Book reviews for the week of June 4th

 

Happy weekend!  I coming in a little early this week since I will be traveling this weekend.  I read two ARCs, one book from my TBR, and listened to one audiobook for a reading challenge.  It was a varied week for me and I really enjoyed the diverse approaches to romance in different sub-genres.  I still have a lot to do before we leave in the morning so I will wrap this up.  I hope my reviews help you find your next favorite read.

Happy reading!

Grumpy the Bear (Blueball Band of Brothers #1) 

by Marika Ray

ARC: Release Date- 06/08/2023

#AgeGap #SmallTown #GrumpySunshine #HealingLove #SingleDad #ARC

4.5 STARS

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

Gannon is a hero who is crusty on the outside and squishy on the inside.  The way he is with his daughter, Elise, is absolutely heart melting and ovary popping.  I appreciate his uncertainty after an accident as a firefighter has left him with scars inside and out.  He is aware that the future can change on a dime.  He becomes obsessively protective because of that, and I believe that is a normal reaction.  Paisley is fierce.  I love that she is a woman who is a force of nature in a job traditionally held by men.  I love that she has fought for respect in her position and wins it.  She is tough, even in the face of her parental baggage.  I also love that she owns her sexuality and goes for it with her hot new neighbor.

These two have fiery banter that is well written and fun to read.  When they move beyond banter to the physical the sparks fly hot and electric.  I love that they both develop feelings for each other while still attempting to deny them until they just can’t deny it anymore.  Paisley falls for Elise fast and I love her relationship with the little girl.   Each MC has some baggage to overcome.  I love that the feelings for each other, and the support they offer each other, drives each of them to get to a place of better individual health before they move forward in their relationship.  Their HEA is fun and sweet, and this was an easy read that I enjoyed.

Playboy in a Kilt (Kilted Hearts #3) by Kait Nolan

ARC: Release Date- 06/09/2023

#OppositesAttract #FakeRelationahip #BestFriendsBrother #SmallTown #ARC

4.5 STARS

Book three 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.

Connor played the field relentlessly leading up to the arranged marriage with Afton to meet the terms of a centuries-old pact between their families.  When the wedding fails to happen, Connor reevaluates who he might pursue once he has the right to choose who he would marry.  It doesn’t take long for him to realize the person who has held his heart for years is his sister’s best friend, Sophie.  I love that it is her name he drops when he lies about being engaged to fend off another woman’s attention.  His heart knew way before his head. His past reputation is something he must overcome to have a future with Sophie, but he is determined to get the girl.

Sophie is strong and determined to succeed.  She has two successful businesses and a side of stepmother baggage. I love how Connor defends her and helps her when she needs it.  I love how she sees him beyond the masks he has in place for everyone.  He is so romantic with her it made me swoon.  There is plenty of heat, some humor, and lots of friendship between them.  I loved their story, and I am super-excited for the next book in the series where Ewan finds his own happy ending.

Alien Tribute (Tsenturion Masters #2) 

by Lee Savino and Golden Angel

#SciFi #Alien #GrumpyHero #BDSM 

5 STARS

Book two of the series can be read as a standalone.  That said, there are some spoilers in this book, and to book one and an overarching plot line to the series. Readers should be aware it is probably best read in order.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA..

Pareena has fought a long hard battle with cancer on Earth. When given the option to "swipe right for abduction" she has nothing to lose.  Bogdan is the grumpy second in command of the Tsenturion fleet.  He is growly and scowly, and certainly not interested in a mate.  Pareena is perfect for Bogdan though.  She has training that helps her see the pain inside the broody alien and work to help him move past it. 

This book is so much deeper than you would think.  The characters deal with elements of grief in all its stages.  I appreciated the many steamy scenes, but what I loved even more was the tender relationship that forms between Pareena and Bogdan.  I love how diligent he has been to make sure he has completed the training in preparation for his Tribute.  I loved his possessive and protective nature.  Pareena is incredibly brave.  She rolls with everything that she experiences with a fearlessness of one who has been near death.  She embraces life, even when it may only be a dream, and commits to living fully.  There are some tense action moments in the story relating to the Vgotha aliens, moments of sadness, and moments of loving commitment.  I am absolutely loving this series.  The epilogue sets up the next book, and I can't wait to squeeze it into my schedule.

Immortal Promise (Vampire Mates #2) 

by Kim Loraine, Midnight Coven

Narrated by Wen Ross & Kai Kennicott

#Audiobook #Paranormal #Vampire #Virgin

4 STARS

As I started listening to this audiobook, I felt like I had missed something. Very quickly, however, I was caught up in the story with Brandt and Claire. This is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA.

The audio of this was fantastic. The actor voicing Claire especially fully captured her sarcasm and spunk. I enjoyed the bond between the two characters. I appreciated the steamy scenes and that their dark moment involves outside tension and not dysfunction within the relationship. This was a quick and enjoyable listen and I look forward to reading more from the series.