Book reviews from the week of May 30th

 

There are some weeks that things happen that make it more difficult to read and to enjoy books. I was able to read two ARCs, which were both very good and one new-to-me author this week.  Reviews for all three books are below.

  

Many of us in the romance book world were rocked this week when author Claire Kingsley lost her husband, David, very suddenly.  I cannot imagine her pain as she learns to live in a world where her husband, who was very involved with the romance community, loved her with an intensity that no one could ever question.  My thoughts and prayers have been with her and her children this week.  If you have not read her work, then you absolutely should.  She writes complex characters with family dynamics and small towns that feel very real to life. I have loved every one of them.

Her books are available in Kindle Unlimited.  Check out her Amazon page here:

https://bookloverjudylynn.blogspot.com/2021/06/book-reviews-from-week-of-may-30th.html

Back To Us (Dare With Me #4) by J.H. Croix

ARC: Release Date- 6/8/2021

#BrothersBestFriend #SmallTown #SecondChance #ARC

4 STARS

Second try for the win.

I loved meeting Nora and Gabriel in previous books of this series.  I knew their story would come because they spent so much time dancing around each other.  I loved that they both had similar baggage that required becoming open with each other and developing trust to move forward.  I love that their feelings are deeper, and their connection is stronger than either of them realize.  There is plenty of physical chemistry and heat between the two characters, leading to some steamy scenes.  I especially love their HEA, when they have the relationship things figured out and get ot love in their HEA.  Their story is written in first person from a dual POV.

The Virgin Game Plan (Rules of Love #2) 

by Lauren Blakely                            

ARC: Release Date- 6/9/2021

#SportsRomance #SecondChance #ARC

5 STARS

Reese and Holden first meet and the attraction, both physically and more, is instant and intense.  They get frisky, but do not get to go all the way before they are interrupted.  Two years later, they get a second chance that comes with its own complications. Their story is told in first person from a dual POV.

I really adored the emotional connection these two characters feel from the very beginning.  I love that they respect each other’s dreams and goals.  I adore that they can talk to each other without reservation.  I love the chemistry and heat between them throughout the book.  When they finally get together, their first time is so incredibly well written.  I love the hope, the heat, the small amount of fear, and the intense respect of their connection that has always been more than physical.  Holden and Reese are both wonderful, likable characters who are goal-oriented and honest.  Their story is sweet and heart-warming while still packing the heat.  I really enjoyed this baseball romance, and I am looking forward to the next books in the series.

Do Donuts: Romance: Farrah(Born To Fight Task Force)

by Jessika Klide

#LoveTriangle #MilitaryRomance #WorkplaceRomance

4 STARS

This was a quick read that I very much enjoyed after I grabbed it as a free book on sale.   It was my first book by this author and I want to read more.  It was written in first person from Farrah's POV.

Farrah is a new college graduate with a personality that looks for fun.  Justin is a former Navy seal who owns the donut shop. They are both likable and interesting characters.  I really enjoyed the story as Farrah texts with one man, while falling for her new boss.  The texts were fun, sexy, and filled with innuendo.  I loved that Farrah is not sure who she is texting with until the end.  And I love the way the story comes together.  This has a s little bit of a Nora Ephron vibe that I very much enjoyed.  I look forward to reading more by this author.