The next installment in the 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 from the bestselling author of the 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘱 series…
Thursday, July 29, 2021
The Nanny and the Nerd {a review}
Krista Sandor's newest book, The Nanny and the Nerd, is now available! If you are looking for a fun opposites attract romance, then trust me when I say to go read The Nanny and the Nerd. Just trust me.
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Opposites Attract
- Forced Proximity
- Forbidden
- Work Place
- Single Parent
- Billionaire
Laura
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Private Player {a review}
Private Player by Louise Bay is now available! If you are a fan of billionaire romances, then add this one to your TBR. In Private Player we meet Madison Shore and Nathan Cove. Madison is a journalist who is trying not to fall in her mother's footsteps. Her mom is a very prominent gossip journalist, and Madison doesn't like it one bit. Nathan Cove is a very successful businessman, and his name is being mentioned frequently on the gossip sites. Especially when he is seen out and about with his best friend's wife. Clearly there is an affair happening. Right? Wrong. There is no affair, but there is something major happening, and when that comes out it is going to shock a lot of people. One night at a wedding, Madison and Nathan meet. They have a night together, and then go their separate ways. That is until Nathan is having an article written about him. Who is the person who is going to shadow his every move? Madison. Naturally. What happens next is a lot of forced proximity, sharing of information, discovering the secret Nathan is holding, a career change, and ultimately falling in love. When I first started reading Private Player, I wasn't sure what to think. My curiosity won out though, and I continued on. I found myself curious as to what Nathan was hiding with these meetings. I was curious as to why Madison had issues with her mom's job, but never spoke to her mom about the job. I was curious as to why Nathan didn't feel he had the approval of his family, and the tension that caused him. I was just plain curious. Now I can't lie, I don't see the spark between Nathan and Madison. There was something missing there. But I still enjoyed the story as a whole. The journey from strangers, to a one night stand, to being reunited for a work purpose, to the secret being revealed, and how all that played out, it was good. I'm happy that I read the book, and look forward to reading more from Louise Bay. Do I recommend it? Absolutely! The book held my attention, and I was captivated by the storyline. So chances are you might feel the same way.
Thank you for reading my thoughts, The first time I meet Madison Shore, I’m greeted by her knickers. She’s upside down and trying to untangle herself from my chair at a wedding. |
Add to Goodreads Here! Meet Louise Bay USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful (not currently on sale as undergoing maintenance!), Hopeful, The Empire State Series, The Nights Collection, The Royals Collection, and The Gentleman Collection (these are series of stand alone books each following different characters). Louise’s most recent novel is Mr. Mayfair which is available now! Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.
Louise loves the rain, The West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.
She loves to hear from readers so get in touch! Connect with Louise Bay Newsletter | Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads Hosted By: Thank you Louise Bay and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of Private Player. |
A Greene Family Summer Bash {a review}
Oh my word, I freaking love it when Piper Rayne creates these little short stories/novellas! There is something about catching up with the characters that always puts a smile on my face. Plus getting to see little tidbits planted for future books just has me anticipating the books even more.
If you have not read the previous Greene family books, I would suggest doing so before reading this novella. Is it 100% necessary, no, but it will give you the backstory needed.
In the Greene Family Summer Bash we are at Hank and Marla’s house preparing for this annual celebration. Life is quickly changing for the family. Marla has announced that she is running for Mayor, and Hank is as busy as ever with his business. Rylan is the only child who lives at home, and Marla is starting to wonder if she’s letting him out of chores and such a bit too easily. When the older kids begin to arrive, the guys head outside to help Hank with some lights, while the ladies are inside chatting. Soon enough the entire family is present, and the day of fun begins. As the story continues we “hear” from each of the characters, have little tidbits of information dropped, and eventually Ethel arrives with her sidekicks. You know wherever the trio goes, fun will be had.
I really enjoyed catching up with the Greenes. So many things that were shared in this novella have me looking forward to future books. The stage has been set for stories, and I am here for it. Also, getting to see Ethel, Dori, and Midge in action had me smiling big time. There is something about those ladies that I just love. They are a hoot. Where they go, shenanigans follow that is for darn sure. This family, and the community they live in, is just wonderful. Yes they have their issues, but that’s what makes them relatable. I wonder if a community like the one they live in really exists? Maybe it’s just that small town life. I’ll never know since I live in a larger city.
Obviously I recommend reading this novella/short story. How could I not? It’s Piper Rayne, and it’s the Greenes. I’m hooked on this family, and the authors. I think you would be too.
Catch up with the Greene family during their annual summer party.
There's sure to be surprise announcements and unexpected guests!
Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write “heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle” about families, whether that be blood or found.
They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids.
Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!
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Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Roping Melanie {a review}
Single Mom? Nope. Not me. Ever.
I didn’t have a lot, but what I had I was proud of.
I was raised to keep my head down and work hard.
I followed the rules, rarely straying off the straight and narrow path.
That’s why when the opportunity to get wild and have a little fun presented itself, I jumped on it—or more like on him. The handsome cowboy from the bar.
It was one night in Vegas.
Afterward, all I had was the memory of his body pressed to mine and the hotel room key I swiped as I snuck out.
I never expected to see him again.
I definitely never imagined he’d show up in my small hometown seven years later, only to discover the daughter he never knew about.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Google Play, Kobo, Barnes & Noble!
Add to your Goodreads TBR!
Meet Melissa
Connect with Melissa
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Aidan in a Kilt {a review}
Aidan in a Kilt by Anna Durand is now available! This is the second book in the Ballachulish Trilogy, and Aidan's story is a quick, fun read.
After witnessing how Lachlan found his happily ever after, Aidan decided he too was going to head to America to find his lady love. He was going to do things the same as Lachlan, and surely the same results would follow. Right? Shortly after arriving to the club, Aidan sees a beautiful red head. Moments later, Aidan is mistaken for a male dancer that the bachelorette party has hired. Aidan is about to go with it, until he fully understands what is happening. As all that is happening, Aidan manages to snag a few moments with Calli, the red head who caught his attention. She's managed to roll her ankle, and Aidan convinces her to have a drink with him so they can just talk. One thing leads to another, and there is instant attraction between the two. The lust is strong, and Aidan is convinced Calli is the woman for him. He's already decided that Calli will be his bride. Calli wants nothing to do with this plan. What happens next is Aidan being invited to the wedding reception, and then a trip to the UP of Michigan where Aidan does his best to get Calli to fall for him. Obviously more happens during that trip, but that's where I'll stop my little recap.
When I began Aidan's story, I wasn't certain what to think. Here we had Aidan who was trying to follow in Lachlan's steps, but at the same time he was also keeping some things close to his chest. There were secrets to be revealed. Plus it didn't seem as though Aidan was being genuine in his search. He was copying Lachlan almost to a T. Now don't take that to mean that I didn't enjoy the story, because I did. While I didn't have the connection to Aidan that I would have liked, I loved Calli. She was relatable for me. She too has her secrets, but those were being kept more so out of fear. Calli was doing what she could to live her life. I really enjoyed watching Aidan sweep her off her feet. I also enjoyed how Calli pushed back and had no issue putting Aidan in his place. You could feel the emotions between the two. You could feel the tension. Then there were the steamy moments, and dang they were steamy. When the big dramatic moment happened, I may have teared up a little bit. I"m a sap, what can I say. Then when it was time for the grand gesture, and final push toward the HEA, I was all in. These two characters held me captive, and I loved every moment of it. I cannot wait for Rory's story! Bless the woman that he falls for, because he is going to be a lot. I can just tell. His story is going to be a doozy.
Loved the story. Recommend the book. Heck, I recommend the trilogy. I do want to go read Wicked in a Kilt, which is Calli's version of the story. So I'll need to find time to do that.
Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura
Love Next Door {a review}
Love Next Door is the brand new release by Helena Hunting! We are taking a break from the world of hockey, and we are headed to Pearl Lake. This small town romance is sure to capture your attention, and you just might see a few familiar names pop up.
If you’re wondering about the tropes for Love Next Door, well the main one is enemies to lovers, with opposite sides of the track as a good secondary (rich vs well, not). However, it could also be viewed as a slight second chance, or maybe more of a missed connection. When you read the book, come back and tell me your thoughts about it that one.
Dillon recently had her relationship end, and she is also out of a job when a sudden phone call has her returning to the one place she’d rather not go...home. Pearl Lake is your typical small town where everyone knows what is going on with everyone, and that is a huge part of why Dillon has stayed away. When Bee died, Dillon was also named the executor of the estate. Bee was her next door neighbor growing up, and she was like family. Bee helped to take care of Dillon, so it only seems natural that Dillon is now helping out with this. So returning home to help family is also the perfect chance to check in on the property. Donovan (Van) is Bee’s grandson, and he used to love spending time in Pearl Lake during the summers. It was a chance to escape from the city, and have a lot of fun all while spending time with Grammy Bee. Shortly after arriving to Pearl Lake, Van finds out some news from back home. Someone had taken $3 million dollars from his mother’s charity. And whoever took that money, has framed Van. Everyone thinks it’s best that Van stay in Pearl Lake until all this blows over. Oh, and in addition to all this, Van was fired from his job. So why not spend the summer in Pearl Lake, and work on fixing up Grammy Bee’s house. You can see where this is going, right? These two are destined to bump into each other. Did I mention that Van and Dillon have been talking through email? They have, and Van is under the assumption that Dillon is a guy. He’s in for quite the surprise. And Dillon, well she thinks she’s talked to Van on the phone before, and let's just say she isn’t fond of him based on what he’s been saying. Classic enemies to lovers!
It is no secret that I LOVE the books that Helena Hunting writes. I love her characters, the setting, and all of it. I think I’ve read just about all of her back titles with the exception of a few books from the Pucked series, and the books she has co-written. Yeah, I’m a bit obsessed. Sorry not sorry. I say that to say, this wasn’t my favorite. I mean it was still good, but I didn’t feel the connection to the characters or the setting. The world building wasn’t there for me, and that bummed me out. BUT, the story was good. The characters intrigued me on their own. I am really curious about Dillon’s brother, as that storyline captured my attention. I wanted to know what was going on, and how that all played out for him. Yes there were aspects of Dillon and Van’s story that had me curious, but not enough. I was curious who was framing Van. I was curious who Dillon had been speaking to regarding Bee’s property. I was curious about the summer kiss, from years prior, that Dillon spoke about. But that’s where it ended. Their actual relationship, well I didn’t feel it. It didn’t seem like the characters fit. Maybe it was me, and maybe I didn’t read this story at the right time.
Let’s talk about the rating. If you follow me on Goodreads, then you’ll know that it is listed as 3 stars, but in my review I say 3.5. And that’s where I feel it fits. It was a decent story, and the characters/romance had potential. It just fell a bit flat. So that’s that. Since this is listed as Lakeside #1, I will definitely be back to read the additional books in the series. Just because I didn’t feel it between Van and Dillon doesn’t mean that I won’t connect with future characters/storylines. Plus if Helena is writing it, I’m reading it.
Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura
When Dillion Stitch left her hometown, she had no intention of going back. But when her brother gets into trouble, Dillion reluctantly agrees to return home to take her place at the family business.
Being back in Pearl Lake after all these years feels familiar, but also brings a few surprises. She’s quick to notice that someone new has shown up at the cottage next door. Dillion gets more than an eyeful when she goes to check out the newcomer and meets Donovan “Van” Firestone—her beloved neighbor’s grandson—in all his unclothed glory.
Having gotten off to a rocky start, it’s not long before they begin bickering with each other all over town. All that back and forth inevitably sparks an undeniable attraction. But Dillion’s family has issues, Van’s family resents him, and neither Dillion nor Van feels truly at ease in the small town. For these Pearl Lake exiles, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where things get complicated.
Add Love Next Door to your Goodreads TBR!
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
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Thank you to Helena Hunting and Social Butterfly PR for providing me with an advanced copy of Love Next Door.
Southern Secrets {a review}
The time has come my reader friends! Natasha Madison’s latest addition to the Southern series is now available. Let me tell you, Southern Secrets is one you do not want to miss!
If you’ve read any of the books in the series, then you know that within this series you’ll get suspense, a little mystery, swoony moments, and a whole lotta steam. You’ll also feel like you’re family, and that these people are ones you want to know in real life. Oh wait, maybe that’s just me.
Southern Secrets is Amelia and Asher’s story. Asher arrived in town about six months ago. He was down to his last few dollars, and didn’t know what he was going to do. Until he met Ethan. Ethan offered him a job, and gave him a place to stay. Asher got right to work, showed he is dependable, and is willing to do what they throw at him. The moment he met Amelia (Ethan’s sister, Jacob’s daughter), Asher was done for. This woman fascinated him. He could not get her off his mind. Soon enough, these two became best friends. They were inseparable, and talked throughout the day. Amelia is burning the candle at both ends, and is determined to never rely on anyone. By day she works at the horse barns, but at night she heads to the bar that she bought from her Aunt Savannah. Amelia has plans for the place, and is looking forward to the day that this is her sole job. But she had plans once before, and then had the rug pulled out from under her feet. She is NOT going to let that happen again, and she most definitely is not going to give her heart to anyone. Asher and Amelia’s friendship is going great, until the day when the barns down. It is then that Amelia tells Asher that he can stay with her. After all, Asher had been living in that barn, and now he has nothing left. So he needs her support. He needs her friendship. But what if he also needs her? The day after the barn fire, Asher is at the scene with the guys. The fire marshall told them it was looking like arson, and they are looking for anything that is out of place. It is then that Asher spots something, and well the mystery is about to begin.
I LOVE the Southern series! I love the setting. I love the characters. I love the suspense. I just love it. So it’s of no surprise that I freaking loved Southern Secrets. Especially as Asher began sharing his past, the past he had kept secret for so long. It allowed us to see everything he has been through. And then, when that bombshell was dropped? EGADS! I was surprised, and I did not see that coming. Yet I’m glad it did. When Amelia revealed the secret that she had been keeping, that wasn’t as shocking, but at the same time it is since she never told anyone. I loved the connection that Asher and Amelia had. I loved how everyone else could see what was building between the two, yet they were blind to it all.
I’m bummed there is only one more book in the series, but all good things must come to an end. It will be interesting to see what Natasha Madison has up her sleeve for the next series. My hope is for another small town slash cowboy series, but time will tell. Whatever she releases, I know for certain I will thoroughly enjoy it.
Go pick up Southern Secrets and read Asher and Amelia’s story for yourself. Of course if you haven’t read the first 6 books in the series, then I recommend you do that!
Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura
Amelia
Never make the same mistake twice is my motto.
After being left in the dust of an old pickup truck, I promised that I would take care of myself
and never trust another man with a sexy smirk and cowboy boots.
Then he showed up, and he’s everywhere I turn. He's at the barn, he's at the bar, and now, he's my roommate.
He makes me want things I shouldn’t
Asher
I grew up in foster care, and on my eighteenth birthday, I was set free.
I spent years coasting from town to town.
Staying wasn’t a part of my plan and neither was love, especially with someone off limits.
This was all supposed to be temporary.
I’m just hoping my secret doesn’t destroy the only family I’ve ever known.
Buried secrets are never buried for long.