Happy weekend! I read three arcs and two books from my TBR this week. I had n amazing week because these were all excellent reads. Small town, big city, sports, BDSM, single parent: this week had it all. I am a lucky lady to get to read this much, I know. Check out my reviews and add these to your TBR if they grab you. Until next week, happy reading.
#SingleDad #OppositesAttract #ARC
5 STARS
Sometimes trouble is exactly what you need.
Book four of the Dirty Martini Running Club series can be
read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Nora: the gorgeous, confident, perfectly put together friend
in the group of four ladies. I have been
waiting for her happy ending and the author does not disappoint. Dex is her next-door neighbor. As a single dad of a wonderful 13-year-old
girl, he has his hands full navigating puberty with his daughter. When he sees Nora for the first time, he can’t
look away and his every thought said he was in trouble. Turns out, trouble was exactly what they both
needed.
I adore Nora. I
always have. She is the woman I want to
be when and if I ever finish growing up.
Her confidence, innate sensuality, classiness, and kindness make her
truly an example. I absolutely relished
every moment of the relationship that she formed with Dex’s daughter,
Riley. She is able to give her excellent
advice to navigate the chaos of middle school that I wish I had been given at
that age. Dex is gruff but an excellent
father. He has a wonderful relationship
with his family, and I adore their banter.
Nora and Dex have so many moments in this book: from seriously swoony
romantic times to cheesily romantic moments that made me laugh. There are funny
moments woven in that made me giggle. There is also a TON of heat between
them. Beginning with an electric sizzle
in the atmosphere when they are near each other, to an amazingly HOT first kiss
to spicy times together and then to sweet forever: they melted me in the best
way.
Her friends and the “husband gang” are an important part of this story. They offer support as Nora’s found family. Everyone should have friends like these women. This final book of the series was worth the wait. I loved this series more than words can express. If I could give this book ten stars, I would. I may need to do another reread soon.
Just A Little Hookup (A Dare Crossover Novel #1)
by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde
ARC: Release date- 03/21/2023
#Billionaire #BrothersBestFriend #CurvyGirl #Fling #ARC
5 STARS
This spinoff/crossover is a full-length novel that follows
Jessica Cavanaugh and Derek Bettencourt.
It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV and ends with
a HEA.
I loved Jessica so much. As a fuller figured woman, she has
faced a lifetime of bullying and criticism.
Though she still has some latent insecurities, she is overall confident
and secure in who she is. I love how she
has embraced her curves and helps others do the same through her clothing
designs. Derek is her brother’s best
friend and business partner with a nasty ex-fiancée. (The ex is truly a horrid person, and she has
her role to play in this story.) I liked
Derek a lot. His protective and jealous instincts
regarding Jessica take him by surprise. It
was really fun to read as he fell hard and fast.
There are some funny moments as well as some sweet and
tender moments between the MCs. There is
also plenty of heat. I love that they have
fun together in and out of the bedroom.
This was a very enjoyable read that I stayed up way too late to finish
instead of going to bed when I should have.
#SmallTown #CinnamonRollHero #GrumpySunshine #ARC
5 STARS
Book five in the Hellman Brothers series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Ethan is the youngest Hellman and the last brother unmarried. He also has a secret. Andi is a nerdy girl. She is a little socially awkward and a little grumpy; especially about her current situation. When they meet, Ethan is bowled over by her eyes and her brain. He never stood a chance at not falling hard. He is a romantic and kind soul. He is a dreamer. He is sensitive and loving with a side of alpha in the bedroom. I adored him. Andi is kind of a hot mess. She grows and gains confidence over her relationship with Ethan and it is beautiful to watch.
There are a lot of funny moments in this book. There is also a fair amount of heat as Ethan shows Andi that the bedroom (and other rooms) can be fun and satisfying with the right person. Their relationship starts out sort of fake and the use of creative pet names for each other by both of them is a constant source of amusement throughout the book. I felt like this book wraps up the series well while setting up the new series to come. It is hard to pick a favorite Hellman brother, but I might just have to choose Ethan.
Bondage Buddies (Masters of Marquis #1)
by Golden Angel
#SingleMom #Fling #BDSM
5 STARS
This is my first book by this author. Although it is the first book in the series, I could tell there were some overlapping characters with the Stronghold series. Despite that, I felt this was easily read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.
I really liked Domi and I appreciated that she found a way to meet her needs through the clubs while avoiding relationships. Mitch was a surprise. I loved the humor and fun he exuded even as a dom. There are times when he allows himself to be vulnerable, and those times were beautiful. Domi and Mitch both have to come to terms with the fact that they have developed feelings despite that not being part of the plan. They were both so surprised and I thought that was funny. Each of them have friends who support and love them and I adore seeing that in books. I also really appreciated the coparenting relationship Domi has with her daughter's father and his wife. I loved that their relationship also evolved as Domi and Mitch fall for each other.
This was a well-written and super-steamy read. The physical scenes explore all aspects of BDSM and I loved the way the characters communicate in those moments. I really enjoyed the love story that was deep and well-developed even though they started out as bondage buddies enjoying the physical relationship. I appreciated how difficult it was to backtrack to dating after months of physical intimacy. I loved the character development and growth. Though this is my first read by this author, I am definitely excited to read more.
Breakaway by A.M. Johnson
#Sports #SecondChance #CurvyGirl
5 STARS
This is a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
This was my first book by this author and it has been on my TBR for over two years. I can’t believe it took me so long to read it. I loved it. The writing was beautiful and the story captivated me from beginning to end.
When they meet the first time, Mark is 25 and Stevie is 32 and in an unhappy marriage. When they meet again a year letter, a lot has changed. I loved the inexplicable draw they characters felt for each other. I love their vulnerability and they way they grow and become better together. There is plenty of heat, romance, some laughs, and a little heartbreak on the way to their HEA. I really couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
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