Happy weekend! This week I read four novels and two novellas.
One of the novels was an ARC of Lucy Score's next release. I think it is because I savor every incredibly well-written word, but I always spend two to three times longer reading her books per page than anyone else. This is not me complaining. Just know that you will want to live in the worlds she creates and won't want to leave when at the end of the book.
I also read an ARC of Tawna Fenske's March release novella. It is the third book in a very HOT series. If you like it hot, check her labels and grab this series because holy moly!
I finally read a full length book by author Jess Bryant. I have read two of her novellas including one of my favorite married couple/second chance romances of all time: Extra Innings. I am hooked on All Saints series. Hunter is an amazing hero and I cant wait to read his brothers get their HEAs.
I read two new-to-me authors this week in preparation for meeting them at upcoming signings and also to meet reading challenge goals. I have always heard such wonderful things about Natasha Madison. After reading "Only One Kiss", I can conform those wonderful things are true. I am looking froward to reading more of her books. I also read a novella by Monica Murphy. Talk about a steamy read! It made me interested in reading one of her longer works.
Finally, I read "Dirty Sexy Saint" by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde to meet a reading challenge goal of a book that has been made into a film or series. I watch so very little TV, I had to research that. When I found out this was on PassionFlix and already on my kindle, it was a no-brainer to pull it forward and read it. They have created a truly excellent world. I want to read more of the series and I discovered I actually have more of those books already on my kindle as well. I guess sometimes it pays to be a book hoarder.
February is a short month, but I am working to read as many books as I can before the Holidays with the Belles in Dallas next weekend. I hope everyone has a fabulous week full of good books and lots of time to read.
Things We Hide From The Light (Knockemout #2)
by Lucy Score
ARC: Release Date- 02/21/2023
#FirstResponder #HealingLove #SmallTown #ARC
5 STARS
“This is me sticking.”
Book 2 of the Knockemout series follows Nash and Lina and
ends with a HEA. It is written in first
person from an alternating dual POV. Though Nash and Lina’s story is complete
in this book, the best reader experience is reading the series in order as book
two contains spoilers from book one.
Nash is a protector. As
the chief of police, he takes his job very seriously and is a by-the-book kind
of guy. When circumstances leave him physically and
mentally compromised, he struggles with his identity as so much of it is tied
to is job and his ability to serve and protect.
Lina has secrets and a job that has its dangerous moments. She often exists in the gray area of right
and wrong. Both characters have a ton of
baggage to overcome to be in a healthy relationship. Their chemistry is off the charts, but it
takes a little bit before they give into it.
I loved both of them so much. I
adore their fiery banter and the way they call each other out. Once they learn to communicate, it is a truly
beautiful relationship.
There are steamy times, funny moments, and elements of danger and suspense woven into this story. The small town feels real and is its own character to this series. Secondary characters and other residents of the town are well developed and play an important role. Main characters are complex and layered as they each help the other heal and move forward. The book itself does more than follow a traditional story arc: there are ups and downs throughout. There is the most epic marriage proposal ever, a grand gesture that will make you laugh, and an epilogue that will leave you in happy tears. I promise. It was beautifully written, and I am sad it ended. I am left with an epic book hangover. I can’t wait for book three. While I am waiting, I think I will need to read this series again. It is that good. I wish I could give it more than 5 STARS.
ARC: Release Date-03/24/2023
#FriendsToLovers #Erotica #Novella #ARC
5 STARS
Book three in the series is a standalone of Josh and Nina’s story and ends with a HEA. This series can be read in any order, but since several characters overlap all three books, readers may find the most enjoyment reading the series in order. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Josh and Nina have been friends forever. They know each other better than anyone else in their lives. They have shared the good and the bad along the way. The only thing they have never done is cross the line. Even though they both harbor more than friendly feelings and curiosity for each other. Until they do.
This series is HOT, HOT, HOT! Josh decides that Nina needs to be a little more selfish in pursuit of her pleasure and a list is born. They check items of her list and in the process have some kindle-melting scenes. The story is more than just the hot times though. I love their friendship. I love how they support each other. I love that they can have fun together doing everything, not just the hot times. I really liked how this story dives into family dynamics. Nina’s relationship with her family has shaped her and how she lives her life. Josh’s relationship with his dad has left him with his own baggage that he has to overcome to get to their HEA. Deeper than most erotica I have read, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I think I may need to reread this series every year.
Authors Note:
Honey Do is a scorching hot standalone m/f erotic romance with a little m/f/m/m treat. If you like friends-to-lovers and menage, this one’s for you. This story contains no cheating, and an HEA is guaranteed!
Only One Kiss (Only One #1) by Natasha Madison
#Sports #SingleDad #Workplace
4 STARS
Book one in this series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Ralph is a single dad to an adorable baby girl. He is struggling to keep it all together. When he needs social media help, and everyone recommends Candace, he is a little reluctant. His attraction to her creates a lot of emotions and highlights a ton of baggage he has to overcome to be in a healthy relationship. I loved seeing him with his daughter. I liked how the author gradually lets the reader get to know Ralph, his past, and his motivations at the same time that Candace is getting to know him. There are a few times when he allows fear to drive his words and actions and I didn't like his behavior. He grows over the course of the book to become the man he needs to be though. (And his name threw me for a loop. Ralph? Seriously?)
Candace is fierce. I adored her character. I love that she was unafraid to stand up for herself and demand better from Ralph. I loved her competency running her business. I love her open affection for the people in her life. I especially loved how fast she falls for baby Ari and how good she is with her. Her strength and her relationship with her family makes her a likable and strong character.
There are plenty of steamy moments. There are romantic times. There is also some heartbreak along the way. In the end, the HEA is sweeter because of the journey to get there. I really want to read more of this series.
Imperfect Saint (All Saints Security #1) by Jess Bryant
#Workplace #Bodyguard #FakeRelationship #HealingLove #CinnamonRollHero
5 STARS
Book one in the All Saints Security series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in third person from a dual POV.
Millie has escaped a nightmare of an ex and has started over. She has regained control of her life. I really liked Millie. She blossoms over the course of this book and goes from seeing herself as a weak victim to a strong survivor. Hunter is critical in her process of recovery. He is amazing. He has liked Millie from their very first meeting when she turned him down flat. When he gets the opportunity to be her fake date to her brother's wedding, he knows he has to take the shot to make it real. His tenderness and encouragement to Millie is really special. He seriously made me swoon. I loved their connection. I loved how Millie feels safe enough with Hunter to be herself, even if part of that is rediscovering who she is.
There is a lot of heat mixed with tenderness and deep emotions packed into this book. Millie's ex is dangerous and tries to ruin their HEA. Hunter's brothers are interesting, and I am looking forward to reading their stories. I have read two shorter novellas by this author, but this is my first full length read. It was so good. I can see that her books have some overlapping characters, yet it was not distracting. Now I only want to read all the stories.
TW: Physical and psychological abuse by the ex on page and may be a trigger for some readers.
The Wrong Brother by Monica Murphy
#Billionaire #GrumpyHero #Workplace #Erotica #Novella
3 STARS
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this steamy novella can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
This was a short steamy read with lots of hot scenes and a lot of improbable circumstances. It is my first read by this author. The hero, Grant, is more than grumpy. Overall, he is not very nice at all. The heroine, Alyssa, was tough for me to understand. I guess she felt like she could see past Grant's surly and awful behavior to a teddy bear inside? Also I could not fathom why someone who put so much thought into her career trajectory would take the actions she does. That said, I loved her snark and her confidence in herself. I liked how she stood up to Grant. Their physical scenes were hot.
I am intrigued and I look forward to giving the author another try with a longer read.
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