Book reviews from the week of January 31st

With a busy week in life this week, I was still able to read one book on my TBR and 2 ARCs of books releasing the week of February 7th.  

Rushing In (Bailey Brothers #4) by Claire Kingsley

#FirefighterRomance #SmallTownRomance #FriendsToLovers #ARC

5 STARS

Gavin Bailey, the youngest and wildest Bailey brother finds love with Skylar, the fire chief's daughter. I loved everything about these two. Their unusual meet cute, their adventures, how they help each other by balancing each others tendencies. I loved their friendship that becomes more. I adored seeing the rest of the Bailey's again. The pranks and the town mystery continue. Friends and family support each other. I love the way Claire writes and I adored this story. I can't wait to read what comes next. This book is written first person from a dual POV. Though Gavin and Skylar's story is a standalone, readers will benefit from reading the series in order to learn the family history and more of the town mystery, which will lead to a more complete reader experience.

My Unexpected Serenity (California Billionaires #1) 

by Harlow James

ARC: Release Date- February 7th, 2021

#BillionaireRomance #ARC

4.5 STARS

The author has delivered an intense, emotional, love story. This story is written in first person from a dual POV.
The characters are complex and well-developed. Wes is likable and down to earth for a billionaire. I could tell he was really trying to make amends for his past mistakes, and I understood his guilt and the feelings that he did not deserve a bright future. Shayla is strong, independent, and driven to achieve her goals. One of those goals is not ending up like her mother. They are both likable. I really enjoyed that they both grow through the story and that they compliment each other. They both have baggage and Wes has secrets that he holds onto a little too long. I love that the story tackles forgiveness, making amends, healing, and letting down walls. I love that they both must be vulnerable and honest with each other to make it work. There is humor, steam, and some twists that keep the story interesting. I love the secondary characters and the humor and support they add to the story. The setting of Santa Barbara is beautiful and described in a way that made me feel like I was right there. This is an excellent start to a new series.

Within Reach (Fated #1) by H.L. Packer

ARC: Release Date- February 8, 2021

#BillionaireRomance #MafiaRomance #OneNightStand #ARC

3.5 STARS The story of Andrew and Jess begins with an instant attraction and what was supposed to be a one-night stand. Things get complicated when they cannot stay away from each other. There is a ton of heat in this book, starting very early on. Andrew is a dominant alpha male in the bedroom and really in life. Underneath, he does have some vulnerabilities that he mostly hides. It was good to see him open his feelings to Jessica. Jessica is a tough woman who can keep up with Andrew. I love her friendships with her girls. I love her snark and independence. Andrew’s family has some complicated dysfunctional dynamics, while we learn very little about Jessica’s family at all. I believe this is partially because the Barrett family dynamics have a big influence on some of the other story arcs within the book. It also sets up the next book in the series. This story is not the story I expected. After reading “Home,” I expected a story more in line with romantic comedy. That is definitely not this book. There are gritty, dark undertones to the story. There are subplots of dirty business and mafia type action. There is dominant/submission play. There are times that Andrew is not easy to like. The situation he finds himself in with his family was frustrating to me. The story kept me guessing as to how it would work out. Ultimately the story ends with a solid set up for the next book in the series. I get the impression that though the next book is about a different couple, that some of the troubles that plagued Jess and Andrew might continue to be a problem later. I tend to prefer books with story lines that are a little lighter. However, I would say that this book is well-written and the characters, especially Andrew, are well developed. This book is written in first person from a dual POV.