Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Mine to Have by Natasha Madison {a review}

Mine to Have is a small town, second chance romance from Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison. This first book in the Southern Wedding series will grab your attention, steal your heart, and have you falling for these characters. 

First things first, it should come as no surprise that I have been counting down the days until Harlow and Travis's story was available. We first met Harlow in the Southern series, and I was hoping we would witness her find her person. Well she did. It's just happening in a spin off series. Now Harlow's story does start with a prequel called Mine to Kiss. It is essentially the origin story for Harlow and Travis's relationship. That story alone was fantastic. Well until the ending. But that ending just lead to the anticipation of this book.

I'm not going to recap the book. What I will tell you is that Harlow kept her promise. She was there for what was supposed to be the best day of Travis's life. She put aside the heartache to support this man she once loved.

FIVE STARS

Harlow and Travis are simply amazing. After having read their prequel, I was highly anticipating this book, and it did not disappoint.


Add in the fact that we got to see Casey, Olivia, and the grandparents, and I was in heaven. I loved getting to go back home, reconnect with the familiar faces, and then watch as they guided Harlow through the pain, the heartache, the uncertainty, so that she could find happiness.
Travis also had his family there to encourage and support him. They helped him grieve the loss of the relationship he ended, and cheered him on as he found someone new. They were prepared to love and accept his new partner.
This second chance romance had me laughing, swooning, and tearing up. The romance was fantastic, and the steam was just what I’ve come to expect from Natasha Madison.

Loved every moment of this book, and cannot wait for the next in the series. Now I will say I am bummed because I don't think we'll see any more of the original crew, but rather it will be college roommates, and Travis's sisters as the future main characters. So this last little moment with the family was much needed. (and appreciated)
If you love small town romances, second chance romances, or if you fell hard for the characters in the Southern series, then you need to go grab Mine to Have immediately. Travis and Harlow will pull you in immediately. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my fan girl thoughts. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book.

Happy Reading,
Laura




Are you ready for The Southern Wedding Series?
Things are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.
Aren't they?

 

Harlow

I promised him I would be there for the best day of his life.

Not thinking I wouldn’t be the one standing next to him.

But here I was attending the love of my life’s wedding day.

I smiled when I saw him and pushed back the tears that wanted to come out.

This was his day and I was going to fulfill my promise.


Travis

It was supposed to be the best day of my life.

But the second I got up, things started to fall apart.

The kitchen just caught on fire.

Flowers were from a funeral.

My bride-to-be just had an allergic reaction leaving by ambulance.

Oh and my ex-girlfriend just walked into the church.

They say you have to see the signs when they are right in front of you.

Maybe she was just mine to have.


Grab Your Copy Here!
Add to your Goodreads TBR and/or your BookBub wishlist!



Meet Natasha Madison 


When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...

Connect with Natasha Madison



Hosted By:
Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Mine to Have.


Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne {a review}


Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne is officially available! This final book in the Hockey Hotties series will draw you in with the forbidden workplace romance, and intrigue you as you meet Kane's brother Lee. You see Lee has a book of his own coming at the end of 2022, so this was the perfect time to introduce him!

It's so hard when a series ends. Especially when it is one you are invested in, and find yourself craving more of the characters. Yet the time has come to say goodbye to the Florida Fury. So what better way than for Jana to take ownership of the team, and fight her attraction to the new head coach (aka Kane). You see these two have had a secret fling going on for a bit, but with these new roles at work, something needs to change.

Jana and Kane caught my attention a couple books ago, and my curiosity was piqued. Both of them come across as interesting characters, and I was interested in seeing how they were together as a couple.

Their story pulled me in as I love a good forbidden workplace romance. From the forced proximity to the friends with benefits relationship to ignoring what is right in front of them, this book held my attention. Now, was it my favorite out of the six? No, it wasn't. BUT it was definitely towards the top of the list.

This book was also a nice launching point for the football romance series that is coming at the end of the year. Lee has my attention, and I'm finding myself wondering how his story is going to go, and if I will fall for the characters in this new series.

Also that epilogue? Hit me right in the feelings. I actually found myself tearing up a bit. Ahh memories. 

I will say it here and now, I am crossing my fingers that we revisit the team, or another team within the league. I am also crossing all the things that we will finally get Tweety and Tedi's story. I need to know all the things about them. I just do.

The Hockey Hotties series has had it's ups and downs, but throughout it all, I have found myself warming to the characters, and falling for their stories.  I'm sad to see the series end, but I am also ready for football!

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this book, and the series in general. Go pick up a copy of Offside with 55, and get to know Jana and Kane. (and catch up with all the other couples)

Happy Reading,
Laura

  

The last thing any professional hockey player wants is to be the old man in the game. The guy who doesn't know when it's time to retire. Still, I can't bear the thought of leaving the game.

This past year I've reflected on all my regrets, and I told myself that once I retire it'll be the time to settle down and start a family. But this is where it gets tricky.

I think I've found her—my Mrs. Although she'll deny our connection to anyone who asks. We've been sleeping together casually and since I'm still playing hockey, I've let her get what she wants—me—whenever she wants.

After being told my career as a player is over, the owner of Florida Fury grants me a shot to stay in the game. A coaching position I didn't know I wanted until it was offered. The catch? He's also passing the family business down to his daughter.

Who's his daughter?

The woman who's been in and out of my bed for the past year. Which means the woman I intend to make my wife is now my new boss.


Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo!


Coming soon to Audible!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

 

 

Meet Piper Rayne

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!

Connect with Piper Rayne:


Be one of our Unicorns!



Thank you to Piper Rayne, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Offside with #55.

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Last Love by Xavier Neal {a review}


Last Love is a jaw-dropping, second chance romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Xavier Neal! This is book two in The Love Duet, so if you haven't read First Love, go do so!

Are you ready to find out how Ryder and Presley reunite? How they fall back in love? How they finally get their happily ever after? If so, then run to Amazon now, because this story is AMAZING. Xavier Neal has written another fabulous duet, and I could not put this book down.

I gave this book 4.5 Stars over on Goodreads, it was THAT good! Here is my mini review of the book. Remember, I can't really elaborate since this is a conclusion to an ongoing storyline.

Things that I loved:
  • Ryder and Presley finding their happiness
  • Ryder finding people who cared about him
  • Ryder had closure
  • Presley spoke up when it was time
  • Katherine
Honestly Katherine was a fantastic character, and having her as a friend was everything. She knew when to push, when to encourage, when to support. Yes her career guides her a bit on that, but I truly think it is just who she is as a (fictional) person. Plus she had some awesome one liners that had me laughing.

This conclusion to The Love Duet was everything. Our characters continued their journey, and still had moments that caused them to stumble. Yet they learned so much about the other as everything unfolded.

Since finishing Last Love, I have learned that Merrick and Jovi have a story as well! So I will need to read that to see how they came to be.

Thank you for taking time to check out my post. I greatly appreciate it. It is my hope that you'll check out Last Love by Xavier Neal, and fall for this second chance romance the way I did.

Happy Reading,
Laura





Ryder Collins wasn't always this determined.

This optimistic.

This devoted.

Once upon a time he was fractured.

Resentful.

Disgusted by his entire existence.

So, what happened?

He's finally given the opportunity to make things right with his soulmate.

Hopefully.

(This is the conclusion to The Love Duet)


One Click Now on Amazon!

Available on Kindle Unlimited




About the Author


Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible). 

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.


Connect with Xavier


Hosted by:

Thank you to Xavier Neal, and DS Promotions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Last Love. 

Monday, May 23, 2022

Nothing Feels Better by Brit Benson {a review}

Nothing Feels Better is the third book in the Better Love series from Brit Benson. Nothing Feels Better is a single parent, opposites attract romance with a small age gap (5 years). If you've read the other two books in the Better Love series, then you're familiar with Jesse. In this book we get to see him fall head over heals, and fight for the relationship he so desires.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I am absolutely hooked on the Better Love series from Brit Benson!

Nothing Feels Better is the story between Jesse and Jocelyn. These two had a chance meeting when Jesse was at a party that Riggs was hosting. Turns out Jocelyn lives right next door. It's not just Jocelyn that lives there though. It's her two kids (June and Jude) too.

I have loved seeing Jesse's character evolve and grow throughout this series. Now witnessing how he found his forever person just has me loving him even more. This man is pretty phenomenal. He's not your typical college kid by any means.

The attraction is immediate. The chemistry is there. Jocelyn is a bit on edge about the 5 year age gap, but Jesse shows her it doesn't matter. These two together is everything. I could not get enough, and I may have stayed up extremely late so I could continue with their story. I regret nothing.

I really appreciated how the group quickly pulled Jocelyn into their community. They made her and the kids feel safe, loved, and a part of a new family so to speak.

There is so much that happened in Nothing Feels Better. I couldn't even begin to touch on it all. Just know that Jocelyn's ex-husband is scum. There are trigger warnings mentioned at the beginning of the book, so pay attention to that if there are things that are difficult for you to read about.

This story, while difficult to read at times because of the ex-husband, captivated me. I could not put it down, and I found myself wanting to know more. I wanted to see what happened next.

Loved the characters. Loved the story. Returning to this group of friends felt a bit like coming home. My heart is happy for Jesse, Jocelyn, June, and Jude. That little pirate stole my heart, and I see bits of myself in that 9 year old.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. Go read this book. You will not regret it one bit. By far one of my favorite reads for this month. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

Jesse Hernandez has infiltrated my life.

 

The gorgeous, exciting, genius of a man who hangs out next door.

Who happens to be younger than me.

And in college.

And heading to medical school in just a few short months.

 

It started innocently enough.

The occasional run-in.

A few chance encounters.

An offer to babysit.

An offer for…more.

 

But then it snowballed.

 

Now, I only know two things for certain.

One, for the first time in my entire life, I’m not an afterthought.

And two, this will end very, very badly.

 

My kids. My job. His future.

It’s all at risk.

 

Jesse Hernandez has infiltrated my life, and if I’m not careful, we will all be in tatters when he leaves.



Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR or BookBub wishlist!

Meet Brit Benson

Brit Benson writes romance novels that are sassy, sexy, and sweet.

When she’s not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she’s reading. 

When she’s not reading, she’s probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods.

Brit currently resides somewhere near the Blue Ridge Parkway with her husband, daughters, and dogs.


Connect with Brit Benson

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page



Hosted by:

Thank you to Brit Benson, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Nothing Feels Better.

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Ryker by Samantha Lind {a review}


Ryker is the first book in the San Francisco Shockwaves series from Samantha Lind! This single dad sports romance has been on my anticipated reads list for sometime now. So when presented with the option to read an advanced copy, I was all in.


I had been waiting for Ryker's story. He had caught my attention at the end of the Indianapolis Eagles series, and I quickly marked this book down as one I had to read.

Over all I liked the romance between Avery and Ryker. These neighbors turned lovers had me smiling quite a few times. The relationship between Avery and Ellie really drew me in. They formed a bond early on, and Ellie could see what her dad couldn't.

As the story progressed, I found myself waiting for the drama to happen. There were a couple of times when I thought it would happen, but then nothing. I think I've finally realized that the author just doesn't write those scenes into her books. So I should stop looking for it! Especially since I've read a few books by Samantha Lind. That lack of conflict and/or drama had me rating the book 
3.5 stars on Goodreads.

All in all the story was good. Yes I wanted more from the characters. Yes I wanted the dramatic moment for the couple. At the same time, I just really like Ryker. He drew me in, and I was happy to see him find his happily ever after.

Will I continue with the series? That I'm not certain about. I didn't feel a pull to any of the other teammates. I don't have that connection. So time will tell.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. If you're looking for a whirlwind romance featuring a single dad and his next door neighbor, then consider picking this one up.

Happy Reading,
Laura





After years of trying to get back home to be closer to my daughter, I finally secured a spot on the newly expanded San Francisco Shockwaves.

 

Juggling being the newly appointed Captain of the team and taking on full-time fatherhood to a teenager sends my life into chaos.

 

I quickly find myself needing someone who can pick up the pieces and keep my life in order as I certainly can’t do it alone.

 

I just never thought my savior would be the sexy woman next door- the one I can’t keep my mind or eyes off every chance I get.

 


Grab Your Copy Here!
Add to your Goodreads TBR!


Meet Samantha Lind

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. 

She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.


Connect with Samantha Lind

Newsletter | Website | Facebook Page | Facebook Profile | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub




Hosted By:


Thank you to Samantha Lind, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Ryker.

He Saved My Boy by Amanda Shelley


Amanda Shelley is back with a new addition to the All American Boy series! This time she is featuring Davis Fallon. You may recognize that name as Davis appeared in a few other books by Amanda Shelley. His siblings have books telling their love stories, and now it is his turn.

Go download this book immediately. I'm sure it will be fantastic. (and no, I haven't read it yet, but I'm going to!)





Davis is the first guy to catch my attention since… hell I don’t even know.

Instantly, he made me think and feel things I forgot existed. It has been forever since I put my needs first, so I took the chance and let him light me up from the inside out.

Our night was the kind that will ruin me for all others.

But then I got the dreaded call I rushed out without a second glance, knowing I’d likely never see him again.

My son will always come first – Always.

Imagine my surprise when Davis walks in and he’s the only one who can save my boy.

This cannot be happening – I guess it’s time to pull up my big girl panties and see what happens.



 NOW available on audio and with whispersync. You can start listening to the talented voices of Tim Paige and Kelsey Navarro today on iTunes, Audible or Amazon.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

On The Edge by Julia Connors {a review}

Julia Connors new release, On The Edge, is a steamy second-chance romance set in the world of competitive skiing. This debut novel is sure to catch your attention, and have you coming back for more. Jackson and Nate's story will pull you in, and have you waiting to see how they find their happily ever after.

Oh how I love a good second chance romance! The fact that this was slow burn, steamy, and a sports romance had me all in.

Jackson was perfectly content living her life, working at the job she loved, and she had her relationship with Marco. Except that relationship was causing a bit of turmoil. After returning to work from a long (and much needed) vacation, Jackson finds out she has a new client, and will be expected to travel with him to all the races. The minute she sees THAT name on the folder, she's ready to run. The way her relationship with Nate ended still caused heartache, and she was still angry. Meanwhile Nate was living life the best he could. He was doing what he loved, but he didn't have the woman he loved by his side. It was time to find his way back to her. To show her that it was only ever her. She was it for him.

This book was filled with so much emotion. These two have quite the past, and you can feel the connection between them. Their road to reunion wasn't easy though. But Nate knew that would be the situation when he started. Secrets were still being kept. Jackson was guarding her heart. Friends were worried. Plus they worked together, so that made a reunion even more difficult.

The big moment was pretty intense. I knew that drama was coming, but I wasn't expecting it to be that grand. I'm still not over all of that, and how it affected Jackson. I also still have a question or two regarding all of it.

The reunion took a while to happen, but I was so happy when it did. I was rooting for these two.

On The Edge was my first book by Julia Connors that I had read, and I cannot wait for the next in this series. Sierra has me intrigued. I'm also looking forward to Petra's story, and I would love to see something regarding Marco.

Thank you for taking time to read my random thoughts about On The Edge. Go grab this new release, or download it on Kindle Unlimited. I truly think you'll find yourself intrigued by the characters, and loving the setting. 

Happy Reading,
Laura




Once upon a time I had it all: an Olympic gold medal, a career as a professional ski racer, and a happily ever after so close I could almost touch it. Then my perfect life imploded in one tragic weekend. 

Five years later I’ve rebuilt my life with the best girlfriends, the perfect new boyfriend, and a new career. Now my ex—the one who wrecked everything five years earlier—is back as the newest member of the National Ski Team and I’m forced to be his physical therapist. 

My days are filled with him. He’s constantly shirtless and sweaty and sexy as sin, and trying to make me fall in love with him again. 

But I built these walls around my heart for a reason—and his presence is threatening to undo everything I've created without him. With the stakes this high and the sexual tension this hot, this could all go so very wrong. 

Or, maybe we’re on the edge of getting everything we ever wanted.


Grab Your Copy Here!


Meet Julia Connors


Julia Connors grew up on the warm and sunny West Coast, but her first decision as an adult was to trade her flip-flops for snow boots and move to Boston. 

She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets. 


You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer. 


To learn more about Julia Connors and her books, please visit here



Hosted by:

Thank you to Julia Connors, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of On The Edge.

With Every Breath by JH Croix {cover reveal}


With Every Breath is coming October 11, 2022! This is the sixth book in the Light My Fire series from JH Croix.


With Every Breath is a swoony, firefighter romance set in small town Alaska! You are not going to want to miss this one. What will you get in With Every Breath?

 

✔A nosy, matchmaking grandmother.

✔Meet cute in birthday suit. 😳

✔A broody, smokin’ H-O-T hero.

✔A brilliant, tomboy heroine.

✔A three-legged sweet rescue dog.

✔Plenty of small town shenanigans. 


Jonah & Alice’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, smart & sassy heroines, nosy friends and relatives, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, oozing with swoon, and one smokin’ hot broody hero.



Cover design by Najla Qamber

 


Alice

I didn’t mean for the whole wedding party to see me skinny dipping.


That’s how I met Jonah, my new, way too hot for my sanity neighbor.

 

Jonah

I came to Alaska to escape. I prefer to leave tragedy behind and don’t need anyone reminding me I’m a hero. I’m not. I’m damaged goods and not in the market for romance.


Alice is beyond distracting, and I can’t avoid her. My grandmother thinks we’re fated for each other. While I’m busy trying to ignore my grandmother’s matchmaking, I make the mistake of kissing Alice. My willpower burns to the ground in a matter of seconds.




Pre-order now through one of these retailers!

Apple Books | Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Google Play


Add to your Goodreads TBR and/or your BookBub Wishlist!



 Meet J.H. Croix


USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. 


Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. 


Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


Connect with J.H. Croix