Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Release Blitz + Review: "Something Like Lust" by Piper Rayne

I'm delighted to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Something Like Lust" by Piper Rayne, book #2 of the Chicago Grizzlies series. While it does work as a standalone, the main characters' first meeting actually takes place in a free prequel to the series. I'd recommend reading that first for context.

Piper Rayne's sports romances have all been pretty great, but I think this one is my new favorite of theirs. The authors did a fantastic job of redeeming bad boy football star Damon Siska. Learning that he was about to become a father brought out a completely different side of Damon's personality, and I loved the way he stepped up and became a true partner to middle school teacher Adeline Morgan. Their banter and chemistry was phenomenal, but what I most appreciated was their awareness of the challenges they faced and efforts to talk through how to handle them. The one topic that seemed to be off limits was Damon's fear of relationships, but when I learned the reason behind it, my heart broke for him. Adeline and the baby were exactly what Damon needed to move on from his past into a brighter future.
 
I highly recommend "Something Like Lust" for all contemporary/sports romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to the next book in the series.

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

About "Something Like Lust"

Do it.
Don’t do it.

Never in my life did I think I’d wager in my head whether to sleep with Chicago Grizzlies wide receiver, Damon Siska.

He’s the perfect package—hot body, killer smile, and flirts like he earned a doctorate in it. But anyone who reads gossip blogs knows he is looking for one amazing night and nothing more.

I’m not the usual type of woman he beds. I’m a middle school teacher who cherishes her quiet nights in, drinking wine, and watching romantic comedies, dreaming I’m the heroine. I’m not embarrassed to admit—I want the fairy tale.

But Damon caught me at a weak moment. Fresh off a break-up and feeling lousy about myself, I gave into temptation and left the next morning like every other woman he’d slept with.

Except I walked away with more than just the memories when three weeks later the little white stick glowed with two pink lines.
 

Review: "On the Defense" by Piper Rayne

On the Defense On the Defense by Piper Rayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"On the Defense" by Piper Rayne is a prequel novella to the Chicago Grizzlies series. Professional football player Miles Cavanaugh, recently traded to Chicago from the San Francisco Kingsmen, moves into an apartment in the same building as two of his new teammates. A new season is about to begin and it's a fresh start for all of them, not just in football, but maybe in love, too.

I'd recommend this novella for all readers who plan to pick up the other books in the series. It helps bridge the gap between the Kingsmen Football Stars series, which concluded with Miles's sister Twyla's story, and the beginning of the Chicago Grizzlies series. It also provides helpful context for later events in the Grizzlies series, especially those of book 2, "Something Like Lust."

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Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Review: "All Snowed Gin" by Claire Hastings

All Snowed Gin

All Snowed Gin by Claire Hastings
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"All Snowed In" by Claire Hastings is part of the multi-author Mistletoe Creek series and also ties into the Hickory Hills series, but works well as a standalone.

Heading home from a month-long business trip to celebrate Christmas with her family, Rose Adler takes a brief detour through the mountains and ends up stuck in the snow with no cell service. She walks to a nearby house to ask for help only for the owner, Pierce Adams, to slam the door in her face. Undaunted, Rose knocks again, and Pierce's conscience won't let him turn her away a second time. She manages to call the local towing company from his landline, but the news isn't good; a bridge has collapsed under the weight of the snow, and it will be days until anyone can get to her. The last thing either Rose or Pierce wants is to be stuck with a stranger for Christmas, but can they find a way to make the best of the situation?

I very much enjoyed this sweet yet steamy story, which featured likeable, relatable protagonists and a fun holiday vibe. Pierce certainly came across as a grump at first, but when I learned the reasons behind his behavior, my heart broke for him. He seemed like a completely different person after he started to let down his guard and allow himself to have fun with Rose. Their personalities complemented each other perfectly and I loved how cute they were together by the end. I hope we'll see more of them in future books of the Hickory Hills series.

I highly recommend "All Snowed Gin" for all steamy contemporary romance fans and look forward to whatever the author writes next.

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

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Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Review: "Where It Begins" by Helena Hunting

Where It Begins

Where It Begins by Helena Hunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Where It Begins" by Helena Hunting is a standalone prequel to the Pucked series featuring Violet's mother, accountant Skye Hall, and Miller's father, pro hockey scout Sidney Butterson. It's releasing as part of the 1,001 Dark Nights collection, which is a great way to sample standalone novellas by new-to-you authors (or enjoy a special bonus story from an existing favorite).

I adored this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and perfectly steamy story, which made me want to go back and read the entire Pucked series all over again. Skye and Sidney were endearing protagonists whose struggle to fit their relationship around their teenagers' schedules was incredibly relatable. I particularly enjoyed getting to know the younger versions of Violet and Miller. Quite a few of Violet's best (and funniest) personality traits were obviously inherited directly from her mother, and their close relationship was a lot of fun.

I highly recommend this novella for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to whatever the author comes up with next.

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

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Friday, December 1, 2023

Review: "Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs" by Dana LeCheminant

Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs

Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs by Dana LeCheminant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

High school chemistry teacher Brooklyn Briggs is home sick one day when she's startled into a nasty fall by a man working outside her window. It turns out to be her twin brother Houston's best friend, Jordan Torres, who recently moved back to their hometown of Sun City and started his own landscaping business. Back in high school, Jordan drove Brooklyn crazy with his teasing and pranks, so she's not exactly thrilled to see him again. Unfortunately, her injuries from the fall are no prank, and she's going to need help getting around until she recovers. Houston's out of town, so Jordan reluctantly agrees to take care of Brooklyn.

Considering their history, Houston's warning that his sister is off-limits should be unnecessary, but there's something about Brooklyn that has always attracted Jordan. The problem is that she has a crush on her co-worker Mark. When Jordan accidentally finds out about her crush, he impulsively offers to give her flirting lessons to help win Mark over. It's not long before their pretend flirting starts to feel like the real thing, but both Brooklyn and Jordan are afraid of risking their relationship with Houston. Can they find a way to move forward together?

I adored this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story. Brooklyn and Jordan both had a lot of baggage from their past relationships, but I appreciated that they were able to see beyond each other's flaws and imperfections to what was really important. Their personalities were a perfect balance and I loved how they supported and built each other up when needed. They truly made a wonderful couple and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend "Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs" for all sweet/closed-door contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, which will feature Brooklyn's brother Houston.

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

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Review: "Levi Bailey Has Butterflies" by Jen Atkinson

Levi Bailey has Butterflies

Levi Bailey Has Butterflies by Jen Atkinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's official: Jen Atkinson has written not one, not two, but THREE of my favorite books of 2023. I can't recommend "Levi Bailey Has Butterflies" highly enough for anyone who enjoys grumpy-sunshine/opposites attract stories (or sweet/closed-door contemporary romance and romantic comedy of any kind).

My favorite part about this story was the way Meredith helped Levi see things differently and start to make positive changes in his life. He'd lived in fear of something bad happening to his mom or siblings for so long that he didn't know how to let go. Meredith's experiences had taught her the necessity of pushing through fear to find the joy in life, and spending time with her helped Levi change his way of thinking too. He was still a loving and protective son and brother, but he found a way to balance those instincts with living life for himself.

The book's secondary characters were also a ton of fun and added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I particularly loved Meredith's Uncle Bob and the way he encouraged her to go out and live her life, even though he was apparently a hermit himself. It seemed as if he truly lived through the books he wrote. I enjoyed catching up with Levi's sister Coco and her daughter Alice, too. Alice was just as cute and funny as ever, and I hope to see more of her in future stories.

I can't wait to find out what's in store for us with the rest of the Bailey brothers!

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

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Review: "The Matchmaking Heirs" by Whitley Cox and Ember Leigh

The Matchmaking Heirs: First Christmas in Winter Harbor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The Matchmaking Heirs" by Whitley Cox and Ember Leigh is a charming holiday novella featuring the Winters brothers (Callum, Carson, and Colton) and the women they love as they celebrate Christmas in Winter Harbor. For maximum enjoyment, I'd recommend reading the couples' individual stories prior to this one.

Now that the renovations to their ancestral estate are finally complete, the Winters clan is looking forward to spending their first Christmas together as a family. They've just brought home the perfect Christmas tree when Amaya's Aunt Maribel stops by to ask them to help her play matchmaker for a couple of the town's senior citizens, Bernard Gentry and Drusilla Crombie. They decide to throw a small Christmas Eve party to bring the two together, but the guest list quickly spirals out of control as word of the party spreads.

Meanwhile, Lily, Colton, and Harlow are busy dealing with the fallout of a defamatory newspaper article about the Summers and Winters families that threatens Lily's new position as mayor of Winter Harbor. After everything they've done to repair their families' reputations and prove their commitment to the local community, they're not about to let these unfair accusations stand. Can they figure out who's really behind the article and put a stop to the attacks once and for all?

I completely adored this funny, sweet, and perfectly steamy story. Reading it felt like coming home and spending time with old friends. It was wonderful to see each of the couples so happy together after everything they'd been through, and I also loved the teasing interactions between the brothers. Their relationship has improved so much since the series began!

I highly recommend "The Matchmaking Heirs" for all steamy contemporary romance fans. Hopefully the authors will collaborate again in the future - maybe on stories for Lily's sisters? ;-)

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

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