Book reviews for books read July 28th - 31st

 

I can't believe it is the end of July! I read three books since the weekend. Two are ARCs and one was a book from my TBR. August is bringing some amazing releases our way. I am always thrilled when I get to read before release and these two arcs were no exception. Pippa Grant takes us back to Copper Valley and joins the Thrusters and the Fireballs in her new release. Sandy Jones brings us back to Atlanta for an accidental Vegas wedding between two characters that were not supposed to get together. And finally, the next book in the Escort series by Leigh James (which I have been working through as palette cleansers0 served its purpose beautifully.

It is hot and humid in West Virginia in July and August. I am very thankful for air conditioning. I don't have any baby goats to report yet, but I am sure I will by the next post. Stay cool and enjoy good books. Until next time, happy reading!

The Secret Hook-Up (Copper Valley Thrusters #6)

by Pippa Grant

ARC: Release Date 08/01/2024

#SecondChance #Sports #CinnamonRollHero #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

I loved other Thrusters and Fireballs books, and this one combines them wonderfully with the romance between Duncan and Addie. Duncan wanted more with Addie when they had a secret relationship before; but when he gets another opportunity to spend time with her and possibly win her over, he doesn’t hesitate. He says he wants closure, but you know he really wants the girl.

Duncan is a hero who has a burning desire to take care of the people he loves. Addie has baggage that makes her independent to the point where it is an obstacle at times. Typical of this author, this book has witty banter, laugh out loud moments, steamy moments (though it is a little tiny bit of a slow burn), and a feel-good happy ending. There are a few scenes where I was literally cackling (quietly- because I was in public) and I am certain the look on my face was priceless. I adored the tender moments between Duncan and Addie. I really love how he worships her and shows her how much he appreciates and desires her for her. He is exactly what she needed in so many ways. She is also there to support him in his dreams as he makes important career decisions. I loved the way they communicated with each other and they way they have fun together.

Fumbled Arrangement (Atlanta Arrows #3) by S. Jones

ARC: Release Date- 08/09/2024

#AccidentalMarriage #Forbidden #Sports #ARC

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

I love an accidental Vegas wedding and that is how this begins. Natalie is a career driven woman who is trying to get over the betrayal of a cheating ex when she meets Theo in Vegas. Theo is really Rhett, but he uses the first name he never uses when they meet. They drink, talk, marry, and more before they wake up the next day. They learn that that their accidental nuptials complicate their lives more than they would have imagined and they have some decisions to make.

Rhett is a golden retriever hero who is quickly all in to winning his wife and making a real relationship that he never knew he wanted. Natalie is a little more circumspect in her commitment. I adored Rhett and how hard he was willing to fight and sacrifice for her. Natalie irritated me at times. She made choices that hurt Rhett and I didn’t like it. I will say that when she decides to make it right, she goes all in to make it happen.

Sweet friendship, sizzling chemistry, spicy times, and a little drama made this an enjoyable read for me. 

Escorting the Groom (Escort Series #3) by Leigh James

#Billionaire #Escort #MarriageofConvenience

Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Lucas is a hard billionaire who needs a wife before his 35^th birthday to inherit his trust. Blake is a young woman who has had a bit of a rough life who is trying to make a future while taking care of her mother. A paid marriage of convenience settles both problems.

Like other books in this series, this was a fun and easy read. It is somewhat predictable. There are similarities between the books. There always seems to be a dysfunctional family member out for money. That said, I knew what I would get, and this book delivered it. The characters are both beautiful physically. Lucas has tons of money to make problems go away and life easier. They share a sizzling attraction that leads to loads of steamy scenes. They both have dysfunctional families that karma comes to visit.

Entertaining, spicy, and fun, this was the book I needed at this moment.