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Book reviews for the week of June 5th

 





I was dedicated to getting caught up this week.  I read 5 ARCs that all released this week, getting my reviews finished just under the wire.  There were three enemies-to-lovers books this week.  It was just how it worked out.  The banter and sparks from each of the couples were truly enjoyable to read.  There was wit, laugh-out-loud moments, and lots of hot times in these new releases.  I got something from each and every happily-ever-after.  I hope my reviews help you to determine which one you might like to read next as well. 

May your TBR be ever growing and your week of reading filled with love and happy endings.


The Dealmaker (Sex & Bonds #1) by Jessica Peterson

ARC: Release Date- 06/07/2022

#EnemiesToLovers #Workplace #ARC

5 STARS

Book one of an all-new series is set in the world of stock and bond trading in Charlotte, NC.   It is written in first person from a dual POV and ends with a HEA.

It is obvious to me that the author either knows or has researched the bond trading market.  Honestly, there are things that go over my head.  At the same time, I appreciate the tension and excitement those details bring to the story.  I could feel the stress and the competitive nature of the trading floor.  I loved Nora’s POV of being a successful woman in a profession dominated by men. I adored the way she uses her success to mentor other women and the way she is genuine and authentic in her friendship t others.

Theo initially comes across as kind of a douche.  Once Nora and the reader learns more about him, and sees his true self, it is impossible not to fall in love with him.  He is protective, giving, dominant, and kind.  I absolutely loved the way he cares for Nora and the way he makes her feel so cherished.

This author always does an amazing job with the steamy moments, and this book does not disappoint.  (Talk about hot? Whew!) I adore their competitiveness and the banter between them. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I loved getting to know some of the secondary characters that will have starring roles in the future.  This is a great start to a series set in a world that is foreign and exciting to me.  I can’t wait to read more of it.


Mr. Notting Hill (The Misters #6) by Louise Bay

ARC: Release Date-06/07/2022

#MarriageOfConvenience #FakeRelationship #ARC

5 STARS

Book six of the Mister series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  It is written in first person from a dual POV.

I loved Tristan and Parker from their accidental meeting to their HEA.  I adored how protective and swoony Tristan is of/with Parker.  Parker is a force of kindness that is unparalleled.  I loved the witty banter between them, and their steamy moments do not disappoint.  I really appreciated their mature take on their relationship and that it was not a big game play. 

This was a fun and steamy read that I really enjoyed.  I really need to go back and read the Misters that I missed the first time around.



So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn

ARC: Release Date- 06/07/2022

#EnemiestoLovers #Workplace #ForcedProximity #ARC

3.5 STARS

I haven’t read Lottie and Huxley’s book yet, so I went into this one knowing nothing about JP or Kelsey.  Their story stands alone well and ends with a HEA.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

JP is a good guy with a soft heart, but he disguises it with sarcasm and banter.  Kelsey is riddled with insecurities, that at times really get on my nerves.  Once JP realizes what his feelings mean, he is all in.  Kelsey takes a long time to look past the exterior show JP puts on to see his true self.  Neither one does a good job communicating in the beginning.  By the end, they are slightly better. There are several laugh/snort out loud moments.  There are few cringe-worthy moments.  There is a lot of heat, even though the couple do not go all the way until after the 70% mark.  There are hot moments leading up to that culmination.

I enjoyed seeing couples from other books in the excerpts from Kelsey’s podcast.  I appreciated her romanticism.  I loved JP’s dedication to proving he could be the man that Kelsey needed. I did not love Kelsey. Her failure to communicate or see how great JP was annoying.  Her insecurities were too much, and I expected her to handle them with more maturity than she did.   JP’s communication skills were also lacking.  I had a hard time believing that two people who were so in their own heads could ever make a real HEA. The book itself is well written, if a little long.  It felt like it should have been less drawn out and the pace seemed to drag at times.  At the same time, I felt like some of the secondary relationships weren’t explored as fully as they could have been.  I liked it, but I didn’t love it.



Killer Smile (Assassins in Love #3) by Tawna Fenske

ARC: Release Date- 06/09/2022

#BestFriendsSibling #Antihero #EnemiesToLovers #SmallTown #ARC

5 STARS

This is book three in the series and tells Sebastian and Nicole’s story.  It is written in third person from a dual POV.  The epilogue also delivers a HEA for the ages.

Sebastian and his lethal charm initially only aggravate Nicole. I loved how she likes him more once she sees him as a real person and recognizes that they are more alike than she would have guessed.  I love how soft his heart is for Nicole under his burly exterior.  Maybe it was because she challenged him, or maybe it was because he somehow recognized his other half in her.  He never stood a chance at avoiding falling in love with the magnificence that is Nicole.  She is as tough as nails under her sweet exterior.  I really enjoyed getting to know her better in this book.  I have nothing but admiration and respect for her character.

Book three offers plenty of steam, some laughs, and answers to all the questions readers might have after beginning this series.  I love how she calls him Minty Fresh.  Their banter is so funny and sarcastic, it was so fun to read.  I adore the confidence and respect they gain for each other along the way.  I adore Sebastian’s relationship with his grandma, and her character is super cool.  I really love the friendship between the guys.  At the center of this book is family and loving those around you who love and support you.  Seriously, seriously, this was a swoon worthy series, and this book offers the perfect happily-ever-after for an ending.  I have loved everything I have read by this author, but this series is going to hold a very special place in my heart.



Crossing Borders (Blackbridge Security #10) 

by Marie James

ARC: Release Date- 06/09/2022

#Rockstar #Bodyguard #MMRomance #ARC

5 STARS

Book ten in the BBS series of interconnected books can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

I have been waiting for Brooks’ story.  He has been the flirt, the player, the fake boyfriend to the stars, and the bodyguard everyone wants.  I loved him in Kit’s book, and I was excited to finally get his story.  This book begins with Brooks taking a new case to guard and assist British rock star Archer Bremen.  What makes this fun, is that there are events in this book that are mentioned in other books of the series, and now the reader gets the full story.  (For instance, how Brooks ended up with a dog bite on his behind.) Brooks is so much fun to read as he learns things about himself and falls madly in love with Archer over many months. I adore Brooks. He is one swoony hero.

Archer starts off the book in a bad place.  His world has just imploded.  He is self-centered and egotistical.  I loved how his character grows and evolves over the course of the book.  I really appreciated how much he enjoys just being with Brooks and absorbing his care and protection.  I love how after much resistance; he looks inward and begins to become the self he has been afraid to embrace.

This is a steamy read with funny moments and lots of emotion.  The attraction between Brooks and Archer leaps off the page.  I adore the relationship they developed.  This one was worth waiting for.


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