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Book reviews from the week of August 14th

 


Happy weekend!  I am home from my travels and recovering from a severe allergy burst.  I finished two ARCs and a new release this week. I am thrilled that they were all incredibly good reads.  Piper Rayne and Pippa Grant gave me ARCs that delivered feel-good, small town romantic yumminess. J.T. Geissinger's new release was an erotic thriller that completely blew me away.  Three delicious books.   I am working at the JOB this weekend, so I wish everyone a happy weekend and week full of the books that feed your soul.


My Fake Fiancé (Greene Family #8) by Piper Rayne

ARC: Release Date- 08/23/2022

#SmallTown #FakeRelationship #FriendsToLovers #CurvyGirl #ARC

5 STARS

Mandi and Noah find love and their HEA in book #8 of the Greene Family. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.  It can be read as a standalone, but readers will find enjoyment reading the series as they get to know the Greene family and their history leading up to this point.

The book begins in the present, then flashes back through a series of moments over the past three years so readers can see how Mandi and Noah became friends and then became engaged.  When it picks back up in the present, things really get interesting.  I love the fake relationship/marriage of convenience trope, and this was very well done.

I love the friendship between Noah and Mandi.  I love the heat and passion they share.  I adore Mandi’s confidence and how much Noah loves her and everything about her.  They have some moments on the way to the altar.  Family members and crazy grandma’s weigh in with their opinions.  This was a thoroughly enjoyable read that was exactly what I needed.


Rich in Your Love (Tickled Pink #2) by Pippa Grant

ARC: Release Date- 12/13/2022

#Celebrity #Fling #RomanticComedy #SmallTown #OppositesAttract #FriendsToLovers #ARC

5 STARS

Tavi and Dylan fall in love in book two set in Tickled Pink, Wisconsin.  Their story is told in first person from an alternating dual POV.

I was looking forward to Tavi’s story so much after reading book one.  It does not disappoint.  There is so much more to Tavi than the persona the public sees in her life as an influencer.  I adore that she is curvy, funny, and driven.  I love that her sweet exterior holds a lion.  Dylan is a good guy who must come to terms with a future that is different from what he thought it was going to be.  I love that he gets to know Tavi and sees the real her under the facade.   I really enjoyed his attraction to her and how he tries to fight it.

They form a friendship that quickly becomes a fling.  I love when it becomes more than that and they find their forever.  I really enjoyed how they shared an understanding of being able to overcome past mistakes to become the people they want to be in the world.  They both have beautiful souls and are perfect for each other.

Tickled Pink provides a quirky small-town backdrop for the comedy, and the family dynamics are a lot of fun as they really learn more about each other.  This was a light-hearted and fun rom-com that I really enjoyed.



Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger

#Paranormal #ContemporaryRomance #Thriller

5 STARS

This is only my second book by this author and it is very different from the first one I read. I loved both of them. The author lists this book as an erotic thriller with a non-traditional HEA and I can't disagree with that description. There are several trigger warnings for this book on the author's website. I highly recommend that sensitive readers reviews these prior to making a decision on whether this book may or may not be for them. I am going to do my very best to write this review without giving away the plot twists or any spoilers.

I read the blurb for this book a while ago and I was intrigued. Dark romance is not usually my jam, but I do enjoy one every now and then to offset my love of romcoms. This book delivered a beautifully written story with twists, turns, and surprises. It is full of five alarm heat with explicit scenes that include light BDSM, role-play, and kink. I went in blind and had several theories about the truths buried in the mystery of the story as I went. I can tell you I really couldn't put this down. When I had to, I couldn't stop thinking about it. After I finished it several hours ago, I still can't think of anything else but this book. What makes a five star read? For me, it completely captures me. I want to read it again. I can't stop thinking about it when I am done. Some books manage this in a mild way while others, like this one, completely blow me away.

Kayla has a unique story. Is it a romance? I believe the answer is yes. If this story was told in a completely chronological manner, it would be hard to doubt this. Her relationship with the hero is full of love, understanding, friendship, and undeniably hot passion. The hero is everything! I loved him so, so much. I don't even have the words. Kayla is a character who grows over the course of their romance. She finds her true self in him and their relationship.

With nods to Dante's "The Divine Comedy" and Greek mythology, the story is told from mostly Kayla's first person POV with a couple of other POV's included at various points. I loved how the author intricately weaves the mystery into this story. From a story-telling perspective, this is masterfully told. If it was told in a traditional way, it would not be as completely captivating. This is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time without knowing what is coming next. I have no doubt though that I will be rereading this one. If you like an erotic read full of mystery and dark moments, you want this book.




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