Release Blitz + Review: "Baby Maker" by M.L. Broome

I'm pleased to take part in today's release blitz celebrating the publication of "Baby Maker" by M.L. Broome, a standalone Cocky Hero Club novel inspired by "British Bedmate."

"Baby Maker" was a sweet, heartwarming story of finding love after loss that managed to deal with several highly emotional subjects in a relatively upbeat manner. I loved the instant connection, witty banter, and intense chemistry between widow Calliope "Calli" Webster and Dr. Keegan Russo, the specialist Calli consulted for help when she decided that the best way to move forward and honor her late husband's memory was to fulfill their dream of having children. Calli and Keegan became friends very quickly, and while they both obviously wanted more, they held back because of professional concerns on Keegan's side as well as their respective baggage in regards to relationships. They eventually gave into their feelings, but it was difficult for Calli in particular to let go of the past. She wasn't willing to settle for less than what she'd had with her late husband, Nigel, but what if she wasn't capable of loving someone else the way she had loved him?

 

Overall, I loved "Baby Maker" and highly recommend it for all fans of emotional contemporary romance. It was the first book I've ever read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last.

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Baby Maker"

Calliope:

I believe in love. Or I did until my husband died.

Now, I believe in surviving this world without him.

I have a plan mapped out for the rest of my life, and it doesn’t involve a man. I’ve been down that road, and I’m not willing to risk my heart again.

Not even for the devastatingly handsome and charming Dr. Keegan Russo, who also happens to be one hell of a kisser.

My head has plans, but what happens when my heart can’t say no?

Keegan:

Hot as hell sex with no strings attached. That’s my credo.

It works, too, until she walks into my office.

Calliope. A young widow with totally different priorities than me.

There’s no future for us, but I can’t stay away, either.

For the first time, I want something complicated and messy, and I want it with her.

But that means breaking the promise I made her on the day we met.

Baby Maker is a love after loss/forbidden romance inspired by British Bedmate. 

 

Review: "Friends with Benedicts" by Staci Hart

Congratulations to Staci Hart on today's release of "Friends with Benedicts," her latest small town romantic comedy. It's a follow up to "Bet the Farm" (which I loved) featuring one of that book's secondary characters, but reads as a complete standalone.

 

"Friends with Benedicts" was the perfect blend of humor, heat, and light angst, featuring endearing, sympathetic characters and an engaging plot. I loved the flirty, witty banter between main characters Presley Hale and Sebastian Vargas, who rekindled their romance shortly after Presley and her young daughter moved to the small Texas town where she'd spent her summers in high school. With Sebastian planning to leave for a Peace Corps mission in Africa at the end of the summer, they knew that their time together was limited. However, after meeting Presley's daughter Priscilla and learning the secret that Presley had been waiting to share with him since the last time they saw each other, Sebastian realized that his future path might not be as clear as he thought it was.

The time Sebastian and Presley spent together sometimes seemed to have a bittersweet quality to it, as if they were trying to store up memories for the future when they would no longer be together. They obviously cared deeply for one another and each wanted the other to be happy; while I understood and appreciated how that played into Presley's efforts not to influence Sebastian's decision about leaving for Africa, it sometimes frustrated me that she wouldn't just come out and tell him what was in her heart. That led to several critical miscommunications between them, but fortunately, with the help of their family and friends, everything turned out right in the end.

 

Presley's daughter Priscilla was just as much of a scene-stealer in this story as she was in "Bet the Farm," when she first began demanding "monies" from adults who said a bad word. I loved Priscilla's sweet relationship with Sebastian and his family, who were wrapped around her little finger almost as soon as they met her. Presley's cousins Daisy, Poppy, and Jo were also a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in Jo's book this fall.

Overall, I loved "Friends with Benedicts" and highly recommend it for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to Staci Hart's next release.

 

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

 

 

About "Friends with Benedicts"

Timing is everything.

Presley Hale and Sebastian Vargas are no strangers to goodbye. Their high school summers were spent wrapped up in each other until she would inevitably go home to California. One season after college, Sebastian finally escaped the little Texas town to travel the world, and they said goodbye for what they thought might be the last time.
Sebastian went one way. Presley went the other.

For the first time in five years, they’re both in town, but the timing is no better than ever. So the only thing to do is what they do best. Keep it casual.

Friends with benefits.

They’ve done it before—doing it again will be easy.

But their hearts don’t get the memo.

When the lines of their arrangement blur, Presley and Sebastian are faced with decisions they’ve avoided for years. And that’s not even their biggest problem.
A small town in danger of failing.

A secret that could tear them apart.

And two hearts that can’t hide anymore.

They’ve shared so many summers, but none compare to what they’ll face.

Timing is everything.
And their time is almost up. 

Blog Tour + Review: "Fall Hard" by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee

I'm delighted to take part in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Fall Hard" by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee, episode #3 of the Dating Season series. Each installment builds on the events of the previous ones and follows the same main character, so IMO it's best to read these novellas in order.

 

As "Fall Hard" began, main character Chloe had decided to take a break from dating in order to focus on the launch of her new pottery business, Mae'd with Love. Her newfound resolve was tested when she met a handsome bearded artist and ended up sharing a booth with him at her first craft show. At first, Ryan seemed like he could be her perfect match, but it wasn't long before doubts started to creep in and Chloe realized that Ryan wasn't as perfect as he initially seemed. Besides that, a fight with her best friend, Charlotte, made Chloe realize that she wasn't quite as over her crush on her roommate, Austin, as she'd thought she was.

This story was even funnier than the first two! I couldn't help laughing at Chloe's inner monologue and the crazy situations she somehow managed to get herself into. I also enjoyed the continued evolution of the dynamic between Chloe and Austin. I've been rooting for them to end up together since the beginning of the series, and Austin's behavior in this episode really made it seem as if he secretly returned her feelings. The sandwich-making lesson he gave Chloe was so loaded with heat and innuendo that it's a miracle the two of them didn't spontaneously combust and start a kitchen fire!

Overall, I loved "Fall Hard" and highly recommend it for fans of chick lit and romantic comedy. I can't wait to find out what happens in episode #4!

 

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

 

 

About "Fall Hard"

They say autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go… but I’m keeping Ryan’s beard.

Past Chloe has a lot to answer for. She’s made a number of questionable decisions, but drunkenly turning Ryan down on a dating app? Currently top of my list.

I love fall most of all, but oh my gourd, Ryan’s beard is fast becoming a close second.

Luckily, he’s ready to give me a second chance. We have everything in common, from art to weird history facts to the correct opinions about Titanic. And boy, does he know how to pumpkin spice it up in the bedroom.

We could easily be the cutest new couple in Boulder… if we ever leave his place.

Episode three of six in the hilarious, steamy Dating Season. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Our Kind of Love" by Kait Nolan

I'm pleased to join today's release blitz promoting the publication of "Our Kind of Love" by Kait Nolan, book #2 of the Men of the Misfit Inn series. It was the first book I've ever read by Ms. Nolan, and while it mostly worked as a standalone, there were a fair number of characters from previous books and series set in the same town who made appearances in this one. Some of their relationships were a bit confusing for me at first, as was the genesis of the Misfit Inn itself. For that reason, there are certain aspects of this book that readers already familiar with Nolan's work are likely to appreciate more than I did. I still enjoyed it, but a brief prologue or something to explain the Inn's background would have been super helpful here IMO.

"Our Kind of Love" was a sweet second chance romance between rising country music star Kyle Keenan and his childhood best friend Abbey Whittaker, who hadn't spoken in nearly a decade because of a failed elopement attempt. However, after being blindsided in a live interview and blurting out that he and Abbey were engaged, Kyle rushed back to his small Tennessee hometown of Eden's Ridge to try and explain everything to Abbey before she found out from another source. Reluctantly, Abbey agreed to go along with the fake engagement until the media lost interest in them, but secretly, Kyle hoped to use the opportunity to convince her that they were still meant to be together. Unfortunately, the past wasn't quite finished throwing obstacles in their path, and the truth of what had happened between them ten years ago wasn't the only thing standing in the way of their happily ever after.
 

I loved Abbey and Kyle as a couple, and even though their relationship moved quickly, I truly believed in the strength of their feelings for each other. It was obvious that they still knew each other inside and out, and I appreciated how supportive they were of each other. Even though Abbey was hurt and humiliated by what had happened between them ten years earlier, she not only stepped up to help Kyle, she defended him fiercely to their family and friends when they criticized him for staying away for so long or accused him of using Abbey to protect his career. In return, Kyle did whatever he could to help Abbey and her family, and his relationship with her grandfather was very sweet.

Overall, "Our Kind of Love" was a sweet, heartwarming story that sometimes packed an emotional punch, but was ultimately incredibly satisfying. I recommend it for all contemporary romance readers and will plan to pick up more books by this author in the future.

 

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

 

 

About "Our Kind of Love"

One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars, Kyle Keenan has it all—fame, fans, and a chance at fortune. But the dream he’s busted his tail for means nothing without the woman who holds his heart. With her sassy smile and pull-no-punches attitude, Abbey is his greatest love—and his greatest regret. When he’s confronted in a live TV interview about alleged involvement with a country music starlet, Kyle blurts out he’s already engaged…to Abbey.

Abbey Whittaker has come a long way from the starry-eyed six-year-old who made a marriage pact with her best friend. With a thriving business, a loving family, and a tight-knit group of friends, she’s put away childish things. She long ago banished Kyle from her life, so the last thing she expects is him walking through her door or the blistering kiss that follows.

Kyle is desperate to convince Abbey that a fake engagement is the best way to get the media off her back—and his. And it just might give him a chance to fix what he destroyed. Even as these two frenemies remember all the reasons they wanted to be lovers, another blast from Kyle’s past returns, threatening to expose the secret he’s spent his entire career hiding.

When truths come to light, will love conquer all or will Kyle lose everything? 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "The Enemy Trap" by Maren Moore

I'm happy to participate in today's release/review blitz celebrating the publication of "The Enemy Trap" by Maren Moore.

Even after being knocked out for the season with a shoulder injury, professional hockey player Hayes Davis managed to make headlines because of his playboy reputation. The one woman who had always been immune to his charms was his old high school nemesis, Sophia St. James, whose best friend, Holly, was married to Hayes's best friend, Scott. Fed up with their constant bickering, Holly and Scott decided to take extreme measures to help Hayes and Sophia resolve their differences once and for all. Unfortunately, their plan backfired, resulting in a drunken one-night stand and Sophia's accidental pregnancy. Reluctantly, Hayes and Sophia agreed to fake an engagement to save his reputation and career, but Sophia was determined that their true relationship would be nothing more than co-parents. Would she be able to maintain that resolve as they began to spend more time together and it seemed as if Hayes might be more than just the egotistical jerk she had always believed?

I really enjoyed this story's fast-paced plot as well as the intense chemistry and witty banter between Hayes and Sophia. Also, it was incredibly sweet that Hayes was so excited to become a father, reading countless baby books to learn as much as possible about child care and development before the baby came. However, there were a number of loose ends and inconsistencies with the plot and character development that I wish had been tightened up prior to publication. There were two that I found to be particularly bothersome.

• Sophia quit her job two weeks before the story began and apparently never got another one. How was she supporting herself between then and the time that she moved in with Hayes? Also, how was she planning on supporting the baby without help from Hayes, since she kept telling him that she didn't want money from him and she (apparently) didn't have a job? 
• Did Sophia have any family? We know her father wasn't in the picture, but where was her mother? They referred to their "families" on several occasions, but Sophia's mother was never directly introduced.
  

I went back and forth on my rating for this book, but in the end, I rounded up to 4 stars because I really liked both of the main characters and there were some genuinely funny parts of the story. I recommend "The Enemy Trap" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and will plan to check out Maren Moore's next release.

 

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

 

About "The Enemy Trap"

Hayes Davis is America’s sweetheart, the #1 hockey player in the country, and my fake fiancé. 

Simple, right? It would be, if my betrothed were anyone else.

But it turns out America’s sweetheart is arrogant, selfish, and a guy I have no intentions of letting break my heart again.

It was never supposed to happen.
But then one night changes everything.

Now, he’s not only my pretend fiancé but my very real baby daddy.

How can two people who hate each other pull off the lie of a lifetime while figuring out how to raise a child together?

Everything between us was supposed to be fake, but I’m not pretending anymore. 

 

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: "Mischief after Midnight" by Jennifer Bernard

I'm delighted to take part in the release blitz celebrating the publication of "Mischief after Midnight" by Jennifer Bernard, book #9 of the Lost Harbor, Alaska series. While each book can easily be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the entire series for anyone who enjoys small town contemporary romance. Besides creating compelling stories and wonderful characters, the author does such a beautiful job of describing Alaska's scenery and lifestyle that she has convinced me to add the state to my travel bucket list.

 

"Mischief after Midnight" was a funny, sweet, and heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance between Toni Del Rey, the bartender at Lost Harbor's Olde Salt Saloon, and her older brother's best friend, UFC fighter Bash Rivers. I've been a fan of Toni's ever since she was introduced as a secondary character earlier in the series, and she shines as the lead character in this installment. Toni faced a lot more adversity in her life than anyone ever knew, and learning the reasons behind the tough image she always tried to project made me admire her even more than I already did. She needed to work through her past traumas before she was ready to commit to a mature relationship with Bash, but with the help of her friends, she came out stronger on the other side. 

 

It wasn't easy for Bash to return to his hometown of Lost Harbor because it brought up painful memories of growing up with a meth-addicted father and neglectful mother. However, the owner of the Olde Salt, Sally Buchanan, had always cared for him and even gave him a place to stay when things were too difficult at home, so when she called to ask him for help, he was happy to oblige. Seeing his best friend Tristan and Tristan's sister Toni again was an added bonus. When he and Toni reconnected, I loved their teasing banter as well as the underlying tension and chemistry between them. It made for a fantastic slow burn romance and I couldn't wait for them to finally give into their feelings.

The books in this series always hit me in the feels, and "Mischief after Midnight" was no exception. I loved this book 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 InkSlingerPR.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Mischief after Midnight"

A sizzling "brother’s best friend" standalone in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series

Bartender Toni Del Rey is the quick-witted queen of the Olde Salt Saloon, famous for trading barbs with grizzled fishermen and putting rowdy customers in their place. Independent and fearless, she’s only ever lost her cool over one man—the childhood crush who got away. These days she sticks to the F’s: friends, fun, and fu…well, you know. But now Bash is back, and more crush-worthy than ever. Worst of all, he just bought the Olde Salt, which makes him her brand-new boss.

Bash left Lost Harbor long ago to become a professional fighter—and to forget his nightmarish childhood. He’s only back to return a favor, but when he sets eyes on Toni, he may never want to leave again. His best friend’s little sister has gone from tomboy to tempting, from mischievous to maddening—a fact he can’t ignore while they work side by side at the Olde Salt. But between Toni’s fierce independence, his reputation as “Bad News” Bash, and a few deep dark secrets, they’re hardly suited to anything lasting.

Then again, you never know what a little mischief after midnight will lead to...

 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Mischief after Midnight"

Trembling between anger and vulnerability, she’d never looked more beautiful to him. Her wide eyes seemed to take up half her face, her thick lashes damp with tears. She’d been through a terrible twenty-four hours, after all. And now he’d added to it, which was the last thing he’d ever want.

“You can jab me with that cactus if it’ll make you feel better.”

She looked at it as if she’d completely forgotten it was in her hand. “Excuse me? That’s no way to treat a perfectly innocent plant.”

He smiled, hoping that her joke meant she was feeling better. “Are cactuses innocent, though? With all those spikes?”

“It’s cacti, not cactuses, and don’t you dare disrespect mine. I’ve always related to this little guy. We have so much in common. There’s the liquor connection. The South American origins. The prickly exterior.” Her voice caught and he couldn’t bear it any more.

He strode toward her and caught her in his arms—gingerly, because she still held that cactus. “Toni. I’m really fucking sorry I ever made that bet. I’d rather gnaw my arm off than hurt you.”

She trembled against him. He felt her long, fine-boned legs press against his thighs. His brain hazed over, and all he knew in the entire world was her. Would she believe him? Know he was being real? That he wasn’t playing some kind of game with her?

“Really?” she muttered from behind her cactus. He lowered his head so he didn’t miss a word. “Do you mean the right one with the really great uppercut? Or the left one that sometimes drops and leaves you exposed?”

He looked down at her, then took the cactus from her hand and set it on the desk. Cupping her head in his hands, he scanned her face. That Toni bravado undid him. Even when she was injured, hurt, confused—she kept her sense of humor.

His heart gave a slow, helpless somersault, an upside down roundabout turn that left him somewhere very different when it was over. It left him at her mercy. Completely and hopelessly.

“Both my arms. And my legs. All the damn body parts. You can have them. Just tell me you’re okay. Tell me you forgive me.”

She blinked at him, looking a little stunned. “It matters to you that much?”

“That much. Yes.” Was all his pent-up emotion showing on his face? He didn’t care. He wanted her to know how much this meant. Cautiously, braced for rejection, he tilted her head and lowered his mouth to hover above hers. “Are we okay?”

“I’m still quitting the Olde Salt,” she whispered. The movement of her full lips riveted him. He wetted his own lips because his mouth had just gone dry.

“I don’t care about that,” he said harshly. “I just want to know that we’re okay. You and me.”

He caught her rough swallow, the shift of the muscles in her slim throat. Then another soft whisper.

“We could be better.”

“How? What can I do? Just tell me.”

“Take me to bed,” came her answer. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "As We Are" by Claudia Burgoa

I'm very excited to participate in today's release blitz celebrating "As We Are" by Claudia Burgoa, book #5 of the Baker's Creek Billionaire Brothers series. It's a standalone in the sense that it focuses on a different couple than the ones featured in the earlier books of the series, but the stories all build on one another and include pieces of an overarching mystery related to the Aldridge brothers' inheritance from their estranged father, William. New readers won't be completely lost by starting with this book, but reading the series in order is likely to provide the best experience.

 

"As We Are" told the story of Mills Aldridge, a professional hockey player and single father to toddler son Arden, and Hadley Heywood, who had just returned to her hometown of Baker's Creek after living in Denver for several years. Mills loved being a dad but felt like something was missing in his life, especially since he had been forced to give up hockey because the stipulations of his father's will wouldn't allow him to leave Baker's Creek for at least 18 months. Hadley wasn't exactly happy to be back in Baker's Creek herself, but after a scandalous breakup in Denver that led to her losing her job, she didn't have much choice but to return home. On top of that, her father had just been in a serious car accident, and her mother, who had been hiding their financial struggles from Hadley, was in danger of losing her beloved bakery. The last thing Hadley was looking for was a new relationship, but she couldn't help being drawn to Mills and his son from the moment they met. Mills felt the same, and even though he knew their relationship was a bad idea, he couldn't help wanting to help Hadley and her family no matter the consequences.

I really liked Hadley, Mills, and Arden together. They slipped into family life so naturally that it was like they had always been together. However, I was a little disappointed with the aspects of the plot related to William and the inheritance. There were a few new scraps of information revealed, but for the most part, this book kind of felt like filler. I'm really looking forward to finally getting some answers in the next (and final) book of the series.

Overall, while "As We Are" wasn't my favorite book of the series, I still enjoyed and would recommend it for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I can't wait to find out how the series wraps up later this year with the final brother, Vance's, book.

 

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

 

 

About "As We Are"

Sometimes love finds you in the most unexpected places.

As We Are by Claudia Burgoa is now live!

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa comes a single-dad sports romance where the only thing more heartfelt than the small town is the love story.

I never wanted to go back to Baker's Creek.

But when it rains, it pours. I lost my job, lost the guy, and lost the house. The perfect trifecta of ruin.

Ten years after I said I can make it on my own, I have no choice but to ask for help. But it's my mother who needs me now...

So it's back to where I don't belong.

There's no opportunity in my hometown. The only job that I can get is nannying. For a player from the Vancouver Orcas. "Mean" Mills Aldridge is going to be my new boss... and I'm supposed to pretend he isn't sex on skates.

Between avoiding the town mean girls, helping my parents, and trying not to behave like a puck bunny, my job with that sweet boy is fast becoming just like the rest of my life--one big complication.

My only escape is my late-night chats with Mills.

The confessions we share make me feel like I belong. The stolen kisses make it hard to remember why I ever left.

Until the opportunity I've been waiting for arrives, and it's time for me to say goodbye.

But can I leave that little boy and his father behind?

The Baker's Creek Billionaire Brothers series is a romantic comedy saga that's swoony and sexy, with the right mix of ugly-cry moments and sweet seductions.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, or Barnes & Noble!