• Home
  • Book Review
  • Contest
  • Blog Tour
  • Sneak Peek
  • About

Romantic Reads and Such

~ Book Blogger & Reviewer

Romantic Reads and Such

Tag Archives: Mari Carr

Review – Taken by Storm

08 Wednesday Jan 2025

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Mari Carr, Perfect Storm series, Taken by Storm

Taken by Storm

Perfect Storm #1

by Mari Carr

Release Date: January 7 

Blurb:

There’s a storm coming… and he’s not taking no for an answer. 

Life has dealt Kasi one blow after another. Following her mother’s untimely death, her family implodes, leaving her alone to run the farm. Fatigue and stress have become her new best friends, every day passing in a blur of work, work, and more work. When Levi Storm, her lifelong crush, keeps her from face-planting due to exhaustion, she’s mortified…and more than a little bit turned on.

A person could set a clock by Levi’s daily routine, right down to his afternoon trip to the Mills’ farm market to buy one of Kasi’s delicious pies. He’s known Kasi her entire life, so when the beautiful young woman faints in front of him, coming to in his arms, Levi is stunned by the sudden realization that she’s meant to be his, and he’s prepared to move heaven and earth to claim her.

Kasi should at least try to shake the sexy new six foot five shadow she’s acquired, but Levi’s much-needed help around the farm, his comfort as she struggles with grief, and his breath-stealing kisses are reigniting the hope and happiness she’s lost.

Until reality crashes in again, forcing her to choose between the dominant, possessive, amazing man who makes her heart race and her family’s beloved farm.

Buy Links:

Amazon https://a.co/d/8hJL8Ap 

Apple https://apple.co/3YrGL7p 

Kobo https://bit.ly/4do3DZF 

Google Play https://bit.ly/4c57dH5 

Nook https://bit.ly/4d6nUTS 

*****

Review:

**a few slight spoilers ahead**

I know that not everyone enjoys an insta-love story but I like that Carr makes it a thing for all the guys. That it’s something that runs in the family with their parents being the first. Now it isn’t love at first sight for Levi and Kasi, but Levi just needed to really see Kasi as all grown up for it to hit. After that, it’s all over and we just need to wait for Kasi to catch up 🙂

Now, I like Levi but he’s definitely a bit … alpha? One of the things that bothers me is that Kasi has an issue when one guy treats her like “the little woman” but she’s ok when Levi does it? Complete with being told what to do and consequences? Sure, it could be because she loves and trusts him and he realizes that she’s strong on her own but … I don’t know. Maybe it just needed a little something to make that distinction a bit clearer.

And Kasi is strong. She’s been trying to keep her family and their farm going for months, all by herself. But she’s finally at the breaking point. Unfortunately she’s got a lot of pride that keeps her from asking for help from her friends. Until it gets to the point that she literally falls into Levi’s arms. And he’s not taking no for an answer *whew*

It’s obvious that someone’s trying to take advantage of Kasi. I mean he might as well be twirling his mustache and rubbing his hands together as he manipulates things. He’s just that over the top. But I do like the way that things get resolved – so satisfying!

This is only the second book by Carr I’ve read and I’m loving this one too. There were a few things that got to me but overall it is just great! It’s steamy, sweet, and an easy read.

*****

Author Info:

Virginia native Mari Carr is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller of contemporary sexy romance and romantic suspense novels. With over two million copies of her books sold, Mari was the winner of the Romance Writers of America’s Passionate Plume award for her novella, Erotic Research. She has over a hundred published works, including her popular Wild Irish and Compass books, along with the Trinity Masters series she writes with Lila Dubois.

Connect with Mari Carr: 

https://maricarr.com

~

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Review – Restraint

19 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Mari Carr, Restraint, Stingrays Hockey series

Restraint

Stingrays Hockey #1

by Mari Carr

Blurb:

Girlfriend…without benefits?

Hometown hockey hero, Blake has life completely figured out. He’s footloose and fancy free with the world’s coolest job and an endless parade of puck bunnies ready to help him celebrate his victories. The status quo is working for him, so why does he agree to co-parent a stray puppy with his too-serious, workaholic neighbor, Erika? And why is he so annoyed when she suddenly starts dating some tool named Doug? And why can’t he stop finding excuses to see her and touch her and kiss her and… She’s not his girlfriend, right?

Erika has enough on her plate as an ER doctor without adding any more stress to her life. So adopting a dog with Blake, the fun-loving, never-take-anything-serious, commitment-phobe across the hall is a stupid idea, right? Of course, she also probably shouldn’t be his plus-one for charity galas either. Or seeking comfort from him during a thunderstorm. Or kissing his five-for-fighting boo-boos better. Or letting him teach her how to “reduce stress” with her personal toy collection. After all, he’s not her boyfriend. Is he?

So what happens when two people reluctant to commit find love where they least expect it… Right across the hall.

Buy Links:

Amazon https://a.co/d/j2e0SxA 

Apple https://apple.co/4bn2qBl 

Kobo https://bit.ly/3wyHdW3 

Google Play https://bit.ly/3yoEVZT

*****

Review:

Oh man, this was such an easy read for me! I’m pretty sure this is the first book by Carr that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. The relationship between Erika and Blake is so sweet and fun. They support each other, make sure that they are taking care of themselves, but aren’t afraid to give each other heck when they need it.

I kinda wish we’d gotten to see them together during the off-season when it seems like they spend the majority of their free time with each other. Or even in casual social situations with the rest of the team. I’d love to see more of those relaxed interactions because they are just the cutest together.

I think the best things are the moments when each of them realize their feelings for the other and the truth of their relationship. It’s funny and sweet and the meet cute equivalent for a friends-to-lovers trope. And while Carr had the opportunity to do some third act super-drama, I appreciate the restraint (pun not intended). The two of them just really deserved more than that so I’m glad she didn’t go there.

Restraint is low on drama, humorous, steamy, and entertaining … just all around enjoyable. And after getting glimpses of the rest of the team, I’m adding their stories to my TBR list. I’m also definitely going to be checking out Carr’s backlist!

*****

Author Info:

Virginia native Mari Carr is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller of contemporary sexy romance and romantic suspense novels. With over two million copies of her books sold, Mari was the winner of the Romance Writers of America’s Passionate Plume award for her novella, Erotic Research. She has over a hundred published works, including her popular Wild Irish and Compass books, along with the Trinity Masters series she writes with Lila Dubois.

Connect with Mari Carr: 

https://maricarr.com

~

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Spotlight – InkHeart Authors

03 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

A Daughter’s Place, Allure, Bianca D’Arc, Cari Quinn, Carly Phillips, Cathryn Fox, CJ Carmichael, Dare to Love, Elemental Pleasure, Elena Aitken, Falling Into Forever, Gracie Lee Rose, Grif, His for the Weekend, InkHeart Authors, Janelle Denison, Jayne Rylon, Kaira Rouda, Lauren Hawkeye, Lexi Blake, Lila Dubois, Mari Carr, Megan Crane, Melanie Shawn, Nina Lane, One Hot Fall Term, Opal Carew, Renee Vincent, RG Alexander, Rocked, Sexy and Sweet Summer Reads, Sharon Page, Shayla Black, Steamy and Sizzling Summer Reads, Suzanne Rock, Sweet Reunion, Taryn Elliott, Tempt Me Cowboy, The CEO's Fantasy, The Dom Who Loved Me, The Great Escape, The Male Stripper, The Start of Something Good, Through My Window, Unspoken, Web of Desire, Weekend with the Tycoon, Where Their Hearts Collide, Wicked All The Way, Zoe York

Bridging the Gap Promotions Book Blast

July 1 thru July 3

InkHeartPink600px

InkHeart Authors presents two boxed sets

for your summer reading pleasure!

InkHeart+Boxed+Set+Graphic

Make sure to download both the Sexy and Sweet AND

the Steamy and Sizzling Set – 21 books for $5.98!

***Available for ONE MONTH ONLY***

*****

Sexy&Sweet_BoxSexy and Sweet Summer Reads 
Available for only $2.99 at:

Amazon | B&N  | Kobo and iBooks coming soon!

Falling Into Forever by Elena Aitken
Secrets cause Kari to run, Rhys is determined to catch her, can she find the courage to trust again?

A Daughter’s Place by CJ Carmichael
For the sake of her child, a single mother must face the father who disowned her, the ex-boyfriend who hurt her and the neighbor she’s always loved in…

Tempt Me Cowboy by Megan Crane
Chelsea Collier is a good girl schoolteacher who’s never done a bad thing in her life, but bad boy newcomer Jasper Flint is definitely a bad thing worth doing…

His for the Weekend by Janelle Denison
After nine years apart, one forbidden kiss between past lovers leads to one hot weekend, but when their time together is over, will Rachel walk away from Luke again, or can he convince her to stay and be his forever?

Unspoken by Lauren Hawkeye
Once, Ellie Kendrick was the only thing that Dominic Gabriel wanted… now she’s back and her version of what happened between them so long ago makes him question everything he knows about himself as a man…

Weekend with the Tycoon by Kaira Rouda
When wealthy tycoon Blake Putnam invites employee Samantha Jones to a family wedding on Indigo island with no strings attached he knows it’s risky business, but neither of them expects what happens next.

Sweet Reunion by Melanie Shawn
Sometimes first love deserves a second chance.

The Start of Something Good by Renee Vincent writing as Gracie Lee Rose
Who knew Mr. Right lived right next door?

Where Their Hearts Collide by Zoe York
When the girl next door meets the man of her dreams…at exactly the wrong time.

*****

Steamy&Sizzling_BoxSteamy and Sizzling Summer Reads

Available for only $2.99 at:

Amazon | B&N  |  Kobo and iBooks coming soon!

The CEO’s Fantasy by RG Alexander
Dean and Sara agree to a month of indulging their most forbidden fantasies–but when reality is better than his wildest dreams, will the CEO break his own rules to keep her?

Wicked All The Way by Shayla Black
When a gruff military man with a desire to control seduces a skittish divorcee bent on finding her independence, will she give in to more than their sizzling chemistry?

The Dom Who Loved Me by Lexi Blake
Sent to steal her secrets, he soon craved her submission.

The Male Stripper by Opal Carew
Her ultimate sexual fantasy brought to life….not one, but two sexy male strippers for one night of torrid passion she’ll never forget.

Elemental Pleasure by Mari Carr and Lila Dubois
There is passion and power in three.

Grif by Bianca D’Arc
Grif is far from home when he meets a sexy, magical woman in desperate need of his help.

Web of Desire by Cathryn Fox
When the captive suddenly becomes the captor, Ally finds herself tangled in a web of desire—of her own making.

Allure by Nina Lane
In Book Two of the sexy Spiral of Bliss trilogy, Liv and Dean West’s passionate romance is put to the test as they struggle with an unexpected family crisis.

One Hot Fall Term by Sharon Page
College freshman Mia fights to make a long distance relationship work with her gorgeous hometown boyfriend Ryan–but billionaire’s son Jonathon plans to seduce her away.

Dare to Love by Carly Phillips
When a man who requires dominance falls for a woman who needs independence, can they survive the fallout?

The Great Escape by Suzanne Rock
Gianni loves dominating Sienna during her sessions at the Ecstasy Spa, but when his ex-lover returns and wants in on the action, all three of them uncover a bond that forces them change their views about love.

Through My Window by Jayne Rylon
What happens when a sex worker fall in love with a client but doesn’t plan to quit her job?

Rocked by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott
Love definitely wasn’t on the setlist.

*****

Giveaway:

Fantastic collection of prizes !!!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d1cc7c258/

*****

InkHeartPink600pxFollow Us At:

Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Newsletter | Website coming soon…

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

FTC Disclaimer - see bottom of page for complete statement, but please be aware that in many cases I am provided a book to read. However my opinions are my own & no guarantee of positive review is given by any party.

Recent Posts

  • Review – Colliding Hearts
  • Review – Cowboy Needed
  • Review – In a Heartbeat
  • Review – Worth the Fall
  • Review – Shattered
  • Review – Keeping Score
  • Review – Chasing Home
  • Review – Love It Or List It
  • Review – Boyfriend Without Benefits
  • Book Review – Persistent
  • Spotlight – Shattered
  • Review – Duke
  • Review – The Roommate Game
  • Review – Irresistibly Wicked
  • Spotlight – A Love for a Lifetime
  • Spotlight – Hate To Be The One
  • Spotlight – Training Mr. Right
  • Review – Yule Be Mine
  • Spotlight – Sin Bin with the Scrooge
  • Review – Tinsel & Tools
  • Spotlight – Vixen’s Guide to Christmas
  • Spotlight – If You Claim Me
  • Review – Hit the Ground
  • Review – Rookie Season
  • Review – Love You, Mean It
  • Bluesky
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads

Email me

romanticread@gmail.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Romantic Reads and Such on WordPress.com

Facebook

Facebook

Instagram

"Like everything else in the Rosewood River series, I enjoyed the heck out of this one." Full review at romanticread.com 🔥COVER REVEAL & PRE-ORDER ANNOUNCEMENT🔥 "From their Hallmark Channel worthy meet-cute to Holly finally finding herself, it’s just so sweet." Full review at romanticread.com "So emotional and with characters that captured me from the first page." Full review at romanticread.com "Loved, loved, loved me some Travis" Full review at romanticread.com Coming soon - REBOUND CONTROL by @jodioliverauthor releasing January 9th! "There’s a reason Piper Rayne is on my must read list and it shows from start to finish here. So much of the feels (heartache and sweet moments alike), steaminess, humor, and love from family, both born & found." Full review at romanticread.com "I just loved the two of them together – the way they kind of accidentally slide into a relationship, complete with teenagers, pets, and a fixer-upper house is just priceless." Full review at romanticread.com "While this the first in this series I’ve read (and this author for that matter), I really enjoyed myself ... their courtship and HEA made me happy." Full review at romanticread.com

Goodreads

Archives

  • December 2025 (13)
  • November 2025 (12)
  • October 2025 (6)
  • September 2025 (12)
  • August 2025 (15)
  • July 2025 (22)
  • June 2025 (18)
  • May 2025 (10)
  • April 2025 (20)
  • March 2025 (21)
  • February 2025 (13)
  • January 2025 (17)
  • December 2024 (12)
  • November 2024 (14)
  • October 2024 (11)
  • September 2024 (7)
  • August 2024 (11)
  • July 2024 (8)
  • June 2024 (13)
  • May 2024 (13)
  • April 2024 (9)
  • March 2024 (17)
  • February 2024 (9)
  • January 2024 (11)
  • December 2023 (10)
  • November 2023 (15)
  • October 2023 (14)
  • September 2023 (13)
  • August 2023 (15)
  • July 2023 (11)
  • June 2023 (14)
  • May 2023 (12)
  • April 2023 (19)
  • March 2023 (17)
  • February 2023 (4)
  • January 2023 (6)
  • December 2022 (7)
  • November 2022 (11)
  • October 2022 (8)
  • September 2022 (12)
  • August 2022 (14)
  • July 2022 (17)
  • June 2022 (11)
  • May 2022 (16)
  • April 2022 (15)
  • March 2022 (13)
  • February 2022 (7)
  • January 2022 (17)
  • December 2021 (21)
  • November 2021 (12)
  • October 2021 (20)
  • September 2021 (14)
  • August 2021 (10)
  • July 2021 (7)
  • June 2021 (14)
  • May 2021 (23)
  • April 2021 (19)
  • March 2021 (21)
  • February 2021 (11)
  • January 2021 (14)
  • December 2020 (13)
  • November 2020 (13)
  • October 2020 (13)
  • September 2020 (5)
  • August 2020 (10)
  • July 2020 (4)
  • June 2020 (13)
  • May 2020 (11)
  • April 2020 (12)
  • March 2020 (14)
  • February 2020 (11)
  • January 2020 (10)
  • December 2019 (5)
  • November 2019 (10)
  • October 2019 (12)
  • September 2019 (14)
  • August 2019 (6)
  • July 2019 (13)
  • June 2019 (18)
  • May 2019 (13)
  • April 2019 (16)
  • March 2019 (20)
  • February 2019 (19)
  • January 2019 (14)
  • December 2018 (12)
  • November 2018 (18)
  • October 2018 (22)
  • September 2018 (20)
  • August 2018 (17)
  • July 2018 (15)
  • June 2018 (21)
  • May 2018 (16)
  • April 2018 (21)
  • March 2018 (20)
  • February 2018 (21)
  • January 2018 (22)
  • December 2017 (21)
  • November 2017 (19)
  • October 2017 (25)
  • September 2017 (22)
  • August 2017 (21)
  • July 2017 (21)
  • June 2017 (29)
  • May 2017 (29)
  • April 2017 (23)
  • March 2017 (25)
  • February 2017 (23)
  • January 2017 (22)
  • December 2016 (22)
  • November 2016 (27)
  • October 2016 (28)
  • September 2016 (20)
  • August 2016 (23)
  • July 2016 (21)
  • June 2016 (24)
  • May 2016 (26)
  • April 2016 (25)
  • March 2016 (24)
  • February 2016 (39)
  • January 2016 (24)
  • December 2015 (25)
  • November 2015 (27)
  • October 2015 (27)
  • September 2015 (27)
  • August 2015 (36)
  • July 2015 (31)
  • June 2015 (21)
  • May 2015 (24)
  • April 2015 (30)
  • March 2015 (30)
  • February 2015 (26)
  • January 2015 (22)
  • December 2014 (21)
  • November 2014 (32)
  • October 2014 (34)
  • September 2014 (28)
  • August 2014 (34)
  • July 2014 (45)
  • June 2014 (44)
  • May 2014 (44)
  • April 2014 (38)
  • March 2014 (42)
  • February 2014 (38)
  • January 2014 (36)
  • December 2013 (32)
  • November 2013 (35)
  • October 2013 (33)
  • September 2013 (24)
  • August 2013 (19)
  • July 2013 (20)
  • June 2013 (18)
  • May 2013 (19)
  • April 2013 (19)
  • March 2013 (22)
  • February 2013 (14)
  • January 2013 (17)
  • December 2012 (8)
  • November 2012 (16)
  • October 2012 (12)
  • September 2012 (11)
  • August 2012 (13)
  • July 2012 (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTC Disclaimer

I have received ARCs of books free from NetGalley (and many moons ago from BookTrib.com) to review but the majority of the stories are either bought by me or provided for free from the publisher, author, or PR company. The opinions I share are my own and in no way are influenced by an author or publisher. There is no promise of a positive review by any party and there is no additional compensation. Unless otherwise noted, I am not affiliated with any contest or other event mentioned on this blog and I do not receive a paid endorsement for any post.

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Romantic Reads and Such
    • Join 603 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Romantic Reads and Such
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d