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Book reviews from the week on February 25th

 


Happy weekend! This week I read three books. One is an ARC by Marika Ray, which releases next week.  Two are from a series I have had on my TBR for a while. I hope my reviews help you find a new favorite read.  Till next week, happy reading.



Set My Heart Bonfire (Blueball Band of Brothers #4)  

by Marika Ray

ARC: Release Date- 03/07/2024

#Billioniare #OppositesAttract #GrumpySunshine #SmallTown #ARC

4.5 STARS

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

Marlo is a character that is different and quirky in all the best ways. She is the “grump” in this grumpy /sunshine romance. Vander is a billionaire who has moved to Blueball to spend time and care for his grandmother, who he calls G-Mil. He is the smiling guy with the charisma to work a room. Underneath that smile is a golden retriever hero who really wants to love and be loved. Under Marlo’s darkness is a heroine who wants to be accepted, quirks and all. Together they are perfect for each other.

They have sizzling chemistry and are able to see each other’s true person quickly. I love how they accept each other. I adore how Vander sees the woman Marlo is instead of her job. He falls hard and just needs to believe that she has fallen just as hard to get their forever. There is some dark humor mixed into this book about friendship, acceptance, and living the life that makes you happy; especially if it looks different from anyone else’s. This series always makes me smile. I am thrilled that the author handled some darker concepts within the rom-com format and did it well. I loved it.

Pants are an important part of this story.


Danny (Big Northwest #1) by Janice Whiteaker

#SingleMom #InstaLove #Paranormal #SmallTown

4 Stars

Book one in the series gives readers a HEA for Danny and Craig.  It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV. Though technically a standalone, this series of interconnected books is a spin-off to another series.  I have not read the Big series yet, and I will admit that this book initially left me very confused. Even at the end, I wasn't quite sure what the girls actually were (along with human). It wasn't until I finished this book and went back to read the blurbs for the other series' books that I would say I have even the beginning of an understanding of the paranormal aspect of things along with a few unconfirmed guesses about how the genetics play between males and females. Knowing what I know now, I think it would have been beneficial to read the Big series before starting this one.  Now that I have started though, I am committed to staying the course.

Danny is the second oldest of six sisters who had an interesting and troubled upbringing. They don't appreciate strangers in their small town, and when Craig arrived they tried to send him on his way. Craig is a wonderful hero.  He is remarkably persistent, and surprises Danny almost every time she underestimates him. He recognizes that Danny needs him long before she does. His arrival triggers a huge change for the sisters and Danny's son, Jude. I adore the relationship Craig forms with Jude. I love how attentive he was with Danny while recognizing how special and strong she was. Their physical attraction was mutual and strong, which lead to hot times within a few days of meeting. Danny is strong, intelligent and protective of her son and her sisters. I love Danny and her sisters and the bond they share. 

Open-door bedroom scenes, banter, and a suspenseful subplot made this and enjoyable read.  I am excited to read more of the series.



Alex (Big Northwest #2) by Janice Whiteaker

#EnemiesToLovers #Paranormal #SmallTown

4 STARS

Book two in the series gives readers a HEA for Alex and Edward.  It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.  

Alex is intelligent, strong and diligent in the work she does for her sisters and their town. She has an excellent fashion sense and is very protective of her role despite being overwhelmed with work. Edward arrives to help her, and sparks fly. Initially, Alex acts in an immature manner.   I tried to understand why she was being so mean to Edward. I definitely appreciated his responses to her attitude. He is a steady presence within chaos. I also appreciated that the reader got to know him while he was learning who he wanted to be after hiding himself in an unsatisfying relationship for so long. I loved his willingness to challenge Alex, and his solid commitment to her from very early on. They are hot together and certainly have some steamy times. There are funny moments, a few emotional moments, and a suspenseful subplot that leads to danger. I appreciated that the dangerous times also held humorous moments too. I have a slightly better understanding of the paranormal aspect of the sisters than I did at the end of book one, but I am looking forward to learning more as I continue the series.


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