Happy weekend! This week I read four ARCs and a novella that has been on my TBR since it released last October. Madison Score's book is her debut novel and is a mystery with romance. It is the beginning of a multi-book series. "Roman", by Melanie Moreland, was a fantastic read that wraps up the Men of the falls duet. Book one, "Aldo", is already available. Grab it and read now so you are ready when Roman releases on March 6th. "The Best Kept Secret" by Emily Silver begins a new series for her that is a hockey romance series. It was a wonderful read with Romeo and Juliet elements. "Hold Me" by Tawna Fenske is book three in her Cherry Blossom Lake series. The town playboy falls hard for innocent Zoe. Finally, I read "Venice, Actually" by Kelly Reynolds. As her second published book, it is impressive with the diverse and well-developed characters and story; especially in a novella length book.
I hope my reviews help you add some of these books to your TBR. Get ready, because March is full of amazing releases coming our way. Till next time, happy reading.
Bride or Die (Claire Hartley Mystery #1) by Madison Score
ARC: Release Date- 02/29/2024
#Mystery #Debut #ARC
4.5 STARS
Written in third person from Claire’s POV, this debut ends with a HFN while
wrapping up the mystery and leaving Claire and Luke well on their way to love.
I liked Claire’s character. She is a little OCD, and a lot
of a control freak. I could 100% relate to her. Luke is a perfectionist in his
own way. I loved how protective he is
with Claire and how he finds her quirks amusing. They start off with a little
bit of a rival vibe that quickly becomes a friendship loaded with mutual
attraction. Though they seem like opposites, and are in some ways, they are
also a lot alike where it counts. They both value their friends and the found
family they have with them. They are
both creative in their own way. They both have a well-developed sense of
justice and are methodical when necessary. Luke comes across as a bit cocky and
arrogant at first, but I quickly came to believe that is part of his armor. He is swept away by Claire and her vibrant
personality. I am seriously looking
forward to getting to know Luke better in future books.
Moments of suspense, humor, and tender emotion are present
along with Claire’s delightfully witty personality. The banter between the
characters is fun. The secondary characters are interesting and an important part of
the story. The mystery engaged me, and I didn’t know who the culprit was until
it was revealed. For a debut book, I felt like this was well written. Though the first few chapters
felt a little slow, things quickly picked up as the world and characters were
established. Then I really didn’t want to put it down.
TW: Acts of violence and assault are described and occur on
page on the way to finding the murderer in this mystery.
Roman (Men of the Falls Duet #2) by Melanie Moreland
ARC: Release Date 03/06/2024
#ForcedProximity #Mafia #MorallyGreyHero #OppositesAttract
#Virgin #ARC
5 STARS
Book two in this duet fully encapsulates the love story
between Roman and Effie and as such can be read as a standalone. However, trust me when I say you will want to
read Aldo first. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and
ends with a HEA.
I loved Roman in Aldo’s book, but I really loved him here. I also appreciated how much of a role Aldo and
Vi play in this book. I adore how they are
some of only a few people who can tease Roman the way they do. I loved their friendship.
Roman is a stoic person to most. He carries an air of power and restrained
malevolence. When his world collides with Effie’s, he is smitten from the
beginning though his denial is strong. Effie is a tiny woman who embodies all
the good in the world. She is a little naïve when it comes to men. She exudes
and air of innocence that persists even after she is no longer physically
innocent. I loved how she sees beyond Roman’s façade. She recognizes that he is
dangerous but also that she is safe with him. She sees his heart and how he
treats the people he cares for. I adore the relationships she forms with Vi and
Nonna. She believes in his love before he even recognizes that he feels love. She
is patient and kind while being incredibly strong. Her whole life changes in an
instant yet she rallies through the changes with resilience. She fights when
she needs to and demands more from Roman in a quiet way. They are passionate together,
but tender at the same time.
I loved this world that the author created. I didn’t want it to end. There are moments of intense suspense and danger. There are also moments filled with romance, hot times, and even a few laughs. Five stars really doesn’t seem like enough.
Best Kept Secret (Colorado Black Diamonds #1)
by Emily Silver
ARC: Release Date- 03/06/2024
#Sports #CinnamonRollHero #Forbidden #NewAdult #ARC
4.5 STARS
Book one of his new series can be read as a standalone and ends
with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
This book is a second generation spin off from Sideline Infraction in the
Denver Mountain Lions series. Though it is not necessary to read that
book first, readers may want to get to know Angie's parents too. In many ways, because troy is in college
instead of the NHL for almost all of this book, it functions as a full-length
prequel to the series.
I love Angie's strength and intelligence. I loved how she
and Troy both felt the attraction to each other and the pressure of the past
between their parents. She and Troy are both characters that are
likeable, loyal, and kind. I could feel that bloom of young love in the
writing. They had a passionate urgency for each other that made me swoon.
When they faced obstacles, I could feel their pain of separation. But then
I loved feeling their joy of reunion. Troy is a cinnamon roll who falls
so fast and hard for Angie. I couldn't help but love him. They have some
of the swooniest dates and the kissing in the rain scene is divine. I can't
wait to see more of them in future books.
Themes of family, forgiveness, inclusivity, and not allowing the perceptions of others to form personal judgement are all prominent in this book. Especially for Angie, this is a coming-of-age story where she separates her identity from her parents. I am excited to see what comes next in this series.
Hold Me (Cherry Blossom Lake #3) by Tawna Fenske
ARC: Release Date- 03/07/2024
#OppositesAttract #Virgin #SmallTown #ARC
5 STARS
Book three in this interconnected series gives us the story
of Cal and Zoe and their HEA. Though their story stands alone, there are other
plot points that run throughout the series.
Reading this book first will give away spoilers from previous books. It
is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
I fell in love with Zoe in Cassidy’s book. I am so excited that she finds her HEA with
Cal. She is strong and resilient. She
has been through so much with her health, and now she is ready to embrace life
to its fullest. From previous books, I knew Cal was a bit of a player. He was
never short of female company. This book allowed me to really get to know him
though, and I adored him. Underneath the player is a solid, loyal, kind man
with a heart of gold (and some baggage). His family has issues that he has been
hiding. His motivation for playing the field is also revealing. His love for
his little dog will melt any reader’s heart. I adore how he cherishes and
worships Zoe. When she makes her proposal, neither expected the love they would
find together. Their hot times are steamy and emotional. From the beginning
they are so much more than the smoking physical attraction that simmers between
them. Cal makes mistakes, but his grand gesture and the little things he does
while he figures out how to be the man he needs to be, make it all worthwhile.
Under the surface, this book addresses grief, addiction, learning to go after adult dreams, and how those dreams can change when you least expect it. I am loving this series, but this may be my favorite book so far. Cal and Zoe are special.
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