially at “the club,” where their friends and frenemies were also enjoying Thursday’s lobster salad. The dining room was filled with forty or so women, all dressed in Florida chic—diamonds sparkling, gold or platinum charm bracelets clinking, necklaces resting on tanned and toned skin.

“I might,” Mindy Krause said, picking up her champagne. “He’s gorgeous.”

“Of course. He’s a thirty-year-old tennis pro. What else would he be?”

Mindy, a petite brunette who was six months from turning forty, sighed. “I need a Dimitri in my life.”

“You have a great husband. Payne loves you and the kids, and never has eyes for another woman. Why would you screw that up?”

“Payne would never know.”

“There aren’t any secrets in this town. Not in our social circle.”

Something Robyn had learned the hard way herself. She’d been blissfully unaware of her ex-husband’s affairs until a “friend” had oh-so-sweetly informed her.

“Maybe just some kissing,” Mindy mused. “I want a little Dimitri action. The fantasies make me happy, so imagine what the real thing would do.”

“The fantasies are safe. The real thing could destroy everything you have. Knowing you’ve cheated would devastate Payne.”

Mindy’s mouth formed a pout. “I never see him anymore. All he does is work.”

Robyn stared at her friend-slash-boss. “You two talked about how that promotion would be more work for him but that it would be worth it. You wanted this for him.”

“I didn’t know how much he’d be gone.”

The unreasonable statement grated nearly as much as Mindy’s whine. “This isn’t a good look for you,” Robyn murmured. “You’re changing the rules without telling your husband. That never ends well.”

Mindy dismissed the warning with a quick shake of her head. “I’m not worried. Besides, if he does find out, I can just move in with you.” She laughed. “You’ll soon have that big house all to yourself.”

“You have four kids,” Robyn pointed out. “If things go south in your marriage, I’d rather have Payne move in.”

“Well, that would get people talking.” Mindy held up her empty glass to the server. “More, please.”

The server obliged.

Mindy took another sip. “My sister called, swears she found a Thomas Pister chest in a tiny shop in Wales. It’s dirt cheap, so I’m afraid it’s a fake. She’s looking for someone to prove authenticity. Wouldn’t that be a find?”

“It would. I’d love to see it.”

Thomas Pister had built beautiful chests and cabinets in the late 1600s and early 1700s. His intricate designs with stunning inlays sold quickly and for huge amounts. Depending on the condition and the materials, a good-sized chest of drawers could go for sixty or eighty thousand dollars.

Excerpted from The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery,
Copyright © 2022 by Susan Mallery, Inc.. Published by HQN Books.

*****

Review:

While Mallery’s newest is full of drama, it isn’t a heavy read. Instead readers are given a story perfectly balanced between hilarity and emotion, with plenty of growth and self-discovery. There’s a lot going on but it’s delivered in an enjoyable, light read that has characters you can root for.

Robyn, and pretty much everyone around her, is at a turning point – with her youngest now out of high school, she needs to decide what she wants to do with her life. When things get overwhelming at home, she heads west to take time to think . . . only it turns out not to be the quiet time away she expected.

I like that we get different sides. We have Robyn in her 40s plus her ex and their grown kids, all of whom have life-altering decisions to make. It’s messy and angsty but they manage to handle it with humor and moments of grace. And occasionally poor choices 🙂 It’s a delightful story about growing up, figuring out who you are & what you want, and the importance of family.

*****

Author Info:

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—forty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two Ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Twitter: @susanmallery

Facebook: @susanmallery

Instagram: @susanmallery

Author website: https://www.susanmallery.com/

*****

Review – No Match for Her

18 Friday Feb 2022

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

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Berkeley Hills series, Book Review, No Match for Her, Stacy Travis

“I decided it wasn’t smart for me to gamble my heart on you.”

No Match for Her, an all-new swoon-worthy slow burn romance from bestselling author Stacy Travis is available now!

No Match for Her

Berkeley Hills, #5

by Stacy Travis

Blurb:

I need a date to my brother’s wedding in six weeks, and Charlie Walgrove owns a tux. Billionaires are like that.

He’s also my sister’s boss, and I agree to let her set me up with the awkward genius, who apparently has even less luck in the dating game than a struggling artist, aka me.

We’re total opposites, but the date goes okay. We agree to be friends, the kind who won’t become lovers.

Famous last words.

On a series of “friend dates” involving bar snacks, acrylic paint and hedgehogs, I discover that Charlie is nothing like what I expected. Under his hoodie and glasses, he’s handsome and down-to-earth, stuck in a job he hates and afraid to disappoint people by walking away. His heart is as gorgeous as his hidden face.

I’ve always felt like the flaky sister in my family, but Charlie sees me as the artist I want to be. As our friendship deepens, so do my feelings for him. Maybe I’m even falling in love.

But gambling with my heart feels dangerous when all my relationships end in failure–especially if he’s only looking for a friend.

Is it only princesses that get a Happy Ever After? Or is there hope for a hot mess like me?

Fall in love today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oAZUQK
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/NoMatchforHer
Apple Books: https://apple.co/30MiiOy
Nook: https://bit.ly/3JdT8ZY
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3oGStrd
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3cxaLp3

Add No Match for Her to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fYeH3X

Start the Berkeley Hills series today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tJ4JJG
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/secondchanceatus
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3Df2Bh2
Nook: https://bit.ly/3on7QoJ
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3qwcKm1
Google Play: https://bit.ly/31YOgYl

*****

Excerpt:

I’M WEARING RED. It’s a fire engine color that matches my lips and my toenail polish. It’s tasteful, sleeveless, and fitted. I’m hoping it says confident artist, which I don’t feel at all. I’m hoping it doesn’t tell everyone in the room that, on what should be a night of personal victory, my heart still lies in pieces on the gallery floor. I really hope red doesn’t say that.

I still haven’t talked to Charlie. Pulling together the show on relatively short notice has all but consumed me, and I feel like I need to prove to myself that I can take the first step as an artist alone before I investigate what he and I can be together.

Right now, I feel certain the thumping organ in my chest would laugh off the suggestion of anyone getting close to it. Ever again.

With his expression of love, Charlie opened a floodgate that I’d stubbornly wedged closed. I’m the one who chose to drown.

Sadly, more than half the paintings on the walls of the gallery are barely dry, some painted in a frenzy of self-loathing anguish that left me emotionally spent but artistically inspired, along with more than a dozen pieces that are oddly uplifting. Everywhere I look, I see evidence of Charlie.

People are starting to filter through the doors of the gallery space. Or maybe they’ve been here for an hour. I don’t know. I’m looking at them through some sort of fugue state.

If I could, I’d pick up a brush right now and paint through a new emotion twisting in my chest—longing. More than anything, I wish Charlie were here to celebrate this moment with me because he inspired it. Or at least he pushed me out of my comfort zone enough to embrace what my heart has been urging me to do for years.

The gallery space sits in the bottom floor of an art deco building on a corner in downtown Palo Alto, several blocks from the Stanford campus. The surrounding streets boast a collection of restaurants, cafés, wine bars, and retail spaces, so even people who haven’t received invitations to my exhibit are likely to stop in on their walk to someplace else. That has to be the explanation for why the three adjoining rooms suddenly feel noisy with voices. I only invited a handful of people—the design group from work, my family, and a couple of people who play mahjongg with Tatum and me.

“This is amazing!” Becca and Blake are the first of my family members to arrive, which surprises me because they don’t live nearby, and Becca is reliably late. They’re joined a minute later by Isla and Tatum who drove together. “Owen sends his love, and his regrets. He’s stuck in Napa. Some issue at one of the wine cellars.

“Donovan too. Away game tomorrow, and they’re en route.”

“Oh, no regrets. I’m so happy you’re all here. And a little freaked out, honestly, to have this many people looking at my artwork.”

“But your paintings are beautiful. They’re lucky to see them, I’m so proud of you,” Sarah says, hugging me. “Braden’s at the station, so I’m going to spend all our money and buy a big canvas for our house.”

“Okay, now you’re gonna make me cry, and you know how long I spent on my mascara.”

“Ha!” This from Tatum who squeezes in and hugs me. “If I learned anything from you, it’s that you always wear waterproof mascara in case of unexpected emotion.

“Wow, help a person with her makeup, and she throws it back in your face. Fine. It’s waterproof. I was being melodramatic.”

“Melodramatic, you?” Tatum pretends to look baffled. Sarah leans in and drags her away. “Come help me decide which painting to buy. I heard someone say there are crab puffs and I’m hungry.”

“There are crab puffs. Look for waiters. They’re supposed to be mingling,” I call after them, realizing I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast. Nerves.

The others follow them, and the temporary balloon that lifted my spirits starts to sag again. I know it’s ridiculous to miss Charlie at a moment when I should be celebrating, but I can’t help it. I wish he was here.

But we still haven’t spoken since our blowup the night he brought me here, and he’s respected my request for space. A little too well. He’s stopped texting and calling after a couple check-ins to ask if I was okay. I hoped that not responding would make me clearheaded enough to avoid hurling myself into the next disastrous decision, as I’m prone to do.

Now I just miss him.

The thinking has settled my mind in that I know I want two things: to paint as much as possible and to be with Charlie as much as possible. I love him and I need him. It’s as much a certainty as the sun rising every morning.

I also need to apologize to him for making him the scapegoat of my insecurities, and I haven’t figured out what to say about that yet. But I will.

I glance around and see that the number of people has already doubled in the one room where I stand with an untouched glass of champagne dribbling condensation down my arm. On every white wall within my line of sight, work I’ve painted hangs beneath perfect lighting. Tiny signs indicate the titles and prices of the pieces, but I don’t expect any of them to sell. It’s my first show, and I feel lucky the gallery owner liked the images I emailed her.

I’m even luckier that one of her clients had to postpone his show, leaving a three-day opening in the schedule. It felt like a sign when she called to ask if I had enough work and felt ready to mount a show.

The past two weeks have been a blur of paint and canvases during every hour I wasn’t at work. I painted feverishly, blocking out every useless emotion I could and letting the fruitful ones past my walls to guide me.

The result is fourteen canvasses, many of them large enough to command a wall on their own, all replete with deep jewel tones, abstract lines, and intense themes of renewal and hope. I have no idea where those feelings came from because I felt a lot of despair. But painting kept me from spending all my waking hours worrying that I’d destroyed the best friendship I’ve ever had.

Now, when I look at each painting, I can’t help but feel the memory of the headspace I was in when I painted it. They all reflect some aspect of Charlie—kinship, love, and heartbreak— and those are three things I’d rather not focus on tonight, so I need to stop looking.

That leaves me staring into my champagne with little enthu‐ siasm for it. Sylvia, the gallery owner, sweeps over to me, her navy layered caftan grazing the tops of brown rugged boots. Her gray hair is impeccably styled in its pageboy and her lips are redder than mine.

“So far, so good, love. It’s a success. You’re a success.” She kisses me on the cheek and moves on to speak to a tall man in a navy suit who beckons her over with a question.

The words echo in her wake as I try to figure out whether she’s just being nice. What constitutes a success at one of these gallery nights? A big crowd of mostly-strangers? I’m just proud of myself for taking a step toward feeling like a legitimate artist.

*****

Review:

Cherry is a fun-loving, free-spirited artist who unfortunately doesn’t have a whole lot of faith in herself. She’s working as a designer but her heart yearns to make art, she just doesn’t think it’s good enough to show the world. Charlie feels the weight of his obligations and has lost some of his enjoyment of his work. Smitten from his first glimpse of Cherry, captivated by her vibrancy and joyous laugh, he’s been waiting for a chance to meet her for real.

From a disastrous first date to a lovely HEA, I really enjoyed Charlie & Cherry’s story. Travis does a wonderful job of slowly building their friendship, developing romantic feelings, and working on boosting each other up. Full of humor, heat, and lots of emotion, No Match for Her may be my first from this author but if this is any indication of her work it definitely won’t be my last.

(Part of a series but can stand on its own. May be better enjoyed if you know the other siblings’ stories.)

*****

Author Info:

It’s a rough world out there, and we all sometimes need a good, romantic beach read, even if we can’t make it to the beach. I’ve spent many lazy days walking the streets of Paris and other gorgeous European cities, and if I’m doing it right, I’m bringing you a dash of romance and a vacay fantasy.

I can’t sit still, so when I’m not hiking, biking or running, I’m playing a very average game of tennis. Background music for writing undoubtedly features some U2, Lizzo, Billy Joel, Pink, Taylor Swift, and Led Zeppelin. Not necessarily in that order. And if I could only eat one food group, it would be cheese. Or wine. Or bread. Are those food groups? Whatever.

Connect with Stacy

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2UbPlWv
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2xdBd62
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Uw1bcD
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2QBKcEU
Stay up to date with Stacy by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/2y6nYod
Website: https://stacytravis.com

*****

Review – Model Behavior

16 Wednesday Feb 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Book Review, Model Behavior, The Unlovabulls series, Tricia Lynne

Model Behavior

The Unlovabulls #2

by Tricia Lynne

Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Hayes Walker is screwed.

His body is giving out, his family is bleeding him dry, and he never prepared for life after football. When the Dallas Bulldogs offer him a coaching position instead of a returning roster spot, only two things keep him going—staying fit in case another football team picks him up, and spending time with a gray-faced Boxer at the Unlovabulls Dog Rescue.

Olive Russo is a woman who can walk through a kennel in a white pantsuit without getting a spot on her. The always organized PR pro will need her cool control when she’s forced to plan a fundraising gala for the Unlovabulls with the college boyfriend who turned her inside out. A decade ago, Hayes Walker broke her heart and sent Olive into a spiral of bad decisions that she’d rather her clients not know about. Now she is determined to keep the completely lickable Hayes off her to-do list—even if their chemistry is stronger than ever.

Dumping Olive was the worst decision Hayes ever made. When the amazing girl walks back into his life a full-fledged woman, he makes a play for her heart. But when Olive’s secrets are exposed and the NFL knocks on Hayes’s door, they’ll both need to leave their past where it belongs if they’re going to make it work the second time around.

*****

Review:

I feel bad for Hayes, he’s been abused by his mother for pretty much his entire life. And now he’s facing the end of his football career with nothing to show for it except a broken body, an empty bank account, and a whole lot of guilt. Meeting Olive again has him looking to the future a little differently, if only he can break free of his past.

Olive hit bottom and has spent years working to overcome it, so coming face to face with the man responsible is quite a shock. Letting Hayes back in could only mean trouble … or it could mean learning what it is to enjoy life.

I love how much Hayes and Olive support each other. Hayes understands that Olive is strong and can handle most things on her own, but she also needs someone who will remind her to relax. Olive does her best to make sure that Hayes realizes that he’s so much more than just a football player.

Both Hayes and Olive had childhoods that left scars they are struggling to overcome but it’s not easy and it leads to quite a few difficult moments and bad decisions. Model Behavior is not necessarily as refined as what I’m used to – the writing is a little rough and the story development was rushed in spots & slow in others – but it’s an enjoyable read. Lynne knows how to bring the heat and the angst so if that’s your kinda thing then I highly recommend Hayes & Olive’s story.

(Can be read as a stand alone but probably enjoyed a little bit more with some context provided in the first book.)

*****

Author Info:

Tricia Lynne is fluent in both sarcasm and cuss words—a combination that tends to embarrass her husband at corporate functions. A tomboy at heart, she loves hard rock, Irish whiskey, dogs, and Vans shoes. She’s drawn to strong, flawed heroines. Tricia believes writing isn’t a decision one makes, but a calling one can’t resist. She lives in the Dallas area with her husband, the world’s sweetest rescued Cane Corso, and a completely terrifying Clumber Spaniel pupper.

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a new Kindle Fire!

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb936/

Review – Caught By Love

09 Wednesday Feb 2022

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

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

Caught by Love

The Steeles at Silver Island series

by Melissa Foster

Releasing Feb 9th, 2022

World Literary Press

Blurb:

He’s set on pleasure, but she’s all business. Sizzling chemistry and a surprising connection set this sexy love story in motion. But is it enough to last forever? Find out and fall in love on the sandy shores of Silver Island, home to coffee shops, boat races, midnight rendezvous, and the sexy, sharp-witted Steeles.

Archer Steele is one of the leading vintners on the East Coast. He’s arrogant, aggressive, and has never been interested in settling down, which is what makes his hookups with his sister’s beautiful blond best friend, hair and makeup artist Indi Oliver, the perfect escape. But Indi’s toying with moving to the island, and when she ends their no-strings trysts to focus on her business, Archer isn’t ready to let her go…

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56957819-caught-by-love

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

KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/SI3_Kindle

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/SI3_Apple

NOOK: https://smarturl.it/SI3_Nook

KOBO: https://smarturl.it/SI3_Kobo

GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/SI3_GPlay

PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/SI3_Pb

Audio, narrated by Aiden Snow and Andi Arndt

AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/SI3a_Amazon

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/SI3a_Apple

AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/SI3a_Audible

*****

Excerpt:

Sneak Peek, https://melissafoster.com/caught-by-love-sneak-peek/

*****

Review:

You better like your books spicy when it comes to Foster’s newest – while Archer may be grumpy, he’s also all Alpha, oh-so-very dirty-mouthed and dominant in bed. But Indi is strong and sassy, more than capable of taking him on.

The story is full of angst, so be prepared. While Indi has some family issues, Archer is very troubled and it will take a lot of work & patience to get him to the other side. But Indi and all of his friends & family will be there, showing him that he can let go of the past and embrace his future.

My favorite part of Foster’s books is always the characters, who are appealing even in their less likable moments. They know how to love and support one another, how to fight and forgive. Every book has you feeling like you are meeting old friends again, while making new ones along the way.

A lot like their relationship, Caught by Love starts off scorching and all about the hot sex but soon becomes just as much about the heart as Archer’s & Indi’s feelings deepen. It’s a journey full of bumps and bruises but, like all good things, worth it in the end.

*****

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

*****

Series Links:

TEMPTED BY LOVE (Book 1)

KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Kindle

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Apple

NOOK: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Nook

KOBO: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Kobo

GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_GPlay

PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/TBLS_Pb

Available in audiobook (narrated by Brian Pallino and Jennifer Mack)

AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Amazon

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Apple

AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/TBLSa_Audible

MY TRUE LOVE (Book 2)

KINDLE: https://smarturl.it/MTLp_Kindle

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Apple

NOOK: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Nook

KOBO: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Kobo

GPLAY: https://smarturl.it/MTL_GPlay

PAPERBACK: https://smarturl.it/MTL_Pb

Available in audiobook (narrated by Jennifer Mack and Aiden Snow)

AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/MTLa_Amazon

APPLE: https://smarturl.it/MTLa_Apple

AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/MTLa_Audible

Review – Say It Like You Mane It

04 Friday Feb 2022

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

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Book Review, Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series, Erin Nicholas, Say It Like You Mane It

Say It Like You Mane It

Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series

by Erin Nicholas

Blurb:

What happens when a hellraiser turned hot cop is stuck with a headstrong heiress he’s determined to protect…and resist?

A run-away bride, wearing a freakin’ tiara, and carrying a stolen lion cub, of all things. This was not how rowdy, bad-boy-turned-small-town-cop, Zander Landry expected his day to go.

He really didn’t expect his night to end with her sleeping in his bed after her near-kidnapping.

But his intense attraction to her and the feelings of protectiveness she stirs up? Oh, yeah, he knew those were coming.

She’s stunning, whip-smart, and trouble with a capital T.

Which means, he needs her to head right back the way she came. ASAP.

His town is exactly the way he wants it . . . crazy and trouble free.

Well, the crazy trouble he’s not related to anyway.

Stranded in a tiny town in her half-million-dollar wedding gown with no money and no place to go . . . today is going pretty much exactly the way Caroline Holland expected it to.

But the grumpy, tattooed, oh-my-god hot cop being the answer to all her problems isn’t at all what she expected.

Now that she’s turned all the criminal (and obnoxious) info about her exotic-animal-dealing ex-fiance over to Zander, she can kick back in a hammock with some sweet tea and relax.

Or not.

Turns out Caroline’s not the spoiled heiress Zander thinks she is. The gorgeous hellion wants in on the action and soon discovers just how dirty things can get in the bayou. And the bedroom.

More and more, Zander just wants her safe on the sidelines. But Caroline isn’t going anywhere until justice is done.

It’s a clash of wills that’s gonna get hotter than a crawfish boil in July. And the most fun the Landry family has had watching sparks fly since . . . well, the last book.

Fall in love today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/31Yp0BY
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ManeIt
Apple Books: https://apple.co/32tLxqc
Nook: https://bit.ly/3E7i2qZ
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3maWrYM
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3q2FAbH
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3GSIQgr

Start the series of standalones with Otterly Irristible today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3e7KfDs
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3aaZ2Mm
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/otterlyirresistible
Nook: https://bit.ly/3g5YgUF
Kobo: https://bit.ly/32eESMY
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3ablaWL

*****

Excerpt:

Zander turned to look at the woman with a brow up. “Anything else you’d like to tell me?”

She met his eyes directly. She studied him, seemingly thinking over his question. Finally, she nodded. “Yeah, I think so.”

“Okay. What’s going on?”

“It might take a bit. Want to buy me a drink?” She glanced back toward Ellie’s.

Did he want to take the gorgeous woman in a wedding dress with another man’s ring on her finger who had almost been kidnapped right in front of him back inside his grandmother’s bar where most of his family and a lot of the town was gathered?

He most certainly did not.

“No,” he said simply.

Caroline looked surprised. “Can we”—She looked around—“at least go somewhere else?”

That seemed like a good idea. She was very conspicuous here and his family could, at any moment, come out. And start asking questions. Not to mention that the would-be kidnapper now knew where she was.

“Is there a chance your fiancé is going to come back?” Of course there was. A man didn’t just let this woman go.

She bit her bottom lip and looked up the road. Then she nodded. “Yeah, there’s a chance. Or that he’ll tell someone else where I am.” She looked at Zander again. “But that was my brother. Not my fiancé.”

Oh, that was interesting.

No, it fucking isn’t. Knock it off.

“So, will your fiancé be coming after you?”

“Ex-fiancé.”

Right. She’d mentioned that.

“Okay. Will he come after you?”

She didn’t answer right away. Which Zander also found interesting. Though he shouldn’t. He did not want to be interested in this woman. At all. He didn’t want anyone getting kidnapped while they were in Autre, though, either. Okay, he didn’t really want anyone getting kidnapped, period. But especially while they were in Autre.

“There’s a chance,” Caroline finally admitted. “Or my dad might come. Or my ex-fiancé’s dad might come.”

“And you don’t want to go back with any of them? Is that right?”

“Yes.”

Well, fuck. He had to at least be sure she didn’t get taken anywhere by anyone against her will.

She studied him for a long moment. “So, you’re willing to help me, Officer Landry?”

Her question—and her voice and her eyes and her everything, if he was being honest with himself which he decided to not be—sent a shot of something through Zander’s chest.

It was the familiar streak of adrenaline he often felt with his work. It primed his gut to act on instinct when necessary, it made him ready to take on people intent on doing bad things and face potential danger, and it focused his mind. But he also recognized the sliver of trepidation. It wasn’t fear or reluctance. It was…awareness. Like knowing he was about to open a big old can of worms.

But he nodded. “Helping people with problems is kind of my job.”

“Then I would love to tell you what’s going on.”

He wanted that. And it wasn’t the cop in him thinking that.

Fuck. Dammit. Hell. Sonofabitch.

“Okay. Let’s go…someplace your brother doesn’t know about.”

“Like your place?”

Yes. He wanted her at his place. That was the safest. He could definitely keep her safe there. His property was at the end of a dead-end road so the only traffic was trucks he knew. His neighbors were his brothers and cousins. His backyard butted up to the bayou.

But fuck no. He wasn’t taking this woman anywhere near his house. Where his bedroom was.

She was dangerous. He couldn’t sort through all the reasons why at the moment, not while looking into her eyes and wondering how soft her skin was and how silky her hair was, but he had enough self-preservation instinct to keep her away from his house.

“I’m thinking the B & B.”

He grabbed her suitcase and started for his truck.

“But he might think to look there,” she protested. She gathered up her enormous skirts and followed him though.

“I’ll tell Heather not to tell anyone anything about you,” Zander told her, storing her bag behind the front seat and then turning to face her.

Dammit.

Again with the eyes. And hair. And lips. Okay, he hadn’t included the lips in the earlier inventory, but they were great too.

So he liked female lips. Big deal. These were not that exceptional. What the hell was wrong with him?

She’s probably your damned soulmate or some shit and the second you touch her hand you’re going to feel sparks.

I’m not going to feel sparks. That’s a stupid cliché. But I have to get some war biographies. Or maybe something about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Something about women who are amazing but not sexy. It doesn’t have to be about sexy all the time. Get away from those romance novels.

The thing was, smart, bold women like RBG were sexy in their own way and if Zander had been Ruth’s age and run into her at a bar when she was single, he absolutely would have hit on her.

“Are you okay?” Caroline asked, stepping forward with a slight frown.

He jerked out of his stupid thoughts. “Yeah. I’m fine. You’re the one with the problem.”

Well, that had sounded rude as fuck.

Her eyes widened, but then she nodded. “Yeah. I am. We should definitely work on my problem. It’s going to keep getting bigger if we don’t.”

Zander sighed. He didn’t even know what that meant but…of course it was.

*****

Review:

I love the Landry clan – every quirky, charming, grumpy, loving, boisterous part of it. Zander is the protector and his love for his family means he has to keep things going as smooth as possible & try to keep everyone out of trouble (ha!). So a beautiful woman in a wedding dress carrying a lion cub definitely doesn’t work for him. Caroline is just as fierce and strong, with a big heart. She’s spent most of her life trying to make sure that those doing wrong pay and her latest project has her in Autre for help, putting her right in Zander’s sights.

These Bayou books always bring a chuckle, a good bit of heat, and a lot of emotion. Nicholas knows how to bring characters that are entertaining & relatable and her writing is both humorous & heartfelt, combining to give readers a story that’s fun, low angst, easy-to-read, and quite satisfying.

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.

Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

Connect with Erin

Website: http://bit.ly/2NkB2uF
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2tdTM8e
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2QLd1Pr
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3a3rnm4
Instagram: http://bit.ly/36NqV9y
Website: http://bit.ly/2FM3Doo
Stay up to date with Erin Nicholas by joining her mailing list:
http://bit.ly/38a5Fv5

*****

Review – The Family You Make

14 Friday Jan 2022

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Jill Shalvis, Sunrise Cove series, The Family You Make

The Family You Make

Sunrise Cove series

by Jill Shalvis

Beloved New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis begins a new series–Sunrise Cove–set near beautiful Lake Tahoe, with a heartwarming story of found family and love.

During the snowstorm of the century Levi Cutler is stranded on a ski lift with a beautiful stranger named Jane. After strong winds hurl the gondola in front of them into the ground, Levi calls his parents to prepare them for the worst…but can’t bring himself to say goodbye. Instead, wanting to fulfill his mother’s lifelong wish, he impulsively tells her he’s happily settled and Jane is his girlfriend–right before his phone dies.

But Levi and Jane do not.

Now Levi’s family is desperate to meet “The One.” Though Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for just one dinner, she’s nervous. After a traumatic childhood, Jane isn’t sure she knows how to be around a tight-knit family that cherishes one another. She’s terrified, and a little jealous. But an unexpected series of events and a host of new friends soon show Jane that perhaps this is the life she was always meant to have.

As Jane and Levi spend more time together, pretend feelings quickly turn into real ones. Now all Jane has to do is admit to herself she can’t live without the man she’s fallen in love with and the family she has always dreamed of.

Review:

I always look forward to a Shalvis book because I know that the characters are going to be enjoyable and I’m going to find myself engaged in their journey to a HEA. Buuuuut, I have to add a warning because her newest is not for those who don’t like a little drama in their love stories 🙂 Jane and her friend, Charlotte, have some commitment issues due to things that happened in their pasts, so there is quite a bit of back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they going on and it may not be for everyone. Luckily they both have amazingly understanding men in their lives and the love & support of each other to help them face their fears.