Book reviews from the week of November 21st

 

I spent this entire week sick with a nasty cold.  On Monday, I slept nearly all day and read nothing.  I cannot tell you the last time I had a day without reading something.  Thankfully, I am on the mend now.  Between naps and tissues, I was able to read two ARCs, one book from my TBR, two of the three holiday novellas I need to read for book club next week, and one erotic and funny short story.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I wish you all a safe and healthy week as we head into the full swing of holiday madness.

Keeping You (Chikalu Falls #2) by Lena Hendrix

#SmallTown 

5 STARS

This is book two in the interconnected Chikalu Falls series but it can be read as a standalone. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

I loved that Honey is outgoing and pursuing her new dream. She is starting over again and determined to succeed. Colin is a dream with the voice to melt panties and a heart full of survivor's guilt. I really appreciated how his guilt was handled within the story. I love how hard and fast he falls for Honey and they way he woos her. They have both had times requiring fresh starts and that builds an understanding between them. These two are not the best at communications and much grief could have been avoided with a little direct discussion. At times, this was frustrating. I loved the heat between them. They have banter, sass, and the friendships. The small town is adorable and I love the Chikalu Chatter. This was an enjoyable read and an excellent addition to the Chikalu Falls series.

Protecting You (Chikalu Falls #3) by Lena Hendrix

ARC: Release Date 12/1/2021

#SecondChance #EnemiesToLovers #SingleMom #GrumpyHero #SmallTown #FirstResponder #ARC

5 STARS

Book three in the Chikalu falls series can be read as a standalone and is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Cole Decker and Maggie O’Brien grew up as friends. Years and circumstances came between them and lead to animosity and hard feelings. Meanwhile, Maggie has been raising her daughter alone for the past 15 years. I love the relationship her daughter, Charlotte, has formed with Cole despite the distance between him and Maggie. I love Maggie and her perseverance to succeed for herself and her daughter against the odds. Cole melted me. He has all these bottled-up feelings that burst out at the most inconvenient times. When he and Maggie give in to their magnetic attraction to each other it is enough to steam up a kindle. As their story progresses, they have to learn to communicate with each other in order to get their HEA.  I laughed, swooned, and shed a tear as I read this excellent small-town romance.

Knocked Up by the Rock Star (Mile High Rocked #2) 

by Christina Hovland

ARC: Release Date- 12/10/2021

#EnemiesToLovers #RockstarRomance #SurprisePregnancy #ARC

5 STARS

This is book two in the Mile High Rocked series, but it can be read as a standalone.  It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.

I am so excited to get Courtney and Bax’s story.  I fell hard for Bax in book one as the band member full of heart and emotion. In this book, which overlaps lightly with the events of book one, we see how Courtney and Bax end up in the situation where she is having his baby. There are so many things to love about this story. I love how Bax is all-in, even before he knows why really. I love Courtney’s shock and thoughts that go through her head. Bax is pretty clueless at times, which often leads to humor and sometimes leads to hurt.  That said, I really appreciated their commitment to co-parent effectively from the get-go regardless of their personal relationship.  They are able to work out ways of communication that work for them as they build trust and become more than coparents.  I love that the low moments are brief and the high moments stand above the rest. 

This book builds the relationships among the band members more also.  I love that we learn a little more about Mach and Tanner.  I really adore getting to know Knox better.  I seriously cannot wait for his book. Gah!!!!  I love the brotherhood among the band. But more, I love the family and extended family they create around them. I adored Linx, but I absolutely love Bax.  If you are looking for your next rock star romance, this is it

The Naughty, The Nice, and The Nanny 

(Holiday Brothers #1) by Willa Nash

#Holiday #SingleDad #Workplace #Billionaire

5 STARS

The first book in the Holiday Brothers series, this book can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. Nanny Natalie reconnects with Maddox when she is hired for a one-week assignment as his daughter’s nanny while he is home for Christmas. Their story is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. 

This was a heartwarming read as both characters figure out what they need for happiness in their lives. I adore that they help each other realize what that is. There is chemistry and heat between them as they spend time around each other. I loved the relationship that Natalie quickly forms with Violet, the things they share to a degree, and that Natalie is there to help the little girl and the father as they are learning balance and communication. I adore how Natalie fits into Maddox’s family and that when they know, they know. Humor, heat, and a wonderful HEA made this a quick and perfect read for the holiday season.

Three Bells, Two Bows, and One Brother's Best Friend 

(Holiday Brothers #2) by Willa Nash

#Holiday #BrothersBestFriend #FriendsToLovers #Workplace

5 STARS

Heath and Stella have known each other practically their whole lives. Stella has crushed on Heath forever. Heath has crushed on Stella for a while too, but she has been off limits. This is the holiday season where they both decide to take the risk and give into their attraction and the feelings that they have for each other.  They fall fast and hard once they begin to spend more time together in the work environment. The heat between them is intense and I love how well they know each other. I really enjoyed this quick holiday read. The second book in the Holiday Brothers series, this can be read as a standalone. It overlaps timelines slightly with book one and is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Back for Seconds: A Reverse Harem Feast 

by J.L. Logosz & Vera Valentine

#ReverseHarem #Erotica

3.5 STARS

This is a laugh out loud short written in second person from the heroine's POV. This reverse harem story is based on the premise that a wish brings the leftovers alive in human form to meet the heroine's needs after a large Thanksgiving family dinner. There is irony, puns, and certainly laughs in this erotic short. It was a quick, steamy, funny read without an actual HEA, but I thought it was creative and clever. The one thing that could have made it better, in my opinion, within its length, would have been to have written it in first person instead of second. As a POV I rarely read, it felt awkward and weird. Overall, I admire the creativity involved in this story. It made me laugh.