Review: "Merritt and Her Childhood Crush" by Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor

Merritt and Her Childhood Crush by Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In need of an escape after her "perfect" life in New York City suddenly implodes, Merritt Markham volunteers to take over for her youngest sister Eloise in managing the renovation of their late grandmother's house into a B&B. Her sisters think she'll be working remotely, but the truth is that Merritt has nothing better to do than hide out on Oakley Island after losing both her job and her boyfriend. Life on Oakley comes with its own set of complications, however; the contractor in charge of the project is Hunter Williams, the old childhood friend and crush who unknowingly broke Merritt's heart when he married someone else. Hunter is now a divorced single dad, and as much as she tries to deny it, Merritt is just as attracted to him as ever. The problem is that Hunter's roots on Oakley Island run deep, while Merritt never planned on staying past the end of the renovation. Will life once again pull them in two different directions, or will Merritt and Hunter finally get the happy ending they've always wanted?

After reading the first book of this series, I wasn't sure what to expect of Merritt; to be completely honest, I wondered if I would even like her. I should have known better than to doubt these two authors, however, because I loved Merritt by the time the story was over. She and Hunter had a complex history and there were a lot of unresolved feelings for them to work through when she returned to Oakley Island. Even so, they really seemed to bring out the best in each other, and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend this book for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I can't wait for the next book in the series, which will feature Merritt's sister Sadie.

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

View all my reviews

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Final Offer" by Lauren Asher

I'm thrilled to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Final Offer" by Lauren Asher, book #3 of the Dreamland Billionaires series. While the book does work as a standalone, certain aspects of the plot related to inheritances and control of the Kane family company are carried through from the previous books.

After reading (and loving) the first two books of this series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Cal and Alana's story. I went into it mostly blind, and I honestly think that was the best way to experience it. The story's length (almost 600 pages!) intimidated me at first, but I was surprised by how quickly I managed to finish. It's a character-driven story but never seemed to drag or have a lot of unnecessary fluff. The history and issues between Alana and Cal were complex, and I couldn't wait to find out how everything would be resolved.

Overall, I absolutely loved "Final Offer" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I look forward to whatever Lauren Asher writes next. 

 

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

 

About "Final Offer"

Callahan
I'm the Kane brother everyone gossips about behind closed doors.
Trust fund brat. Washed-up athlete. High-functioning alcoholic.
No one knows the real me but her.
Lana Castillo—my childhood best friend and the only woman I ever loved.
When I broke her heart six years ago, I promised to never return to Lake Wisteria.
I kept my word until my grandfather's will changed everything.
To receive my inheritance, I was tasked with spending a summer at the family lake house before selling it.
The request was simple in theory until my entire plan blew up on the very first day.
Turns out Lana doesn't just live at the house, but she claims to own it, too.

Alana
Falling in love with Callahan Kane was a mistake.
He told me so before destroying my heart and our friendship six summers ago.
When he promised never to come back, I foolishly believed him.
But then Cal showed up again, intending to sell his grandfather's lake house.
The biggest flaw in his plan?
My name is on the deed. 

 

Review: "Musical Games" by Evie Alexander

Congratulations to Evie Alexander on the release of her latest novel, "Musical Games," book #4 of the Kinloch series. The timeline partially overlaps with that of the second book of the series and characters from that story make cameo appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone.

Almost a year ago, British actress Sam Adamson landed what most would consider to be a dream role in a soap opera. She hopes to parlay that success into films, but her agent thinks she should stick to commercials and TV work. Sam decides to take matters into her own hands when she finds out that Hollywood superstar Brad Bauer plans to film his next movie at Kinloch Castle, which is owned by her best friend Zoe's boyfriend, Rory. She fakes a family emergency to get time off from the soap's busy shooting schedule and heads for Scotland, hoping that an introduction from Zoe will help her win Brad's heart - and maybe a juicy part in the movie.

When she finally meets Brad, Sam panics and blurts out that she's writing an album inspired by him and his new movie, with the help of Zoe's friend Jamie McDougall. Electrician by day and talented singer/songwriter by night, shy Jamie has already performed for Brad once and has no interest in doing so again. Besides, he seems completely put off by Sam; the only time he tolerates her is when they sing together. It's an uphill battle to convince Jamie to go along with her plan, but Sam is determined to make the most of this chance. As they get to know each other through their music, secrets are revealed and Sam and Jamie grow closer. But is there any hope for a relationship when they want completely different things out of life? 

This book gave me all the feels! Sam and Jamie were both such realistic, relatable characters, and there were so many times I wanted to reach into the book to give one of them a hug. Even though they seemed like complete opposites at first, they had a lot more in common than they realized, particularly the insecurities they tried to hide from family and friends. They saw each other in ways no one else did.

 

As in previous books of the series, the secondary characters were a ton of fun and added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I especially enjoyed Jamie's mom, Morag, and older sister, Fiona, who have been delightful throughout the series. It was so great to see Morag have a little romance of her own this time around!  

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

 

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

 

 

About "Musical Games"

He’s never been kissed, and she’s about to rock his world…

Bubbly actress Sam is on the brink of the big time — all she needs is one lucky break. But when she drops everything for the chance to meet Hollywood’s biggest star, she blows it by blurting out a lie.

Now, she’s got ten days to write an album with a man who wants nothing to do with her.

Shy electrician Jamie has never set foot outside Scotland — or his comfort zone. Then beautiful and vivacious Sam gatecrashes his world, and he’s unwillingly swept up in her grand plan. But though Jamie has the voice of an angel and the body of a god, he’s never even kissed a girl… and fame is the last thing on his mind.

As the songs emerge, so do feelings — but Sam’s determination to reach the top is matched only by how fast her lies are catching her up.

When the duo are offered the opportunity of a lifetime, the spotlight illuminates their glaring differences. Can Sam and Jamie face the music, or will fame tear them apart?

Musical Games is a steamy, slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, laugh-out-loud, dual POV romantic comedy. Featuring an extremely hot virgin hero and a big-hearted heroine with a runaway mouth — there’s no cheating, no cliff-hanger, and you’re guaranteed a happy ever after (HEA). 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "The Imperfect Proposal" by Annie Dyer

I'm thrilled to participate in the release blitz celebrating "The Imperfect Proposal" by Annie Dyer, book #4 of the English Gent series. The timeline partially overlaps with the events of the previous book, but it works well as a standalone.

 

A decade ago, British doctors Shay Green and Thea Davies met while studying in the United States and secretly got married after a whirlwind romance. He woke up the next morning to find that she'd left him without a word and they haven't seen each other since. Their only contact was the postcards she sent every few months as she traveled from one post to another in her work with Doctors Without Borders. It therefore comes as a shock when Shay learns that Thea has taken a job at the same London hospital where he works, and to all appearances she's back in England to stay. Even though their marriage remains a secret, seeing her again reopens all of the old wounds. Will he finally get closure on what happened between them or will Shay find that he's still in love with Thea after all this time?

I enjoyed this unique second chance romance, which featured likeable characters and a compelling plot. Even after so many years apart, it was clear that Shay and Thea were still in love with each other; the problem was that they needed to rebuild the trust in their relationship. That didn't happen overnight, but I appreciated that they took the time they needed to work through their issues instead of rushing into a commitment they weren't ready for.

I recommend "The Imperfect Proposal" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to Dyer's next release.

 

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

 

About "The Imperfect Proposal"

Being caught in a cupboard in a compromising position with my latest hook up by my new colleague isn’t a great introduction.

The worse thing, that new colleague - she’s my estranged wife who’s been MIA for more than a decade.

Throw in the fact that neither of our families knew we were married in the first place and it’s safe to say, events maybe aren’t going as smoothly as planned.

Thea and I married ten years ago in Vegas, the day we both qualified as doctors. I knew plenty about her: the way she kissed, how she liked her coffee and the best way to make her see stars.
What I didn’t know was that she was the daughter of a Lord, was ridiculously wealthy and she’d signed up to Doctors Without Borders.

The morning after our wedding, she was gone.

For a decade, all I’ve had are postcards, sent to wherever I’ve been working, with no return address. Those, and a heart that no matter how good a doctor I am, I just can’t fix.

Now Thea’s back in London.
And she wants to be back in my bed.

Our first proposal wasn’t perfect. Would the second lead to the same fate?

 

Review: "Dirty Devil" by Melissa Ivers

Congratulations to Melissa Ivers on today's release of "Dirty Devil," book #4 of the Nashville Devils series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Professional hockey player Foster Craig wants nothing more than to stay with the Nashville Devils, but thanks to the actions of his disreputable former agent, there's a problem with his contract and his future with the team is in doubt. His new agent is negotiating an updated contract for him, but in the meantime, Foster's been on his best behavior to avoid giving team management any reason to trade him. He's even been avoiding hookups, though that hasn't stopped the puck bunnies from pursuing him. One in particular is practically stalking him, and when she approaches him at a team-sponsored charity event, he's had enough. He grabs his teammate's little sister, Avery Remington, announces that she's his girlfriend, and kisses her. Their picture goes viral, and his agent suggests that they keep the "relationship" going because potential sponsors seem to like his reformed playboy image. Convincing single mom Avery to go along with the plan won't be an easy task, however; her cheating ex was a hockey player, and she has no interest in getting involved with another one. Besides, she's looking for something long-term to give her son stability, and Foster doesn't do serious. But when he makes her an offer she can't refuse and they begin spending more time together, they find that the attraction between them is very real - and so are their feelings. Can they find a way to work through the baggage of their pasts or is Avery destined for heartbreak once again?

Foster and Avery were both incredibly likeable, relatable characters and I loved their witty banter and steamy chemistry. Foster's reasons for avoiding commitment were understandable, but being with Avery and her son Mason gradually broke down his walls and made him realize what he'd be missing without them in his life. I appreciated how supportive he was of Avery's writing career as well as how sweet he was with baby Mason. Without a doubt, he was prime book boyfriend material! It's no wonder Avery found inspiration for her stories after they started dating.

I very much enjoyed "Dirty Devil" and highly recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. (I hope the author will consider writing a future story about Avery's hilarious friend Holly from the bookstore too!)

 

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

 

About "Dirty Devil"

Pretending to be a hot hockey player’s girlfriend shouldn’t be a problem.

Except when that player is my brother’s teammate, Foster Craig, with the body of a god and a British accent that melts the panties straight off my lady bits. Did I mention that I might have a teeny crush on him?

But after a picture of an accidental kiss goes viral, he makes an offer I’d be hard pressed to refuse. A few dates in exchange for a lot of money. It seems harmless enough. And besides, I have a dead car, a baby to take care of, and a romance novel to write.

I just have to remember--No. More. Hockey. Players. Especially one who scores more off the ice than on.

Even if he comes to my rescue after my car breaks down. Or attempts to make me a cake for my birthday. Or dances with my two month old son when he thinks I’m not watching. I'm trying to resist him, but when he offers to help me test out "positions" for the novel I'm writing, things get a little… complicated. (And I’m not just talking about the Reverse Wheel Barrow with a Corkscrew Twist.)

And I find myself breaking my rules one by one.

If I take my heart out of the penalty box, am I going to end up being checked by yet another player?

Dirty Devil is a laugh out loud, steamy, fake relationship, single mom, reformed playboy sports romance featuring a British hockey player with a fancy peen and his teammates little sister with an addition to spicy books. This book is a full-length standalone with no cheating, cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Review: "Lost and Found" by Katharine Sadler

Lost and Found by Katharine Sadler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Lost and Found" by Katharine Sadler is the first book of a new series featuring the five Weston sisters. It's set in the same town as the Catalpa Creek series and a few of the characters from those books return in supporting roles, but it reads as a standalone.

Dandelion "Dani" Weston recently moved to the small town of Catalpa Creek with three of her four sisters in order to fulfill the terms of their late father's will, which requires them to live there for a year to receive their inheritance. For Dani, at least, it's a good time for a fresh start; her former best friend and business partner recently cheated her out of her share of the bakery they started together, and she lost everything. Unfortunately, living with her sisters and their constant arguments brings back bad memories from childhood, sending Dani fleeing into a nearby national park for a night under the stars. The next morning, she's discovered by park ranger Grant Holiday, who threatens to cite her for failing to pay the fee for use of the campsite. On further acquaintance, Grant's impression of Dani does not improve; he's convinced that she's the type of person who believes rules don't apply to her - and he's a stickler for the rules. It becomes impossible to avoid her when she starts working as a barista in his brother's bookstore, and after he tastes her homemade cherry danish, he's not even sure he wants to. Is it possible that these opposites could actually attract?

I loved this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming story. Grant and Dani may have been complete opposites, but they were completely perfect for each other. Their banter was a ton of fun, and I particularly enjoyed the way Dani teased Grant. I also appreciated how layered each of their characters was; every time something new was revealed, it was like another puzzle piece clicked into place, and I could actually see how well the two of them fit together.

I highly recommend "Lost and Found" for all contemporary romance and 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.

View all my reviews

 

Review: "Make a Wish" by Helena Hunting

Congratulations to Helena Hunting on the release of her latest novel, "Make a Wish," book #3 of the Spark House series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

As a college student, Harley Spark worked as a live-in nanny for widowed landscape architect Gavin Rhodes. She'd been caring for his young daughter Peyton for over a year when an attempt to comfort him after a rough night nearly resulted in a kiss. Much to Harley's embarrassment, he pulled away. A few days later, he informed her that he'd decided to move closer to his in-laws so that they could help with Peyton. Harley was out of a job, and other than a few text messages shortly after the move, she didn't hear from Gavin again. 

 

Seven years later, Harley and her two older sisters have taken over the family business, Spark House, and turned it into a successful event hotel. She's hosting a children's party one afternoon when she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with Gavin, whose daughter is a guest. They recently moved back to Colorado Springs and it's been a rough transition for Peyton; she misses her friends back in Boulder and hasn't made many new ones since school hasn't started yet. Peyton latches onto Harley and begs her father to let them spend time together. Gavin's initial lunch invitation is quickly followed by a trip to the zoo, and before long, Harley has once again become an important part of Gavin and Peyton's lives. She and Gavin can no longer deny the attraction between them, but the situation is no less complicated than it was seven years earlier. Can Harley and Gavin find a way to make it work this time, or is at least one of them destined for a broken heart?

As much as I enjoyed the first two books of this series, this one was my favorite. Harley and Gavin's story was a bit of an emotional roller coaster, but I was rooting for them the whole way. What I most loved, however, was how Harley's relationship with her sisters grew over the course of the story. As Spark House continued to expand, it had become increasingly difficult for Harley to figure out her place there. It took a lot of courage for her to finally voice those concerns to Avery and London. I appreciated that they were so willing to hear her out and make changes to ensure that she felt as fulfilled in her work as they did.

 

I highly recommend "Make a Wish" for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to whatever Helena Hunting writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Make a Wish"

With her signature charm and sense of humor, bestselling author Helena Hunting creates a novel about love, family, and second chances in Make a Wish…

Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again.

Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can’t help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu. Add to that a spontaneous hives breakout, and it’s clear she’s not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago.

Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmoil. So much so that he suggests they get together for lunch. For Peyton’s sake, of course. It’s the perfect opportunity to heal old wounds. Or it could just reopen them. This is one of those times Harley wishes she could see the future… 

 

Review: "The Rival Romeo" by Sierra Hill

Congratulations to Sierra Hill on her latest release, "The Rival Romeo," book #3 of the Puget Sound Pilots series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

After his team won the league championship, professional basketball player Jaeger Matlin was named MVP and rewarded with a lucrative new contract. To set himself up for his future after basketball, he decides to use some of the money to start a business with his younger brother Jesse, who's in his last year at Stanford. They plan to open a gym catering to Seattle's wealthy fitness enthusiasts, which will hopefully be the first in a chain. The problem is that the site they've selected is zoned for residential purposes, not commercial, so before they can begin construction, they'll need approval from the city planning commission. It seems like a slam dunk until Jade Russell, owner of a competing gym, speaks up during the public hearing and points out several technical flaws with the proposal, which is ultimately denied. Determined to find another way to open his gym, Jaeger sets his sights on buying Jade's, but she's not interested in selling. Can these two rivals find a way to become partners instead - in love as well as business?

 

Jaeger and Jade were incredibly likeable, relatable protagonists and I loved them both individually and as a couple. For various reasons, neither of them was interested in a relationship when the story began, but they couldn't deny the chemistry that flared between them from the moment they met. I found it endearing that Jaeger couldn't seem to stop putting his foot in his mouth when he was around Jade; considering his reputation as a playboy, I would have figured him for a smooth talker, but with her he was anything but smooth! That said, I could tell how much owning the gym and building a successful business meant to him. He wanted to be known as more than just a jock, which is understandable.

 

Jade, meanwhile, was a total boss babe and I loved how confident and independent she was. She was justifiably proud of everything she'd built and had no intention of giving it up without a fight. At the same time, she was hiding a trauma that was sadly relatable to many of us. I really admired that she turned her experiences into something positive by giving back to the community; she taught women's self-defense classes and dreamed of someday starting her own women's shelter. Falling in love with Jaeger didn't "fix" her, but it did prompt her to get the help she needed to move forward with her life, which included a relationship after many years of avoiding them. I was rooting for her (and them) the whole way.

I highly recommend "The Rival Romeo" for all contemporary/sports romance fans. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.

 

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

 

CW: Sexual Assault

 

 

About "The Rival Romeo"

Next up in the Puget Sound Pilots series is Jaeger and Jade's enemies-to-lovers sports romance.

My name’s Jaeger Matlin. Known to fans as Jaeger “Bomb” or “Jaeger Meister” because I knock my opponents on their…well, you know.

As last year’s rookie phenom with the Puget Sound Pilots, I took home the highest rookie payday ever. And I deserved it. It’s not often a rookie will single-handedly bring a new franchise team their first championship trophy and be named league MVP.

I’m young. I’m cocky. I’ve got women lining up to make me their Romeo.

But I know all this is fleeting. Which is why I want to invest wisely now in smart business ventures.

First up, is opening a chain of branded gyms that cater to Seattle’s elite.

The only thing that stands in my way is my rival—Jade Russell.

She’s not impressed with me, my fame, or my offer to buy her out.
 

Which only raises the stakes and makes me want it more.

Review: "Just One Time" by Samantha Baca

Just One Time by Samantha Baca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Abby Hughes recently turned 40 and her biological clock is ticking more loudly than ever. She wants a baby, but she's no longer willing to wait around for Mr. Right. When her longtime best friend, Nate Wilson, finds out about her plan to have a child on her own, he offers to help - as long as they do things the old-fashioned way. They agree that it will only happen one time, but will that be enough to satisfy the passion that suddenly flares between them?

I really liked Abby and Nate together, and their chemistry was H-O-T. (TBH, some of their bedroom shenanigans were a little outside of my personal comfort zone, but obviously that is completely subjective, and I'm sure there are plenty of readers who will absolutely love that aspect of the story.) However, I wish they had been better about communicating with each other in regards to the plan for Abby's pregnancy as well as their relationship in general. It would have been a good idea to take a beat and think things through before they jumped into bed together, or at least shortly thereafter. They never discussed whether the baby would know that Nate was the father or if he'd have any type of custody or parental rights. When their agreement continued past the first night, they failed to establish whether they were allowed to date other people, which created a whole other set of problems. It's no wonder that the lines between them blurred and their new "arrangement" started to affect their friendship almost right away. They made everything so much harder than it needed to be because they wouldn't just talk to each other, and it was incredibly frustrating at times.

Despite that frustration, I enjoyed "Just One Time" and would recommend it for all steamy contemporary romance fans. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, which I hope will feature Abby's sister Jane.

View all my reviews

Release Blitz + Review: "How to Lose at Love" by Sara Ney

I'm delighted to take part in today's release blitz celebrating "How to Lose at Love" by Sara Ney, book #1 of the Campus Legends series. It's a spinoff of the last book in the Accidentally in Love series, but works well as a standalone. 

 

I really enjoyed this funny, sweet, and perfectly steamy fake relationship romance, which featured likeable main characters and fantastic banter. I particularly appreciated that male lead Dallas Colter wasn't a stereotypical playboy jock. He didn't really party or hook up because he didn't want any distractions from his goal of playing in the NFL like his late father and older brother. His agent, Eli, wanted him to be more social, encouraging him to find a "responsible" girl to date so that teams and potential endorsers would see Dallas as well-rounded. The problem was that he couldn't think of anyone to ask until he met fellow college student Ryann Winters, the girl he'd just dumped on behalf of a teammate. She wasn't much of a partier either, but what really drew Dallas to Ryann was that she had zero interest in his popularity. In fact, she thought he was kind of a jerk, and the only reason she agreed to his fake dating plan was to teach him a lesson.

Overall, "How to Lose at Love" was a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.

 

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

 

About "How To Lose at Love"

I needed a good girl to save my bad reputation.

With too much on my plate, the very last thing on my mind was a relationship—the football draft was looming and dating got in the way. I never understood why my teammates bothered with girlfriends. None of us had the time.

When my sports agent suggested that being seen in public with a respectable girl would be good for my bad reputation, I couldn’t think of a single person to help me out. The only girls I knew weren’t wifey material, and the ones who were? Might catch feelings.

Except Ryann Winters.

Responsible. Sarcastic. Smart. Ryann was perfect but there was one clincher: she was my teammate's ex-girlfriend and I had recently been paid by him to dump her.

Not the best start to a fake relationship…

 

Review: "Falling for My Roommate" by Georgia Coffman

Congratulations to Georgia Coffman on her latest release, "Falling for My Roommate," book #3.5 of the Naked Heat series. While it mostly works as a standalone, I wish I'd had a chance to catch up on the earlier books prior to reading this one. Many of the issues faced by the male lead of this story are a direct result of what happened in the previous stories, and I think I would have understood his behavior better with more context.

Unemployed sports reporter Mason never imagined himself becoming a stripper, but after a rough couple of years, he realizes that it might be time for a change. He's tired of women only seeing him as a friend and hopes that becoming a dancer with male revue Naked Heat will transform him into the kind of guy who gets the girl. Meanwhile, his friend Tarryn has also been struggling since her father passed away; when she learns of Mason's plan to move to Las Vegas, she impulsively decides that a change of scenery would be good for her too, and they agree to become roommates. A month or so later, Mason dares Tarryn to come to his show, and she suddenly sees him in a whole new light. They can't seem to keep their hands off each other, though it's not long before things start to go wrong. Can they figure out their feelings or will their brand-new relationship be over before it's even begun?

 

I have to admit that a lot of what drew me to this story was that it reminded me of Magic Mike in book form, and that aspect of the story was really fun. I also liked Tarryn and Mason together; they had great chemistry and a solid friendship, including plenty of witty banter, before things turned romantic. Most of what went wrong between them had nothing to do with their feelings for each other or any actual obstacles that prevented them from being together, but rather past baggage that they needed to work through on their own. For example, Mason was still hurt because of the way his last couple of relationships had turned out, and it really seemed to affect his self-image. With very little evidence, he became convinced that Tarryn's feelings for him were just as "brotherly" as the last two people he dated, so he pushed her away. I appreciated that he eventually he took ownership of his behavior and apologized to Tarryn, and they ended up in a good place.

Overall, I enjoyed "Falling for My Roommate" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I will probably revisit this story after reading the earlier books of the series. 

 

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

 

 

About "Falling for My Roommate"

They say what happens in Vegas, stays there. Unfortunately for me, I live here now, thanks to a spontaneous deal I made with a friend over drinks and desperation.

I can’t escape the sins of this city, and I certainly can’t undo sleeping with that same friend, who's also my new roommate.

I blame him for that and the rest of the poor decisions I've made lately.

It all started when Mason invited me to his male revue show. I showed up because I needed a fun night out more than a margarita needs tequila.

But what I got was so much more than I bargained for.

Wavy, tousled hair.

Devilish eyes.

And the mother of all fantasies: abs. So many chiseled, mouthwatering abs winking at me.

On stage, Mason was nothing like the guy I’d come to know, and I enjoyed his unwavering attention on me a little more than I should have.

I hadn’t been looked at like that in a while—or ever. How could I resist him?

It was pure bliss being on the receiving end of his moves in private for a change.

If only his talents were enough to ignore his history of hookups and one-night stands. There’s no way he could want anything lasting with me when he has his pick of Sin City.

And he’ll definitely have to choose because I’m totally falling for my roommate. 

 

Review: "Extreme Heart Makeover" by Ellie Hall

Extreme Heart Makeover by Ellie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When her sister Mae calls to offer her a job as a stylist on the home makeover show Designed to Last, Bess Fuller couldn't be more excited. Unfortunately, she arrives in the small town of Butterbury, Georgia only to find that the job has fallen through. Not only that, her new apartment has flooded and she's forced to move in with her sister and brother-in-law, who are expecting a baby. She immediately begins searching for another job and place to live, eventually landing a position as a housekeeper through a local employment agency. It's not the salon job Bess was hoping for, but at least it includes room and board.

Arriving for her first day of work, Bess is stunned to learn that her new employer is none other than Cassian Smith, the man with whom she danced the night away at a Christmas-themed wedding reception but hasn't heard from since. Recently discharged from the Navy, Cassian has reluctantly returned to his hometown because his parents are convinced that the evil town mayor plans to destroy his late grandmother's home, an honest-to-goodness castle his engineer grandfather began building for her before he died. It's kind of a mess after being unoccupied for so long, and Cassian needs a housekeeper to help him get the place in order so that he can renovate it.

Things between Cassian and Bess are awkward at first, but they gradually become friends. When he receives an unexpected wedding invitation, he impulsively asks her to accompany him as his fake wife to help him through an awkward situation. She agrees, but will pretending to be in love lead to the real thing?

I loved this book so much! Bess and Cassian were such a perfect match; he grounded her, while her sunshine helped chase his clouds away. I also enjoyed the way the author managed to keep me guessing with the twists and turns of the plot related to the shady dealings of the town mayor. It was wonderful to see the mayor get his comeuppance in the end!

I highly recommend "Extreme Heart Makeover" for all sweet contemporary and romantic comedy fans. It's the first book I've read in this series, but I plan to catch up ASAP!

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

View all my reviews

Release Blitz + Review: "Cowboy in a Kilt" by Kait Nolan

I'm excited to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Cowboy in a Kilt" by Kait Nolan, book #1 of the Kilted Hearts series. There is a short prequel to the series (currently free) that provides additional context, but it's not critical to understanding the story.

 

Raleigh Beaumont has spent his entire life preparing to run the Texas ranch that has been in his late mother's family for generations, so it comes as a shock when his father passes away and leaves the ranch to his second wife, Raleigh's (wicked) stepmother Twila, instead of him. Twila has no interest in running a ranch, so she accepts a buyout offer from developers to fund her designer lifestyle in Dallas. Realizing that he needs to get away from the situation, Raleigh's best friend Zeke takes him to Las Vegas, where he meets a mysterious woman who, after hearing his tale, invites him to a private poker game. He's not sure if he should accept, but curiosity gets the better of him. Later that evening, Raleigh is stunned to find himself the new Baron of Lochmara, an estate in Scotland.

Meanwhile, Kyla MacKean has been busy preparing her family's estate, Ardinmuir, for her brother's upcoming wedding, which she hopes will establish them as a premier Highlands wedding destination. Her plans are threatened when the bride, Afton Lennox, runs away a week before the wedding. They soon learn that Afton lost her ancestral estate, Lochmara, in a poker game and the new owner has arrived to claim his prize. In order to keep it, Raleigh will have to fulfill the terms of an ancient marriage pact by taking Kyla as his bride. With ownership of Ardinmuir on the line as well, Kyla agrees to a one-year marriage of convenience; after that, she and Raleigh will divorce, having satisfied the terms of the pact. But a year is a long time, and when all is said and done, Kyla and Raleigh may just find that their feelings for each other are more than mere convenience.

I completely adored this story! We're only two weeks into January and I'm pretty sure it's going to end up being one of my favorite books of the year. After the initial fireworks when they first met, I liked that Kyla and Raleigh became friends and partners as they worked to save both of their estates. The romance that blossomed between them was kind of sneaky and unexpected, but it made perfect sense given their mutual interest in preserving the land and heritage. They supported each other and their ideas, which was particularly important for Kyla because she felt as if she'd carried the burden of her family's legacy alone for so long. For her, it was refreshing and gratifying to find someone willing to help her.

I highly recommend "Cowboy in a Kilt" for all contemporary romance fans and can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series.

 

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

 

 

About "Cowboy in a Kilt"

A cowboy without a home

Robbed of the family ranch that should have been his legacy, Raleigh Beaumont is a man with no roots and no purpose. When a friend drags him to Vegas, he figures he’s got nothing to lose. But after a hell of a lot of whiskey and a high stakes poker game with a beautiful stranger, he finds himself the alleged owner of a barony in Scotland.

An heiress with a crumbling heritage

When her brother’s bride disappears just days before the wedding that’s meant to save their ancestral home from the mad marriage pact that’s held their family captive for generations, Kyla McKean believes they’ve been granted a reprieve. Until she finds out about the new, single—male—owner of Lochmara and knows she’s next on the chopping block or ownership of both their estates reverts to the crown.

A modern answer to a three-hundred-year-old problem

Raleigh’s lost his land once. He’s not about to lose it again. Not even because of some lunatic pact made centuries before he was born. Kyla’s desperate to save Ardinmuir. She agrees to marry him on one condition: They wed for one year to satisfy the pact, then get a quick and quiet divorce. There’s no stipulation against it, and they’ll both get what they want.

But this displaced Texan and his fiery bride are about to find so much more than they bargained for. 

 

Review: "Jilting the Kilt" by Kait Nolan

Jilting the Kilt by Kait Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Jilting the Kilt" is a prequel novella to Kait Nolan's new Kilted Hearts series, set in Scotland. Readers won't be lost if they skip ahead to book one, but IMO the background and context this story provides will contribute to a richer reading experience.

Generations ago, the Lennox and MacKean families made an agreement to end their longstanding feud with a marriage pact. The pact has yet to be fulfilled due to a lack of appropriate heirs on one side or the other, so the responsibility has been passed down to the current generation, Afton Lennox and Connor MacKean. After growing up together knowing that their marriage had already been arranged, Connor and Afton have become good friends, but they aren't in love. However, under the terms of the agreement, if they don't get married, both of their families will lose their ancestral homes.

Connor's best friend, Hamish Colquhoun, became a lawyer in large part to try and help his friends get out of the marriage pact, but none of his efforts have been successful. When Afton panics a week before the wedding, Hamish attempts to comfort her and accidentally shares the only possible loophole he's found: she could gamble and lose her family's legacy, transferring the marriage obligation but at the expense of giving up the family home. Afton decides it's worth the risk, packs up, and secretly leaves town.

The story ends on a cliffhanger, but it's an intriguing setup for the future books in the series. The novella introduces several interesting characters and potential couples, including Hamish and Afton, whose story will be revisited and completed later in the series.

I'd recommend this novella for all contemporary romance fans. It certainly hooked me and I can't wait to find out what's to come in this series.

View all my reviews

Review: "Mistletoe Love Match" by Krista Sandor

Congratulations to Krista Sandor on her latest release, "Mistletoe Love Match," book #2.5 of the Love Match Legacy series. Readers familiar with Sandor's earlier Nanny Love Match series, specifically "The Nanny and the Beefcake," may remember the main characters of this story from their brief appearances in that one. It works well as a standalone, however.

 

Calliope Cress and Alec Lamb don't get along, but that doesn't mean they're not attracted to each other. In fact, they've been having a secret fling while visiting their respective siblings in Denver. Calliope's plan to end things with Alec before heading out of town for Christmas with their families is put on hold when her car won't start, and she's forced to accept a ride from Alec. They're driving through a snowstorm when a close encounter with a reindeer sends them skidding into a ditch. Fortunately, they're rescued by the Krangles of Mistletoe Manor, who offer them a cozy cabin for the night. Will the close quarters - and a few kisses under the mistletoe - help Calliope and Alec realize that they're meant to be together?

I absolutely loved this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming story. Calliope and Alec had fantastic chemistry and their banter was hilarious. There were so many moments that stood out to me, but my favorite was when the Krangles found them after their car slid into the ditch. I couldn't help laughing at Alec and Calliope's fear of "serial killer Santa" and his reindeer henchman. The Krangles turned out to be a perfectly lovely couple, but I completely understood why Alec and Calliope were a little creeped out at first.

I highly recommend "Mistletoe Love Match" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to whatever Krista Sandor writes next.

 

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

 

About "Mistletoe Love Match"

As far as Calliope Cress is concerned, there’s nothing merry about Christmas this year.

She’s stranded in a cabin with doctor-in-training Alec Lamb. Forget his piercing amber eyes and mouthwatering physique. The man might look more delicious than a plate of holiday sugar cookies, but the bloke is insufferable. Honestly, Frosty the Snowman has a warmer disposition–that is, until they’re alone and they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Call it enemies-with-benefits. Call it a holiday hook-up. But don’t even think about calling it love.

It would take a Christmas miracle for her to fall for him.

She’s ready to call off the tryst, but the spirit of the season has other ideas.

It’s said that a kiss beneath the mistletoe can spark true love, and the pair keeps finding themselves standing beneath the festive sprigs.

With a bit of help from Saint Nick, a wayward reindeer, and a dash of Christmas Eve magic, Calliope and Alec learn that the holiday detour they hadn’t anticipated could bring them exactly what they need and everything they’d never expected: a mistletoe love match.

Release Blitz + Review: "Truly You" by Claudia Burgoa

Congratulations to Claudia Burgoa on the release of her latest novel, "Truly You," book #4 of the Luna Harbor series. Characters from a number of Burgoa's previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

I feel the need to preface this review by stating that I have loved many of Claudia Burgoa's past books, and I'm sure I will love many of her future books. However, not every book is for every reader, and "Truly You" was not a great match for me.  

I wish there had been a content/trigger warning for cancer/breast cancer in the synopsis because if I had known that it was such a central part of the plot, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up at all. I am by no means a medical expert, but as someone who has battled stage IV breast cancer since March 2019, I am more sensitive to this topic than most. I've followed the author on social media for some time, and she seems like a genuinely lovely person. I'm sure she had the best of intentions in telling this story. That said, quotes like the following were upsetting to me because they came across as characters making light of the situation.

Stage three isn't that bad, but it's cancer. An unpredictable illness.

I have to disagree - cancer at any stage can be bad. Specific to breast cancer, stage 3 means that the cancer has started to spread to the lymph nodes, chest wall, and/or skin. This is a serious diagnosis requiring significant treatment, and saying that it "isn't that bad" doesn't sit right with me.

This is the twenty-first century. There's a cure for almost everything.

Boy, do I wish that were true. Cancer treatment continues to advance, but there are many, many cases that can't be cured. Again, while I don't believe it was the author's intent, IMO it comes across as making light of a serious situation.

Setting that aspect of the plot aside, I was troubled by the central romantic relationship between main characters Siobhan Walters and Iskander Cantu. I think my biggest problem is that the vast majority of their relationship happened off the page, and the parts we did see emphasized how often Iskander was a jerk who'd gone out of his way to tell Siobhan how much he didn't want to be with her. Despite Siobhan's assertions, I had a tough time believing that he was ever "attentive" or "loving" in the three years they were "friends" (co-workers?) with benefits.

I came to the realization that Iskander has always been attentive, loving, and in a way, I tried not to acknowledge it because if I did...well, obviously, I would be head over heels in love with him.

I needed to be shown that he had acted that way, not told. Without that, their love just didn't seem very believable to me, and frankly, I thought Siobhan deserved better.
 

Overall, I had strongly mixed feelings about this book. While it wasn't a great match for me, I do think it is likely to appeal to fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance. I remain a fan of Burgoa's writing and will continue to look forward to her latest releases.

 

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

 

CW: Cancer/Breast Cancer

 

 

About "Truly You"

A workplace fling is flipped on its head after one life changing phone call in this emotional and heartbreaking romance by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Claudia Burgoa.

I thought I had been through it all. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

After my ex walked out on me and straight into someone else’s arms, I decided to focus on myself. I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted out of life, but I was finally looking.

I moved to a new town and became the manager of a brewery, where I met Iskander. The chemistry between us was undeniable and we quickly fell into a pattern. We became friends with benefits…lots of benefits. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun in my life.

But after one phone call, everything changes.

My best friend is fighting for her life.
I might become a single mother to a toddler I barely know.
I may have to leave Luna Harbor.

Iskander signed up for fun and games, not an emotional rollercoaster. Besides, a child is too much to ask.

But if that’s true, why can’t he leave me alone?

***

Truly You is an angsty, ugly cry standalone romance full of raw emotions and unconditional love. Claudia Burgoa brings the right amount of heat, desire, and intimacy kink for a truly inspiring romance. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Autumn Nights" by Willow Aster

I'm happy to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Autumn Nights" by Willow Aster. It's a follow up to the 2022 release "Summertime," and while it does work as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the books in order. The first book features a love triangle which would be spoiled by reading the stories out of order. (Besides, I absolutely adored it!)

I've been in a bit of a reading slump the past couple of weeks, but this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story was exactly what I needed to break out of it. I loved the witty banter and sizzling chemistry between main characters Autumn and Zac, as well as the adorable family moments with his young daughter, Ivy. Autumn and Ivy's bond was one of the highlights of the book for me; I particularly appreciated Autumn's efforts to learn sign language so that she didn't have to rely on anyone else to communicate with Ivy. I also appreciated how sensitive Zac was to Autumn's abandonment issues, which were well founded. That said, I wish they hadn't waited so long to talk about where the relationship was headed after the renovations were complete. They could have saved themselves a whole lot of unnecessary heartache if they had just been more open and honest with each other from the start.

In any event, I highly recommend "Autumn Nights" for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I'd love to read future stories featuring several of the supporting characters from this one, including Zac's brother Jamison and teammate Ty.

 

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

About "Autumn Nights"

He's a hot football star and a sexy-as-sin single dad. Zac Ledger is everything I never knew I wanted.

 

A prince on a white horse swooping in to save the day...

Isn't that every girl's dream? Maybe for some, but I've never expected to find my own happily ever after.

I've made one bad dating choice after another, and it doesn't help that my only example of marriage is my dad leaving my mother before I was even born.

I'll never be a believer in fairy tales.

So, imagine my surprise when I meet Zac Ledger at my sister's wedding.

He is the total opposite of my usual type: gorgeous, confident, and genuine.

He's also athletic, and I am so not.

They call him the GOAT in the NFL...and I didn't even know what either acronym meant until my sister told me.

But there's something about him.

One drink.

One dance.

And I'm ready to believe that there are actually good guys out there.

That is, until I overhear him on the phone and I realize he's just like every other jerk I've dated.

When he hires me as his interior designer to come work on his new house, I resist, but he's persistent.

My goal is to finish the job and keep him at a distance.

But I'm not prepared for the real Zac Ledger or the way he dotes on his adorable little girl.

And when the renovation dust begins to settle, I realize there is more to Zac than his NFL accolades, and maybe, just maybe, he will prove to be the one man in my life that chooses to stick around.