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Book reviews from the week of January 22nd

 


Happy weekend!  I had an eclectic and amazing week reading.  I participate in a few reading challenges each month and this year one of them started with a Bingo card.  Silly me, I decided about half way through the month to go for a full card cover up.  I had a brilliant idea.  Why not meet the challenge reading novellas by some of the authors I am planning to read for upcoming book signings?  I made a plan, selected some books to meet the requirements, and I think I might just make it.

I read two ARCs. one new release, two books from my TBR, one historical romance, four novellas, and a novella reread of one of my favorites.  One of those was a new-to-me author.  The downside of finding more authors I like though is if they have a lot of books in their backlist.  As it is, I will need to live to be 300 to get through my TBR.  Anyone know a vampire to grant me immortality?

Novellas can be challenging.  The author has to build a world, a plot, characters and a HEA in under 50,000 words.  As a reader, I know to expect a fast story, usually with some insta-love and some smexy times with a low-angst HEA.  There are times, especially after reading a longer or an angsty book, that it is the perfect way to reset.  I am typically a mood reader.  Sometimes I need a fated mates book to cleanse the palette.

This week I had a variety of books.  I hope you find some that you would like to add to your TBR.  Most of all, I wish everyone a week full of excellent books that steal their sleep.  Happy reading!



The Imperfect Proposal (English Gents #4) by Annie Dyer

ARC: Release Date- 01/26/2023

#SecondChance #FamilySeries #Married #ARC

4 STARS

Book four in this series finally gives readers Shay Green’s HEA. This book can be read as a standalone.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

I have waited for Shay’s story.  In other books, as a secondary character, readers learn that he is quite the playboy who is unwilling to have a real relationship.  He does hook-ups but nothing with emotions attached.  Then we learn that ten years ago he was married in a Las Vegas wedding only to be left by his bride the next morning.  Thea broke Shay’s heart.  In this book, we learn that she also broke her own.  Thea had sent Shay postcards every few months during her ten-year absence.  She had also written letters that she never mailed.  These letters are gradually revealed to the reader, and eventually also to Shay.  Over the course of the book, readers learn more about Thea and Shay, and why they each made the decisions they did. 

When they are reunited, working as doctors in the same hospital department, they still have chemistry.  They have a mutual professional respect and admiration for each other.  And they have a ton of hurts that have festered and been left unresolved.  Neither one of them has been faithful to their vows ten years ago.  They need to decide if they want to divorce, pick up where they left off, or start over.  Can the deep pains they have be healed? 

There are certainly steamy moments between them.  Chemistry is not an issue. This book is packed full of deep emotion.  Their pain is palpable. They both recognize that they still have feelings for each other but neither one is sure if that will be enough.  This was a tough book for me on a few levels.  Second chance romance is probably my least favorite trope.  Having a couple remain married while sleeping with other people, even though they were not together, is also hard for me to accept.  I think the author does an admirable job helping the reader understand the characters’ motivations and feelings.  For me, though…I couldn’t really find their actions relatable.  They have a will-they-or-won’t-they push-pull through most of the book. I did enjoy the cameos from the Callaghan and Green families.  I loved it when Shay and Thea finally figured things out and have their happy ending. Maybe Thea is perfect for Shay.  I just always wanted more for him.  The amount of hurt seemed insurmountable to me, so kudos to the author for pulling together their HEA.


No Coming back (Cowboys of Moss Creek #6) 

by Janice Whiteaker

ARC: Release Date- 01/30/2023

#Cowboy #CinnamonRollHero #SmallTown #OneNightStand #HealingLove #ARC

5 STARS

Book six in the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.

Troy won me over in a big way.  He is a flirt who is looking forever.  He has insecurities and a little bit of an abandonment issue.  He is charming, kind, hot, strong, and absolutely a perfect hero.  Amelie is in Montana to start over after the life she built in NYC imploded.  Who better to help her cleanse her palate than the hot cowboy she meets in a bar.  And boy does he ever burn away her past with their hot one-night stand. Both are shocked when they meet again at her grandmother’s house just a short time later.

Her grandma and all of the older ladies in this book are a riot.  The small town of Moss Creek is a special place full of people unlike any Troy or Amelie have known before.  Circumstances keep Troy and Amelie in close proximity and their chemistry cannot be contained.  Amelie can’t believe Troy is real: he is too good to be true.  But once they both share their insecurities, they realize they have more in common than they expected.  Heat, romance, friendship, and some funny moments make up this story.  Troy and Amelie accept and heal each other’s hurts from the past and find their happy ending.  I love it when a couple helps each other grow and heal. More emotional than I expected, this book was a real treat to read.


My Big Fat Fabulous Fling (Sexton Sisters #2) 
by Lyndsey Gallagher

#EnemiesToLovers #Fling #SecretRomance

5 STARS

Book two of the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Readers may find the most enjoyment from reading this series in order due to the interconnected stories and overlapping characters.

Chloe and Jayden are both a little broken. They have baggage related to grief and abandonment. Neither one wants a real relationship, but the chemistry and tension between them leads them to agree to a fling. They are super hot together. Jayden has the most deliciously dirty-talking mouth. Chloe finds she can be more of herself with Jayden than she is with anyone else. They build a trust in each other that leads them to experience emotionally connected, very hot, times in their physical relationship. Chloe is a fierce heroine. She is put together, strong, determined, and motivated. I really appreciated getting to know her and why she ran away to carve her own path. Jayden is just a fierce in his professional life. I really enjoyed getting to know him in this book, after having only a small bit of him in book one. I loved learning to understand why he so driven and what motivates him to be cutthroat sometimes. I loved reading as he falls hard for Chloe, especially since it was the last thing he ever expected to do. His tenderness toward he was unexpected and beautiful to read.

This author does a fabulous job of writing a story with many layers that fit perfectly to deliver a story that is deeper than many. There is a lot going on in this book besides the fling that affects everyone involved. Even with all the moving parts, the story is cohesive and well-paced. I love the complexity of the characters and how their lives are intertwined. This was an excellent read and I certainly recommend it.


The Lass Who Lost A Shoe (Highlander Ever After #1) 
by Caroline Lee

#FairyTaleRetelling #HistoricalRomance

4 STARS

This enjoyable twist on Cinderella is written in third person from multiple POV and ends with a HEA.

Set in the Victorian era in the Scottish Highlands, this was a fun romp of a read. The author doesn't pretend historical accuracy and readers must take things at face value of the fairy tale. Some of the more interesting points that differ from the original tale are that the readers get some of the godmothers' (a group this time instead of only one) POV, Max is not a prince, and Ember's step-sisters are not entirely evil.

I love Ember's determination to achieve her dream of making it on her own. I love that Max has pulled himself up to make himself into a man with a future despite rough circumstances. I love that Vanessa and Bonnie are set up to achieve their own fairy tales. I need to come back and read their books. I love that there is little heat and some fun times for Max and Ember despite the era.

Truly this was a fun escape of a read. I will be coming back to this series.


The List (The List #1) by Tawna Fenske

#NerdyHero #Fling #Erotica

4.5 STARS

The first book of this series is a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Cassie and Simon have an awkward meet-cute followed by a scorching fling as they experiment to check off the ten items on Cassie's list. Detailed scenes of their adventure are fun to read and melt-your-kindle hot. There are also several truly funny moments that made me laugh out loud. I love that both MCs are nerdy and uber-smart. I adore that their individual intelligence is a turn on for the other as much as their physical attraction. I really liked the friendship they form and the comfort level they build so quickly.

They are both so opposed to a real relationship in the beginning, it was really fun to read them develop actual feelings for each other. They both have some insecurities and some baggage. They both have vulnerable moments, especially as it relates to family relationships. This was a fun, quick, steamy read that delivered characters and a story that wonderful to read in a book that is not that long. I can't wait to read the next one.


Mr. Mayfair (Mister 31) by Louise Bay

#Billionaire #FakeRelationship #OneBed

5 STARS

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

Beck is a hero riven to succeed no matter what it takes. His goal with his current deal is not just financially motivated, but also motivated by demons and baggage from his childhood. Stella is his only chance to meet with the man who can make it happen. Stella has only been 2 months out of a seven year relationship when her ex sends her a wedding invitation to his marriage to the woman she thought was her best friend. When Beck approaches her to take him as her plus one to the wedding she is definitely not excited about his proposal.

I love that Stella takes a chance and goes after her dream, even though it means a painful week confronting the betrayal of those who were supposed to love her. Beck had no idea of Stella's history when he asked her to make a deal, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to make it as comfortable as he can. I adore the friendship they form leading up to the wedding. When they are sharing a hotel room for a week in Scotland, they give into their chemistry and have some very hot times. I like that Stella takes the time to gain control of her life and reset her priorities. I love that Beck gives her time but still fights for her.

This was a funny, swoon-y read. There is plenty of heat and a romantic ending. I loved it and can't wait to read more of the series centered on Beck's friends because I know I will also get more Beck & Stella.





Hopeless Romantic (McCabe Brothers #1) 
by Julie Capulet

#Sports #FamilySeries #Virgin #AlphaHero #InstaLove #NewAdult #Reread #Novella

5 STARS

(Reread addition)
Book one from the McCabe Brothers can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

The second time around reading this was just as good as the first.  If anything, I felt even more attached to Millie.  I had forgotten all she had been through and the emotional connection she shared with Bo about losing their parents.  This is a super-steamy read with lots of detailed scenes.  I loved it.

(Original Review)
Millie is off to college after a gap year.  She has had a difficult life but has proven to be resilient and determined to set her own path.  Bo is from a wealthy background and is the university football star.  I loved how Bo immediately fell for Millie.  I loved the chemistry and passion they share.  I appreciated that they had both waited and then more felt right with each other. I absolutely loved Millie and her survival instinct.  I adored Bo and his immediate desire to protect and care for Millie.  This OTT alpha hero fell hard, fast, and completely.  There is a lot of dirty, sm-exy heat between Bo and Millie when they let go. I also really enjoyed the multiple epilogues which take the reader years into the future to verify that Bo and Millie really do get their HEA, despite finding each other so young.


Girl Code (Girl Power Collection) by Jess Bryant 

#SecondChance #RomanticSuspense #Novella

4 STARS

This novella has been on my TBR for a long time.  It is written in third person from a dual POV and ends with a HEA. 

Mickey and Dante used to be best friends growing up.  One night in college changed everything and they haven't seen each other in three years. When Dante reappears in her life, Mickey is in grave danger.  Dante's only goal is to protect her.  Reconnecting with her and getting a HEA is a bonus he never dreamed he would get.

Mickey is a super intelligent hacker.  I love how fierce and brave she is.  Dante is a detective who can't lose the girl he has always loved.  I adore his protective instincts and his tenderness and bravery with Mickey.

This is a passionate, steamy , short read.  The ode to feminism is there as well as a strong indictment on anti-gun law organizations.  It was an enjoyable read with a sweet and funny HEA.


The Tiger's Innocent Bride (Sylvan City Alphas #1) 
by Reina Torres

#Paranormal #Shifter #FatedMates #FirstResponder #RomanticSuspense #CurvyGirl #Novella

4.5 STARS


Book one of the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in third person from multiple POV.

Devlin is a cop and a tiger shifter. He never dreamed he would find his fated mate just as someone was trying to kill her. Paige has had trauma before in her life. However, she is very intelligent and poised as she navigates the political world of her father. She never knew shifters existed until a tiger saves her from an attacker.

This was a fun story. There is plenty of hot moments, some danger and suspense, and finally a community coming together to triumph. I love how protective Devlin and Paige are of each other. I love that their bond only strengthens over the course of the story. The HEA is sweet. I felt like I got to know some of the secondary characters who will feature in later books. That can be tough for an author to achieve in a shorter book, but this author easily manages it. I feel like this book does an excellent job setting up the series and I am excited to read more.



Dom (Silver Saints MC #3) by Fiona Davenport

#MC #AlphaHero #InstaLove #Virgin #Novella

4 STARS

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this novella can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. I started in the middle of this series and it was totally fine.

Dom is a possessive alpha hero who sees Lucy and knows she is meant to be his. Lucy is on the run when she attempts to pickpocket Dom's wallet in a bar and gets caught. If you like smutty, possessive, alpha heroes who want to claim their woman and make babies, you will love this one. Smoking hot and smutty in all the best ways, this novella was a fun read. The MC guys always get the girl and the bad guys always get what they deserve. I am going straight into the next book in the series.




Hack (Silver Saints MC #4) by Fiona Davenport

#MC #AlphaHero #InstaLove #Virgin #Novella

3 STARS

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this novella can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Hack is a possessive alpha hero who is instantly fixated on Paisley. He knows she needs some time but he has a consuming need to make sure she is safe. He spends six months following her and checking on her before danger comes knocking. Then he goes to save and claim his woman. I love Paisley's sass and her determination. I admire Hack's skills, intelligence, and dirty mouth. The only reason this book is three stars and not four is due to a silly number of errors that should have been caught by a proofreader. Inconsistencies in names of characters playing pivotal roles in book three and remembered in book four, inconsistency in clothing from one scene to next, and a few typos, should have been caught prior to publication and definitely before now.

If you like smutty, possessive, alpha heroes who want to claim their woman and make babies, you will love this one. Smoking hot and smutty in all the best ways, this novella was a fun read. The MC guys always get the girl and the bad guys always get what they deserve.

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