Review: "Chasing Down Her Highness" by Fiona West

Chasing Down Her Highness by Fiona West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Chasing Down Her Highness" by Fiona West was a fun, refreshingly creative blend of adventure, fantasy, and romance that featured lovably quirky characters and a fast-paced, engaging plot. For good reason, female lead character Abelia (aka Abbie), the erstwhile princess of Brevspor, gave up her claim to the throne and left to build a life of her own. Her betrothal contract to childhood friend and fellow royal Prince Edward of Orangiers remained in effect, however, so when Edward's brother attempted to murder their father and set off a potential civil war, he decided to track down his wayward fiancee. Edward hoped that marrying Abbie and solidifying their countries' alliance might be enough to prevent the coming battle. Unfortunately, he didn't plan on Abbie's refusal to honor their contract, mercenaries intent on kidnapping her to prevent the marriage, or any number of other threats along the way. They were forced to undertake a lengthy, arduous journey in disguise on horseback through unknown (and often unfriendly) territory to get back home.

I loved the way Abbie and Edward's romance slowly grew over the course of the story as they got to know each other again as adults. Even though the book ended in a HFN (Abbie and Edward's story continues into book two with their wedding), their story felt complete, and I wasn't disappointed at all with where they ended up. I also loved how much growth was evident in each of their character arcs.

The book's secondary characters were a tremendous amount of fun and added a lot of depth and humor to the story. My favorite was Stargazer the talking horse because he was so amusing; his lines were some of the best in the book. I also liked Abbie's traveling companions, Rubald and Rutha. Rubald was sometimes a bit gruff, but his wife Rutha was so kind and loving, and they each took good care of Abbie in their own way.

Overall, I really enjoyed "Chasing Down Her Highness" and recommend it for fans of YA and/or adult fantasy romance. I plan to continue with the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Played by the Rockstar" by Christina Hovland

I'm thrilled to take part in the release/review blitz celebrating "Played by the Rockstar" by Christina Hovland, book #1 in the Mile High Rocked series. It's a spinoff of Hovland's Mile High Matched series complete with cameos from a few familiar characters, but reads as a standalone.

I'm not big on rock star romances, but I very much enjoyed Hovland's earlier series, so I've been looking forward to giving this one a try. I'm really happy I did because I ended up loving this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story, which featured endearing, well-developed characters and a well-crafted slow burn romance. The banter and chemistry between main characters Becca and Linx was a ton of fun, and I loved the way they helped each other find balance and joy in their lives.

 

Linx was nothing like what I would consider to be a typical rock star; he drank ginger ale out of beer bottles to maintain his rock star image, his idea of going crazy was getting a milkshake on a cold night, and he was completely devoted to his cat, Gibson, who he dressed in a little leather jacket and took for walks in a wearable pet carrier. Linx was also devoted to music, however, and the frustrations he had with his Dimefront bandmates, Bax and Knox, were completely understandable. 

 

Becca had also been under a lot of stress in her job as a therapist, so she decided to take a six-month "life vacation" away from responsibility. She needed a way to find balance in her life, and it took stepping away from her career, spending time in her hometown of Denver with good friends and family, and meeting Linx for her to figure out what that balance looked like. The two of them really brought out the best in each other, and it was very easy for me to cheer them on to their HEA.

Overall, I loved "Played by the Rockstar" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series, featuring Linx's sister Courtney.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own. 

 

  

About "Played by the Rockstar"

He's a rock star.
She's a waitress.
He's about to rock her world.

Certified behavioral counselor (and former band groupie) Becca Forrester needs a break. Taking a leave of absence from her job, she moves into the apartment over her parents’ garage, and clinches a gig waitressing at a dive bar known for bringing in big name musicians.

Cedric “Linx” Lincoln is a certified rock star. Bassist for the hugely popular rock band, Dimefront, he’s in Denver while the band is on hiatus a-freaking-gain. He's looking for something—anything—to keep him occupied until they can all get back to making music. When he saunters into his friend’s bar, he finds the perfect diversion.

Becca’s presence is a breath of fresh air. The sizzle she ignites in him is precisely what he needs. Bonus: no-stress, no-strings hookups are his specialty. But when things between them tip toward serious, his band implodes, and Becca's leave of absence ends, they’re forced to decide what their “real” lives should look like. Maybe there’s room for an encore…

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Lovebug" by Erin Mallon

I'm delighted to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Lovebug" by Erin Mallon, book #2 of the Natural History series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it reads as a complete standalone.

 

The first book of this series ("Flirtasaurus") was one of my favorite books of 2020, so my expectations for "Lovebug" were pretty high when I started reading. Thankfully, it not only met those expectations but exceeded them, and I ended up devouring the entire story in a single afternoon. There was a ton of chemistry between main characters Mabel McGonigle and Wallace Bieber, and I lost count of how many times their banter made me laugh out loud. They couldn't have been more perfect for each other, from their matching quirky sense of humor to their mutual love of nature.

 

Mabel was a fantastic lead character: sweet, endearingly awkward, and incredibly intelligent, though maybe not always the best at understanding social cues. She managed to break out of her previously sheltered existence and overcome a number of difficult situations in this story, however, proving just how strong and independent she was. Wallace also overcame a lot to get to where he was, and I loved that he didn't let others' opinions of him dictate how he lived his life. 

As in the previous installment of the series, the secondary characters were a ton of fun and added a tremendous amount of depth and humor to the story. I especially enjoyed catching up with Calliope, the main character of book #1, as well as getting to know marine biology student Louise, who was Calliope's boyfriend Ralph's sister. I'm very excited that Louise will be featured in the next book of the series.

In short, I adored this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming story with its endearing characters and engaging plot, which incorporated several unexpected twists and turns. I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone who enjoys lighthearted contemporary romance and/or romantic comedy. I'm certain that "Lovebug" will find a place on my "favorite books of 2021" list, and I can't wait to see what Erin Mallon writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Lovebug"

Lovebug, an all-new unique and quirky romantic comedy from bestselling author Erin Mallon is available now!

My name is Mabel, the girl who “wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Of course I wouldn’t.
I’m an entomologist for goodness’ sake.
I work in a nature center.
Bugs are my jam.

It’s the humans in my life who are starting to get me down. I’m used to them calling me sweet and innocent. I can even handle them calling me naive. But when they lie and keep secrets from me? That's when my proverbial pincers want to come out.

Trouble is, I'm not the girl who fights back.

Not until a handsome groundskeeper with a dirty mouth and secrets of his own shows up and lights all sorts of fires in me.

In the bug world, the female is always the fiercest. The praying mantis doesn’t worry about being a “good girl.” Nope, she follows her instincts no matter how crass or crude they may seem to others.

Turns out I could learn a thing or two from her.

I’m not necessarily looking to tear anyone’s head off, but after decades of being nice, it's high time for me to return to nature and unleash my wild side.

 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Lovebug"

I check to make sure all kids and counselors are settled safely and the craft is underway, then start a slow walk to where the man is crouched down and working with a wrench.

I have absolutely no idea why I choose this approach, but I whip around the water fountain in a sort of sneak attack, and shout, “Hi!”

His body jerks as though I’ve startled him. Because clearly, I have. I smile and wave. Even though he’s right in front of me.

He turns and looks behind us as if he’s unsure I’m actually speaking to him. I’m noticing this happens a lot when I greet people. Calliope told me once that I approach strangers with “unearned familiarity,” and it freaks them out. Friendliness freaks people out? I’m not sure what to do with that information.

“Yes you, silly!” I say.

His full attention is trained on me, but he doesn’t say a word. I’m starting to think the kids were right, and this guy actually doesn’t speak.

“Hey you,” I breathe.

Was that my voice I just heard? I don’t say “hey you” in that shouty way people do when they’re trying to get your attention outside the grocery store for leaving your cart abandoned in the lot instead of in the assigned cart area—not that I would ever shout at someone or leave a cart abandoned in a lot. No, the “hey you” I give him is that breathy sort. That shy, smiley sort. The kind of “hey you” people say when they know you so deeply and truly that they almost never say your actual name because they don’t need to. Who else could they possibly be speaking to at that moment except... you. You. You. Wonderful, precious, irreplaceable you. Not that I’ve ever been the recipient of such a “you.”

“Did you need something?” he asks.

He speaks! Oh wow, he speaks!

His voice is... gruff. That’s the only way to describe it. Is he annoyed? Nah, it’s probably just his voice. I’ve heard of perpetual bitch face. Maybe he has a perpetual bitch voice? But he’s a guy, so I guess to be accurate, it would be called a perpetual bastard voice?

“Before we begin, let it be known that I don’t think you’re a bastard. Or a bitch.”

“Excuse me?”

“I was just thinking that you sound like a bastard, but I bet that’s just the way your vocal cords operate. They’re probably just prone to a gruff, bastardy tone.”

“No. You had it right the first time. I am a bastard.”

“Gotcha! So. How are you? Your name is ‘The Wall’? I mean, they call you ‘The Wall’? What is that short for? Walter? Walton? Wallmeranian?” I rattle off some suggestions.

“Wallace,” he huffs.

“Gotcha. Big fan of Wallace and Grommit?” I ask.

“No.”

“Gotcha. Can I call you Wally?” 

 

“No.”

“Gotcha. Hey, do you think I say gotcha too much?”

“Yes,” he says definitively.

“Gotcha. Thanks for the feedback. I’ll work on that. Hey, wanna hear something silly?”

“No.”

“Cool, here I go. My kids... not my biological kids—though I do hope to have some of those one day, how about you? Sorry, don’t answer that. That’s an invasive question. See those teenagers over there who are completely unrelated to me?” I point in April and Dante’s direction where they are decidedly not focused on their kids and are instead “hiding” behind a pavilion post watching my flailing interaction. I wave to them. “Hey, guys!” They ignore me and look off in random directions as if they’re suddenly fascinated by all the glorious nature around them. “I’m training them as CITs this summer. That’s right, I’m chief of staff this year! I mean head counselor. And well, the thing is, they’re... well... they’re afraid of you.”

Silence.

He goes back to working on the fountain as if he’s giving up on his conversation with me.

“Isn’t that ridiculous?” I start giggling uncontrollably. “Fine by me,” he says.

“What’s fine by you?”

“That they’re afraid of me.”

“Oh.” I feel my head jerk back. “Really? But if they’re afraid of you, they’ll keep avoiding you and making up stories about you instead of taking the time to really get to know you.”

“Perfect. Love that plan,” he says and swipes some sweat off his brow.

“Oh.”

I’m not sure how to respond to this man.

“Besides,” he continues, “you’re afraid of me too.” 

 

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Call Me Crazy" by Melanie Harlow

I am super excited to participate in the blog tour for "Call Me Crazy" by Melanie Harlow, book #3 in the Bellamy Creek series. It reads as a complete standalone, but I loved the first two books of the series ("Drive Me Wild" and "Make Me Yours") and highly recommend picking them up as well.

 

I've been anxious to get my hands on "Call Me Crazy" ever since I finished the last book in the series, and it turned out to be even better than I had hoped. Main characters Enzo Moretti and Bianca DeRossi were ridiculously adorable together. I loved the slow build of their enemies-to-lovers romance, and their flirty, witty banter along the way was a ton of fun. There were also plenty of moments that tugged at my heartstrings, however, especially when it came to Enzo and Bianca's struggles to conceive. Enzo was so sweet and supportive of Bianca, but I completely understood why she panicked and tried to push him away. Fortunately their friends were there to help Enzo win her over with the perfect grand gesture in the end.

Overall, I adored "Call Me Crazy" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. It's my favorite book of the series so far, and that's a real accomplishment because this has been such a fantastic series. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Call Me Crazy"

Call Me Crazy, an all-new enemies to lovers standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow is available now!

It was the perfect plan.
I needed a wife--temporarily--in order to inherit the family business.
And she needed a favor--the kind that takes nine months to deliver.

We had it all worked out, from the no-touching policy on our wedding night (her rule) to the no-falling-in-love decree (mine). She’d marry me, I’d give her the means to have the baby she’d always wanted, and one year later we’d amicably part ways with no hassle, no demands, and certainly no regrets.

After all, Bianca DeRossi and I are experts at infuriating one another--we’ve been doing it since we were kids. Trouble is, she grew up gorgeous and feisty, and she still knows exactly how to get under my skin.

And that wedding night? Well, it doesn’t exactly go down hands-free.

Then she moves in with me, and I really start to lose my mind. From her sexy little pout to her wicked sense of humor to those meatball sandwiches she makes just because she knows they’re my favorite . . . I find myself wanting to break every rule we put in place.

Our story was never supposed to end with happily ever after.
But call me crazy, I just might be in love with my wife.

 

  

Read an Excerpt from "Call Me Crazy"

“So how’s your ego tonight? A little bruised, huh?”

“It’s fine,” I said, tightening the knot in my tie. “Reina obviously wasn’t the right choice for a wife. I’m glad she said no.”

Bianca started to choke on her olive. “Wait a minute.” She fanned her face and managed to swallow. “You proposed to—to—what was the little girl’s name?”

“Reina. And you’ve got no room to call someone little, Tiny.”

As I’d hoped, the old nickname drew a brief scowl from her. “We’re talking about you right now. Did you actually propose tonight? Like with a ring?”

I exhaled, regretting I’d mentioned it. “Yeah. I did.”

Her eyes lit up. “Let me see it.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you just want to rub salt in my wound.”

“For fuck’s sake, Enzo. You’re not wounded. You don’t even love this girl, you just needed to put a ring on her finger so your dad would put your name on the company letterhead.” She held out her hand. “Now give it here.”

Something told me I was going to be sorry, but I reached into my jacket and pulled out the ring box.

She took it from me and opened it up. “It’s pretty,” she said with grudging admiration. Then she squinted at it, pushing her glasses up her nose. “Did you have it engraved?”

I picked up my bourbon and took a hefty swallow. “No.”

“But it says . . .” She set the box down and pulled the ring from the velvet to examine it closer. Then she started laughing. “‘Love Always, Ricky?’”

“Give me that.” Leaning forward, I tried to swipe the ring from her hand, but she held it out of my reach.

“Just a second! I want to try it on.”

I thumped against the back of the booth, picking up my drink again and tossing back the rest of it. Could this night get any worse?

Bianca slipped the ring on her finger—it fit—and held out her hand, studying it. “So what did you say?”

“I proposed.”

“But how? Like, did you say, ‘You’re the love of my life and I want to be with you forever’ kind of thing?”

“Uh, not exactly. I didn’t want to lie to her. I just, you know, gave her the ring.” I made a grand, sweeping gesture with one hand.

“But you must have said something.”

“What difference does it make?” I asked irritably.

“Look, I’m only trying to help you. You obviously blew it tonight, and by your own admission, you need to find a Lucy for your Ricky sooner rather than later, right?”

I looked around for Lara. I needed another drink. And then a ride home.

“Right?” Bianca prodded me with her foot under the table again. “So let me help you.”

“The only way you could help me is to marry me,” I grumbled, waving Lara over. “And since that’s out of the question, this discussion is over.”

“Well, wait a minute. Who said it’s out of the question?”

I stared at her like she’d sprouted horns. “Huh?”

Bianca continued to study the ring on her finger. “I’m just thinking out loud here. But it seems to me we each have a goal, and they could both be accomplished with one simple—fake—relationship.”

I shook my head, as if to clear it, but the fog remained. “I know I’m drunk, but what the hell are you talking about?”

She sighed and picked up her martini for a sip. “I’m talking about the fact that you need a wife to get what you want. I’m willing to be that wife—temporarily, and under the strictest of conditions—if you’ll agree to give me what I want.”

I shook my head. “Oh, no. No fucking way. I see what you’re doing here. I’m not paying you to fake being my wife.”

Bianca rolled her eyes. “Give me a break, Enzo. I don’t want your money. Nor do I need it.”

“Then I don’t understand, ”I said, feeling—once again—completely baffled by a woman. “What could you possibly want that I could give you?”

The smile that crept over those hellfire lips should have been a warning. “A baby.” 

Release Blitz + Review: "The Spy Who Loved Me (Sort Of")" by S. Doyle

Today, I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "The Spy Who Loved Me (Sort Of)" by S. Doyle. 

I enjoyed this fast-paced and funny story that featured an engaging plot and likeable characters. Main character Liza Ryan overcame a rough childhood to build a successful travel blog, but ironically had never traveled anywhere and was, in fact, nearly agoraphobic. After a tough breakup and receiving an offer to write a book that would include photos of her in various locales, Liza decided that it was time for her to leave the comforts of home and explore the world. She began her trip in Venice, where she met a fellow American who seemed harmless enough and quickly became her sightseeing companion. When Liza was nearly kidnapped, however, she discovered that there was a lot more to Liam than met the eye. He was actually a spy trying to track down the father Liza had never met, a gifted nuclear physicist who had developed a revolutionary technology the whole world wanted.
 

Despite their very different backgrounds and career paths, Liza and Liam were a lot alike. They were both loners and had difficulty trusting people, though for different reasons. There was an undeniable connection between them from the start, and as they spent more time together, the chemistry between them really heated up. The slow build of their relationship development was excellent, and when they finally acted on it, there was plenty of steam.

Overall, "The Spy Who Loved Me (Sort Of)" was super cute, and I would recommend it for all fans of romantic comedy and light romantic suspense. I look forward to checking out more of this author's work in the future.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Candi Kane PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

  

About "The Spy Who Loved Me (Sort Of)"

See the world. Go to Italy. Have an affair with a sexy stranger. Get out of the rut my life has become.

Done. Done. And done.

Except I slept with the wrong sexy stranger who turns out wasn’t the easy going sports writer I thought he was. Instead he’s a spy. A spy who is after me!

Then the father I’ve never met turns up and he’s a nuclear scientist. What the fork? Throw a kidnapping Russian into the mix and my once dull life is now chaos.

And to make it that much worse…I fell in love during the whole mess!

Which makes my new boyfriend the bad guy. Or the good guy. I’m not really sure.

One thing I know for certain… I can’t totally trust him.

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Four Weddings and a Swamp Boat Tour" by Erin Nicholas

Today, I am very excited to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Four Weddings and a Swamp Boat Tour" by Erin Nicholas, book #6 of the Boys of the Bayou series. This is the second part of Paige Asher and Mitchell Landry's story which started in "Oh, Fudge," a crossover with the Hot Cakes series. The author does an excellent job reminding readers of the details so that this book can be read as a standalone, but "Oh, Fudge" is a relatively short read, and I would still recommend picking it up prior to starting this one. 

 

The chemistry between Paige and Mitch was every bit as apparent here as it was in "Oh, Fudge," and I adored their playful banter. I also loved how much Paige grew and matured over the course of the story. She really blossomed after moving to Mitch's hometown of Autre, Louisiana and getting some perspective on her relationships with her mother and sisters. Mitch's love and support was a key part of her growth; he was such a great guy, always putting Paige's needs and desires first even though they sometimes conflicted with his own. They both had to learn to ask for what they needed in order to make their relationship work.
 

In addition to Mitch and Paige, the book's secondary characters were a ton of fun and added a tremendous amount of depth and humor to the story. I haven't read the earlier books of the Boys of the Bayou series yet, but I really want to now! I loved the way Mitch's cousins teased him and each other, as well as how immediately welcoming they were of Paige. 

Overall, "Four Weddings and a Swamp Boat Tour" was yet another winner from Erin Nicholas, and I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I'm really looking forward to getting to know Mitch's family and friends better in the upcoming series Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Four Weddings and a Swamp Boat Tour"

Four Weddings and a Swamp Boat Tour, an all-new swoon-worthy Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas is available now!

She’s been proposed to five times.

Five.

She even said yes to one of them.

And then broke his heart when she called it off. Not to mention her mother’s heart. And her grandmother’s. And his mother’s. And…you get the picture.

Paige Asher has now officially sworn off all dating. Diamonds give her hives.

All she wants is to be a yoga-doing, cat-collecting, vegetarian in peace. Away from her marriage-crazy family and all their expectations.

So when her weekend fling turns into a real friend and offers her a place to escape, she finds herself on his doorstep in Louisiana. And right in the middle of not just one family wedding, but three. Of course.

Charming, sexy bayou boy Mitch Landry gets stuff done. Whatever anyone needs. From alligator-sitting to getting a buddy drunk to showing a woman a good time to fixing a swamp boat, he’s the man. No problem. No drama.

But he wants a hell of a lot more from Paige than a temporary friends-with-benefits arrangement. He wants to take care of her. And her five cats. He also really wants other men to stop asking her to marry them.

But if a roommate and a few orgasms are all she wants, that’s what he’ll deliver.

He can just be her friend and not commit the greatest sin of all…asking her for forever.

Probably.

 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Four Weddings and a Swamp Boat Tour"

“Goodnight, Paige,” he finally said.

“Goodnight, Mitch.”

They still just stood looking at each other.

“You need to go to your room,” he said, his voice a little tight.

“I will. You too.”

“Yeah, but—” He sighed. “You’re right by my door.”

She looked at the closed bedroom door again. And smiled. “I guess I am.”

She didn’t want to torture the guy. He was trying to be noble. Or something. But she wouldn’t deny that she liked that resisting her would be difficult.

“You need to move away from my bedroom door, Paige.” His voice was a little gruffer.

“You’re in my way of getting to my bedroom too,” she pointed out.

“But are you tempted to throw me over your shoulder and say to hell with all of your good intentions? Already? Within twenty minutes of deciding you even have good intentions?”

She laughed even as warmth filled her. Not just heat. Not lusty heat anyway. But a feel-good warmth that she didn’t quite understand. But she liked it. “Kind of.”

He swallowed hard. Then said, “Go to bed, Paige.”

She moved to the right, away from his door. As he came forward, she playfully pressed her back against the far wall.

He smiled, in spite of himself, and went to his bedroom door. He twisted the knob but paused and looked over at her.

She inched her way toward her bedroom, still against the wall. When she got to her door she reached for the knob and shot him a smile. “Goodnight, Mitch.”

“’Night.”

“And I’m just right here if you have any night time needs. Bad dreams.” She paused. “Good dreams.”

“Stop it.”

“Stop what? Just being a good friend.” She grinned.

“My dreams might include white dresses and tuxes,” he warned.

Again, no sense of oh shit. Instead she tipped her head. “You’re pretty good at bringing all of that up without asking the four-word question.”

He didn’t comment on that. “See you in the morning.”

“Okay.” She gave him another smile, then slipped into her room, feeling his eyes still on her until the door shut.

She slumped against it, pressing her hand to her stomach.

Dammit. She really liked him.

It was really too bad they weren’t going to kiss anymore. 

***