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Book reviews for books read April 27th- May 3rd

 


Happy weekend! I got a little behind as far as month end wrap up goes but I did read four ARCs this week.  They were all just what I needed. A hockey romance with close proximity, a billionaire surprise pregnancy, an erotic romance with emotional depth, and a reclusive rock star with a heavy side of treasure hunt: they made my week a happy one. Check out my reviews and add these to your TBR.
Until next time, happy reading.

The Playmaker (Nashville Knights Hockey #2) 

by Emily Silver

ARC: Release Date 05/02/2025

#SingleDad #Sports #ARC

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. The Playmaker is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. As the second book in an interconnected series the story stands alone and ends with a HEA. Because characters from book one do play integral roles in Stevie and Bode's story, some readers may want to read book one first even though it is not necessary for the plot of book two.

Bode is the playboy who does a 180 when his son shows up on his doorstep, He loses his playboy ways and commits himself to being the best dad her can be for Caleb. There is a learning curve as he takes on that responsibility and some of it is VERY funny. Stevie is off a fresh break up when she moves in with her Nan who happens to be living in Bode's house with his Gran to help with the surprise baby. Though they share an instant mutual attraction, they both attempt to resist each other...for a while anyway. I loved the heat between them and the fun and friendship they build into their relationship. I adored Bode as a doting dad. I loved Stevie and how she is there for Bode and Caleb. The grandmas are truly special in their own right. I really appreciated that their relationship hiccup is caused by external sources and that they quickly find their HEA stronger than ever. I am loving this series and am excited to read Dax's book next.

The Upgrade (Jilted Brides Honeymoon Club #1) 

by Tawna Fenske

ARC: Release Date- 05/02/2025

#BestFriendsBrother #Fling #ARC

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.

Hotter and steamier than most of this author’s books, prepare to read this with a fan nearby and ice water at the ready. Along the lines of her Sugar and Spice series, this is more erotic romance than her typical rom-com. It contains many s-mexy scenes including interactions with MFM, FFM, and DVP. That said, I can’t go so far as calling it erotica because it does still have a very sweet romance built in. Kit and Eve start out as a fake date that ends with a one-night stand. When they meet again under unusual circumstances, there is no denying that they have connected on a much deeper level.

What I love is how the author helps each character grow and overcome past hurts while finding love and respect at this unusual resort. They each have significant baggage to address. Eve is recovering from s3x shaming as a teenager and from being cheated on by her fiancé.  Kit is dealing with his own broken relationship, feelings of inadequacy, and rejection. I love that their past hurts are addressed in a positive and healing manner. I adore that this whole story is s3x positive. I loved that the idea of “normal” marriage and committed relationships is questioned and that the characters are able to find their normal based on what makes them happy together. I am so excited about the premise of this series. I can’t wait for the next books.


The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco (Copper Valley Bro Code #6) 

by Pippa Grant

ARC: Release Date- 05/08/2025

#Celebrity #FakeRelationship #RomanticComedy #SmallTown #ARC

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA. It can be read as a standalone, but readers will get the most enjoyment from reading the rest of the Bro Code series first as the other members play prominent roles in this book.

Davis took a long time to cooperate with the author and get his story told. I have been intrigued with him from the beginning. He has always been there to help his friends and then quietly faded back into the background. I now understand why he has been that way. I understand his huge heart and his motivation to make the world a better place. I loved how quickly and completely Sloane intrigued him. Her fierce spirit while being vulnerable completely captivates him and brings out his biggest protective instincts. Sloane is a heroine to love. She sees Davis and he sees her. They share an understanding of each other that is incomparable. Sloane has done a lot of work to overcome the way she was raised Indeed, her victory over her upbringing is a raging indictment over small-minded, h@teful people. It also sends a very strong message that one does not have to conform to other people's ideas of what should make them happy, but they should instead live the life THEY decide makes them happy. (Even if it looks nothing like other people's expectations.)

I loved the relationships with the other band members and their families. Found family is the best. Filled with small town shenanigans, uncovered secrets, a treasure hunt, laugh-out-loud moments, and a few hot times: this was a book I didn't want to put down. It wraps up the mystery of Thorny Rock's missing treasure completely and made me love the little town of Shipwreck even more than I did before. I have loved every single one of this author's books, and this one is not an exception. I think I might need to schedule a series reread sometime very soon.


Just One More Affair (Sterling Family #5) by Carly Phillips

ARC: Release Date-05/12/2025

#OneNightStand #SingleMom #SurprisePregnancy #Billionaire #ARC

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

Written in third person from a dual perspective, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. That said, this is an interconnected series and characters from previous books are important secondary characters and readers may find the most enjoyment from reading other books in the series first.

Charlie (Charlotte) has been away most of the past 2 years in Egypt on an archeological dig. Her twin daughters are now 10 and she is ready to be home after missing them so much. I loved her adventurous spirit. I loved the way she cared for her girls. I really appreciated her co-parenting relationship with Noah and Fallon. A one-night stand at the wedding of her daughters’ father leads to a surprise that brings Jared fully into her life. Jared is such a good guy. He falls fast for Charlotte. He understands her and is very patient with her as she works through her own issues and lets down her walls. His family is terrific. He treats her like the queen she is until she can’t deny her feelings for him are true. I loved the heat between them. I adored the way they support each other as they adapt to major changes in their lives. This was an easy, romantic, fun read with a little heat mixed in.


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