Review: "Falling Inn Love" by Erin Branscom

Falling Inn Love by Erin Branscom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When writer Beth Markwell's car breaks down on the side of the road near the small town of Freedom Valley, New Hampshire, she's rescued by local innkeeper Evan Harper, who not only offers her a place to stay but a part-time job as front desk clerk. Beth's been a nomad since suffering a great loss six years earlier; she has no intention of putting down roots in Freedom Valley but decides to take the job anyway because she needs the cash. Meanwhile, Evan is dealing with problems of his own. The inn has been struggling financially ever since he took over after his father's death a year earlier, but he's kept it a secret from his family and employees. He's also concerned about his younger sister in California, single mom Allie, whose 3-year-old son needs a kidney transplant. Something about Beth immediately draws Evan in, and he hopes to convince her to stay in Freedom Valley indefinitely so that they can see what might come of their connection. The more he pushes, however, the more Beth wants to run away. Even though she thinks the inn might turn out to be a haven for her where she can finally begin to heal from her losses, she's afraid to get close to Evan because she can't risk losing anyone else she loves.

I have to admit that this book was angstier than I thought it was going to be, but IMO the subject matter was handled well and the story was quite compelling. Evan had such a big heart, as evidenced by his collection of strays (both human and canine) and the way he continued to look out for his sister and nephew from across the country. Beth had a big heart too, and I think that was at least part of the reason why her grief was still so overwhelming even after so many years had passed. Everyone deals with grief in their own way and time, but it seemed as if Beth needed a nudge to finally start dealing with hers. She found it in Freedom Valley, and I loved seeing her find happiness with Evan and his family in the end.

Overall, while this story was sad at times, it was ultimately uplifting, and I would recommend it for fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance (though it's a good idea to check the trigger warnings first). I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.

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

TW: Grief; Death of child; Death of parent (in the past)

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Review: "Then and Now" by Julia Jarrett

Then and Now by Julia Jarrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Then and Now" by Julia Jarrett is the fifth and final book of the Dogwood Cove series, but it works well as a standalone.

Serena Matheson and Leo Talbot were high school sweethearts who thought they were destined to be together forever, but Serena suddenly ended their relationship after learning that her parents, who seemed to have the perfect marriage, were divorcing. Twenty years later, they're unexpectedly brought back together when single dad Leo takes a new job as the deputy chief of police in the small town of Dogwood Cove, where Serena, a retired professional ballerina, owns a dance studio. Their feelings for each other are still very much alive, but so is Serena's fear that love doesn't last. Can Leo convince her that true love is worth taking a risk?

Serena went through a lot in this book, and I couldn't help but empathize with her. As if her former high school sweetheart showing up out of the blue with his 3-year-old daughter in tow weren't enough, she was facing financial difficulties with her dance studio as well as the prospect of getting back in touch with her father again for the first time since her parents' divorce. That's a lot for anyone to handle, but fortunately for Serena, she had her friends in Dogwood Cove to lean on. The found family aspect of this series has just been incredible, and it's probably the part I'm going to miss the most. The way Serena, Paige, Mila, Summer, Ashley and the rest (not to mention their significant others) supported and encouraged each other was so sweet. The addition of the Donnelly family in this book was a pleasant surprise, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in Jarrett's next series, which will also be set in Dogwood Cove.

Serena and Leo were a delightful couple, and I was rooting for them the whole way despite the challenges they faced. Things were awkward between them at first, but I appreciated that they talked through what had happened between them in the past relatively early in the story and didn't try to fight their attraction for too long. That's not to say it was smooth sailing from there, given Serena's relationship fears and the complications for Leo of dating as a single father, but I could tell how important it was to both of them to try and make it work. Serena's relationship with Leo's daughter Violet was also super cute, and it was great to see the way they came together as a family in the end.

Overall, "Then and Now" was my favorite book of the Dogwood Cove series, and I highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I look forward to Jarrett's next release.

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Falling for the Bachelor" by Amy Alves

I'm thrilled to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Falling for the Bachelor" by Amy Alves, a crossover between the recently concluded Landry Love series and the upcoming Vaughn Brothers series. It features a few familiar characters from past stories but works well as a standalone.

Veterinarian Sawyer Fletcher has had nothing but bad luck when it comes to relationships, so when he unwillingly becomes the Hometown Hottie and is forced to star in a local reality dating show, he's sure he's in for more of the same. His best friend's recently divorced younger sister, Olivia Vaughn, offers him a possible solution: she'll become one of the show's contestants, and they can pretend to fall in love. She's had enough of the local gossips spreading rumors that she's waiting around for her ex-husband to take her back, and hopes that dating Sawyer will prove that she's moved on. Even though their dates are supposed to be fake, Olivia and Sawyer can't help seeing each other in a new light as they get to know each other all over again as adults, and it's not long before real feelings start to grow between them. Can they each overcome their fears (and the objections of Olivia's brother) to find a real, lasting love?

 

This book was a ton of fun and I absolutely adored it! Sawyer and Olivia's flirty, witty banter was fantastic, and I couldn't help but laugh at some of the situations in which Sawyer found himself during his dates. I completely understood why he thought he was cursed when it came to dating and how that played into his fear of building a real relationship with Olivia. Fortunately, he was able to work through the baggage that was holding him back before it was too late to win the heart of his one true love.

 

I highly recommend "Falling for the Bachelor" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to whatever Amy Alves writes next!

 

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

 

About "Falling for the Bachelor"

I'm cursed. Unlucky in love. So pretending to fall in love with my best friend's sister couldn't possibly make it worse.

My disastrous relationship history has two neighboring towns joining forces to find me a girlfriend—one I don’t want. So when they name me the bachelor in their charity dating show, I have two options: suffer the consequences of bailing or accept help from my best friend’s little sister.

I chose the latter.

Because Olivia Vaughn has a plan.
She suggests a ringer—someone on the inside…someone I trust, that I can choose at the end of the show.
A fake contestant.

It’s crazy. Risky. And undeniably tempting.

We’d have to touch, flirt, kiss.
I could pull her close…that long, auburn hair wrapped up in my fist as I whisper all the dirty thoughts I’ve ever had about her.

Pretending to fall for her may be more dangerous than letting our meddlesome town play matchmaker.
Because if this backfires, it might cost me my best friend, disappoint our families, and reignite feelings for the feisty, hazel-eyed beauty I grew up with.

So while I can’t—shouldn’t—pretend to fall in love with Olivia, I do.
With the hope that fake girlfriends are curse-proof.

 

Falling for the Bachelor is a steamy, brother's best friend, fake relationship, friends-to-lovers, small town, standalone romantic comedy. It contains plenty of steamy scenes, laughs, and an HEA.

 

Review: "Bad Rebound" by Elise Faber

Bad Rebound by Elise Faber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Bad Rebound" by Elise Faber is the first book of the Billionaire's Club: Bad Brothers series. It's a spinoff of the Billionaire's Club series and features cameos from a few familiar characters, but reads as a standalone.

Jeremy Hutchins has had feelings for his best friend Rafe's right-hand employee, Teresa, ever since they met, but until now, she's always had a boyfriend. Now that she's finally single, he decides to make his move, but she's not exactly receptive when he kisses her. Jeremy's the kind of man who can't help wanting to care for and protect the people he loves, and for Teresa, the way he does that sometimes comes across as smothering. Even though she's secretly attracted to him as well, she doesn't believe a relationship between them could ever work, so she pushes him away. Forced to take a hard look at his own behavior in the wake of Teresa's rejection, Jeremy realizes that some changes are in order, but will they be enough to convince her to reconsider?

There were quite a few ups and downs with this story, but for the most part, I enjoyed it. I particularly liked Jeremy and his efforts to learn a new pattern of behavior that wouldn't come across as overbearing to his family and friends, but unfortunately I found Teresa to be a bit annoying at times. She wasn't very good at compromising or articulating what she wanted/needed from others; it's like she thought they should already know without her telling them. I had to laugh at her competitiveness during game nights, however, as well as some of the things she did to try and help Jeremy find a new job that he'd actually enjoy, such as the career aptitude test.

Overall, I would recommend "Bad Rebound" for all contemporary romance fans. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series featuring Jeremy's brother Asher and friend Melody, though based on the events of this book, I suspect it will be an emotional roller coaster!

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

TW: Sexual assault/rape

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Review: "Only a Secret" by Delancey Stewart

Congratulations to Delancey Stewart on the release of her latest novel, "Only a Secret," book #3 of the Kasper Ridge series. While each book can technically be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the series in order for the best experience. Clues to an overarching mystery involving a treasure map and mysterious inheritance are revealed in each book, building upon what was revealed in previous stories.

In need of a place to hide after scandal erupts, former child star Penny Davis hops on a plane to Colorado to take refuge with an old school friend in the small town of Kasper Ridge. Her friend connects her with Aubrey Kasper, co-owner of the Kasper Ridge Resort, who's happy to offer Penny a position as bookkeeper when she learns that she has a degree in accounting. Penny hopes it will be a chance to start fresh without the baggage of her past; she's tired of everyone thinking they know her because of what they read online. It seems like her wish might be granted when she meets former fighter pilot and engineering professor Harrison "Brainiac" Ketcher, an old friend of Aubrey's brother Archie who's helping the Kaspers get the resort up and running again. He's drawn to Penny almost as soon as he meets her but has no idea of her past as a child star, which she finds refreshing. However, when he finds out about her true identity - and the scandals of her past - will Harrison still see Penny the same way?

Penny and Harrison were incredibly likeable, sympathetic characters and it was easy for me to root for them both individually and as a couple. Penny's parents took advantage of her from the time she was young, and she hadn't had good luck with romantic relationships either. I completely understood why she wanted to build a new life for herself away from Hollywood, though I wish she had been honest with Harrison about her past a little sooner. As for Harrison, after being criticized several times for not being "empathetic," he had taken the words to heart and started to doubt himself and his abilities. I believe Harrison was empathetic, though he wasn't always very good at showing it. He cared deeply about his friends, particularly Archie, and did anything he could to help them. 

Overall, I very much enjoyed "Only a Secret" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait for the next book in the series - hopefully starring Archie/Ghost!

 

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

 

About "Only a Secret"

My life is over. At least my life as a child actress. Because guess what? I haven't been a child for years, but no one seems able to forget the curly haired little girl I was on that insipid sitcom.

So when my best friend from high school invites me to the tiny mountain town where she's settled to attend the opening of some fancy new ski resort? I go, hoping maybe in nowheresville, Colorado, no one will remember who I used to be.

And when I meet the handsome and broody Harrison Ketcher, I think I've gotten my wish.

They call him "Brainiac" so it's no surprise he never watched the show. He was too busy memorizing physics books, I guess. He's a former fighter pilot slash engineering professor on sabbatical in Kasper Ridge, and despite being a few years older than the guys I usually date, there's something irresistible about him.

Maybe it's that he has no idea who I am. Maybe it's those steely blue eyes. Maybe it's the feeling that I'm the only person in the world who makes him laugh in that low, sexy way.

But the closer I get to Harrison, the more certain I am that I'm not the only one keeping secrets. He doesn't know who I am... but do I really know who he is?

Review: "False Start" by Melissa Ivers

False Start: Gridiron Love by Melissa Ivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Natalie Fitzroy has been best friends with professional football player Hudson Prince for the past six years, but things take a turn one night when they go out for half-priced margaritas at their favorite Mexican restaurant and accidentally wind up in bed together, naked. The next morning, Natalie escapes before Hudson wakes up; she may not remember exactly what happened the night before, but she knows enough to be terrified that they've just ruined their friendship. Things are different for Hudson, who's had feelings for Natalie ever since they met. After a disastrous double blind date, he finally convinces her to give him a single night to explore their newfound physical connection, but will they really be able to go back to being just friends after that?

This fast-paced, funny, and sweet yet steamy story was an absolute delight! Natalie and Hudson had fantastic chemistry and I loved them as a couple. I also enjoyed catching up with Natalie's other best friend, Violet, and brother, Donovan, from "Summer Hate," as well as meeting a few of Hudson's teammates. I'm really looking forward to getting to know them better in the upcoming Nashville Aces series.

I highly recommend "False Start" for all contemporary/sports romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever Melissa Ivers writes next.

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

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Review: "Kissing Games" by Evie Alexander

Congratulations to Evie Alexander on the release of her latest novel, "Kissing Games," book #3 of the Kinloch series. The timeline overlaps with that of the second book of the series and a few characters from that story make cameo appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone. 

 

When Charlie Hamilton left the military a year ago, he thought he'd be starting a new life with his on again, off again girlfriend of nearly ten years, Caroline. Unfortunately, Caroline's just dumped him (for her own husband) and his new career as a bodyguard isn't exactly going well. He's working for a Russian oligarch whose wife and daughter keep hitting on him, and options for other assignments are limited because, according to his boss, Charlie's too good looking. Fortunately, his best friend Rory, the Earl of Kinloch, offers him a lifeline: a temporary job helping with security while the movie Braveheart 2 is being filmed at Kinloch Castle. 

 

On his way to the Scottish Highlands, Charlie bumps into a beautiful woman and helps her repair her torn backpack, neither realizing that they're headed to the same place. Actress Valentina Valverde was a child star in Colombia and transitioned to Hollywood films as a teenager, so she's never really known a life outside the spotlight. When Charlie realizes how much Valentina's missed out on, he becomes her self-appointed tutor in teenage mischief and creates a bucket list of experiences for her to complete before leaving Scotland. Working together to complete the list, they can't help growing closer, but each knows that their time together is limited. Can they find a way to make their relationship work after the movie wraps?

"Kissing Games" was just as funny, sweet, and steamy as the first two books in the series, but it was also surprisingly emotional for me. Certain aspects of Charlie and Valentina's pasts were truly heartbreaking, and I couldn't help but empathize with everything they'd been through. I think Charlie in particular had been looking for someone to love for a long time, and he finally found what he needed in Valentina. They really seemed to bring out the best in each other, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

 

The book's secondary characters were a ton of fun and added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I particularly enjoyed Valentina's Abuela and Abuelita, as well as her sister Isabella. I couldn't help laughing every time they brought up Charlie's dragon tattoo!

Overall, I completely adored this book and highly recommend it for all romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series!

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

 

About "Kissing Games"

She might have made it to Hollywood, but he’s about to show her what she’s missed…

When actress Valentina Valverde arrives in Scotland to film Braveheart 2, she’s at breaking point. Driven by demons, she’s worked tirelessly since she was a teen. But she can’t stop now: everyone she loves depends on her. Yet despite all the glitz and glamor, Valentina can’t shake the feeling that she isn’t really living.

Bodyguard Charlie Hamilton’s lived too much. With looks and charm, he should have it all. But he’s broken. Estranged from his family, sacked from his job and with nothing left to lose, he flies to the Scottish Highlands to help his best friend protect Kinloch castle from a crazy Hollywood film crew.

But falling hard for a movie star isn’t in Charlie’s contract…

Thrown together on set, chemistry crackles between them. When Charlie suggests she take a holiday from life, Valentina is tempted to let down her guard and live a little. But as fun crosses the line into love, disaster bursts their bubble.

Can they let go of the past and find a future together? Or is this just a Highland fling?

Kissing Games is a steamy, dual POV, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, with no cheating, no cliff-hanger, and a guaranteed happy ever after (HEA). 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "One More Chance" by Stina Lindenblatt

I'm pleased to participate in the release blitz celebrating "One More Chance" by Stina Lindenblatt, book #1 of the Carson Brothers series.

Lindenblatt completely blew me away with this story! I had only read her romantic comedies before, so I was not expecting the level of angst and emotion she brought to "One More Chance." I went into Lucas and Simone's story blindly, and I'm glad I did because the twists and turns were so unpredictable and heart-wrenching. I can't recommend that for everyone because there are quite a few triggers, but for me, it was the perfect way to experience this story. 

I'm pretty sure "One More Chance" is going to end up being one of my favorite books of 2022. I highly recommend it for all fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance (though again, please be kind to yourself and double check the trigger warnings first).

 

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

TW: PTSD, suicide, death of child/miscarriage, infertility, grief, depression  

 

 

About "One More Chance"

Ten years ago, he was my brother’s best friend.
The man I sent letters to while they were deployed.
The man I fell in love with.

But then my world crashed around me.
I stopped sending him letters.
A secret flickered to life.
My brother died from PTSD.
And I stayed away from my hometown, too broken to return.
Until a hit and run has me rushing back.

Now, Lucas needs my help.
He needs me to be his wife.
He’s gotten himself into trouble, and someone wants to take him down.
I might be the only person who can save him.
Or I might be the one person who tears him apart…

One More Chance is the first novel in the Carson Brothers series. This dual point-of-view, small town story is a standalone romance. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Pride and Pina Coladas" by Melanie Summers

I'm excited to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Pride and Pina Coladas" by Melanie Summers, book #5 of the Paradise Bay series. Characters from the previous books make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

When she's asked to take charge of planning for the upcoming World Bartending Championship hosted by Paradise Bay Resort, events coordinator Nora Cooper couldn't be more thrilled. After all, a successful event will mean more bookings for the resort and, Nora hopes, a promotion for her. Her job gets a bit more complicated when her mother shows up at the resort with her teenaged sister Kat in tow, hoping to find her a job. Nora's boss loves the idea of taking on an unpaid intern and assigns Kat to help Nora with the upcoming event. Nora just hopes she can convince her flighty sister to focus on something other than boys for long enough not to ruin her chances of getting the promotion.

Meanwhile, Theo Rojas and his 170-year-old family-owned liquor company, Rojas Rum, are in the middle of a PR firestorm after their former spokesperson, a famous actor, was filmed making controversial remarks while being arrested for DUI. They're losing business at an alarming rate, and if Theo can't turn things around soon, Rojas Rum will be faced with massive layoffs. Family friend Carolina Armas comes to him with a proposal that might generate some much-needed positive publicity: her family's TV network is broadcasting the World Bartending Championship and needs an official liquor sponsor. Against his better judgment, Theo agrees, but decides to head to Paradise Bay and oversee the competition himself to make sure nothing else goes wrong to tarnish his company's reputation. He clashes with Nora almost immediately, but she'll do whatever it takes to show Theo (and everyone else) that she has the situation under control. 

"Pride and Pina Coladas" was a truly great enemies-to-lovers romance. Nora and Theo had fantastic chemistry from the moment they met; I could almost see the sparks between them flying off the page. This is the second Caribbean-set "Pride and Prejudice" retelling I've read this year, and it's impossible not to compare the two. IMO, this one comes out the winner for several reasons, the main one being that Theo is a much more likeable and sympathetic male lead than the hero of the other book. (It helps that this book was told in dual POV, while the other book was single POV from the heroine's perspective.)
 

I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Melanie Summers never lets me down when I need a feel-good read, and I can't wait to get my hands on her next book! (Please let it be a story for Theo's younger brother Markos...)

 

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

 

 

About "Pride and Pina Coladas"

From best-selling author Melanie Summers comes a retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that’ll have you laughing, swooning, and sipping fruity blender drinks…

I’m Nora Cooper—single woman about to turn thirty, wildly unsuccessful plant fanatic, and event planner at Paradise Bay Resort. My shot at ‘the big time’ has finally arrived—the resort is hosting the World Bartender Championships and I’ve been asked to head up the hospitality team.

There’s only one big problem. And his name is Theo Rojas. You’ve heard of his family—they own Rojas Rum (and about 200 other premium liquors, some of which may be on your shelf right now). As the major sponsor of the event, Theo has decided to be onsite, micromanaging every second of the competition.

He’s stuck up, rude, and arrogant (and a bunch of other adjectives I had better not use). He also seems to have added ‘make Nora’s life absolute hell’ to the top of his to-do list.

Too bad for Mr. Grumpy Chinos because he doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. I’ve taken on far worse foes than him. And if he thinks he’s going to get the best of me, he’s in for a wake-up call.

So when we find ourselves stranded on a private island overnight, I’m determined to put him in his place once and for all.
Only somehow, instead of continuing our constant sparring, I find myself gazing longingly into his gorgeous eyes.
And now I have totally forgotten all the nasty things I was planning to say to him. Something about him being arrogant, right?

Gah! Someone please send help because I absolutely CANNOT fall for this guy… 

 

Review: "The Fiction Between Us" by Julie Olivia

The Fiction Between Us by Julie Olivia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a teenager, Quinn Sauer had a huge crush on her best friend's twin brother, Landon Arden. Unfortunately, her crush didn't remain a secret for long; her diary fell into the wrong hands, and Landon's friends teased her about it mercilessly for the rest of high school. Ten years later, she loves her part-time job as Queen Bee at Honeywood Fun Park, at least until her old crush Landon moves back to town and takes a job as the park's head of security. When he falls onto the stage during one of her appearances and is mistaken for Ranger Randy, a character who hasn't been seen in years, guests are thrilled, and the local newspaper even publishes a picture of them together looking like they're in love. The media attention prompts Honeywood management to bring the character back permanently in an effort to boost attendance. It's both a blessing and a curse for Quinn; writing a new show starring Queen Bee and Ranger Randy will give her the opportunity to showcase her skills and prove that she deserves a full-time job in park management even though she doesn't have a college degree, but it also means spending more time with Landon, pretending to be a couple. Could their fake feelings for each other turn out to be the real thing?

I loved the first book of this series, but I think this one was even better! Quinn was such a likeable, complex character; she was so sarcastic and funny, but she often used her humor to hide a world of hurt from those around her. The banter between her and Landon was fantastic, as was the slow burn as their relationship developed. It took time for them to get to know and trust each other again, which was totally understandable given their history. The pacing was perfect, however, and the payoff when they finally got together was absolute fire.

The book's secondary characters were also a tremendous amount of fun, and I'm excited to read future stories about several of Landon and Quinn's friends. I also loved getting to know the hilarious Honey Pleasure, who wrote the book on which Honeywood Fun Park was based. I hope we'll see more of her in future books, too!

Overall, "The Fiction Between Us" put such a huge smile on my face and I can't recommend it highly enough. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series!

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Happily Ever...Maybe?" by Hailey Shore

I'm delighted to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Happily Ever...Maybe?" by Hailey Shore, book #1 of the Calico Cove series. 

 

It's not often that a book is able to take me completely by surprise, but this one managed to do exactly that in the best of ways. Based on the synopsis, I was expecting a relatively light and fluffy romantic comedy (and would have been happy with that), but the story turned out to have an unexpected twist of angst to it that made it even better. It truly gave me all the feels and I had a tough time putting it down when real life intruded.

 

I adored both of the main characters, reclusive tech billionaire Malcolm "Mal" Bettencourt, otherwise known as the "Beast of Calico Cove," and aspiring chef Jolie Petit. Mal wasn't nearly as much of a beast as he wanted everyone to think he was, but after an accident that left him both physically and emotionally scarred, the only way he knew how to cope was by becoming a recluse. His involvement with Jolie forced him to take his first tentative steps back into the world, and even though he fought it, he couldn't turn back once he started down the path. Mal had an impact on Jolie as well, pushing her to follow her dreams of attending culinary school and opening her own restaurant. I loved the push-pull between them, as well as their hilarious banter and steamy chemistry. 

I highly recommend "Happily Ever...Maybe?" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans, particularly anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings, age gap, and/or grumpy-sunshine stories. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series featuring Jolie's best friend, Lola. (I'm not-so-secretly hoping that local fisherman Roy will be getting a story after that!)

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.   

 

 

About "Happily Ever...Maybe?"

Welcome to Calico Cove

He's the billionaire Beast of Calico Cove and I'm his sacrificial lamb... I mean, his new employee.

Malcolm Bettencourt is a recluse with a nasty scar across his face and a bad attitude. He has a bone to pick with my family over a loan my dad can't pay back, so in order to save our lobster business, I agreed to live in his house as his housekeeper and cook.

We have nothing in common and there's no reason to think he would want anything to do with someone like me. Except I can't stop thinking about him and he can't stop looking at me.

Author's Note: This Beauty and the Beast retelling includes a grumpy hero, a sassy heroine looking to lose her v-card and a Pretty Woman moment with a black Am-Ex. Oh and an age gap romance with someone who may or may not be her lobster. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Goal Chaser" by Stacey Lynn

I'm happy to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Goal Chaser" by Stacey Lynn, book #5 of the Las Vegas Vipers series. Characters from earlier books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Returning home from a night out with his teammates, professional hockey player Kane Andrews is surprised to find his sister Heather's best friend, Emmersyn Houghton, waiting on his doorstep. Heather put her on a plane to Kane's home in Las Vegas because she needed a safe place to stay after a traumatic breakup, but that's only the first part of the plan. What Emmersyn really needs is a husband so that she can access her trust fund, so Heather suggests a temporary marriage of convenience between her brother and her best friend. For Kane, there's nothing to lose by going along with his sister's scheme. His ex-wife broke his heart when she left him three years ago and he's sure he'll never fall in love again. It's a different scenario for Emmersyn, who's had a crush on Kane for years; the last thing she needs is another heartbreak after what she's just gone through with her ex. Against all odds, will these two wounded souls find what they need in each other?

Like the earlier books in this series, "Goal Chaser" gave me all the feels and I loved it! I couldn't help but empathize with everything Emmersyn had gone through with her parents and ex-fiance, which really took a toll on her self-esteem. Kane was in a tough spot too, still reeling from his divorce and convinced that he'd driven his ex-wife away because of his focus on his career. Emmersyn was the first person who'd attracted him since his divorce, and even though he was afraid of hurting her, he couldn't help but follow his feelings. Their relationship turned out to be exactly what they each needed to heal, and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend "Goal Chaser" for all contemporary/sports romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series.

 

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

 

 

About "Goal Chaser"

When my ex-wife walked out our door, she didn't just take her belongings with her, she took my heart.

So when my sister's best friend needs help and they decide a fake marriage is the best way to save her, I volunteer.

I've had no interest in relationships since my divorce. No interest in women. I will never fall in love again... so what's the harm?

A few months of living together and we go our separate ways.

At least that's what I thought.

​Turns out, when it comes to love and women, I'm wrong about a lot of things.

 

Blog Tour + Review: "The Chameleon Effect" by Joe Arden

Congratulations to award-winning audiobook narrator Joe Arden on the release of "The Chameleon Effect," his debut solo novel.

For the past eight years, Will O'Connell has been working to make it big in Hollywood, without much success. His latest frustration is the number of roles calling for "authentic" accents that are only open to actors from overseas, which doesn't seem fair to him when British and Australian actors are cast as Americans all the time. He has a talent for accents, so his sister-in-law jokingly suggests that Will try pretending to be Irish at his next audition to see what happens. He decides that he has nothing to lose, but first has to tweak his resume and name, going from Will to "Liam" O'Connell overnight. Shockingly, "Liam" books the first role for which he auditions, and suddenly his career is on the rise. Unfortunately, it's not long before he starts to realize the unanticipated problems with his plan, especially after he meets costume designer Raven Locke at his first wardrobe fitting. He's instantly captivated by Raven and she seems to return his interest, but the problem is that she's met "Liam," not Will. If he tells her the truth, it will blow his cover at work, but if he doesn't, their entire relationship will be based on a lie. Can he figure out a way to be real with Raven without jeopardizing his fledgling career?

 

This was such a fun story! I usually prefer dual-POV narration, but IMO the single-POV narration by Liam was really well done here, and we still got snippets of Raven's thoughts through the TikToks cleverly inserted throughout the story. In addition, I loved the chemistry and flirty, witty banter between Liam and Raven. They really made a great couple and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend "The Chameleon Effect" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. It's an impressive solo debut for Joe Arden and I look forward to whatever he comes up with next.

 

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

 

 

About "The Chameleon Effect"

Lights. Camera. Action…

I've got everything it takes to make it in Tinseltown: confidence, charisma, and a killer chin. Now all I need is a chance.

But Los Angeles is full of hot, young hunks, and talent might not be enough to separate me from the cookie-cutter crowd.

Well, you know what they say: fake it till you make it.

So I devise a wild scheme to get noticed. Pretend I’m someone I'm not—goodbye Will O’Connell of Cincinnati and hello Liam O’Connell of Dublin.

‘Liam’ and his talent with accents is enough to get my foot in the door, but I never anticipated meeting the woman who has me more worried about keeping my foot out of my mouth.

Enter Raven Locke, the dark-haired bombshell who puts the ‘tude in tattooed.

On set, she's the costumer tasked with fitting my pants, but all I can think about is how to get into hers.

As my -- I mean, Liam’s -- budding career begins to heat up, so do our feelings.

While Raven pursues her passion for fashion; I chase her heart.

Our picture-perfect screenplay seems sure to send us riding off onto Sunset Boulevard… Until Raven finds out that Comedy and Tragedy aren’t the only masks I'm wearing. Our romance might be destined for the cutting room floor, unless I can salvage our story with a plot twist she won't see coming.

*This first-person, male-POV rom-com has it all: lots of heat, plenty of heart, and a Hollywood-worthy HEA.