Book reviews for the week of March 20th

 

This was a busy week for me but I was able to read one ARC and finish the audiobook I have been listening to.  I also was able to read two books from my TBR.  Growly alpha men and spunky women were the theme of my week, and it was amazing. I have completely fallen for the men of Reynold's Restoration and the women who love them.  Hayes and Begonia are incredible in audiobook form and and it was the perfect way for me to reread a new favorite while still reading other books.  My first Janice Whiteaker book was a treat.  I loved her cowboy world and I am dying to read more.  All in all I had a fantastic week of reading.  I hope you will find my reviews helpful in determining if they should be added to your TBR. Happy Reading!

Cowboy Seeking Nanny (Cowboy Classifieds #1) 

by Janice Whiteaker

#Single Dad #SingleMom #Cowboy #SmallTown 5 STARS This is book one in the Cowboy Classified series and it can be red as a standalone. It is written in third person from dual perspective and ends with a HEA. Reader friends recommended this book a while back and I finally got to read it. It was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. Brody is a wonderful hero who is strong and protective and sure of himself. He is also a soft heart who is unafraid to give Clara the space she needs to heal from her past. There are moments where he is in complete awe of Clara, and it was incredible. Clara is a fighter who has fought for every little thing she has been able to achieve. On the outside she is a quiet force. On the inside, she is a fierce storm. I really appreciated her character and understood why she fought Brody and was mistrustful. The book packs a few laughs, a lot of heat (written a little less descriptively than some but no less hot), and some wonderful characters. The kids are adorable. I also loved it as Clara and Wyatt become part of a family for the first time and their awe at how life could be. I really appreciated the feelings they had as they become part of life on the ranch, especially learning to ride horses. I could easily fall down the hole into the world this author created and binge the series. I loved that they are in KU, so that is an option. I read this straight through in one sitting and it made a very good day for me. I can't wait to read more.

Revved to the Maxx (Reynold's Restorations #1) 

by Melanie Moreland

#Workplace #GrumpyHero #AgeGap #SmallTown 5 STARS This is book one in this series. It can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Charly is a spunky, sassy, feisty, fighter of a heroine. I absolutely loved her! I love the way she thinks on her feet. Her survival/warrior instinct is inspiring. Life has not been easy on her, but she just gets on with it. I love her drive and determination to succeed and also to make Maxx's life better than he thought it could be. Maxx is grumpy, growly, and more lonely than he realizes. Charly enters his world and turns it upside down in the best way. I love how protective he is of her. He has a few moments where he isn't exactly kind as he deals with his fear of relationships. I was so happy when he got over it and accepted his feelings. There is a lot of heat between the two characters. The passion they share is pretty intense at times. Maxx just can't stay away from her, and I love how she riles him up. Charly is kind, and Maxx's world improves dramatically because of her despite his initial fears. I loved this book and had a tough time putting it down. I cannot wait to read the next one.

Breaking the Speed Limit (Reynold's Restorations #2) 

by Melanie Moreland

ARC: Release Date - 03/31/2022

#SingleMom #InstaLove #SmallTown #ARC

5 STARS

This is book two in the Reynold’s Restoration series.  Though it can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA, readers will want to read book one to learn about Maxx and Charly, who have key secondary roles in this book.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Stefano falls hard as soon as he sees Gabby for the first time.  He had recognized that he was lonely, but when he saw Gabby all the puzzle pieces locked into place.  When he discovers she is a single mom, it is only after he has already fallen for her adorable son, Theo.  Gabby is protective of her son and has been struggling to protect and provide for him, Theo is one of the most adorable five-year-old boys ever.  He is full of questions and maturity beyond his few years.  I love the relationship and love between Theo and Stefano.  I also really appreciated how all the men in the garage become uncles to the little guy. Stefano and Gabby have some serious heat between them that results in steamy times.  I especially loved the Italian words and phrases Stefano uses when talking to her. Swoon. She never stood a chance.  Stefano is super protective of Gabby, and he is all-in from the beginning.  Gabby must overcome her fears and learn that she has found a family at last before she commits.  Heat, laughs, love, and an element of danger are all included in this wonderful story with a melt-your-heart HEA.

The Last Eligible Billionaire by Pippa Grant

Narrated by Virginia Rose and Teddy Hamilton

#Billionaire #GrumpyHero #OppositesAttract #FakeRelationship #Audiobook #Reread

5 STARS

This is a new standalone by this author. This grumpy/sunshine romance is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA.

Hayes is attempting to hide from his life when he meets Begonia in an unexpected way.  There is a lot of humor in this book, as I expect from this author.  There is also a lot of heat.  Their fake relationship gets steamy and very real emotions form between them.  There are several memorable quotes in the book that I loved.  Begonia is a character that I adored for her optimism and especially her kindness.  Hayes struggles with all the feelings he develops for Begonia, but at the same time he shows her tenderness and caring in the only ways he knows how.  My favorite scenes are the scenes when they let down their walls and are vulnerable with each other.  They both have baggage, and they both learn that there are some risks worth taking to find the love and happiness they deserve.  To say I loved this book is actually a huge understatement.  This is one I can see myself rereading many times because of all the joy it generates in my soul.

Teddy and Virginia brought the characters to life.  Teddy was the perfect grumpy Hayes, and Virginia nailed the joy that is Begonia.  I loved the pacing of the narration.  They were both excellent at portraying other voices within their chapters.  The audiobook was the perfect way to enjoy this book again when I was not ready to let it go.