Release Blitz + Review: "One More Chance" by Lea Coll

I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "One More Chance" by Lea Coll, book #2 of the Second Chance Harbor series. It's a spinoff of the Annapolis Harbor series and features appearances from past characters, but each of the books works as a standalone. 

 

Math teacher Zoe Hart and restaurant owner Max Pierce met as children dealing with their family members' cancer diagnoses and have been best friends ever since. Apart from a single kiss in high school, their relationship has always been platonic, but secretly, Zoe is curious about what would happen if she and Max tried to be more than friends. She finally gets a chance to find out when her younger sister Aubree announces her engagement. In an effort to put a stop to her mother's nagging about finding a date for the wedding, Zoe impulsively blurts out that she and Max have started dating. He agrees to go along with her plan in exchange for her help straightening out his restaurant's finances, and with the understanding that they will stage a breakup as soon as the wedding is over. Their arrangement forces them to see each other in a whole new light, and it's not long before the chemistry between them ignites. Will they really be able to go back to being just friends, or is there a chance for their fake relationship to turn into real love?

 

I loved the slow burn as Max and Zoe shifted from friends to lovers, as well as how naturally their relationship progressed. However, I found myself growing a bit annoyed with both of them in the second half of the story because of their failure to communicate. Instead of having an honest conversation, they kept assuming that they already knew what the other was thinking. While their concerns about losing their friendship were realistic and relatable, it still kind of bothered me that they both seemed to be so willing to walk away after the wedding without even discussing the possibility of giving the relationship a real chance.
 

Despite that relatively minor frustration, I enjoyed "One More Chance" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.  

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

 

 

About "One More Chance"

Unlikely friends. An undeniable attraction.

Telling everyone my best friend, Max, and I are dating was a panic move. But when my younger sister announced her engagement, I knew my parents were going to crank up the pressure cooker to see me settle down.

We were polar opposites. A tattooed bar owner and a straight-laced math teacher. Who’d actually believe it? I knew he’d play along, though.

The plan was simple. Fake date through all the wedding festivities, then stage a break-up. We were so close to pulling it off. That is, until the chemistry between us felt all too real.

To save our friendship, I tried to ignore the magnetic pull. Every thought betrayed me. He made me happier than I ever dreamed possible. If only I knew he felt the same way.

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Something Like Love" by Claudia Burgoa

I'm happy to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Something Like Love" by Claudia Burgoa, book #2 of the Against All Odds: St. James Family series. It's a spinoff of the original Against All Odds series complete with various character cameos, but each book reads as a standalone.

 

Chloe Lafferty doesn't think things can get much worse when she arrives home from a weekend catering job to discover that her roommate, Maddox Curtis, sold their house and its contents out from under her, leaving her broke, homeless, and without a kitchen in which to prepare meals for her catering clients. She soon learns that Maddox also conned his billionaire employer, Burke St. James, prior to disappearing. Burke is determined to find Maddox and hold him accountable for his misdeeds, but in the meantime, he's trying to close a deal to purchase another winery to add to his current holdings. The owner will only sell to someone family-oriented, which is a problem for perpetual bachelor Burke. He convinces Chloe that they can help each other; if she agrees to play his fake fiancee until he closes the deal, Burke will provide her with a place to stay and invest in her business so that she can fulfill her catering contracts. Chloe doesn't like Burke but doesn't have any other good options, so she agrees to go along with the plan. It's not long before their pretend relationship starts to feel very real, especially after Burke's family gets involved. Will Burke and Chloe go their separate ways at the end of their arrangement, or could they actually have found a lasting love?

 

I really enjoyed this low angst, funny, and sweet story, which featured likeable characters, great banter, and a fast-paced plot. I especially loved Chloe's snark and the fact that she wasn't a pushover. Despite everything that had happened and the tough situation she was in, she didn't just meekly go along with whatever Burke wanted. She actually negotiated with him and made sure that their deal worked for her, too. The push-pull between her and Burke was so much fun, and it was impossible for me not to root for these two to find their way to each other.

 

I recommend "Something Like Love" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans, and look forward to Claudia Burgoa's next release.  

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

 

 

About "Something Like Love"

USA TODAY bestselling author Claudia Burgoa pens a fun and sexy romantic comedy where playing pretend turns to playing for keeps…

We have to pretend that what we have is something like love…

I’m down on my luck.

Scratch that. This is the worst week of my life.

Enter the last person I want to deal with: Burke St. James.

He’s wealthy.

He’s a womanizer.

And a big liar.

And it turns out we need each other.

Burke needs a fiancée to seal the deal of a lifetime. I need help or my business is going belly-up. So, Burke very non-romantically asks me to marry him. Well, he asks me to be fake engaged to him, anyway.

I’ll attend a few dinners, pretend I’m in love, and meet the family.

In exchange, he’ll invest in my company and help me launch it off the ground.

All is easy, except his kisses feel more real than they should.

And the sex…damn, we’re not supposed to have sex.

It’s all for show…right?

Did I mention he’s a really good liar?

Pretending not to fall in love is more complicated than I thought.

Release Blitz + Review: "Only One Forever" by Natasha Madison

I'm delighted to join the release blitz celebrating "Only One Forever" by Natasha Madison, book #8 of the Only One series. Characters from previous books in the series (as well as Madison's earlier Something So and This Is series) make cameo appearances in this story, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Professional hockey player Dylan Stone is at a crossroads; his contract with Montreal is expiring, and as much as he loves the team that drafted him, he's ready to explore his options with other teams. Meanwhile, Dylan's best friend, Alexandra "Alex" Horton, recently relocated from New York to Dallas to run her cousin-in-law Brad Wilson's new hockey school. When Alex realizes how much Dylan is struggling with his decision over where to play next season, she invites him to spend a few days with her in Dallas to clear his head. Unfortunately, Dylan ends up more confused than ever when he suddenly realizes that he has romantic feelings for Alex. The problem is that they were raised together as quasi-cousins for most of their childhood, and even though Alex has secretly been in love with Dylan for years, she's never acted on it because she's afraid of the potential impact on their family dynamics. Their true feelings finally come to light during a family vacation in Hawaii, but will their parents' concerns tear them apart before the relationship even begins?

 

I loved the way Dylan and Alex bantered and teased each other, as well as the slow burn as their relationship gradually shifted from friends to lovers. However, I was also a bit frustrated with them for not being honest about their feelings sooner, as well as the way Alex overreacted and ran away when she finally told Dylan how she felt. There really didn't need to be so much angst! Fortunately, it didn't take them long to figure things out, and once they did, they were steadfast in their commitment to each other despite their family's initial opposition. In addition, I loved the little twist in the second half of the book and the way it brought Dylan's story full circle.

Overall, "Only One Forever" gave me all the feels and I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary/sports romance. I'm sad that the Only One series is coming to an end, but hopefully we'll see at least a few of these characters again in the upcoming Made For series.  

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

 

About "Only One Forever"

Dylan

My dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.

I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.

We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.

I would do anything for her.

It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different. Everything feels different.

Alex

All my memories have Dylan in them. From the first time I fell off my bike, to the time I got my heartbroken for the first time.

He’s always been my protector, but it’s time to let the dream of being his go.

One last family trip, one last goodbye.

Except fate steps in and has other plans.

At the end of the day, you only get one forever.

 

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

The Bastard Heir by Whitley Cox & Ember Leigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TW: cancer/breast cancer

When their estranged father passes away, Callum Winters and his younger brothers Carson and Colton learn that they must spend a full year living in the small town of Winter Harbor, Oregon in order to claim their inheritance. Their father grew up in Winter Harbor but left under a cloud of scandal, and the townspeople aren't exactly welcoming to anyone with the last name Winters. Callum's relationship with his brothers is strained as well, particularly his middle brother Carson, who was responsible for Callum's breakup with his first love, Harlow Jackson, eight years earlier. Since their breakup, Harlow has gone on to become an estate attorney in her hometown of Winter Harbor, and her firm has assigned her to handle Callum's father's case. As much as she'd like to refuse, she's on the verge of making partner and can't afford to say no to anything her boss asks of her, even if it means working with the ex who dumped her in humiliating fashion. It quickly becomes clear that Harlow and Callum aren't over each other, but each has changed in the years they were apart. Can they figure out a way to build a life together that will make both of them happy?

This story was more of an emotional rollercoaster than I was expecting, but I was quickly drawn into it and couldn't wait to find out more about the Winters family and their ties to the town of Winter Harbor. Callum and Harlow were incredibly likeable, sympathetic protagonists, and the tension and chemistry that remained between them was palpable from the moment they saw each other again. Without a doubt, they were still in love and meant to be together, but the challenges they faced weren't easy to overcome. While I was rooting for them the whole way, I might have liked to see Callum grovel a bit more to make up for the way he treated her in the past.

Overall, I very much enjoyed "The Bastard Heir" and would recommend it for fans of angsty/emotional contemporary romance, with a content/trigger warning for those who may be sensitive to stories involving cancer/breast cancer. I look forward to learning more about the Winters family and their secrets in the next book of the series!

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

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Blog Tour + Review: "The Love You Deserve" by Jen Morris

I'm excited to be part of the review tour celebrating the release of "The Love You Deserve" by Jen Morris, book #4 of the Love in the City series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a complete standalone. 

Josie Lennon has been working as a bartender at Bounce for about five years, and she's had a crush on her boss, Cory Porter, for most of that time. Unfortunately, he acts more like an overprotective big brother than a man who might be interested in dating her - or so she thinks. The truth is that Cory secretly has a crush on Josie too, but he refuses to act on it because she's an employee and also twelve years younger than him. Their relationship begins to change when the animal shelter where Josie volunteers is forced to close temporarily and she offers to foster one of the dogs, Pretzel, even though her apartment doesn't allow pets. She's scrambling for a place to stay until Cory impulsively invites her home with him. Living in such close proximity, Josie and Cory find it difficult to fight their growing attraction for each other, but baggage from the past stands in the way of their building a future together. Can Cory find a way to overcome his fears before it's too late?

Josie and Cory were both incredibly likeable, relatable protagonists and their story gave me all the feels. Josie was a nurturer with a tendency to put everyone else's needs before her own. I loved her huge heart and devotion to animal welfare, but I also loved watching her grow over the course of the story and realize that it was okay to put herself first sometimes. As for Cory, he was so sweet and protective of the people he cared about, but he had a tough time accepting that he deserved love in return. It broke my heart a little bit every time he tried to push Josie away because he thought he didn't deserve her. Fortunately, with the help of his family and friends, he not only got the help he needed to learn to love himself, he got the girl.

Overall, I adored this book and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I understand now why so many of my bookstagram friends have raved about this series! Jen Morris has a new fan in me, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

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

 

About "The Love You Deserve"

Will he let go of his past to let her love in?

Josie
I didn’t plan to fall in love with my boss. Cory Porter is six-foot-six of muscle and I fell for him the day he gave me a job in his bar. Too bad he’s twelve years older than me and treats me like a little sister.

Anyway, I’ve got other things to worry about–like saving my favorite animal shelter and fostering an anxious pup called Pretzel. The only problem is, I’m not allowed to have dogs in my apartment…

Cory
I shouldn’t have suggested Josie and Pretzel stay at my place. I’ve been fighting feelings for that woman for five years. She’s too young, too much my employee, and way too sweet for a guy like me.

But the more time we spend under one roof, the harder it gets to keep my hands off her–especially when she’s bent over on her yoga mat in our living room. Can’t a guy catch a break?

I know it’s selfish of me to act on this. I’m a committed bachelor like my father and will only end up hurting her. But now that I’ve let Josie in, can I become the man she deserves?

Here’s what you can expect from The Love You Deserve:
♥ Steamy romantic comedy
♥ Dual point of view
♥ Age gap, boss/employee, roommates, mutual pining
♥ Sweet, loving heroine
♥ Protective, broken hero with a playboy past
♥ Cute dogs!
♥ Fun New York bar setting

Please note that this book contains sensitive topics such as parental abandonment, anniversary of a parent’s death, and adoption. It references infidelity, which occurs in the past, off-page, and not between the two main characters. It also contains cursing and sex scenes, and is intended for audiences 18 years and older.

This book can be read as a standalone, but it contains spoilers for the earlier books in the series.

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Even Better Than the Real Thing" by Melanie Summers

I'm thrilled to participate in today's release blitz celebrating "Even Better Than the Real Thing" by Melanie Summers.

Finley Greene grew up on a peanut farm in Georgia but moved to London to study art history when she was 18. She's now working full time as a data entry clerk at Stuart Private Equity while waiting to start her PhD program. The professor she's admired for years has agreed to be her advisor, provided Finley can persuade her boss, Hayden Stuart, heir to the Earl of Pemberton, to grant them access to his family's private art collection. Meanwhile, Hayden's father has just passed away, and he's shocked to learn that he must be married in order to inherit the title and estate. When Finley comes to him and asks for his permission to study his family's art collection, he realizes that she's the perfect candidate to help him with his marriage problem. Once they've eloped, however, each starts to see that their temporary marriage of convenience might not be so convenient after all. Will their fake relationship turn into real love?

I absolutely adored this funny, sweet fake relationship romance, which featured likeable, three-dimensional characters and an engaging plot. After watching his parents' marriage implode and suffering from their neglect all his life, Hayden came to the conclusion that all relationships were transactional and that marriage should be avoided at all costs. Finley managed to break down his walls and prove that not everyone loved him for what he could give them. He didn't make it easy for her, but his apology at the end was obviously heartfelt and showed exactly how much he'd changed because of her love.
 

The book's supporting characters were a ton of fun and added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I particularly loved Hayden's hilarious best friend Caleb and his wife Ava. I don't think they have a story of their own, but I'm officially begging the author for a prequel novel or novella. I need more Caleb and Ava!

Overall, "Even Better Than the Real Thing" was yet another fantastic book by the amazing Melanie Summers, and I highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait for her next release.

 

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

 

 

About "Even Better Than the Real Thing"

A swoon-worthy, buttery, uber-fun romance about a marriage of convenience between two people who couldn't be more wrong for each other...

You know what’s great about applying for an art history Ph.D. program at one of the world’s most prestigious universities? I get to study what I love and land my dream job at the end of it. You know what’s not so great? Being told I’ll only get accepted to the program if I gain access to my aloof, uppity, super grumpy boss’s private art collection.

As it turns out, said boss—a one Lord Hayden Stuart—needs to get married to inherit his late father’s estate and earldom. And if there’s one thing Hayden Stuart is never going to want for real—it’s a wife.

So, we strike up a deal: I marry him and go live at his castle, where I’ll have unlimited access to his collection, he gets his earldom, and when the estate is settled, we part ways forever.

Win-win, right?

Wrong.

I may have fooled myself into believing I wasn’t risking my heart, but there’s one huge problem: I’m definitely falling for him. He’s not just another man. He’s THE man—an irresistibly good-looking, in-control, expensive-suit-wearing man who makes all the other men look like little boys. And the more time I spend with him pretending to be his wife, the more desperate I become to believe the lie.

But he’s never going to fall for some lowly Ph.D. student. So what if at the wedding he looked at me as if I’m the only woman in the world, and kissed me like he’s shipping off to war in the morning? It doesn’t mean anything.

Or does it?

Because the more we’re together, the more I realize that, even though we’re from totally different worlds, we have a lot more in common than I ever could have imagined.

Now all I have to do is convince him he really does want a wife…

*** Even Better Than the Real Thing is a standalone romance with a little extra spice than a regular Melanie Summers book. *** 

 

Review: "Alone Together" by Lindsey Jesionowski

Alone Together by Lindsey Jesionowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Web designer Max Robertson has had a tough time since his longtime girlfriend, Courtney, passed away on his birthday three years ago. This year, he resolves to start getting back out there and spending time with friends, but he's sure love isn't in the cards for him. He's therefore surprised to feel a spark of interest when he sees Hannah Jenkins for the first time. Hannah, a fitness instructor and social media director for the gym where Max's best friend Johnny works, went through a bad breakup shortly before her recent move to West Virginia. She's been focusing on herself instead of dating ever since, but can't help being drawn to Max too. Just as Max finally gets up the courage to ask Hannah out, the country goes into lockdown at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and he figures he's lost his chance with her. That is, until he ventures out onto the balcony of his new apartment and realizes that she's his next-door neighbor. Maybe all isn't lost after all...

Max and Hannah were incredibly likeable, relatable protagonists and I loved rooting for them both individually and as a couple. It was adorable how nervous and awkward they both were in their first few interactions! The pacing of their relationship development was absolutely perfect. Given the circumstances of being stuck together in lockdown, they easily could have rushed into something they weren't ready for, but instead, they took their time, got to know each other and became friends first. That's not to say that everything went smoothly for them from the start; they each had more than their fair share of emotional baggage to sort through in order to make the relationship work. I particularly empathized with Hannah's struggles with anxiety and admired her determination to overcome them.

The book's secondary characters were a ton of fun and added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I especially enjoyed Max's funny, sweet niece Quinn, who seemed mature for her age but still brought some silliness when needed. I also enjoyed Hannah's best friend Angie and Max's best friend Johnny. I can't wait for their story in the next book! Johnny was kind of a goofball, but he was a really good friend to Max, and I think he and Angie will be a whole lot of fun together.

Overall, I loved this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and highly recommend it for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was a fantastic debut for author Lindsey Jesionowski and I look forward to more from her and this series.

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

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