Book reviews from the week of July 2nd

 

Happy weekend!  I am headed to the mountains to do some off-roading and camping with my honey this weekend.  

I read four books this week, one ARC, one reading challenge book, and two books from my TBR.  Sometimes I read so many contemporary romances in a row and I need something completely different before I read the next ARC.  Jess Bryant's Fated Mates series is the perfect palette cleanser for me and I worked two books in this week as part of my process.  Danika Bloom is a new author for me.  She reached out to me and asked if I had time to read and review her upcoming release.  I did and I am so glad I worked it in.  Witty writing and complex characters made an unforgettable story.  Finally I read a novella by Ember Davis.  Who doesn't love a steamy insta-love rock star romance?  I certainly did.

I hope my reviews help you find a read or several to add to your TBR.  Have a wonderful week full of amazing books and the time to read them.

The Billionaire's Shrubbery by Danika Bloom

ARC: Release Date- 07/10/2023

#Billionaire #GrumpySunshine #OppositesAttract #ARC

5 STARS

This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it so much I am dying to read more.  This can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Will is an uptight, workaholic billionaire who is the oldest of his family of four brothers, and the face of the company as a highly recognizable motivational speaker.  He is also deeply unhappy, grumpy, and isolated from the real world.  Virginia is a bit of a hippie flower child.  She talks, sings, hums, and dances with the plants in her care.  She is a go-getter who is trying to take her business to a more comfortable profit line.  She is a botanist and is extremely knowledgeable about plants.  I am not, but it sounded like the author either is too or did a bunch of research.  I adored Virginia.  Yes, she has a little baggage.  Though I will say it looks like a sandwich baggie’s worth compared to Will’s.  Her character is the kind of person you can’t wait to hang out with.  After their initial disastrous meeting, even Will can’t resist her energy. Will has led an existence that has been very structured.  Virginia literally rocks his world. They develop a hot and steamy physical relationship and before they realize it, they are both deep in their feelings too.  They have a hurdle or two, but they get to their happy ending in the best way.

The writing in this book was very engaging.  Witty puns and banter abound.  I couldn’t wait to see what would come next.  This was a fun read, and I am excited to read more by this author.

Unbreakable Bond (Fated Mates #1) by Jess Bryant

#Paranormal #Shifter #FatedMates #Virgin #HealingLove

5 STARS

Book one in the Fated Mates series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.  It seems like there is an overarching theme that is not couple related, but is related to the pack and the direction things will go.  As a result, this series is probably best read in order.  The book is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.

Zoey is a human who was adopted by shifters as a child and grew up in the Moirae pack.  Her best friend is Michael, the Alpha.  They always thought that they would be each other's fated mate, but when Zoey turned 18, they knew fate had other plans.  Four years later, Michael's brother, Rafe, returns after wandering wild for several years.  Everyone is surprised to find that he and Zoey are mates.

I loved Zoey and her easy acceptance of Rafe.  I love how quickly she trusts and defends him.  Her love is what he needs to heal his shattered heart, his relationship with his brother, and his relationship with the pack.  He is so broken and growly.  I adored him so much as he just kept repeating "Mine!"  They come together quickly to seal their bond with lots of hot times.  He is possessive and protective of Zoey.  I loved her fiery spirit.  She stands up to Michael and Rafe when she needs to.  She fights for their future by being brave and not giving up on him when he wants to give up on himself.

This was a low-angst steamy read.  I love how it sets up the series, and I am excited to read more about the pack's future as others find their happy endings.

Unbelievable Faith (Fated Mates #2) by Jess Bryant

#Paranormal #Shifter #FatedMates #Virgin

5 STARS

Book two in the series offers a standalone romance between Michael an Luna and ends with a HEA.  I will say that the series is meant to be read in order and that book two offers many spoilers to book one.  This book is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.

When I met Michael in book one I really wanted him to get a HEA too.  I was so excited for him and Luna.  They are very different to begin with, however their love ultimately helps each of them become better and more complete.  Luna has had some traumatic experiences before meeting Michael, but their bond is so strong from the very beginning.  I really loved how Michael supports Luna in the difficult moments and how she loves him to ease the stress he has as the pack Alpha.  I could relate to that a lot.

This was a wonderful read with steamy moments and a couple who I adored.  It is a gripping story as the pack faces threats and evolves to meet the challenge.

Summer Muse (Mountain Ridge Resort) by Ember Davis 

#Novella #RockStar #Fling #Instalove

4 STARS

This quick and steamy read is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA. It is part of the Mountain Ridge Resort series which is set in the sat location as a multi-author collaboration.

Calliope has just graduated from college when she goes on a family vacation to the resort. Though the resort is full of outdoor activities, Calli is not an outdoors kind of girl. Rock star, Lane, is lying low at the resort to ride out the media drama surrounding popping a pap. When he sees Calli sneak away from her family, he is mesmerized and falls in love at first sight.

There are hot times very quickly, and they are delicious. I read this in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed reading as both characters fall fast and completely. The characters are likeable, the heat is high, and the angst is almost non-existent. A wonderful summer read.