Review: "Unexpected Forever" by Eliza Peake

Unexpected Forever by Eliza Peake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Charley Reynolds agrees to escort her best friend Megan's older brother, recently retired professional baseball player Nate Gentry, to her surprise birthday party, the last thing she expects is to end the night in his bed. Two months later, Charley realizes that their night together had unexpected consequences: She's pregnant, and Nate's the father. Even though he'd never planned to have children, Nate's determined to be there for Charley and their baby. As the due date approaches, Nate and Charley grow closer, but the demands of his career combined with unresolved issues from his childhood threaten to tear them apart. Can they find a way to face the challenges together?

For the most part, I enjoyed this story; Charley and Nate were likeable and relatable protagonists, they had great chemistry, and their relationship development was well paced. That said, I was frustrated by some of the details of the story. For example, Charley's abandonment issues related to her father's death seemed to come out of nowhere near the end of the story. I also found the bedroom scenes and dirty talk to be somewhat repetitive and even a little cringey in a few places. (Obviously, that is completely subjective, and I'm sure there are many readers who will absolutely love that aspect of the story.) He told her to "hold on" because it was "going to be a rough ride" at least twice, and one or the other of them said "I'm all yours" at least three times, twice in the same scene.

"I'm all yours."
"Oh baby, I know."
"Show me what ya got, hot shot."

At any rate, I'd recommend "Unexpected Forever" for all steamy contemporary romance fans. I plan to continue with the series.

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

CW: Child Abuse; Abandonment; Death of Parent; Drug Abuse/Addiction

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Release Blitz + Review: "Someday" by Willow Aster

I'm happy to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Someday" by Willow Aster, book #2 of the Landmark Mountain series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

Childhood best friends and former high school sweethearts Sofie Copewell and Theo Landmark haven't seen each other since she abruptly left town the summer after their high school graduation. She left him a note but no real explanation for her decision to abandon the future they'd planned together. Eight years later, Sofie returns to Landmark Mountain after the death of her father, determined to make amends for the way she left. But first she'll have to confront the ghosts of her past and regain Theo's trust, which proves to be easier said than done.

Theo and Sofie's story went in a completely unexpected direction, and while it was heartbreaking at times, I loved it. Sofie was keeping so many secrets and I couldn't wait for them all to be revealed. Once she explained herself, her actions were completely understandable, but it was also understandable for Theo to find it difficult to trust that she wouldn't leave him again. I appreciated how openly they communicated about their fears and worked together to overcome them.
 

Overall, this story gave me all the feels and I highly recommend it for readers of angsty/emotional contemporary romance. I look forward to the next book of the series.

 

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

 

CW: Child abuse; Domestic abuse  

 

About "Someday"

From childhood best friends to high school sweethearts…to a relationship so broken it seems impossible to fix…

I’ve loved Sofie Copewell for as long as I can remember.
She was all I ever wanted.
We said someday we’d have a family together and raise them on our ranch in Landmark Mountain.
She was my home. My forever.
I spent my whole life chasing her, hanging on her every word, and lighting up when she smiled at me.
And I never had a single doubt that she felt the same way.
Until she left and didn’t come back…
For eight years.
Now she’s returned, and I’m resentful and want answers.
Answers to why she left without a goodbye, taking all our dreams with her.
But as angry as I am and as much as I fight it, the electricity between us is still as strong as it was before.
And when I get the answers I’m looking for, I realize that she never stopped loving me either.
I want to believe our someday is now, but can I trust her not to leave again?

Someday is book two in the Landmark Mountain series, but each book can be read as a standalone.
The content warnings for Someday are the discussion of child and domestic abuse, and the death of a parent.

 

Review: "Something To Think About" by Samantha Baca

Something To Think About by Samantha Baca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Something to Think About" by Samantha Baca was a fun, fast-paced story featuring likeable characters and the perfect amount of steam. While the underlying plot may seem familiar, the author put a unique spin on it that I really enjoyed. The chemistry between main characters Ramona Watkins and Preston Roberts was absolute fire, and their witty banter had me laughing out loud more than once. Their personalities complemented each other perfectly and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

I highly recommend this book for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to the author's next release.

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

CW: Suicide; Car accident

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Review: "Blurred Lines" by Marion De Ré

Blurred Lines: A Friends with Benefits Romantic Comedy by Marion De Ré
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dancer/choreographer Melissa Cooper was raised by a single mother after her father abandoned them for a new life with his mistress in Los Angeles. Mel is now living in Los Angeles too after accepting a job with pop star Candice Anderson. She's wondered what it would be like to run into her father, but it's still a shock when he calls one day and asks to meet with her. To help her relax, Mel's friends take her out clubbing the night before the meeting, where she hooks up with a handsome man named Braden. Having agreed on a one-night stand, they're both equally surprised to see each other again the next morning in Mel's father's office, where Braden is the CFO. The attraction between Braden and Mel is just as intense as it was the night before, but neither of them is interested in a relationship. Instead, they create rules for a sort of friends with benefits arrangement. It seems to be going well until Mel is injured in an accident at work and attempts to call it off; Braden shows up on her doorstep with dinner, and the lines between them begin to blur. But the situation is complicated by Mel's tenuous relationship with her father, as well as secrets from Braden's past.

I very much enjoyed this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story, which dealt with a number of serious topics while remaining mostly light and fun. Main characters Braden and Melissa were both likeable and three-dimensional, and I appreciated that they developed such a genuine friendship, almost by accident, before admitting to their true romantic feelings. There were some awkward and challenging moments as they both struggled with commitment, but their personalities complemented each other perfectly, and they ended up being very cute together.

I highly recommend "Blurred Lines" 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. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Time Out" by Stacey Lynn

I'm pleased to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Time Out" by Stacey Lynn, book #2 of the Nashville Steel series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Professional football player Davis Hall is celebrating his team's win at his favorite local bar when he meets aspiring country singer Maggie Webber, who's ready to drown her sorrows after a bad day. Though she's suspicious at first, she's eventually won over by his sincerity and charm, and a few shared drinks lead to a passionate night together. Weeks later, it's Christmas Eve and Davis is surprised to find Maggie at his door. She's come to share the news that she's pregnant - and Davis is the father. It's a situation neither of them planned for, but they'll have to learn to navigate parenthood together. Will they find love along the way?

Davis and Maggie's story was very different from any of the other accidental pregnancy stories I've read, in a good way. The twists and turns kept me guessing right up until the end, and learning about Maggie's family situation broke my heart. I loved how fiercely protective Davis was of her even before he knew the full story, though I understood why she was so determined to maintain her independence. I think they found a good balance in the end, though it was sometimes a struggle getting there.

I highly recommend "Time Out" for all angsty/emotional contemporary romance readers 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.

 

CW: Child abuse  

 

About "Time Out"

A one-night stand with a sexy stranger has me in over my head and calling time out…

Most of my team celebrated our Monday Night Football win with family and a few drinks. I celebrated mine with a smoking hot brunette.

One wild night of passion, with chemistry off the charts, we had our fun. In the morning, just when I was thinking of asking her for one more night—she bolted faster than I can score a touchdown.

It’s my rookie year. I’m breaking records and our team is gearing up to head to the playoffs. A Championship win is the only thing I’m focused on. Until my one-night stand shows up at my doorstep on Christmas Eve and drops a present in my lap that turns my whole word upside down.

Maggie’s pregnant. And the baby is mine. My teammate’s think she’s after my multi-million-dollar contract, but I believe her. Either way, I’m not the kind of guy who walks away from his responsibilities.

Now Maggie’s living under my roof and getting under my skin. I want her close so I can take care of her and our future child.

If only I could keep my hands off her, my life would be a hell of a lot less complicated.

 

Review: "A Royal Competition" by Amanda Schimmoeller

Congratulations to author Amanda Schimmoeller on today's release of "A Royal Competition," book #2 of the Royal Hearts series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone. 

Prince Liam of Wistonia is on the verge of becoming king following the recent death of his father. The problem is that their country's constitution requires him to be married before he can ascend the throne. If he can't find a wife within the next 90 days, he'll have to forfeit the crown to his cousin James. With few options aside from an arranged marriage, Liam agrees to host a televised dating competition in which he'll choose his future queen from among 12 candidates selected for him by the King's Council. 

Royal circles on the continent of Fenimore are small, so it's not a surprise for Liam to see a few familiar faces when he meets his prospective wives on the first night of the competition. What does come as a surprise is learning that his childhood friend, Lady Charlotte of Findorra, is among them. Like Liam, Charlotte only has three months to find a spouse; her father has decreed that she'll lose her inheritance if she isn't married by her 30th birthday. The charities she supports depend on her donations, so Charlotte has vowed to do everything in her power to secure her inheritance. Secretly, however, she has another motivation for entering the competition: she's had a crush on Liam for years but never believed he could return her feelings. Liam's heart has been locked away since a love affair gone wrong years before, but could Charlotte be the one that holds the key?

 

Liam and Charlotte's childhood friends to more romance was utter perfection. I loved the hints of intrigue involved in the dating competition as well as how Liam's relationship with Charlotte evolved over the course of the story. Their interactions were so cute and playful, which made it easy to see how differently he felt when he was spending time with her versus the other candidates. Also, the author did a fantastic job of world building in creating the fictional countries and continent, giving this story a true fantasy/fairy tale feel.

I highly recommend "A Royal Competition" for all sweet/closed-door contemporary 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.

 

About "A Royal Competition"

One prince. Twelve women.
A broadcasted dating competition where only one will become queen.
Prepare to be royally entertained.

Prince Liam was never supposed to be king. Now he has ninety days to find a bride or lose the throne. In his final moments, the king shared one last wish—that Liam would star as the lead in a royal dating show and marry the woman of his choosing. Even though he has vowed to never love again, Liam reluctantly agrees to take on the role, hoping to gain the support of the Wistonian people. But then the one person who has the power to break down his walls shows up as a contestant in the competition.

Lady Charlotte never planned to return to the Wistonian Palace. And she definitely didn’t plan to court the man she has secretly been pining over for years. In a competition where most women would do anything to win, she simply hopes to survive with her heart still intact. But things never seem to go according to plan.

A Royal Competition is Book 2 in the Royal Hearts series. This is a sweet, closed-door romance and can be read as a standalone, but it would be most enjoyed after reading A Royal Obligation.

 

Review: "Yours to Hold" by Emily Silver

Yours to Hold by Emily Silver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recent college graduate Ivy Connors is spending one last summer in her hometown of Dixon before moving to Seattle to start a new job with an art gallery. When her best friend's older brother, Mason Winchester, needs help with his 7-year-old daughter Willow, Ivy is happy to step in as nanny. The Winchesters have been more of a family to Ivy than her own parents, and even though she's secretly had a crush on Mason for years, she'd never do anything to jeopardize her relationship with them. What she doesn't realize is that Mason secretly returns her feelings, but believes that the 10-year age difference between them is too much to overcome. However, the more time they spend together, the harder it is for Mason and Ivy to deny their attraction. When the sparks between them finally ignite into a summer fling, they agree to keep it a secret; after all, there's no point in upsetting Mason's sister when it will be over in just a few short weeks. The only thing left to figure out is how they'll say goodbye when it's time for Ivy to leave for Seattle...

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, fun, and low angst read. The main source of conflict was Ivy and Mason's guilt over not telling his sister Gemma about their relationship, though when it started they believed they were protecting her since it was only supposed to be a summer fling. Fortunately that was relatively easy to overcome, and they ended up in a good place. Additionally, Ivy's relationship with Mason's daughter Willow was very cute, and I appreciated that she always tried to meet her on her level. Ivy made Willow feel important and loved, just like her dad did.

I highly recommend "Yours to Hold" for all contemporary romance 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: "The Oscar Escape" by Krista Sandor

The Oscar Escape by Krista Sandor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The Oscar Escape" by Krista Sandor gave me all the feels and I loved it! Main characters Aria Paige-Grant and Oscar Elliott were such a fun couple. They knew each other inside and out after being friends for years, but I loved that they still managed to find ways to surprise each other. Their story was a bit of a roller coaster, but the ending was absolute perfection, and I loved seeing their family and friends come together one last time in the name of true love.

I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and perfect steamy story for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I'm really going to miss the Nanny Love Match world, but 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.

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Review: "Pretend to Love You" by Julia Jarrett

Congratulations to Julia Jarrett on the release of "Pretend to Love You," book #3 of The Donnellys of Dogwood Cove series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Following a potentially career-ending knee injury, professional hockey player Jude Donnelly returns to his Canadian hometown for rehab. He's not ready to accept that his playing days could be over and is determined to do whatever it takes to get back out on the ice. Hockey is his life, and even though he's one of the oldest players in the league, he doesn't have a plan for life after the NHL. 

 

Physical therapist Lily Chapman has known Jude for years through her best friend, his younger sister Kat. She's secretly had a crush on him for much of that time, though she'd never jeopardize her friendship with Kat by acting on it. Besides, Lily's past relationships have taught her that she'll never be anything more than the "good time girl." When Jude volunteers to accompany her to a family wedding, however, everything changes. Suddenly the whole town - even their families - thinks they're dating. Could there be some truth to the rumors?

There was a lot to love about this story, but what I loved most was how well Lily and Jude communicated, which allowed them to avoid the dreaded third act breakup. For various reasons, neither Lily nor Jude felt they were good enough, but they gained strength and confidence through their relationship. Their story made me emotional at times, but mostly I was just happy that they found someone who loved and accepted them for who they were. Lily never had that with her own family, but Jude and the rest of the Donnellys welcomed her with open arms.

 

I highly recommend "Pretend to Love You" for all contemporary/small town romance fans and 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 "Pretend to Love You"

From bestselling author Julia Jarrett comes a steamy, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, small town romance about a former NHL star and his little sister’s best friend who will heal more than his injured leg… 

 

My all-star hockey career is over. All because of a busted leg from one too many hits into the boards. Coming home to Dogwood Cove to heal and figure out my next steps feels like the best option I’ve got.

Then somehow the first step I take is to wind up in a fake relationship with my physical therapist, who also happens to be my little sister’s best friend.

It starts out simple enough. Lily needs a date to a family wedding, one that promises to be more torture than celebration. Now, thanks to an overbooked hotel with only one bed, two gossiping bridesmaids, and a three minute slow dance… the entire town, including our families, thinks we’re dating.

To save face we decide to keep the ruse going.

There’s just one problem: What I’m feeling for Lily is anything but pretend.

Falling for her wasn’t part of the plan, but she’s a ray of light that pierces through the dark clouds surrounding me.

She thinks my future is still in hockey, but I know differently.

My future is with her. 

 

Review: "Their Freefall At Last" by Julie Olivia

Their Freefall At Last by Julie Olivia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"You and I are the reason people think soul mates are real. We're that annoying type of perfect - the kind that even the happy couples hate."

Wow. This book was EVERYTHING. I could not have imagined a more perfect ending for the Honeywood Fun Park series. I love that the author took us all the way back to when Ruby and Bennett met as kids and we got to see not only how their relationship grew, but how they became friends with Lorelei, Quinn, and the rest of the gang too. It was so much fun to see them all as silly high schoolers playing pranks before they had to take on the responsibilities of adulthood!

Bennett and Ruby's banter and jokes were a ton of fun too. Ruby always seemed so quiet in the other books - and in a lot of ways she was - but she also had a wicked sense of humor that I adored. Further, the push-pull between them was incredibly well done. I honestly don't know how they managed to resist giving into their intense attraction for as long as they did. That said, when they finally did get together, it meant so much more because they'd had to fight for what they wanted.

"Their Freefall at Last" is without a doubt one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I can't recommend it highly enough for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy, especially anyone who enjoys the friends to lovers trope. I look forward to whatever Julie Olivia comes up with next!

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Faking It with My Best Friend" by Kate O'Keeffe

I'm thrilled to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Faking It with My Best Friend" by Kate O'Keeffe, book #2 of the Second Chance Cafe series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

It seems as if the entire town of Hunter's Creek has been trying to push Gabe Hartmann and Ryn Cole into a romantic relationship for years, but with the exception of a single kiss when they were 17, they've only ever been best friends. The timing wasn't right for them back then; Gabe had just been through a breakup, and Ryn didn't want to be his rebound. But when a Hollywood production company comes to town to make a movie and a handsome crew member starts paying attention to Ryn, Gabe suddenly realizes everything he stands to lose if he lets Ryn go. Is the time finally right for them to try again?

Ryn and Gabe had fantastic chemistry, and I loved their witty, teasing banter. It wasn't hard to see why so many people in Hunter's Creek were convinced that they belonged together! They each had valid reasons for hesitating to act on their romantic feelings, but I was particularly sympathetic to Gabe, who was as afraid of losing Ryn's family as he was Ryn if their relationship didn't work out. They'd been his surrogate family ever since his mom died, and it would have been very difficult for him to lose that connection.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this super cute, funny, and sweet story. I highly recommend it for all sweet/closed door contemporary romance and romantic comedy readers 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.

 

 

About "Faking It with My Best Friend"

The two of us have been best friends forever. But one of us is faking it.

Ryn
Gabe and I are the dynamic duo of Hunter’s Creek, the small town in Washington where we live. As best friends, our bond is as tight as a bungee cord. But even though he’s loyal, sweet, and totally hot in that flannel-wearing lumberjack way of his, he’s always stayed securely in the “friend zone”—despite the fact I was head-over-heals in love with him in high school.

Just as I’m complaining that nothing ever happens here, Hollywood comes to town bringing its over-the-top movie madness energy. Along for the ride is Hollywood hottie Joe Turner who turns my head in a big way.

Gabe does not seem pleased.

Gabe
Do you know what really gets under my skin? No good, full-of-themselves Hollywood guys named Joe Turner who hit on my best friend. Doesn’t Ryn know that she deserves so much better than that guy? He’ll use her up and spit her out when he leaves town.

Yet, no matter what I say, she goes for him anyway. And I’m not happy about it.

Who am I kidding? I hate it.

What’s more, the Hunter’s Creek Ladies Committee, aka a bunch of women with nothing better to do, have been trying to matchmake Ryn and me forever. They seem to think that the simple fact we’re both single means we’re perfect for each other. Listen up, ladies: it takes more to fall in love than to think your best friend is the most beautiful, clever, kind-hearted, and funny woman you’ve ever met.

Wait.

Could they be right?

Faking It With My Best Friend is a best friends-to-lovers romance set in the small town of Hunter's Creek, Washington. It's the second book in the 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 Ride" by Martina Dale

THE RIDE: Hot Billionaire Boss Romance by Martina Dale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Billionaire businessman Braxton Blackmoore may be on the verge of turning 30, but he has no intention of settling down anytime soon. His focus is on his career, especially with his parents planning to retire within the next few years and turn control of the family businesses over to him and his three younger brothers. His parents, however, believe that Braxton needs to develop better people skills and get to know a different side of the company before taking over, so they send him into one of their theme parks disguised as a new entry level employee. He'll be learning from the ground up, literally: his job for the next month is to pick up trash.

Meanwhile, British marketing executive Grace Summers recently left her fiance at the altar after finding out that he cheated on her...for the fourth time. Unfortunately, he was also her boss, which means she needs to find a new job too. After applying for a position with Blackmoore Enterprises, she makes it through to the final round and is invited to company headquarters in New York City for a face-to-face interview. First, however, Grace is asked to visit the company's Chicago theme park and create a sample marketing plan based on her on-site evaluation of the property. She's searching for a restroom when she meets park employee "Bradley"; they hit it off but part ways after a whirlwind weekend together, never expecting to see each other again. It's quite a surprise when Grace starts her new job at Blackmoore headquarters a few weeks later and discovers that "Bradley" is actually Braxton, her new boss.

I couldn't help but laugh at Braxton's rude awakening when he arrived in Chicago and got a taste of how the other half lives. At the same time, I could tell how much he genuinely cared about his employees because he was so upset by everything he saw that was wrong and how determined he was to make things right. His efforts to get to the bottom of the parks' mismanagement and take a more active role in how they were run were absolutely my favorite part of the book.

Unfortunately, I wasn't as enthusiastic about the main characters or their romance. I didn't like how pushy Braxton was with Grace after they met up again in New York. It was totally reasonable for her to want to set boundaries, especially after her experiences with her ex, but he trampled all over them at every opportunity. It didn't help that Grace was so annoyingly wishy-washy. For example, she got mad at him (and rightfully so) for embarrassing her with his speech at his birthday party, but by the time they got home, she was practically swooning because of the way he "stood up" for her. Beyond that, the push-pull between them was a lot at times and honestly, I was stressed on their behalf. Bottom line, I had a tough time believing that Grace should be dating anyone given her recent breakup and the resulting trust issues. She needed therapy more than she needed a boyfriend.

Finally, there were some details about the plot and characters that bothered me as I read. Most importantly, was Braxton supposed to be American or British? I know his mother was British, but I thought he and his brothers grew up in New York. However, he says something about "switching colleges" (meaning high schools?) and changing his choice of university after the traumatic breakup with his first love, Charlene. In the U.S., college and university are the same thing, so did he go to school in the UK? It was also strange that he referred to his car's GPS (navigation system) as "satnav" but yet didn't understand that Grace meant "parking lot" when she said "car park." My guess is that the author is British and just didn't realize the differences in terminology, but it was confusing. Aside from that, how did Braxton manage to have drinks with Grace at the airport bar and go to the gate with her at the end of their first weekend in Chicago? He wouldn't have been able to get past security without being a ticketed passenger! Later in the story, they flew to Dallas on Braxton's private jet. While I admit it was kind of funny to think of him being forced to sit in coach, why did they fly commercial back to New York?

I went back and forth on my rating for this book, but I decided to round up to 4 stars because I enjoyed the story and wanted to keep reading. At no point did I consider DNF'ing, though I did yell at my Kindle a few times. I'd recommend it for fans of alpha heroes, who probably won't have as many issues with Braxton as I did. I plan to continue with the series.

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

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Review: "The Kiss List" by Ellie Hall

The Kiss List by Ellie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Still reeling from a recent breast cancer diagnosis, Everly LeFevre was stunned again when her cheating fiance's mistress showed up at the church on their wedding day and tried to convince him to marry her instead. She fled to her best friend Heidi's home in Michigan but was left with no way to pay for her treatments after her wealthy father cut her off and her ex cleaned out their joint bank accounts. Desperate to get her friend the help she needed, Heidi arranged for Everly to meet her older brother's best friend, professional football player Grey Adams, who agreed to marry her and add her to his health insurance that same day. They haven't seen or spoken to each other since their wedding, but the memory of the kiss they shared after being pronounced man and wife has stuck with them both.

Six months later, Everly is thrilled to be cancer free and starting a new job as an etiquette coach at Blancbourg Academy d'Etiquette in Concordia, a small island nation north of England. She's in for yet another shock when she arrives, however; her first client is none other than Grey. He's been sent to Blancbourg along with several of his Boston Bruiser teammates to clean up their acts following a prank gone horribly wrong. Unbeknownst to his friends, over the past few months Grey has been struggling with several issues in his personal life, and it turns out that Everly may just be the perfect person to help. Is their marriage of convenience destined to become a true love match?

As someone who has battled breast cancer, I am more sensitive to the topic than most, but I loved how sensitively and compassionately the author dealt with it in this story. I particularly appreciated that she acknowledged Everly's issues with accepting how her body had changed after surgery, which is an aspect that often seems to be ignored. At the same time, I loved that the overall tone of the story remained relatively light and fun despite the heaviness of some of the topics addressed. For example, the various Fight Club references made me laugh, and I also enjoyed Everly and Grey's witty banter. They had such a strong connection, and after everything they'd been through both individually and as a couple, their HEA was especially sweet.

Overall, this story gave me all the feels and I highly recommend it for fans of sweet/closed-door contemporary romance. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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

CW: Breast cancer; Grief; Death of parent

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Review: "Love ad Lib" by Evie Alexander

Congratulations to Evie Alexander on the release of "Love ad Lib," book #1 of the Foxbrooke series.

 

As he approaches his 30th birthday, Lord Henry Foxbrooke, heir to the Duke of Somerset, is a happily single workaholic living in London. The problem is that his family wants to see him married and settled back at the family estate, Foxbrooke Manor. Desperate to avoid his eccentric family's "help" in finding a wife, Henry impulsively makes up a fictional girlfriend and decides to ask his new acquaintance, improv actress Libby Fletcher, to take on the role. In need of the cash Henry's offering, Libby accepts, and they set out for the weekend of birthday celebrations Henry never wanted. Somewhere along the way, their fake relationship starts to feel very real, but what happens when it's time for them to return to London?

If ever a book could be described as a "romp," this is the one! Henry and Libby's story was fresh, fun, fast-paced, and lively, and I couldn't put it down. The laughter started while I was reading the prologue and didn't stop until the very end. I adored Henry and Libby both individually and as a couple; even though he came across as a bit of a grump at first, Henry was the sweetest, most thoughtful man, and Libby was so delightfully bubbly and quirky. They were a perfect balance for each other and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.
 

After just one book (and a novella), I can already tell that this is going to be another fantastic series from Evie Alexander. I highly recommend "Love ad Lib" and can't wait to get my hands on the next one!
 

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

 

 

About "Love ad Lib"

Fake it till you fall in love…

Shy and reserved Lord Henry Foxbrooke is the reluctant heir to his eccentric father’s estate. His outrageous family want him back in Somerset and settling down, but he wants a stress-free life in London. Facing a weekend of celebrations for his thirtieth birthday, he needs a fake girlfriend to get them all off his back.

Free-spirited ray of sunshine Libby Fletcher is down on her luck. Teaching improv workshops isn’t cutting it when she loses her home and savings... and her pregnant business partner’s about to pop. When Henry offers her the acting gig of a lifetime, she leaps.

But when they arrive in Somerset, neither is prepared for what his family have planned. As their worlds collide, friendship blurs and faking it starts to feel real. When disaster sends their house of cards tumbling down, Henry and Libby are forced to face some home truths. They may be lying to the Foxbrookes, but are they also lying to themselves?

Love ad Lib is a grumpy/sunshine, fake relationship, one bed, opposites attract, steamy romantic comedy with a healthy dose of Jane Austen and all the feels. There’s no cheating or cliffhanger, but you’ll definitely laugh and swoon your way in this modern Regency romance to the grandest of gestures and the happiest of endings! 

 

Review: "A Love Catastrophe" by Helena Hunting

Congratulations to Helena Hunting on the release of her latest standalone novel, "A Love Catastrophe."

 

Miles Thorn has been taking care of his mother's beloved cat, Prince Francis, while she's in the hospital, but now that he's been asked to accompany the NHL team for which he works on an upcoming road trip, he's going to need some help. When he finds an online ad for the Kitty Whisperer, a cat sitting service owned by Kitty Hart, it seems like the answer to his prayers. Surprising them both, their awkward first meeting leads to a genuine friendship with the possibility of more, but they'll have to vanquish the ghosts of their pasts before they can build a lasting love.

I loved how adorably awkward Kitty and Miles sometimes were, as well as how strongly they supported each other no matter the challenges they faced. Even though they were opposites in a lot of ways, their personalities complemented each other perfectly, and they'd also had similar experiences in the past that allowed them to empathize with what the other had been through. They made a super cute couple and I was rooting from them from the start.

 

I'd recommend this charming story for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever Hunting writes next.

 

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

 

About "A Love Catastrophe"

The fur is about to fly between a cheerful cat sitter and a grumpy hockey nerd in this hilarious and charming rom-com by the New York Times bestselling author of Meet Cute.

Kitty Hart has become internet famous as the Kitty Whisperer for her expertise on all things feline, and as a result, her cat-sitting business is booming. But lately, she has a terrible feeling that maybe her life isn’t quite going where it’s supposed to—especially after falling face-first into her newest client. Not exactly the best first impression.

Fortunately, Miles Thorn is just as bad at first impressions. Strike one: he doesn’t like cats, especially Prince Francis, the haughty and mischievous Sphynx his mom left in his care. Strike two: tackling Kitty to the floor in a misguided attempt to save the pet he continually calls “the gremlin.”

As awkwardness slides into attraction and things start to turn purr-sonal, will these two complete opposites ever be able to find their furry-tail ending? 

 

Review: "Along Came the Girl" by Kacie West

Along Came the Girl by Kacie West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Firefighter Owen McKinley recently moved to the small town of Half Moon Lake to start a new job after drama with his ex-girlfriend created an uncomfortable situation for him at his old firehouse. He's out at the bar with his new co-workers one night when a beautiful girl spills her drink on him, frightened by the spider that just landed on her table. Despite the awkward introduction, Owen and Cece hit it off and end up spending the night together. The next morning, Owen wakes up first and notices that several of the pictures hanging on Cece's wall include a familiar face: his new boss, who made it very clear that his daughter is off limits. He panics and leaves before she wakes up. Six weeks later, Cece is panicking too when she realizes that her night with Owen had unexpected consequences and she has no idea how to get in touch with him. That is, until her dad sends him to get her mischievous cat down from a tree...

I loved this funny, sweet, and perfectly steamy story! Cece and Owen may have fallen fast for each other, but they fell hard, and I really liked them as a couple. Their only major problem was Cece's fear of telling her father about Owen and the baby, though I kind of understood where she was coming from. It had been just her and her dad for most of her life, and I can't blame her for not wanting to risk damaging that relationship by revealing that she was involved with one of his firefighters. Their efforts to hide from her dad had me laughing more than once, however. I don't think Owen will ever look at a shower curtain the same way again!

I highly recommend "Along Came the Girl" 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: "The Pocket Pair" by Emma St. Clair

The Pocket Pair by Emma St. Clair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Valentina Ramirez has had a crush on her best friend Winnie's older brother, Chevy Boyd, ever since she was a teenager, but she's never pursued her feelings because she didn't want to risk losing Winnie as a friend. Besides, Chevy's always thought of Val as a little sister - or so she thinks. When her beloved Aunt Mari announces that she's moving to Costa Rica to care for a sick relative, Val realizes that it's time for her to make a change too. She decides to accept a mentorship opportunity with an artist friend of her aunt's, hoping that putting some distance between her and Chevy will allow her to move on from her crush at last. The problem is that Mari's already sold her house, including the garage apartment her niece calls home, so Val needs a temporary place to stay while she ties up a few loose ends in Sheet Cake. Learning that Val's leaving seems to spark something in Chevy, who impulsively invites her to move into his guest room. Will sharing such close quarters finally change the dynamics of Chevy and Val's relationship?

Val and Chevy's story absolutely melted my heart. In addition to overcoming Winnie's objections to their relationship, which were completely understandable, they each had individual baggage to work through before they were ready to commit to each other. I loved how patient Val was with Chevy as he struggled to work through his fears, as well as how protective he was of her in return. They could not have been more perfect for each other, and their HEA was immensely satisfying.

I highly recommend "The Pocket Pair" for all sweet/closed door contemporary romance and rom-com fans. The next book in the series can't get here soon enough for me!

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

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Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Grumpy the Bear" by Marika Ray

I'm thrilled to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Grumpy the Bear" by Marika Ray, book #1 of the Blueball Band of Brothers series. 

 

Firefighter Gannon Hart's life changed forever when he learned that he had a 5-year-old daughter, Elise, shortly after being seriously injured on the job. He decides to accept a disability payout and moves his daughter to the small town of Blueball, California to start a glamping resort. It's impossible to get any work done with Elise and her mischievous puppy underfoot, so if he wants to get the business up and running anytime soon, he'll need help. It comes from an unexpected source: his new neighbor, line worker Paisley Pearse, who feels compelled to step in after noticing Gannon's "creative" childcare strategies. It's a battle of wills between grumpy Gannon and feisty Paisley from the moment they meet, but their bickering is paired with an intense attraction they each find difficult to ignore. He's convinced that their 10-year age gap makes her off limits, however. How far will Paisley go to change Gannon's mind?

I adored the sparkling banter and fiery chemistry between Paisley and Gannon, as well as how protective he was of both her and his daughter. I wanted to cheer when he stood up to her parents and told them off for criticizing her career and life choices! When she turned around and did the same thing for him with his dad, I think I fell in love with Paisley right along with Gannon. They couldn't have been more perfect for each other if they tried, and I loved the little family they created with Elise and her puppy Meatball.

The one thing I was missing from this story was an explanation of what exactly happened with Elise's mother. How did Elise end up with Gannon? Does her mom have any contact with her now? It seemed kind of strange to me that Elise never asked about or mentioned her mom, and that she was so comfortable with Gannon after only knowing him for a few months. 

Despite that (tiny) frustration, I highly recommend "Grumpy the Bear" for all steamy rom-com fans and look forward to the next book in the series.

 

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

 

About "Grumpy the Bear"

He’s a tattooed, blue-eyed jerk who has no business being a single dad. He’s also my next-door neighbor, and after negotiations, my grumpy employer for the summer.

I don’t put up with cocky males normally and I certainly won’t put up with that man making noise at all hours of the day and night while he builds his glamp-ground. I offer advice, but the stubborn fool just turns his tractor on to drown me out. He returns the favor by pushing my buttons and making me so angry I can’t see straight. And I really want to be able to see his gorgeous body in those well-worn jeans and backward hat.

Amidst the verbal warfare, I discover he’s hiding scars from a recent accident. I also find out his light eyes heat up to a smoldering icy gray when I give as good as I get. Makes me want to see just how far I can push him and what he’ll do when he boils over.

Gannon’s been dealt a rough hand in life, and when I find a way under that gruff—and stupidly handsome—exterior, I find that maybe he’s not Grumpy the Bear as I nicknamed him, but instead just a teddy bear.

 

Grumpy the Bear is a steamy romantic comedy between the world’s grumpiest single dad and his new next door neighbor, complete with a five-year-old princess, a glamp-ground in the making, a gaggle of friends who hold no prisoners, and all the sizzling banter to keep you up all night. This romance ends with a spicy hot and perfectly sweet happily ever after (and zero breakups…according to the hero.)

 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Grumpy the Bear"

I pulled the hat off his head so I could see his eyes. I needed to see them when I asked this question, even though it wasn’t the question I wanted to ask. What I really wanted to say was that I needed more than just a physical release from him every now and again. I wanted to be with this man for real. I didn't care if we were neighbors or that I was currently the nanny for his daughter.

“You’re not playing fair, cowboy.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

I shrugged. “You can’t just play a song for a girl on your guitar and not put out. It just isn’t done.”

Understanding dawned. “You need more of those orgasms, Pearse?”

I tilted my head and went for what I wanted. “I need sex, cowboy. Sweaty, physical, blow-my-mind sex. I don’t want to walk straight tomorrow.”

Gannon groaned, dropping his head to my shoulder.

Let's see if my grumpy neighbor could ignore me now...