Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: "The New Guy" by Sarina Bowen

I'm excited to participate in the release blitz celebrating "The New Guy" by Sarina Bowen, book #1 of the Hockey Guys series.

 

Athletic trainer Gavin Gillis recently moved to Brooklyn so that his 7-year-old daughter, Jordyn, could have a closer relationship with his sister Reggie. Shortly after their arrival, Jordyn and Reggie are having girls' night at his apartment, so Gavin heads out to a nearby sports bar. He quickly connects with the handsome man sitting beside him. After flirting their way through a game of ping pong, they leave the bar together, but Gavin's new friend calls it off when he realizes that they live in the same building. A few days later, it's Gavin's first day of work with the Brooklyn Bruisers hockey team and he's surprised to run into the man from the bar once again. Professional hockey player Hudson Newgate was recently traded to the Bruisers and is now dealing with a hip injury, which he needs Gavin's help to rehab. Neither can deny the attraction that continues to flare between them, but they need to keep things professional for the sake of Gavin's job. Further, Hudson's not out; he tried to come out to his first team after he was drafted and was immediately traded, so he's kept quiet ever since for fear of losing his career. With so many obstacles standing in their way, is there any hope for Gavin and Hudson to be together?

This story gave me all the feels and I had a tough time putting it down. The conflict was very realistic and I sympathized with both Gavin and Hudson's positions. Their chemistry was undeniable, however, and I knew that they'd find a way to be together in the end. I loved their flirty, witty banter as well as Hudson's adorable relationship with Gavin's daughter. Jordyn turned into a big hockey fan and it was sweet that Hudson took the time to teach her about the game. At the same time, I couldn't help laughing at how difficult it was for him to say no to her! Finally, I appreciated that the story didn't try to minimize what Gavin had with his first husband, Eddie. By all accounts, Eddie was a good man, and they were very much in love. My personal belief is that it's possible to have more than one great love in a lifetime, and Eddie would have wanted Gavin and Jordyn to move on and be happy after he was gone. I think he would've been happy to know that Hudson came into their lives.
 

I highly recommend this book for all contemporary/sports romance fans and look forward to whatever the author writes next.

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

 

About "The New Guy"

A new male / male hockey romance from 24-time USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen!

My name is Hudson Newgate, but my teammates call me New Guy.

That was my nickname in Chicago, too. And Vancouver. That’s what happens when you keep getting traded. Brooklyn is my last chance, especially after my poor performance last season.

But I can make this work. The new guy knows to keep his head down and shoot the puck. The new guy puts the game first.

What he doesn’t do is hook up with the other new guy—a hot athletic trainer who lives in my building. Gavin needs this job with my team. He’s a single dad with responsibilities.

We can’t be a couple. My arrogant agent–who’s also my father–will lose his mind if I’m dating a dude. And my team needs me to score goals, not whip up a media circus.

Too bad Gavin and I are terrible at resisting each other…

Read an Excerpt from "The New Guy"

I’m stretching my quads when I hear the head trainer’s voice out in the corridor. “The men’s weight room is about half capacity today. Some guys want to get in a quick workout, some go right home and take a pregame nap.”

He’s giving someone a tour of the facility. And suddenly I’m on high alert, like there’s a noticeable change in the air pressure.

Two men walk through the door, and my heart practically explodes.

Oh no. Oh hell. It’s him. Gavin from the bar. Gavin with the clear gray eyes, and the quick smile. In a Brooklyn polo, with an employee ID clipped to his khakis. That’s the uniform for athletic trainers. There’s a clipboard hugged under one muscled arm, and I can see my own name on it.

This is bad. He’s going to work with the team?

It takes me about zero-point-five seconds to picture him kneeling down on this very mat and lifting my leg in his hands to pin it back against my chest, while I gaze up at his dark blond hair, and those green eyes…

“Fellas, listen up!” Henry says, clapping his hands together. “I’d like to introduce you to Gavin Gillis. He joins the training staff today as my right-hand man.”

The players all turn to listen, and O’Doul leans down and turns the Bluetooth speaker off.

The sudden silence is deep.

“Gavin joins us as senior training staff. He’s never worked in hockey before, but that doesn’t matter. His last full-time position was at UNH, where he worked with the men’s soccer team, as well as with the women’s tennis team…”

I lose the thread of what Henry is saying, because I’m still staring at Gavin. He stands tall at Henry’s side. He’s wearing the half-smile of someone who’s being forced to hear praise about himself and doesn’t quite know how to play it. As I watch, he makes eye contact with each player in the room, one at a time.

He gets to me last, though, because I’m on the floor, in the corner. When his eyes find me, he does a quick double take. His surprise is muted, though. On his second pass, he looks directly at me and does the world’s quickest nod.

I forget to breathe, and my vision tunnels.

This can’t be happening. He’s a trainer? He’ll be here every day. We have to work together?

This is bad.

So, so bad. 

 

Review: "Tumbling Head Over Heels" by Kacie West

Tumbling Head Over Heels by Kacie West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jack Nickles, account manager for his father's marketing firm, the Nickles Group, is traveling to Asheville to meet with a potential client. His colleague had planned to attend the meeting until his pregnant wife unexpectedly went into labor, forcing Jack to hop on a plane at the last minute. He's grateful for the opportunity, however; he made a big mistake several months ago, and now everyone at work, especially his father, thinks he's a screw-up. If he can land this new account, Jack's sure his reputation will be restored.

Meanwhile, Kelly Jillian has been working two jobs while she tries to figure out her future after dropping out of nursing school. After meeting with a bakery in Asheville for her day job with a catering company, she decides to pick up an Uber fare to cover the cost of her trip. She heads to the airport and winds up with Jack as her passenger. Unfortunately, her car runs out of gas on the side of the road on the way to the mountain resort where he's meeting his potential clients. Even though she's done nothing but annoy him since she picked him up, Jack can't in good conscience leave Kelly there alone, so he convinces her to walk with him through the pouring rain to a nearby motel. He plans to Zoom into his meeting while she waits for roadside assistance. It doesn't quite work out that way, however; when his family-oriented potential clients accidentally catch sight of Kelly waiting in his hotel room, Jack panics and says that she's his fiancee. They insist on having her join them for the weekend, leaving him to convince her to go along with his scheme.

I really enjoyed this fun, quick read. Jack came across as kind of a jerk at first, but I don't think that was his true personality. He was under a tremendous amount of pressure, and while he shouldn't have been taking it out on Kelly or anyone else, I understood why he was crabby. As for Kelly, she was a lot smarter and more observant than Jack (and probably a lot of people) initially thought. I loved that as much as she drove him crazy (and made his eye twitch), he never tried to change her, just rolled with the chaos. I think he secretly enjoyed the unpredictability and fun she brought into his life.

I highly recommend this book for all romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever the authors come up with next!

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

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Review: "Sink or Sell" by Margaret Rose

Sink or Sell by Margaret Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Sink or Sell" is truly an impressive debut for author Margaret Rose. I loved the fun dynamic between main characters Holly Stewart and Declan Lorden; their frenemies-to-lovers romance may have been a slow burn, but the payoff was worth the wait. I also appreciated that Declan was so different from the typical wealthy businessmen depicted in many romance novels. Instead of being an overly controlling alpha, he was a little bit nerdy and just wanted to be seen as one of the employees, not as their boss. (I can't lie, I swooned a little bit when he put on the Baby Yoda t-shirt! I love nerdy guys.) He was also a hard worker and knew how to do just about every job in his family's department store, much like Holly, who'd started working for Lorden's when she was only 16. It took a while for them to see it, but they really did make a perfect pair, and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to whatever the author writes next.

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

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Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "More Than I Could" by Adriana Locke

Today, I'm thrilled to join the blog tour celebrating the release of "More Than I Could" by Adriana Locke.

 

When her mother breaks her leg, recently unemployed Megan Kramer is asked to take her place as a temporary nanny for the daughter of a family friend. Single dad Chase Marshall's job sometimes requires him to go out of town overnight, and with his 14-year-old daughter Kennedy in the throes of teenage rebellion, he's concerned about leaving her alone. 

 

For years, Chase has avoided dating so that his daughter wouldn't get attached to women who might not become permanent fixtures in their lives, so his immediate attraction to Megan is an unwelcome development. His instinct is to keep her at a distance - preferably all the way back at her mother's house in Dallas. He needs her help, however, so he's forced to swallow his pride and ask her to stay. He's clear that his daughter is his priority, and as much as he might like to act on his and Megan's mutual attraction, that won't be happening. Famous last words...

This was such a fun story! I particularly enjoyed Megan and Chase's fiery chemistry and witty banter, as well as the evolution of Kennedy's relationships with both Megan and Chase over the course of the story. Most of the single parent romances I've read have involved younger children, so the inclusion of a teenager in this one was a refreshing change and gave rise to a unique set of challenges. Kennedy and Chase went through a lot over the years, but Megan turned out to be exactly what they needed to make their family complete. 

Overall, I loved "More Than I Could" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to Locke's next release.

 

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

 

 

About "More Than I Could"

This nanny makes things hard for her boss.

Chase Marshall is many things:

• ​An attentive single dad
• Jaw-droppingly gorgeous
• ​My employer for the next thirty days

He’s also the bane of my existence.
He swears I’m a never-ending headache—the most infuriating woman he’s ever met.
If I’m so irritating, then what’s up with the lingering looks when he thinks I’m not watching?
The seemingly innocent touches while making breakfast?
The smirk that graces his kissable lips after one of our verbal spars after his daughter has gone to bed?
One minute he’s coming to my rescue. The next second he’s complaining about how I fold his work shirts. Fine. Fold them yourself.
It turns out that the only time I don’t get under Chase’s skin is when I’m under him.
And that’s where things get complicated.

From USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a grumpy, blue-collar single dad that falls hard for his new nanny. This small-town romance is a standalone novel with tons of heat and even more heart.

 

Read an Excerpt from "More Than I Could"

As soon as we’re alone, the air shifts. Shadows dance across the tabletop. Megan’s jasmine perfume scents the air, and my body temperature rises.

I struggle to remember our conversation yesterday. I remind myself that my child—the same one that occupied the seat next to me a minute ago—is my priority. Over and over, I replay all the reasons why I can’t afford to get off track.

Why I can’t touch Megan Kramer.

My muscles tighten in my stomach and across the back of my neck as I lift my gaze from the tabletop to her.

She grins. It’s simple, but when coupled with the heat in her eyes, there’s nothing sweet about it. “That was fun.”

I hold her gaze, unable to look away.

This is the first day, Chase. Twenty-nine more to go. Don’t blow it already.

I smirk and push away from the table.

I need to put some distance between us before things get really fun. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Glove Save" by Teagan Hunter

I'm delighted to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Glove Save" by Teagan Hunter, book #6 of the Carolina Comets series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Between his father's six baby mamas and his mother's three ex-husbands, professional hockey player Jacob Greer's parents managed to turn him off relationships entirely. His mother recently announced that she's getting married for the fourth time and Greer worries that she's destined for yet another heartbreak. The more immediate problem, however, is her insistence that he bring a date to the wedding. Not wanting to lead anyone on by thinking that he's offering a shot at a real relationship, he decides to take a more businesslike approach, offering single mom Stevie Thomas private hockey lessons for her daughter, 10-year-old Macie, in exchange for accompanying him to the wedding. Who cares if he doesn't really like kids? It's just a temporary arrangement, and everyone wins. Besides, Stevie would never date someone like Greer for real - or would she?

After the hints that were dropped in Stevie's sister Scout's book, I was really hoping Stevie would end up with Greer. Their story was worth the wait! I adored their intense chemistry and witty banter as well as the sweet relationship that developed between Greer and Macie. He may have thought he wasn't good with kids, but he was certainly good with her, and his increasing comfort level seemed to carry over into his interactions with other kids, too. When they were out to dinner and he gave the little boy his hat, I wanted to swoon!

Overall, I loved this funny, sweet story and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary/sports romance and romantic comedy. I 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 "Glove Save"

I’ve been told I’m the grumpiest goalie in the league, and that may be the case, but who cares when I’m also killing it this season? The Carolina Comets are currently on a record-breaking run, and I intend to keep it that way.

This means the last thing I need is distractions, but my mother didn’t get that memo. She’s getting married, and after the fiasco I caused at her last wedding, I’m required to bring a date.

That would be easy, except for one little thing: I don’t date.

So why is the only person I want to take a single mom who can’t stand me?

We’re a horrible match, and it makes no sense that I’d be into her. But the more time we spend together, the more it’s starting to look like this might be one game I can’t win.

 

Review: "Freezing the Puck" by Lasairiona McMaster

Freezing the Puck by Lasairiona E. McMaster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back in high school, Savannah Bowen secretly had a crush on hockey player Justin Ashe until he started dating her best friend, Molly. Any feelings that may have remained quickly turned to hate when Molly walked in on Justin kissing another girl and dumped him on the spot. A few years later, Savannah is less than thrilled to learn that she and Justin are attending the same college. Even worse, she's forced to sit next to him on a flight back home to Minnesota for Thanksgiving. However, when he helps her through a panic attack brought on by her fear of flying, Savannah is forced to admit that there might be more to Justin than she believed...and that her old feelings for him are still very much alive.

The chemistry and banter between Savannah and Justin were on point, and I liked the way they supported each other as each worked through their respective family issues. My favorite part about the book, however, was how different it was compared to most of the other sports romances I've read. While Justin loved hockey, his true passion was writing romance books. I really appreciated that he didn't try to hide what he wrote from his friends and teammates; in fact, he started a romance book club so that he could help them understand why he loved the genre so much. Justin was incredibly motivated for someone so young, and I had no doubt that he would achieve his dream of being a New York Times bestseller one day.

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

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

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Review: "Three Strikes and You're Mine" by R.S. Grey

Three Strikes and You're Mine by R.S. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I probably say this every time R.S. Grey releases a new book, but "Three Strikes and You're Mine" is my favorite one so far! Once I started reading this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story, I didn't want to put it down. The chemistry between main characters Chloe Ricci and Luke Allen practically leaped off the page, and I loved their witty banter. No matter their efforts to resist the pull of their attraction, they just seemed to fit together, both as a couple and as a family with Luke's precocious 6-year-old daughter, Harper. She was an adorable little scene stealer, and her sweet relationship with Chloe was a highlight of the book for me.

I highly recommend this book for all romantic comedy fans and can't wait to find out what's coming next in Luke's sister Tate's book later this year.

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Things We Hide from the Light" by Lucy Score

Congratulations to Lucy Score on the release of "Things We Hide from the Light," book #2 of the Knockemout series. It's technically a standalone, but I wish I had read the books in order because this one builds on the events of book #1.

Police chief Nash Morgan is still recovering from his injuries after being shot in the line of duty by the son of a crime lord who remains at large. While his physical wounds have mostly healed and he's been allowed to return to work, he continues to struggle emotionally, convinced that he's no longer capable of protecting his beloved town. He manages to hide his fears until the day Angelina "Lina" Solavita moves into the vacant apartment next door. Ostensibly in town to visit her old friend, Nash's brother Knox, Lina is actually an undercover insurance investigator searching for information on the man who shot Nash. The attraction between them is immediate and intense, but Lina doesn't do relationships and Nash has always planned to settle down with a wife and kids. He'll do just about anything to convince her to give him a chance. But what happens when he finds out the real reason she's in town?

This is the first book I've ever read by Lucy Score, and I was really excited about it because so many reader friends have raved about her writing. Unfortunately, I was rather disappointed with it and wish I had started with basically any one of her other books instead. I think the biggest problem was that this book was so long (much too long IMO), and parts of it really dragged. There's a good story in there somewhere, but it really needed to be streamlined. Aside from that, the connection between Lina and Nash felt weak to me. It almost seemed as if he latched on to her just because she was there, not because they had any real chemistry. Frankly, what Nash needed was a therapist, not a girlfriend, and it bothered me that none of his friends or family pushed him to talk to someone after what he'd been through. 

There were some aspects of the book I truly did enjoy, particularly Lina's snarky, funny, take-no-prisoners attitude. Her banter with Nash was consistently entertaining. Also, I LOVED the scenes featuring Nash's friend Lucian and Sloane the librarian. Those two have got some SPARKS! I will definitely be picking up their story when it's released this fall.

 

Overall, it's tough to rate this book because while I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, either. There are certainly plenty of readers who will love it, however, and I liked it enough to give Score's writing another chance in the future. Hopefully I'll have better luck the second time around!

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Enticing Journey Book Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.  

 

 

About "Things We Hide from the Light"

Bestselling author Lucy Score returns to Knockemout, Virginia, following fan-favorite Things We Never Got Over with Knox's brother Nash's story.

Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.

Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him. 

 

Review: "Building What's Meant to Be" by Ellie Hall

Building What's Meant to Be by Ellie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After the latest in a series of scandals, screw-ups, and poor choices that her wealthy family believes have tarnished their upstanding reputation, aspiring actress Tinsley Humber's parents have decided to cut her off. "Borrowing" a car from their New York City condo, she starts driving south with no real plan or destination in mind. She thinks she's hit rock bottom when her credit card is declined, but it turns out there's still farther for her to fall; she's pulled over for speeding and ends up in jail for driving a stolen car on a license that has long since expired. As if that weren't bad enough, her travels have brought her back to the small town of Butterbury, Georgia, the scene of a past humiliation in which she threw herself at country music star Taylor Whitmer while he was busy declaring his love for another woman, now his (very pregnant) wife, Mae.

Undercover FBI agent Aiden Fuller is cooling his heels in the jail cell next to Tinsley's after getting caught in the act of kidnapping Twinky, the mayor of Butterbury's cat. It's all a part of his current case, which just so happens to be related to Tinsley's scandal in Los Angeles. Since the investigation brought him back to his adopted hometown of Butterbury, Aiden has realized that he's ready for a change. As soon as he wraps up the case and succeeds in removing the town's corrupt mayor from office, he plans to retire from the FBI and run for mayor himself. He just has to figure out how to get himself out of jail without blowing his cover first. Fortunately, the local sheriff offers him and Tinsley a deal: He'll let them go if they agree to perform 30 days of community service together.

I adored this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story! Aiden and Tinsley's banter was hilarious and while their relationship was definitely a slow burn, the payoff was worth it. They made a super cute couple and I was rooting for them the whole way. I'm always a fan of redemption stories, and Tinsley certainly redeemed herself as far as I'm concerned. Her past behavior made a lot of sense after I learned her backstory. There was a good heart (and a brain!) beneath the outer layers of glitz and glam, tantrums, and social climbing. She came a long way over the course of the story, as did Aiden, who finally told his friends and family the truth about his career and opened himself up to a serious relationship at the same time.

I highly recommend "Building What's Meant to Be" for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to find out what Ellie Hall writes next!

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

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Review: "Mom Squad" by Kaci Lane

Congratulations to Kaci Lane on the release of "Mom Squad," book #1 of the Single Southern Mamas series. The ebook is being released as part of the My Funny Valentine box set, but the paperback is available on its own. (The ebook will also be released separately later this year.)

I completely adored this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story! Even though so much about Aniston's situation was unusual, she seemed incredibly relatable to me. I loved that she was so unapologetically herself and that Easton not only accepted her quirks, he was charmed by them. Her snarky, funny attitude made for great banter with Easton as well as with her arch nemesis, PTSO president Georgia. In addition, I really enjoyed Aniston's friendship with Morgan and Brooke, the other two single moms. I'd love for each of them to get stories of their own in the future!

I finished this book with a huge smile on my face and already can't wait for my next visit to the charmingly quirky small town of Apple Cart. I highly recommend "Mom Squad" for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. This may only be the second book I've read by Kaci Lane, but she's already earned a place on my auto-buy list!

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

About "Mom Squad"

In a matter of minutes, I gained two kids, a house, a dog . . . and a hot doctor-farmer guy for a neighbor.

I never anticipated being a single mom, but I did expect to get pregnant first. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined taking custody of my niece and nephew, let alone moving back to my hometown.

Even more surprising is the guy living on the other side of my pond who could pass as a model for an outdoors catalog. Oh, and he’s a doctor.

Too bad he met me at my worst—barely dressed and several days past a shower, still holding the half-eaten cookie cake that sent me spiraling into a sugar coma. Of course, losing one’s sister and trading in a life of traveling the country for Apple Cart County could do that to a person. It did do it for me.

With my life in so much upheaval, the last thing I need is to fall for the guy next door. But he’s making it hard to resist with handsome smiles and helping around the property. And as an instant mama to a middle schooler and second grader stuck in the town I escaped almost a decade ago, I need all the help I can get.

This sweet-heat-level small town, romantic comedy is the first in a new series set in the fictitious Apple Cart County, Alabama. Bad Moms meets Sweet Magnolias as friends navigate raising kids among busy lives and nosy neighbors.

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Made for You" by Natasha Madison

I'm pleased to join the release blitz celebrating "Made for You" by Natasha Madison, book #2 of the Made For series. It's a spinoff of the Only One series and also includes appearances by characters from Madison's earlier Something So and This Is series, but each book reads as a standalone.

 

In the midst of a battle with severe depression and anxiety, Xavier Montgomery walked away from his career as a professional hockey player. He's been living alone on his boat ever since, splitting time between Florida in the winter and New York in the summer. He's only recently returned to New York when he learns that he's about to have a new neighbor; the boat next to his has been sold to Vivienne Grant, member of a famous hockey family, and she plans to spend the summer living on board. The last thing Xavier wants is to socialize, especially with someone so closely connected to the hockey community he left behind, but when Vivienne befriends his dog, Beatrice, it becomes increasingly difficult to avoid her. Could Vivienne's sunshine actually be exactly what Xavier needs to complete his journey out of the darkness?

 

Vivienne and Xavier's chemistry was obvious from the moment they met, and even though it was a slow burn, the payoff was worth it. I loved their banter as well as the fact that Xavier was so open about his feelings. He refused to compromise who he was or what he'd learned since walking away from his career. Not only that, he looked at the bigger picture and wanted to help other players get the help they needed with their mental health. I never saw him as a true grump but rather as someone who withdrew from the world in order to protect himself. He needed time to heal and the right people around him before he could start engaging with the world again.

Overall, I loved "Made for You" and highly recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

 

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

 

CW: Suicidal thoughts; Depression; Anxiety

 

 

About "Made for You"

From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.

A spin-off from the Only One series.

Vivienne
I did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.
Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me.
A place where I wasn’t a hockey dynasty princess or the only single girl of the family.
What I wasn’t looking forward to was the broody man in the boat next to me.

Xavier
I was at the top of my game two years ago.
Then it all came crashing down.
I hung up my skates and vowed to never play again.
I was good at hockey, but hockey was bad for me.
I planned to spend my life on my boat with my dog.
Alone. Happily alone.
Until she came along. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks" by Piper Rayne

I'm happy to take part in the release blitz celebrating "You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks" by Piper Rayne, book #2 of the Kingsmen Football Stars series. Characters from the previous book make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Professional football player Brady Banks normally splits custody of his 5-year-old son with Theo's mom, Hannah, but she'll be working overseas for the next few months and Theo will be with Brady full-time. Knowing that he'll need help in her absence, Hannah suggests hiring a live-in nanny and offers to do the interviews on his behalf. Brady never expects her choice to be Violet Park, the woman with whom he had a one-night stand six months ago and hasn't been able to stop thinking about since. At the time, Violet was on the rebound from a failed engagement and refused to give Brady her number or even her real name. She had no idea that Brady was the client when she applied for the nanny job, but she needs the money and vows to make it work. Even though things are awkward at first, neither can deny the attraction that still flares between them. Will they be able to resist each other when they're living under the same roof?

This funny, sweet story was even better than the first book in the series. I really enjoyed the banter and intense chemistry between Violet and Brady, as well as the fact that he had such a positive co-parenting relationship with Theo's mom, Hannah. Theo himself was completely adorable, and I loved the way his attachment to Violet developed over the course of the story. She never tried to replace his mom or step on Hannah's toes, just acted as another person in his life who loved him.

I highly recommend this book for all contemporary/sports romance and romantic comedy 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 "You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks"

Brady Banks.

The Kingsmen’s best wide receiver.
Rich AF.
Hot as hell.
A stallion in the sack.

How do I know that last fact? I may have shared a one-night stand with him six months ago when I was rebounding from a broken heart.

I didn’t forget him, but I was done with him, until I discovered he’s the single dad of the boy I’ve been hired to nanny.

It’s near impossible to ignore my attraction to him now that we’re living under the same roof—but I have no choice.

First, this job pays well, and I need the money to move out of my parents’ spare room.

Second, he’s a public figure and there’s no room for me to get caught up in a scandal with him—I can’t disappoint my parents again.

Third, men like Brady were built to break hearts. I barely managed to piece mine back together after my failed engagement and Brady would do irreparable damage if I gave him the chance.

Let the longest three months of my life begin…

 

Review: "Love, Pucks, and Other Stories" by Elise Faber

Love, Pucks, and Other Stories by Elise Faber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Love, Pucks, and Other Stories" by Elise Faber is book #4 of the Rush Hockey series, but it also begins a new trilogy featuring Billie Rose Donovan, mayor of the small town of River's Bend, and professional hockey player Joel Marshall. The timeline of this story overlaps with the ending of the previous trilogy, but readers can start here without feeling lost. The book does end in a cliffhanger, however; Billie Rose and Joel's story will be continued in "All's Fair in Pucks and War."

After their introduction in the earlier books of the series, I had a feeling Joel and Billie Rose's enemies-to-lovers romance was going to be epic, and that has certainly been the case so far. There has always been a ton of chemistry between them, and it was only a matter of time before it exploded. What I didn't expect (but quickly came to love) was how protective Joel was of Billie Rose. She rejected his care for a long time, but in truth, she needed someone to look out for her because she wasn't doing it herself. She gave everything she had to the town of River's Bend and was committed to rebuilding it after a devastating wildfire. She sacrificed food, sleep, and even a place to stay, secretly living out of her temporary office because she believed others needed housing more. Her one attempt at "self-care" was a nightly planning session, complete with colorful stickers and washi tape, which I personally found to be very endearing.

The cliffhanger was not at all what I was expecting, and I can't wait to find out how Joel is going to extricate himself from the situation he's in. The next book can't get here soon enough for me! In the meantime, I'd recommend this one for all contemporary/sports romance fans.

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

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Review: "Second Chances" by Samantha Baca

Second Chances by Samantha Baca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been looking forward to reading Abby's sister Jane's story ever since I finished "Just One Time," the first book of the Beaumont Creek series. It did not disappoint; in fact, I think it was even better than the first book of the series.

Despite the 10 year age difference between them, pediatrician Jane Hughes and elementary school teacher Dominic Rosario were a perfect match for one another. Dominic was new in town, having purchased the house next door to his parents after unexpectedly becoming a single father upon the birth of his 1-year-old daughter Olivia. Jane was also a single parent to 9-year-old Mikey and 7-year-old Sally, who had been her top priority ever since her divorce. They kept being pushed together by Jane's matchmaking sister and brother-in-law, but I understood her hesitation to get involved with him. Among other reasons, her son was in Dominic's class, and Jane worried that the other kids would tease him if they found out she was dating their teacher. Their chemistry was undeniable, however, and I loved how they bonded with each other's kids.

Overall, I adored this charming and sweet (but spicy in all the right places) story and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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

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Review: "Convincing Florence" by Celine L.A. Simpson

Convincing Florence by Celine L.A. Simpson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With the exception of her beloved grandmother, Dot, librarian Florence Valentine isn't much of a people person. She's been burned too many times by people who've let her down, so in her view, it's better to avoid relationships altogether. Her beliefs are challenged when she meets bar owner Nathaniel Connors, a library patron who pushes all of her buttons by breaking the rules. Nate takes an interest in Florence and sets out to prove that there are plenty of good, trustworthy people in the world - including him. She thinks he's just trying to antagonize her, but could Nate actually be trying to convince Florence to fall in love with him?

It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Florence was a quirky heroine and her inner monologue could be a lot to handle, but she had a delightfully snarky sense of humor that became more apparent as I got to know her better. She came a long way over the course of the book, realizing in the end that maybe the problem wasn't with everyone else, it was her own fears holding her back. Nate was the perfect guy to drag Florence out of her comfort zone and get her to start engaging with the world. He was so sweetly patient with her, and their banter was a ton of fun.

I recommend "Convincing Florence" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy 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 via Equality Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "The Grumpy Side of Paradise" by Brittany Larsen

The Grumpy Side of Paradise by Brittany Larsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evie's best friend Georgia, a fellow interior designer, has just been offered her own show on HGTV and needs an assistant. She'd like it to be Evie, but the network has someone else in mind. Before they make a final hiring decision, Georgia convinces her new bosses to let her and Evie do a small project to show how well they work together: restoring the house she inherited in the small town of Paradise, Idaho, near the Utah border. It's a risk for Evie because it means quitting her boring but safe job in New York, but the payoff would be worth it; if they're successful, not only will she land the job as Georgia's assistant, they'll also have the funds they need to rehab the rest of the property Georgia inherited, the Little Copenhagen Resort.

Meanwhile, Georgia's childhood friend Adam recently moved back to Paradise after several years in New York City, where he trained as a chef. He's taken over his mother's restaurant, the Garden of Eatin', but since they don't make enough of a profit for him to support himself, he's also decided to start his own construction company. When Georgia hires Adam's company to do the renovations, he and Evie quickly find themselves at odds, though the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore. Could Evie's sunshine be what grumpy Adam needs to chase his clouds away?

I loved this story so much! Adam and Evie were endearing protagonists, the conflict between them was real and relatable, and I couldn't help liking and rooting for both of them despite their opposing viewpoints. Adam's grumpiness was understandable given everything he was dealing with, but he was a good guy at heart. I especially loved that he secretly read romance novels to learn how to do better in relationships. As for Evie, I related with her tendency to hold back from expressing her true feelings because she was the person who was supposed to make everyone else happy. Like Evie, I had to learn not to keep my feelings bottled up, and I really appreciated the book's message in this regard.

I highly recommend "The Grumpy Side of Paradise" for all sweet/closed-door contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

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

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Review: "Our Ride to Forever" by Julie Olivia

Congratulations to Julie Olivia on today's release of "Our Ride to Forever," book #3 of the Honeywood Fun Park series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

Seven months ago, Theo Poulos and Orson Mackenzie's one-night stand turned into a week-long fling, quickly followed by an impulsive secret marriage. Neither was interested in a real commitment, but getting married benefited them both; Orson gained access to Theo's health insurance, while the money Theo saved by filing her taxes jointly with Orson helped get her side business as a yoga instructor off the ground. Two months after the wedding, their fling was still going strong until Orson confessed that he was falling in love with Theo, so she broke things off and has been avoiding him ever since. However, when Orson finds out that Theo is temporarily homeless and invites her to move in with him, it seems as if the dynamic between them has shifted. Will Theo be the one falling in love this time around?

I've loved all of the Honeywood Fun Park books, but Theo and Orson have officially taken over as my favorite couple of the series so far. I loved their banter, the chemistry, and really just everything about them. They had an intense physical attraction from the start, but their emotional connection grew more gradually. I really enjoyed the way they slowly became friends and eventually confidantes; it was like keeping their marriage a secret encouraged them to share other secrets with each other. Also, while they were both incredibly likeable and relatable characters, I particularly identified with Orson and his struggles with anxiety. He was such a sweet guy and wanted to help everyone, but he needed someone to look out for him, too. That turned out to be Theo, who helped him figure out ways to get things off his plate without letting anyone down.

 

Overall, I adored this book and can't recommend it highly enough for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. After the events of the epilogue, I'm going to be counting the days until the next book of the series is released!

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

 

About "Our Ride to Forever"

Sometimes, the best rides are unexpected.

Orson Mackenzie didn’t want a relationship. Perfect. Neither did I.

But what started as a fun ride with no commitment turned into hitching our cars to the same train. Orson needed my insurance. I needed his tax break. So we signed a piece of paper to make me his not-so blushing bride.

Forever was never the destination. Until Orson unexpectedly changed course, and we found ourselves on different tracks.

Now, it’s seven months later, I’ve lost my apartment and, luckily for me, my husband still has a heart of gold. And a spare bedroom.

I can move in with my fake husband, right? How hard can it be?

Except I’m having a hard time overlooking how his eyes undress me and the way his voice rasps when he calls me sweetheart. And the more time we spend together, the more I see through his happy-go-lucky exterior. He needs someone in his corner, and for once, maybe I need someone in mine too.

I shouldn’t fall in love with my husband. But my heart might be thumping to the bumpy tune of forever.

Our Ride To Forever is a romantic comedy featuring a secret marriage of convenience and lots of roommate shenanigans in a house with only one shower and very, very thin walls. Enjoy the comforts of a small town theme park, filled with lots of love and even more steamy, sizzling spice!

 

Author Q&A: Evie Alexander

Happy Sunday! Today, I am thrilled to be hosting a Q&A with author Evie Alexander as part of the blog tour celebrating the release of "Musical Games," book #4 of the Kinloch series. Kinloch is one of my favorite rom-com series of the past few years, and while I'm sad that it's coming to a close, I can't wait to find out what Evie comes up with next.

Be sure to check out my review of "Musical Games" and today's other blog tour stops, hosted by @tangentsbb, @devinereads1, and @librarybooks_vs_ebooks.

I hope you'll enjoy getting to know a bit more about Evie and her books below, and if you haven't already, give her a follow on Instagram. Her posts always make me laugh!

🎶 🎶 🎶

Tell us 10 fun facts about yourself!

• I can speak basic Indonesian and can sing ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes’ in the language.
• I was named after a dog.
• I am six foot tall.
• My daughter is named after a 16th century composer and an American football quarterback.
• My great uncle traced our family tree back to the Queen, Alfred the Great, Shakespeare and Nelson.
• I used to write and direct films.
• I work out of a second hand glamping pod from Lithuania, that I have named The Smut Hut.
• I play the flute, piano (badly), recorders, and I also used to conduct a choir and a Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
• I get drunk on less than half a glass of wine, and then call my friends across the world to tell them I love them.
• I am very bad at accents but I keep doing them because it makes me laugh.

 

What inspired you to start writing?

 

I was always making up stories as a child, and when I was about eight, my primary school teacher bought me an exercise book so I could start writing them down. I am still in touch with her decades later, although I am a little apprehensive of her reading my work! I carried on writing through school and beyond, but never had the confidence to get anything published until a life changing event and the support of a friend helped me finally finish a novel.

 

What was the inspiration for Musical Games?

I’d already planned out in my head how Zoe’s best friend, Sam, gets together with super shy Jamie. Their story is happening in the background of Hollywood Games, but of course we don’t really know what is going until Musical Games! I wanted to write a couple who were complete opposites as well as a classic grumpy/sunshine combination. Sam is older than Jamie, a famous actress, and someone who has a fair amount of life and sexual experience. Jamie, on the other hand, has never left Scotland, still lives with his mum, and has never kissed a girl before. I loved exploring the dynamic between two very different people, and how they could find common ground and fall in love.

What is your favorite moment in the whole story, without giving spoilers?

I have so many favourite moments in Musical Games, but I think my favourite ‘funny’ moment is when Sam speaks to Jamie’s boss to get him off work, and my favourite swoony moment is when Jamie cooks for Sam and she starts to see him in a whole new light…

What’s next for Kinloch?

Coming up next is Wedding Games. This is a novella following Rory and Zoe’s wedding. It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever written and gives you the chance to spend more time in Kinloch with every character you’ve come to love through the series. There’s plenty of drama and hijinks, including a hen (bachelorette) party that goes horribly wrong…

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a novel called Love ad Lib. It’s the first in a new romantic comedy series set in Somerset around where I live. I’ve provisionally planned eight books for the series including stories I’ve wanted to write for years.

What’s one thing you’d like to say to your readers?

Thank you so much for reading my books and please leave me a review!

 

Review: "Wood You Be Mine?" by Daphne Elliot

Congratulations to Daphne Elliot on the release of "Wood You Be Mine?", book #1 of the Lovewell Lumberjacks series.

 

Henri Gagnon's family has been in the logging business for generations. He always knew he'd take over the company someday, but he never expected it to happen so soon. Stepping in as CEO after his father is killed in an accident on the job, he quickly realizes that the company is struggling and enlists the help of his siblings to turn things around. The town depends on the jobs they provide, and Henri's not going down without a fight.

Meanwhile, Alice Watson has recently been hired as the new principal of Lovewell Community School, the local elementary. It's been a rough few years for the school, but Alice is determined to prove that she's the right person for the job, especially after her old boss told her she didn't have what it takes to be a principal. As a favor, Alice's new boss asks Henri to rent her the vacant cabin on his property, which used to be Henri's home before he built his current house. As much as he values his solitude, he needs the cash, so he agrees to let Alice move in. After a series of embarrassing encounters with her new neighbor, she's surprised to find herself developing a crush - and the feeling is mutual. But a lot can happen on the way to happily ever after, and these two are in for a bumpy ride.

This was one of the funniest and sweetest books I've read in a long time, and even though it's only February, I'm sure that it's going to end up as one of my favorites of 2023. The banter and chemistry between Alice and Henri were absolutely phenomenal! Henri was exactly my type of hero - grumpy on the outside, but soft and caring on the inside. That made him a perfect match for Alice, who cared so much for her students and the community. They made an adorable couple and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

I completely adored this book and highly recommend it 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. 

 

About "Wood You Be Mine?"

The first time I met the grumpy lumberjack next door, I almost burnt down his cabin.

The second time, I was throwing tampons at a moose (don’t ask).

The third time, I was naked.

And Henri Gagnon is not just my neighbor and landlord, but a pain in my optimistic, plus sized ass. He’s got a protective streak under his grumpy exterior and he’s convinced I won’t make it through the Maine winter.

I’m going to show him and the rest of this small town that they’re wrong. I have one year to prove myself as the new elementary school principal or I’ll be getting the ax. So I just don’t have time to pine away for the grumpy lumberjack next door, no matter how good he looks chopping wood in his suspenders or the way he growls when he calls me buttercup.

But soon I’m falling headfirst down a hill, and into a full blown crush when he carries me home. He’s distracted trying to save his family’s lumber business, and I’ve got a school to run, and this small town is not as sleepy as it seems. But despite our differences, the heat between us makes it hard to stay away.

Could we actually be right for each other? What happens if I ask him if he Wood Be Mine?

Author’s Note: Wood You Be Mine? is a standalone, full length, small town romance featuring a grumpy lumberjack hero with a heart of gold and a plus sized, sunshine school principal trying to survive in the woods of northern Maine. If you enjoy flirty banter, ax throwing, wood chopping, and slow dancing, come meet the Lovewell Lumberjacks.

Welcome to Lovewell, Maine, where the moose outnumber the people and you can't swing an ax without hitting a hot, grumpy lumberjack. Filled with humor, heart and heat, the Lovewell Lumberjack Series will melt Kindles in 2023.

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Before Us" by Jewel E. Ann

I'm excited to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Before Us" by Jewel E. Ann.

 

It's tough for me to put into words exactly how much I loved this book. It's not what I would describe as a "traditional" romance (though there is an HEA), but despite the difficult circumstances that brought them together, I was rooting for main characters Emersyn and Zach from the start. Their story broke my heart and put it back together more than once and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

 

I highly recommend "Before Us" for all fans of emotional contemporary romance and look forward to whatever this author writes next.

 

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

 

CW: Cancer/Breast Cancer; Death; Grief 

 

About "Before Us"

I never saw him coming.

I didn't know what would happen after my client found me sleeping in my car.
I'd been cleaning his house as his wife was dying.
I didn't expect them to invite me to live with them.
I didn't expect Suzie to become my lifeline—until she was gone.

I didn't expect him to ask me to marry him when he found out I needed medical insurance.

I didn't expect to fall in love with a grieving man.

There are so many reasons to keep my distance from Zach. Every tender moment secreted away.

When we're not together, I miss the man I call husband.
Does he miss his wife? If so, which one?