en-US Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:05:32 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review7528772047 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:05:32 -0700 /review/show/7528772047 Diane gave 4 stars to Prose Before Bros (Green Valley Library, #3) by Cathy Yardley
Drill and Thuy’s romance takes an up close and personal look at the inner workings of the Iron Wraiths MC club and the growing dissatisfaction Drill feels when he’s torn between his MC family and his long lost sister Maddy who decides to keep the family farm after his father’s recent passing. When the MC club finds out Drill inherited half of the farm they pressure him to convince Maddy to sell. I liked the examination of Drill’s torn loyalties between the club who took him in when his cruel father kicked him out at 16 when he had no where else to go. I liked the sisterly bond between Maddy and Thuy, whose Vietnamese heritage and turbulent past as the escaped daughter of a notorious MC gang leader makes her uniquely qualified to understand the danger they’re in. She’s uniquely qualified to understand Drill’s position as their attraction heats up and he struggles to find a resolution that won’t threaten the two women. I liked Thuy’s savvy determination to protect Maddy at all costs, her insight into the complexities of gang life and the juxtaposition of her love for books, her librarian degree, and her inner strength. I enjoyed Drill and Thuy’s simmering attraction, Drill’s growing unease with MC life, and the suspense filled storyline that kept me intrigued from start to finish. ]]> Review7527532767 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:42:13 -0700 /review/show/7527532767 Diane gave 5 stars to The Girlfriend Zone (Love and Hockey, #4) by Lauren Blakely
Miles and Leighton’s mistaken identity meet cute unites a pro hockey player and his coach’s photographer daughter in a forbidden attraction with disastrous complications that arise in the light of day. Miles anxiety over betraying the coach that resurrected his hockey career after a debilitating injury left him without a team leaves him no choice but to ignore the longing he feels for the coach’s daughter who is the new team photographer. The complications are never ending, as is the longing and physical awareness that sparks between Miles and Leighton a year after their original encounter and their decision to walk away from each other. I liked the antics of Miles’s matchmaking grandmother, the ribald camaraderie that exists between Miles and his colorful teammates, and the close gal pal relationship between Leighton and the previous heroines in the series. I was intrigued with Leighton’s complex auditory disability, the numerous accommodations she has to make such as lip reading and sign language, and her inner struggle with the insecurities she feels concerning her disability and her uncertain future. I enjoyed the witty dialogue, the palpable longing between this pair of star crossed lovers, and the overwhelming chemistry that made it impossible to walk away from each other. Lauren had a lot of fun with this couple’s incendiary chemistry and the long drawn out x-rated sex scenes that are delightfully titillating while she put a new spin on the inevitable fireworks that ensue after the disastrous revelation of their ongoing subterfuge. Lauren sure had me holding my breath waiting for the axe to fall. What absolutely sold the story was Lauren’s ingenious casting of girl next door Samantha Brentmoor and Mr. Sexy Himself, Jason Clarke, in a duet style narration that knocked my socks off. I laughed, I swooned, and I fanned my heated face while I fell in love with Miles, Leighton, and the entire Seattle Sea Dogs Hockey organization. ]]> Review7527394587 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:41:59 -0700 /review/show/7527394587 Diane gave 3 stars to Knock Out (Fighting for Love, #4) by Jiffy Kate
3 & 1/2 stars

The last book in this series features the fourth Erickson brother Ozzi who is visiting Green Valley and working with his brothers until his vagabond heart tells him it’s time for a new adventure. He’s even tempered, a skilled MMA trainer, and happily ensconced with his family for the time being. Willow is a guarded loner living a simple existence after being abandoned to the a foster care system as a child where she learned the only one she can count on is herself. She works extra hours at the Piggly Wiggly to make ends meet while she bunks in a trailer and keeps her head down until she can exorcise her demons in the ring. I liked the one step forward, two steps back trajectory of her friendship with Ozzi as he encourages her abilities in the ring and lends an empowering ear. I liked the unveiling storyline concerning Willow’s 9 year old half sister Hazel and the guardianship process she travels to form her greatest wish which is a family of her own. Unfortunately, the romantic relationship between Ozzi and Willow suffers because of a lack of momentum that coincides with Hazel’s arrival and Ozzi’s fears of commitment. In addition the author seemed to get stuck on the theme of Willow’s insecurities about being a good parent and the day to day living minutiae of life with a 9 year old even if she’s adorably precocious and mature beyond her years. Instead of racing hearts and passionate interludes this couple acts like a married couple trying to fit in a quickie and I found it disappointing. Those criticisms aside it’s a likable story of finding a soft place to fall with the entertaining inclusion of the greater Erickson family dynamics and Willow’s budding MMA career and her confidence in herself. ]]> Review7524850600 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:42:46 -0700 /review/show/7524850600 Diane gave 4 stars to Muffin But Trouble (Donner Bakery #4) by Talia Hunter
Cy and Magdalena’s opposites attract romance pairs a New York City slicker running from a drug dealer and a notorious loner hiding from society with his 15 year old niece. I could practically hear the dueling banjos soundtrack as Mags finds herself exiled from her fast paced life into ‘Deliverance Hell� when she comes face to face with her towering backwoods neighbor who shockingly resembles Sasquatch. The arrival of a stray dog and his caretaking needs is the start of an unlikely friendship that leads to shared commonalities and I liked the begrudging friendship and sizzle of attraction that draws them closer together. The universal theme of not judging a book by its cover, and the stigma of Cy’s notoriously evil and violent family roots are creatively explored, and I quickly fell for the acceptance both characters crave. I was drawn to the exploration of Cy and his sister Ruth’s childhood trauma and their continuing struggle to overcome their depression and their family’s violent past. Throughout the series I have enjoyed Green Valley’s southern ambience, the social happenings at the Donner Bakery, and the warm friendship that develop between Mags and her fellow co workers and I enjoyed the entire series. ]]> Review7526825857 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:37:12 -0700 /review/show/7526825857 Diane gave 4 stars to Eye Candy (Fighting for Love, #3) by Jiffy Kate
I enjoyed everything about Vali and Maggie’s romance because I was drawn to his preoccupation with the shy and sheltered young virgin who still lives at home with her much older parents while she manages their family feed supply store. I could easily relate to Vali’s middle child sentiments as he feels lost in the shuffle of a successful MMA family dynasty where he works as a promoter/marketer alongside his brothers and struggles to overcome a recent romantic betrayal back in Texas. Vali’s temporarily relocation to Tennessee was meant to get his mind off his troubles but he can’t resist getting to know the beautiful, guileless beauty whose innocence captures his attention. Vali is easily tied with Cage as my favorite Erickson brother because of his gentle and protective nature and his determination to treat shy and sheltered Maggie with the dignity and respect her obvious inexperience deserves. I was drawn to Maggie from the start because of her adorably awkward shyness, her fierce longing to stretch her wings to try new experiences, and her loving devotion to her parents. Their simmering attraction leads to a sweet and temping romance with an enticing storyline, emotionally vulnerable characters, and small town charm that is highly appealing. I loved the Erickson sibling dynamics, appreciated Maggie’s growing friendships with Tempest and Frankie, and thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the exciting world of MMA sports.
]]> Review7524850600 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 21:35:20 -0700 /review/show/7524850600 Diane gave 4 stars to Muffin But Trouble (Donner Bakery #4) by Talia Hunter
Cy and Magdalena’s opposites attract romance pairs a New York City slicker running from a drug dealer and a notorious loner hiding from society with his 15 year old niece. I could practically hear the dueling banjos soundtrack as Mags finds herself exiled from her fast paced life into ‘Deliverance Hell� when she comes face to face with her towering backwoods neighbor who shockingly resembles Sasquatch. The arrival of a stray dog and his caretaking needs is the start of an unlikely friendship that leads to shared commonalities and I liked the begrudging friendship and sizzle of attraction that draws them closer together. The universal theme of not judging a book by its cover, and the stigma of Cy’s notoriously evil and violent family roots are creatively explored, and I quickly fell for the acceptance both characters crave. I was drawn to the exploration of Cy and his sister Ruth’s childhood trauma and their continuing struggle to overcome their depression and their family’s violent past. Throughout the series I have enjoyed Green Valley’s southern ambience, the social happenings at the Donner Bakery, and the warm friendship that develop between Mags and her fellow co workers and I enjoyed the entire series. ]]> Review7518525484 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:59:20 -0700 /review/show/7518525484 Diane gave 4 stars to Tough Cookie (Donner Bakery #3) by Talia Hunter
I thoroughly enjoyed Noah and Carla’s small town romance which unites a professional stuntman turned emergency handyman and the beautiful reclusive woman who lives in his mother’s farmhouse rental. This is the first romance I’ve read about a chronically ill heroine like myself (I live with the realities of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and IBS) and I applaud the author for her sensitive and realistic portrayal of the day to day existence of those of us who suffer the way we do. Noah’s loving acceptance of the realities of Carla’s existence and the long term caretaking she needs are realistically explored and I fell in love with both characters from the start. I was thoroughly entertained by the interfering matchmaking shenanigan’s of Noah’s grand baby obsessed mother and the delightful characters from Green Valley that I have come to know and love. They surround Carla with their care and empathy in a way that is most rewarding. It’s a compelling, informative, and entertaining romance filled with witty banter, heartfelt emotion, and sexy southern charm that I highly recommend. ]]> Review7518479451 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:38:18 -0700 /review/show/7518479451 Diane gave 4 stars to Beef Cake (Fighting for Love, #2) by Jiffy Kate
Gunnar and Frankie’s story is a tale of trauma, resilience, and the healing power of love as a gentle, even tempered MMA fighter is inexplicably drawn to a beautiful nurse/physician’s assistant who eschews entanglements and ruthlessly guards her heart. I enjoyed everything about Gunnar’s character from his affable personality, his love for his family, and his obsessive focus on his training which is thoroughly explored. He’s infatuated with Frankie from the start but she’s a bundle of contractions who shuts him down at every turn to guard her heart. I was drawn to the underlying reasons why Frankie fights her attraction to Gunnar as she struggles with nebulous nightmares concerning her tumultuous childhood, her tenuous position with the Iron Wraiths motorcycle gang, and the mysterious identity of a father she doesn’t remember. It’s a compelling story that kept me engrossed as their budding romance is challenged by Frankie’s surfacing childhood trauma and her aspersion to the violence surrounding the sport that Gunnar loves. Their story is compelling and I highly recommend listening to the audiobook because of the nuanced vocal acting skills of Chris Brinkley and Natalie Duke who shine as Gunnar and Frankie.
]]> Review7510575698 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:54:37 -0700 /review/show/7510575698 Diane gave 4 stars to Dough You Love Me? (Donner Bakery #2) by Stacy Travis
Shane and Julia’s awkward reunion on the solemn occasion of her grandmother’s funeral brings up a myriad of conflicting emotions between two mutually enamored people who have been separated by their own insecurities and extremely bad timing. It’s a coming of age story that reunites a highly gifted musician and baker with his high school crush who is a highly successful LA wunderkind in the field of baking. Shane’s come a long way from the awkward teenager who struggled with his confidence due to a genetic birth defect that affects his right hand. Julia’s phenomenal success hides a lonely overworked woman who slowly gains perspective but also fights herself every step of the way. I liked the deep dive into each character’s psyche, their growing emotional and physical intimacy, and the deepening of their individual familial relationships. It’s an appealing study of small town life with a very satisfying happily ever after that I thoroughly enjoyed. ]]> Review7500112695 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:28:10 -0700 /review/show/7500112695 Diane gave 4 stars to Stud Muffin (Fighting for Love, #1) by Jiffy Kate
I thoroughly enjoyed Gage and Tempest’s small town romance because it’s the perfect combination of outrageous, gossip filled small town scandal combined with a compelling study of marital infidelity and the emotional rampages of a scorned woman. I loved the pairing of the ex MMA fighter and strip bar bouncer Cage who has a heart of gold and the fiery tempered, Duchess of Muffins baker who thought she was living the perfect life. Offering friendship and mixed martial arts lessons Gage becomes her number one cheerleader but it seems every time he picks Magnolia up her ex knocks her down again. I rooted for Tempest who valiantly fights for herself though her identity is shaken time and again by her husband’s new marriage and the realization that her life was a lie. Gage is a true southern hero exhibiting friendship, empowerment, and quiet confidence expertly embodied by Chris Brinkley’s swoon worthy sexy southern drawl. Marnie Young’s deliciously appealing performance as the volatile and vulnerable Tempest is both endearing, heartbreaking and utterly addictive and I loved every minute of their story. ]]>