Review: "Falling for the Fake Boyfriend" by S.E. Rose and Sierra Hill

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend by S.E. Rose and Sierra Hill
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like "Falling for the Fake Boyfriend," but in a lot of ways, it felt more like a first draft than a finished book. The main characters, their relationship, and several key aspects of the plot felt underdeveloped to me. In short, while it had potential, IMO the story fell flat in the execution and would have benefited from further editing prior to publication.

My biggest problem related to the central romantic relationship between college football player Emmett Hudson and his tutor, fellow college student Lucy Parker. Their chemistry was questionable and it seemed as if they mostly latched on to each other out of convenience, not because of any genuine romantic interest. Lucy's main concern was making her high school crush, Hendy, jealous, a sub-plot that went on for way too long and consumed far too much of the story. It was tough to believe in the strength of Lucy's feelings for Emmett when she was busy "staring dreamily" into Hendy's eyes and kissing him at 86% of the way through the book. Emmett's feelings weren't necessarily believable either because for as much as he claimed that Hendy was one of his best friends, they didn't actually seem to like each other very much. I couldn't tell if Emmett truly cared about Lucy or just wanted to beat Hendy at winning her affections.

My other big problem with this book was the way the football program was described. It wasn't clear to me if it was a Division I (D-I) program, but it seems like it must have been since Emmett was attending college on a full athletic scholarship. My understanding is that D-II schools usually only give partial athletic scholarships, and D-III schools don't normally offer athletic scholarships at all. Bottom line, Emmett was probably a pretty good player, so why did he spend so much time agonizing over what to do after graduation when there was probably a realistic chance for him to go pro? He made it seem like Hendy was the only player on the team who had a shot at being drafted, which seems very strange to me. If Hendy (and only Hendy) was that talented, he wouldn't still be playing for their team. He would have transferred to a more prestigious program to give him a better shot at the draft. At any rate, I wish all of this had been fleshed out a bit more, though I know it may not be as bothersome for other readers as it was for me. (I'm a huge NCAA football fan and my brother played for a D-I program, so I've been around it for a long time.)

Despite the above frustrations, there were several things I did like about the book, particularly some of the secondary characters. I was especially intrigued by the setup for Emmett's friend and roommate Killian's book, which I believe will be the next one in the series. Hopefully the authors will take the opportunity to address some of the outstanding questions about the football program in that story.

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Duke: Faking the Play" by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais

Congratulations to Kayley Loring and Connor Crais on the release of their latest co-written novel, "Duke: Faking the Play," book #3 of the Boston Tomcats series. Characters from the previous books make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

For years, divorced single dad Callum "Duke" Duquette has been content to focus on two things: his daughter, 11-year-old Chloe, and his career as a placekicker for the NFL's Boston Tomcats. Dating is nowhere on his to-do list, so as his teammate Dash's wedding approaches, his friends' efforts to set him up are starting to drive him crazy. He's hiding out at his favorite local bookstore one day when he quite literally runs into British actress Millie Darden, who's in Boston to film a movie. The resulting paparazzi photo goes viral, and suddenly, the whole world thinks they're in a relationship. Witnessing the reaction to their viral photo, Millie and Duke realize that it would be mutually beneficial to keep up the ruse. After all, they'll only have to fake it for a few months. The hard part will be pretending not to fall in love for real...

This was such a fun story! I adored Millie and Duke's steamy chemistry and witty banter, as well as how playful they were when they were together. Duke was normally so grumpy, but Millie brought out an unexpectedly lighthearted side of his personality that I enjoyed exploring. I also loved that Millie had a completely separate relationship with his daughter Chloe, who was an important part of the story but didn't monopolize it like kids sometimes do in single parent books. Finally, the various text threads had me laughing so hard I cried at various points in the book. I especially loved the one with Millie's family - her mom's text fails were hysterical!

 

I highly recommend "Duke: Faking the Play" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to get my hands on whatever the authors come up with next!

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

About "Duke: Faking the Play"

#4 Callum Duquette. Placekicker for the Boston Tomcats. Former underwear model. NICKNAME: Duke.

I thought the most annoying thing about being a single dad was that my friends were always trying to find me a date. Until a sassy British ray of sunshine bumps into me at a bookstore. One accidental butt grab, a viral photo, and a lot of misunderstandings later, I find myself in a fake relationship with a movie star.

Now I’ve got my friends off my back, but the cheeky Brit has complicated my life even more.

She calls me the Duke of Grumpville.
I call her movies the end of civilization as we know it.

She calls my job “the wrong kind of football.”
I call her the one thing on Earth that can make me lose focus and control.

It’s getting harder to pretend I still want this to end after my team’s game in London.

I thought we were only faking it.
But getting to know the real Millie Darden changed everything.

Review: "Free Fall" by Elise Faber

Free Fall by Elise Faber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ER doctor Raven Montergo was badly injured when faulty wiring ignited a fire at her house, which remains uninhabitable until repairs are completed. When she's released from the hospital, her friends convince her to stay with ER nurse Connor Jackson because, as a fellow medical professional, he's the best person in their circle to support her as she recovers. Aside from the fact that she and Connor have never gotten along, Raven can't handle being dependent on someone else, so after a few days, she flees to an Airbnb a few hours away for the rest of her convalescence. Three months later, she's finally back in town and hoping to apologize to him for the way she behaved before she left. No one is more surprised than Raven to discover that what she feels for Connor might not be hate after all. But will the baggage of her past stand in the way of them building a future together?

I was pleasantly surprised by what a cute couple Connor and Raven turned out to be because, based on my impressions of Raven from the earlier books in the series, "cute" is not a word I ever would have associated with her. I've always admired her fierce independence, even though it sometimes made her come across as prickly and standoffish. Her backstory was nothing like what I expected it to be and made my heart hurt for her in more ways than one. I loved how caring and protective Connor was of her and that he fought so hard to prove that her past didn't define her.

Overall, I enjoyed "Free Fall" and would recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. After the intriguing setup in this book's epilogue, I'm very much looking forward to the next installment of the series.

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

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Review: "Needing the Next-Door Neighbor" by Kristin Canary

Needing the Next-Door Neighbor by Kristin Canary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A few months ago, Kennedy Matkin moved to San Diego to live with her older sister Alexis. She'd just broken up with her boyfriend of two years, who took revenge by spreading rumors about her online to sabotage her career as a social media influencer. Her wealthy grandmother refuses to give her access to her trust fund unless she moves back to San Francisco to work for the family company, where her ex is already employed. Unwilling to live under her grandmother's thumb or deal with her ex, Kennedy instead gets a job as a barista and starts saving to go back to college.

Meanwhile, Alexis's next door neighbor, ER doctor Ryan Rosche, recently took temporary custody of his nieces while his sister serves jail time for a DUI. Finding childcare for 11-year-old Ava and 4-year-old Mila has been a challenge, and both girls are struggling with feelings of abandonment. When Kennedy walks Ava home one day after finding her hiding out in Alexis's house, she sees their struggles and impulsively offers to help. A couple days of babysitting quickly turns into a full-time job as Ava and Mila's nanny, complete with room and board. The only problem is the sizzling attraction between Kennedy and Ryan, which they agree can't go anywhere. Even so, living under the same roof, they can't help growing closer. Will they be able to resist acting on their feelings?

I loved Ryan and Kennedy's story so much! The chemistry and banter were fantastic, but I also loved that they had real conversations. Even early in their acquaintance, they didn't shy away from the deeper topics. They were each dealing with more than their fair share of baggage from the past, but the common experience of losing parents when they were young seemed to help them connect. It also made them more sympathetic to what Ava and Mila were going through in their mother's absence and increased their determination to be there for them in every way possible. That said, I really enjoyed the lighter moments in their courtship as well, particularly Kennedy getting Ryan hooked on reality TV.

I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story for all sweet/closed-door contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. In fact, I think it's one of my favorite books of the year so far! I can't wait to find out what the author comes up with next.

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

CW: Cancer; Death of Parent; Addiction/Alcoholism

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Review: "Insta Boyfriend" by Jen Atkinson

Insta Boyfriend by Jen Atkinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If Iris McCoy had known that her cousin Shelia was engaged to her college ex-boyfriend, Travis, she never would have agreed to be the photographer for their upcoming wedding. With only a few weeks left until the big day, it's too late for Iris to back out, so she reluctantly heads off to meet Shelia and Travis for a consultation. Unfortunately, her car breaks down along the side of the road and she's forced to accept a ride from the Good Samaritan who stops to help. A short time later, social media influencer Dean Cooper drops Iris off to meet her cousin, but he can't help worrying about how she'll get home. He decides to head into the restaurant and discreetly observe the meeting from another table. When Travis's boorish behavior prompts Iris to make up a fake boyfriend, Dean comes to her rescue once again by pretending to be the man in question. However, the plan backfires when Shelia announces that they've decided to move the wedding to Tahoe and pushes Dean to accompany Iris on the trip. Forced to spend time together to make the pretense believable, Dean and Iris quickly become friends with the possibility of more. But when a secret from the past is revealed, will Iris be able to forgive Dean for keeping it from her?

I very much enjoyed this funny, sweet book. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, but IMO it was done particularly well in this story. The early stages of Dean and Iris's relationship felt more realistic to me than in many of the other fake dating stories I've read because they were so awkward with each other at first, and it showed, even in how they posed for pictures. That's not to say that they weren't attracted to each other, it's just that everything was new and they weren't comfortable together like an established couple would be. Iris herself was a bit awkward in general, but endearingly so. I loved that she treated her dog as if she were a person and talked to her as if she expected an answer back at any moment. I also loved Iris's sweet relationship with her Gramgram, who was a real highlight of the story. Johnny Cash forever!

I highly recommend "Insta Boyfriend" for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I will definitely be picking up the next book of the series.

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Review: "Just a Friend" by Deb Goodman

Just a Friend: a Sweet, Small-town Brothers RomCom by Deb Goodman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver Tate and Sophie Lawson met as teenagers while working summer jobs at a milkshake shop in the small town of Longdale, Colorado. They quickly became friends and, at the end of the summer, made a pact to meet up at the shop once a year on the same date. They've drifted apart since Oliver broke the pact last year, but now he's back in Longdale to open his family's new lakeside resort, and it only takes one accidental meeting for him to realize how much he's missed spending time with his old friend. He impulsively decides to offer Sophie a job curating the resort's new library, a dream come true after she's spent the last several years running a mobile library out of a converted school bus while petitioning the county for funds to establish a permanent location. Working together brings their long-hidden romantic feelings to the surface, but Sophie's roots are planted firmly in Longdale, while the demands of Oliver's job will have him leaving town again in just a few short months. Can they find a middle ground or is their relationship doomed before it's even begun?

This was such a cute story! Oliver and Sophie had great chemistry and their problems felt very realistic and relatable to me. I particularly appreciated that they started the conversation about wanting different things so early in the story. I hate it when couples in books ignore their problems until there's a big blowup at the end, resulting in a third act breakup that could have been prevented with better communication. In this case, the real question was whether Sophie and Oliver actually wanted things that were so dramatically different. Sophie realized that, as much as she loved Longdale, she also felt suffocated there at times, while Oliver realized that it was worth taking a risk on love as long as it was with Sophie. They found a compromise that worked for them, and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend "Just a Friend" for all sweet/closed-door contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and 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: "We'll Meet Again" by Kelsey Painter

We'll Meet Again by Kelsey Painter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Legal assistant Billie Axton has never been in a serious relationship; in fact, her latest boyfriend just dumped her because she wasn't ready to say "I love you" after eight months of dating. Still reeling from the cruelty of her ex's parting words the night before, Billie's not in the best frame of mind when she meets professional footballer Ethan Knight, the newest member of the Stanmore FC Wasps. It doesn't help that she feels as if she knows him from somewhere but can't figure out where. Unfortunately, Billie's stuck with him when her jerk of a boss volunteers her to escort Ethan from team headquarters to his new apartment, which turns out to be in the same neighborhood as her own. No matter how hard she tries, it's impossible for Billie to avoid Ethan with him living and working in such close proximity, and he eventually manages to win her over with his sweet Southern charm. But will his love be enough for Billie to overcome her fear of commitment once and for all?

I'm usually not a fan of the soulmates trope, but I found it to be very well done and entertaining in this story. I particularly appreciated that the author didn't rely solely on Ethan and Billie's previous lives to establish their connection in the present; they had a journey that was uniquely their own, along with plenty of relationship and character development. Ethan was a total sweetheart and I loved his interactions with his feisty grandmother Betty, which just might have been my favorite parts of the book. Billie was a bit prickly at first, but I grew to love her just as much as Ethan did by the end of the story. They made a fantastic couple and I was rooting for them from the very beginning.

Overall, I very much enjoyed "We'll Meet Again" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary/sports romance. This was an impressive debut for author Kelsey Painter and I look forward to whatever she writes next.

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Thinking 'Bout You" by Claire Hastings

I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Thinking 'Bout You" by Claire Hastings.

For librarian Kenzie Noble, this year's edition of the annual Rhythm and Brews Festival is extra special because its proceeds will go towards the cost of cancer treatment for her father, Ken. The problem is that it also means coming face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend, country music star Dustin Wilder, who has agreed to play a free show as part of the event. Kenzie and Dustin's relationship ended awkwardly - or rather, it didn't really end at all. Seven years ago, he left for a summer in Nashville with promises to return, but never did. Kenzie was left brokenhearted when she finally realized that Dustin wasn't coming back, and even though she tried to move on, she never quite got over her first love. Dustin's never gotten over Kenzie either, and being back with her in their hometown of Hickory Hills, Georgia has him thinking about second chances. But just as it did before, life is pulling them in two very different directions. Can Dustin and Kenzie find a way to make it work this time?

Kenzie and Dustin were both incredibly likeable, relatable characters and their chemistry remained strong even after so many years apart. I particularly appreciated that Dustin was so unlike a "typical" celebrity or rock star; he remained down-to-earth in his interactions with friends and family, and when he apologized to Kenzie for the way he handled things after he left seven years ago, it was obviously sincere. I could tell that he never wanted to hurt her in the first place and just got caught up in circumstances that he didn't know how to handle, which made it easier to root for her to give him a second chance.

 

I loved this sweet yet perfectly steamy story and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. Hopefully this is just the first of many books set in Hickory Hills! I'd love to read future stories about Dustin and Kenzie's friends.

 

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

 

CW: Cancer 

 

 

About "Thinking 'Bout You"

To the world, he’s Dustin Wild, country star with a megawatt smile and a voice smooth as whiskey. To me, he’ll always be Dustin Wilder, the small-town boy who stole my heart…then broke it.
It’s been seven years since Dustin rolled out of our rural Georgia town, chasing his dream, promising he’d be back. Except that never happened. Instead, he topped the charts, trading in our future plans for a life that didn’t involve me at all.
I thought I’d moved on. Until the town busybodies invite Dustin back to Hickory Hills to perform at the annual Rhythm and Brews Festival.
All I can do is swoon when he says my name or flashes me that smile. And by the way he’s looking at me, my heart can’t help but hope he feels the same.
I’ve got my eyes wide open this time, and I won’t let him hurt me again.
That is, until ghosts from our past have something to say about our second chance. 

Review: "Yours To Take" by Emily Silver

Yours To Take by Emily Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Screenwriter Blake Travers has been struggling with a case of writer's block ever since his last hit TV show went off the air, and now his job is on the line. If he can't come up with a concept for a new family drama within the next 3 months, he'll be fired. He doesn't have the first clue where to begin until a friend suggests setting the series in a small Western town. Hoping to find inspiration, Blake books a stay at Idaho's Dixon Creek Ranch, owned by the Winchester family. He's exploring the property shortly after checking in when he quite literally bumps into Gemma Winchester - and the wheelbarrow full of muck she's gathered after cleaning out horse stalls.

Running her family's ranch is Gemma's lifelong dream, and with the recent departure of their general manager, she hopes to convince her grandfather that she's ready for a promotion. To make up for their awkward first meeting, Gemma offers to take Blake on a tour of the ranch, and sparks quickly begin to fly between them. The problem is that Blake is scheduled to return to Los Angeles in just a few short weeks, and Gemma's roots are firmly planted in Dixon. Will they be able to stick to their plan to keep their relationship casual, or will at least one of them end up with a broken heart?

The chemistry between Gemma and Blake was fantastic from the start, and I particularly appreciated that it wasn't just a physical connection. They quickly developed an easy sort of friendship that grew into something more as they got to know one another better. I also liked that Gemma was so clear on what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it, both with Blake and with her grandfather in regards to managing the ranch. In addition, the dynamic between her and her siblings was a lot of fun, and I'm excited to see where their stories take them.

Overall, I enjoyed "Yours to Take" and recommend it for all contemporary/small town 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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Release Blitz + Review: "Sneak Attack" by Stacey Lynn

I'm happy to participate in today's release blitz celebrating "Sneak Attack" by Stacey Lynn, book #1 of the Nashville Steel series.

After learning that Marley, the woman who's been like a grandmother to her, is facing a terminal diagnosis, veterinary technician Eden Barclay knows that the time has come to return to the small town of Marysville, Tennessee. She hasn't been back since the summer after her high school graduation, when her friend and classmate Hilary was killed in a tragic accident. Blaming herself for Hilary's death, Eden fled town and cut off contact with everyone but Marley - including Hilary's former boyfriend, Cole Buchanan, who'd secretly been in love with Eden since she moved to Marysville at the start of senior year. Cole is now a professional football player for the Nashville Steel and single father to 5-year-old Jasper. Even though it's been seven years since he last saw Eden, he still hasn't gotten over her, and seeing her again reminds him of all the dreams they once shared. Can they work through the baggage of their past to build a future together?

To me, this story had a slightly different feel and tone than the author's last few books, but I think that's one of the things I liked best about it. Even though sports played an important role in the story, it felt more like a small town romance. It was really the best of both worlds, and I thoroughly enjoyed the combination. The truth of what happened between Cole, Eden, and Hilary seven years ago took some time to be revealed, and to be honest, it was a little frustrating at times until it all came together. When it did, however, my heart broke for all of them and I completely understood why Eden felt she had to leave. I really appreciated that she and Cole took the time to work through everything that had happened back then before officially moving forward with their relationship, and the slow burn chemistry as they did so was totally worth the wait.

Overall, "Sneak Attack" was an emotional roller-coaster but I loved it anyway. I highly recommend it for all fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance and look forward to finding out where the series goes from here. I'm sure we'll see more of Cole's teammates, but I'd love to read stories about several of the secondary characters from Marysville too (especially veterinarian Nora and Hilary's brother Nate).

 

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

 

CW: Cancer/Brain Tumor; Car Accident 

 

 

About "Sneak Attack"

A sneak attack by the girl who broke my heart, reminds me what could have been...

I might have made it as an NFL quarterback, but I was still me—still living in my hometown north of Nashville and tackling being a single dad. The media assumed I wore a halo beneath my helmet, but they didn't know my tragic past. I was no angel.

Because the only woman I ever truly loved was the girl who stole my heart when it was committed to another, and I never recovered from the mess we created.

Seven years is a long time to wait for a second chance. I tried to move on and live without her. Now, Eden's returned home to haunt me all over again, making me feel all the things I can't deny when she's near.

She might have her running shoes strapped on tight, but I'm desperate for her to stay this time. In order to do that, I need to find a way for us to put the past where it truly belongs, buried six feet deep with the person whose death still stands between us.

I didn't become one of the best in the league by playing it safe. Eden's always been mine, and it's time she finally learns it, too. 

 

Review: "Haley and the Yeti" by Laura Langa

Haley and the Yeti: A Grumpy Sunshine, Friends to Lovers, Next-door Neighbor Sweet Romance by Laura Langa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After all this time, you'd think I'd know better than to judge a book by its cover, but I guess I haven't learned my lesson yet. I picked up "Haley and the Yeti" expecting a fun, fluffy neighbors-to-lovers romance, which I fully expected to enjoy; what I found instead was a richly layered story that gave me all the feels, and I adored it.

After breaking up with her boyfriend of two years, phlebotomist Haley decides that it's time for a reset, so she accepts a temporary job in Tucson. Her new apartment shares a balcony with the unit next door, which is inhabited by a taciturn giant she nicknames Yeti because of his long, wild hair and beard. They're unlikely friends, but Yeti can't help being charmed by Haley no matter how much he tries to resist.

I loved their witty banter; Yeti had a subtle, dry humor that I really enjoyed, and Haley's (often unintentional) oversharing was both funny and relatable. Beneath the surface, however, both were dealing with more than their fair share of emotional trauma. As their relationship grew and they worked through some of that baggage together, I appreciated that they accepted and loved each other for who they were, not who they thought the other should be.

Overall, "Haley and the Yeti" was one of my favorite books so far this year, and I highly recommend it for all contemporary/sweet romance fans. I will definitely be watching for whatever this author writes next.

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

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Review: "The Rebel Heir" by Whitley Cox and Ember Leigh

The Rebel Heir by Whitley Cox and Ember Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After a bad breakup, Lily Summers left Portland for the small town of Summer Hills, founded by her family generations earlier, in the hopes of getting to know her estranged grandfather. Unfortunately, he wasn't very receptive to her overtures, so she started spending most of her time in the neighboring town of Winter Harbor, helping Callum Winters fight development by Dunlop Holdings. Dunlop has already left its mark on Summer Hills and Lily can't stand the thought of another town being destroyed by the company's quest for profits. When someone suggests that she run for mayor of Winter Harbor as a way to oust the incumbent, who's colluding with Dunlop, Callum and his family invite Lily to move in with them to establish residency. Callum's youngest brother Colton is the only one who opposes the plan; for some reason he and Lily have rubbed each other the wrong way ever since they met in a Gardening 101 class at the local community center. His brothers quickly grow tired of their bickering and force Colton into accompanying Lily to pick up her belongings from the storage unit she shared with her ex, who shows up to give her a hard time. Colton impulsively pretends to be her new boyfriend, and suddenly, they can't seem to keep their hands off each other. It's not long before their fake relationship starts to feel very real, but will the revelation of secrets from the past drive them apart?

I've loved this entire trilogy, but I think "The Rebel Heir" was my favorite book of the three. I couldn't wait to find out what was behind the "hobbit door" Colton and his brothers found earlier in the series, as well as how the Winters and Summers families were connected. Both of those mysteries kept me guessing until the very end. I also loved the steamy chemistry and witty banter between Colton and Lily. Once they got past their initial animosity, they made a fantastic couple, and I was rooting for them from the very beginning.

Overall, I adored this book and highly recommend it for fans of emotional contemporary romance. It was the perfect ending to a fantastic series, and I can't wait to see what Cox and Leigh come up with next.

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

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Review: "Anything I Can Do" by Mary Carson

Anything I Can Do by Mary Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed Mary Carson's first book, but her sophomore effort, "Anything I Can Do," was even better! The author's note in the beginning sets up the story perfectly; even though it touches on some serious topics, the overall tone is light and fun, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.

Main characters Jasmine Chandran and Quinn O'Connell were both incredibly likeable, and the problems they faced were real and relatable. I loved their witty banter and the chemistry that sparked between them from the moment they met. They really couldn't have been more different, but they balanced each other perfectly.

I highly recommend this book for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to whatever Carson writes next!

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Faking It With the Grump" by Kate O'Keeffe

I'm delighted to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Faking It With the Grump" by Kate O'Keeffe, book #1 of the Second Chance Cafe series.

After supporting her high school sweetheart, Dex, through years as a struggling actor, he's finally landed a starring role on a hit TV show, and second grade teacher Harper Cole thinks she's about to be rewarded with an engagement ring. Instead, Dex publicly dumps her and the resulting video goes viral, sending Harper fleeing back to her hometown of Hunter's Creek, Washington. Meanwhile, attorney Christopher Young thinks he's about to get an assignment in Chicago that will guarantee him a promotion to partner upon his return to New York City. Instead, he's sent to the tiny town of Hunter's Creek to evaluate a timber mill for possible acquisition. He meets Harper in passing at her aunt's coffee shop, the Second Chance Cafe, shortly after they've both arrived in town. The next day, she starts a temporary job at her old elementary school, and her new colleagues are all just a bit too excited to fix her up on pity dates with their single-for-a-reason friends and relatives. Desperate to put a stop to the blind date suggestions, Harper blurts out that she's already dating someone new: Christopher. Now she just has to convince him to go along with her plan...

I really enjoyed this funny, sweet story. Harper and Christopher had great chemistry, their banter was a ton of fun, and the obstacles they faced were realistic and relatable. I couldn't help but empathize with Harper as she realized what it meant for her to have been a people pleaser for so long, particularly in terms of what she'd given up for Dex and his career. Christopher came a long way over the course of the story too as he realized that it was okay for him to make the choices that made him happy even if they weren't the ones that led to him making the most money.

I highly recommend this story for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to the next book of the series.

 

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

 

About "Faking It with the Grump"

He’s grumpy, boring, and thinks it’s okay to wear a suit and tie to a small town bar full of lumberjacks. But when I kiss him? Let’s just say I wasn’t expecting THAT.

Harper
It's one thing to be dumped by the huge Hollywood star you thought you were going to marry. It’s quite another to move back to the small town you're both from.

As a booby prize for being shown the door by Dex Ryder, everyone is trying to set me up with their son, their nephew, or their long-lost cousin’s gardener. Either that or they’re throwing me pitying looks that say, “You’re a big loser.”

I’m not going to put up with their patronizing sympathy anymore.

So, when I spot new-guy-in-town Christopher Young, I set out to make him mine. Or you know, pretend to make him mine. I’m still in a horrible funk over Dex, and Christopher is an uptight grump. Not exactly my type.

The fact that despite appearances, he’s gorgeous and doing weird things to my blood pressure doesn't mean a thing.

Really.

Not. A. Thing.

Christopher
Hunter’s Creek, population next to nothing, is the reason I work all the time. I’m solely focused on buying the town’s lumber mill so I can go back to NYC and get my big promotion. This small town is a means to an end. Nothing more.

That is until the prettiest girl I've ever seen superglues her lips to mine in an unexpected and very public way. She’s not the kind of woman I usually go for with her boho dress and ankle boots, but that kiss…

I’m disappointed when she comes up for air and tells me it’s all for show. But if Harper Cole wants me to be her fake boyfriend while I'm here in town, who am I to turn her down? Being attached to a local might ingratiate me to the townsfolk and make my job that much the easier.

After all, dating Harper can only be make believe. Not when my entire future is at stake.

Faking It With The Grump is a grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, fake relationship romance set in the small town of Hunter's Creek, Washington. It's the first book in the new Second Chance Café series. Each book follows a different sister's love story and can be read as a standalone novel or as part of a series.

 

Review: "The Swoon List" by Ellie Hall

The Swoon List: a sweet romantic comedy by Ellie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After years of working as a child actress, Maggie Prucell decided that she was tired of being her parents' meal ticket and turned her back on a successful career in Hollywood. Caught up in their own pursuit of fame and fortune, her parents shipped her off to boarding school in Boston to finish high school, where she met her best friend, future football star Declan Printz. Years later, Maggie is working as a princess at a major theme park in Florida when a disastrous photo session spawns a viral video, forcing her to quit her job in order to keep her past under wraps. In need of a new job, Maggie decides to accept an offer from her neighbor's cousin to become an etiquette coach at a public relations "finishing school" for the rich, famous, and badly behaved.

Upon her arrival in Concordia, a small island nation north of England, Maggie is stunned to discover that her first client is none other than her best friend Declan. The league commissioner sent him and several of his teammates to the school to clean up their acts after they pulled a prank that went horribly wrong. If even one of them fails to complete the program, they'll all be off the team. To avoid putting either of their jobs at risk, Maggie and Declan will have to keep their friendship a secret, but that proves to be easier said than done - especially when they realize that their feelings for each other might be more than just friendly.

I enjoyed the fairy tale feel to this story, which fit perfectly with its setting in a European castle. Even though Maggie and Declan hadn't seen each other in years before their arrival in Concordia, the connection between them remained strong and sparks began to fly almost immediately. I particularly loved their playful dynamic and Declan's creative efforts to bring a smile to Maggie's face. As their relationship grew and they each began to open up about their pasts, I appreciated how supportive they were of each other. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, they seemed to understand each other in a way most others couldn't.

Overall, I adored this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and highly recommend it for fans of contemporary/sweet romance and romantic comedy. 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: "Home in the Country" by Alexandra Hale

Home in the Country by Alexandra Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Otto Thayer had a crush on Fallon Jones throughout high school, so when they finally hooked up during his freshman year of college, he thought all his dreams were coming true. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be; she broke his heart when she ghosted him afterwards, and he's been a player ever since - or at least pretending to be. Years later, a recently divorced Fallon has decided to move back to their hometown of Clementine Creek with her 5-year-old son, Briggs. It doesn't take long for her to reconnect with her old friends Marlee and Cheyenne, who convince her to go out with them one night. She runs into Otto and impulsively invites him to spend the night together; against his better judgment, he agrees. Even though he swears it will only happen one time, it quickly turns into a not-quite-friends with benefits arrangement. The problem is that Otto has never really gotten over Fallon, and he fears that he's destined to get hurt - especially after he meets her adorable son. With everything that's already on her plate, Fallon is sure that she can't handle a serious relationship, but maybe there's a way for Otto to show her that he can help carry her burdens, not add to them.

I'm not sure I have the words to express how happy this story made me. Otto is one of the best book boyfriends I've come across in quite some time, and the way he cared for Fallon and Briggs made me melt over and over again. I loved that he was so good at anticipating Fallon's needs and was ready when she finally admitted that she was overwhelmed. He was so sweet and thoughtful, and I appreciated that he wasn't shy about telling her what he wanted from the relationship. It would have been easy for him to just jump back into bed with her, but instead he asked for what he wanted and waited until she was ready.

Otto's relationship with Fallon's son Briggs was also super cute. I especially appreciated Otto's efforts to be a part of Briggs's life without overstepping or trying to replace his father, Tanner, who was actually a great guy. The bromance that developed between Otto and Tanner was fantastic for many reasons, not least of which was that it seemed like Tanner really needed a friend. I'd love for him to get a story of his own in the future (and not just because I want more of Tanner and Otto's hilarious antics).

I highly recommend "Home in the Country" for all contemporary romance fans and 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: "Bad Romance" by Elise Faber

Bad Romance by Elise Faber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

CW: Rape/Sexual Assault

"Bad Romance" by Elise Faber wasn't easy to read at times, but IMO it was well-written and true to life, and I appreciated the emotional journey. When the story began, main character Melody Mercer was in a bad place as she struggled to put the trauma of her sexual assault behind her, but by the end, I was crying tears of joy right along with her. Mel was so much stronger than she realized, though I hated that she had to be. No person should ever have to go through what she did.

Mel's friend turned love interest, Asher Hutchins, was a wonderful source of support for her as she healed. He was protective without being overbearing, and I loved that he always let her take the lead in how to move forward in their relationship. I also appreciated his perspective on how trauma impacts those around the victim. Ash blamed himself for Mel's attack even though it wasn't his fault, and it took time for him to work through those feelings just as it took time for Mel to work through hers.

IMO this was a powerful read and I'd highly recommend it, but the subject matter was not always easy or comfortable. Please be kind to yourself and proceed with caution if necessary.

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "The Way of Us" by Claudia Burgoa

Today, I'm excited to take part in the release blitz celebrating "The Way of Us" by Claudia Burgoa, book #5 of the Paradise Bay Billionaire Brothers series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

Heathcliff Spearman and Atzi Rivera-Lavigne have been best friends for almost 20 years, ever since they met at a summer camp for kids who'd lost their parents. There's never been anything romantic between them, but that doesn't mean the feelings don't exist; the truth is that Heath has been in love with Atzi for years, but he's never pursued her because they want different things out of life. Atzi's fondest wish is to have a family of her own, while Heath has no intention of getting married or having children. 

 

In need of time apart to get over his feelings, Heath accepts a surgical fellowship on the other side of the country, but before he goes, Atzi needs one last favor. Years ago, she lied to her grandmother to get out of being set up on a date, and that lie spiraled out of control. Now her grandparents think she's engaged, they're coming to pay her a visit, and her lie is about to catch up with her. She needs a fake fiance, and Heath is the only logical candidate. Will he be able to hide his true feelings for Atzi while pretending they're in a relationship? Even more importantly, will he be able to let her go when it's over?

I loved this story so much! The chemistry and banter between Heath and Atzi were phenomenal, and I adored the subtle ways they showed how much they cared, such as Heath trying to force Atzi to eat her vegetables. In a lot of ways, they were already in a relationship when the story began but were just too blind and/or stubborn to admit it. There was quite a bit of baggage for them to work through related to their respective childhood losses, but their fears were understandable, and I was rooting for them both to find happiness after everything they'd been through. I must admit, however, that there were a few times I wanted to yell at Heath for the way he handled things with his mother. There are still some Spearman family secrets to be revealed in future books, but it seems pretty clear to me that Dawn Spearman is toxic. I can't blame Heath's siblings for their decision to cut her off, and I wish he would have come to the same conclusion sooner.

 

At any rate, I highly recommend "The Way of Us" for all contemporary romance fans and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
 

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

 

 

About "The Way of Us"

USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa delivers an emotional, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, fake relationship, accidental pregnancy romance you don’t want to miss.

Sometimes you have to stop planning and live in the moment.

What do you do when your grandma wants to set you up on a date?
You fake it. Simple.
At least, that’s what I thought ten years ago.
It was a little lie: I’m dating Heathcliff Spearman.

Tall, dark, and incredibly handsome Heath Spearman.
My best friend.
I never thought things would get out of hand.
But things snowballed, and my grandparents think he’s my fiancé.

Oops!

They say some moments can change your life forever. Five happened to me in less than two months.

1. My grandparents threatened to visit me.
2. Heath offers to play the role of my fake fiancé.
3. We kiss—the kind of kiss that takes your breath away.
4. The lines between us blur. We go from friends to friends-with-benefits.
5. The word positive appeared on the pregnancy test.

I’m positively screwed.

Have I mentioned Heath doesn’t want children or a family?
Oh, and of course, my grandparents caught the lie…

What am I supposed to do now?

The Way of Us is an interconnected standalone in the Paradise Bay Billionaire Brothers series. A beautiful and heartfelt story of a strong woman who never gave up on family and love. A man who’s determined to rescue and defend her.

This is a redeeming love story that’ll have readers holding their breath until the very last page. 

 

Review: "Never More Than Enemies" by Veronica Adler

Never More Than Enemies by Veronica Adler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Never More Than Enemies" by Veronica Adler, book #3 of the Golden Girls series, was an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers romance between fellow actors Madelaine "Maddie" Guillaume and Gabriel Sutton, her best friend Jack's older brother. They're brought together when Maddie returns to London after several years living in San Diego to star in a play directed by a friend of her mother's. When she arrives, she's dismayed to learn that Gabriel has taken over as director and will also be playing her character's husband. Maddie's not exactly an ideal co-star for Gabriel, either; he thinks her bad influence nearly got his brother killed four years ago, and he's concerned that she'll once again lead Jack astray now that they've reunited in London. With neither Gabriel nor Maddie willing to walk away from the show, they'll have to find a way to work together, but they'll be lucky to make it to opening night without fireworks.

Maddie and Gabriel had a ton of chemistry and it was a lot of fun waiting for it to finally explode. Their banter was consistently amusing, and while they were both likeable characters, I must admit that Gabriel frustrated me at times because of his inability to see that Maddie had grown and changed in the years she was away in California. She wasn't the party girl she once was, and his refusal to forgive her for what had happened in the past really wasn't fair (not to mention ironic considering that he wanted her immediate forgiveness for some of the mistakes he made with her). That said, they were super cute together once they finally stopped hating each other, and I really liked that he was so willing to take things at her pace. She hadn't dated in a long time, so her need to move slowly made perfect sense to me.

I'd recommend "Never More Than Enemies" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. It was the first book I've read by this author but won't be the last.

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

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

I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Grump in a Kilt" by Kait Nolan, book #2 of the Kilted Hearts series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Charlotte Vasquez is starting a new life after following her adoptive son, Raleigh Beaumont, from Texas to Scotland. Raleigh hopes that she will eventually run his new estate's manor house as a bed and breakfast, but for now, Charlotte is helping with the conversion of Lochmara's vacant crofters' cottages into holiday rentals. That means working directly with the grumpy estate manager, Malcolm Niall, whose vision for the project couldn't be more different from Charlotte's. Malcolm's only concerned with function, while Charlotte hopes to create a welcoming environment that will entice visitors to stay longer, generating more revenue for the estate. When they discover a young boy who's run away from an abusive situation hiding in one of the cottages, Charlotte and Malcolm must put aside their differences in order to help him. Will coming together to protect Gavin help them see that they have more in common than they realized?

Given the way the story started, I was expecting a very angsty read, but "Grump in a Kilt" turned out to be super cute and heartwarming. I loved the way Malcolm gradually came out of his shell and opened up to Charlotte, as well as the way Gavin brought out the paternal instincts Malcolm had thought were long buried. For various reasons, Malcolm, Charlotte, and Gavin all needed each other, and I adored their unconventional little family.
 

I highly recommend this story for all contemporary romance fans and 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.

 

CW: Death of child; Grief; Cancer

 

 

About "Grump in a Kilt"

A grump who lost his family

After a devastating loss, Malcolm Niall has spent the past twenty years hiding from the world. As manager of a Highland estate, he's built a life of purpose, caring for the land and animals. And for the past six months, his peace has been utterly destroyed by a sexy Southern whirlwind who's never met a stranger. Worse, they have to work together daily.

His sunshiny nemesis who's starting a new life

Nothing about Charlotte Vasquez's life has been traditional. She never married, abandoned her corporate job to raise the son of her late best friend, and now she's followed that grown-up son to Scotland for a chance at something new. While she's enjoying the challenge, she could do without the attitude from the broody Scot next door.

Join forces to protect a runaway

Malcolm and Charlotte clash over absolutely everything on the renovation project they're tasked to lead. If there's a healthy amount of heat beneath the frustration, neither is willing to admit it. But when they discover a runaway hiding in one of the cottages, they find common purpose at last. Risks are taken and hearts expand as Malcolm and Charlotte pull out all the stops to protect Gavin from the abusive father who'd tear their unconventional family apart. 

 

Review: "An Unexpected Chance" by Melanie Moreland

An Unexpected Chance by Melanie Moreland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Single dad Simon Fletcher recently moved to the small town of Cliff's Edge with his daughter, 8-year-old Mia, to be closer to family. Following a nasty divorce when Mia was only a baby, Simon's ex-wife Kelsey has chosen not to be involved in their daughter's life. Her brother Evan has become a good friend to Simon and a loving uncle to Mia, however, and it's a blessing for them to have Evan and his wife Holly nearby. As the summer draws to a close and Simon prepares for Mia to start a new school year, he happens to run into Holly's friend, kindergarten teacher Amy McNeil, at the local grocery store. They've met in passing a few times before, but their conversation that day quickly turns into a lunch date and more. Could free-spirited Amy be the second chance at love that Simon - and his daughter - have been waiting for?

This story was originally published last year as a novella, but has since been revised and expanded with 12 new chapters. The additional chapters really improved the story IMO, adding depth to both Amy and Simon's characters and tying up a couple of loose ends related to Mia's birth mom and one of Amy's fellow teachers. The romance was sweet with the perfect amount of heat, and I also enjoyed Amy's growing relationship with funny, precocious Mia. I had to laugh at the scene in which she "interviewed" Amy as a candidate to be her new mom. After the way Simon's ex-wife treated them, he and Mia deserved to have someone wonderful in their lives, and Amy was exactly the right fit.

That said, there were a couple of things about the story that bothered me (though I'm sure these are just me problems and nothing to do with the book). First, Simon's nickname for Amy was "Chippy" (short for "Chipmunk") and it made me cringe every time he said it. It's partially because "chippy" has an informal meaning that implies someone is touchy or defensive, but I think my main issue was that it felt like an insult. Was he telling her that she had a chubby/fat face like a chipmunk with food in its cheeks? Was he implying she ate too much? I know it was meant to be loving, but it just didn't feel that way to me. My other issue was that there was something about Simon and Amy's dialogue, particularly in the first half of the book, that just didn't feel natural to me. I can't put my finger on exactly what it was. Maybe Simon was too earnest? He also had a strangely old-fashioned way of phrasing things sometimes, like when he wrote in a note to Amy, "A conversation is what I beg for." It reminded me of something I'd read in a historical romance. At any rate, I recognize that these are my own issues and unlikely to have an impact on most readers' experience with the story.

Bottom line, I'd recommend "An Unexpected Chance" for all contemporary/small town romance fans and look forward to Moreland's next release.

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

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Review: "Betting on the Boy Next Door" by Melanie Jacobson

Betting on the Boy Next Door by Melanie Jacobson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sami, Ava, Madi, and Ruby have been best friends since their freshman year of college and now share a condo in Austin. Ruby, the only one of the group with a steady boyfriend, worries that her friends are avoiding romance by focusing too much time and attention on their careers, so she decides to stage an intervention. Starting with Sami, she bets her besties that she can find their dream guys for them within a year.

Figuring that she has nothing to lose since she's more interested in launching her secret rock 'n roll career than marriage, retirement home nurse Sami agrees to Ruby's bet. She's not counting on Ruby's persistence or their handsome new neighbor, attorney Josh Brower. As soon as she meets Josh, Ruby's convinced that he and Sami are meant to be, but a rocky first date has Sami pushing Josh straight into the friend zone. Even so, when he needs a fake girlfriend to convince the clingy daughter of an important client that he's off the market, she agrees to help him out. They're forced to continue the ruse when Josh's parents get the wrong idea, and setting them straight would cause problems for him at the family law firm. The more time they spend together, the more Josh wishes the relationship were real, but Sami rejects his overtures at every turn. Will he ever find a way to convince her to give him a chance?

I completely adored this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet story. Josh and Sami's chemistry was phenomenal, as was their witty banter. I understood Sami's concerns about getting involved with Josh after what she went through with her college ex-boyfriend, though it wasn't exactly fair of her to assume that Josh would act the same way. As for Josh, his past was not at all what I expected, but I admired how hard he'd worked to change his ways and make better decisions. (He may actually have gone a bit too far in the other direction given that he had basically no work-life balance before he met Sami!) Once they got together, my favorite part about Josh and Sami's relationship was that they tried so hard to show up for each other, both literally and figuratively. To me, that showed the depth of their commitment and proved why they belonged together. They were willing to put the other person's needs and desires ahead of their own, even when it was difficult.

I highly recommend "Betting on the Boy Next Door" for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to the upcoming books in the series, featuring Sami's roommates.

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

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