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Book reviews from the week of July 31st

 




Stirred Up by a Seal (Bad Boy Bakers #3) by Kait Nolan

ARC: Release Date- 08/04/2022

#Military #FriendsToLovers #SmallTown #ARC

5 STARS

Book three in the Bad Boy Bakers series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  Readers should be aware, however, that there are plot points that run across the series that may make it more enjoyable to read the series in order.  It is written in third person from dual POV.

I was so excited to get Jonah’s HEA.  Though I met Rachel in previous books, I felt like I finally got to know her in this one.  She is strong and feisty.  I love her intelligence and her perseverance and her bravery after everything she has experienced in her life.  The way she is with Jonah is really special.  I adored the friendship they share and they way they “see” each other.  Jonah is a protective guy who tends to put everyone else’s needs above his own.  Sometimes he goes too far in this, but Rachel is quick to call him out on it.  They have some serious heat that is also full of emotion and connection. 

The cameos by other characters and the friendship between the guys are special moments in the book.  The underlying threat, danger, and mystery in the series is finally wrapped up in a very satisfying way.  In addition, the bonus epilogues set up two spin-off novellas that will come this fall perfectly.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about these men who are brothers in a way only shared experience can make despite their different backgrounds.  Their heroines are strong and perfect for each of them.  I am very much looking forward to the spin-off novellas and I definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves small town romance with a touch of suspense.


Forbidden Hero (Redleg Security #2) by Jackie Walker

ARC: Release Date- 08/05/2022

#BrothersBestFriend #Bodyguard #FriendsToLovers #HealingLove #RomanticSuspense #RomanticComedy #ARC

4 STARS

This is book two in the Redleg Security series.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.  Though it can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA, readers will benefit from reading book one first to better understand both Sammy’s relationship with her brother and Sawyer’s relationship with Leo and the Redleg team. Also, there may be potential spoilers to book one in books two because of overlapping plot points.

Sawyer is a perfect hero.  He is charming and flirty despite his rough childhood.  I adore his soft heart and his confidence in his feelings when it comes to Sammy.  I also love his security with his own manhood.  He doesn’t hesitate to let Sammy dominate him in the steamy scenes because it is what she needs to move forward from her traumatic past. Honestly, I loved everything about Sawyer.  100% yummy.

Sammy has a past that included childhood abuse as well as domestic abuse with her ex-husband. Her traumatic history has shaped how she reacts to her environment, her relationships, and to her own feelings.  She gains strength over the course of the book and heals as Sawyer surrounds her with his love.

The story itself has some action and suspense.  It wouldn’t be a book by this author if it didn’t include laughs, sarcasm, snarky dialogue, and witty banter.  I especially enjoyed the scenes between the guards at Redleg and how they pick on each other.  Both MCs break the fourth wall frequently to address the reader.  Sammy’s frequent internal monologues occasionally were a little overwhelming to me, pulling me out of the story.  The steamy scenes are extremely hot.  They may be the hottest that this author has written.  At the same time, I really enjoyed the emotional connection between Sawyer and Sammy in these scenes and how much trust was an integral part of their relationship.  This was an enjoyable read and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

TW/CW: Both MC have a history of child abuse.  Heroine has a history of domestic violence which included physical, emotional, and sexual assault, which is discussed and is an important part of the book.  As a romantic suspense, there are a few moments of violence, including gun violence, related to the plot.



Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

ARC: Release Date- 08/09/2022

#Royal #OppositesAttract #ForcedProximity #SlowBurn #GrupmyHero #RomanticComedy #ARC

5 STARS

This new standalone is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA. It is HOT, HOT, HOT.  It has a little kink, some laughs, and a wonderful story where both characters end in a future they never expected.  The book takes both from completely unprepared for their eventual future to finally ready.

Lilly was a joy to read.  She is sarcastic and funny and doesn’t hesitate to do everything she can to get under Keller’s skin.  Keller is buttoned up tight, drowning in duty and the expectations of limits that are not actually real.  I love how she gets him to loosen up and how he draws a more serious side out of her.  Keller has an emotional depth that unfolds as the story progresses and completely endeared him to me.  They are good for each other.  As Lilly decides whether she can take on the responsibility of becoming the future queen and Keller contemplates what it means for him to have deep feelings for her if she is in that role, their romance is not always smooth sailing.  They are seriously HOT when they finally give into the physical attraction that burns between them.  I also love the poetic side of the story.  It was super romantic, and I certainly swooned a time or two.  This one is going down as one of my top books by this author and I recommend it for anyone who wants a steamy, royal romance with a strong heroine and a hero who will make you break out a fan.


An Unexpected Turn by Stephanie Rose

ARC: Release Date- 08/12/2022

#AgeGap #Forbidden #SingleDad #SmallTown #ARC

5 STARS

Jake and Peyton’s book is a standalone and ends with a very happy ending.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Jake (46) is surprised when he meets his son, Mike’s (14) guidance counselor and discovers that the beautiful woman (32) is his best friend’s niece.  I loved the instant sizzle between them.  Though Peyton was moving on from a difficult time when she moves to her uncle’s small town, she always appreciates Jake.  She finds him very attractive both physically and personally as she gets to know him as the man and father he has become.  He has a huge heart and is helping his son navigate a world that has completely changed.  Though they try to avoid falling for each other because of the complications of her job and friend/family relationships, their love is an unstoppable force.

The heat between the two of them is intense.  I also really appreciated how they communicate with each other and how friendship quickly morphs into much deeper feelings.  There are some hot and steamy times, some very romantic and swoon-worthy moments, and times filled with heart-warming emotion.  I loved both characters and I adored how their love was inevitable while being unexpected.  I am honestly all in my feels after finishing this one.  I seriously wish I could give it more stars.  This author just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see what comes next.


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