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Book reviews from the week of October 4th

 



What Happened in Vegas by Mika Jolie 
(ARC: Released October 8th)
#ForcedProximity

4.5 STARS

This novella is Chelsea’s story. We first met her in Paging Dr. Hook-Up as Sage’s friend. This book is written in first person from Chelsea’s POV and can be read as a standalone.
Chelsea and Griff started out good in Vegas and then something happened that ended them before they really got started. The story of what happened that night unfolds over the course of this book. When they literally keep running into each other, the tension is high. When they get stuck in an elevator, they are able to move past Vegas into something so right.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story with hot chemistry, a strong heroine and a guy who is not nearly as grumpy as he first appears. This book is part of the Love Trapped series collaboration and it definitely makes me want to read the other books in the series.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance review copy from the author.



Single Dad Seeks Juliet by Max Monroe 
(ARC: Release Date October 13th)
#SingleDadRomance #MilitaryRomance #romanticComedy

5 STARS

This writing duo keeps getting better and better! This book is written in first person from dual POV.
Jake is a former Navy seal, hot single dad of a teenager daughter, business owner, and all-around good guy. He has a great relationship with his daughter (the kind that brings tears to your eyes and makes your ovaries explode.) He has good friends, takes care of himself, and looks after the people around him. Oh! And he has a killer sense of humor. Really, really, a perfect guy. Holley is clumsy, awkward, goofy, and yet beautiful. She is recovering from heartbreak and is cynical about everything when she meets Jake. But underneath all of that she has a good heart for others and wants the kind of love she doesn’t think will ever actually come her way.
There are a lot of laughs as Holley and Jake meet and work together on this Bachelor’s Anonymous contest for the paper. They develop a friendship quickly and the chemistry between them is undeniable. This story has a bit of a slow burn element to it, as it takes them a while to give in to the chemistry burning between them. I loved the relationship between Jake and his daughter, Chloe. I loved the relationship Holley has with her dad. The unconditional love these single dads show their daughters is priceless. I also love Jake’s relationship with his friend Garrett and Chloe’s relationship with Garrett’s daughter. The support they show each other is truly special. I also really loved the relationship Holley builds with Chloe- very sweet. There are many of the funny quotables I usually get from this author duo- the kind that I will laugh about for days. I loved this book and I look forward to whatever they come up with next. Whatever it is, I am here for it.



Hot for a Cop (Single Moms of Seattle #2) by Whitley Cox (ARC_ Release Date: October 18th)
#SingleMomRomance

5 STARS

This was my first book by this author, and I am impressed. I will definitely read more of her work. This book is written in third person from a dual POV.
Isaac is one of the good guys, who became a cop to protect and serve after his time in the Marines. I love that he is a red-haired hero. Lauren is about to be a single mom when they first meet in the middle of a storm, on a gridlocked interstate, at a critical point in Lauren’s life. I really appreciated the real life look at new motherhood through Lauren’s exhausted eyes.
The friendship they form from the beginning and the trust they place in each other leads to more very quickly. The chemistry between them is combustible. I had many moments where I laughed out loud at something the characters said or did. They have a lot of heat in the bedroom. Their friends and the support around them are entertaining and important. There are a few twists along the way; some I could almost see coming and some I definitely did not. I loved how Isaac fought for their relationship in the midst of their trial and that Lauren never stops loving him. Their HEA is awesome in part because they must overcome to get there. I experienced all of the emotions reading this story and I definitely recommend it.



My Marine Daddies by Sara Fields
#WhyChoose #DaddyRomance

3 STARS

Well edited quick novella full of heat. Some light BDSM and Daddy play. Reverse harem MFMM. The h is young and a bit of a brat. The men are retired Marines, leaving an age gap of 18 years or so between them and the girl. An easy evening read but not particularly well developed.



Next Stop: You by Danica Raimz

(ARC: Release Date October 19th)

#SingleDadRomance #NewAdultRomance

5 STARS

Lainey and Zane’s story is a ride full of emotion, heat, and heart.  It is written in first person from a dual POV. 

This is my first book by this author, and I was impressed.  The writing is quite good.  The plot moves at a good pace and the characters were well-developed.   I felt like I really got to know both Lainey and Zane.  I was able to understand their fears, their baggage, and the deep emotions they felt toward each other.  I loved their instant connection to each other.  They have that feeling of knowing each other before they really do and are drawn inexplicably to be closer.  I love the way that fate throws them together and the comfort they immediately feel with each other.  At first, I was afraid this was a love triangle, but it is not.  Lainey starts the book afraid to make some decisions to better her life, but she grows as the story progresses and really begins to take ownership of her decisions.  Zane is working his tail off trying to meet all his responsibilities and has given up on having some of his dreams.  I loved how they helped each other move forward.  They have many obstacles to overcome, but their deep feelings for each other and quality communication help them get through the challenges they face.  Their HEA is sweet and I love the support their friends show them along the way.  This was an excellent, emotional read of two characters who are meant to be together.







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