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Book reviews for the week of May 28th

 


Happy weekend!  This week I read two ARCs and another book by Stacy Reid.  Forbidden Hearts was hot forbidden nanny romance with a serious side of swoon.  Who can't love the MFM romance of Double Pucked?  It is a hot and heartfelt romance. My Darling Duke was a complete delight.  It is how a Beauty and the Beast story should be written.  It was a fantastic week and i hope that readers find some new additions to their TBR from my reviews.  Happy reading.


Forbidden Hearts (Whitlock Family #1) 

by Corinne Michaels

ARC: Release Date- 06/05/2023

#AgeGap #SingleDad #Nanny #GrumpySunshine #Forbidden #SmallTown #FirstResponder #ARC

5 STARS

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

Phoebe comes home after her first year of grad school and she is a seriously hot mess.  Asher needs a nanny who knows ASL for his daughter who he has full time for the next several months.  Asher’s boss (Phoebe’s father) has the perfect solution.

Asher is a little grumpy.  As the sheriff and SWAT team commander he knows there is a lot of ugly in the world.  His daughter, Olivia, means everything to him.  Phoebe and Olivia hit it off immediately and became friends quickly.  The relationship they form is something beautiful.  I appreciated the way the author handled the ASL incorporation into the book and Olivia in general.  I appreciated that Asher and Olivia’s mother had a healthy coparent relationship. I also loved that Phoebe’s life is messy and complicated. She struggles to mesh her dreams for her future and her new dream of being with Asher and Olivia. Asher falls fast and hard for the nanny he shouldn’t want, and I was here for it.  He was strong, sensitive, protective, and loving to Phoebe.  The care he shows her melted me. Things heat up quickly between them and they have plenty of steamy moments. They also communicate well with each other, which is always a bonus to me in my reads. Even though they are 14 years apart in age, they felt perfect for each other.

Relatively low angst but packed with all the feels; I really loved this book.



Double Pucked by Lauren Blakely

ARC: Release Date- 06/05/2023

#MFM #Sports #FakeRelationship #Fling #ARC

5 STARS

This book can be read as a standalone and ends with a wonderful HEA.  It is written in first person from an alternating multi-POV.

Trina breaks things off with her cheating ex but she gets the last laugh. (I remember seeing the TikTok that inspired this breakup and I remember laughing.)  I adore her intelligence, her fight, and her bada$$ style.  She is not looking for a relationship when she meets the two hockey stars attached to her ex’s VIP tickets, but it finds her anyway.  Chase is the golden boy, the charmer, the leader, and gets dubbed Mr. Bossy very quickly.  His cross-town rival and childhood best friend, Ryker, is the dark and growly, quiet man who gets dubbed Mr. Grumpy. I loved Ryker’s mind and his desire for its continual improvement.

There were so many things to love about this book.  First, it is H.O.T.-HOT! Second, I love that they are willing to have an adventure together.  Third, I adore how fast feelings grow for all of them, despite the agreement to have a fling and a set expiration date.  The guys are so protective of Trina and also excited about making her fantasies come true.  I love the way they romance her.  I really loved how they communicated with each other and let each other know when something is out of line while getting things back on track.

I can always count on this author to bring heat, humor, and excellent writing to the page.  This is another winner.


My Darling Duke (Sinful Wallflowers #1) by Stacy Reid

#Historical #HealingLove #Virgin #SlowBurn

5 STARS

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

Kitty is a remarkable heroine.  She is incredibly brave as she sets out on her scheme and throughout the book.  Her plan is born of desperation and responsibility.  I love her friendships with the other wallflowers and the support they provide to each other.  To say I am hooked would be an massive understatement.  When the Duke confronts her, she is strong and mature.  I adore how she looks beyond the surface to see the man underneath.  Alexander has suffered and incredible amount.  His suffering has built strong character, determination, and perseverance.  He is intrigued by Kitty and can't help but want to know her better.  I love the feelings she moves inside him.  I adore the passion he rouses in her.  I really love that they can match wits and share fun moments together.

This is a amazingly romantic story.  They have some very swoony moments.  They are moments I will bet come to my mind often despite how many other books I read.  This was a bit of a slow burn with some very steamy moments near the end of the book. I really don't have the words to do this book justice.  I am certain it will be one of my top reads this year.

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