Review: "The Upper Crush" by Evie Alexander

Congratulations to Evie Alexander on today's release of "The Upper Crush," book #3 of the Foxbrooke series. Characters from the previous books make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Lady Estelle Foxbrooke, daughter of the eccentric Duke of Somerset, has been working for years to save the family estate from bankruptcy. Her latest undertaking is the launch of a music and arts festival in partnership with a professional events management firm. The only problem? The firm has just been sold, and the new CEO is none other than her twin brother Henry's former co-worker and longtime enemy, James Hunter-Savage. Can Estelle and James put their feelings aside long enough to get the festival off the ground, or will their animosity doom the endeavor to failure?

Despite their rocky start, James and Estelle were absolutely perfect for each other. Like Estelle, I had a lot of preconceived notions about James based on his behavior in previous books of the series, but he was keeping a lot of secrets and wasn't everything she - or I - thought he would be. I loved their flirty, witty banter and the hilarious interactions between their families, as well as Estelle's independence and ability to advocate for herself and what she wanted. Most importantly, James and Estelle's scorching chemistry had me captivated from the very first page, and I was rooting for them the whole way.
 

Overall, I adored "The Upper Crush" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series!

 

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

 

 

About "The Upper Crush"

He wasn’t banking on someone else taking the reins…

Lady Estelle Foxbrooke is done cleaning up the mess left by her wild parents. She’s got a plan: take the reins and save the family estate her way. But then she’s saddled with a business partner she’s hated all her life. He’s her twin brother’s worst enemy and looms in her path like a six-foot-four hurdle.

After a catastrophic business failure, rich and successful James Hunter-Savage has watched his dream life in London crash and burn. Forced to ditch the city for the Somerset countryside, he’s now living with his parents and expected to work with the infuriatingly attractive Estelle. She’s sharper than a whip, pushes all his buttons, and seems determined to break him.

As Estelle and James jockey for position, their explosive personalities combust into passion, sending Estelle’s plans to the edge of ruin. With James’s flimsy reputation in tatters, and the biggest event on the Foxbrooke calendar on the brink of collapse, will they realise their love is worth fighting for? Or are their hearts and hard work heading for the ultimate fall?

The Upper Crush is a laugh-out-loud, enemies-to-lovers, steamy, standalone, small town romantic comedy with a fiery country girl giving a cocky city boy a run for his money. No cheating or cliffhanger, but snort-laughs, swoons and a deliciously happy ending guaranteed in this sparkling and sizzling romcom! 

 

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Love Is Ale You Need" by Gia Stevens

I'm happy to take part in the blog tour celebrating "Love Is Ale You Need" by Gia Stevens, book #1 of the Brews and Flings series. It's a spinoff of the Harbor Highlands series but reads as a standalone.

After an ugly breakup, Trey Wilson swore off serious relationships and embraced the bachelor life. Despite his self-imposed rules, he can't help being drawn to bartender Rylee Hart, though the feisty single mom continually shuts him down because he reminds her too much of her cheating ex-husband. She can't resist using him for a distraction after a bad day, however, and what starts off as a fling gradually evolves into a friends with benefits arrangement. But things between Trey and Rylee change again when she finds out that she's pregnant. He'll have to prove that she can count on him for the long haul...or lose her forever.

I've been looking forward to Trey's story ever since his friend Seth's book and it did not disappoint. I loved the flirty, witty banter between Trey and Rylee, as well as his sweet efforts to take care of her and her daughter, Abby. I also appreciated that, even though he sometimes got ahead of himself and tried to speed things up, he was willing to take their relationship at the pace that made Rylee comfortable. They made a great couple and I was rooting for them the whole way.

Overall, I very much enjoyed "Love Is Ale You Need" and highly recommend it for all fans of steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to the author's next release. 

 

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

 

 

About "Love Is Ale You Need"

A steamy friends with benefits, surprise pregnancy standalone novel by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens…

We went from fling to friend-zone. Now I have to tell him he’s going to be a dad.

After my ex-husband left, I became a single mom and vowed never to date a guy in a suit again.

Then Trey Wilson entered my life. The guy who lives in suits. He’s charismatic, good-looking, and charming AF.

Everything that can make any woman swoon, including me.

What started as a one-night fling turned into a mid-morning office quickie, followed by an afternoon rendezvous in my kitchen. Which ultimately led to the purchase of a new table.

After I told him we can only be friends, he’s determined to be my best friend. The more time we spend together, the boundary between friends and benefits blur.

Deep down, I know he’s exactly like the others. Once they get what they want, they’re out the door, leaving me to pick up the pieces of my broken heart. Been there. Done that. And I have a daughter to prove it.

So the moment emotions get involved, I quickly suppress them and do what I know is right.

I end whatever this is.

Except now I can’t do that when the white stick shows two pink lines.

 

Read an Excerpt from "Love Is Ale You Need"

I peer up at him. “Are benefits still on the table?”

He turns toward me. The pad of his thumb caresses the apple of my cheek. His hand continues to glide across my skin until his fingers thread through my hair. His large palm warms my cheek. “No.”

My stomach falls. It was inevitable this would have to end, but I was hoping it wasn’t tonight.

With his other hand he grips my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “I don’t want benefits. You’re worth more than just benefits. But I’ll take whatever you give me.”

A slow smile spreads over my lips. “Can we go to your house?”

“Absolutely.”

He opens the passenger door and I slide in. While he rounds the hood, I click my seatbelt into place. We’ve had sex before, but the butterflies are fluttering faster this time. Maybe because it’s not a spontaneous, spur of the moment thing. Instead, I have the entire drive to his house to think about it. Trey climbs in and starts his SUV. He glances over at me while reaching his hand over the center console and intertwining his fingers with mine. It’s the simplest gesture, but one that calms my erratic heartbeat.

The short ride to his house is silent, but the way his thumb brushes over the back of my hand says everything I need to know right now. I want Trey.

His neighborhood is a far cry from my tiny apartment complex. Enormous houses with even bigger lawns line the streets. A pang of guilt hits me as this is something I’ll never be able to give Abby. A neighborhood filled with other kids to run around and play with. Or a backyard to build a fort or play kickball in.

As we approach a navy blue split-level house, he turns left and pulls into the sunken attached garage. I yank myself out of my thoughts. No pity parties tonight. There’s only room for one party, and that’s between my legs.

The garage door closes, and we both step out, but before we reach the door to the house, my heels that I never put back on slip from my fingers, dropping to the floor with a clatter. Trey twists around and I throw myself into his arms, slamming my lips to his. Without breaking our connection, he twists us around and cages me against the front fender. A shiver runs down my spine as he threads his fingers through my hair, cupping my head as he deepens the kiss. I wrap my arms around his waist and tug him to me, wanting to feel all of him. A low moan escapes his throat.

He pulls away, but his lips linger on mine. “Did I tell you this is the best friendship I’ve ever had?”

Release Blitz + Review: "Stay" by Willow Aster

I'm pleased to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Stay" by Willow Aster, the fifth and final book of the Landmark Mountain series. Characters from the previous books make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

Judge and single father Sutton Landmark is fortunate to have the support of his large, close-knit family in caring for his 8-year-old son, Owen, but with a big case coming up, he knows he's going to need more help. Based on a recommendation from a mutual friend, he hires recent college graduate Felicity Shaw as Owen's new nanny. There's an immediate spark of attraction between Sutton and Felicity, but he's determined to resist. She's 13 years younger than him, and he's sure she'll move on as soon as she figures out what she wants to do with her life. But could it be that what Felicity wants is Sutton?

 

Felicity and Sutton had great chemistry, and I really liked that she was so honest with him about her feelings, especially when she felt he was being dismissive of her because of her age. I also loved her bond with Owen and how well she fit in with the Landmark family. The one thing that would have improved the story for me is if there had been a bit more resolution to the situation with Owen's mom, Tracy. Maybe I missed something, but it almost seemed as if Tracy cut off contact with Owen in the end. Did Tracy and Sutton change their custody agreement? Did Owen go out and spend time with her in Arizona over the summer?

Despite that small frustration, I enjoyed "Stay" and would recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I look forward to Aster's next series, which she'll launch this summer with a story featuring Felicity's brother, professional football player Weston.

 

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

 

About "Stay"

When a judge falls for his younger nanny, can their love overcome the possibility of scandal?

As I drive into the picturesque small town of Landmark Mountain after the whirlwind of college, I could never have expected a simple job opportunity would lead me to the deliciously sexy Sutton Landmark. But fate, it seems, wants to send my plans sideways.

Judge Sutton Landmark, a man whose gorgeous face, charisma, and chocolate brown eyes could charm the pants off of anyone. He needs a nanny for his son, Owen, and I need a break from textbooks and exams…and some time to figure out what I really want to do with my life.

However, one heated look from Sutton, and everything inside me ignites.

As I spend time with Sutton, I find myself falling for him. There's a spark between us and a connection that simmers and dances in the air whenever we’re in the same room.

But Sutton’s prestigious position and the age gap between us casts a looming shadow over our happiness. Despite our hearts’ desires, fear and indecision hold us back from taking that leap of faith.

I want to believe that, despite the obstacles, anything is possible…

Even love against all odds.

I guess I’ll just have to jump in headfirst and stay to find out.

Stay is book five in the Landmark Mountain Series. Each book can be read as a standalone. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Walk of Shame" by Avery Flynn

I'm thrilled to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Walk of Shame" by Avery Flynn, book #2 of the Downside of Dating series. Characters from the previous book (as well as the earlier Ice Knights and Hartigans series) make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Five years after being left at the altar by her professional hockey player fiance, Astrid O'Malley has created a new life for herself. She's sworn off both relationships and anything to do with hockey, a challenge given that her dad is the head coach of the Harbor City Ice Knights. She's working a shift as a bartender one night when she meets a handsome man and breaks her own rules to hook up with him. The following evening, her father invites her to a dinner which turns out to be a welcome party for his newest assistant coach: Astrid's hookup, Cal Matsen. It's a shock to both of them, but they manage to hide their previous acquaintance from her father. It's an even bigger shock when Astrid's father announces that he wants her to work with Cal to help her ex-fiance, now the goalie for the Ice Knights, get over his case of the yips.

 

Cal's NHL career ended prematurely due to a traumatic injury, and his singular goal since then has been to get back into hockey in whatever way he can. Landing a coaching position with the Ice Knights has him one step closer to that dream, and the last thing he wants is to jeopardize it by getting involved with the coach's daughter. But no matter how hard they try, they can't seem to stay away from each other. Can Cal have it all or will he be forced to choose between hockey and Astrid?

This was such a fun story! Astrid and Cal had great chemistry, and I adored their flirty, witty banter. After everything she went through with her ex-fiance, particularly the media attention in the aftermath of their breakup, Astrid's concerns about getting involved with Cal were completely understandable. It took a lot of courage for her to overcome her fears and learn to trust in love again. As for Cal, he needed someone like Astrid to help him see that there was more to life than hockey. They made a wonderful couple, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

 

I highly recommend "Walk of Shame" for all steamy romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever the author writes next.
 

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

 

About "Walk of Shame"

One night. No strings. And a really good puck.

Five years ago, Astrid O’Malley experienced the ultimate in public humiliation. Being dumped at the altar by her childhood sweetheart was horrifying enough. That fact that he was a professional hockey goalie and her dad was his coach? It was all anyone in sports could talk about.

Eff hockey. Eff goalies.

These days, Astrid lives a life (mostly) free of hockey and free to pursue whoever she wants with exactly zero shame in her game. Like tonight’s hook-up. This guy’s nailed the lumberjack aesthetic perfectly. Especially when he has the stamina and creativity to back it up.

Because the rule is: it’s one night only. Which is gonna be a problem because she’s just discovered he lives in the apartment upstairs.

And he’s joined her dad’s team. As the goalie coach. To train her ex.

Now Astrid is in some kind of hockey hell–filled with her ex, her family, and the best sex of her life. And somehow she’s been roped back onto the team.

Puck my life. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "This Much Is True" by Adriana Locke

I'm excited to take part in the release blitz celebrating "This Much Is True" by Adriana Locke, book #2 of the Marshall Family series. Characters from the previous book make cameo appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

After leaving her A-list actor fiance at the altar, pop star Laina Kelley desperately needs a place to hide. She's not sure where to go until her first love, small town farrier Luke Marshall, suddenly springs to mind. A tiny bit of breaking and entering later, she's sitting on his couch and waiting for him to get home. Luckily for Laina, Luke's willing to let her stay until the media attention calms down, and all it will cost her is some manual labor. When she agrees to Luke's proposition, Laina expects her only challenge to be mucking out horse stalls; in reality, it will be far more difficult to stop herself from falling in love with him all over again.

 

In her author's note, Locke describes this story as a "hug in book form," and I completely agree with that assessment. From their very first interaction, it was clear that Luke and Laina belonged together. I appreciated that Laina remained so down-to-earth despite her level of success, as well as how conscious she was of the sacrifices she'd be asking Luke to make if he chose to be with her. There wasn't an easy answer for how to make their relationship work, but I was rooting for them the whole way.

Overall, I adored "This Much Is True" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

 

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

 

About "This Much Is True"

When celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—to the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love ... and biggest frenemy.

This isn’t your average romance. It begins with me in a wedding dress, just not at an altar …

I never expected to be a runaway bride. I also never thought I’d end up on my ex’s doorstep to flee from said wedding. Now that I’m here, it’s easy to find the key in an old boot by the door and let myself inside. It’s not breaking and entering if I have a key, right?

It’s safe to say that Luke Marshall didn’t expect to find me on his couch in my wedding dress, my veil over my face in tears. He has no choice but to listen to my panic-induced plea for salvation. It’s only a matter of time before the tabloids get wind of my disappearing act, and my life is over.

Luke takes pity on me and says I can stay… on one condition.

I can’t sing for my supper—I have to earn it. I have to work in the barn alongside him, up to my elbows in horse manure. Oh—and because there’s only one bed, I get the couch.

This works … in theory. However, when sparks start flying, and the small-town farrier asks me to stay, I’ll have to decide between my life as a pop star or a second chance with my first love.

Release Blitz + Review: "Unending Love" by Stacey Lynn

I'm pleased to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Unending Love" by Stacey Lynn, book #1 of the Kelley Family series.

When she found out she was pregnant after a one-night stand, Emily Russo tried unsuccessfully to track down her baby's father. With the support of her best friend Gianna, she managed to finish college, find a teaching job, and move to Colorado, where she's raising 3-year-old son Landon on her own. She'd given up on ever finding the mysterious Caleb until the day Gianna happened to see him at a football game - or so she thought. It was actually Caleb's twin brother Cameron, but he agreed to pass along a letter, allowing Emily to finally share the news about their son.

 

Professional hockey player Caleb Kelley is shocked to learn of Landon's existence, but he's never been able to forget his night with Emily and doesn't doubt that she's telling the truth. He's excited to get to know his son but quickly realizes that he wants a second chance with Emily too. She's determined to take things slowly for their son's sake, however. Can Caleb convince her that love is worth taking a risk?

Caleb and Emily had great chemistry, and I really appreciated the way he handled finding out about Landon. He didn't get mad at Emily, simply accepted what had happened and moved forward with getting to know his son. However, his irrational behavior near the end of the story drove me crazy! I did like that he figured out his mistake quickly and didn't try to use an over-the-top grand gesture to get out of trouble. Instead, he figured out a way to give Emily what she really wanted and needed to be happy.

As for Emily, I was somewhat bothered by her choice to be so open about Landon being the result of a one-night stand. I completely agree with her that it's nothing to be ashamed of, but at the same time, it seems like too much information to share with your co-workers. If they were nosy enough to ask, why not just say that Landon's father wasn't in his life and leave it at that? As the saying goes, discretion is the better part of valor, and in this case Emily's discretion would have prevented several problems down the road.

 

In any event, I did enjoy "Unending Love" and would recommend it for all steamy contemporary/sports romance fans. I look forward to reading Caleb's brothers' books!
 

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

 

 

About "Unending Love"

Everyone knows who Caleb Kelley is. I’m at the top of my game, known all around Colorado and beyond for not only my elite skills in professional hockey, but also my family’s ranching heritage. For this reason, I trust very few people as I’m used to strangers and so-called friends trying to get close to us for a piece of fame.

But when I receive a letter from a woman I slept with years ago, letting me know I’m a father—I implicitly trust her. Emily Russo is forever ingrained in my memory, and is the exception to every rule.

That one night I spent with her was unforgettable. I still remember the feel of her lips and the way her body moved under mine. For years, I’ve regretted not leaving her my phone number because if I had, I wouldn’t be seeing the first glimpses of my son in glossy pictures. Instead, I would've held him in my arms the minute he was born.

Now, I not only have to get to know my son, I also have to convince Emily that the spark that once burned between us is still smoldering, ready to burn even hotter a second time around.

But it’s not only hanger-ons who follow me. There are others who want to see this golden boy tossed off his throne. Too bad they don’t know what lengths I’ll go to protect what’s mine. I’ll do anything for Emily and my son. My love for them is unending. 

 

Review: "Undeniable Love" by Stacey Lynn

Undeniable Love by Stacey Lynn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

According to her family, Meredith Kelley has a magical gift that lets her see when two people are meant to be together. It's mostly a party trick until she meets professional hockey player Tuevo Skyye and realizes that he's her one true match. The problem? Not only is Tuevo her brother Caleb's best friend, he doesn't believe in marriage. Even though he's spooked by Meredith's prediction, Tuevo can't help being drawn to her. Can she persuade him to give love a chance?

I've enjoyed many of Stacey Lynn's other stories, but unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me. Everything about Meredith and Tuevo's relationship felt rushed and forced to me. Granted, it was a novella, but there was very little conflict and virtually no character development. It was all about the smut, which is fine if that's your jam, but for me, two full chapters of it (out of ten total) was overkill.

If you're looking for a quick, steamy, but mostly forgettable read, then this novella is for you. If, like me, you prefer some story with your steam, then I'd skip this one and go straight to the first full-length book of the Kelley Family series, "Unending Love."

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Review: "A Summer with the Earl" by Maude Winters

A Summer with the Earl: An Age-Gap Billionaire Instalove Fake Relationship Romance by Maude Winters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After graduating from university in Canada, Princess Sabine of Kent returns to London to take up her responsibilities as a working royal before starting a graduate law course in the fall. She and her sister Margaux will spend the summer on display for the eligible bachelors of their social class in the hopes of attracting a husband. The problem is that Sabine has no interest in marriage, at least not yet. That's not to say that she has no interest in men or dating, however. When she meets Malcolm Ferguson, the son and heir of the Duke of Lauderdale, at an event hosted by her parents, the attraction between them immediately burns white hot. Like Sabine, Malcolm's parents are pressuring him to get married and produce an heir, but he has no interest in giving up his carefree life as a London barrister. Quickly realizing that a fake relationship would benefit them both, Sabine and Malcolm agree to spend the summer pretending to fall in love. When the summer draws to a close, will they be able to part as friends or will they find that that their pretend feelings have become very real?

This story is a prequel to the Regency and Rivalry series, and just as in those books, Maude Winters has created a fun and engaging royal world. Malcolm and Sabine were both quite likeable and surprisingly relatable, and despite their age difference, they had a lot in common. I really liked them together and was rooting for them from the moment they met.

That said, some of the spicy scenes went beyond my personal comfort zone. This is obviously an individual preference and there are many readers who will absolutely adore this aspect of the story. For me, however, the first half of the book focused a bit too much on the steam and not enough on the growing emotional connection between Sabine and Malcolm. The second half of the book was better IMO, and I particularly felt for Malcolm's family situation and the challenges it presented for his relationship with Sabine. I was satisfied with where they ended up and the genuine connection I sensed between them.

Overall, I enjoyed "A Summer with the Earl" and would recommend it for all fans of steamy contemporary romance. I look forward to the author's next release.

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Falling" by Willow Aster

I'm happy to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Falling" by Willow Aster, book #4 of the Landmark Mountain series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

After learning that he's only marrying her to get his hands on her parents' land, Ruby Jones leaves her fiance at the altar and flees Utah in her vintage RV. She heads to her uncle's home in the small town of Landmark Mountain, Colorado only to find that he's traveling for the next few weeks. His neighbor, Callum Landmark, offers Ruby and her emu, Dolly, a place to stay. When grumpy Callum and sunshine Ruby form an unlikely attachment, will they fight their feelings or find themselves falling for each other despite the obstacles standing in their way?
 

For the most part, I enjoyed Ruby and Callum's story, though I must admit that it wasn't my favorite book of the series. It's difficult to explain without getting into spoilers, but the pacing of their relationship development felt off to me; it was a bit too slow in the first half of the book but a bit too fast in the second half. That said, I did like them as a couple and found them both to be quite endearing and relatable. Their interactions with the animals were entertaining, and it was great to catch up with Callum's siblings and their partners. In fact, I think the Landmark siblings' teasing banter was actually my favorite part of the story.

I'd recommend "Falling" 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.

 

 

About "Falling"

When Little Miss Sunshine and a Hot, Grumpy Rancher are forced to live together, what could possibly go wrong?

 

To the small town of Landmark Mountain, Callum Landmark is a man of few words and considered to be the family grump. Uninvited and unexpected, I crash into his world like a wrecking ball and disrupt the delicate balance of his carefully constructed existence.

Forced to live together due to my life's unexpected adventure, I find that the more time I spend with him, the more I see beneath his impenetrable exterior and into the heart of the man that not many are privileged to witness.

And against all odds, that vulnerability draws me in, tugging at the strings of my heart with an undeniable force. Coupled with his love for animals—nothing could be more charming than to watch this sexy, rugged rancher and animal whisperer at work.

But our connection is forged at the worst possible timing. I'm running from past mistakes, and meeting Callum has me jumping headfirst into a whirlwind of new complications. Yet, I can't resist his allure and the sizzling tension between us.

As I navigate the twists and turns of my new life in this quaint town, I can't help but wonder if falling for Callum might be the most unpredictable adventure of all.

Falling is book four in the standalone Landmark Mountain series.