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Book reviews from the week of December 26th

 


I only read three books this week, but they were all 5 star reads so I cannot complain.  I finished an ARC of Kate Canterbary's new release.  Wow! What a read! I have been waiting for Stremmel's story for a while and I was not disappointed.  I also was able to read two books from my TBR.  Nadia Lee's book has been on there since it released.  The heroine, Becca, has a special condition that I have only read about before when it was used as a punchline to a joke.  This book brought to light how difficult that condition could be for the person experiencing it and I adored Becca and her resilience.  Finally I was able to read Melanie Harlow's newest book.  When I saw firefighter, single dad, age gap, I knew I had to read it.  I loved the relationship Dex and Winnie build and his girls were adorable.

This has been a weird year in real life, but a good year reading.  I will be posting a recap/best of blog post soon.  As we start a new year, I only hope that we continue to enjoy reading the work of so many talented authors, find new authors to read and love, and add a little romance into our personal lives along the way. Happy reading!

The Worst Guy (Vital Signs #2) by Kate Canterbary

ARC: Release Date- 12/28/2021

#GrumpyHero #EnemiesToLovers #Workplace #ForcedProximity #ARC

5 STARS

Sebastian Stremmel is a grumpy guy. He caught my attention in previous books, and I was really excited for him to get his HEA.  His love story with Sara is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

The chemistry and banter between these two characters is intense.  They are almost opposites-attract yet at times they are way too alike to say that.  I love Sara’s fierce personality and I also understood that she has to fight to keep the fierce in place.  Stremmel is all hard edges that cover (gasp) a soft gooey center.  Their attraction to each other is undeniable.  There are many hot scenes between the two when anger burns into something hotter.  There is humor in the banter they share and the arguments they have.  There are also some spectacular tender moments where they let down their guards and are vulnerable with each other.  It was these moments that I completely fell for the characters, and they fell for each other. They are both complex with a ton of baggage. It takes a lot for them to overcome the noise and allow themselves to see the messiness inside each other.  What I love is that they both accept each other’s messes, and it bonds them tightly together.

This is a one-click author for me, and I am never disappointed. Hot but emotional stories about complex and deep characters are her hallmark.  This book is another win, and it made my week to read it.



Oops! I Married A Rockstar by Nadia Lee

#Rockstar #AccidentalMarriage #BrothersBestFriend #OneNightStand

5 STARS

This has been on my TBR since it was released and I am so glad I finally got to read it. Devlin and Becca's story is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.  This is the story of a rock star, a special heroine, an incredible one night stand, and an accidental marriage that lead to forever love.

Devlin is a playboy with zero plans to settle down until he ends up accidentally married to Becca.  He doesn't realize at first that all of the feelings he has for Becca are really love, and that was fun to read.  Becca is a girl with a plan and a condition that makes that plan difficult to implement.  She falls hard and fast for Devlin.  I love the way he treats her and the way he makes her feel.  I really liked the way the author allows the reader to experience Becca's condition first hand.  I cannot imagine how difficult things are for her at times.  Devlin turns out to be a sweetie who just needed the right girl for him to settle down and be all in.  

There is humor and some very hot heat in this book as they find an incredible HEA.  This is one of my favorites from this author.


Ignite (Cloverleigh Farms #6) by Melanie Harlow

#SingleDad #AgeGap #Firefighter #SmallTown #GrumpyHero #GrumpySunshine

5 STARS

This is the beginning of a next generation Cloverleigh Farms series. I own but have not yet read the original series, but this book works fine as a standalone. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Dex is determined to keep his belief that happily ever after does not exist and has resigned himself to being alone. Winnie is literally the girl next door who is full of optimism and wisdom beyond her years. I adore her unfailing belief in true love and forevers. Dex has two little girls who will melt any reader's heart. They are adorable! This book has lots of heat, an age-gap, an embarrassing grand gesture and a super-sweet HEA. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read with laughter and romantic moments along with a few tears. I love that Winnie stands firm in her beliefs of love and I love it when Dex overcomes his fears to love her the way she deserves. I ended up reading this book over three days, which is unusual for me, but only because life got in the way. If you like a single dad romance with a younger woman, you will not want to miss this one.

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