Book reviews for the week of May 15th

This has been an interesting week for me.  I have been traveling, and while I am visiting my dad in West Virginia I am working off of satellite internet.  It is SLOW.  Also, when visiting family, I find I don't read nearly as much as I do at home. (Understandably.) I have several ARCs to read though, so I am doing my best to get them read and reviewed by release.  This week I read two ARCs and they both released this week.  

Julia Connors is a debut author with a lot of promise.  Her book was interesting and well-written.  I really enjoyed the world of competitive skiing and the characters she developed. See my review below.  If it sounds like something you would also like, give her a try.  Her book is in Kindle Unlimited.  I love to help support new authors and I recommend you give her a try.  

My second ARC is by one of my one-click favorites.  Kathryn is an amazing writer and a beautiful person.  When you read her books you get a peek into her generous and loving heart. Readers will find her appreciation for and belief in community activism as well as a strong belief in all forms of love when you read her work.  She always inspires me.  As an added benefit she writes some seriously hot scenes that I always appreciate.  Daria and Theo are worth a reread- it is that good. Don't miss her new book, which released today and is available in Kindle Unlimited.

On the Edge by Julia Connors

ARC: Release Date- 05/18/2022

#SecondChance #Sports #Debut #SlowBurn #ARC

5 STARS

This debut novel is a well-written look at what this new author has to offer.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA.

Jackson and Nate get a second chance at love when he arrives on the men’s ski team.  They are forced to face the heartbreak that ended their relationship the first time.  They still have sizzling chemistry and deep feeling for each other.  Jackson must let down her walls.  They both must communicate about the past and the present to get to their HEA.

Nate was a hero who would do whatever it takes to get his girl back.  Once readers know his side of the story, they cannot help but fall in love with him.  He is 100% Jackson.  All-in.  Forever.  I love that swoony-ness.  This was a good look at how important communication is in a relationship and how devastating secrets can be.  Jackson must give Nate a chance to tell her what happened five years ago before they can move past it.  That takes a while.  I would say this is a bit of a slow burn.  Though there are some steamy fantasy scenes, the couple doesn’t get physical until the fourth quarter of the book.  Their HEA is sweet, and the grand gesture was romantic. 

I thought the book itself was well-written and very well-edited, which is nice to see in a debut book.   I found the characters likable, the plot and ski racing details interesting, and the pace just right.  Jackson’s girl friends are introduced, and the scene is set for them to get their happily ever afters in future books.  I adore the friendship and support they offer Jackson, and I am looking forward to getting to know them better.  This was a very good steamy romance and probably my first skiing book.  I am looking forward to the next read by this author.  I can’t wait to see where she goes.

Rival Radio by Kathryn Nolan

ARC: Release Date- 05/20/2022

#OppositesAttract #Workplace #ARC

5 STARS

This steamy stand-alone romance is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. 

Theo and Daria are each the host of their own radio shows on the independent radio station K-SUN in Sunrise Beach.  The vibrant beach community is a character in itself: it is a quirky, vividly described place.  The secondary characters are fun, unique, and all around interesting.

I love the banter between Theo and Daria.  They are opposed to nearly everything about each other in the beginning.  Meanwhile they each don’t realize they are fighting the inevitable attraction between them.  I loved reading as they actually get to know each other and realize that they have more in common than they would have thought.  I adored the spicy hot scenes they share as they give in to their sizzling chemistry.  (Break out a fan, folks.) The book contains messages about living your best life, believing in yourself, being authentic to who you are, and that love comes in many, many forms.  The trick about love is accepting which versions are right for you.  I loved the Sunrise Beach community and the way the radio station is at the heart of community activism and a huge part of holding the community together.

This author always seems to write stories that are much deeper than the surface words of the book.  This is one to reread.  I cannot recommend it enough.