I read four books this week to finish out February. One ARC, one book that has been on my TBR for a while, and two books by new-to-me author Tara Sivec.
I love when the romance community comes together to support their own and they did it with style on February 26th, declaring it Tara Sivec Day. Tara is an author battling an aggressive breast cancer and readers were encouraged to buy and read Tara's books to help with her astronomical medical costs. The first book of her Naughty Princess Club series has been on my kindle for several months, so reading that series seemed like the easiest place to start for me. As an author, she has actually been hovering on my list for years. I remember Pippa Grant mentioning her in a newsletter as a laugh out loud author. I have been meaning to read her work ever since. This month, her day was the push I needed and I am blown away by her humor, comedic timing, and fun characters.
Check out my reviews and add all of these to your TBR. You will not regret it.
On a personal note, my husband started his chemotherapy journey this week. It is going to be a long haul as he battles a rare colorectal cancer in two separate tumors. I appreciate any happy, healing thoughts or prayers you might send our way.
Until next time, happy reading!
Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights
(Hot Flash Hook Ups #4) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart
ARC: Release Date-03/06/2025
#AgeGap #OWYM #Sports #SingleMom #ARC
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this
can be read as a standalone and ends with a very HEA.
Readers met Bobby (28) in previous books in the series. He
is the young, sometimes goofy, flirty, guy on the team. This book allows
readers to really get to know him. We learn of his difficult childhood, his
bond with his mother, his attraction to older women, and his need for praise
and validation. We also see what a big heart he is carrying around under his
laughing exterior. He is dealing with some anger management issues that he
tackles in a mostly mature manner. It was the best kind of reward to read as he
grows so much, heals, and matures over the course of this book. He becomes the truly fine man that he was
meant to be.
Molly (40) is the single mom of Matthew (12) with a friendly
relationship with her ex-husband after an unsatisfying 15-year marriage. She is
struggling financially, but she is determined to build a stable life for her
son and herself. She is also experiencing a fair amount of self-doubt,
especially when it comes to her attractiveness as a woman and her ability to
find a forever person.
I loved how Bobby treated her like a precious gift from the
beginning. He worships her and watching her blossom under his love was
beautiful. I also loved how Bobby becomes a man that Matthew can look up to and
admire and how the motivation to be that helps him grow. This was steamy, laugh-out
-loud goodness that I struggled to put down to attend to the daily living
requirements of my own household. I can’t recommend this entire series enough.
And the bonus epilogue? The perfect wrap to the series that brought tears to my
eyes.
Marika and Sylvie: please write more books together. I loved these.
Redeem Me (Beckett Brothers #2) by L. A. Gallagher
#AgeGap #Billionaire #Nanny #GrumpySunshine #ForcedProximity
#BrotherBestFriend #SingleDad #HealingLove
Tortured and Tranquil
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV< this
story can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. I would recommend
reading book one first, however, as it outlines the feud with a rival family
more completely. It would also prevent spoilers that may be revealed in book 2.
Caelon (34) is grieving the loss of his wife. After 2 years,
he is out and, while not actually dating, he is getting physical. He believes
that is all he has to offer anyone anyway. He is consumed with the need for
revenge and taking care of his children, Orla and Owen.
Ivy (23) has recently returned to island after 5 years as a
nanny in the US. On the prowl, she and Caelon have a panty-melting meet cute before
they realize that she is the little sister of Caelon’s best friend,
Dermot. Another surprise awaits them a
few days later when Ivy arrives at her new nanny job only to discover it is for
Caelon’s children.
The attraction between them is fierce. I loved Ivy’s sass
and her determination to bring smiles back into Caelon’s life. I loved how
quickly she boned with the children. I loved that Caelon heals while he forms a
much deeper relationship with Ivy than he planned. Ivy is very mature for her
age. Her understanding of grief and loss allows her to help Caelon through his.
Hot times, a little danger, and a few laughs made this a
book I didn’t want to put down. I loved it.
At the Stroke of Midnight (The Naughty Princess Club #1) by
Tara Sivec
#SingleMom #FairyTale
Written in first person from Cynthia’s POV, this can be read
as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
I love a fairy tale retelling, and this one has some amazing twists. I really
loved that Cindy’s 1st husband was not her prince after all and yet
that doesn’t stop her from moving on anyway, I love that she has a teenage
daughter and the mother-daughter dynamic between the characters. I love the friendship
Cynthia forms with Ariel and Belle. I love how they encourage and support each
other. The imagination required to create this series is mind-boggling to
me. I love the take on Cindy as the prude
of the three women. I love how their individual princess Halloween costumes lead
them down a path they had not planned but decided to revel in.
Cynthia’s evolution from being what everyone expected her to
be to the woman she authentically becomes was fascinating to read. I loved how
she found confidence in her body and in her voice as well as in her ability to
survive on her own. I adored her fighting spirit. PJ turns out to be just what
she needs: even if he never expected that she would be his match either.
In Bed with the Beast (The Naughty Princess Club #2)
by Tara
Sivec
#FairyTale #ForcedProximity
Written in first person from Belle’s POV, this ends with a
HEA. Though it can be read as a standalone, readers will find greater enjoyment
by reading the series in order as the three FMCs play important roles in each
book and evolve as they go.
Isabelle Reading (25) is a bookworm. She has lived a
somewhat sheltered life with her father. He has been very overprotective of her
and her knowledge of most things has been found through the books she has read.
I loved her quirky fact-spouting. She was adorable. I also loved how she was
never frightened by Beast. She has stood up to him from the very beginning in
book one and I love her internal code of right and wrong.
Vincent (31) is a big, burly, gruff, unkempt man. He has a
soft spot for Belle. When they become roommates, they fall into a friendship
and a routine that benefits both of them. They share a mutual attraction and I
love the Beast for his commitment to take things slow with Belle. He has some
secrets which threaten to derail them but they are able to overcome them in the
end.
This was a bit of a slow burn with only one open door bedroom
scene that occurs after the 70% mark. There is some fooling around before that,
but it is relatively mild. I loved Belle’s growth in self-confidence and her
ability to stand up for what she wants and needs. I loved the way she softens
Vincent and cares for him. This was a fun read as the girls get their stripping
business off the ground. I am excited to read Ariel’s book next.
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