February Top 5

 

Well this post is a little over due. I had originally planned on this going live at the beginning of March, yet here we are. Oops. That's what happens though when you take two weeks off. So yeah.

Before we move into my top 5 reads for February, let's take a look at my stats.

In February, I read 23 books, which was 5,587 pages, and 2 hours of audio.

The book breakdown is:

• 10 advanced reader copies
• 5 physical (library) books
• 7 kindle books I purchased
• 1 audio book from scribd

Let's talk ratings. My average rating was 3.7⭐️

Breaking it down a bit further, we have

• 1 - Five Star
• 17 - Four Star
• 4 - Three Star
• 1 - One Star

Now to be fair, that one star was a DNF, and I felt it needed to be rated. But we're not going to talk about that.

My longest book read in February was, Wake My Heart by Lydia Michaels. It was 406 pages.

My shortest book read in February was, Second Chance Sweetheart by Charity Ferrell. It was 64 pages.

In February, I read 13 new to me authors! OH MY WORD! That's awesome.

The time has come to talk about my top 5 books for February. After a lot of back and forth, I've settled upon my list.

5) Take A Hint, Dani Brown

by Talia Hibbert

Take a Hint, Dani Brown drew me in. It moved fast, the characters were personable, and I just loved it. The relationship between Zaf and Dani was adorable. I loved the fake dating aspect of their story. Then of course there is the Brown Sisters. These ladies are just fantastic, and bring a smile to my face. Zaf and his love of romance novels had me smiling as well. He would fit in great with the guys from the Bromance Book Club.

Oh and I'm 95% certain that Dani is my favorite of the Brown sisters. 

4) Intercepted

by Alexa Martin

Intercepted is such a fantastic book. Heck the entire Playbook series is amazing. 

I freaking loved Intercepted. LOVED IT. I fully believed it had the potential to be a 5 star read. And honestly, it probably should have been. But there was something in the last third of the book that had me wavering.

No matter what though, my thoughts about wanting to have physical copies of this series holds true.

3) Undercover Bromance

by Lyssa Kay Adams

I had been wanting to read Undercover Bromance since March 2020 when it was released. I absolutely loved Bromance Book Club, and had high hopes for its sequel. Yet for some reason I kept pushing it off. That changed in February 2021. 

I had originally thought Undercover Bromance was going to be a sports romance, but I was wrong about that. And I'm perfectly okay with that.  It truly did not matter because the content of the book pushed all those other thoughts out of my mind.

Liv and Mack could not have been better paired. These two are the embodiment of enemies to lovers. I still think about Undercover Bromance, and it's been over a month since I read the book!

So good, and highly recommend.

2) Balls to the Wall

by April Canavan

If you recall my review of Balls to the Wall, then you might remember me telling you to have tissues handy for this book. I stand by that recommendation. Heck I was tearing up within the first couple of pages. I also briefly told you there were content warnings, and again if you need to know specifics, let me know. (I don't want to spoil anything)

This small town, second chance, romance gutted me. Heck within the first few pages I was tearing up. 

Parker, Remy, and Nox have stolen my heart. Balls to the Wall was the first book in the Birch Police Department series, and I cannot wait to see more of these characters in future books. I'm sure I will fall even further for them as they help their friends out (and witness them fall in love).

So what book made the top of my list?

1) Make It Sweet

by Kristen Callihan

Now let me just say, Make It Sweet was my ONLY five star read for the month of February, and that was what helped to push it past Balls to the Wall to take the number one spot.

This love story grabbed me from the beginning. We get to see Emma and Lucian's relationship building, but we also see them grow individually. They are both gaining confidence to get back out there with their careers. The spark that these two have is off the charts.  So much steam in this book. 

The fact that Make It Sweet has a bit of a sports romance thing going on definitely influenced my love of the book, but really it was just Lucian and Emma that sealed the deal. In the beginning we had two hurt people trying to heal. In the end, well, there is love.

Watch Me Burn {a review}

Ever since I finished reading Watch Me Burn, I have been struggling to put my thoughts to paper (um, screen). You see it's not that I didn't like the book, oh no, I quite enjoyed it. Owen and Natalie are fantastic together. The saying opposites attract is completely true for these two. It's just that I cannot convey my thoughts all of the sudden. The words have abandoned me. I can't say I've ever had that happen before. 🤷🏼‍♀️

The romance was wonderful. I loved seeing these two connect, and build that trust. Natalie made a big impact on Owen. I think it's safe to say he made one on her as well. Not to mention Natalie's parents stepping up. Loved that.

You know what really kept my attention though? It was the suspense. It all goes back to a situation that happened when Owen was a teenager. Here we are years later, and there are still people trying to bring him down.  Oofta. How everything played out. So good. I was so invested, and definitely found myself holding my breathe toward the end.

Now of course I also have questions, but it is what it is. I won't get answers because this isn't a cliffhanger type series. So no big deal. (Okay fine, it's about Owen's Mom. Do we ever find out what her issue is when it comes to Owen? Or is it just her husband's issue pushed on her? Does their relationship ever change for the better?)

What I do know is that I am going back to read the first book in the Elements of the Heart series, Watch Me Drown, because I need to know more about Gills, Whack, and Everest. Actually I might need to go back and read Buried Hearts, as that is where we apparently first meet the guys. But then if I'm going to read Buried Hearts, I suppose I should really read all of the books in the In the Dark series. Hmm, I guess I have a lot of backlist titles to read. 🤣

Have you read any books by CE Johnson? If not, I recommend Watch Me Burn. I think you might end up liking Owen and Natalie. (and then become really curious about Whack/Lucas.)

Happy Reading,

Curious about Watch Me Burn, but haven't read the teaser for it yet? I've got you covered, courtesy of Wildfire Marketing Solutions. Just scroll down a little bit.

Release Date: March 30

I was jumped. But nobody believed me.

They would have killed me if I didn’t fight back. 

Only once I started, I couldn’t stop myself.

The cops arrested me.

The town raged against me.

The judge made an example out of me.

Everyone abandoned me except my little sister.

Ten years later, she’s set to marry one of the men that destroyed my life. 

And all she wants is her big brother at her side. 

I didn’t think things could get much worse until Natalie Bell steps out of her fancy car with designer high heels to check in at my Lodge. 

A city girl doesn’t quite fit into my life out here in the wilderness. But when she’s ready to stand up for me against my biggest enemies, she happens to fit quite nicely at my side.

This fire inside of me used to be fueled by hate. Now, I only burn for her. 

They can try to force me back up on that stake and light every match in their books.

But I’m a different man now.

You see, once you learn how to live in the flames, they can no longer hurt you.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet C.E. Johnson

C.E. Johnson writes contemporary romance with a side of suspense. Her stories are full of emotion, heartbreak, collapsing walls, and redeeming love.

When not writing until all hours of the night, she loves to read books that feature a strong male with a soft spot for his feisty heroine. She prefers stories that rip your heart out completely, then kindly place it back into your chest with a HEA.

She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two kids, and some spoiled rotten animals.

Connect with C.E. Johnson

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Reader Group | Amazon Author Page | BookBub | Goodreads

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Thank you to Wildfire Marketing Solutions, and CE Johnson, for providing me with an advanced copy of Watch Me Burn. A positive review was not required. All thoughts/opinions regarding the book are my own.

At Wits' End {Cover Reveal & Teaser}

Release Date: April 7

The contract says I have to get fake-married to a Witlocke. It didn't say which Witlocke.

Apparently, any stuck-up jerk whose last name begins with W and ends with E will do. Oops, was that my out loud voice?

So I sign the dotted line and agree to marry vacant pretty-boy Jonathon Witlocke. Voila.

We'll unite our feuding families, and I'll save my aunt's vineyard. Unfortunately, when Jonathon gets publicly busted doing the horizontal mambo with my maid of honor, that deal's off. Enter my nemesis, Jonathon's sinfully sexy tech mogul cousin Donovan.

We've been mortal enemies since third grade, but he's all too willing to take Jonathon's place at the altar, for reasons he refuses to share with me.

We just have to stay married until the end of the summer.

But a lot can happen in a summer.

A dropped towel can lead to unexpected consequences.

Snarky sparring can end in steamy kissing.

Hidden truths can be revealed under an ancient oak tree. Hearts can melt. And someone can fall in love with the last man on earth who'd want 'forever'. Wait, that wasn't in the contract...

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Meet Kenzie Reed

Kenzie Reed lives in beautiful New England and is addicted to happily ever afters. 

She has a black belt in sarcasm and makes the worst puns ever—just ask her kids. She spends her days clearing dog fur from her keyboard and dreaming up snarky dialogue for sexy heroes. 

Her taste in books ranges from science fiction to thrillers to romantic comedy, and her bookcases have multiple personality disorder. 

She loves to hear from readers!

 

To learn up more about Kenzie Reed, visit: https://kenziereed.com and sign up for her newsletter, so you do not miss out on any news: https://kenziereed.com/newsletter/.

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Boots on the Ground {a review}

I know when I shared the teaser for Boots on the Ground, I mentioned how excited I was for this book. I also mentioned how I loved the first book in the Birch Police Department series, Balls to the Wall. Remy and Parker's story was actually one of my top 5 for February. When I learned that Linc and Kennedy's story was coming next, I was a bit giddy. 

Boots on the Ground had me on the edge of my seat at times. Especially whenever Royal was part of the scene. Royal and Kennedy had been engaged, and if you read Balls to the Wall, then you know they were not good together. Boots on the Ground not only tells us what happened to Kennedy, it also shows us the PTSD that Linc is dealing with since his military days. Now of course the book also focuses on the relationship between Kennedy and Linc, and how they find their way back to each other. Then there is sweet little Nox. I fell for this kid in Balls to the Wall, and he just keeps charming me. He just seems like the sweetest kid, and you can tell he loves the people in his life. I really loved how Nox came up with the idea for Kennedy's tattoo. I would love it if April Canavan shared an image of what she views the final piece as.

There should be a content warning for this book, as for some it may be a trigger. So should you choose to read Boots on the Ground, please know that domestic violence is a major part of the story. 

To say I loved the book would be an understatement. I will say that choosing my top 5 for March is going to be extremely difficult. If you are a fan of military and/or police romances, then I highly suggest you grabbing the Birch Police Department series!

Oh, and I hear that Dom's story is coming in May! Bite the Bullet will feature Dom and Emma! As I was reading Boots on the Ground, I found myself wondering if Emma would be his love interest. So yay for that!

Happy Reading,

Here is the teaser for Boots on the Ground, courtesy of Wildfire Marketing. ⬇️ 

Kennedy

I stayed away.

Even though it crushed me.

Because that’s what he wanted.

I distanced myself from the man I love.

I moved on, or so I told the world.

Went through the motions, and smiled when I wanted to cry.

Then chaos flashes into my life, destroying everything in its path.

It’s time to face facts.

Lincoln Hayes is the only one I trust.

The only one who keeps the nightmares at bay.

Linc

I love her. 

Thoughts of her came with every bullet that flew past my head overseas.

Every night, I dream about her and what we could have had.

She’s the only reason I came home.

The reason I stay, even though the very sight of her is torture.

After my brother died in my arms, everything changed.

I’m damaged. Broken.

She deserves so much more than I could ever be.

I’ll forever want the life I can never have.

That doesn’t mean that I won’t watch her six.

Boots on the ground, active and ready.

I’ll take out any threat she faces.

No matter the cost… because I’m not strong enough to lose her again.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet April Canavan

I live on chaos and coffee, and you’ll find it running through every single one of my stories.  

First of all, I absolutely abhor writing anything biographical. In any form. I’m terrible at it, and I have the very firm belief that no one wants to know who I am. You’re here for books, right? But that doesn’t mean I’m off the hook.

 

I grew up sneaking over to my great grandmother’s to read her Harlequin novels. Those were delivered once a month in a ginormous box, and from the age of ten, she let me devour them in their entirety. I fell in love with romance, even the clean kind. And that, undoubtedly, led to many days and nights with my face buried in a book and the discovery that I wasn’t happy unless my hair was up, and I had a story in my hand. 

 

I never wanted to write. I wanted to read. ALL the words. Until someone pointed out to me that I’d been writing my entire life. I just needed to put the book in my hand down and pick up a pen. 

 

Once I started, I found out that I couldn’t stop. Now, I’m always writing. Or reading. Or chasing my son through the house to get the elusive hug he thinks I don’t need.

 

Oh, and I’m a Leo… which is completely on-point if you know me at all. I love being the center of attention. On my terms. When I can stay at home in my pajamas. With lots and lots of coffee on hand. And maybe a few snacks.

Connect with April Canavan

To learn more about April Canavan, visit here!

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Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and April Canavan for an ARC of Boots on the Ground.

All opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.

April Releases I'm Excited About

 

Another chapter of 2021 has just about been completed. Can you believe it? I know I'm a bit in denial about the fact we are about to start April. My youngest turns 5 in April, my oldest turns 14, and of course I turn a year older as well. Then there's the fact that in just a little over two months my kids will be on summer vacation! Weren't we just starting the school year? Egads. 

Anyway, here are the romance books I'm anticipating for April.

April 1

Waiting Game by Lisa Suzanne

This is the fourth installment of the Vegas Aces series. We pick up in Hawaii, and find out what happens next.

April 6

Southern Heart by Natasha Madison

If you know me at all, you know my love for the writings of Natasha Madison. I have loved the first four books in her Southern series, and I may have been a little giddy when she announced the series was continuing.

My Almost Ex by Piper Rayne

I think I've spoken of my Bailey family obsession, and well now I have segued into the Greene Family. The second, full length, book in this series is getting ready to release, and this one features the amnesia trope! If you read My Beautiful Neighbor then chances are you read a snippet of the story.

April 8

I Pucking Love You by Pippa Grant

All I am going to say is HOCKEY ROM COM! I need to know nothing else.

April 12

Caged by Elise Faber

Oooh lookie here, it's another hockey romance! This is book 11 in the Gold Hockey series, and I'm hesitant on this one. Yes, I am anticipating the book, as I do love the series, but I'm also nervous. You see, the last book wasn't my favorite and it was because it was introducing new characters and there was very little interaction with the original crew. So I don't know what to expect. Ahhh!

April 13

Every Time I Fall by Lexi Ryan

When I read the teaser for Every Time I Fall, I was instantly hooked. I mean it features so many tropes that I love! Best friends sibling, small town, friends to lovers. What's not to love. Plus it is featuring a plus size heroine. So I mean, how can I not?

April 15

End Game by Lisa Suzanne

I don't want this book to come out, but I need this book to come out! End Game is the final installment of the Vegas Aces series featuring Luke and Ellie. In this book, we find out how it all ends. WHAT HAPPENS WITH EVERYONE? Will secrets be revealed? I need to know!

April 21

The Faker by Gina Azzi

Yeah, I know, it's another hockey romance. The Faker is the third book in the Boston Hawks series, and I'm hooked.  I know nothing of the premise, except that I think it is a fake marriage. Torsten wants to stay in the US, but if he doesn't get re-signed by the Hawks, that would be out the window. Inquiring minds need to know how this plays out.

What books are you looking forward to being released in April? As per usual, I haven't looked outside the romance genre, but I'm sure there are some excellent books about to be released.

Happy Reading,

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Happy Monday my fellow readers!

Last week was wonderful. Obviously I managed to do a lot of reading, that just goes without saying. I also did a bit of spring cleaning around my house. I still have a lot more to go, but I'm off to a good start. Now I just need the weather to warm up a bit more so that I can open windows! (and wash said windows)

Did you see those four reviews I posted last week? Dang did that feel good to get back into. Yes sharing mini reviews here on my weekly wrap up is nice too, but there is something about dedicating an entire post to a book (or series) that just makes my heart happy. This week there will be a few more reviews posted. My goal is also to post my April Anticipated Reads, and my top 5 reads for February. I was contemplating a Romanceopoly post, but considering I've read 1 out of 4 books for March, I think I'll skip it. The idea of a TBR game is wonderful. I love doing the rolls and figuring out the books to fit the prompts. My execution however leaves a bit to be desired. So yeah.

Enough about blog plans though. Let's talk reading stats for last week.

• Books Read: 6
• Kindle Books: 6
• Physical Books: 0
• ARCs: 6
• Pages Read: 1,514

My average rating was 4.16. 

Since I've posted reviews for three of these books, I am going to switch things up a bit. Instead of rewriting the reviews, or sharing the descriptions, I will let you know the tropes and maybe share one of my favorite quotes from the book. I will also link to the review so you can go check that out should you so choose.

This week I have reviews scheduled to go live for Waiting Game, Watch Me Burn, and Boots on the Ground.  So keep your eyes open for those! Once they are live, I will come back and edit my post with the links. 🙂

Paper Hearts {a review}

Hello there my fellow romance readers,

As I write this post, I literally just finished reading Paper Hearts by Brittany Taylor. My emotions took a little ride, and I haven't recovered quite yet. 

This second chance/enemies to lovers romance was spectacular. Picture your best friend (Mel) inviting you out to dinner where you will meet with a Realtor (who happens to be Trey's friend from college). After all you are looking to expand your business, so it seems like a good idea. Well your friend suddenly cannot make it, but urges you to continue on with the meeting. You go inside the restaurant, and find the man you are to meet. When he looks up, it is a blast from the past. It's the man you used to love, the man who broke your heart ten years ago. He recognizes you too, but rather than exchange polite conversation, there is no friendliness to be had. Heck, he even lies about who he is.

So that's how this all begins. Charleigh is looking to expand her floral company, and Asher is real estate agent who is visiting New York. Trey and Mel think Asher will be able to find Charleigh the perfect place for her business. Charleigh and Asher just need to work on some things first.

Paper Hearts alternates between modern day, and going back 10 years. We learn about the relationship then, witness how in love they were with each other, how there was drama due to their parents, and eventually we learn how things ended. In the here and now though, we get to see them as adults. Can they work through the issues of the past to work together? There is still an attraction between Charleigh and Asher, so could they reconnect?

I said it on Facebook, and I'll say it here, this book feels like a 5 star read. I also believe it is going to be one of my favorites for March. So if you'll excuse me, I'm headed to Goodreads to mark this book as read, and throw a 5 star rating on it.

Want to know more about Paper Hearts, and read a little excerpt? I have that for you. Just scroll a little further!

Happy Reading,

Thank you to Brittany Taylor and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Paper Hearts.

Absolutely loved it.

Title: Paper Hearts

Author: Brittany Taylor

Genre: Enemies to Lovers Romance

Release Date: March 26, 2021

BLURB

Asher Owens.

Gorgeous. Arrogant. Liar.

It’s been ten years since Asher left me with nothing but the remains of our shattered dreams.

The last place I expected to see him was at a small bar in a city of over eight million.

With my heart set on expanding my business, I needed one of New York City’s best real estate executives. Little did I know it would be the same man who had torn my heart like a piece of paper before setting it on fire.

Once my gaze lands on his, I know Asher is no longer the boy I loved when I was eighteen. No, this Asher treated me like a stranger. All for the sake of not wanting to sift through the ashes of our past.

Yet Asher’s arrogance rivaled any sort of rejection, even mine. Using his own selfish ambition, he needed me to claw his way to the top.

Despite his true motives, I had foolishly let him back in.

I’d fallen in love with Asher Owens once before and this time I would try my best not to make the same mistake twice.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

I step forward, closing the space between us. It’s the closest I’ve been to her in ten years. She steps backward, her back hitting the wall behind her. Her scent fills the air around us, a mixture of vanilla and flowers. Even with her heels, the top of her head still doesn’t meet my chin. I’m hovering over her, looking down at her as she tips her chin up. Breaking my eyes away from hers, I take a glance at how many floors we still have to go—only ten more left. Her whole body turns rigid with mine pressed against hers. She presses her lips together and swallows, her eyes dancing between my mouth and my eyes.

“What bothers you more, Charleigh? The fact that I won’t work with you or that you think I’m a shit friend? Because it seems to me it might be both.”

She bites down on her bottom lip, pulling it between her perfect teeth.

Fuck.

Suddenly I’m remembering how those lips once pressed against mine. Standing this close to her was a mistake, my reaction to her beginning to grow within the black pants of my suit.

Despite my question, she remains silent, so I continue. “And don’t pretend to be shocked by my question. We both know the truth behind how you really feel about me.”

Her bottom lip pops out from between her teeth, the flesh pink from the pressure she placed on it. “Wow.” The word slowly seeps out of her mouth, letter by letter. Her eyes narrow once again, and it’s as if she’s pierced me straight in the chest. “How arrogant you must be to assume how I feel about you after ten years of silence. Don’t act like you’re the victim here, Asher. You made your choices and I made mine.” Her words are laced with venom, meant to poison me.

It took nearly ten years to put Charleigh out of my mind. The pain of what happened, her forcing me to make the decision to leave her, is still fresh, even after all this time. We both lost something the night I left, but in a way, I feel I lost more than Charleigh did…my mother, and Charleigh.

I thought I was doing what was best for the both of us, but the differences between her and me couldn’t be more apparent.

The elevator settles before the doors slide open. I’m still standing in front of Charleigh, pressing her body against the wall. She pushes against my chest and quickly walks out. I hold my breath, knowing I should let her go. But like the fool I’ve always been, I don’t.

AUTHOR BIO

Brittany Taylor grew up all over the world including places such as California, England and Texas. Today she resides in Connecticut with her husband, two sons, two cats, and a dog. She loves reading but loves writing even more. Her favorite things in life are her family, binge watching Golden Girls, and tacos.

AUTHOR LINKS

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

Meant for More {a review}

Hi Book Friends!

So, I read another sports romance. I know, I know, but I can't help myself. My name is Laura, and I have a slight obsession with sports romance. Hey, it's best to just admit it, right? Right!

Meant for More is the brand new release from Liza James. It is a new adult romance that is set at Burnhardt University. Liz, Bloom, and Carter have been friends for over a decade now. The trio are often together. Carter and Bloom have a strong bond due to things that happened in Blooms younger years. Carter was always the person who was there for her. That being said, now that they are in college, things are changing. This friendship the trio have is changing. Suddenly where there was just friendship, now there's a feeling of "I want more".

Bloom is the girl that most people don't pay much attention to. She'd have you believe they don't notice her, She loves pottery, and is often found working on it. (and her clothes show it)

Liz is the girl that everyone pays attention to. She is the vice president for the sorority that she is in with Bloom, and is just a confident, out-going person.

Carter is the captain for the football team, and is a well known ladies man. He is headed for the NFL draft, well that is if he can get his grades up.

Liz is trying her best to fix Bloom up with Benj. He is also on the football team, and is friends with Carter. Liz also, for some unknown reason, shared a little tidbit about Bloom with Benj.

Now I will say knowing what Liz told Benj, who then told Carter, I question their motives for wanting a relationship with Bloom. Was it because they were truly attracted to her, or was it more of a competition to see who could succeed first. I'll be honest, I'm still not certain about Benj's motives. Carter, well as the story went on I felt more confident with him. Especially with the history that he and Bloom share.

In Meant for More there are a couple hard topics discussed (addiction and suicide), so just know that going in should you choose to read the book. The scenes with Bloom's Dad had me feeling all the emotions. I fully admit that I cried. My heart was breaking for a fictional character.

Now that the book is over, I am hoping that Liz gets a book of her own, as I am curious about her story. Oh and I'm definitely going to need to go check out Liza James's backlist.

Have you read anything by Liza James? No matter what, I highly suggest reading Meant for More!

Happy Reading,

Thank you to Liza James and Wildfire Marketing for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for a review. The book was fabulous!