Tucker and Grace’s tempestuous romance features a good old boy, lumberjack sized lawyer and a prickly, opinionated ball busting photographer in a hateTucker and Grace’s tempestuous romance features a good old boy, lumberjack sized lawyer and a prickly, opinionated ball busting photographer in a hate at first sight rivalry that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the exploration of the five generations long Buchanan family curse, the simmering chemistry between these two verbal pugilists, and the myriad messy complications that arise thanks to Grace’s arrival in Green Valley. Thanks to the local gossip chain and the revelation of the breakup of Tucker’s relationship with his long time girlfriend the consequences to his family law firm are compelling. Keeping his new relationship with Grace a secret has unintended consequences for a whole host of characters and the resulting fireworks kept me enthralled. I enjoyed the well meaning interference of the various members of the Buchanan family, the land mines Tucker navigates in a town where everyone is in his business, and the steamy chemistry that flares between him and Grace. The exploration of their emotional vulnerabilities is compelling and the narration performances are quite entertaining as Chris Brinkley’s smooth as butter, sexy southern drawl charmed my pants off while Natalie Duke’s feisty portrayal of the independent and rebellious photographer in combat boots was equally endearing....more
Levi and Jocelyn’s small southern town adventure features a kismet style best friends to lovers romance 5 years in the making. I fell in love with theLevi and Jocelyn’s small southern town adventure features a kismet style best friends to lovers romance 5 years in the making. I fell in love with these characters with every passing chapter thanks to the exceptional storytelling of the author and the brilliant casting of narrators Chris Brinkley and Reba Buhr whose swoon worthy southern accents and emotional vulnerabilities are brilliantly executed. Jocelyn’s daily physical challenges as a wheelchair bound paraplegic with unresolved self esteem issues are heartbreaking but her determination is impressive. Levi’s struggle between his best friend status and his unrequited longing to profess his love held me spellbound. I enjoyed the well meaning interference of their friends and family, the unique kismet storyline, and the town gossips who are a real hoot! I loved every minute of their story. ...more
Xavier and Lucy’s mesmerizing yet highly improbable adventure is an interesting tale of opposites who meet in court mandated therapy and find their soXavier and Lucy’s mesmerizing yet highly improbable adventure is an interesting tale of opposites who meet in court mandated therapy and find their soft place to fall while scheming together to hide a drug dealer’s body. It’s macabre storytelling with great character development, anxiety, paranoia, and a humming sexual appeal that kept me engrossed from start to finish. I was enthralled with X and Lucy’s fiery chemistry, their witty banter, and the exploration of the disparity of their financial resources which led X to a life of isolation and Lucy to a life of crime. In the midst of an outrageous storyline of bizarre incidents these two characters bulldozed their way into my heart with their emotional vulnerability and their intense craving for acceptance and I loved every minute. My only criticism is the lack of follow through on a pivotal plot point that should have been more thoroughly explored rather than conveniently explained away in the epilogue. ...more
Spencer and Paige’s story introduces a routine addicted hotshot goalie with social anxiety issues and a beauty and fashion vlogger with a million follSpencer and Paige’s story introduces a routine addicted hotshot goalie with social anxiety issues and a beauty and fashion vlogger with a million followers who flies by the seat of her pants. I really liked them both as individuals because they tend to bring out the best in each other while providing a soft place to fall when their domineering parental units exert emotional and financial pressure. Spencer slowly learns to take life less seriously and Paige becomes more focused in planning for a future that reflects her dreams instead of her parent’s misguided expectations. There’s plenty of on ice action, hockey team camaraderie, witty banter and sexual shenanigans that are endlessly appealing and I really enjoyed this entire series and highly recommend it. ...more
Callan and Aria’s aborted meet cute introduces an enemies rivalry that is exacerbated when a shocking reunion reveals the complexities of the proximitCallan and Aria’s aborted meet cute introduces an enemies rivalry that is exacerbated when a shocking reunion reveals the complexities of the proximity of their third floor living space. Where there’s smoke there’s fire and I liked their heated verbal exchanges, their begrudging sparks of awareness and the iffy circumstances behind their mutually beneficial fake dating arrangement. Their close proximity interactions and shared confidences with their fellow housemates are definitely a highlight of this book. I had great empathy for Callan as he struggles through the rigors of a grueling season and his famous hockey father’s heavy handed insistence that he turn pro. Equally compelling is the emotional upheaval and physical manifestations of Aria’s conflicted feelings about sharing her identity in the face of her father’s professional crisis. I enjoyed learning more about the disparity between the available resources for the men’s and women’s hockey teams and the camaraderie between the players on both hockey teams. The romantic and emotional connection between this pair is quite satisfying and the consequences of their personal conflicts are realistically portrayed. ...more
Noah and Zoe’s opposites attract room and board work swap introduces a recently transplanted hockey player from California and a down to earth countryNoah and Zoe’s opposites attract room and board work swap introduces a recently transplanted hockey player from California and a down to earth country girl student desperately trying to keep her family farm afloat. The culture shock Noah experiences is staggering and Zoe’s intimidation from Noah’s Mr. Suave persona leads to a comical disparity when he has to do the dirty work to collect eggs, milk goats, and muck out their stalls. It’s an endearing and appealing romance but it’s also a deep dive into the growing pains of adulthood, the emotional scars of parental loss, while navigating the heavy burden of lofty familial expectations. I loved the dual hockey theme as both characters are involved in the sport and easily identified with the challenges each of them face on the road to their happily ever after....more
Joy and Dalton’s accidental post shower peekaboo meet cute is a scintillating love/hate arrangement loaded with steamy chemistry, verbose exchanges, aJoy and Dalton’s accidental post shower peekaboo meet cute is a scintillating love/hate arrangement loaded with steamy chemistry, verbose exchanges, and flirty tongue-in-cheek euphemisms between a well endowed, pierced hockey goalie and a local sports reporter whose brother is his team captain and best friend. It’s an entertaining romp that made me laugh out loud as Joy and Dalton’s saucy verbal sparring leads to steamy FaceTime sessions and a shared emotional connection as the season progresses and the team keeps on winning. I liked all the hockey action, the camaraderie’s between the appealing players, and the complexities of the consequences for both characters should they get caught. While their pivotal break up scene and Joy’s reaction are totally predictable their make up scene is heartfelt and I still fell in love with both characters and the exploration of their emotional triggers. What makes the story even better is the outrageously entertaining narration performances of fan favorites Teddy Hamilton and Carly Robbins who could read me the phone book and find ways to make me smile. Together they’re sweet, smexy, hockey romance perfection!...more
Ben and Hope’s runaway bride/tattooed bird watching enthusiast pairing is just the start of a salacious small town scandal and a budding friendship ofBen and Hope’s runaway bride/tattooed bird watching enthusiast pairing is just the start of a salacious small town scandal and a budding friendship of opposites that I thoroughly enjoyed. I had great empathy for Hope’s rejection of entering into a predictable and boring life and I was inspired by her growing maturity and her metamorphosis into embracing adventure over mediocrity. I was quickly impressed with Ben’s protective nature, his emotional support, and his spontaneous and generous offer in providing his cabin rental as a haven for Hope’s escape from the drama. Small town speculative gossip, her exe’s constant efforts of coercion, and the heavy handed actions of her exe’s vindictive sheriff father complicate Hope’s newfound freedom. Ben walks a fine line between the secret of his singer/lyricist career, his label’s demands, his return trip to California, and his growing feelings for Hope. Their connection is mesmerizing, their story is captivating, and I really enjoyed the audiobook and the nuanced narration performances of Stella Hunter and Ryan West. ...more
Hudson and Indi’s Moo U romance introduces a top draft pick for the NHL and an adopted Chinese American student studying for the MCAT to further her mHudson and Indi’s Moo U romance introduces a top draft pick for the NHL and an adopted Chinese American student studying for the MCAT to further her medical school goals. I was immediately drawn to their easy banter, their burgeoning attraction, and the emotionally compelling exploration of their family histories, their individual challenges and their deep seated emotional issues. Hudson is the latest in an entire generation of former hockey star relatives stumbling from the pressure of being team captain, his father’s expectations, and the pressure for perfection he places on himself. Indi has her own difficulties reconciling her adoption, her anger over her cultural identity, and the stigma of living an authentic life by revealing her port wine stain. It’s an emotionally complex storyline of endearing characters exploring a newfound love, finding acceptance in a soft place to fall, and their triumph over adversity that I thoroughly enjoyed. ...more
Harrison and Finn’s comical first meeting during an escaped chicken crisis introduces a staid, preppy, lawyer turned bookstore owner and an amiable anHarrison and Finn’s comical first meeting during an escaped chicken crisis introduces a staid, preppy, lawyer turned bookstore owner and an amiable and perpetually overworked country farmer in an opposites attract romance. I empathized with Harrison’s very real fear of pursuing a relationship because of his doomsday approach to his health history. I admired Finn’s dedication to his family and his rigorous challenge in running a sightseeing farm with aging equipment which leaves little time to pursue a relationship. Unfortunately the spark between Finn and Harrison never really materialized for me and the narration performances of Alexander Cendese and Kirt Graves were just okay....more
Sebastien and Faith’s story is a woeful tale of young love tested by perceived infidelity and further complicated by emotional immaturity, poor communSebastien and Faith’s story is a woeful tale of young love tested by perceived infidelity and further complicated by emotional immaturity, poor communication skills, and troubling emotional scars that were inflicted by their dysfunctional familial relationships. I liked the journey of reconciliation and the rekindling of the love between Faith and Seb as the hockey season progresses. I liked the insight into each character’s flaws because their emotional issues are compelling and well worth exploring. Unfortunately for me there� was way too much heartache and repetition of themes and not enough romance in Faith and Seb’s tumultuous relationship. ...more
There’s a bit of a continuity crisis between the way the character of Patrick was portrayed in the last book and the metamorphosis he undergoes in thiThere’s a bit of a continuity crisis between the way the character of Patrick was portrayed in the last book and the metamorphosis he undergoes in this one. So far he is well known as the gregarious and over confidant Moo U hockey manwhore who nails every blonde on campus, and not just one at a time. I can honestly say that until this book I found him obnoxious, disrespectful, and totally irredeemable. Imagine my surprise when in Kat Mizera’s capable hands he becomes a sweet, thoughtful place to fall for a socially awkward virgin with a genius IQ. I really liked Ellie whose brilliant educational success far outweighs her lack of social maturity since she’s been in college since the age of 15 and has already earned two degrees at the age of 19. I had great empathy for the emotional upheaval both characters face when their goals and desires are ignored by the people who are supposed to love them the most. Their romance is appealing, their emotional maturity is hard won, and I really enjoyed their story and the entertaining narration performances of Lee Samuels and Maxine Mitchell....more
t forbidden love and steamy attraction between the youngest members of the feuding ranching Bennett and Tannen families. I loved Shayanne’s dedicationt forbidden love and steamy attraction between the youngest members of the feuding ranching Bennett and Tannen families. I loved Shayanne’s dedication to taking care of her family, her outrageously quirky personality, and her steely backbone as she serves as a pseudo matriarch among a trio of brooding big brothers poisoned by their father’s vehement repudiation of their innocent, long time neighbors I was equally enamored with Luke’s quiet strength and gentle demeanor with both his family and his beloved horses. With beautifully descriptive passages of hard but rewarding ranch life, and the unconditional love of a tight knit family I could easily picture myself in the rural setting surrounded by the commanding and protective maternal love of Mama Lou Bennett. It’s a heartfelt, appealing, and emotionally compelling story of newfound love, sexual awakening, and torn familial obligations between star crossed lovers and their story is both captivating, engaging and oh so very satisfying. ...more
There are several interesting themes explored in this story that deal with an existential twin crisis both on and off the ice, the growing pains betweThere are several interesting themes explored in this story that deal with an existential twin crisis both on and off the ice, the growing pains between youth and adulthood, and the unrelenting pressure of verbal abuse and compulsive parental expectations. Especially appealing was the sibling between brothers Paxton and Patrick and their struggle to cement their individuality both on and off the ice. The ick factor was the author’s love triangle storyline, her choice to portray Naomi as a rich, spoiled nymphomaniac, Patrick as a practically unredeemable reprobate with entitlement and anger issues, and Paxton as a doormat who is willing to put up with despicable behavior from both of them. Yes, there’s eventual resolution and character growth but the romance angle is neither believable nor romantically satisfying....more
I liked the premise of James and Sophie’s story as the rodeo star and third Bennett son is intrigued by the feisty beauty who confronts him when he quI liked the premise of James and Sophie’s story as the rodeo star and third Bennett son is intrigued by the feisty beauty who confronts him when he questions her skills during a difficult equine birth on his ranch. I loved the beautiful descriptions of the thousand acre Bennett ranch, the close knit and loving relationship between the grieving members of the Bennett family, and the sweet father/daughter mentoring relationship between Sophie and elder veterinarian Doc Jones. Engaging in a hormone heavy summer long fling, the sexual connection between Sophie and James is super spicy and I liked the exploration of their growing emotional intimacy but I started skimming through the sexual scenes half way through the book. The author told me how very much in love they were but the sex scenes didn’t lead to the intense emotional connection that would have been much more satisfying. I’m a big fan of emotional upheaval and compelling storytelling and while the story is pleasant and titillating it fell short for me....more
Dylan and Abbi’s story features a 34 year old workaholic who moves across country to start a new job and an emotionally scarred 22 year old foster sysDylan and Abbi’s story features a 34 year old workaholic who moves across country to start a new job and an emotionally scarred 22 year old foster system loner who eschews entanglements. The unlikely pairing begin a fragile existence filled with fits and starts as Dylan offers friendship that Abbi longs for but also mistrusts. I was frustrated by her extremely awkward demeanor, her emotional volatility, and her constant and repeated efforts to push Dylan away. One minute Abbi is completely awkward, then she’s sexually permissive, and the next minute she’s running scared because Dylan can’t read between the lines of her quizzical behavior. Their so called romance is lukewarm at best and I had a hard time seeing them as a couple. Abbi’s personality is just unnaturally bizarre. I really wish the author had pursued the therapy angle during the story rather than including an instant fix in the epilogue because the exploration of Abbi’s obvious emotional trauma would have greatly added to my understanding of her character as the believability of their relationship. As it is this book left me shaking my head and disinterested in continuing the rest of the series which was written early in Karla’s career. Her newer titles are much more appealing as they reflect her excellent growth and maturity as an excellent author....more
**spoiler alert** Erik and Lydia’s bodyguard/social influencer storyline is a classic story of opposites attract as the emotionally fragile victim of **spoiler alert** Erik and Lydia’s bodyguard/social influencer storyline is a classic story of opposites attract as the emotionally fragile victim of a horrific car accident caused by menacing paparazzi needs backup to fulfill her modeling commitments and heal her social anxiety. Erik is a tough nut to crack as he locks down his emotions behind a steely facade of disinterest and vows to keep his distance from the younger woman whose feistiness hides a newfound emotional fragility. I was totally engrossed in their battle of wills as Lydia tries to draw Erik out and he falls victim to her chatterbox ways and his inability to keep her at arm’s length. I loved their colorful exchanges, their simmering chemistry, and Erik’s insane plan to fake a relationship to overcome the distance he’s created between himself and his family. The exploration of Erik’s painful past and the undeniable attraction he feels towards the younger woman sets up a clash of wills that I thoroughly enjoyed. As always the appearance of the Wilder and Pierson family members I have come to know and love through Karla’s books is deliciously appealing and her writing continues to engage all of my emotions....more
**spoiler alert** Emmett and Adaline’s much anticipated second chance romance is utterly addictive as the highly successful pro quarterback and the sw**spoiler alert** Emmett and Adaline’s much anticipated second chance romance is utterly addictive as the highly successful pro quarterback and the sweet, family oriented girl he left behind face huge obstacles while separated by distance, successful careers and solemn family obligations. I loved everything about Wyatt, from his gorgeous good looks to his ebullient personality and his genuine love for his extended family and his career. I was equally enamored with Adaline’s undeniable beauty, her unconditional love for her family, and her selfless commitment to supporting them through her father’s recent cancer diagnosis. Emmett struggles to overcome his hopelessness as the overwhelming futility of months of separation during the football season and the impossibility of a trade weigh heavily on him. Meanwhile Adaline questions her judgment and fears repeating the mistakes she made in a previous relationship that was doomed by a similar separation. The revelation of their emotional distress is beautifully written and engaged all of my emotions. This couple’s mesmerizing attraction, undeniable yearning, and gut wrenching emotional upheaval held me spellbound as Emmett and Adaline have to fight for their happily ever. It was awesome being surrounded by the beloved characters who make up the Ward and Wilder families whose captivating stories I have so thoroughly enjoyed....more
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