Truly Mine by Kennedy Fox

4 STARS!

Release Date: August 13, 2019

SYNOPSIS

𝑻𝑹𝑼𝑳𝒀 𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑬 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕𝒚, 𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚.

The night we met in the dimly lit bar, she looked like a brunette bombshell, and I wanted to learn her deepest secrets. With sun-kissed skin and soulful bedroom eyes, she was pure temptation, and I was mesmerized. 

As one drink led to two, I craved more of her playful banter and taunting lips. Resisting her wasn’t an option, and we quickly became a desperate mess of tangled limbs and hot kisses. She tasted like the sweetest sin, but I was no saint. 

Once we caught our breaths, and it became obvious that meeting her wasn’t a coincidence, everything changed. Now I must deny her at all costs.

𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠. It’s all we can ever be. 

After years of lying to myself and keeping her at a distance, I want to pull her close. Sophie’s on my mind more than ever as my instincts to protect her take over. Regardless of my attempts to help, she pushes me away and makes it clear she doesn’t need me. 

I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to show her I’m the good guy, but one night takes a tragic turn for the worse when her boyfriend and I start throwing punches. 

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳.

REVIEW

I AM HERE FOR THE DRAMA. We get a sneak peak at the end of Baby Yours of “the incident” and I knew from that I needed Mason and Sophie’s story ASAP. I got answers for so many questions I had about them in the first duet as side characters. There is definitely a theme to this series besides being roommates, and that is all the fighting-feelings-angst possible! If you’re ready for serious topics, the sloooooowest burn, and all the damn feels, definitely pick this one up. It’s torturous waiting for Truly Yours, book 2, but in the best way. I can’t wait to see where Mason and Sophie’s journey takes them.

Thank you to Kennedy Fox and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion!

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The Highlander’s Improper Wife by Tarah Scott & KyAnn Waters

4 STARS!

Release Date: May 18, 2017P

Synopsis:A proper young lady should never attend a Masque…Aphrodite is no lady.
Betrothal to the callous Lord Blackhall painted a future devoid of love. Upon his death, Lady Caroline Wilmont is promised to the younger brother. Caroline refuses to allow her first taste of desire to be at the hands of a man who would rather have any woman but her. This, her last night of freedom, is to be a memory of lust that she can take with her throughout her loveless marriage. As Aphrodite, Caroline attends a masque determined to find a man to initiate her into the intimacies of erotic love.
Taran Robertson, Viscount of Blackhall, makes no secret that he despises his obligation to marry the Sassenach heiress chosen for him by his father. As a last foray before his wedding, he attends a masque. However, the spirited vixen he meets and seduces has secrets…secrets that just may reveal he’s to have an improper wife.

Review: This is one sexy historical romance. I mean we start with a passionate night, that ends in a surprising revelation for our heroine. The plot is hilarious at times in a way that only a historical romance could be. I think the improper wife part makes it feel more modern, but with historical elements. I enjoyed Caroline’s strong spirit, and how she just went after what she wanted, yet she has very realistic insecurities. Taran is all over the place, but I really grew to liked him as the story went on. Overall, it’s a fun jaunt with secrets, villains, and sexy, sexy times.

Thanks to Backlit PR and NetGalley for the eBook in exchange for an honest review!

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THIS BOOK IS ON:

Look for the next book out March 26, 2019.

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Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson

3.5 Stars

Release Date: April 30, 2019

Publisher: S. Martin’s Press

Synopsis:

Cassie Crow, a pop-culture reporter for a TV talk show, is focused on becoming a “serious” journalist. But when she stumbles into a kilted Highlander with a killer accent, Cassie decides that taking one night off from work and spending it with a sexy Scot couldn’t hurt. . .

Logan Reid has built a career on his charm, hosting a series of off-the-wall hijinks on the Web. But when the Scottish prankster meets the all-American, equal parts intelligent and irresistible Cassie, Logan realizes that one night of fun won’t be enough. Could it be that this career-focused, commitment-phobic couple is finally ready to take a chance at true and lasting love?

Review:

This book is full of ups, downs, and one hot scot. Cassie and her friends are hilarious. Logan is much deeper than his jokester persona. As the reader you know much more than you want, you can see it unfolding and want to protect the characters. Plus, I was kind of on the fence about Logan most of the time. Overall, it was a fun romance read, and while parts of it were pretty predictable, I still enjoyed the journey with Cassie and Logan.

What I’m really excited about it is the next book, Smitten by the Brit. In this book we meet Bonnie who is Cassie’s best friend and in a long term relationship with the same guy since she was young, who won’t set a date for their marriage. Enter Logan’s best friend Theo. He is charming, rescues Cassie when she needs it, and did I mention he’s a duke?! Do you see where this is going? Well, I can’t wait to read all about it.

Special thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Tumble by Adriana Locke

5 STARS!!

Release Date: February 26, 2019

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Synopsis:

After being burned by her dream job in New York City, sports journalist Neely Kimber suddenly finds herself jobless and paying a long-overdue visit to her hometown in Tennessee. Her plan? Relax, reset, and head back up the corporate ladder. There’s just one unexpected step. Neely’s back in Dogwood Lane for barely a day when she sees the man she ran from nine years ago: the bad boy next door who was her first kiss, her first love, and her first heartbreak.

Devoted single dad Dane Madden knows he hurt Neely in the worst way. He’s got a lot to make up for. And as passionate as their reconnection is, it’s a lot to hope for. Having her back in his arms feels so right. But falling in love all over again with a woman who wants to live a world away is bound to go so wrong.

What’s it going to take for Neely to give him—and Dogwood Lane—just one more chance?

Review:

Dane Madden. DANE MADDEN. That seriously could be my whole review, and not because I stayed up until 3:30am to finish this in one sitting.

Adriana Locke does it again, and by it, I mean wrote an amazing romance story that had me smiling like a fool by the end. First of all, I’m a sucker for a single dad romance. Second, there is a strong and independent female lead. Third, there is an amazing friend group that I’m dying to know more about.

Okay, let’s start with Dane. He is always trying to do the right thing, but tends to mess it up somehow–let’s just say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. His relationship with his daughter is the freakin’ cutest thing ever. Plus, he just has this whole hot-caring-man-ness about him throughout the book that I just love.

Then there is Neely, who has every right to be completely pissed and heartbroken about what happened so long ago. She is strong and chasing a dream despite the heartbreak, and I just admire her for that. Her journey throughout this story is just so relatable for women “doing it all.”

Lastly, while I’m loving all of the friends, Penn is the silly playboy with a heart of gold that I can’t wait to see fall hard. His book, I’m HERE FOR IT!

Long story short, READ THIS BOOK!

Special thank you to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Now or Never by Victoria Denault

4.5 Stars!!

Release Date: January 15, 2019

Publisher: Forever Yours

Synopsis:

All Winnie Braddock wants is a quiet place to be alone and time to heal her battered heart. But the refuge she’d hoped for in her family’s summer cottage is destroyed when she gets there to find Holden Hendricks literally camped out in the driveway. He made her life hell when they were kids, and despite what he says, it doesn’t look like much has changed. She doesn’t care if her brother hired Holden to renovate the house this winter; she wants him gone.

You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. Holden knows that hockey saying all too well. After all, he could have gone pro if he hadn’t messed up so much as a kid. But now he’s desperate to prove he’s changed for the better, especially to Winnie Braddock. As the two work together to fix the cottage piece by piece, they realize that perhaps they can give each other the new beginning they’ve both been waiting for-if they’re just willing to take the shot.

The San Francisco Thunder series: 
Score
Slammed
When It’s Right

Review:

I read this book in one sitting. The prologue pulled me right in when it showcased Winnie as a teenager I would have loved to be friends with. She encounters Holden Hendrix, who seems like a complete jerk, but what Winnie’s father says to her after the “incident” is this:

“But the thing is, which I only know now because I’m older, kids your age are usually mean or aggressive for a reason. It’s rarely because they want to be that way. It’s usually a reaction, a defense mechanism or coping skill, for something they can’t handle themselves.”

This is the line that told me I was going to love this story. When people judge adults strictly on their teenage years, they are discounting a person’s ability to grow, change, and be resilient. Also, this is the fiction rendering of a trauma-informed care lens. I love when fictional stories expose readers to such relevant topics!

This is a story of redemption and understanding the motivations behind one’s actions. Winnie is experiencing so much loss, and Holden is battling his own demons, but they go through a journey together that you just know is going to take them to a better place. This book will give you all the feels, and also make you think about how you perceive the actions of others. Not to mention Winnie’s family are just people you want to know–which means I will need to read books 1-3!

Special thank you to Forever Yours and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Falling for the Cowboy Dad by Patricia Johns

3.5 Stars!

Release Date: March 1, 2019

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Synopsis:

He’s always been the one…

She’s always been just a friend! 

Grace Beverly spent years hopelessly in love with her best friend, Billy Austin. Now he’s back in Eagle’s Rest, Colorado, determined to provide the best life possible for his four-year-old daughter. He’s just not sure how. Helping Billy navigate the world of parenting is a one-way ticket back to heartache. Yet how can Grace say no to her oldest friend?

Review:

This is a good book if you like an easy romance read with a friends to lovers romance–the unseen best friend, and the caring man who has his own insecurities. There’s tension woven throughout the whole story, and everything is up in the air until the very end. The juxtaposition of Poppy and Billy really pulls at the heart strings, and Poppy has the cutest personality ever. And then there’s Grace who has found her confidence and is so caring. This is a character driven plot and all of the characters pulled me into the story. The ending was a little abrupt for me, but I’m still a sucker for a HEA.

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***Thank you so much to Harlequin and NetGalley for the chance to read this early by giving me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!***

Big Stick by Kelly Jamieson

4 Stars!

Release Date: October 23, 2018

Publisher: Loveswept – Random House Publishing Group

Synopsis:

Big move . . . Jodie’s motto is “Don’t wait for the perfect moment – take the moment and make it perfect.” And that’s just what she decides to do when she moves to Chicago with her two-year-old daughter. Now all Jodie needs is a place to live, and her best friend’s boyfriend has just the answer.

Big stick . . . Nick Balachov has zero interest in socializing, partying, or flirting right now. It’s not that he doesn’t like women. He loves them. It’s just that hockey, casual hookups, and hanging out at home are enough for him these days. Now Nick has a big problem – because the woman living in his empty coach house is a major distraction.

Big deal? The more Nick tries to keep his distance, the more Jodie needs him – around the house, that is. First he helps with the snowstorm, then the power outage. Nick even finds himself trying to impress her little girl. What the hell is wrong with him? Jodie represents everything Nick doesn’t want. But maybe she’s just what he needs. . . .

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Review:

I read this book in two sittings, and only because I was forced to take a break. I loved seeing the character growth. Kelly Jamieson does a wonderful job of giving enough background on the main characters that the reader can get invested in them. Knowing what was impacting Jodie and Nick had me rooting for them to overcome and find their happy every after! Plus, there is the cuteness that is Zyana, and the changing interactions she has with Nick (swoon). I’m a total sucker for a single parent romance, strong independent women, and broody men who are hiding a caring side–that’s all in this book and more! If you like these elements, and sports romances, well I’d definitely recommend this book!

Special thank you to NetGalley & Loveswept for the free ARC to review!

Fight or Flight by Samantha Young

5 Stars!!

First off, I just need to say that I love Samantha Young books. On Dublin Street and Down London Row were amazing!

Review: The beginning of this book kind of annoyed me, because the banter was a little over the top. I almost DNF’ed it, but I didn’t because I know Samantha Young delivers. I am SO HAPPY I kept reading. As I got to know the characters’ back stories, I fell in love with both Ava and Caleb. Samantha Young does a good job at developing flawed characters in a way that the reader is just so invested in them. My heart ached at times for what a few of the characters went through during the story and during their past. Just so many different emotions in the best of ways.

This book has heart, sex appeal, and so much love. I’m really hoping we’re going to get Harper’s story next, possibly with Jamie? Yes, Samantha Young I’m talking to you! Haha.

Thanks to Penguin First to Read for the ARC!

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

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Synopsis: The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. As if flying back to Phoenix to bury a childhood friend wasn’t hell enough, a cloud of volcanic ash traveling from overseas delayed her flight back home to Boston. Her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip was thwarted by an arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott, who steals a first class seat out from under her. Then over the course of their journey home, their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for the steamiest layover Ava’s ever had. And that’s all it was–until Caleb shows up on her doorstep.

When pure chance pulls Ava back into Caleb’s orbit, he proposes they enjoy their physical connection while he’s stranded in Boston. Ava agrees, knowing her heart’s in no danger since a) she barely likes Caleb and b) his existence in her life is temporary. Not long thereafter Ava realizes she’s made a terrible error because as it turns out Caleb Scott isn’t quite so unlikeable after all. When his stay in Boston becomes permanent, Ava must decide whether to fight her feelings for him or give into them. But even if she does decide to risk her heart on Caleb, there is no guarantee her stubborn Scot will want to risk his heart on her….

Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating

5 Stars!!!

Release Date: September 4, 2018

Publisher: Gallery Books

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Synopsis:

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them…right?

Review:

HAZEL. Okay, at first I wasn’t sold on her, but as the story progressed I fell madly in love with her quirky spirit. And the relationship development was everything a reader could want—it helps that Josh is what dreams are made of. This is a romance book that will keep the reader completely involved, and it doesn’t even have any ridiculous or unbelievable plot points. I may have finished this book in one sitting, and I may have the biggest smile on my face after that ending + epilogue. To avoid spoilers, but still give you something to look out for, there’s this moment with a hat that just really gave me the warm heart feels! I need all of you to read this book, so you can experience this funny and warm romance.

Come Sundown by Nora Roberts

5  Stars!!

Yes! This is the Nora Roberts I know and love. Some of the more recent stuff hasn’t had me hooked, but this one did. Suspense, romance, and family. I also love how her characters and narratives have progressed with the times. Bodine is a strong independent woman that I loved reading about.

Synopsis: 

Love. Lies. Murder. A lot can happen… COME SUNDOWN

Bodine Longbow loves to rise with the dawn. As the manager of her family’s resort in Western Montana, there just aren’t enough hours in the day – for life, for work, for loved ones. She certainly doesn’t have time for love, not even in the gorgeous shape of her childhood crush Callen Skinner, all grown up and returned to the ranch. Then again, maybe Callen can change her mind, given time…

But when a young woman’s body is discovered on resort land, everything changes. Callen falls under the suspicion of a deputy sheriff with a grudge. And for Bodine’s family, the murder is a shocking reminder of an old loss. Twenty-five years ago, Bodine’s Aunt Alice vanished, never to be heard of again. Could this new tragedy be connected to Alice’s mysterious disappearance?

As events take a dramatic and deadly turn, Bodine and Callen must race to uncover the truth – before the sun sets on their future together.

 

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