Elizabeth's bookshelf: all en-US Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:26:36 -0700 60 Elizabeth's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Shield of Sparrows 217171544 Fear the monsters we make.

A swoon-worthy, spicy romantic fantasy filled with legends and monsters. The Witcher meets “Cinderella.� A princess is chosen to fulfill the terms of an ancient treaty and finds herself traveling with an infamous monster slayer.]]> 528 Devney Perry 1649378513 Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.37 2025 Shield of Sparrows
author: Devney Perry
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Let Me Be the One (Family Ties #1)]]> 220105259 She’s more than the girl next door. She’s the one who got away.

When Callie McCallahan left for the big city, she had a plan. Since then, she’s had some bumps in the road, most recently her failed business and engagement. When she inherits her uncle’s Kentucky farm, it’s the perfect do-over. With her social media skills, she’ll attract a whole new following and refresh her career. The only thing is…she knows nothing about farming.

For Tanner Patrick, Callie was the one who got away. He crushed on her in high school, but she barely knew he existed. Ten years later, she’s moved back—and now she lives next door. Tanner keeps his head down and focuses on his family’s tree farm. But when he sees Callie is afraid of chickens and can’t run a tractor—and looking pretty down-to-earth and happy—Tanner finds her impossible to ignore.]]> 383 Lori Foster 0369748085 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram Let me Be The One features Callie as she returns to her home town after getting a shock and needing to figure out her next steps. When she arrives in town, almost everything seems against her, including her neighbor Tanner.

I liked Callie from the beginning. I appreciated how she stood up for herself and decided to forge her own path when she realized that her life wasn’t what she wanted to be. Tanner was equally likeable in his own way.
He comes with his foster family and they pull Callie in and help her on the way.

This is a feel good read. Tanner is a typical Foster leading man- a bit alpha, a bit wounded, but with a heart of gold. There is a bit of intrigue and family drama along with the developing friendships and romance.
The lost 1/2 star comes from a bit of confusion “missing� information around Callie’s parents. They seemed to do a flip flop in attitudes from visit 1 to visit 2 and it just didn’t make sense to me.

I definitely enjoyed Let Me Be the One and I am
Looking forward to Kam’s story. ]]> 4.62 Let Me Be the One (Family Ties #1)
author: Lori Foster
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/02
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: arc, eram
review:
3.5 stars
Let me Be The One features Callie as she returns to her home town after getting a shock and needing to figure out her next steps. When she arrives in town, almost everything seems against her, including her neighbor Tanner.

I liked Callie from the beginning. I appreciated how she stood up for herself and decided to forge her own path when she realized that her life wasn’t what she wanted to be. Tanner was equally likeable in his own way.
He comes with his foster family and they pull Callie in and help her on the way.

This is a feel good read. Tanner is a typical Foster leading man- a bit alpha, a bit wounded, but with a heart of gold. There is a bit of intrigue and family drama along with the developing friendships and romance.
The lost 1/2 star comes from a bit of confusion “missing� information around Callie’s parents. They seemed to do a flip flop in attitudes from visit 1 to visit 2 and it just didn’t make sense to me.

I definitely enjoyed Let Me Be the One and I am
Looking forward to Kam’s story.
]]> Love, The Duke (Say I Do, #3) 211003725
Adhering to society’s strict propriety for ladies, Ophelia Stowe has no choice but to present herself as a man to seek the Duke of Hurstbourne’s favor. If not for the dire situation she finds herself in, she wouldn’t have asked for help from the handsome man who had rebuffed her. When the alluring duke’s response is a plan of his own, Ophelia never dreams it would be a proposal of a marriage of convenience.

But the stakes are high, and the good name of the Stowe family will be damaged if a missing antiquity isn’t found. When she accepts his offer, she quickly finds she isn’t immune to the passion building between her and her new husband―or how real the marriage begins to feel.]]> 312 Amelia Grey 1250850452 Elizabeth 0 currently-reading 4.19 2025 Love, The Duke (Say I Do, #3)
author: Amelia Grey
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Girlfriend Zone (Love and Hockey, #4)]]> 223584323 In my defense, I had no idea the tattooed, glasses-wearing, soulful hottie I spent one perfect day—and one unforgettable night—with was a hockey star on my father’s team. And Miles didn’t know I was the coach’s daughter.

That’s the point of a “no-work-talk� date.

But now? He's as forbidden to me as I am to him.

When I land a new gig as the team photographer, we vow to keep it professional. We mostly succeed…except for that time after a game when he couldn’t keep his talented hands off me. And, okay, maybe that other time before a road trip. But I swear, it won’t happen again.

Too much is at stake—I can’t risk my heart or my father’s team.

But when I end up living at Miles’s place to care for his pack of rescue pups, the lines blur fast. Late nights turn into stolen moments and I discover there’s more to him than I ever imagined—a man who’s genuine, thoughtful, and irresistibly real.

He looks at me like he can’t believe his luck. Touches me like he never wants to let go. And listens to my hopes and fears.

My heart’s getting dangerously attached. But if I follow it� am I putting everyone’s dreams on the line?

Tropes: coach’s daughter, the one who got away, starts with a bang, second chance vibes, age gap, forbidden hockey romance, forced proximity, workplace romance]]> 512 Lauren Blakely 1964048338 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, sports
They spend a year fighting things, being friends, and getting to know each other. I enjoyed the build up, the way they built a foundation that was there when the tension finally got to be too much and they combusted together.

My only complaint was that some of the tension building went a little too long - there were too many “I feel guilty� moments before they went public in the worst way.

This is a connected stand alone and reading in order will add to the enjoyment, but it’s not necessary. Reading the other books helps understand who the secondary characters are, but Miles and Leighton are both basically new here.]]> 4.25 The Girlfriend Zone (Love and Hockey, #4)
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: arc, eram, sports
review:
Such a sweet read! Leighton and Miles have an adorable meet cute and a great first date� until they discover that he works for her father.

They spend a year fighting things, being friends, and getting to know each other. I enjoyed the build up, the way they built a foundation that was there when the tension finally got to be too much and they combusted together.

My only complaint was that some of the tension building went a little too long - there were too many “I feel guilty� moments before they went public in the worst way.

This is a connected stand alone and reading in order will add to the enjoyment, but it’s not necessary. Reading the other books helps understand who the secondary characters are, but Miles and Leighton are both basically new here.
]]> Niall (The Irishmen #2) 230418673 She’s His One Weakness—And He’ll Burn the World to Save Her.

Niall Black
Loyal right-hand to Finn O’Reilly. Cousin and trusted friend.
He lives for the life he’s created. Filled with business, both day-to-day and dangerous. Not interested in a relationship of any kind outside of his comfort zone.
Until fate brings her to him. Annabelle Lewis.
She awakens something inside him. A need. A desire.
A new set of feelings he wasn’t prepared for.
When she is taken from him, how far will he go to get her back?
To the ends of the earth.
And anyone in his way will be removed.
Permanently.
The suspenseful finale in The Irishmen duet by New York Times Bestselling author Melanie Moreland ]]> Melanie Moreland 1998471128 Elizabeth 0 to-read 0.0 Niall (The Irishmen #2)
author: Melanie Moreland
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Finn (The Irishmen #1) 230418614 His Power Rules the City—But She Rules His Heart.

Finn O’Reilly
Oversees his hotel and his syndicate with a commanding presence and leadership, knowing any weakness could be used against him.
And he has none.
Except Una Murphy. The woman he lost his heart to and still loves, even though she wants nothing to do with him.
Or so she claims.
When her life is in peril, he won’t stop until she is safe and back where she belongs—with him.
Can he rescue her?
Convince her to stay?
Will she be a part of his world, regardless of the danger, knowing she is safer with him than apart?
She is his world.
He simply needs to convince her.


Start your journey in The Irishmen duet by New York Times Bestselling author Melanie Moreland ]]> Melanie Moreland 1998471101 Elizabeth 0 to-read 0.0 Finn (The Irishmen #1)
author: Melanie Moreland
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Two of Us 215363260 There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a rescue dog and their ability to bring people together as these meant-to-be-couples are about to find out in these brand-new sweet and romantic tales from bestselling authors Lori Foster and Maisey Yates.

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER
Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destined . . .
Ěý
Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES
Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .
Ěý]]> 256 Lori Foster 1496754158 Elizabeth 4 arc These stories are so sweet!
Both Ms Foster and Ms Yates tell excellent stories about rescued animals and people who are a bit wounded.
These are both quick reads and as such the character development isn't super deep. That works in these stories as they are really feel good reads. ]]> 4.51 The Two of Us
author: Lori Foster
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.51
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/25
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: arc
review:
3.5 stars
These stories are so sweet!
Both Ms Foster and Ms Yates tell excellent stories about rescued animals and people who are a bit wounded.
These are both quick reads and as such the character development isn't super deep. That works in these stories as they are really feel good reads.
]]> Beach Vibes 212431577 What would you do if you caught your brother cheating on your best friend?

While Beth is proud of her Malibu beach shop, Surf Sandwiches, she's even prouder of her charismatic brother, Rick, who rose from foster care all the way through surgical residency. She makes subs, he saves lives. Things takes a turn for the happy after she finds out Rick is dating her new best friend, Jana. Then Jana’s handsome brother adds even more sparkle to Beth’s days…and nights.

But when she catches Rick with another woman—like, with with—her visions of an idyllic family future disappear in one awful instant. Either she betrays her brother or she keeps his secret and risks losing the man she loves and her best friend.

Love and loyalty collide with secrets and betrayal in this witty and emotional tale about the lengths we’ll go to for family, from Susan Mallery, bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop.]]> 384 Susan Mallery 1335402535 Elizabeth 4 arc Beth and Jana are the two female main characters and they meet at a time when both could use a friend. We follow them as they develop friendships, explore the things they need, and start to form new romantic entanglements.

The storytelling here pulls you in and has you rooting for both women. I appreciated getting to know them and could see little bits of myself in their journeys. Both women had growing to do and the cast of characters around them (mostly) helped that occur.

Beach Vibes is a gentle read. There are some hard truths experienced, but would be a great book to take on vacation!

]]> 3.90 Beach Vibes
author: Susan Mallery
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.90
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/23
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: arc
review:
Beach Vibes is a relationship story. Yes, romantic relationships, friendships, and families are all woven into the story. But, the key relationships here are those with self.
Beth and Jana are the two female main characters and they meet at a time when both could use a friend. We follow them as they develop friendships, explore the things they need, and start to form new romantic entanglements.

The storytelling here pulls you in and has you rooting for both women. I appreciated getting to know them and could see little bits of myself in their journeys. Both women had growing to do and the cast of characters around them (mostly) helped that occur.

Beach Vibes is a gentle read. There are some hard truths experienced, but would be a great book to take on vacation!


]]> <![CDATA[The Situation (Brewer Family, #5)]]> 228325200
I’ve learned the hard way—don’t be reckless with anything, least of all my heart. But after one too many lemon drop martinis, saying yes to a much younger, devastatingly smooth stranger for one wild night seems like the perfect way to forget my brutal divorce. I even gave him a fake name. What could go wrong?

Lots. Because a few weeks later, he’s no longer a stranger. He’s suddenly the Chief Marketing Officer at my new job.
Tate Brewer isn’t the type of man to let a good thing slip away, and he’s determined to prove our night together was only the beginning. But the faster I build walls, the quicker he tears them down—along with my self-control. Stolen glances turn into late-night “work� meetings, and before I know it, I’m tangled in a web of office politics, scorching tension, and a man who refuses to let me walk away.

Will I push him away before he gets too close � or finally surrender to a situation that feels too amazing, and too dangerously real?


]]> Adriana Locke Elizabeth 0 to-read 0.0 The Situation (Brewer Family, #5)
author: Adriana Locke
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[North (Pittsburgh Titans, #16)]]> 218184684 New to the Pittsburgh Titans but no stranger to relentless ambition, North Paquette knows exactly how to put in the work to ensure the win. But this time, the stakes are personal because the game isn’t just on the ice.

Life as a member of the Pittsburgh Titans is pretty freaking fantastic. I live in one of the best cities around, get paid to play the game I love and enjoy all the perks of being a professional hockey player. While many of those perks are because of who I am, one in particular is because of who I know.

Farren Abrams wasn’t on my radar until she came to town to visit her brother Rafferty. She’s smart, sarcastic, sexy as hell and can talk hockey like a pro. So when a night out with the team became a drunken hookup with Farren, there were zero complaints from yours truly. We had our fun and then she went back home—no harm, no foul. Now she’s moved to Pittsburgh permanently and while she’s still looking for some fun, I’m starting to look for more.

The more time I spend with Farren the more I like her, but to say she’s relationship averse is an understatement. Something in her past has caused her to head for the hills whenever someone gets too close, but she shuts down whenever I push for details. When she rejects my attempts to take this thing to the next level, I’m forced to seek help from none other than Rafferty, who has no idea I’m banging his little sister. With his assistance, I set out to do the one thing none of those chumps in Farren’s past have taken the time to do—help her face her demons and give her something worth staying for.]]> Sawyer Bennett Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.50 2025 North (Pittsburgh Titans, #16)
author: Sawyer Bennett
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Way We Collide (The Bradford Boys)]]> 219174745 Football is my life. I’m not interested in marriage or babies or poopy diapers. Yet here I am, standing in front of a judge saying “I do,� with a six-month-old on my hip and an aspiring storm-chaser on my arm.

From the time I was a little boy, sleeping with my head on a football, I’ve had one goal: carrying on the Bradford-family legacy.

Our famous father trained all my older brothers and me to be star athletes just like him, but seven years later, I’m the only one still focused on the game.

Until Raven Gale storms into my life.

She’s smart, sassy, curves for days, and lightning in the sack. When I met her at my little sister’s wedding we bonded immediately over our dedication to our dreams, our determination to let nothing stop us, and our insatiable, all-night, barrier-busting chemistry.

A baby girl is a surprise neither of us expected, but Raven has a plan. We’ll have a quickie marriage to secure her trust fund, be together three months tops, then shake hands and walk away.

The only problem is with every late night I spend chatting with my wife or consummating our marriage (which we both agreed was a bad idea) or rocking my baby girl to sleep or yes, even changing poopy diapers, the stronger our bond grows.

It never rains in California, there’s no football (for me) in south Alabama, but when you collide with a cyclone, everything changes, including what you thought were your plans.

(THE WAY WE COLLIDE is a small-town, surprise baby, sports romance with a marriage of convenience, close proximity, an over-protective alpha daddy, a feisty plus-sized FMC, and a few twisters. No cheating. No cliffhanger. No third-act breakup.)]]> 336 Tia Louise Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.61 The Way We Collide (The Bradford Boys)
author: Tia Louise
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.61
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Formula Chance (Race Fever #2)]]> 220105341 In the second book of New York Times Bestselling Author Sawyer Bennett’s Race Fever series, she turns up the heat when a familiar name looks to shake up the world of formula racing. Buckle up for this heart stopping, second chance ride in Formula Chance.

Nash Sinclair abandoned the world of formula racing after a deadly crash left him injured and on a long road to recovery, both physically and mentally. Even prior to the crash Nash was healing in another way, putting together the pieces of a broken heart. They say time heals all wounds and when Brienne Norcross, owner of the newly acquired Titans Racing team approaches him about a job, he decides it might just be time to reclaim the life he once loved.

Bexley Toliver just joined the Titans� team as their chief race strategy engineer. As a woman working in a male-centric sport, Bex is no stranger to a man’s eyes on her. Whether it’s in silent awe, not-so-silent disgust, or somewhere in between, Bexley has earned her way. But there is one set of eyes that Bex hasn’t seen in years and when Nash Sinclair walks into the conference room for a team meeting, old memories are hard to ignore. As the heat between them becomes all-consuming, they are unable to resist the temptation to fall once again.

Bex and Nash’s history is…complicated. Young love that turned into the promise of forever crashed and burned long before the race that ended Nash’s career. Years apart dulled the pain of their failed union but some things aren’t meant to be forgotten, no matter how hard one tries. When the same issues that broke them apart re-emerge and spin them full-speed toward a barricade, Bex and Nash need to make a decision—hit the brakes and walk away or race forward to their happily ever after.]]> Sawyer Bennett Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, sports Here we meet Bexley, the first female race strategist, and her former fiancé/new coworker, Nash.

I loved these two! They both have worked so hard to get where they are and it shows. I appreciated the fact that Ms Bennett let us see their past and what went wrong so that we could better understand the people they are now. Some of those issues were learned from and some continued to be a problem. The research behind the world FI also showed and added amazing depth to the story.

The Race Fever series is made of connected stand alone reads. Reading the series in order would add some to color to this book, but it’s not necessary.
I am definitely see what happens when we meet Reid in the next book. ]]> 4.20 2025 Formula Chance (Race Fever #2)
author: Sawyer Bennett
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: arc, eram, sports
review:
Ms Bennett takes us back to the FI racing world in Formula Chance. We are with a “new� team that also crosses over with her Pittsburgh Titans world just a bit.
Here we meet Bexley, the first female race strategist, and her former fiancé/new coworker, Nash.

I loved these two! They both have worked so hard to get where they are and it shows. I appreciated the fact that Ms Bennett let us see their past and what went wrong so that we could better understand the people they are now. Some of those issues were learned from and some continued to be a problem. The research behind the world FI also showed and added amazing depth to the story.

The Race Fever series is made of connected stand alone reads. Reading the series in order would add some to color to this book, but it’s not necessary.
I am definitely see what happens when we meet Reid in the next book.
]]> Long Time Coming 221832461
It didn’t take long for news to spread that Tagger Grange was back in Peachtree Pass. I found out even faster when I fell right into his arms—not by choice.

The barstool wobbled under me when reaching for a cheddar biscuit. They’re my weakness. Much like he used to be.

Rolled up sleeves and tailored pants have replaced the boots and jeans my brother’s best friend once wore. But it’s not just the clothes that have changed. His shoulders are broader and he’s broodier. Somehow, he's even more handsome than ever.

And seeing the little boy smiling at his side? My heart instantly melts. I can't handle Tagger as a hot single dad.

Since he has no plans to stay, I know it’s best to avoid him. But daily run-ins at Rollingwood Ranch make him hard to ignore, and even harder to walk away.

His heated glances warm my insides, his smile awakens my dormant heart, and one stormy night leads to crossing lines we vowed we wouldn’t.

But when falling in the hay turns into falling in love, I start to wonder if our happy ending is a long time coming. Or will he return to the city leaving me with a broken heart?]]> S.L. Scott Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.44 Long Time Coming
author: S.L. Scott
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.44
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> A Circle of Uncommon Witches 211003815 A witch generationally cursed to never find true love sets out to break the spell cast on her family, and must team up with the last person who wants to help her � the witch who set the curse in the first place.

Doreen MacKinnon is doomed to die of a broken heart - if she can’t break the centuries old curse placed on her family.

Three hundred years ago, Ambrose MacDonald, a powerful male witch, fell in love with a MacKinnon. And when the MacKinnon witches forbade him from seeing his love, by secretly hiding her away, he retaliated by cursing the family and its future generations to never find love. But it wasn’t without a cost. Now, Ambrose is imprisoned by those same witches, trapped in a tempest and doomed to outlive everyone he has ever loved.

But Doreen isn’t like the other MacKinnon witches. As the 13th generation of the MacKinnon line, Doreen is one of the most powerful witches in centuries� and one of the loneliest. So when she discovers where Ambrose has been trapped, she releases him to help her break the curse, once and for all. Ambrose agrees to help, but with his own motive: vengeance. He plans to use her as bait to enact his revenge on her family.

Together, they enter a series of trials, which take them to a castle in Scotland, off a cliff, and into a world beyond their wildest dreams. As they work together, sparks start to fly, but soon Doreen must choose how far she is willing to go to break the curse, and what she's willing to sacrifice.

Paige Crutcher's A Circle of Uncommon Witches is a story of adventure, romance, and destiny, that asks: is true love worth the cost?]]> 320 Paige Crutcher 1250905540 Elizabeth 3 I enjoyed Doreen, Ambrose, and Margot, but the way things were interwoven was a hit confusing. ]]> 3.47 2025 A Circle of Uncommon Witches
author: Paige Crutcher
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/07
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves:
review:
Interesting, but I have to admit that I lost the plot several times.
I enjoyed Doreen, Ambrose, and Margot, but the way things were interwoven was a hit confusing.
]]> Confess 22609310
For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it—but can she do it?]]> 306 Colleen Hoover 1476791457 Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.14 2015 Confess
author: Colleen Hoover
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Merger (Brewer Family, #4)]]> 223112944
Gannon Brewer is the epitome of my type. He’s at least ten years older than me, emotionally unavailable, and highly disagreeable—a walking red flag in a tailored suit. But do I listen to that? No. In fact, when his office plants start dying, I convince myself that I can ignore the pheromones and save the philodendron.

Now I’m in his office every week, dodging sinful smirks and heated stares, reminding myself to reach for the watering can—not him. But one late-night “ivy incident� changes everything. Suddenly, we’re sneaking around, indulging in a steamy, forbidden fling that’s supposed to be nothing more than (a lot of) fun.

After all, he swears he’ll never fall in love. I assure him that I only want one thing, and it’s not his heart. But the closer we get, the more lines we blur, and the harder it becomes to keep our promises �

Especially when the secret I’m keeping threatens to shatter everything.]]> Adriana Locke Elizabeth 4 arc
I loved these two together! From the way the both acknowledged their flaws, to the reluctant friendship, to the spicy more, they were just a great fit for each other.

The Merger fits well with Ms Locke’s bread and butter of family connected stories. We see snippets of all the Brewers. If you haven’t read the whole series, it can be a little bit to keep up with it, but it’s worth the effort!
These stories are strongly connected and the previous world building makes this story stronger, so please consider that before you start here.

I can’t wait to see what happens with Tate!]]> 4.50 2025 The Merger (Brewer Family, #4)
author: Adriana Locke
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/01
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: arc
review:
What happens when you have a crush on your best friend’s significantly older brother (and he has the hits for you too)? Find out when we meet Carys and she tangles with the oldest Brewer brother, Gannon.

I loved these two together! From the way the both acknowledged their flaws, to the reluctant friendship, to the spicy more, they were just a great fit for each other.

The Merger fits well with Ms Locke’s bread and butter of family connected stories. We see snippets of all the Brewers. If you haven’t read the whole series, it can be a little bit to keep up with it, but it’s worth the effort!
These stories are strongly connected and the previous world building makes this story stronger, so please consider that before you start here.

I can’t wait to see what happens with Tate!
]]> Here and Now (Ember Falls #2) 218274986
But when my son’s incredibly hot hockey coach Miles Anderson walks in, things get very, very complicated.

With his charming smile and our accidental dates, he’s the exact opposite of any man I’ve ever dated. That should make saying yes to being with him simple, but nothing in my life is easy.

In fact, it’s a mess.

Miles makes me smile and treats my son like his own. When we’re together, I forget about my troubles and dream of a life that I will never be able to have with him.

It’s only a matter of time until the past comes knocking and I’ll have to leave, breaking us both in the process.]]> 384 Corinne Michaels 1957309261 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram Here and Now brings us back to Ember Falls and the group of friends that we met previously, but don't worry—this is a complete stand-alone story.
I appreciated how Ms Michaels allowed the relationship between Penny and Miles to develop slowly and addressed the fears she brought with her to town. I also loved how Penny's son, Kai, and Mile's family (both biological and found) were easily incorporated into the story. There were places where they played key roles in nudging these two along!
Loyal Michael's followers will appreciate who Penny's older brother is (sorry, not telling) and the chance it delivers to see how this previous main character is fairing now.
The world-building here is seamless! We get to learn more about the friends that make up the series feature players in a truly organic way and have the perfect tease for the 3rd book in the series. I'm definitely looking forward to it! ]]> 4.22 2025 Here and Now (Ember Falls #2)
author: Corinne Michaels
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/23
date added: 2025/02/23
shelves: arc, eram
review:
This book made me really hate my work schedule because it limited my time to spend with Miles and Penny! I think Miles might be one of my absolute favorite book boyfriends!
Here and Now brings us back to Ember Falls and the group of friends that we met previously, but don't worry—this is a complete stand-alone story.
I appreciated how Ms Michaels allowed the relationship between Penny and Miles to develop slowly and addressed the fears she brought with her to town. I also loved how Penny's son, Kai, and Mile's family (both biological and found) were easily incorporated into the story. There were places where they played key roles in nudging these two along!
Loyal Michael's followers will appreciate who Penny's older brother is (sorry, not telling) and the chance it delivers to see how this previous main character is fairing now.
The world-building here is seamless! We get to learn more about the friends that make up the series feature players in a truly organic way and have the perfect tease for the 3rd book in the series. I'm definitely looking forward to it!
]]> The Kiss Lottery 221724431 From bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills comes a steamy novella about first love and second chances where a city girl returns home for a Valentine’s Day tradition…and the boy who broke her heart.

Roses are red, violets are blue—someone in Rose has feelings for you�

Yeah, bad ones. Everly Davis didn’t leave her tight-knit hometown on the best terms. It’s been ten years, but you don’t forget heartbreak like that. Then again, the anonymous invite to the annual Kiss Lottery in Rose, Tennessee, gives Everly content for her podcast. And she has a bone to pick with that old heartbreak anyway.

Beckett Whitfield has never left Rose—and he’s never forgotten Everly. He even named the villain in his latest bestseller after her. Turns out she’s not happy about that. Nothing about their reunion is particularly happy, and after the way they left things, what did he expect?

When the Kiss Lottery pairs them together, Everly and Beckett will have to confront old feelings that never went away and the secrets they never shared. But finally telling each other everything might be exactly what they’ve needed all along.]]> 130 Ilsa Madden-Mills Elizabeth 4 arc Everly returns home after 10 years and a very traumatic senior year to cover her towns Kiss Lottery. She reconnects with her former best friend, Beckett.
I enjoyed getting to meet these characters as well as the characters in the town of Rose.
I hope this is the beginning of a series (?) of stories that are centered around the town! ]]> 3.89 The Kiss Lottery
author: Ilsa Madden-Mills
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/15
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves: arc
review:
Such a fun novella!
Everly returns home after 10 years and a very traumatic senior year to cover her towns Kiss Lottery. She reconnects with her former best friend, Beckett.
I enjoyed getting to meet these characters as well as the characters in the town of Rose.
I hope this is the beginning of a series (?) of stories that are centered around the town!
]]> <![CDATA[Get Lost with You (Rock Bottom Love, #2)]]> 211003828 A second chance at love, small-town romance that’s all sweet with just a hint of heat

Jillian Keller took the long route to her best life, but is now happily settled in her hometown of Smile, raising her little girl alone while helping her brother run Get Lost Lodge. A lover of structure and routine, she doesn’t need anything, or anyone, disrupting her carefully curated life.

After chasing and achieving his culinary dreams, Levi Bright realizes he’s still missing something. Something he can’t find in a big city. Returning home to Smile, he intends to build a different future for himself that includes mending fences with his dad, reconnecting with friends, and creating elevated comfort food for a town he loves.

When Levi and Jilly run into each other one day in Smile, once requited feelings that never had a chance to bloom as teens flare between them immediately. Jaded from her past, Jilly is cautious and convinced that she can handle being just friends, as the two have to work closely together to prepare for Get Lost’s official summer opening, spending time together, camping, laughing, kayaking, and reminiscing. But when her brother hires sweet, funny, ridiculously hot Levi as the new chef at the lodge, and she and Ollie are getting more attached, things are moving more quickly than she anticipated--and Jilly has been hurt before. If she wants to be head over heels in love, she'll have to learn that the past doesn’t always repeat itself. Sometimes, it just leads you where you’re meant to be.]]> 304 Sophie Sullivan 1250875854 Elizabeth 4 We are back at the Get Lost Lodge with the Keller siblings. This time with sister Jilly. She reconnects with her high school crush, Levi, when he returns to their small Michigan town.

This was a cute story that focused on communication and Jilly getting past her fears to try something new.
Well written, this captures the relationship between the siblings and makes the reader wish for a family like the Kellers!

I truly enjoyed getting to know everyone and found myself rooting for Jilly and Levi to figure things out.
If you have read the first book in the series, you will be glad to see more of Beckett and Presley. I am curious to see what happens to Grayson! ]]> 3.51 2025 Get Lost with You (Rock Bottom Love, #2)
author: Sophie Sullivan
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/14
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves:
review:
3.5 stars
We are back at the Get Lost Lodge with the Keller siblings. This time with sister Jilly. She reconnects with her high school crush, Levi, when he returns to their small Michigan town.

This was a cute story that focused on communication and Jilly getting past her fears to try something new.
Well written, this captures the relationship between the siblings and makes the reader wish for a family like the Kellers!

I truly enjoyed getting to know everyone and found myself rooting for Jilly and Levi to figure things out.
If you have read the first book in the series, you will be glad to see more of Beckett and Presley. I am curious to see what happens to Grayson!
]]> <![CDATA[Under an Endless Moon (Moonlit Ridge, #2)]]> 222748310 I should have known I’d break the oath I made when I offered to let my best friend’s little sister move in with me�
She’s the sweetest woman on the face of the planet.
And to my great misfortune, the sexiest one, too.
She’s been living under her brother’s roof her entire life, and she’s ready to spread her wings.
And I’m the masochist who offers she stay at my place until she can find an apartment.
When I hear her having a nightmare, the only thing I can do is go to her. Hold her so she knows she’s safe from her demons.
The second she’s in my arms, the attraction I’ve tried to hide sparks to life. I know better than to push past the boundaries I’ve set for us, but when she begs me to touch her in a way she’s never been touched, I can’t resist.
And with my name on her lips as I send her soaring for the first time, I know there’s no going back.
I’m willing to break every rule and oath I’ve ever made to keep her.
Accept every consequence.
Only she and I have a dark, dangerous history that no one knows about.
And I’m afraid the consequences of loving her have just caught up to us…]]> 470 A.L. Jackson 1960730428 Elizabeth 4 arc He’s the bad boy with a heart of gold. He’s older (gasp!) by nearly a decade. She’s his buddy’s little sister.
Ms Jackson brings us back to world of Sovereign Sanctum with Raven and Otto - two characters we met in the first book of the series. Oh boy, does she deliver here!
Both characters are easy to like and root for. The chemistry just radiates off the page and it’s impossible to not want them to figure things out. When you blend the forbidden elements, the amazing friendship Raven and Otto already have, and a potential threat - you have an absolute winner of a book. If I hadn’t had work and kids demanding time, this would have been a read in one sitting type of story. ]]> 4.29 Under an Endless Moon (Moonlit Ridge, #2)
author: A.L. Jackson
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves: arc
review:
Welcome back to Moonlit Ridge with the most forbidden of the forbidden romances!
He’s the bad boy with a heart of gold. He’s older (gasp!) by nearly a decade. She’s his buddy’s little sister.
Ms Jackson brings us back to world of Sovereign Sanctum with Raven and Otto - two characters we met in the first book of the series. Oh boy, does she deliver here!
Both characters are easy to like and root for. The chemistry just radiates off the page and it’s impossible to not want them to figure things out. When you blend the forbidden elements, the amazing friendship Raven and Otto already have, and a potential threat - you have an absolute winner of a book. If I hadn’t had work and kids demanding time, this would have been a read in one sitting type of story.
]]> <![CDATA[Nine Month Contract (Mountain Men Matchmaker, #1)]]> 219657080 “A hilariously fresh and spicy rom-com that I couldn’t put down!� -Meghan Quinn, USA Today Bestselling Author

Help Wanted: Grumpy mountain man seeks baby momma. Job is an incubator position only. Surrogate must be impervious to grunting as the form of communication and nosy brotherly neighbors. Rustic mountain range housing available upon request.

I wanted to pummel my irritating brothers when they posted their own version of a wanted ad to help me with my life.

But I can’t fault the results once the right woman lands in my lap.

Becoming a single father is not a decision I made lightly. In fact, it’s the biggest decision of my entire life.

Which is why when I interview Trista, I know she’s perfect.

She’s wild, she’s opinionated, she wears cowboy boots. Even my pet goat loves her�

She’s the exact type of person I was holding out for.

And to my great horror, I realize on our first night of attempting this baby-making dance—when the lights are low, the cheap wine is flowing and the home-insemination supplies are laid out on the kitchen counter—I want to do a lot more than just make her my surrogate.

I want to make her mine.

Perfect for fans of:
� Grumpy/Sunshine
� Small Town Romance
� Age Gap
� Curvy FMC
� Meghan Quinn and Tessa Bailey]]> 416 Amy Daws 1335425888 Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.02 2024 Nine Month Contract (Mountain Men Matchmaker, #1)
author: Amy Daws
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Family Behind the Walls 221198359 Germany, 1943. Jordanna cries out desperately to her mother, tears spilling down her cheeks. She is being torn one way, her parents another. And in Jordanna’s terrified, wide brown eyes, there is only one question: Will I ever see you again?

Poland: Day in and day out, fifteen-year-old Jordanna holds tight to the hands of her siblings as they’re forced into back-breaking labor. They’ve been transported to a camp for Polish orphans, but at night, Jordanna weeps silently, clinging to the hope that they’re not actually orphans. That when they finally escape, their motherDalia will be waiting with open arms. But the only thing she knows for sure is that to survive, she cannot let the cruel guards discover they are not just Polish, they are Jewish�

Auschwitz: More than a hundred miles away, Dalia shivers in her tattered striped uniform, wary eyes darting around for any sign of trouble. She’s seen other women lost to the bitter sting of the frozen air and the brutal regime and she can’t let it be her. Every day, Dalia prays that her husband will find a way to save their children. But when another prisoner approaches her about joining their secret resistance, Dalia decides to take rescuing her family into her own hands—despite the terrible danger it puts her in�

The only thing keeping Jordanna and Dalia’s spirits alive in the darkest of places is the hope that they will one day be reunited. But will Dalia fight her way out to cradle her daughter in her arms once more—or will she die trying?]]> 334 Shari J. Ryan 183618476X Elizabeth 5 Released on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Family Behind The Walls tells the story of the Bergman family and what happened to them in the aftermath of the Hamburg bombings.
As always with Ms Ryan’s books around WWII, I learned things I did not know about what the Jewish and political prisoners experienced in territory controlled by the Third Reich during WWII.
These lessons and reminders are crucial so that we as a society don’t ever let this happen again. Young Lillie had a speech toward the end of the book - directed at retreating SS, that resonated with me, about never being able to outrun yourself.
Well written, Ms Ryan managed to make this impactful story one that you wanted to read as you root for the characters to find their freedom. I am grateful that the author continues to tackle this hard topic so that we will never forget. ]]> 4.52 The Family Behind the Walls
author: Shari J. Ryan
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.52
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves:
review:
There are some books that people just NEED to read. Not for escape or entertainment, but because we need to remember and do better as a people.
Released on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Family Behind The Walls tells the story of the Bergman family and what happened to them in the aftermath of the Hamburg bombings.
As always with Ms Ryan’s books around WWII, I learned things I did not know about what the Jewish and political prisoners experienced in territory controlled by the Third Reich during WWII.
These lessons and reminders are crucial so that we as a society don’t ever let this happen again. Young Lillie had a speech toward the end of the book - directed at retreating SS, that resonated with me, about never being able to outrun yourself.
Well written, Ms Ryan managed to make this impactful story one that you wanted to read as you root for the characters to find their freedom. I am grateful that the author continues to tackle this hard topic so that we will never forget.
]]> <![CDATA[Falling for the Forward (Love on the Line, #1)]]> 220800164
So when her new boss, a sulky pro hockey player who recently became the guardian of his three nieces, proposes a deal to help him secure permanent custody of the girls, she agrees.

If Suki fake marries Carter Stanton for one year, and pretends to be his doting wife, she’ll get half a million dollars and a clean divorce at the end. Not only will the money pay off all her debts, she’ll be able to help the girls she already adores settle fully into their new lives.

It’s a foolproof plan. At least, it seems like it. As Suki grows closer to Carter and his nieces, though, her feelings for them become very real. But does her brooding boss feel the same?]]> 184 Brenda Rothert Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.06 Falling for the Forward (Love on the Line, #1)
author: Brenda Rothert
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Proposal Play (Love and Hockey #3)]]> 217902152 My plan when I win a date in Vegas with my brother’s hockey star best friend? Poker and go to sleep early. Instead, I wake up with a ring on my finger and the sexy athlete naked in my bed.

But Asher’s my best friend too so we’ll get this annulled and laugh about this secret for years to come.

Trouble is our wedding pics went viral overnight.

Now everyone thinks we’re a real couple. We race back home, where I’ve just landed the big art commission of my dreams and he’s launching a sports charity so we need to look like we meant to tie the knot.

Easy enough. We’ll claim we’ve been secretly in love, while staying in separate rooms for the rest of the hockey season.

The last thing either one of us wants is to ruin a decade-long friendship by falling into bed again.

But I experience a new side of my husband at home. He cooks for me, encourages me…and buys me so many toys.

And, it’s more fun to share your toys with a friend.

We’re just enjoying temporary marital benefits.

Except, the more times he calls me his wife, the more I start to wonder if Asher was ever pretending?

And if my heart is ready to take the biggest risk of all.]]> 528 Lauren Blakely Elizabeth 4 Asher and Maeve have been friends for over 10 years and we’ve seen them tangentially in previous books, it was fun to see how things unfold.

Both Maeve and Asher have baggage that they bring to their “pact� and there were times when it was almost painful to see them get in their own way. Ms Blakely did a great job of making sure we knew the things that were important to both characters, especially their friendship.

Definitely a feel good story where we see true love grow from friendship along with personal growth for each character. Add in the stellar secondary cast and this is another winner for this series. ]]> 4.03 The Proposal Play (Love and Hockey #3)
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/26
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves:
review:
This is a book that I almost forgot about it and that would have been horrible, because this is an amazing friends to lovers/marriage pact story!
Asher and Maeve have been friends for over 10 years and we’ve seen them tangentially in previous books, it was fun to see how things unfold.

Both Maeve and Asher have baggage that they bring to their “pact� and there were times when it was almost painful to see them get in their own way. Ms Blakely did a great job of making sure we knew the things that were important to both characters, especially their friendship.

Definitely a feel good story where we see true love grow from friendship along with personal growth for each character. Add in the stellar secondary cast and this is another winner for this series.
]]> <![CDATA[Better Than Friends (Sunrise Cove, #7)]]> 213051949 Old flames reignite in Sunrise Cove in this charming enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, small-town, forced-proximity love story about family, friendships, and true love fromĚýNew York TimesĚýbestselling author Jill Shalvis.

When Olive Porter’s off-the-grid parents go missing, she reluctantly seeks out Noah Turner, her ex and the only person she both trusts implicitly and not at all.

As a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, Noah’s used to living under intense pressure. Or he was until he got injured on the job. Now unhappily recuperating at home while being smothered by his loving but nosy family, he’d love nothing more than a good distraction.

So when Olive shows up looking like a million bucks, he has to do a gut and heart check. Because nope, no matter what, he can’t fall for her again, the woman who once blew up his entire life and never looked back. How ironic then that his own personal hell (Olive) is also his ticket out of town. The question is, will the risk be worth the reward?]]> 336 Jill Shalvis 0063353385 Elizabeth 4 Olive returns to her home town to help her friend Katie. This puts her in the path of her past in the form of Katie’s brother, Noah.

Both Olive and Noah have truck loads of baggage. Some of it relates to their own history as friends, some is individual. It was interesting watching them work through all of this as they kept getting in their own way.

There is a lot going on here, but I appreciated the way Ms Shalvis layered the various pieces. We were given lots of opportunities to get to know Olive, Noah, and their supporting cast.

This was a great escape read. Both main characters are easy to relate to and root for. I enjoy the fact that the Sunrise Cove books are stand alone and loosely connected by the community.]]> 3.91 2025 Better Than Friends (Sunrise Cove, #7)
author: Jill Shalvis
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/24
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves:
review:
What a feel good read!
Olive returns to her home town to help her friend Katie. This puts her in the path of her past in the form of Katie’s brother, Noah.

Both Olive and Noah have truck loads of baggage. Some of it relates to their own history as friends, some is individual. It was interesting watching them work through all of this as they kept getting in their own way.

There is a lot going on here, but I appreciated the way Ms Shalvis layered the various pieces. We were given lots of opportunities to get to know Olive, Noah, and their supporting cast.

This was a great escape read. Both main characters are easy to relate to and root for. I enjoy the fact that the Sunrise Cove books are stand alone and loosely connected by the community.
]]> <![CDATA[The Way We Score (The Bradford Boys, #3)]]> 222519779 We promised our love was forever. A decade later, two little blue lines might settle the score.

You’ve heard of those kids who peak in high school?
Meet my love life.
Garrett Bradford was mine from the moment we saw each other in ninth grade.
Even then, he was a six-foot-four mountain of muscles with bright blue eyes, a wide grin, and a way with his hands.
He was the high school football star, and I was the dance team captain.
We were the storybook cliché� until we weren’t.

Now he’s the most famous offensive lineman in the league, and I’m a buttoned-up, ultra-professional lawyer.
My dancing days are over, and my carefully controlled life is a mess.
Infertility killed my marriage, or that’s what I told myself. Infertility and a cheating ex.
And my inability to get over Garrett Bradford.

One reckless night at his little sister’s wedding is only supposed to be a reunion, a trip down memory lane to a time when life was happier.
Six weeks later, I’m staring at a positive pregnancy test wondering, How did this happen?

I figure I’m on my own until Garrett overhauls his life, moves back to our small town, and shows up every day to massage my feet and hold my hair when I barf and go with me to all my doctor’s appointments.
Our situation has an end date, just like it did so many years ago.
Unless this little score changes the game and gives us the second chance I thought we’d lost.

(THE WAY WE SCORE is a small-town, second-chance sports romance with reunited high school sweethearts, close proximity, surprise pregnancy, a protective Daddy Bear, parents to lovers, it’s always been you, and found family vibes. No cheating. No cliffhanger. No third-act breakup.)]]> 350 Tia Louise Elizabeth 4 Garrett (Grizzly) is the fun loving brother. What we learn here is that he had a high school sweetheart he never got over. He and Liv reconnect when both are home for Dylan’s (the lone Bradford girls) wedding.
Liv and Garrett’s reconnection was sweet and slightly spicy in the best ways.

A surprise 6 weeks later turns both their lives upside down. I loved the way Ms Louise took them on the journey they needed to find their way back to each other. We see both Liv and Garrett face issues from the individual and shared pasts.

There were a few twists and turns along the way to keep things interesting, but over all this is one of the sweetest second chance books I’ve read in a long time. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Hendrix! ]]> 3.71 The Way We Score (The Bradford Boys, #3)
author: Tia Louise
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves:
review:
This was a fun, sweet addition to the Bradford family series!
Garrett (Grizzly) is the fun loving brother. What we learn here is that he had a high school sweetheart he never got over. He and Liv reconnect when both are home for Dylan’s (the lone Bradford girls) wedding.
Liv and Garrett’s reconnection was sweet and slightly spicy in the best ways.

A surprise 6 weeks later turns both their lives upside down. I loved the way Ms Louise took them on the journey they needed to find their way back to each other. We see both Liv and Garrett face issues from the individual and shared pasts.

There were a few twists and turns along the way to keep things interesting, but over all this is one of the sweetest second chance books I’ve read in a long time. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Hendrix!
]]> A Simple Life 221078065 From NYT bestselling author Melanie Moreland comes a feuding to lovers standalone romance -
John Elliott is a busy man. He runs his farm and his business, keeping to himself, with no time for anything else in his life.

Quinn Harper is a single mother, looking for a fresh start.
The small town she picked seemed perfect—until her first run-in with John.

They strike sparks of the wrong kind and insist that keeping their distance is for the best.

Yet, despite his growly nature and curt tone, he is sweet to her daughter.
And he finds himself looking for reasons to be in Quinn’s company.
Do things that make them both smile. Make him feel happy.

Sparks sizzle into a low, banked fire.
And then an inferno erupts.
Neither wanted it.
But now, they can’t live without it.

Author's Get ready to swoon over a rugged farmer with a hidden heart of gold, falling for a fearless single mom and her charming little girl.]]> 290 Melanie Moreland 199847108X Elizabeth 4 From the minute John and Quinn meet each other, it was obvious they would be great together, they just had to get there.
Ms Moreland took them on a wonderful journey that I struggled to put down.
I was so glad to meet these two and the scene-stealing Pumpkin! If you are looking for a feel good, slightly spicy read then this is it! ]]> 4.31 A Simple Life
author: Melanie Moreland
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/14
date added: 2025/01/14
shelves:
review:
This is a truly sweet, second chance romance with an enemies to lovers twist.
From the minute John and Quinn meet each other, it was obvious they would be great together, they just had to get there.
Ms Moreland took them on a wonderful journey that I struggled to put down.
I was so glad to meet these two and the scene-stealing Pumpkin! If you are looking for a feel good, slightly spicy read then this is it!
]]> <![CDATA[Out of the Gate (Gold Rush Ranch, #1.5)]]> 57516710 Dermot Harding is ten years older than me. A family friend. An employee on my father’s ranch.

But I’ve loved him as long as I can remember.

At eighteen, I kissed him and he pushed me away. He said I was too young.

The army took him from me for three long years, but now he’s back at Gold Rush Ranch—looking at me like he’s never looked at me before. Letting his hands linger longer than they should. Offering to help me train the racehorse I’ve always dreamed of owning.

I say that I’ve moved on, but our chemistry? It’s electric. It’s overpowering. And soon all our reasons for staying away from each other fall away, along with our clothes.

He says he’s too old and too broken for someone like me. He says we can never work. But his body tells another story.

I put my pride on the line for him once before.

Am I a fool to risk it again?]]> 112 Elsie Silver Elizabeth 3 It’s the set up for a series (that I haven’t read) where the patriarch/matriarch of a future family come together.

I liked Dermot and Ada, but I will say that the length of the book made it hard to really get to know them in depth. I will say this makes me slightly curious about the series and this author. ]]> 3.67 2021 Out of the Gate (Gold Rush Ranch, #1.5)
author: Elsie Silver
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/11
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves:
review:
This was an entertaining, quick read of a prequel.
It’s the set up for a series (that I haven’t read) where the patriarch/matriarch of a future family come together.

I liked Dermot and Ada, but I will say that the length of the book made it hard to really get to know them in depth. I will say this makes me slightly curious about the series and this author.
]]> <![CDATA[Rafferty (Pittsburgh Titans, #15)]]> 218181856 Rafferty Abrams has been having the time of his life since joining the Pittsburgh Titans, but a poorly thought out one-night stand is about to cause unwanted drama with potentially serious repercussions.

As a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, I’m afforded a certain level of leniency in my behavior. The perks of being a celebrity, I suppose. But a run-in with my “one-night stand turned borderline stalker� has me crossing all sorts of lines with a beautiful but unsuspecting grocery store employee. When I surprise the complete stranger with a giant kiss and quiet plea to help a guy out, she not only plays along but gets my blood racing like I’ve never experienced before. Score one for Rafferty Abrams.

Temperence Martin isn’t just the stunning girl in the international foods aisle. Tempe is also a devoted daughter taking a break from college to help her mother as she heals from a serious accident. That includes making sure her younger brother stays on track with school and keeping everything running at home. To say she’s burning the candle at both ends is an understatement, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t see the spark in her eyes after our spontaneous make out session. That’s exactly what has me coming back for more, even if I use that pesky stalker as my excuse.

As we get to know one another, I realize a fake relationship just isn’t going to work. I want something other than a ruse, something real, and lucky for me, so does Tempe. But when my mistake of a hookup starts telling lies in retaliation for my alleged betrayal, things get messy. For me and for Tempe, who has found herself embroiled in a love triangle that doesn’t even exist. I can only hope Tempe isn’t scared away by the baggage I unintentionally brought to our relationship because the truth is, I saw my happily ever after with her the first time our lips met.]]> Sawyer Bennett Elizabeth 4
Raff is one of those newer players and he finds himself in a tight spot when he stumbles on the perfect girl for him (all while escaping the WRONG one). Tempe is a college student home to care for her mother as she recovers from a horrible accident.

While Raff and Tempe have one of the more unique meet cutes in the series, I truly enjoyed them together. They had a fantastic dynamic from the get go and seemed to gel with each other. It made me root for them and wonder just what direction their conflict would come from. I appreciated that the conflict was external and gave them the opportunity to see how each responded under pressure vs pitting them against each other.

As book 15 in the series, it’s safe to say the secondary cast could get out of control. Ms Bennet handled that well by focusing on the players that interact with Raff the most (as well as key team staff). There are some favorites that we get to visit as well as getting to know future main characters a bit better. We also get to meet Rafferty’s sister when she appears in Pittsburgh unexpectedly. Something tells me she will be a feature player in the near future and I can’t wait! ]]> 4.19 2025 Rafferty (Pittsburgh Titans, #15)
author: Sawyer Bennett
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/11
date added: 2025/01/11
shelves:
review:
Rafferty brings us back to the world of the Pittsburgh Titans in their 2nd year post tragedy. This is a tight knit group that has opened their arms to the newer team members and continues to impress with the family like atmosphere.

Raff is one of those newer players and he finds himself in a tight spot when he stumbles on the perfect girl for him (all while escaping the WRONG one). Tempe is a college student home to care for her mother as she recovers from a horrible accident.

While Raff and Tempe have one of the more unique meet cutes in the series, I truly enjoyed them together. They had a fantastic dynamic from the get go and seemed to gel with each other. It made me root for them and wonder just what direction their conflict would come from. I appreciated that the conflict was external and gave them the opportunity to see how each responded under pressure vs pitting them against each other.

As book 15 in the series, it’s safe to say the secondary cast could get out of control. Ms Bennet handled that well by focusing on the players that interact with Raff the most (as well as key team staff). There are some favorites that we get to visit as well as getting to know future main characters a bit better. We also get to meet Rafferty’s sister when she appears in Pittsburgh unexpectedly. Something tells me she will be a feature player in the near future and I can’t wait!
]]> <![CDATA[Visions of Darkness (Darkness, #1)]]> 213004869 Destined to be together, forbidden to love, two lost souls fight evil in an everyday world that belongs to the night. A dark romantasy by a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.

Aria Rialta is a girl of two realities. One she was born to. The other she was chosen for. Both are a threat.

Every night when Aria falls asleep, she enters the nightmare world of Faydor to fight a war. It’s her calling to help destroy the Kruen, who feed sin and chaos to our everyday world of vulnerable humans. It would be a lonely realm in which to do battle if not for Pax, Aria’s dangerously irresistible soulmate whose mere touch can kill. It’s also a realm that’s getting harder to escape.

Aria’s hallucinations are seeping into her waking world. And the Kruen are coming for her. To help Aria, Pax must do what no one in Faydor has dared to do before—join his soulmate in the light of day. Giving in to their forbidden attraction could be the death of them, but they might not be able to stop themselves as they embark on a cross-country journey to fight the evils hunting them.

As their desire grows, so do Aria’s untapped powers, and a menacing new force far darker than the Kruen.
]]> 378 A.L. Jackson 1662524935 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, paranormal There is a lot of world building in Vision of Darkness, but this is well balanced with letting us get to know Aria and Pax as people.
One of the things I appreciated about this story is that the physical intimacy which is usually such a big part of Ms Jackson’s stories shifted to be more in line with Aria’s age. The tangible presentation of their budding relationship was more subtle and felt more realistic.
There is a lot going on here and Ms Jackson does an excellent job of blending the fantasy, romantic relationship, and family dynamic into everything so it doesn’t feel like the details are lost.
My one complaint - if you can call it that - was the ending. I get that this is probably the first book of a series, but the story had a truly good stopping place and we went past that to get the “hook� for the next book. I understand why and it worked well based on the story told here, but it felt a little unnecessary.
Overall, if you enjoy a good paranormal read then this is one I can definitely recommend in terms of interesting characters and good storytelling. ]]> 3.78 Visions of Darkness (Darkness, #1)
author: A.L. Jackson
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.78
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/06
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves: arc, eram, paranormal
review:
Ms Jackson is someone on my favorite author list, so when she decided to try her hand at a new genre, so I was all for giving it a try. I’m so glad I did!
There is a lot of world building in Vision of Darkness, but this is well balanced with letting us get to know Aria and Pax as people.
One of the things I appreciated about this story is that the physical intimacy which is usually such a big part of Ms Jackson’s stories shifted to be more in line with Aria’s age. The tangible presentation of their budding relationship was more subtle and felt more realistic.
There is a lot going on here and Ms Jackson does an excellent job of blending the fantasy, romantic relationship, and family dynamic into everything so it doesn’t feel like the details are lost.
My one complaint - if you can call it that - was the ending. I get that this is probably the first book of a series, but the story had a truly good stopping place and we went past that to get the “hook� for the next book. I understand why and it worked well based on the story told here, but it felt a little unnecessary.
Overall, if you enjoy a good paranormal read then this is one I can definitely recommend in terms of interesting characters and good storytelling.
]]> <![CDATA[A Nordic King (Nordic Royals, #3)]]> 41957608 A widowed father of two little girls. The beautiful nanny he's hired to raise them. A forbidden romance unlike any other. A Nordic King is the newest standalone royal romance from the New York Times Bestselling author of The Pact and The Swedish Prince.

When I first applied for the job I thought it would be like all the others: working as a nanny for an aristocratic family.
Then I got the job and found out how wrong I was.

Now I’m the new nanny for two adorable little girls who happen to be princesses.

Their father is the widowed King of Denmark.
And my new home? The royal palace in Copenhagen.
Adjusting to my new life isn't easy but the hardest part hasn’t been the girls who still grieve over the loss of their mother.

It’s their father.

Cold, mysterious and moody, with an icy stare that seems to penetrate your soul, King Aksel may have hired me to take care of his daughters but he wants as little to do with me as possible.

Yet the longer I share these palace walls with this man, the more that I’m drawn to him. His chiseled face and sexual swagger are only part of the package. It’s in the long, intense glances at the dinner table, the way we’ll brush up against each other in the halls, the rare glimpses of the man deep inside, like the sun passing through clouds.

But no matter how I feel about him, we can never be together.

You think it's bad enough being in love with your boss?

Try falling in love with a king.

A Nordic King is a 100% complete standalone story and a spinoff of The Swedish Prince and The Wild Heir.
This book contains GRAPHIC SEX SCENES AND FOUL LANGUAGE - reader discretion is advised]]> 378 Karina Halle Elizabeth 4 I enjoyed meeting Askel and Aurora in this nanny to a king romance. Both characters were interesting and I enjoyed getting to see behind the walls to who these two really are.
The first half of the story was the classic forbidden boss/employee story line where they struggled to get to know each other and the second half was them figuring out how to make their love work in the real world.
This was a solid 3.5 star read for me, except for when Aurora and Askel finally crossed the line in their physical realtionship. It just seemed strangley impersonable for two people falling in love. ]]> 3.94 2018 A Nordic King (Nordic Royals, #3)
author: Karina Halle
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/01/03
shelves:
review:
This is a prime reading book that was on my kindle and I finally dove in.
I enjoyed meeting Askel and Aurora in this nanny to a king romance. Both characters were interesting and I enjoyed getting to see behind the walls to who these two really are.
The first half of the story was the classic forbidden boss/employee story line where they struggled to get to know each other and the second half was them figuring out how to make their love work in the real world.
This was a solid 3.5 star read for me, except for when Aurora and Askel finally crossed the line in their physical realtionship. It just seemed strangley impersonable for two people falling in love.
]]> Wyatt (Lucky River Ranch, #2) 214037675 Roping horses leads to riding cowboys in this sexy friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, lessons-in-seduction romance by Jessica Peterson.

Wyatt Rivers is the perfect no-strings hookup—a cowboy Casanova who rocks a Stetson, looks smokin� hot in his Wranglers, and never rests his head on the same pillow twice.

He’s exactly what I’m looking for. If only Wyatt wasn’t also my best friend�

I’m back in my hometown of Harstville, Texas, for a few months while I wait for my dream job to start thousands of miles away. While I’m here, I hope to end an epic dry spell in the bedroom, preferably with a local cowboy. If the rumors are true, they really do ride harder and stay on longer.

Wyatt and I have been best friends since second grade, and I’ve been in love with him for almost as long. But he’s as wild and untamed as a colt that can’t be broken—not to mention, totally out of my league with his good looks and heartbreaker reputation.

Then I get to thinking: since Wyatt is such an expert, why doesn’t he teach me the ropes of how to find a hookup? He begrudgingly agrees, and a little fake flirting suddenly leads to fake dating, which leads to real kissing, which leads to real…well, everything else.

And let me just say, the rumors are absolutely true.

Now, I want so badly to be Wyatt’s last rodeo. But I’m leaving town, and even if I wasn’t, I’m not sure Wyatt would ever change his playboy ways.

I know cowboys can’t be tamed. Apparently, neither can hearts�

WYATT is an interconnected standalone novel in the Lucky River Ranch series.]]> 362 Jessica Peterson Elizabeth 4 Timing wise, most of this story takes place in between Cash and Mollie finding their happily ever after and the epilogue of their book.

Based on what we knew of Wyatt going in, I will say that this story was unexpected in the best way I enjoyed getting to know Wyatt and Sally better and seeing them get out of their own way.

Equally sweet and spicy, this was definitely a feel good read that has me curious about the other 3 Rivers boys.
This is a series that should be read in order to get the full impact!]]> 4.07 2024 Wyatt (Lucky River Ranch, #2)
author: Jessica Peterson
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves:
review:
Wyatt is book 2 in the Lucky Rivers Ranch series. While this is a stand alone, it leans heavily on the world building done in Cash’s book.
Timing wise, most of this story takes place in between Cash and Mollie finding their happily ever after and the epilogue of their book.

Based on what we knew of Wyatt going in, I will say that this story was unexpected in the best way I enjoyed getting to know Wyatt and Sally better and seeing them get out of their own way.

Equally sweet and spicy, this was definitely a feel good read that has me curious about the other 3 Rivers boys.
This is a series that should be read in order to get the full impact!
]]> His Orc Charioteer Bride 199219115 316 K. R. Treadway Elizabeth 0 did-not-finish 4.47 His Orc Charioteer Bride
author: K. R. Treadway
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.47
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2025/01/01
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: did-not-finish
review:

]]> <![CDATA[See Me After Class (Steamy Teacher Romances, #1)]]> 55287407 "Did you have relations with my brother . . ."

Good question.

I’d like to preface this by saying it was never my intention to ever get involved in a workplace romance, let alone get involved with the most surly, agitating, and pompous man I’ve ever met who just so happens to be my new friend’s brother.

My intentions were to show students how English and reading books could actually be fun and make a new life for myself in the suburbs of Chicago.

But so far, I’ve managed to be called into the principal’s office.

Coerced into participating in the teacher's badminton league.

And instigated into passionate fights with Arlo Turner over education and decorum while losing my underwear at the same time.

Known as Mr. Turns Me On, he’s the reason I might get fired from my first ever teaching job.]]> 430 Meghan Quinn Elizabeth 4 This is a book that I picked up for free by an author that I have genuinely liked in the past, but don’t necessarily read enough of.
Greer is a first year teacher/coach with lots of unique ideas. She runs into friction with department head, Arlo, in this slight age gap, work place romance.
To be honest, I had to set aside Greer’s age here- mainly because she is written way more mature (mostly) than the 24 year olds I know.
The work place/adversaries to lovers tropes worked well here. Greer integrated well into Arlo’s world and it was neat to see her be the thorn that caused him to slowly evolve.
Overall, this is an entertaining read with subtle touches on emotional topics. There seems to be some cross over with other works - especially amongst the secondary cast. While this is a standalone, some of the world building seems to indicate things the reader is expected to know. This is not enough to necessarily detract from See Me After Class, but it does make me curious about where I might see these stories play out. I am also a bit curious about future books featuring this group and will we see more Arlo and Greer? ]]> 4.13 2020 See Me After Class (Steamy Teacher Romances, #1)
author: Meghan Quinn
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/24
date added: 2024/12/25
shelves:
review:
3.5 stars
This is a book that I picked up for free by an author that I have genuinely liked in the past, but don’t necessarily read enough of.
Greer is a first year teacher/coach with lots of unique ideas. She runs into friction with department head, Arlo, in this slight age gap, work place romance.
To be honest, I had to set aside Greer’s age here- mainly because she is written way more mature (mostly) than the 24 year olds I know.
The work place/adversaries to lovers tropes worked well here. Greer integrated well into Arlo’s world and it was neat to see her be the thorn that caused him to slowly evolve.
Overall, this is an entertaining read with subtle touches on emotional topics. There seems to be some cross over with other works - especially amongst the secondary cast. While this is a standalone, some of the world building seems to indicate things the reader is expected to know. This is not enough to necessarily detract from See Me After Class, but it does make me curious about where I might see these stories play out. I am also a bit curious about future books featuring this group and will we see more Arlo and Greer?
]]> Blinding Echo 43065281 Lovers at sixteen.
Going to be married at nineteen.

Until she woke up one day and couldn't remember me.

Leaving the small town was easy. Leaving her was my only regret. Ten years later, with a resume that said I had the perfect kill shot, I landed a job at a Security firm. Finding my way in the civilian life, I never thought it would be her I would find.

She still owned my heart. She still looked at me like I was a stranger. I wasn't leaving her again. This time, we were playing by my rules. I'd been given a second chance to right my wrongs and I was going to start by claiming what was mine.

We were lovers at twenty-eight.
Getting married at twenty-nine.

Until she woke up and remembered me.]]> 304 Tina Saxon 0998776270 Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.45 Blinding Echo
author: Tina Saxon
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Between Now and Forever 210832028 Neighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.

When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor.

Jay Stetson is 100 percent hero material with those arms, that chest, and his deliciously oh-so-sexy smirk. The chiseled hunk in flannel has an irresistible off-limits attitude while plucking Gabrielle out of the bushes and saving her from a snake. Unfortunately, he’s not indulging in what Gabrielle is offering—not with his emotional train wreck of a past.

Just neighbors. Just friends. Or so he says.

Secretly, he’s smitten with the single, fierce mama bear of two who plays Miss Fix-It at the house next door. He doesn’t even really mind the noise or the chaos her young sons cause. What he does mind is how his lonely heart races when looking into her emerald-colored eyes.

Can Jay let his painful memories go, or will he let the woman of his dreams slip between his fingers?]]> 253 Adriana Locke 1662512457 Elizabeth 4 arc, 2nd-chance
Gabby and her boys moved back to her hometown a year or so after a traumatic loss. Her cousin lives down the street, and they have built-in friends and a social circle to help them adapt. An unexpected development lives next door in the form of a reticent neighbor, Jay.

I enjoyed how Ms Locke had things unfold between Gabby and Jay. She gave us a front-row seat to both of them fighting their demons to try and be friends and more. Initially, Gabby seems to be further down the road regarding emotional growth, but Jay's struggles make more sense once he opens up. One of the things I most respected about this story was the weight Ms Locke gave to the feelings of Gabby's kids.

I know this is a stand-alone read, but the secondary cast of Bittersweet Circle has me curious about what might be going on in other houses!]]> 4.04 Between Now and Forever
author: Adriana Locke
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.04
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/16
date added: 2024/12/17
shelves: arc, 2nd-chance
review:
Ms Locke is known for her series about families, and while Between Now and Forever is a stand-alone read, that family theme is front and center.

Gabby and her boys moved back to her hometown a year or so after a traumatic loss. Her cousin lives down the street, and they have built-in friends and a social circle to help them adapt. An unexpected development lives next door in the form of a reticent neighbor, Jay.

I enjoyed how Ms Locke had things unfold between Gabby and Jay. She gave us a front-row seat to both of them fighting their demons to try and be friends and more. Initially, Gabby seems to be further down the road regarding emotional growth, but Jay's struggles make more sense once he opens up. One of the things I most respected about this story was the weight Ms Locke gave to the feelings of Gabby's kids.

I know this is a stand-alone read, but the secondary cast of Bittersweet Circle has me curious about what might be going on in other houses!
]]> Indiscretion 222505124
He's her boss. She's his greatest temptation.

The first time I met Dawson Reed, we wound up in bed.
The problem was, neither of us knew the other were there.
When I woke up in the middle of the night and found a stranger next to me, instinct kicked in and I attacked the intruder.
Only it turned out, the man wasn’t an intruder at all.
Dawson had rented this cabin, too. Apparently, a system glitch allowed a duplicate booking.
We’d soon find out we were in town for the same wedding, and Dawson was the groomsman I’d been warned about. He was as tall, dark and jaw-droppingly gorgeous as my best friend had described. Though she was also right when she’d said you two will hate each other.
When daylight rolled around, Dawson and I attempted to straighten out the mess we found ourselves in. But it proved to be more difficult than we initially thought. Since it was a holiday weekend, there wasn’t a single room available for more than fifty miles.
I suppose things could be worse than sharing a cabin for a weekend with a handsome man you despise.
Like maybe him winding up being your new boss?]]> 339 Vi Keeland 1959827855 Elizabeth 0 to-read 3.97 2025 Indiscretion
author: Vi Keeland
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Highland Beast (Sons of Sinclair, #4)]]> 61033481
Shana Drummond will do anything to protect her beloved sister. Now her cruel, merciless brother-in-law has called upon Bàs to have Shana killed for crimes she didn’t commit. She can’t reconcile the cold, lethal warrior before her with the gentle one she met—nay, kissed—only days before.

But mercy from Bàs can only lead to one thing: war among the clans. A war that will test allegiances, tear families apart, and challenge everything Bàs knows about himself and his heart. Because once this Highlander knows love, nothing will stop him from keeping Shana safe…even if it means destroying his own destiny.]]> 351 Heather McCollum 1649373449 Elizabeth 4 Bas and Shana’s story read very much as a stand alone! Both are layered characters that were easy to embrace and root for. I appreciated the fact that she seemed to be the first person to really see him and make him want a life potentially different than what he’d had.
Since this is book 4 in a series, there is a large secondary cast made of Bas’s family (mostly), but they integrated into the story well. You could see how Shana’s presence helped mellow relationships there as well.
I had the feeling that loyal series readers would be glad to see where previous leading couples were today, but as a new reader, I had no issues navigating this entertaining historical. ]]> 4.43 Highland Beast (Sons of Sinclair, #4)
author: Heather McCollum
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/12
date added: 2024/12/13
shelves:
review:
I picked up this new to me author in book 4 of a series. That’s usually a hard spot to be because either the series is wrapping up and the author is sprinkling a million bread crumbs for past characters or there is a lot of world building as the series gets ready to go a different direction. This did not suffer from either of those fates.
Bas and Shana’s story read very much as a stand alone! Both are layered characters that were easy to embrace and root for. I appreciated the fact that she seemed to be the first person to really see him and make him want a life potentially different than what he’d had.
Since this is book 4 in a series, there is a large secondary cast made of Bas’s family (mostly), but they integrated into the story well. You could see how Shana’s presence helped mellow relationships there as well.
I had the feeling that loyal series readers would be glad to see where previous leading couples were today, but as a new reader, I had no issues navigating this entertaining historical.
]]> <![CDATA[Cliffhaven: A Novel Of Romantic Suspense]]> 199323259 A gothic mansion crumbling to ruin. A tortured, brooding artist. And a brave art restorer determined to fix all that’s broken in a house full of secrets.

Elizabeth’s been running from ghosts all her life. She’s haunted by visions of her mother’s death, by phantoms of her childhood as an orphan. And after years in the foster care system, she’s learned that the best way to deal with problems is to outrun them.

But when she takes a job restoring art in a gothic mansion in the northern wilderness, Elizabeth starts to wonder if the ghosts have finally caught up to her. Cliffhaven is a wonder of architecture and art, with secret passageways and gloomy corridors. But something is wrong in the grand, decaying mansion. Fires don’t start on their own, and empty corridors can’t whisper her name.

And how can she run from the handsome, reclusive owner of the estate � Adam Arrington � when they have to live together? He’s brooding. Mysterious. Seductive. And just one passionate look sets her on fire. But why has Adam locked himself away in Cliffhaven’s lonely halls? What dark secrets does he keep, and do they have anything to do with his opposition to Elizabeth’s work?

In this labyrinth of secrets, Elizabeth is drawn into a magnificent yet terrifying world. Because something hides in the shadows, creeping through candlelit corridors, haunting her every move. Threatening her life.

When the sinister secrets Cliffhaven keeps threaten to destroy everything Elizabeth holds dear, she’ll have to stop running.
Before it’s too late.


Both a deeply romantic love story and a hauntingly thrilling suspense, Cliffhaven is the exciting debut novel from a compelling new talent.

Exquisitely sensual and atmospheric, Cliffhaven is a modern-day gothic romance for a new generation.

Don’t miss this sizzling romance with heart-pounding suspense.]]> 354 A. M. Grimm 1961535017 Elizabeth 4 Overall, an interesting read. Elizabeth, Adam, and Caroline were interesting characters. They all bring a great deal of baggage to the story.
I enjoyed getting to know them and the character that was Cliffhaven.
The mystery element here is strong and there are several convincing potential “bad� guys that could be blamed for the misfortune that haunts the house and Elizabeth in particular.

]]> 4.11 Cliffhaven: A Novel Of Romantic Suspense
author: A. M. Grimm
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/07
date added: 2024/12/07
shelves:
review:
3.5 stars
Overall, an interesting read. Elizabeth, Adam, and Caroline were interesting characters. They all bring a great deal of baggage to the story.
I enjoyed getting to know them and the character that was Cliffhaven.
The mystery element here is strong and there are several convincing potential “bad� guys that could be blamed for the misfortune that haunts the house and Elizabeth in particular.


]]> Formula Fling (Race Fever #1) 220104603 Welcome to Formula International, where legends are born and speed is king. From New York Times Bestselling Author Sawyer Bennett comes the Race Fever series, set within the fast-paced and dangerous world of formula racing.

Posey Evans is looking to take her career as a romance author to the next level, shifting from historical love stories to writing about the high stakes world of formula racing. Wanting to immerse herself in the sport, Posey manages to secure full access to the Crown Velocity Racing team by faking credentials as a journalist. When she’s granted unlimited face-to-face time with one of the teams� best drivers, Posey is equal parts elated and terrified because while she’s getting exactly what she wants, she can’t afford to have her secret exposed.

Lex Hamilton lives for the thrill of being one of the fastest and most decorated race car drivers in the sport. When he’s behind the wheel, he’s focused on one thing and one thing only—earning top spot on the podium. But off the track? Let’s just say his extracurricular activities have put him on a very short leash with the team management at Crown Velocity. He’s cocky, handsome, dripping with swagger, and not super happy to have what he considers a babysitter following his every move. Lex’s unwillingness to help doesn’t deter Posey but when he uncovers her secret, they strike a deal—he won’t reveal her truth if she helps him stay out of trouble and keep his job.

While many women would swoon at his feet, Posey isn’t interested in anything more than Lex’s racing knowledge. Mostly. As the season inches closer and passions ignite, time at the track leads to time in the bed. Having agreed there is an expiration date on their arrangement, what started as an assignment has the potential to go the distance as their physical relationship builds into something deeper. But when her secret is revealed, will Lex and Posey’s relationship hit a wall, or will this fling find its way to the checkered flag?]]> 231 Sawyer Bennett Elizabeth 4 arc As a house hold with a F1 fan, it was truly entertaining to dive into this homage to a romance writing FI fan and seeing the parallels between real life and the fictional Formula International.

Posey and Lex were both fun characters and fit into the molds I would expect from a Ms Bennett book. Their meet cute was unique and I enjoyed seeing them clash and then evolve to friends and potentially more.

As this is the first book in the series, there is some definite world building. There is a solid balance here between the Lex/Posey story line and the larger community development. I am curious to see what happens as the series unfolds. ]]> 3.95 2024 Formula Fling (Race Fever #1)
author: Sawyer Bennett
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/06
date added: 2024/12/06
shelves: arc
review:
A new series from Sawyer Bennett!
As a house hold with a F1 fan, it was truly entertaining to dive into this homage to a romance writing FI fan and seeing the parallels between real life and the fictional Formula International.

Posey and Lex were both fun characters and fit into the molds I would expect from a Ms Bennett book. Their meet cute was unique and I enjoyed seeing them clash and then evolve to friends and potentially more.

As this is the first book in the series, there is some definite world building. There is a solid balance here between the Lex/Posey story line and the larger community development. I am curious to see what happens as the series unfolds.
]]> <![CDATA[Game Changer (Las Vegas Vipers, #1)]]> 59821003
Hockey hottie Garrett Dubiak has been my best friend since college and the one constant in my life the past seven years. Through distance, career changes, and other relationships, we’ve always found our way back to each other.

Including one wild weekend this winter, when he finally told me he wanted more� wanted everything from me.

Too afraid to admit I felt the same, I told him I needed time.

Twelve weeks later, here I am, pregnant with his baby, alone, and terrified.

He’s my best friend. He deserves to know the truth.

So I swallow my fear, my pride, and I shoot my shot. I just hope he’s still willing to have me—and our baby.]]> 266 Stacey Lynn 0996275150 Elizabeth 4 This is a free read that has been lingering on my kindle for a while. I grabbed it while on a road trip (and without wi fi). While this is the first book in a new series, it seems to be picking up where previous books/series have left off. That created a slight sense of missing information as I got to know Garrett and Lizzie.

I liked these two, but found myself a bit frustrated with them. They seemed to go from one extreme of not speaking to saying “I love you� without really ever sitting down and having a conversation about the things keeping them apart.

There was an element of feeling like I was just dropped into the middle of their story that left me feeling a bit disoriented. This left me curious about the author’s back list, but I am not sure if I’d run out and find the other books. ]]> 3.60 2021 Game Changer (Las Vegas Vipers, #1)
author: Stacey Lynn
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/01
date added: 2024/12/01
shelves:
review:
3.5 stars
This is a free read that has been lingering on my kindle for a while. I grabbed it while on a road trip (and without wi fi). While this is the first book in a new series, it seems to be picking up where previous books/series have left off. That created a slight sense of missing information as I got to know Garrett and Lizzie.

I liked these two, but found myself a bit frustrated with them. They seemed to go from one extreme of not speaking to saying “I love you� without really ever sitting down and having a conversation about the things keeping them apart.

There was an element of feeling like I was just dropped into the middle of their story that left me feeling a bit disoriented. This left me curious about the author’s back list, but I am not sure if I’d run out and find the other books.
]]> Drunk Dial 35604204
It seemed like a good idea at the time. Look up Landon Roderick, that boy from childhood whom I’d never been able to forget—even though he so easily forgot about me—and call him.

Then again, anything sounds like a good idea when you’ve had a little too much wine before bed, right? It was supposed to be just a quick, meaningless, prank call. Instead, I went off on him—unloading thirteen years of pent-up emotions.

I didn’t think he’d call me back.

I certainly could never have anticipated the weeks of sexually tense phone conversations that followed as I got to know the man he’d become.

Turned out, Landon had never really forgotten me, either. That special connection we had was still there. I opened up to him, but there were also things about me he didn’t know. And he had his own secrets.

Over the countless hours we talked on the phone, I wondered what would happen if we actually saw each other. One night, I did something impulsive again. Only this time, I went to the airport and booked a ticket to California. We were about to find out if one phone call could bring two lost souls together or if my drunk dial really was all just a big mistake.

A complete STANDALONE.]]> 327 Penelope Ward Elizabeth 4 While there are elements of that here, this is also a surprisingly touching book.
Rana and Landon are both likeable and entertaining characters with emotional baggage weighing them down. The entertaining reconnection of these two childhood friends eased us into the emotional work that comes as their relationship develops.
I appreciated how both of our main characters were able to open up to each other and help each other through the healing process of unpacking the things weighing them down. ]]> 3.79 2017 Drunk Dial
author: Penelope Ward
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/30
date added: 2024/11/30
shelves:
review:
From the title and how this book started, I expected a purely fun read.
While there are elements of that here, this is also a surprisingly touching book.
Rana and Landon are both likeable and entertaining characters with emotional baggage weighing them down. The entertaining reconnection of these two childhood friends eased us into the emotional work that comes as their relationship develops.
I appreciated how both of our main characters were able to open up to each other and help each other through the healing process of unpacking the things weighing them down.
]]> Man Hunt (On a Manhunt, #1) 63846498 What’s worse than spilling coffee all over my billionaire boss? Accidentally emailing him my answers to a sex quiz.
That was me. I did that. I might be a genius, but that was really dumb.
I sneak into the office to delete it, but it’s too late. He knows my naughtiest fantasies.
Instead of firing me, he wants to fulfill every one of them.
He’s everything I didn’t know I wanted: Older, fiercely protective and a possessive streak the size of Montana.
But can he really want someone like me with a past full of man struggles and a head full of math problems?

Find out the answer in this steamy small town romance where a nerdy heroine is outsmarted by a lumberjack-sized billionaire in a test of love. With all the books in the On A Manhunt series, it’s always open season on men.]]> 346 Vanessa Vale 1795957352 Elizabeth 3
Bridgette and Maverick are opposites, but interesting together. I liked both and would have enjoyed a deeper dive into who they are. Definitely an insta love story, but with a slightly larger cast of secondary characters. Everything/one here is surface level.

If you are looking for a spicy escape read, this is it. ]]> 3.65 2022 Man Hunt (On a Manhunt, #1)
author: Vanessa Vale
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/28
date added: 2024/11/28
shelves:
review:
This is a book I picked up for free and it’s a spicy/fun read. I’ve read Ms Vale before and this met the expectation.

Bridgette and Maverick are opposites, but interesting together. I liked both and would have enjoyed a deeper dive into who they are. Definitely an insta love story, but with a slightly larger cast of secondary characters. Everything/one here is surface level.

If you are looking for a spicy escape read, this is it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mirror (The Lost Bride Trilogy, #2)]]> 203578918 #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts continues the hauntingly spectacular Lost Bride Trilogy with book two, The Mirror.

When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.]]> 435 Nora Roberts 1250288770 Elizabeth 4 I have read both books of The Lost Bride Trilogy close to publication date, so it did take me a second to get back in the grove of the story.

As expected with Ms Roberts, this is well written with robust characters. The Mirror jumps right into the action regarding the history/mystery around the Poole family and manor. The focus here is definitely family and relationships.
I continued to enjoy Sonya, Cleo, Trey, and Owen along with their 4 legged sidekicks. This is a group of friends that it has been easy to become invested with and root for. I also love the extended families that play secondary roles here too.

After reading the first two book of the Lost Bride Trilogy, I am excited to see the conclusion! ]]> 4.01 2024 The Mirror (The Lost Bride Trilogy, #2)
author: Nora Roberts
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/26
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves:
review:
The Mirror is the middle book of a trilogy and while it can work well as a stand alone, it really needs to be read in order to get the full enjoyment.
I have read both books of The Lost Bride Trilogy close to publication date, so it did take me a second to get back in the grove of the story.

As expected with Ms Roberts, this is well written with robust characters. The Mirror jumps right into the action regarding the history/mystery around the Poole family and manor. The focus here is definitely family and relationships.
I continued to enjoy Sonya, Cleo, Trey, and Owen along with their 4 legged sidekicks. This is a group of friends that it has been easy to become invested with and root for. I also love the extended families that play secondary roles here too.

After reading the first two book of the Lost Bride Trilogy, I am excited to see the conclusion!
]]> My Favorite Holidate 219396580 Wanted: one hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous when you kiss me under the mistletoe at all the holiday parties. Bonus points if you make him cry.

To my surprise my billionaire boss is more than up for the challenge of coming down the chimney as my holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one at a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and I’m the maid of honor.

And since my ex is in the wedding party too, my boss and I team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season, including during the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.

But soon staying up late to string the best popcorn balls ever turns into a scorching night in his arms where the chestnuts aren’t the only thing roasting on the open fire.

Can all these winter wonderland nights seeking revenge turn into the real thing when we return to the office? Or are we destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s?]]> 498 Lauren Blakely 196404829X Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, holiday Life got in the way of reading time lately and I'm so sad that it interfered with spending time with Wilder and Fable. They are both genuinely fun and good people that were entertaining to spend time with.

The set up here is a unique spin on the revenge/fake date plot and Ms Blakely delivers a winner.
My Favorite Holidate is a stand-alone read, but it is very connected to previous series by Ms Blakely. The secondary cast plays key roles here both in propping our leads up and in moving the story along.
There are several couples that pop back in to let us see where they are now and even a few hints about who may be featured in future stories. ]]> 3.88 2024 My Favorite Holidate
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/22
date added: 2024/11/22
shelves: arc, eram, holiday
review:
The book was so fun that I am sad it took me so long to read it!
Life got in the way of reading time lately and I'm so sad that it interfered with spending time with Wilder and Fable. They are both genuinely fun and good people that were entertaining to spend time with.

The set up here is a unique spin on the revenge/fake date plot and Ms Blakely delivers a winner.
My Favorite Holidate is a stand-alone read, but it is very connected to previous series by Ms Blakely. The secondary cast plays key roles here both in propping our leads up and in moving the story along.
There are several couples that pop back in to let us see where they are now and even a few hints about who may be featured in future stories.
]]> Speak of the Devil 61937349
My soon-to-be ex-husband.

Shane Faris is taller than I remember. Scruffier. More attractive than ever. Figures.

Sporting a sinful smirk that tells me he hears “Yes� too much, he returns the divorce papers I sent him—still unsigned—and makes a request of his own.

One more night, for old times' sake.

He’s partied his way through time zones, collecting ink on his skin to commemorate events I wasn’t a part of. While I struggled to earn my degrees, Shane chased fame and made memories without me.

It’s time to move on.

So why does his presence cause my heart to kick up a beat and my cheeks to blush when he sends me a wink? I can’t resist him. And he is my husband, after all, if only for a few more days.

When one night becomes two lines on a pregnancy test, we must decide whether this is a second chance worth taking together.]]> S.L. Scott 196262627X Elizabeth 4
Shane is the third member of Faris Wheel - the cousin behind the drums we’ve met as we watched Nikki and Laird fall in love with their partners. He is paired with Cate, the girl he had a mutual crush with in school.

The meet “cute� behind these two reconnecting at 30 was unique and unexpected as was how things played out over the next year.

I enjoyed meeting both characters and how they helped each other evolve- even when it didn’t look like they would find a way to each other. The friendship, support, and love were clearly evident as they navigated the difficultly in a famous musicians life.

While this can be read as a standalone, Shane’s cousins are key secondary characters, so having at least read Laird’s book will add to the enjoyment of the book. I have enjoyed getting the know the Faris cousins and can’t wait to see what Ms Scott has for us next! ]]> 3.83 Speak of the Devil
author: S.L. Scott
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2024/11/14
shelves:
review:
Speak of the Devil was not at all what I expected- in the best way!

Shane is the third member of Faris Wheel - the cousin behind the drums we’ve met as we watched Nikki and Laird fall in love with their partners. He is paired with Cate, the girl he had a mutual crush with in school.

The meet “cute� behind these two reconnecting at 30 was unique and unexpected as was how things played out over the next year.

I enjoyed meeting both characters and how they helped each other evolve- even when it didn’t look like they would find a way to each other. The friendship, support, and love were clearly evident as they navigated the difficultly in a famous musicians life.

While this can be read as a standalone, Shane’s cousins are key secondary characters, so having at least read Laird’s book will add to the enjoyment of the book. I have enjoyed getting the know the Faris cousins and can’t wait to see what Ms Scott has for us next!
]]> <![CDATA[My Darling Jane (The Darlings, #2)]]> 210670146 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills returns with a sexy he-falls-first sports romance about a quarterback and his frenemy-matchmaker.

On an ordinary day, Jane Darling wouldn’t be caught dead in a sports bar wearing a toga with angel wings. But she’s desperate to launch her matchmaking business to secure her young daughter’s future. Her to attract new clients at any cost.

Her Cupid outfit catches the eye of New York’s beloved star quarterback, Jasper Jannich. She and Jasper have always clashed, but when a pushy admirer goes too far, he steps in as an unexpected knight in shining armor.

He offers a tantalizing to be Cupid’s Arrow’s premier client. Reluctantly, Jane agrees, aware of the business potential despite her reservations about Jasper and his playboy reputation.

As she sets him up on date after date, it grows clear that Jane’s the only woman he wants.

She is his goal, his endgame.

She’s not not interested…but her heart has been burned before. To get anywhere, they’ll need courage and faith, not just sizzling chemistry.

He’s ready to make the pass. Is his darling ready to catch it?]]> 295 Ilsa Madden-Mills 1662514034 Elizabeth 4 arc
When we first meet these two, there seems to be animosity but I never really understood why. It was entertaining to see them get to know each other and gradually get to know the people behind the assumptions.

As always, My Darling Jane is well written and touches on issues other than the brewing romance. We see Jasper and Jane deal with the past trauma they bring to the table with a grace that made me root for both of them!

It took me a little while to get into My Darling Jane, not because of any issues with the book, but just because of life. I wish I had picked the book up when I could have snuggled in and just read for a couple of hours. I am curious to see what happens when the Darling brother finds love! ]]> 4.03 My Darling Jane (The Darlings, #2)
author: Ilsa Madden-Mills
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/09
date added: 2024/11/09
shelves: arc
review:
Jane is the middle of the Darling siblings, we met the family when her sister Emmy fell in love. Jasper is a professional quarterback and friends with Jane’s brother in law.

When we first meet these two, there seems to be animosity but I never really understood why. It was entertaining to see them get to know each other and gradually get to know the people behind the assumptions.

As always, My Darling Jane is well written and touches on issues other than the brewing romance. We see Jasper and Jane deal with the past trauma they bring to the table with a grace that made me root for both of them!

It took me a little while to get into My Darling Jane, not because of any issues with the book, but just because of life. I wish I had picked the book up when I could have snuggled in and just read for a couple of hours. I am curious to see what happens when the Darling brother finds love!
]]> The Hook Up (Game On, #1) 203854079 #SpicyTok sensation and New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan’s sexy Game On football romance series � with exclusive bonus content.


The no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone and above all...no falling in love.

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is most definitely not on her to-do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy, right?

Too bad he’s committed to breaking all of the rules...

Football has been good to Drew. It’s given him recognition, two National Championships and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humour and blatant disregard for his fame turn him on like nothing else. But there’s one she’s shut him down. Completely.

That is...until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives, along with the possibility of something great. Unfortunately, Anna wants it to remain a hook up. Now it’s up to Drew to tempt her with more sex, more satisfaction, more time with him. Until she’s truly hooked. It’s a good thing Drew knows all about winning.

All’s fair in love and football...game on.]]> 400 Kristen Callihan 1335015876 Elizabeth 0 to-read 3.67 2014 The Hook Up (Game On, #1)
author: Kristen Callihan
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Invitation (Brewer Family, #3)]]> 217114511
So why am I cuddling on his lap, peering into his ocean-blue eyes while cameras record our every move?

My best friend needs my help to save her career, and I would do anything for her. Besides, filming a reality show sounds fun � until Ripley shows up to play the role of my fake boyfriend.

As always, we nearly come to blows within minutes of seeing each other. The playboy billionaire accuses me of a setup, but I insist I’d rather live in a world without carbs than spend a minute with him.

At some point during the melee, we sign contracts. I can’t stand the look of his six feet two inches of chiseled abs and broad shoulders. And I loathe his arrogance. But now that he’s my pretend beau, I’m stuck acting like I’m falling in love with my biggest enemy.

It turns out that Ripley’s a good actor, too. Every soft touch on the small of my back makes my heart thump faster. His sultry smirk feels like it’s only for me. I should detest every word that passes his kissable lips.

Is this all a ruse, or does Ripley want to end this episode of The Invitation going from enemies to lovers? Because now? I’m not convinced I can despise him anymore.]]> Adriana Locke Elizabeth 4 arc, eram
This time, we meet Ripley, a brother we haven't seen much of in previous books. He is forced to work with his nemesis in social circles, Georgia, in an unexpected situation. I loved these two! Their original banter gave the sense that the "hatred" between them wasn't as extreme as they liked to believe it to be.

The story that unfolded between Ripley and Georgia ended up being very heartwarming as they actually got to know each other. I appreciated that Ms Locke took the time to let them navigate the winding path from "enemies" to friends to more. The fact that they finally really listened to each other and showed that in both small and big gestures had me hoping that they will find a way together.

The Invitation is a stand-alone read in the Brewer Family series. Elements of world-building in the previous books add to the enjoyment here, but it's not 100% necessary to read the books in order. We also get to see more of the Brewer family and I am curious to see who might have a story next. ]]> 4.22 2024 The Invitation (Brewer Family, #3)
author: Adriana Locke
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/03
date added: 2024/11/03
shelves: arc, eram
review:
Ms Locke is known for her family based series and The Invitation reinforces that reputation by continuing the tales of the Brewer family.

This time, we meet Ripley, a brother we haven't seen much of in previous books. He is forced to work with his nemesis in social circles, Georgia, in an unexpected situation. I loved these two! Their original banter gave the sense that the "hatred" between them wasn't as extreme as they liked to believe it to be.

The story that unfolded between Ripley and Georgia ended up being very heartwarming as they actually got to know each other. I appreciated that Ms Locke took the time to let them navigate the winding path from "enemies" to friends to more. The fact that they finally really listened to each other and showed that in both small and big gestures had me hoping that they will find a way together.

The Invitation is a stand-alone read in the Brewer Family series. Elements of world-building in the previous books add to the enjoyment here, but it's not 100% necessary to read the books in order. We also get to see more of the Brewer family and I am curious to see who might have a story next.
]]> More Than a Fling 51063280 Laney: It all started with a blind date. For him, at least. Me? I didn’t even know I was on a date with the guy. Honestly, I probably would’ve botched it up if I did. Instead, I just dazzled him with how awkward and odd I am—exactly the kind of qualities any man is looking for in the new PR manager assigned to him, right? Seriously, story of my life. I regrouped though, you have to give me that. Now, all I have to do is not fall hopelessly in love with the hot, gritty, good-deed-doing man while working with him over the next few weeks. Yep, easy peasey�

Gary: Talk about memorable first meetings. It would be just my luck that the smart, sweet woman I thought was my blind date would turn out to be the PR guru from New York attached to my upcoming project. Here I thought the universe got it right for once. That’s okay though, I actually like this better. I figure a few weeks working on this campaign I’ve put my blood and sweat into will be a great way to get to know her better. Sure, there’s a few hurdles to navigate past here. And yeah, I realize her living a thousand miles away from me isn’t even the biggest one�

Author’s Note: This brand new sweet & steamy standalone short is actually a crossover novella with cameos (aka meddling) by a few characters you may recognize from the Irresistible Curves series (Claiming Her Curves and Capturing Her Curves) and the Untouchable Curves series (Curvy Seduction), not to mention a quick run-in with the fabulous matriarch of the His to Claim series herself. So many worlds colliding, so much fun making it happen. You don’t have to have read any of the other books to read this standalone, but if you have read them, I hope you enjoy getting to catch up with them all as they meddle the heck out of Laney & Gary’s hot happily-ever-after.]]> 126 Christa Wick Elizabeth 4 free-read Laney and Gary are both interesting and likeable characters whom I enjoyed getting to know.

I have read some of Ms Wick’s work in the past, so gladly picked this one up when I saw it was free. Give. The length of the book, I’d be reluctant to pay too much for it, but it was just what I needed in my Covid 19 quarantine funk. ]]> 4.16 2020 More Than a Fling
author: Christa Wick
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/04/12
date added: 2024/10/30
shelves: free-read
review:
This was a fun, quick insta-lust turned love read.
Laney and Gary are both interesting and likeable characters whom I enjoyed getting to know.

I have read some of Ms Wick’s work in the past, so gladly picked this one up when I saw it was free. Give. The length of the book, I’d be reluctant to pay too much for it, but it was just what I needed in my Covid 19 quarantine funk.
]]> <![CDATA[Bull Moon Rising (Royal Artifactual Guild, #1)]]> 205435930 The special first edition hardcover will include a gorgeous, shimmering jacket with effects, brilliantly illustrated four-color endpapers, striking and detailed-stained edges, and a beautiful foil-stamped case.

In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner, in this steamy romantasy by USA Today bestselling author Ruby Dixon.

As a Holder’s daughter, Aspeth Honori knows the importance of magical artifacts . . . which is why it’s a disaster that her father has gambled all theirs away. Now that her family is in danger of losing their hold—and their heads—if anyone finds out the truth, Aspeth decides to do something about it. She’ll join the Royal Artifactual Guild and the adventurers who explore ancient underground ruins to retrieve the coveted arcane items.

It’s a great plan—with one big problem. The guild won’t let her train because she’s a woman. Aspeth needs a chaperone of some kind. The best way to get around this problem? Marry someone who will let her become an apprentice. Who better than a surly guild member who requires a favor of his own? He’s a minotaur (it’s fine) who is her teacher (also fine) . . . and he’s about to go into rut (which is where it gets tricky). He also has no idea she’s a noble (oops), and he’ll want nothing to do with her if he discovers her real identity.

Now Aspeth just has to pass the guild tests, thwart a fortune hunter, and save her hold—oh, and survive a rut with her monstrous, horned husband, whom she might be falling in love with.

It’s time to dig deep. Literally.]]> 432 Ruby Dixon 0593817028 Elizabeth 4 arc This is a book that I picked up on Net Galley because the premise was interesting.
I enjoyed meeting Aspeth and Hawk, but have to admit that I had a bit of a hard time getting invested in the story. I'm not sure if the issue was the fact that Ms Dixon is a new author to me or that the world involved is brand new.

Aspeth is a bit spoiled and her expectations of real life are unrealistic. We see most of the story from her point of view. We see her mature and evolve in slightly unexpected ways, making her easier to like. Hawk and the other five fledglings support her evolution and grow on the reader.

There is definitely commentary on societal norms (past and present) that influence the story as well.
Overall, Bull Moon Rising was entertaining, but I'm not sure I am invested in the world around the Guild enough to come back and see what happens next. ]]> 3.94 2024 Bull Moon Rising (Royal Artifactual Guild, #1)
author: Ruby Dixon
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/27
date added: 2024/10/27
shelves: arc
review:
3.5 Stars
This is a book that I picked up on Net Galley because the premise was interesting.
I enjoyed meeting Aspeth and Hawk, but have to admit that I had a bit of a hard time getting invested in the story. I'm not sure if the issue was the fact that Ms Dixon is a new author to me or that the world involved is brand new.

Aspeth is a bit spoiled and her expectations of real life are unrealistic. We see most of the story from her point of view. We see her mature and evolve in slightly unexpected ways, making her easier to like. Hawk and the other five fledglings support her evolution and grow on the reader.

There is definitely commentary on societal norms (past and present) that influence the story as well.
Overall, Bull Moon Rising was entertaining, but I'm not sure I am invested in the world around the Guild enough to come back and see what happens next.
]]> <![CDATA[From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, #1)]]> 215352156 I should have known everything was going to change when she walked into my tattoo shop...
Timid as hell and gorgeous to the extreme. I knew better than even thinking about touching a woman like that.
My life is dangerous.
My calling wicked.
Willing to cross any line to protect the innocent.
I thought I’d never see her again until my little boy tumbled and busted his lip, and I found her working at the doctor’s office.
The woman who’d taken possession of my thoughts.
When it becomes clear she’s in trouble, I offer up a deal.
Twenty questions to earn her trust.
Too bad trusting me is the last thing she should do.
With one kiss, I’m addicted. With one night, we’re falling into a passion greater than either of us has ever known.
The voices in my head warn I can never keep her. She can’t know the secret life I lead.
Only she’s keeping a secret, too.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means losing everything…]]> 414 A.L. Jackson 1960730371 Elizabeth 4 We meet River along with his sister, son, and crew and get glimpses into the hard lives they lived to be where they are now. He is paired with Charleigh and oh my, the baggage this poor girl carried!

Ms Jackson uses her unique style to let us see where River and Charleigh are right now and gradually peel back the layers. It was impossible to not be invested in these characters and their story.

As with many of Ms Jackson’s couples there is an element of fate bringing these people together at just the right time. It was a true pleasure to see personalities and relationships blossom.

The secondary cast is fairly limited, but the players we see make a real impact, I can’t wait to see this world expand in future stories. ]]> 4.28 From Here to Eternity (Moonlit Ridge, #1)
author: A.L. Jackson
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/21
date added: 2024/10/22
shelves:
review:
From Here to Eternity introduces us to a new community in a spin off series from Redemption Hills.
We meet River along with his sister, son, and crew and get glimpses into the hard lives they lived to be where they are now. He is paired with Charleigh and oh my, the baggage this poor girl carried!

Ms Jackson uses her unique style to let us see where River and Charleigh are right now and gradually peel back the layers. It was impossible to not be invested in these characters and their story.

As with many of Ms Jackson’s couples there is an element of fate bringing these people together at just the right time. It was a true pleasure to see personalities and relationships blossom.

The secondary cast is fairly limited, but the players we see make a real impact, I can’t wait to see this world expand in future stories.
]]> The Hook Up (Game On, #1) 203843507 The #SpicyTok favorite GAME ON series by New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan brings the heat. Are you ready for it?

The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone and above all…no falling in love.

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is most definitely not on her to-do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy, right?

Football has been good to Drew—two National Championships and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humor and blatant disregard for his fame turn him on like nothing else. But there’s one problem: she’s shut him down. Completely.

That is…until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives. Anna wants it to remain a hook up, but Drew sees the possibility of something great. Now it’s up to him to persuade her. It’s a good thing Drew knows all about winning. As the saying goes, All’s fair in love and football…Game on.]]> 354 Kristen Callihan Elizabeth 0 to-read 3.90 2014 The Hook Up (Game On, #1)
author: Kristen Callihan
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Variation 210482187 New York Times bestselling author of Fourth Wing comes a new contemporary romance about the summer a celebrated dancer returns home and unearths years of family secrets with the Coast Guard rescue swimmer she never forgot.

Elite ballerina Allie Rousseau is no stranger to pressure. With her mother’s eyes always watching, perfection was expected, no matter the cost. But when an injury jeopardizes all she’s sacrificed for, Allie returns to her summer home to heal and recover. But the memories she’s tried to forget rush in and threaten to take her under.

As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis knows that hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. He’s always prided himself on being in the right place at the right time, especially when it came to Allie Rousseau…until the night he left for basic. After the biggest regret of his life, the secrets he keeps mean he can never be with the one woman he wants more than his next breath.

When Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep, desperate to find her birth mother, Allie finds herself in an unimaginable position. Allie and Hudson’s past and present might be endlessly complicated. The thread that tied them to each other all those years ago may have unraveled, but the truth could pull them back together, or drive them apart forever.]]> 459 Rebecca Yarros 1662514697 Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.20 2024 Variation
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Safe With Me 220104225
You know the type. The one with the heart of gold and bedroom eyes.

Mike is also seven years my junior� and my new boss’s son.

It doesn’t matter if our chemistry is immediately undeniable. Or if I catch him watching me with pure yearning on his handsome face. I’m not looking for a relationship after what I just survived.

Good thing Mike swears up and down he doesn’t believe in true love.

Except he goes out of his way to protect me, to understand me. To keep me safe every time I feel afraid. He’s chasing away the dark shadows that linger, even in this idyllic town. But as our electrifying passion burns hotter, the danger I thought I’d escaped returns leaving me with an impossible choice.

Stay with the man I’m falling helplessly in love with or leave to keep him safe?]]> 344 Stephanie Rose Elizabeth 4 We met Mike when he was a grumpy teen. Fast forward a decade and he’s now patrolling the streets of his hometown as a police officer.
He’s paired with Lila, who moves to town to escape a bad situation in Philadelphia.

Both characters are likeable and easy to root for as we got to know them. I enjoyed seeing them start as friends and let things evolve from there. Add in a great secondary cast of people we’ve met before and an intriguing sub plot and this is another winner from Ms Rose! ]]> 4.08 Safe With Me
author: Stephanie Rose
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/15
date added: 2024/10/15
shelves:
review:
Oh it’s so good to be back in Kelly Lakes!
We met Mike when he was a grumpy teen. Fast forward a decade and he’s now patrolling the streets of his hometown as a police officer.
He’s paired with Lila, who moves to town to escape a bad situation in Philadelphia.

Both characters are likeable and easy to root for as we got to know them. I enjoyed seeing them start as friends and let things evolve from there. Add in a great secondary cast of people we’ve met before and an intriguing sub plot and this is another winner from Ms Rose!
]]> One Big Happy Family 204906189 Please don’t come home for Christmas�

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.]]> 320 Susan Mallery 1335006303 Elizabeth 4 We see a mom giving up her plans for Christmas to accommodate the wishes of her adult children, but instead of being upset she roles with the punches �. That just keep coming.

Before long, there is a boyfriend plus his kids. His ex wife. The daughter’s ex boyfriend, the son’s “evil� mother in law, and more family joining in the holiday.

Ms Mallery does an excellent job with a full cast of characters. While we may not a super deep dive on everyone, we learn enough over time to understand the dynamics and appreciate the growth that comes along.
There are hiccups, but ultimately, happy endings. I left the Parker crew feeling refreshed and hopeful! ]]> 3.64 2024 One Big Happy Family
author: Susan Mallery
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/11
date added: 2024/10/11
shelves:
review:
If you are looking for the feel good story of the holiday season this is it.
We see a mom giving up her plans for Christmas to accommodate the wishes of her adult children, but instead of being upset she roles with the punches �. That just keep coming.

Before long, there is a boyfriend plus his kids. His ex wife. The daughter’s ex boyfriend, the son’s “evil� mother in law, and more family joining in the holiday.

Ms Mallery does an excellent job with a full cast of characters. While we may not a super deep dive on everyone, we learn enough over time to understand the dynamics and appreciate the growth that comes along.
There are hiccups, but ultimately, happy endings. I left the Parker crew feeling refreshed and hopeful!
]]> <![CDATA[The Way We Play (The Bradford Boys, #2)]]> 219392908 He’s a grumpy, retired kicker who says he only breaks things. I’m a thirty-year-old virgin with something he can break (and I don’t mean my heart)�

How does one get to be a thirty-year-old virgin?
In my case, start with being risk-averse and cautious, focused on building your career, then inherit your 12-year-old, special-needs brother. Done!
Zane Bradford appeared at the perfect time.
He takes my brother to equine therapy, he gives me rides to work, and he rescues me when I collapse in the shower. (Yes, he saw me naked.)
He says he only breaks things, but I only see him fixing everything. Heck, his job is as a repair man.
This grumpy, angry god with lean muscles, silky dark hair, and ice blue eyes has taken himself out of the game.
But massage therapy is my job, and I’m ready to play.

Rachel Wells is ruining everything.
She walks into my workplace and argues with me, talks back, defends herself.
She gives me romance books to “improve my mood,� and insists on massage therapy to ease my pain.
Chronic pain isn’t my problem—she is, with her bright green eyes and sassy attitude.
Then she tells me she’s never been kissed. (What’s wrong with the men in Birmingham?)
The more she tempts me, the more I feel my resolve weakening.
She wants to play, but I’m not going to break.

(THE WAY WE PLAY is a small-town, grumpy-sunshine, sports romance with close proximity, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and a virgin FMC, and an over-protective alpha hero. No cheating. No cliffhanger. No third-act breakup.)]]> 344 Tia Louise Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, sports
The Bradford family is just pure fun. I love their dynamic, and even though this is the second installment of the series, it reads well as a stand-alone. Reading Dylan's story will help with understanding some of the baggage that Zane carries with him, but it's not necessary. (Dylan and Logan are worth reading though!)

As great as the secondary cast of Bradfords is, Zane and Rachel take centerstage and they are both easy to like. Zane takes everything to heart and is such a wonderful caretaker that I couldn't help but root for him to get out of his own way. Rachel is beyond generous with her time and spirit. She is a character that I would love to have as a friend. Seeing her invest in her younger brother's care just confirmed how nice she is.

To road to a potential happily ever after is never smooth, but I appreciated the fact that Ms Lousie didn't lean too heavily on the obvious issues that plague the early part of the story. Seeing Zane work with Rachel to resolve the conflict vs working against her was heartwarming.

We did get to know the community surrounding the Bradford family little better here. I am curious and excited to see which of the Brothers will get a story next! ]]> 4.26 2024 The Way We Play (The Bradford Boys, #2)
author: Tia Louise
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/07
date added: 2024/10/08
shelves: arc, eram, sports
review:
In The Way We Play, Ms Louise takes us back to the Bradford family with Zane, the football dynasty's retired/injured kicker. He is paired with Rachel, the nurse for town matriarch Miss Gina.

The Bradford family is just pure fun. I love their dynamic, and even though this is the second installment of the series, it reads well as a stand-alone. Reading Dylan's story will help with understanding some of the baggage that Zane carries with him, but it's not necessary. (Dylan and Logan are worth reading though!)

As great as the secondary cast of Bradfords is, Zane and Rachel take centerstage and they are both easy to like. Zane takes everything to heart and is such a wonderful caretaker that I couldn't help but root for him to get out of his own way. Rachel is beyond generous with her time and spirit. She is a character that I would love to have as a friend. Seeing her invest in her younger brother's care just confirmed how nice she is.

To road to a potential happily ever after is never smooth, but I appreciated the fact that Ms Lousie didn't lean too heavily on the obvious issues that plague the early part of the story. Seeing Zane work with Rachel to resolve the conflict vs working against her was heartwarming.

We did get to know the community surrounding the Bradford family little better here. I am curious and excited to see which of the Brothers will get a story next!
]]> <![CDATA[A Cowboy for Merry (Three Sisters Ranch #6)]]> 58556781 Ten years turned her into a champion and him into a cowboy looking for a fresh start.

Roped in by her sisters, Merry Grayson is home in Last Stand, Texas, for Christmas and a charity event at the Three Sisters Ranch. She’s shocked to run into her bad boy ex-boyfriend. She thought he was still in prison, and if he’d ratted her out all those years ago, she would’ve done time too. Instead, Merry had seized her second chance and made a career in rodeo—trying to forget her rebel past and the boy who stole her heart.

Simon Reynolds is determined to move on. He never regretted protecting Merry when his Robin Hood heist failed. After his stepfather had hung him out to dry, the thought of her warmth and beauty kept him going. Simon knows he needs to let go of his past, but the sparks and chemistry are as volatile as ever and he feels himself being pulled back in.

Christmas is a time for miracles. Is asking Santa for a second chance at love too much?]]> Jamie K. Schmidt Elizabeth 3 The plot is incredibly thin and there are multiple editing issues and inconsistencies.

]]> 4.47 A Cowboy for Merry (Three Sisters Ranch #6)
author: Jamie K. Schmidt
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.47
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/05
date added: 2024/10/05
shelves:
review:
This was a free read and it was entertaining, but I will not be seeking out more by this author.
The plot is incredibly thin and there are multiple editing issues and inconsistencies.


]]> <![CDATA[Fragments of Ash (A Modern Fairytale, #7)]]> 36173885
From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a dark and twisted tale of an innocent caught in a madman’s evil plans.

My name is Ashley Ellis�

I was thirteen years old when my mother â€� retired supermodel, Tig â€� married Mosier RÄumann, who was twice her age and the head of the RÄumann crime family.

When I turned eighteen, my mother mysteriously died. Only then did I discover the dark plans my stepfather had in store for me all along; the debauched “work� he expected me to do.

With the help of my godfather, Gus, I have escaped from Mosier’s clutches, but his twin sons and henchmen have been tasked with hunting me down. And they will stop at nothing to return my virgin body to their father

…dead or alive.

** Contemporary Romance. Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.** Formerly published as Fragments of Ash.]]> 300 Katy Regnery Elizabeth 5 arc, eram Even though this is the 7th "fairytale" by Ms Regnery, it's only the second that I have read and I was absolutely blown away.
Ms Regnery takes the classic "Cinderella" story and twists it just a little bit. Ashley is a character that is very easy to embrace. She is a "good" girl, beautiful inside and out, but just flawed enough to be real. Life has isolated her and placed her at the mercy of her wicked stepfather, or so it seems.
Ashley's journey isn't easy and the strength she displays from the beginning sometimes makes it difficult to remember that she is only 18. She is a character that shows grace and peacefulness (given the turmoil around her) of someone much older.
Julian is more than just a Prince Charming. He is a human, flawed hero whose devotion is positively swoon worthy once he decides to give it. I got a bit of a chuckle at how Ms Regnery pulled current event headlines into Julian's back story.
I really liked Ashley and Julian together. Not only did I enjoy their romance and the way it unfolded, I also enjoyed seeing how they were the pieces the other seemed to be missing. The innate trust they had in each other and how they were spontaneously able to confide their harshest secrets with each other and build an emotional as well as physical bond.
Fragments of Ash is a well written story that pulls you in and won't let go. The overall cast is small, but each one is important to the story. There is a fantastic blend of romance, intrigue, and emotional growth that makes me want to go read the Fairytale books I have missed so far.


Merged review:

4.5 Stars
Even though this is the 7th "fairytale" by Ms Regnery, it's only the second that I have read and I was absolutely blown away.
Ms Regnery takes the classic "Cinderella" story and twists it just a little bit. Ashley is a character that is very easy to embrace. She is a "good" girl, beautiful inside and out, but just flawed enough to be real. Life has isolated her and placed her at the mercy of her wicked stepfather, or so it seems.
Ashley's journey isn't easy and the strength she displays from the beginning sometimes makes it difficult to remember that she is only 18. She is a character that shows grace and peacefulness (given the turmoil around her) of someone much older.
Julian is more than just a Prince Charming. He is a human, flawed hero whose devotion is positively swoon worthy once he decides to give it. I got a bit of a chuckle at how Ms Regnery pulled current event headlines into Julian's back story.
I really liked Ashley and Julian together. Not only did I enjoy their romance and the way it unfolded, I also enjoyed seeing how they were the pieces the other seemed to be missing. The innate trust they had in each other and how they were spontaneously able to confide their harshest secrets with each other and build an emotional as well as physical bond.
Fragments of Ash is a well written story that pulls you in and won't let go. The overall cast is small, but each one is important to the story. There is a fantastic blend of romance, intrigue, and emotional growth that makes me want to go read the Fairytale books I have missed so far.]]> 3.97 2018 Fragments of Ash (A Modern Fairytale, #7)
author: Katy Regnery
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/10/01
date added: 2024/10/01
shelves: arc, eram
review:
4.5 Stars
Even though this is the 7th "fairytale" by Ms Regnery, it's only the second that I have read and I was absolutely blown away.
Ms Regnery takes the classic "Cinderella" story and twists it just a little bit. Ashley is a character that is very easy to embrace. She is a "good" girl, beautiful inside and out, but just flawed enough to be real. Life has isolated her and placed her at the mercy of her wicked stepfather, or so it seems.
Ashley's journey isn't easy and the strength she displays from the beginning sometimes makes it difficult to remember that she is only 18. She is a character that shows grace and peacefulness (given the turmoil around her) of someone much older.
Julian is more than just a Prince Charming. He is a human, flawed hero whose devotion is positively swoon worthy once he decides to give it. I got a bit of a chuckle at how Ms Regnery pulled current event headlines into Julian's back story.
I really liked Ashley and Julian together. Not only did I enjoy their romance and the way it unfolded, I also enjoyed seeing how they were the pieces the other seemed to be missing. The innate trust they had in each other and how they were spontaneously able to confide their harshest secrets with each other and build an emotional as well as physical bond.
Fragments of Ash is a well written story that pulls you in and won't let go. The overall cast is small, but each one is important to the story. There is a fantastic blend of romance, intrigue, and emotional growth that makes me want to go read the Fairytale books I have missed so far.


Merged review:

4.5 Stars
Even though this is the 7th "fairytale" by Ms Regnery, it's only the second that I have read and I was absolutely blown away.
Ms Regnery takes the classic "Cinderella" story and twists it just a little bit. Ashley is a character that is very easy to embrace. She is a "good" girl, beautiful inside and out, but just flawed enough to be real. Life has isolated her and placed her at the mercy of her wicked stepfather, or so it seems.
Ashley's journey isn't easy and the strength she displays from the beginning sometimes makes it difficult to remember that she is only 18. She is a character that shows grace and peacefulness (given the turmoil around her) of someone much older.
Julian is more than just a Prince Charming. He is a human, flawed hero whose devotion is positively swoon worthy once he decides to give it. I got a bit of a chuckle at how Ms Regnery pulled current event headlines into Julian's back story.
I really liked Ashley and Julian together. Not only did I enjoy their romance and the way it unfolded, I also enjoyed seeing how they were the pieces the other seemed to be missing. The innate trust they had in each other and how they were spontaneously able to confide their harshest secrets with each other and build an emotional as well as physical bond.
Fragments of Ash is a well written story that pulls you in and won't let go. The overall cast is small, but each one is important to the story. There is a fantastic blend of romance, intrigue, and emotional growth that makes me want to go read the Fairytale books I have missed so far.
]]> A Countess for Christmas 203610008
Anthony Harris, Earl of Weston, thought he was simply traveling home for the holiday, but when bad weather strands him at an inn, he comes face to face with his old love. Meg had disappeared without a trace, taking his heart with her. Now, he wanted it back, and he wasn’t about to waste this second chance.

The frost in the air outside is nothing compared to Meg’s reception, but Anthony is determined to make amends and win her for good. Despite her reluctance, old passions reignite, and Meg begins to question if she made the right decision all those years ago. Is love enough to help the aristocrat and the working class girl weather the coming storm?]]> 96 Grace Hartwell Elizabeth 3 contest-adds Meg and Anthony were sweethearts who life and circumstances pulled apart. Seeing them reconnect was sweet.

Given the historical setting, some of the ideas are a bit stretched, but I was willing to put those aside to just enjoy the story. The length of the book means that some pieces are skimmed over.

Overall, it's a sweet read, but I don't know if I am intrigued enough to read more by this author. ]]> 3.70 A Countess for Christmas
author: Grace Hartwell
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.70
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/30
date added: 2024/09/30
shelves: contest-adds
review:
This is a fun novella-length read leading into the holiday season.
Meg and Anthony were sweethearts who life and circumstances pulled apart. Seeing them reconnect was sweet.

Given the historical setting, some of the ideas are a bit stretched, but I was willing to put those aside to just enjoy the story. The length of the book means that some pieces are skimmed over.

Overall, it's a sweet read, but I don't know if I am intrigued enough to read more by this author.
]]> <![CDATA[The Romance Line (Love and Hockey, #2)]]> 217068516 The first rule of handling PR for a hockey team? Never hook up with a player.

That shouldn’t be a problem since the last man on earth I want to give an image makeover to is our goalie. He’s infuriatingly hot, famously grumpy and lives to spar with me after every game.

But shining up his rough edges is my path to landing the promotion I desperately need, so I grit my teeth and do my job. No matter how hard he makes it (especially with that sexy smirk and cool blue eyes.) As we travel from pose-with-a-pet photo opps to cuddle-a-kitten fundraisers, we bicker like it’s foreplay.

Turns out it is.

Because as I get to know the man behind the broody iceman exterior, it’s me that melts � right into his arms as he devastates me with a kiss that turns into the hottest, most forbidden night of my life.

Only once turns into every night as Max shows me how much he wants to take care of me. His possessive touch makes me feel adored for the first time in my life.

But the man is entirely off limits and I can’t risk my job for more of those soul-deep kisses.

Because the only thing worse than hooking up with a player is falling head over heels for him.


Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, player and publicist, forbidden romance, workplace romance, hockey romance, secret dates, hate to love]]> 498 Lauren Blakely 1964048184 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, sports We have met Everly, the team PR person, and Max, the Goalie, in the first Love & Hockey book and it was so much fun to get to know them better here.

These characters bring so many layers to their professional relationship that it was genuinely sweet to see those get peeled back for the slow burn that had them evolve from co-workers to more.
Max's evolution was the more dramatic, but Everly's was just as impactful as they needed to let their scars see the light to heal fully. The Beauty and The Beast references were very much on point here and I loved how they were woven into the story.

As Everly and Max are mostly new characters, this can be read as a stand-alone. Reading the Love and Hockey books in order would be better as there is some setup in Wes & Josie's book that makes this reading experience richer. The secondary cast of hockey players and friends plays a huge role in helping our lead characters figure things out. Loyal readers will see some familiar faces and places which is always fun. There are also hints about who may have stories coming soon.

Ms Blakely delivers another winner with the Romance Line! ]]> 3.96 The Romance Line (Love and Hockey, #2)
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/29
date added: 2024/09/29
shelves: arc, eram, sports
review:
The Romance Line is a connected stand-alone featuring the San Francisco Sea Dogs hockey team.
We have met Everly, the team PR person, and Max, the Goalie, in the first Love & Hockey book and it was so much fun to get to know them better here.

These characters bring so many layers to their professional relationship that it was genuinely sweet to see those get peeled back for the slow burn that had them evolve from co-workers to more.
Max's evolution was the more dramatic, but Everly's was just as impactful as they needed to let their scars see the light to heal fully. The Beauty and The Beast references were very much on point here and I loved how they were woven into the story.

As Everly and Max are mostly new characters, this can be read as a stand-alone. Reading the Love and Hockey books in order would be better as there is some setup in Wes & Josie's book that makes this reading experience richer. The secondary cast of hockey players and friends plays a huge role in helping our lead characters figure things out. Loyal readers will see some familiar faces and places which is always fun. There are also hints about who may have stories coming soon.

Ms Blakely delivers another winner with the Romance Line!
]]> <![CDATA[Home For Christmas (Stewart Island, #9)]]> 36669731
Carly Gatlin can’t wait to take her fiancé to Colorado for a snuggly snow-filled Christmas, only a freakish summer storm sweeps in disabling everyone’s plans. Still, with holiday surprises in store and even a secret admirer for Stewart Island’s elderly notorious matchmaker, the happy couples of Oban might not mind being home for Christmas after all.

If you’re new to the Stewart Island series, this holiday novella isn’t the book to start with. All your past favorite couples join in the seasonal craziness—and if you haven’t read the earlier Stewart Island books it’ll just be crazy-confusing.]]> 153 Tracey Alvarez 0473418231 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram This was a cute catch up for anyone has been following the Stewart Island series. Readers get fun glimpses of the couples that have been highlighted in the previous books so that you have a better idea of where they are now. Betsy, the island's 80 something matchmaker, even has a secret admirer.
One word of caution - If you haven't read all (or most) of the Stewart Island books, then this has definite spoiler potential. If that bothers you, I would hold off on reading this until you get caught up with the series.
If you are current with the series (or not bothered by the spoiler potential) this is a great glimpse of the holiday spirit.

Merged review:

3.5 Stars
This was a cute catch up for anyone has been following the Stewart Island series. Readers get fun glimpses of the couples that have been highlighted in the previous books so that you have a better idea of where they are now. Betsy, the island's 80 something matchmaker, even has a secret admirer.
One word of caution - If you haven't read all (or most) of the Stewart Island books, then this has definite spoiler potential. If that bothers you, I would hold off on reading this until you get caught up with the series.
If you are current with the series (or not bothered by the spoiler potential) this is a great glimpse of the holiday spirit.]]> 4.34 2017 Home For Christmas (Stewart Island, #9)
author: Tracey Alvarez
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/11/28
date added: 2024/09/29
shelves: arc, eram
review:
3.5 Stars
This was a cute catch up for anyone has been following the Stewart Island series. Readers get fun glimpses of the couples that have been highlighted in the previous books so that you have a better idea of where they are now. Betsy, the island's 80 something matchmaker, even has a secret admirer.
One word of caution - If you haven't read all (or most) of the Stewart Island books, then this has definite spoiler potential. If that bothers you, I would hold off on reading this until you get caught up with the series.
If you are current with the series (or not bothered by the spoiler potential) this is a great glimpse of the holiday spirit.

Merged review:

3.5 Stars
This was a cute catch up for anyone has been following the Stewart Island series. Readers get fun glimpses of the couples that have been highlighted in the previous books so that you have a better idea of where they are now. Betsy, the island's 80 something matchmaker, even has a secret admirer.
One word of caution - If you haven't read all (or most) of the Stewart Island books, then this has definite spoiler potential. If that bothers you, I would hold off on reading this until you get caught up with the series.
If you are current with the series (or not bothered by the spoiler potential) this is a great glimpse of the holiday spirit.
]]> <![CDATA[Even The Score (Tall, Dark, and Texan, #1)]]> 25649092 A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

He'll make her an offer she can't refuse...

Actress Tess McKenzie is performing in the Tenth Circle of Showbiz Hell-dinner theater. All she really wants is to start a theater of her own. Then Tess receives an offer she can't refuse. She'll get her funding...if she pretends to be the fiancée to her nemesis, Texan property tycoon Hunter Dade. If she's going to pull this off, she'll need all the luck she can get. Break a leg, indeed.

On the verge of a big business deal, Hunter needs to hire a fiancée. He hasn't quite forgiven Tess for ruining his wedding, but when their chemistry goes from combative to straight-up lust, the "no sex" clause in their mutually beneficial arrangement is tested. Which is a serious problem, because if Tess isn't careful, she'll go from breaking a leg to breaking her heart...]]> 253 Kate Meader 1633753336 Elizabeth 4 net-galley 3.5 stars
If you are looking for a quick, fun read you need to check out Even the Score.
Tess and Hunter had a rough introduction, she was the maid of honor in a wedding that never was and she was the one to give him the bad news. A year later they cross paths again. She is a struggling actress looking to start a theater company and he is a wealthy land developer who needs someone to act like his fiancée to close a deal.
The instant connection between these two just about jumps off the page and the sexual chemistry sizzles. They also have an emotional connection that adds to the story. Meader does a great job of having both main characters grow emotionally as individuals so that their relationship can move forward.
My only complaint is that due to the length of the book, some of the plot points seem a little rushed and there were a couple of places where I wondered what happened. None of this was enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. Tess and Hunter are definitely a hot couple, it would have been nice to have just a little bit more of them.
]]> 4.03 2015 Even The Score (Tall, Dark, and Texan, #1)
author: Kate Meader
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/07/06
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: net-galley
review:
Review copy provided by publisher via net galley
3.5 stars
If you are looking for a quick, fun read you need to check out Even the Score.
Tess and Hunter had a rough introduction, she was the maid of honor in a wedding that never was and she was the one to give him the bad news. A year later they cross paths again. She is a struggling actress looking to start a theater company and he is a wealthy land developer who needs someone to act like his fiancée to close a deal.
The instant connection between these two just about jumps off the page and the sexual chemistry sizzles. They also have an emotional connection that adds to the story. Meader does a great job of having both main characters grow emotionally as individuals so that their relationship can move forward.
My only complaint is that due to the length of the book, some of the plot points seem a little rushed and there were a couple of places where I wondered what happened. None of this was enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. Tess and Hunter are definitely a hot couple, it would have been nice to have just a little bit more of them.

]]> <![CDATA[Barefoot Bound (Barefoot Bay Undercover, #0.5; Barefoot Bay Universe, #11)]]> 25547187 Barefoot Bound is the prequel novella (100 pages, no cliffhanger) that kicks off the Barefoot Bay Undercover series.
Legendary spy and beloved bad boy Gabriel Rossi is headed to Barefoot Bay to start and run a new covert operation, but before he goes, he has some business to take care of up in Boston. Family business. With the Rossi and Angelino family, that means there will be laughter, love, food, and forgiveness…and the possibility someone is in danger.
On the eve of his departure, Gabe learns that his grandfather, Nino, might be in some serious trouble. Gabe will stop at nothing to help the man he considers his best friend, even if that means risking his own life to save Nino’s. But even Gabe might not be sly and smart enough to protect Nino from the one thing that could really hurt this sweet old man…a broken heart.
So, before you slip off your shoes and go all the way undercover, get to know Gabriel Rossi, the hero at the heart of Barefoot Bay Undercover. And get ready for a whole new adventure in Barefoot Bay!

Don’t Miss a Minute in Barefoot Bay
BAREFOOT BAY UNDERCOVER
Barefoot Bound � The Undercover Series Prequel
Barefoot with a Bodyguard (June 2015)
Barefoot with a Stranger (September 2015)
Barefoot with a Bad Boy (December 2015 � Gabe’s book!)

THE BAREFOOT BAY BILLIONAIRES
Secrets on the Sand (always free!)
Seduction on the Sand
Scandal on the Sand

THE BAREFOOT BAY BRIDES
Barefoot in White (currently free!)
Barefoot in Lace
Barefoot in Pearls

Roxanne St. Claire is New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of forty romance, suspense, and young adult novels. A six-time nominee and one-time winner of the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award, Roxanne’s novels have also been recognized with dozens of other industry awards, including the three National Reader’s Choice Awards, the Booksellers Best Award, and the Borders “Top Pick� of the Year. She resides in Florida and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and at the beach.
]]> 100 Roxanne St. Claire 0990860787 Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.09 2015 Barefoot Bound (Barefoot Bay Undercover, #0.5; Barefoot Bay Universe, #11)
author: Roxanne St. Claire
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Loved by Liam (Vested Interest: ABC Corp, #3)]]> 58232813 Liam Callaghan is happy with the way things are.
He has a successful business, a family he loves, and a life he thinks is fulfilling and complete.
Until a favor for his brother brings him to her.
She sparks something inside him. Something he had no idea he was missing.
One touch and he knows Paige Winters is the woman he wants.
She and her daughter become his focus. His world.
He only has to convince her to believe in them.

Liam entered Paige’s life quietly, but from the moment he took her hand, her world exploded.
Larger-than-life, he stepped in, brightening her days and filling her with happiness.
But she has more than her own heart on the line.
Her daughter, Lucy, has to come first.
As much as her soul yearns for him, can she trust his words?
Can the seeds love plants take root and bloom, growing over the past?
If Liam has anything to do with it, they will.

Author Note: You have read their story as told through Ronan and Beth in FINDING RONAN'S HEART. But readers have asked to see it through the character's eyes - and my characters agreed. This is a companion novel to be enjoyed with Vested Interest: ABC Corp Book 2. ]]> 244 Melanie Moreland 1988610575 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram Then Loved by Liam is the book you are looking for!

Featured as secondary characters in Finding Ronan’s Heart, both Liam and Paige demanded their own story be told.

Liam is a classic Moreland hero, molded much like the BAM boys before him. I dare you to not like him! Paige is someone id be proud to call a friend.

If you are reading the books out of order, their are spoilers for Finding Ronan’s Heart, so I would encourage the reader to go in order. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next for the BAM/ABC family.

Merged review:

Do you need a heart warming, feel good read?
Then Loved by Liam is the book you are looking for!

Featured as secondary characters in Finding Ronan’s Heart, both Liam and Paige demanded their own story be told.

Liam is a classic Moreland hero, molded much like the BAM boys before him. I dare you to not like him! Paige is someone id be proud to call a friend.

If you are reading the books out of order, their are spoilers for Finding Ronan’s Heart, so I would encourage the reader to go in order. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next for the BAM/ABC family.]]> 4.41 2021 Loved by Liam (Vested Interest: ABC Corp, #3)
author: Melanie Moreland
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/07/22
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: arc, eram
review:
Do you need a heart warming, feel good read?
Then Loved by Liam is the book you are looking for!

Featured as secondary characters in Finding Ronan’s Heart, both Liam and Paige demanded their own story be told.

Liam is a classic Moreland hero, molded much like the BAM boys before him. I dare you to not like him! Paige is someone id be proud to call a friend.

If you are reading the books out of order, their are spoilers for Finding Ronan’s Heart, so I would encourage the reader to go in order. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next for the BAM/ABC family.

Merged review:

Do you need a heart warming, feel good read?
Then Loved by Liam is the book you are looking for!

Featured as secondary characters in Finding Ronan’s Heart, both Liam and Paige demanded their own story be told.

Liam is a classic Moreland hero, molded much like the BAM boys before him. I dare you to not like him! Paige is someone id be proud to call a friend.

If you are reading the books out of order, their are spoilers for Finding Ronan’s Heart, so I would encourage the reader to go in order. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next for the BAM/ABC family.
]]> <![CDATA[Light Up the Night (Cottonbloom #3.6)]]> 33633560
After a mugging in grad school left her with an irrational fear of the night not even her PhD in psychology has helped overcome, Sadie Wren is sure she’s found an idyllic, safe place in Cottonbloom. When a break-in at her house shatters her sense of safety, gruff, protective Thaddeus Preston storms into her life. On the surface, they have little in common, but a loneliness she’s only too familiar with hides behind his infrequent smiles. But based on her knowledge of the human psyche, Sadie is convinced her infatuation with Thad will burn out as quickly as it flared.

As the Chief of Police of Cottonbloom, Mississippi, Thaddeus Preston maintains a strict control on everything in the small town—himself included. With an older brother serving time for a crime Thad committed when he was just a kid, he lives a life of penance, not allowing anyone to get close. When a reported lurker turns into a real threat, Thad is determined to restore order as quickly as possible and get back to his virtual jail.

But Thad’s brother gets out on probation just as Sadie and the town turns to him for protection. His tidy, barren life spins into chaos, and the only thing that makes sense is the one woman who shouldn’t.]]> 153 Laura Trentham 1946306002 Elizabeth 4 author-freebies Well written, this is a great escape, especially if you don't have a lot of time to read.

Merged review:

A fun, quick visit to Cottonbloom. This novella introduces new characters and touches on characters we've seen briefly in the Cottonbloom series books, so it works well as a stand alone.
Well written, this is a great escape, especially if you don't have a lot of time to read.]]> 3.73 2017 Light Up the Night (Cottonbloom #3.6)
author: Laura Trentham
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2016/12/19
date added: 2024/09/25
shelves: author-freebies
review:
A fun, quick visit to Cottonbloom. This novella introduces new characters and touches on characters we've seen briefly in the Cottonbloom series books, so it works well as a stand alone.
Well written, this is a great escape, especially if you don't have a lot of time to read.

Merged review:

A fun, quick visit to Cottonbloom. This novella introduces new characters and touches on characters we've seen briefly in the Cottonbloom series books, so it works well as a stand alone.
Well written, this is a great escape, especially if you don't have a lot of time to read.
]]> <![CDATA[A Reckless Redemption (Spies and Lovers, #3)]]> 36601522
On the eve of her wedding to a man she detests, Brynmore McCann can think of only one way to escape—by ruining herself—but the local lads leave her wholly uninspired. Just as she’s ready to accept her fate, she spots Maxwell Drake, home after nearly a decade. Even though he had loved her sister when they were young, Bryn has always considered him hers, and she can’t think of anyone she’d rather have bed her for the first time. Only she never intends for him to uncover her real name.

Upon returning home, Maxwell is stunned by the news that his father may have left him an inheritance. As the unacknowledged by-blow of a local nobleman, Maxwell struggles with resentment over the way he and his mother were treated by his father and the village. To add to his troubles, he discovers the lass he spent an incredibly satisfying night with was not the village whore, but the high-born sister of his first love. He insists Brynmore travel with him to Edinburgh until they determine if she is with child. Because if she is, she’ll marry him whether she wants to or not.

Along the road to Edinburgh, they are attacked by persons unknown. As the list of suspects who want them dead grows longer and his worries deepen, Maxwell prepares for an even more personal battle—how to keep from surrendering his heart to Brynmore.

Warning: Contains a broody Scotsman, a fiery-haired lass, and a night of passion that changes everything. Readers are encouraged to bring a fan.
]]> 323 Laura Trentham 1946306037 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, historical Bryn is a young woman in rural Scotland, being forced into a marriage she doesn't want by her guardians (sister and brother-in-law). She tries to derail the marriage the only way she knows how which puts her in the path of Maxwell and one night changes both of their lives forever.
I loved these two and I especially loved them together! Bryn (thanks to her sister) has no idea that she's a lovely young woman with a heart of gold. Maxwell isn't must better. He does a good job of faking it, but is carrying plenty of his own emotional baggage.
It was truly a pleasure to watch these two try to behave as society expects when they were fighting their mutual attraction and also solving two mysteries. Ms. Trentham did an excellent job of balancing the intrigue elements of the story with the romantic elements. I also appreciated how she weaved Bryn and Maxwell's shared past into the story, especially since it highlighted just how special these two have been to each other without even realizing it.
This is a fast paced story with adventure and intrigue to go along with a strong heroine and dashing hero. It's definitely a story worth picking up if you are looking for something a little different in the historical romance department.

Merged review:

Set your expectations about historical romance aside when you pick Reckless Redemption up, because this is NOT a stereotypical book for the genre!
Bryn is a young woman in rural Scotland, being forced into a marriage she doesn't want by her guardians (sister and brother-in-law). She tries to derail the marriage the only way she knows how which puts her in the path of Maxwell and one night changes both of their lives forever.
I loved these two and I especially loved them together! Bryn (thanks to her sister) has no idea that she's a lovely young woman with a heart of gold. Maxwell isn't must better. He does a good job of faking it, but is carrying plenty of his own emotional baggage.
It was truly a pleasure to watch these two try to behave as society expects when they were fighting their mutual attraction and also solving two mysteries. Ms. Trentham did an excellent job of balancing the intrigue elements of the story with the romantic elements. I also appreciated how she weaved Bryn and Maxwell's shared past into the story, especially since it highlighted just how special these two have been to each other without even realizing it.
This is a fast paced story with adventure and intrigue to go along with a strong heroine and dashing hero. It's definitely a story worth picking up if you are looking for something a little different in the historical romance department.]]> 4.22 2017 A Reckless Redemption (Spies and Lovers, #3)
author: Laura Trentham
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2017/12/05
date added: 2024/09/25
shelves: arc, eram, historical
review:
Set your expectations about historical romance aside when you pick Reckless Redemption up, because this is NOT a stereotypical book for the genre!
Bryn is a young woman in rural Scotland, being forced into a marriage she doesn't want by her guardians (sister and brother-in-law). She tries to derail the marriage the only way she knows how which puts her in the path of Maxwell and one night changes both of their lives forever.
I loved these two and I especially loved them together! Bryn (thanks to her sister) has no idea that she's a lovely young woman with a heart of gold. Maxwell isn't must better. He does a good job of faking it, but is carrying plenty of his own emotional baggage.
It was truly a pleasure to watch these two try to behave as society expects when they were fighting their mutual attraction and also solving two mysteries. Ms. Trentham did an excellent job of balancing the intrigue elements of the story with the romantic elements. I also appreciated how she weaved Bryn and Maxwell's shared past into the story, especially since it highlighted just how special these two have been to each other without even realizing it.
This is a fast paced story with adventure and intrigue to go along with a strong heroine and dashing hero. It's definitely a story worth picking up if you are looking for something a little different in the historical romance department.

Merged review:

Set your expectations about historical romance aside when you pick Reckless Redemption up, because this is NOT a stereotypical book for the genre!
Bryn is a young woman in rural Scotland, being forced into a marriage she doesn't want by her guardians (sister and brother-in-law). She tries to derail the marriage the only way she knows how which puts her in the path of Maxwell and one night changes both of their lives forever.
I loved these two and I especially loved them together! Bryn (thanks to her sister) has no idea that she's a lovely young woman with a heart of gold. Maxwell isn't must better. He does a good job of faking it, but is carrying plenty of his own emotional baggage.
It was truly a pleasure to watch these two try to behave as society expects when they were fighting their mutual attraction and also solving two mysteries. Ms. Trentham did an excellent job of balancing the intrigue elements of the story with the romantic elements. I also appreciated how she weaved Bryn and Maxwell's shared past into the story, especially since it highlighted just how special these two have been to each other without even realizing it.
This is a fast paced story with adventure and intrigue to go along with a strong heroine and dashing hero. It's definitely a story worth picking up if you are looking for something a little different in the historical romance department.
]]> Every Heart Sings 25029722
Looking for a temporary home, Josh walks into The Down Dog Café, owned by former child star in hiding Jordan Drake. Known as J.D. on the island, she’s all grown up now and living a quiet life. But when talented, music-crazed Tony turns out to be Jordan’s nephew, sparks fly between the hero and heroine.

Jordan Drake is totally opposed to her nephew, Tony, following in his father’s musical footsteps because she’s afraid he’s too young to handle the success and he’ll make the same mistakes she made. The Miley Cyrus of her day, Jordan has worked hard over the past ten years to clean up her life and find her equilibrium. But when the frontman for the band Nicodemus arrives in Serenity, all her hard-won peace is knocked for a loop and everything she values is threatened. She’s in for the fight of her life when Josh agrees to mentor Tony during his stay on the island.
]]> 351 Mackenzie Lucas 1619357259 Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.25 2015 Every Heart Sings
author: Mackenzie Lucas
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[All Too Well (Ember Falls, #1)]]> 213939158
I was doing great pretending he doesn’t exist until I was assigned to write an article about former college athletes, and I learn that the sexy single dad is my first interview.

Determined to wow my editor with an amazing sportsball piece�(have I mentioned I know nothing about sports?)—I head to Ember Falls, ready to face my fears—and the man I love.

The grumpy quarterback turned fireman wants nothing to do with me or my article. Yet, somehow I persuade him to let me follow him around for a few weeks, and even if he said yes just to get rid of me, I’ll take it.

But the longer I stay in his small town, the more complicated our story gets. The boundaries we set fall to the ground—along with our clothes.

He holds me like I matter, touches me like I’m cherished and kisses me like he loves me.

We both know I have to leave Ember Falls, and he’ll never follow—I only wish I could write a different ending to our story.]]> 370 Corinne Michaels 1957309253 Elizabeth 4 arc All Too Well is actually a feel good read about two former military kids who reconnect as adults and find out that the sparks of youth have turned into a fire.
This was an easy read with likeable characters. I enjoyed getting to know Ainsley, Lach, Rose and the characters that surrounded them in Ember Falls. Ainsley and Lach had a great dynamic that made their affection for each other realistic and had me rooting for them.
As the first book in a new series, there was great world building and secondary cast. There was a great balance between this and the primary story. I am looking forward to seeing Ainsley and Lach so up in future stories!]]> 4.04 2024 All Too Well (Ember Falls, #1)
author: Corinne Michaels
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/24
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves: arc
review:
Ms Michaels is an author known for angst in her stories, but this is not one of those!
All Too Well is actually a feel good read about two former military kids who reconnect as adults and find out that the sparks of youth have turned into a fire.
This was an easy read with likeable characters. I enjoyed getting to know Ainsley, Lach, Rose and the characters that surrounded them in Ember Falls. Ainsley and Lach had a great dynamic that made their affection for each other realistic and had me rooting for them.
As the first book in a new series, there was great world building and secondary cast. There was a great balance between this and the primary story. I am looking forward to seeing Ainsley and Lach so up in future stories!
]]> <![CDATA[Perfect Pitch (The Diamond Brides, #1)]]> 21857947 Reigning beauty queen Samantha Winger is launching her pet project, a music program for kids. All she has to do is follow the pageant's rules - no smoking, drinking, or "cavorting" in public.

That's fine, until D.J. Thomas - God's gift to baseball - throws her a wild pitch. He slams her in an interview, and the video goes viral. Sam's no shrinking violet. She parlays D.J.'s apology into a national T.V. appearance - and a very unexpected, very public kiss.

Soon, paparazzi catch the couple in a steamy make-out session, and Sam's music program is on the block. The blazing hot relationship is threatened even more when D.J.'s son begs to trade in Little League for music class.

Can Sam and D.J. sizzle past the sour notes and find their perfect pitch?

]]> 174 Mindy Klasky 1611383528 Elizabeth 4 3.49 2014 Perfect Pitch (The Diamond Brides, #1)
author: Mindy Klasky
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Just One of the Groomsmen (Getting Hitched in Dixie, #1)]]> 39305864
When Tucker Crawford returns to his small hometown, he expects to see the same old people, feel comfort in the same old things. He certainly doesn’t expect to see the nice pair of bare legs sticking out from under the hood of a broken-down car. Certainly doesn’t expect to feel his heart beat faster when he realizes they belong to one of his best friends.

If he convinces Addie to give him a chance, they could be electric…or their break-up could split their tight-knit group in two.

Hiding the way he feels from the guys through bachelor parties, cake tastings, and rehearsals is one thing. But just as Tucker realizes that Addie truly could be the perfect woman for him—he was just too stupid to realize it—now she’s leaving to follow her own dreams. He’s going to need to do a lot of compromising if he’s going to convince her to take a shot at forever with him—on her terms this time.]]> 304 Cindi Madsen 1640634304 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, net-galley
This is a fun, friends to lovers romance with excellent characters. Addie and Tucker are both easy to like, even when you want to bop them upside the head. The secondary cast is entertaining, I especially liked that Ms Madsen made Lexi a female character that Addie was able to bond with instead of being competitive with for Shep's friendship. The town itself is a fabulous character! I also liked the emotional growth we saw. Both Addie and Tucker had soft spots and insecurities that they had to face in order to have a chance and I appreciated how that was handled.

Book 1 in a series is always a challenge to balance world building with the story and Ms Madsen did an excellent job. She gave us a chance to know the town and Addie's core group of friends, but didn't over power the relationship growing between the main characters.

After reading this, I am looking forward to seeing more of Uncertainty, AL! ]]> 4.19 2019 Just One of the Groomsmen (Getting Hitched in Dixie, #1)
author: Cindi Madsen
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/05/28
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves: arc, eram, net-galley
review:
Just One of the Groomsmen kicks off Cindi Madsen's new series Getting Hitched in Dixie and after reading Addie and Tucker's story, I am looking forward to what comes next.

This is a fun, friends to lovers romance with excellent characters. Addie and Tucker are both easy to like, even when you want to bop them upside the head. The secondary cast is entertaining, I especially liked that Ms Madsen made Lexi a female character that Addie was able to bond with instead of being competitive with for Shep's friendship. The town itself is a fabulous character! I also liked the emotional growth we saw. Both Addie and Tucker had soft spots and insecurities that they had to face in order to have a chance and I appreciated how that was handled.

Book 1 in a series is always a challenge to balance world building with the story and Ms Madsen did an excellent job. She gave us a chance to know the town and Addie's core group of friends, but didn't over power the relationship growing between the main characters.

After reading this, I am looking forward to seeing more of Uncertainty, AL!
]]> <![CDATA[Promise Me, Cowboy (Carrigans of the Circle C #1; 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo #3)]]> 19041050 109 C.J. Carmichael 1940296021 Elizabeth 3 3.81 2013 Promise Me, Cowboy (Carrigans of the Circle C #1; 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo #3)
author: C.J. Carmichael
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Saving Grace (Safe Havens, #1)]]> 18586935
Widower Adam Morgan owns the Twin Springs ranch, but finds himself falling into a life of loneliness. Although he enjoys spending time with his grown daughter and the two men he rescued when they were living on the streets, he longs to meet a woman he can love. Living in the Montana territory where men greatly outnumber women makes finding a new wife difficult. Weary of working cattle, he is ready to make some changes in his life.

Grace falls ill on her journey, but she manages to make it to the Twin Springs ranch where her brother is supposed to be living. Adam takes her in, concerned for her health and the reason she’s searching for one of his adopted sons. Their chemistry is immediate and intense, but can Grace heal from her past of pain and fear? When her secrets are finally revealed, can Adam forgive her deceptions and learn to love again?]]> 246 Sandy James 1940295009 Elizabeth 4 3.94 2013 Saving Grace (Safe Havens, #1)
author: Sandy James
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2014/04/06
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Barefoot at Sunset (Barefoot Bay Timeless, #1; Barefoot Bay Universe, #16)]]> 30524421
Barefoot at Sunset

When forty-eight year old widower Mark Solomon arrives in Barefoot Bay for his high school reunion, he’s not quite prepared for the onslaught of memories or the attention from interested single women who’ve gathered for the annual event on the beach. He’s ready to ditch the whole thing and resume his life as an adventure-seeking world traveler until he discovers a woman sobbing on his doorstep…and has an idea.

By her own admission, advertising copywriter Emma DeWitt is jaded, jilted, and jobless, but she goes over the edge when she learns that the resort villa that was supposed to be the site of her romantic honeymoon is occupied by a single man. But when the sexy silver fox who's staying in the villa surprises her with an irresistible offer to pose as his fake fiancée, Emma sees a way to have her week in paradise and begin healing her broken heart.

Mark believes every person has only one soul mate…and he’s met, married, and buried his. Emma believes that love is a marketing concept created to sell fairy tales and expensive weddings. What if they are both wrong…and completely right for each other?

Don’t miss a minute in Barefoot Bay!

Barefoot Bay Timeless

Barefoot at Sunset
Barefoot at Moonrise
Barefoot at Midnight

Barefoot Bay Undercover

Barefoot Bound
Barefoot With a Bodyguard
Barefoot With a Stranger
Barefoot With a Bad Boy

Barefoot Bay Brides

Barefoot in White
Barefoot in Lace
Barefoot in Pearls

Barefoot Bay Billionaires

Secrets on the Sand
Seduction on the Sand
Scandal on the Sand

]]> 237 Roxanne St. Claire 0997062703 Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.32 2016 Barefoot at Sunset (Barefoot Bay Timeless, #1; Barefoot Bay Universe, #16)
author: Roxanne St. Claire
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Know Your Heart (Far North, #2)]]> 25388502 He is the one she couldn’t remember. She is the one he couldn’t forget�

After being unexpectedly kicked off a movie set, her part given to a younger actress, Savannah Payne flees to her holiday house in Bounty Bay. There, in her little hideaway managed for her by her older cousin, she’ll be able to lick her wounds privately, and prepare for an audition of a lifetime in L.A. Only her cousin has rented the place out to an old friend for the next month. A friend whose knowledge of the law means she has no easy way to evict her stop-the-heart sexy tenant. He tempts her, challenges her, and sees to the heart of who she is with knowing ice-blue eyes.

Glen Cooper has woken up and smelled the decaying roses. Working in his father’s law firm is murder on his creative heart. A month in New Zealand’s sub-tropical Far North without the distraction of family and work is what he needs to finally complete writing the book he’s worked on for years. He hadn’t anticipated the woman who’d haunted his university days arriving on his doorstep, demanding her house back. But the distraction of her close by must stop. With a literary agent’s deadline approaching, he has to ignore his growing attraction to Savannah or his dream may never become a reality.

Something about Glen stirs Savannah’s blood and the slippery memories of a quiet young man she glimpsed in the background of her tumultuous teenage years begin to return. But how can they make the sacrifice love requires when she has one foot out the door � ready to walk away from him a second time?]]> 305 Tracey Alvarez 0473321874 Elizabeth 5 author-freebies Review Copy Provided by Author
Know Your Heart is the second book in the Far North Series, but is a fantastic stand-alone work. Ms. Alvarez takes us to New Zealand’s Bounty Bay to meet Savannah, an actress; and Glen, a lawyer turned author.
Glen is a longtime friend of Savannah’s cousin and is renting her vacation home to write his first novel when she turns up unexpectedly to lick her wounds and get ready for a big audition. The journey these two take from flat out antagonism, to friends, to lovers is emotional and sweet.
The antics both pulled to make the other miserable and leave the property were believable and humorous without being mean. The easing of tensions and beginnings of attraction are also realistic and I could so picture the events taking place. One of the things I really enjoyed about this story is that it doesn’t take long for Glen to stop seeing Savannah as a famous actress and start seeing her as a woman.
Throughout the story, Glen seems to be a pretty steady force. Yes, he is antagonistic to Savannah and the situation, but we find out more about why as the story moves along. Savannah’s character starts out fairly shallow and blossoms into a lovely person that I would be glad to call a friend. The secondary cast is small, but they are impactful on both Glen and Savannah � I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give anything away.
I truly enjoyed spending time with Glen and Savannah. They are characters that were easy to embrace and fun to spend time with. If the rest of the Far North series is written to the same standard as this book, then I am looking forward to coming back to Bounty Bay!


Merged review:

4.5 stars
Review Copy Provided by Author
Know Your Heart is the second book in the Far North Series, but is a fantastic stand-alone work. Ms. Alvarez takes us to New Zealand’s Bounty Bay to meet Savannah, an actress; and Glen, a lawyer turned author.
Glen is a longtime friend of Savannah’s cousin and is renting her vacation home to write his first novel when she turns up unexpectedly to lick her wounds and get ready for a big audition. The journey these two take from flat out antagonism, to friends, to lovers is emotional and sweet.
The antics both pulled to make the other miserable and leave the property were believable and humorous without being mean. The easing of tensions and beginnings of attraction are also realistic and I could so picture the events taking place. One of the things I really enjoyed about this story is that it doesn’t take long for Glen to stop seeing Savannah as a famous actress and start seeing her as a woman.
Throughout the story, Glen seems to be a pretty steady force. Yes, he is antagonistic to Savannah and the situation, but we find out more about why as the story moves along. Savannah’s character starts out fairly shallow and blossoms into a lovely person that I would be glad to call a friend. The secondary cast is small, but they are impactful on both Glen and Savannah � I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give anything away.
I truly enjoyed spending time with Glen and Savannah. They are characters that were easy to embrace and fun to spend time with. If the rest of the Far North series is written to the same standard as this book, then I am looking forward to coming back to Bounty Bay!]]> 4.25 2015 Know Your Heart (Far North, #2)
author: Tracey Alvarez
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2015/06/06
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: author-freebies
review:
4.5 stars
Review Copy Provided by Author
Know Your Heart is the second book in the Far North Series, but is a fantastic stand-alone work. Ms. Alvarez takes us to New Zealand’s Bounty Bay to meet Savannah, an actress; and Glen, a lawyer turned author.
Glen is a longtime friend of Savannah’s cousin and is renting her vacation home to write his first novel when she turns up unexpectedly to lick her wounds and get ready for a big audition. The journey these two take from flat out antagonism, to friends, to lovers is emotional and sweet.
The antics both pulled to make the other miserable and leave the property were believable and humorous without being mean. The easing of tensions and beginnings of attraction are also realistic and I could so picture the events taking place. One of the things I really enjoyed about this story is that it doesn’t take long for Glen to stop seeing Savannah as a famous actress and start seeing her as a woman.
Throughout the story, Glen seems to be a pretty steady force. Yes, he is antagonistic to Savannah and the situation, but we find out more about why as the story moves along. Savannah’s character starts out fairly shallow and blossoms into a lovely person that I would be glad to call a friend. The secondary cast is small, but they are impactful on both Glen and Savannah � I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give anything away.
I truly enjoyed spending time with Glen and Savannah. They are characters that were easy to embrace and fun to spend time with. If the rest of the Far North series is written to the same standard as this book, then I am looking forward to coming back to Bounty Bay!


Merged review:

4.5 stars
Review Copy Provided by Author
Know Your Heart is the second book in the Far North Series, but is a fantastic stand-alone work. Ms. Alvarez takes us to New Zealand’s Bounty Bay to meet Savannah, an actress; and Glen, a lawyer turned author.
Glen is a longtime friend of Savannah’s cousin and is renting her vacation home to write his first novel when she turns up unexpectedly to lick her wounds and get ready for a big audition. The journey these two take from flat out antagonism, to friends, to lovers is emotional and sweet.
The antics both pulled to make the other miserable and leave the property were believable and humorous without being mean. The easing of tensions and beginnings of attraction are also realistic and I could so picture the events taking place. One of the things I really enjoyed about this story is that it doesn’t take long for Glen to stop seeing Savannah as a famous actress and start seeing her as a woman.
Throughout the story, Glen seems to be a pretty steady force. Yes, he is antagonistic to Savannah and the situation, but we find out more about why as the story moves along. Savannah’s character starts out fairly shallow and blossoms into a lovely person that I would be glad to call a friend. The secondary cast is small, but they are impactful on both Glen and Savannah � I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give anything away.
I truly enjoyed spending time with Glen and Savannah. They are characters that were easy to embrace and fun to spend time with. If the rest of the Far North series is written to the same standard as this book, then I am looking forward to coming back to Bounty Bay!
]]> <![CDATA[The Sweetheart List (Sunrise Cove, #4)]]> 62606116 What makes life sweet?


Freshly baked bread A cool lake on a hot summer day The comfort of a cozy bookstore Second chances and new beginnings

When Harper Shaw's life falls apart, she knows it's time for a change. She removes everything that doesn't spark joy--from her soul-sucking job to eating kale to making lists--and sets off for the last place she was happy, Lake Tahoe (who wouldn't feel good there, right?) to fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery.

With her Sugar Pine Bakery in between a tavern, owned by sexy, grumpy Bodie Campbell, and a bookstore, run by her new BFF, she feels a peace she's never experienced since...well, forever.. Then she meets Ivy, a teenage runaway, who barrels into her heart. She sees a lot of herself in Ivy and takes her under her wing, but the teenager has secrets...

When those secrets explode, it changes Harper's new world, and she'll learn, it's never too late to start over, it's never too late to figure out your life, and best of all, it's never too late to let yourself believe in love.]]> 352 Jill Shalvis 0063235722 Elizabeth 4 arc
The tribe of Campbells surrounding bar owner (and more) Brodie are pure fun and I enjoyed seeing their interactions. Seeing him with his mom and brothers added so much to his unfloding and evolving personality. Harper and Ivy are new to the town and watching them find their way in the community and each other was heartwarming. They were excellent additions to the Campbell mix!

Brodie is what I consider a typical Shalvis hero. He is a little wounded, a lot Alpha, and very sweet under all the gruff. Harper is getting her act together and finding her way to happy, I loved the way these two slightly wounded people helped each other grow and find the missing pieces.

Overall, this is a well written and feel good read. Interesting main characters, fun secondary characters, and a story that will tug on your heart strings. When I reached the end, I was both happy for the characters and sad to see them go. Hopefully, there will be cameos in future Sunrise Cove books....
]]> 4.39 2023 The Sweetheart List (Sunrise Cove, #4)
author: Jill Shalvis
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2023/03/21
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: arc
review:
In The Sweetheart List, Ms Shalvis brings us back to Sunrise Cove in a stand alone read with a brand new group of characters.

The tribe of Campbells surrounding bar owner (and more) Brodie are pure fun and I enjoyed seeing their interactions. Seeing him with his mom and brothers added so much to his unfloding and evolving personality. Harper and Ivy are new to the town and watching them find their way in the community and each other was heartwarming. They were excellent additions to the Campbell mix!

Brodie is what I consider a typical Shalvis hero. He is a little wounded, a lot Alpha, and very sweet under all the gruff. Harper is getting her act together and finding her way to happy, I loved the way these two slightly wounded people helped each other grow and find the missing pieces.

Overall, this is a well written and feel good read. Interesting main characters, fun secondary characters, and a story that will tug on your heart strings. When I reached the end, I was both happy for the characters and sad to see them go. Hopefully, there will be cameos in future Sunrise Cove books....

]]> <![CDATA[Break Your Heart (Bounty Bay #5)]]> 40114124 Sam Ngata has the talent of creating something out of almost nothing in his successful wood carving business, Kauri Whare. That talent doesn’t extend to producing a serious girlfriend out of nowhere when he implies to a huge overseas investor that he’s a one-woman kind of man. Big on domestic bliss and honesty, the investor is due to arrive in less than ten days time with a deal that’d provide Sam’s family-operated business with invaluable future security. Now Sam just has to find a woman willing to fake it until they make it—the deal, that is—with no strings attached.

Single mum Vee Sullivan needs a man in her life like a flightless kiwi bird needs wings to soar. She has a precocious little girl to provide for and she’s in the middle of expanding her clothing business—with an eye on Kauri Whare’s newest retail space. Unfortunately, it’d take a small miracle for her to afford the lease. So when childhood crush, Sam, offers her a one week only role of pretending to be his â€seriousâ€� girlfriend in exchange for three months waived lease, Vee is sorely tempted. But saying yes to fake girlfriend means she might not be able to say no to real passion. Someone’s going to get their heart brokenâ€�


BREAK YOUR HEART is the fifth story in Tracey Alvarez’s Bounty Bay series, set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sexy and sweet small town romances, you’ll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone. Welcome to Bounty Bay, where the reward of true love is a price only some are willing to pay.

Download your copy of Break Your Heart today and uncover the secret lives and hidden passions simmering in New Zealand’s sultry, subtropical Far North.
Intended for mature 18+ aged readers who enjoy their feel good romance on the sensual side.

Praise for the Bounty Bay series!

"Reading a book by Tracey Alvarez is like taking a mini vacation to my imagined little happy place in New Zealand."~ Spellbound Book Reviews

"Tracey now is included among some of my fav authors from the Southern Hemisphere. Rosalind James and Natalie Gayle fans will love Tracey's books."~ Retailer review

"Tracey Alvarez has written a finely crafted, well written romance. Sexy and delightful and full of family values."~ The Book Date

"Her writing style will keep you hanging on to every word and feeling the characters� heartbreak right along with them."~ Rach Lawrence Books

Don’t miss any of the Bounty Bay books!
Book 1: Hide Your Heart. Featuring Lauren and Nate.
Book 2: Know Your Heart. Featuring Savannah and Glen.
Book 3: Teach Your Heart. Featuring Gracie and Owen.
Book 4: Mend Your Heart. Featuring Natalie and Isaac.
Book 5: Break My Heart. Featuring Vanessa and Sam.]]> 276 Tracey Alvarez 047343816X Elizabeth 4 arc, eram This is a fun friends to lovers story with a slight twist.
Sam and Vee have known each other since they were children, but have only become closer again in the last several months.
They decide to fake a relationship for reasons that make sense at the time and that relationship becomes very real.
I enjoyed both Sam and Vee and their confusions and struggles to figure out where they should be. Break Your Heart is a solid effort from Ms. Alvarez. It continues a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the sense of family and community portrayed in the book and look forward to more in the series.

Merged review:

3.5 Stars
This is a fun friends to lovers story with a slight twist.
Sam and Vee have known each other since they were children, but have only become closer again in the last several months.
They decide to fake a relationship for reasons that make sense at the time and that relationship becomes very real.
I enjoyed both Sam and Vee and their confusions and struggles to figure out where they should be. Break Your Heart is a solid effort from Ms. Alvarez. It continues a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the sense of family and community portrayed in the book and look forward to more in the series.]]> 4.56 2018 Break Your Heart (Bounty Bay #5)
author: Tracey Alvarez
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/06/15
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: arc, eram
review:
3.5 Stars
This is a fun friends to lovers story with a slight twist.
Sam and Vee have known each other since they were children, but have only become closer again in the last several months.
They decide to fake a relationship for reasons that make sense at the time and that relationship becomes very real.
I enjoyed both Sam and Vee and their confusions and struggles to figure out where they should be. Break Your Heart is a solid effort from Ms. Alvarez. It continues a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the sense of family and community portrayed in the book and look forward to more in the series.

Merged review:

3.5 Stars
This is a fun friends to lovers story with a slight twist.
Sam and Vee have known each other since they were children, but have only become closer again in the last several months.
They decide to fake a relationship for reasons that make sense at the time and that relationship becomes very real.
I enjoyed both Sam and Vee and their confusions and struggles to figure out where they should be. Break Your Heart is a solid effort from Ms. Alvarez. It continues a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the sense of family and community portrayed in the book and look forward to more in the series.
]]> The Perfect Daughter 55723025 The Perfect Daughter is a thriller that explores the truth or lies behind a teenage girl's multiple personality disorder, from D.J. Palmer, the author of The New Husband.

Grace never dreamt she’d visit her teenaged daughter Penny in the locked ward of a decaying state psychiatric hospital, charged with a shocking and brutal murder. There was not much question of her daughter’s guilt. Police had her fingerprints on the murder weapon and the victim’s blood on her body and clothes. But they didn’t have a motive.

Grace blames herself, because that’s what mothers do—they look at their choices and wonder, what if? But hindsight offers little more than the chance for regret.

None of this was conceivable the day Penny came into her life. Then, it seemed like a miracle. Penny was found abandoned, with a mysterious past, and it felt like fate brought Penny to her, and her husband Arthur. But as she grew, Penny's actions grew more disturbing, and different "personalities" emerged.

Arthur and Grace took Penny to different psychiatrists, until one diagnosed a severe multiple personality disorder. As Penny awaits trial in a state mental hospital, she is treated by Dr. Mitchell McHugh, a psychiatrist battling demons of his own. Grace’s determination to understand the why behind her daughter’s terrible crime fuels Mitch’s resolve to help the Francone family. Together, they set out in search of the truth about Penny, but discover instead a shocking hidden history of secrets, lies, and betrayals that put all their lives in grave danger.]]> 378 D.J. Palmer 1250267935 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, net-galley
The focus of the story is on Penny - a young woman with a history of mental health issues - when she is accused of committing a crime. The case seems open and shut, but she has the die hard support of her mother.

Told from alternating points of view, this is a captivating read that was hard to put down. We saw the story from the lens of Grace (Penny’s mother), Jack (her brother), and Mitch (her doctor). Mr Palmer did an excellent job of pulling the various pieces of the story together through these moments so that the reader is invested and interested in the outcome of Penny’s case.

Well researched, The Perfect Daughter, gave the reader a glimpse into the complexities of mental health issues in the legal system as well as surprises along the way. This is the second book of Mr Palmer’s that I have read, but it won’t be the last. ]]> 3.99 2021 The Perfect Daughter
author: D.J. Palmer
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/04/18
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: arc, eram, net-galley
review:
If you are looking for a book with a different spin on intrigue, then The Perfect Daughter would be an excellent choice.

The focus of the story is on Penny - a young woman with a history of mental health issues - when she is accused of committing a crime. The case seems open and shut, but she has the die hard support of her mother.

Told from alternating points of view, this is a captivating read that was hard to put down. We saw the story from the lens of Grace (Penny’s mother), Jack (her brother), and Mitch (her doctor). Mr Palmer did an excellent job of pulling the various pieces of the story together through these moments so that the reader is invested and interested in the outcome of Penny’s case.

Well researched, The Perfect Daughter, gave the reader a glimpse into the complexities of mental health issues in the legal system as well as surprises along the way. This is the second book of Mr Palmer’s that I have read, but it won’t be the last.
]]> <![CDATA[The Way We Play (The Bradford Boys)]]> 213773501 He’s a grumpy, retired kicker who says he only breaks things. I’m a thirty-year-old virgin with something he can break (and I don’t mean my heart)�

How does one get to be a thirty-year-old virgin?
In my case, start with being risk-averse and cautious, focused on building your career, then inherit your 12-year-old, special-needs brother. Done!
Zane Bradford appeared at the perfect time.
He takes my brother to equine therapy, he gives me rides to work, and he rescues me when I collapse in the shower. (Yes, he saw me naked.)
He says he only breaks things, but I only see him fixing everything. Heck, his job is as a repair man.
This grumpy, angry god with lean muscles, silky dark hair, and ice blue eyes has taken himself out of the game.
But massage therapy is my job, and I’m ready to play.

Rachel Wells is ruining everything.
She walks into my workplace and argues with me, talks back, defends herself.
She gives me romance books to “improve my mood,� and insists on massage therapy to ease my pain.
Chronic pain isn’t my problem—she is, with her bright green eyes and sassy attitude.
Then she tells me she’s never been kissed. (What’s wrong with the men in Birmingham?)
The more she tempts me, the more I feel my resolve weakening.
She wants to play, but I’m not going to break.

(THE WAY WE PLAY is a small-town, grumpy-sunshine, sports romance with close proximity, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and a virgin FMC, and an over-protective alpha hero. No cheating. No cliffhanger. No third-act breakup.)]]> 393 Tia Louise Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.00 2024 The Way We Play (The Bradford Boys)
author: Tia Louise
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Elevator Pitch (Chicago Anchors, #1)]]> 214207078
He came to my room instead with a bottle of scotch and a sad soul.

My one night was not a stand, but more like a lie-in. As in, we snuggled and talked and not another thing happened.
So, nothing surprises me more than seeing him again when he becomes the manager of the Chicago Anchors, my hometown pro-team, and our paths intersect once more.

It’s here the story gets fuzzy, because Ross Davis, that sexy silver fox, has a proposal for me.

Baseball players are notoriously superstitious, and Ross is somehow convinced I’m his good luck charm. One who brings him success by sleeping with him.

Only sleeping.

The problem with this arrangement begins when those funny, fuzzy things called feelings get involved. Eventually, his elevator pitch is no longer an easy walk in the ballpark or a simple sleepover in his bed.

And I’m worried I’ll be the one left in the outfield when the season ends.

+ + +

From L.B. Dunbar comes an all-new sports romance with baseball at its heart and the sexy silver fox coaching staff as the focus of the fans.
]]> 324 L.B. Dunbar Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.21 2024 Elevator Pitch (Chicago Anchors, #1)
author: L.B. Dunbar
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Single in Sitka (Odds-Are-Good, #1)]]> 52186692
When Seattle journalist, Amanda McKendrick, pitches a new story about the increase of bear attacks in Sitka, her newspaper sends her north for two weeks. While there, she answers the personal ad of single dad, Luke Kingston, looking for a little no-strings-attached fun to pass the time.

But the sweet, widowered father of three--who just happens to be a smokin' hot state trooper--turns out to be a lot more than Amanda bargained for. As the days go by, she wonders if it'll be possible to return to Seattle without leaving her heart behind.]]> 224 Katy Regnery 1944810455 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram
Amanda and Luke are great characters with an unorthodox meeting. The instant connection turned budding friendship that has potential for more is entertaining and I enjoyed watch them muddle through trying to see if a vacation fling has the legs to be more.

Ms Regnery did an excellent job of portraying the complications of trying to build a relationship while living in different cities and juggling the needs of careers and families. The fact that Luke is a widower with children is handled gracefully. I appreciated the balanced approach that was taken to address both the needs of the kids and the budding romance between Luke and Amanda, I especially liked the fact the kids were not a vehicle for conflict in the story.

This is a light and sexy must read. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series.

Merged review:

Originally published as a novella in an anthology, this expanded version of Single in Sitka is a fun read.

Amanda and Luke are great characters with an unorthodox meeting. The instant connection turned budding friendship that has potential for more is entertaining and I enjoyed watch them muddle through trying to see if a vacation fling has the legs to be more.

Ms Regnery did an excellent job of portraying the complications of trying to build a relationship while living in different cities and juggling the needs of careers and families. The fact that Luke is a widower with children is handled gracefully. I appreciated the balanced approach that was taken to address both the needs of the kids and the budding romance between Luke and Amanda, I especially liked the fact the kids were not a vehicle for conflict in the story.

This is a light and sexy must read. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series.]]> 4.09 2019 Single in Sitka (Odds-Are-Good, #1)
author: Katy Regnery
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/10/07
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: arc, eram
review:
Originally published as a novella in an anthology, this expanded version of Single in Sitka is a fun read.

Amanda and Luke are great characters with an unorthodox meeting. The instant connection turned budding friendship that has potential for more is entertaining and I enjoyed watch them muddle through trying to see if a vacation fling has the legs to be more.

Ms Regnery did an excellent job of portraying the complications of trying to build a relationship while living in different cities and juggling the needs of careers and families. The fact that Luke is a widower with children is handled gracefully. I appreciated the balanced approach that was taken to address both the needs of the kids and the budding romance between Luke and Amanda, I especially liked the fact the kids were not a vehicle for conflict in the story.

This is a light and sexy must read. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series.

Merged review:

Originally published as a novella in an anthology, this expanded version of Single in Sitka is a fun read.

Amanda and Luke are great characters with an unorthodox meeting. The instant connection turned budding friendship that has potential for more is entertaining and I enjoyed watch them muddle through trying to see if a vacation fling has the legs to be more.

Ms Regnery did an excellent job of portraying the complications of trying to build a relationship while living in different cities and juggling the needs of careers and families. The fact that Luke is a widower with children is handled gracefully. I appreciated the balanced approach that was taken to address both the needs of the kids and the budding romance between Luke and Amanda, I especially liked the fact the kids were not a vehicle for conflict in the story.

This is a light and sexy must read. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series.
]]> <![CDATA[When the Stars Come Out (Cottonbloom, #5)]]> 35715100 Cottonbloom. A beautiful, faraway place where a woman can escape her past—and find reason to stay forever in Laura Trentham's When the Stars Come Out. . .

Willa Brown never planned to stay in Cottonbloom. She was on the way to somewhere else when she landed there and found work at the Abbot brothers� garage. . .and a sense of comfort and safety that she had never known. The same holds true for Jackson Abbott himself. With one glance in her direction, he can make Willa’s heart melt. But what begins as an unrequited crush turns into something far more powerful than Willa could have ever imagined. . .

Jackson’s most meaningful relationship has always been with his car—and he’s not afraid to admit it. Still, he can’t help but become emotionally entangled with his new star mechanic Willa, who is definitely hiding some dark secrets of her own beneath the hood. Jackson desperately wants Willa to trust him, and to seek protection in his arms. But even as the two slowly surrender to their shared attraction, the danger lurking in Willa’s past remains a stubborn obstacle. Can she open up enough to give them both a chance at having real and lasting love?]]> 320 Laura Trentham 1250131294 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram Jackson and Mia are characters that were introduced in the previous book of the series and it was fun to get to know them better here. I found myself genuinely liking and rooting for both characters to find their happy ending.
It was a pleasure to watch the emotional blossoming that took place, especially in Willa as she learned to embrace the people around her - not just Jackson - and to also face the demons in her past.
One of the things I have enjoyed most about the Cottonbloom series is the way Ms. Trentham has the books structured. Each is connected to the others and previous main characters will make cameos, but each entry in the series truly stands on it's own and could easily be picked up and read independently.
If you have read and enjoyed authors like Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery, then Ms. Trentham's Cottonbloom series would be right up your alley too. ]]> 4.13 2018 When the Stars Come Out (Cottonbloom, #5)
author: Laura Trentham
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/29
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: arc, eram
review:
Ms. Trentham has done it again and added a great entry to the Cottonbloom series.
Jackson and Mia are characters that were introduced in the previous book of the series and it was fun to get to know them better here. I found myself genuinely liking and rooting for both characters to find their happy ending.
It was a pleasure to watch the emotional blossoming that took place, especially in Willa as she learned to embrace the people around her - not just Jackson - and to also face the demons in her past.
One of the things I have enjoyed most about the Cottonbloom series is the way Ms. Trentham has the books structured. Each is connected to the others and previous main characters will make cameos, but each entry in the series truly stands on it's own and could easily be picked up and read independently.
If you have read and enjoyed authors like Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery, then Ms. Trentham's Cottonbloom series would be right up your alley too.
]]> <![CDATA[Truly Madly Deeply (Forbidden Love, #1)]]> 206351785 This old flame just might set them on fire.

Conceited, unattainable, and downright delicious, renowned Michelin-starred chef Ambrose Casablancas has one passion in life—food.

Women are a distraction, and he doesn’t do those. Especially Cal Litvin, his baby sister’s best friend. Her entire existence is a complication; she’s awkward, eccentric, infuriating�

And, much to his chagrin, hotter than his kitchen.

Ambrose has a lot on his a new restaurant to open, a multimillion-dollar property deal to execute, and a violent stalker to tame.

Then Cal shows up at his doorstep, looking for both a job and salvation after their messy goodbye. His resolve, like his patience, is ebbing each day she works at his restaurant.

Because Cal is no longer a doe-eyed girl.

Now? She’s the woman he’ll do anything to conquer.

***

Quirky, compassionate ball of sunshine Calla Litvin can’t catch a break, and not just because she swore off running.

Back in her hometown to nurse her mother’s broken heart after losing her father, she finds herself jobless, hopeless, and penniless. She hopes to rekindle her friendship with her former BFF, but Dylan is attached at the hip to her cruel brother—the one Cal’s been secretly crushing on since middle school.

Falling for the bad boy the second time around would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.

Too bad she’s always been clumsy.

Truly, Madly, Deeply, is a grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance. It is the first in the Forbidden Love series, but can be read as a standalone.]]> 512 L.J. Shen 1464223734 Elizabeth 0 to-read 3.95 2024 Truly Madly Deeply (Forbidden Love, #1)
author: L.J. Shen
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[My Favorite Boss (My Favorite, #2)]]> 216470283 My new boss—Alexander Bane
Aptly named since he’s the bane of my existence.
Please isn’t in his vocabulary.
He grunts, growls, and demands.
If only he didn’t look so sexy when doing so.
If only his mouth weren’t so addictive when kissing mine.
He’s quickly becoming my favorite boss.
Which is wrong.

My new assistant is an unwelcomed distraction.
Snarky, witty, always smiling.
Constantly putting me in my place.
Making me second-guess my decisions.
I dislike it. Intensely.
Unless I’m kissing her.
Then Magnolia Myers becomes my favorite person.
Which I hate.

Two people working together, disliking each other.
Until they don’t.
Then the fun begins.

HR has never been so entertained.

Author's note: For those on the lookout for a hero who's so charming when he's bossy that it makes you want to follow his orders just to keep him talking.]]> 343 Melanie Moreland 1642634301 Elizabeth 4 arc Myers and Bane aka Magnolia and Alex are a truly entertaining pair. I loved watching them meet and get to know each other.
Ms Moreland did a great job of delivering all the elements needed for a fantastic office romance.
The characters are unique and engaging. She's a fantastic foil to his grumpy self. The story is has great elements of humor while also demonstrating a just how sweet people can be to each other in small ways. There is just enough conflict for the story to feel real.
Ms Moreland is a go to author for me and this is just one example of why!


















]]> 3.92 2024 My Favorite Boss (My Favorite, #2)
author: Melanie Moreland
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/18
date added: 2024/09/18
shelves: arc
review:
Oh my gosh! This book was so much fun with a giant dose of sweet too.
Myers and Bane aka Magnolia and Alex are a truly entertaining pair. I loved watching them meet and get to know each other.
Ms Moreland did a great job of delivering all the elements needed for a fantastic office romance.
The characters are unique and engaging. She's a fantastic foil to his grumpy self. The story is has great elements of humor while also demonstrating a just how sweet people can be to each other in small ways. There is just enough conflict for the story to feel real.
Ms Moreland is a go to author for me and this is just one example of why!



















]]> <![CDATA[Ross (7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes, #3)]]> 52106329 Meet the Blackthorne men, each one as hot, fast, and smooth as the whiskey that built the family fortune, and the yachts and race cars that bear their name. From proud Scottish stock, Blackthornes never lose. But, one by one, the seven sexy men in this family are about to risk everything when they fall for strong and beautiful women who test their mettle in life…and love.

ROSS

Ross Blackthorne likes his cars fast and his women faster. As the third son, he’s accustomed to living his life without the pressure to succeed that his older brothers face. But when he crashes his race car during a public event, his father decides enough is enough. It’s time for Ross to step up and join the family business.

Holly Brooks has her hands full running operations at the Blackthorne Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. The last thing she needs is to babysit an unrepentant playboy who doesn’t have any interest in learning what it takes to make world-class bourbon.
Ross only intends to stay for as long as it takes to convince his father he’s better suited to driving fast—but working in close proximity to Holly is more interesting than he expected.

Can daredevil Ross convince good girl Holly that he’s worth the risk? Or is their budding relationship doomed to crash and burn?

Don't miss these sexy, heartwarming, emotion-filled books by seven bestselling authors: Barbara Freethy, Julia London, Lynn Raye Harris, Cristin Harber, Roxanne St. Claire, Christie Ridgway and Samantha Chase.

Devlin #1 � Barbara Freethy

Jason #2 � Julia London

Ross #3 � Lynn Raye Harris

Phillip #4 � Cristin Harber

Brock #5 � Roxanne St. Claire

Logan #6 � Samantha Chase

Trey #7 � Christie Ridgway

Praise for Lynn Raye Harris’s Novels:

“This is an amazing display of great story telling. I loved every second of it.� - The Romance Book Club

“Lynn Raye Harris is explosive!â€� - Ĺ·±¦ÓéŔÖ

�...Harris proves she knows how to keep her readers coming back for more.� - Julie Johnson

“Reading this book was an unforgettable experience.� - From the Bottom of a Frappe

“Congratulations Ms. Harris you have earned yourself a new dedicated fan. Just keep the wonderful stories coming down the line.� - Romance Witch Reviews

“Harris is a master at giving readers kick-ass intrigue mixed with heart-warming moments and she’s become my can’t-be-missed military romance author.� - Romantic Reads and Such on Dangerously HOT

“Once you start you are in for a roller coaster of a read!� - Twin Sisters Rockin� Reviews

“Harris also does a fantastic job of weaving romance and suspense together effortlessly. It's never out of place or overbalances the other. It's this perfect combination that will have your heart pounding and then leave you panting.� - Dirty Girl Romance

“I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. I could not put it down.â€� - Ĺ·±¦ÓéŔÖ

“I felt every page.â€� - Ĺ·±¦ÓéŔÖ

“I hate using those overused and often over the top statements like: � This is the best book in the series so far� and “Lynn Raye Harris has done it again�. However... This is the best book in series and Lynn didn't just do it again, she somehow did it better.]]> 196 Lynn Raye Harris 1941002455 Elizabeth 4 arc, eram
This is the 3rd book for the Blackthorne cousins/brothers - this time focusing on Ross. Ross is the third family member we’ve met involved in the family brand, but not the family business. We have seen glimpses of Ross in the first two books, but this is our first opportunity to get to know him.

Circumstances (and meddling fathers) have Ross reporting for duty at the family’s production facility in Kentucky where he meets Holly Brooks.

I liked both Ross and Holly and enjoyed their interactions. It was especially fun to see Ross change Holly’s opinion of him and begin to create a friendship/romance.

As with the first two installments of this series, my big complaint is the length of the book. So far, all three books have been very short. That means that we don’t get to know the characters as well as I would like and that the plot/conflict have places that seem rushed or not fully developed.

Even with wishing the book was longer I enjoyed Ross and am looking forward to seeing what happens with the rest of the Blackthorne crew.

Merged review:

3.5 Stars

This is the 3rd book for the Blackthorne cousins/brothers - this time focusing on Ross. Ross is the third family member we’ve met involved in the family brand, but not the family business. We have seen glimpses of Ross in the first two books, but this is our first opportunity to get to know him.

Circumstances (and meddling fathers) have Ross reporting for duty at the family’s production facility in Kentucky where he meets Holly Brooks.

I liked both Ross and Holly and enjoyed their interactions. It was especially fun to see Ross change Holly’s opinion of him and begin to create a friendship/romance.

As with the first two installments of this series, my big complaint is the length of the book. So far, all three books have been very short. That means that we don’t get to know the characters as well as I would like and that the plot/conflict have places that seem rushed or not fully developed.

Even with wishing the book was longer I enjoyed Ross and am looking forward to seeing what happens with the rest of the Blackthorne crew.]]> 4.34 2019 Ross (7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes, #3)
author: Lynn Raye Harris
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/16
date added: 2024/09/16
shelves: arc, eram
review:
3.5 Stars

This is the 3rd book for the Blackthorne cousins/brothers - this time focusing on Ross. Ross is the third family member we’ve met involved in the family brand, but not the family business. We have seen glimpses of Ross in the first two books, but this is our first opportunity to get to know him.

Circumstances (and meddling fathers) have Ross reporting for duty at the family’s production facility in Kentucky where he meets Holly Brooks.

I liked both Ross and Holly and enjoyed their interactions. It was especially fun to see Ross change Holly’s opinion of him and begin to create a friendship/romance.

As with the first two installments of this series, my big complaint is the length of the book. So far, all three books have been very short. That means that we don’t get to know the characters as well as I would like and that the plot/conflict have places that seem rushed or not fully developed.

Even with wishing the book was longer I enjoyed Ross and am looking forward to seeing what happens with the rest of the Blackthorne crew.

Merged review:

3.5 Stars

This is the 3rd book for the Blackthorne cousins/brothers - this time focusing on Ross. Ross is the third family member we’ve met involved in the family brand, but not the family business. We have seen glimpses of Ross in the first two books, but this is our first opportunity to get to know him.

Circumstances (and meddling fathers) have Ross reporting for duty at the family’s production facility in Kentucky where he meets Holly Brooks.

I liked both Ross and Holly and enjoyed their interactions. It was especially fun to see Ross change Holly’s opinion of him and begin to create a friendship/romance.

As with the first two installments of this series, my big complaint is the length of the book. So far, all three books have been very short. That means that we don’t get to know the characters as well as I would like and that the plot/conflict have places that seem rushed or not fully developed.

Even with wishing the book was longer I enjoyed Ross and am looking forward to seeing what happens with the rest of the Blackthorne crew.
]]> <![CDATA[Hockey Wife (Rookie Rebels, #9)]]> 216857166 "I need us to stay married, Big Guy."

Recently traded to the Chicago Rebels, hockey veteran Dylan “Banks� Bankowski is adjusting to what might be his last team and his final year in the NHL. That means taking care of his battered body while he strives for the one goal that’s managed to elude him: a championship ring. What he does not need is a visit from the woman to whom he gave a different kind of ring months ago.

His young, flighty, socialite wife.

Apparently, signing the annulment papers within a week of their quickie wedding in Vegas didn’t quite take, and now she’s back, right before the playoffs when he needs his focus most. Only this time she has a different request: let’s keep up the charade. He should say no, but he once said “I do� and surely that means something �

Georgia Goodwin has good reasons for wanting to keep her hockey player husband. Convincing the big lug to cooperate is the easy part. Not so easy? Ignoring the flutter in her chest when he grunts in jock, kisses her neck, or calls her wife. But it’s only for a few weeks, and as soon as the playoffs finish, so will they.

But the more time Georgia and Banks spend together, the more real their marriage feels. Less Vegas mistake, and more like the start of something amazing. They said goodbye once. Can they do it again � or will they figure out that a love this good is worth fighting for as much as that championship ring?

Tropes: Accidentally married, age gap, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, only one bed, fake kisses turned real, hockey player & Chicago socialite, big guy & petite gal, “my wife� moments galore]]> 376 Kate Meader 1954107501 Elizabeth 4 arc, sports
It was fun watching these two navigate the strangeness of their beginning and find out that maybe they liked each other. Both Banks and Georgia struggled with communication issues which made them seem more approachable and real. We were able to go along with them as they grew emotionally and in their interactions with each other.

I appreciated the way Ms Meader approached the relationship between Georgia and Banks. There was an excellent blend of the personal development of each character and the evolving romance. Given that this the 9th book in the series, there are a lot of cameos for previous couples. Hockey Wife is a standalone read, but is made richer if you have been following along with the series.]]> 4.09 Hockey Wife (Rookie Rebels, #9)
author: Kate Meader
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/15
date added: 2024/09/16
shelves: arc, sports
review:
Ms Meader brings us back to the Chicago Rebels with a unique meet-cute for a player we met briefly in the previous series installment. Banks is a strong silent player headed into the sunset of his career when he does something unusual in Vegas. He is paired with Georgia, a young socialite, who could not be more opposite.

It was fun watching these two navigate the strangeness of their beginning and find out that maybe they liked each other. Both Banks and Georgia struggled with communication issues which made them seem more approachable and real. We were able to go along with them as they grew emotionally and in their interactions with each other.

I appreciated the way Ms Meader approached the relationship between Georgia and Banks. There was an excellent blend of the personal development of each character and the evolving romance. Given that this the 9th book in the series, there are a lot of cameos for previous couples. Hockey Wife is a standalone read, but is made richer if you have been following along with the series.
]]> <![CDATA[Sunlight (Haven River Ranch, #2)]]> 205963763 From USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry comes a sweeping Western romance about undeniable attraction, unforeseen circumstances, and seemingly unbeatable odds.

My first day in Montana, I got into a tug-of-war over a grocery store shopping cart. The most handsome man I’d ever seen broke up the scuffle before he asked me on a date. I was seconds away from accepting but then he told me his name.

As an owner of the Haven River Ranch, Jax Haven wasn’t my boss. But he wasn’t not my boss either.

Obviously, my only option was to turn him down, scurry away, then pretend like he was a stranger on my first day of work. And obviously, I could never, ever admit that he was my secret crush.

For as hard as I work at my job, I work twice as hard to pretend Jax doesn’t exist. I don’t let myself think about his dazzling eyes or charming smile. I refuse to acknowledge how good he looks in a pair of faded Wrangler jeans. And as tempting as he is in a cowboy hat, Jax is a distraction I cannot afford.

Everything was going according to plan until the annual holiday party. Until I drank one too many flutes of champagne and let him sweep me off my feet. After a night in his bed, there was no more ignoring Jax Haven. Not when I’m pregnant with his baby.]]> 300 Devney Perry Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.14 2024 Sunlight (Haven River Ranch, #2)
author: Devney Perry
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The One I Didn't See Coming (Plain Daisy Ranch, #3)]]> 204955773
Returning to Willowbrook was my only option after Chicago chewed me up and spit me out. Technically, it wasn’t Chicago’s fault. It was his fault—the man I thought I knew who turned out to be a liar.

My older sister, always the one to swoop in and fix things, secured me a job as a yoga instructor on her fiancé’s family ranch. As my self-assigned protector, she’s keeping one eye on me and one eye on Emmett Noughton, her fiancé’s brother.

He’s the charming, fun-loving, take-life-as-it-comes kind of guy, and once upon a time, his name was scribbled in my notebooks. Back then, I was invisible to him. Now, he’s looking at me like I’m the only thing in the room. But he lost his chance with me a long time ago.

It’s easy to keep him at arm’s length and nurse the grudge I’ve held onto for years. Until the house I’m staying in sells, and I have nowhere to go except his house. Now, resisting him isn’t just difficult—it’s impossible.]]> 286 Piper Rayne Elizabeth 4 arc
I’m struggling a little with this review.
On one hand, I enjoyed Emmett and Briar’s story. It’s a solid addition to the Plain Daisy Ranch family. I think people should read it, but�.

The other hand�.
This book very much depends on the first two for back story and some of the”who� for Emmett to make sense.
The switch from “maybe and I don’t hate you� to “I love you� seems fast for me. That may be a personal preference thing, but it seemed to me that something got left on the cutting room floor.
The behavior of Gillian (Briar’s sister) here also doesn’t fully jive with the person we met earlier in the series.

My overall take here is that if you are current on the Plain Daisy series, then dive in and enjoy getting to know the maturing version of Emmett. There are lot of opportunities to see previous main characters and where they are now. We also get to know the extended Plain Daisy family better and I am curious to see who may be next for a story.]]> 4.18 2024 The One I Didn't See Coming (Plain Daisy Ranch, #3)
author: Piper Rayne
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/08
date added: 2024/09/10
shelves: arc
review:
3.5 stars

I’m struggling a little with this review.
On one hand, I enjoyed Emmett and Briar’s story. It’s a solid addition to the Plain Daisy Ranch family. I think people should read it, but�.

The other hand�.
This book very much depends on the first two for back story and some of the”who� for Emmett to make sense.
The switch from “maybe and I don’t hate you� to “I love you� seems fast for me. That may be a personal preference thing, but it seemed to me that something got left on the cutting room floor.
The behavior of Gillian (Briar’s sister) here also doesn’t fully jive with the person we met earlier in the series.

My overall take here is that if you are current on the Plain Daisy series, then dive in and enjoy getting to know the maturing version of Emmett. There are lot of opportunities to see previous main characters and where they are now. We also get to know the extended Plain Daisy family better and I am curious to see who may be next for a story.
]]> King (Pittsburgh Titans #14) 213694879 255 Sawyer Bennett Elizabeth 4 arc, eram, sports Jack “King� Kingston is the player who bridges the “older� cast of characters with the new group. He’s an all around good guy that has us rooting for him to find a happy ending.
Willa is a doctor who has baggage. She’s a bit wounded, but also easy to like. I appreciated the fact that Ms Bennett took to a slightly different tact with the relationship dynamics here as they evolved from friends to more.
The meet cute here is adorable and the overall story is slightly predictable, but it’s does an excellent job of introducing us to the newer cast of players that will be featured later. Loyal Titan fans will also be excited to see some of the older character updates as well.]]> 4.10 2024 King (Pittsburgh Titans #14)
author: Sawyer Bennett
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/09/02
date added: 2024/09/10
shelves: arc, eram, sports
review:
In King, Sawyer Bennett brings us back to the Pittsburgh Titans with a new group players that have recently joined the team.
Jack “King� Kingston is the player who bridges the “older� cast of characters with the new group. He’s an all around good guy that has us rooting for him to find a happy ending.
Willa is a doctor who has baggage. She’s a bit wounded, but also easy to like. I appreciated the fact that Ms Bennett took to a slightly different tact with the relationship dynamics here as they evolved from friends to more.
The meet cute here is adorable and the overall story is slightly predictable, but it’s does an excellent job of introducing us to the newer cast of players that will be featured later. Loyal Titan fans will also be excited to see some of the older character updates as well.
]]> <![CDATA[The Family You Make (Sunrise Cove, #1)]]> 57961283 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.
]]> 383 Jill Shalvis 0063025507 Elizabeth 4 arc
The focus here is on Jane and Levi (who meet under less than ideal circumstances) and Charlotte and Mateo (neighbors and coworkers).

It was entertaining as well as heartwarming to watch these two couples navigate the roadblocks to becoming the people they are meant to be.

Ms Shalvis once again used humor to tackle some serious issues and gave us a community that I am glad to have met and am looking forward to getting to know better.
]]> 4.30 2022 The Family You Make (Sunrise Cove, #1)
author: Jill Shalvis
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2021/12/23
date added: 2024/09/10
shelves: arc
review:
In The Family You Make, we meet the town of Sunrise Cove (set near Lake Tahoe), the Cutler Family, Jane Parks, and a small group of the doctors and nurses who make up the community’s emergency services.

The focus here is on Jane and Levi (who meet under less than ideal circumstances) and Charlotte and Mateo (neighbors and coworkers).

It was entertaining as well as heartwarming to watch these two couples navigate the roadblocks to becoming the people they are meant to be.

Ms Shalvis once again used humor to tackle some serious issues and gave us a community that I am glad to have met and am looking forward to getting to know better.

]]> <![CDATA[Theirs to Hold (Titans Captivated, #1)]]> 80457370
Struggling restaurateur Kristin Daugherty has her future mapped out and won’t let any man derail her, especially wealthy, powerful Daniel Armstrong. The billionaire banker might be devastatingly handsome, but he’s also a notorious playboy. Since she has no intention of becoming a notch on his bedpost, she refuses his advances—no matter how much he tempts her.

Then at a charity auction, Daniel wins a weekend with her, and she’s no match for his seduction. She’s even more overwhelmed when he takes her to his family’s ranch and introduces her to his sexy twin brother, Noah. Soon, Kristin is forced to wonder if their attempts to make her theirs forever is more than her desperate heart can resist…]]> 184 Sierra Cartwright Elizabeth 3 free-read This was a read I picked up for free and while it was entertaining, I am glad it's not a book I paid for.
A very quick read with a high spice level. Minimal character development and the plot revolves almost entirely around the physical relationship of the main characters.
The entertainment value would have had this as a 3-star read, but the confusing tense changes and random places where the story suddenly became third-person caused it to lose a 1/2 star for me. ]]> 3.84 2021 Theirs to Hold (Titans Captivated, #1)
author: Sierra Cartwright
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2024/09/03
date added: 2024/09/03
shelves: free-read
review:
2.5 stars
This was a read I picked up for free and while it was entertaining, I am glad it's not a book I paid for.
A very quick read with a high spice level. Minimal character development and the plot revolves almost entirely around the physical relationship of the main characters.
The entertainment value would have had this as a 3-star read, but the confusing tense changes and random places where the story suddenly became third-person caused it to lose a 1/2 star for me.
]]> <![CDATA[Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor, #5)]]> 212276036
Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger.

Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey?

But wait, there’s more.

When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again. My luck holds out for less than twenty-four hours, when I realize he’s a groomsman at the wedding I’m attending.

We end up having a drink and a good laugh about my panicked confessions, and when he invites me up to his room for some no-strings-attached fun, I say yes. After all, a headboard rattling one-night stand with a guy who knows how to put the puck in deep isn’t something a bookworm like me ever thought she’d experience.

Neither are those two little pink lines.

Now what’s crashing are all the plans Joe Lupo and I had for our lives–separately.

After all, we’re totally wrong for each other. He’s commitment-phobic and completely focused on his career. And I want to plant roots in my small town–with someone who chooses me.

Love? It’s out of the question.

Until Joe Lupo lines up his shot and aims straight for my heart.]]> 352 Melanie Harlow 1649377754 Elizabeth 0 to-read 3.94 2024 Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor, #5)
author: Melanie Harlow
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor, #5)]]> 213444576
Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger.

Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey?

But wait, there’s more.

When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again. My luck holds out for less than twenty-four hours, when I realize he’s a groomsman at the wedding I’m attending.

We end up having a drink and a good laugh about my panicked confessions, and when he invites me up to his room for some no-strings-attached fun, I say yes. After all, a headboard rattling one-night stand with a guy who knows how to put the puck in deep isn’t something a bookworm like me ever thought she’d experience.

Neither are those two little pink lines.

Now what’s crashing are all the plans Joe Lupo and I had for our lives–separately.

After all, we’re totally wrong for each other. He’s commitment-phobic and completely focused on his career. And I want to plant roots in my small town–with someone who chooses me.

Love? It’s out of the question.

Until Joe Lupo lines up his shot and aims straight for my heart.]]> 380 Melanie Harlow Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.34 2024 Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor, #5)
author: Melanie Harlow
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lost in You (Minnesota Mammoths Book 1)]]> 210621484 I’ve got one protect the younger sister of my best friend and team captain. Then our private plane crashes in southern Alaska, and we’re the lone survivors.

The two of us are the unlikeliest of partners when we find ourselves stranded in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. My hockey playing skills are of no use here, where the bitter cold is my new opponent. And Trinity Lorenzo? She’s about as warm as a block of ice. I get it, she’s fleeing an abusive boyfriend and she and I are strangers. But I always keep my word, and I promised Dalton I’d keep his prickly sister safe. If we want to live, the two of us will have to find a way to get along and work together.
Our ordeal draws Trinity and me closer, and fighting the pull between us becomes harder than anything we face while hoping for rescue. Whether we make it out or not, I need her. More than water or shelter—more than anything. Dalton will never forgive me if I cross the line with her, but surviving means something different now. Surviving means making her mine.]]> 0 Brenda Rothert Elizabeth 4 Trinity and Lincoln are interesting characters in a unique situation and I enjoyed the different take on a forced proximity romance.

One of the things I appreciated about the story was how much the experience changed each of them and the changes that they needed to make later. The fact that their lives would never be the same seemed to sink in for both of them and it was sweet to see that play out.

The secondary cast here is almost non existent, but we see enough to know that I am incredibly curious about how the events here impacted the rest of Linc’s team, especially Trinity’s brother. ]]> 4.25 Lost in You (Minnesota Mammoths Book 1)
author: Brenda Rothert
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/27
date added: 2024/08/28
shelves:
review:
What an interesting start to a new series!
Trinity and Lincoln are interesting characters in a unique situation and I enjoyed the different take on a forced proximity romance.

One of the things I appreciated about the story was how much the experience changed each of them and the changes that they needed to make later. The fact that their lives would never be the same seemed to sink in for both of them and it was sweet to see that play out.

The secondary cast here is almost non existent, but we see enough to know that I am incredibly curious about how the events here impacted the rest of Linc’s team, especially Trinity’s brother.
]]> Cash (Lucky River Ranch, #1) 216734941 Butting heads leads to knocking boots in this wildly sexy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town cowboy romance by Jessica Peterson.

My dad and I have been estranged for years. But as his only living relative, it’s no surprise I inherit his massive cattle ranch when he dies. Something that is a surprise? The stipulation in his will, which requires me to live on the ranch and actively manage it for a year before I can access my inheritance money.

I haven’t stepped foot in Hartsville, Texas, population one thousand, since my parents split when I was six. Now a city girl through and through, I never imagined having to move back to cowboy country. But I need the money to invest in my company, and a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

There’s just one giant roadblock to my plan: the ranch’s foreman, grumpy cowboy Cash Rivers. I don’t care how good he looks in his Wranglers and chaps. He’s rude, he’s growly, and he wants me gone. I’d fire him in a heartbeat, but I need this cowboy to teach me the ropes of running a ranch.

We’re enemies from the get-go. But turns out, Cash is really good at this ranch thing. He’s got strong hands, an intelligent mind, and let’s just say everything really is bigger in Texas. Working alongside him leads to conversations beneath the stars. Throw in some cheek-to-cheek dancing at the local dive bar, and it all feels so right that I start to fall in love with life on the ranch. And maybe with him, too.

But my stay in Hartsville is only temporary. And you know what they say about cowboys: they may break horses, but they also break hearts. If only Cash hadn’t already lassoed mine�

CASH is the first standalone book in the brand new steamy, interconnected Lucky River Ranch Series.]]> 423 Jessica Peterson Elizabeth 4 arc
A new family based series from Jessica Peterson!
The Rivers boys, led by eldest brother Cash, have made a good life for themselves working for Garrett Luck. When Garrett dies and leaves the ranch to his estranged daughter Mollie, life gets turned upside down for everyone.

This was a classic Peterson read in a new setting. Cash is a family oriented Alpha personality. He’s a little rough around the edges, but all kinds of sweet underneath. It was truly impressive to see how hard he cares for people. Mollie is a great character too. It took her a little bit to come into her own, but as she did, my respect for her grew. Seeing these two evolve from enemies to friends and more definitely gave me the warm and fuzzies.

The secondary cast is relatively small, but they all play a big part in supporting Cash and Mollie as they get things figured out!

If I loved this book, why only 3.5 stars? There are a couple of small things that are personal pet peeves that pulled me from the story. I won’t go into them, because they really are personal preferences and I know I’m not being 100% reasonable on them� I am curious about the next book. ]]> 4.01 2024 Cash (Lucky River Ranch, #1)
author: Jessica Peterson
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/24
date added: 2024/08/24
shelves: arc
review:
3.5 stars

A new family based series from Jessica Peterson!
The Rivers boys, led by eldest brother Cash, have made a good life for themselves working for Garrett Luck. When Garrett dies and leaves the ranch to his estranged daughter Mollie, life gets turned upside down for everyone.

This was a classic Peterson read in a new setting. Cash is a family oriented Alpha personality. He’s a little rough around the edges, but all kinds of sweet underneath. It was truly impressive to see how hard he cares for people. Mollie is a great character too. It took her a little bit to come into her own, but as she did, my respect for her grew. Seeing these two evolve from enemies to friends and more definitely gave me the warm and fuzzies.

The secondary cast is relatively small, but they all play a big part in supporting Cash and Mollie as they get things figured out!

If I loved this book, why only 3.5 stars? There are a couple of small things that are personal pet peeves that pulled me from the story. I won’t go into them, because they really are personal preferences and I know I’m not being 100% reasonable on them� I am curious about the next book.
]]> Falling Like Stars 217874305
Rowan, haunted by a devastating moment in her past, shields her heart behind walls of guilt, letting no one in. But Zachary's genuine affection and desire for a meaningful life begin to chip away at her defenses. As their connection deepens, Rowan must battle the self-destructive patterns that have held her back from embracing her passions and finding true love, while Zachary must reveal his own hidden scars—wounds he’s borne in silence for years—if he hopes to heal.

Can Zachary and Rowan confront their pasts to build a future together, or will the storms of scandal, tangled relationships, and the scrutiny of stardom ruin their hopes for a perfect Hollywood ending?

Falling Like Stars is a brand new, emotional standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author, Emma Scott, coming this summer!]]> 289 Emma Scott Elizabeth 0 to-read 3.91 2024 Falling Like Stars
author: Emma Scott
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Romance Line (Love and Hockey, #2)]]> 210493697 The first rule of handling PR for a hockey team? Never hook up with a player.

That shouldn’t be a problem since the last man on earth I want to give an image makeover to is our goalie. He’s infuriatingly hot, famously grumpy and lives to spar with me after every game.

But shining up his rough edges is my path to landing the promotion I desperately need, so I grit my teeth and do my job. No matter how hard he makes it (especially with that sexy smirk and cool blue eyes.) As we travel from pose-with-a-pet photo opps to cuddle-a-kitten fundraisers, we bicker like it’s foreplay.

Turns out it is.

Because as I get to know the man behind the broody iceman exterior, it’s me that melts � right into his arms as he devastates me with a kiss that turns into the hottest, most forbidden night of my life.

Only once turns into every night as Max shows me how much he wants to take care of me. His possessive touch makes me feel adored for the first time in my life.

But the man is entirely off limits and I can’t risk my job for more of those soul-deep kisses.

Because the only thing worse than hooking up with a player is falling head over heels for him.


Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, player and publicist, forbidden romance, workplace romance, hockey romance, secret dates, hate to love]]> Lauren Blakely Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.27 The Romance Line (Love and Hockey, #2)
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Falling Like Stars 213084769 She kept her heart locked away...until she gave it to the world's biggest movie star.

In the dazzling world of Hollywood where fame and glamour reign supreme, award-winning megastar Zachary Butler longs for something more than red carpet events and paparazzi flashes. As he navigates fame and tries to extricate himself from his celebrity ex-fiancée, he discovers an unexpected spark with Rowan Walsh, a production assistant on his latest project.

Rowan, haunted by a devastating moment in her past, shields her heart behind walls of guilt, letting no one in. But Zachary's genuine affection and desire for a meaningful life begin to chip away at her defenses. As their connection deepens, Rowan must battle the self-destructive patterns that have held her back from embracing her passions and finding true love, while Zachary must reveal his own hidden scars—wounds he’s borne in silence for years—if he hopes to heal.

Can Zachary and Rowan confront their pasts to build a future together, or will the storms of scandal, tangled relationships, and the scrutiny of stardom ruin their hopes for a perfect Hollywood ending?

Falling Like Stars is a brand new, emotional standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author, Emma Scott, coming this summer!]]> Emma Scott Elizabeth 5 2nd-chance, arc, eram Rowan is a "nobody" working as a PA on a movie when she makes a connection with one of the stars, Zach. Both characters are interesting and relatable in terms of the issues that they bring to the table.
This is a book that needs to be experienced, so I am not going to go into too much detail about the story - you get to read it for that!

Ms Scott takes a very honest approach to the baggage that both Rowan and Zach carry with them everyday. I appreciated that she allowed them to have weak moments and gave them grace to embrace the growth they needed to have to move forward.

There are some hard topics dealt with here, so it wasn't always an easy book to read. There were moments when I wanted to reach into the story and just hug the characters. Thankfully, they both have a network around them that provides support and nudges as needed. The emotions here are very real and pulled me in to the point where I stayed up way later than I should have to finish the book!

]]> 4.19 2024 Falling Like Stars
author: Emma Scott
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/18
date added: 2024/08/19
shelves: 2nd-chance, arc, eram
review:
Falling Like Stars is a little bit of a Cinderella story wrapped in layers of unexpected.
Rowan is a "nobody" working as a PA on a movie when she makes a connection with one of the stars, Zach. Both characters are interesting and relatable in terms of the issues that they bring to the table.
This is a book that needs to be experienced, so I am not going to go into too much detail about the story - you get to read it for that!

Ms Scott takes a very honest approach to the baggage that both Rowan and Zach carry with them everyday. I appreciated that she allowed them to have weak moments and gave them grace to embrace the growth they needed to have to move forward.

There are some hard topics dealt with here, so it wasn't always an easy book to read. There were moments when I wanted to reach into the story and just hug the characters. Thankfully, they both have a network around them that provides support and nudges as needed. The emotions here are very real and pulled me in to the point where I stayed up way later than I should have to finish the book!


]]> <![CDATA[The Boyfriend Goal (Love and Hockey, #1)]]> 215508008 A forbidden romance with my brother’s hockey-playing teammate wasn’t on my to-do list when I moved across the country.

Neither was getting locked out of a friend’s place wearing next to nothing.
Or spending the night with the sexy stranger who rescues me.
But I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone so getting out of the rest of my clothes with him seems like a good way to start.
In the morning, I learn the filthy-mouthed man with the talented hands is not only the hotshot new hockey player on my brother’s team: he’s also � wait for it � my brand new roommate.
I’m a good student turned good librarian. A rule-follower. I’m not the kind of girl who does complicated flings. So we agree to another rule: friends-only.
It’s not easy though. Wes is bossy, flirty and generous.
He gives me rides to work.
Pitches in at my library’s fundraiser.
Takes care of me when I get hurt.
And looks at me like I’m the only one.
Soon, I’m falling hard for my brother’s teammate.
Especially when Wes comes to my door and tells me exactly how he’d like to break our rules.
Every single one.]]> 496 Lauren Blakely 1964048079 Elizabeth 4 arc
Boyfriend Goal features librarian, Josie, and hockey player, Wesley. They had an awesome meet spicy when she first moved to town and then discovered their worlds intersected.

I loved these two from the beginning. There were things about Josie that made me want to reach in and give her a hug. I appreciated that Wes saw her in a way that other people in her life didn’t. One of the special parts of this story was how Josie gave as much to Wes as he did her. The symbiotic support system made them great friends and gave a foundation that contributed to a special story.

Ms Blakely avoided some of the more obvious conflicts for the story. The conflict element she picked was unique to this couple and helped both of them grow without a lot of extra drama.

Overall, this is an entertaining, feel good read. There is a good mix of spice and emotional development for the characters as a pair and individually. The world building is subtle and the interaction of the main couple with secondary characters, both old and new, is organic and has me curious about what’s next for the Sea Dogs. ]]> 3.85 2024 The Boyfriend Goal (Love and Hockey, #1)
author: Lauren Blakely
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/08/16
date added: 2024/08/17
shelves: arc
review:
Boyfriend Goal starts a new series from Ms Blakely featuring the San Francisco Sea Dogs hockey team. It is a fully standalone book with secondary characters from other series (love those little cameos).

Boyfriend Goal features librarian, Josie, and hockey player, Wesley. They had an awesome meet spicy when she first moved to town and then discovered their worlds intersected.

I loved these two from the beginning. There were things about Josie that made me want to reach in and give her a hug. I appreciated that Wes saw her in a way that other people in her life didn’t. One of the special parts of this story was how Josie gave as much to Wes as he did her. The symbiotic support system made them great friends and gave a foundation that contributed to a special story.

Ms Blakely avoided some of the more obvious conflicts for the story. The conflict element she picked was unique to this couple and helped both of them grow without a lot of extra drama.

Overall, this is an entertaining, feel good read. There is a good mix of spice and emotional development for the characters as a pair and individually. The world building is subtle and the interaction of the main couple with secondary characters, both old and new, is organic and has me curious about what’s next for the Sea Dogs.
]]> <![CDATA[The Troublemaker (Sex & Bonds #2)]]> 61293139 Brooks Huntley is the last guy on earth I should ask to take my virginity.

He's a decade older than me. Lethally hot. And so far out of my league it's not even funny. The biggest downside to my plan, though?

Brooks is my older brother's best friend.

I see Brooks every day when I deliver muffins to his office. With his swaggering confidence and sexy smirk, it's no wonder I've always had a crush on him. But I'm not looking to cause any trouble—at first. I just want to give my V-card a long-overdue swipe.

Too bad I have no game when it comes to picking up guys—but Brooks is a master at charming the pants off women. While Brooks himself is off-limits, who better to study for tips on how to get laid?

When he offers me a weekend away at a five-star resort as thanks for satisfying his sweet tooth, I say yes—with the caveat that he comes too. That way I can watch him in action. He counters with a caveat of his he'll come, but my brother can never find out.

On our secret getaway, I do my best to learn from Brooks and take someone new home. But I fail so miserably that Brooks steps in and kisses me "to show me how it should be done."

And can I tell y'all, I just melted.

Now can I convince him to show me how everything should be done?]]> 328 Jessica Peterson Elizabeth 0 to-read 4.27 The Troublemaker (Sex & Bonds #2)
author: Jessica Peterson
name: Elizabeth
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>