The Marriage Arrangement by Kim Loraine {a review}

"There's nothing wrong with falling in love, Becca. When you find the right one, it'll happen and you'll see."

The Marriage Arrangement is the third book in the Anything for Love series by Kim Loraine. In this latest book we get to know Becca Barnes and Taylor Savage a bit better. We find out about the day they met, how a romance about to blossom, and then we are in current day. If you are looking for a marriage of convenience story (fake relationship) that is also grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, hate to love, and a sports romance, then consider picking up The Marriage Arrangement when it releases on November 14, 2022!

My rating for The Marriage Arrangement:

I loved the majority of this book. I'm going to do my review stream of consciousness style!

• That meet cute was adorable!
• Becca and Taylor seem like they would be fabulous together. They definitely have chemistry.
• Tinkerbell and Hook
• Cardamom? Oops.
• Aww, she's taking care of him.
• Ugh. So it's going to be like that.
• Hello Taylor showing back up!
• Dang, that was an offer! But I can see Becca's point. She's obviously going to go for it. (otherwise the story would end here)
• LOVE all this banter!
• Scarlett has my curiosity
• OOH Scotland! Bring it on!
• Taylor's mom is THAT mom, and I am here for it.
• Granddad is pretty spectacular.
• Major shift happening in this faux relationship!
• Taylor's dad is an ass. Plain and simple.
• SCARLETT!?!
• Ooooh that's gonna hurt.
• Love getting to see more of Mav and Clara
• And they lived happily ever after.

Other random thoughts that I had while reading.

• I fully enjoyed the hate to love trope. It fit in so perfectly.

• So much happened in Scotland that I cannot even begin to touch on it. One of the last scenes had me feeling a tad worried. 

• I did not like Taylor's dad. Not one bit. Also, I will say that felt like a storyline that wasn't completed. I still have questions regarding that character, and the shenanigans that he was causing.

• One thing I know is that as Becca and Taylor's story was winding down, the groundwork was being laid for Scarlett's. I am beyond ready for that story!

I continue to enjoy this hockey romance series from Kim Loraine. I fell hard for Mav and Clara, and everything has just continued to snowball. Bring on Scarlett's story. (especially knowing what I know)

Happy Reading,
Laura

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I need a wife. NOW.

With this hockey season on the line, I can’t afford any distractions. And a dating reality show is one huge distraction. But there's a surefire way to get out of this dating show contract. All I have to do is get married.

Even with a reputation like mine–the Scottish bad boy of hockey–I'm confident I can find someone to play Mrs. Taylor Savage for a year.

Like Becca Barnes. The one who got away. Too bad she hates me. But that's why she’s perfect for this arrangement.

My contract is dissolved. She gets the bakery of her dreams.

Win-Win.

She just has to live with me and pretend she loves me in public for a year. No strings. No touching (unless there’s a camera). No messy heartbreak.

It’s sure to be a challenge because with the way I crave her, keeping my hands to myself might be harder than I planned.

But I can handle this. Being married to her will be easy. As long as I don't fall in love with her along the way.

Thank you to Kim Loraine, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Marriage Arrangement.

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Big Deck Energy by Kim Loraine {a review}

Big Deck Energy, the second book in the Anything For Love series from Kim Loraine, is now available! If you are someone who enjoys hockey romances, then run and grab this book! Big Deck Energy features a strong heroine, a hero with a hot AF British accent, and lots of flirty banter.

If you read The Baby Proposition, then you may recall the teaser for Big Deck Energy. How Becca downloaded a new dating app for Elyse to use, and upon seeing a picture of a guys abs, as well as taking note of his username, Elyse sent off a fiery message. She essentially took all of her frustrations with the male population out on @BigDeckEnergy. This lead to frequent conversations, and was the start of a friendship. These two had gotten under each other's skin, and there was an attraction building. Even though they had yet to meet in person.

Ethan and Elyse's story was so dang good! From their initial online meeting, to the phone conversations, to finally meeting up in person, and to a relationship forming. I loved it all. There was not one moment in this book that had me saying "no thanks". From cover to cover, I could not put this book down. The banter between Elyse and Ethan had me literally laughing out loud. The one liners were flying, and it just made my heart swell.

Then there was the fact that we were able to reconnect with Maverick and Clara Wilde. That had me giddy. I love those characters! I knew they would be making an appearance in the series, but I wasn't certain to what extent. Now I know, and it was perfection. While I would have preferred to have more of Maverick in the story, I do love Clara. So her taking those scenes was just as good.

Let's talk about the moment of conflict between Elyse and Ethan. I saw it coming. I did. But that didn't diminish my love of the story one bit. It was interesting to walk through that moment with the characters, and then see how they made their way through that rough patch.

Also, I just need to mention the scene where Elyse mentions Harry Styles. That had me rolling. I do love me some Harry Styles so I always appreciate when he is brought into my stories.

I cannot wait to see how the Anything For Love series continues to play out. The next book, The Marriage Arrangement, has sparked my curiosity, and I am anticipating the release of that book. (whenever it may be released.) Fake relationships tend to draw me in.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Big Deck Energy. I hope you will go read this hockey romance, and fall for the characters just like I did. 
Laura

PS: Yes, every time I wrote out Big Deck Energy, I wanted to replace the vowel on Deck. I can't help it.

Cover Design: TE Black Designs
Photography: Wander Aguiar
Model: Andrew Biernat

A sexy, mistaken-identity, forbidden sports romance!

After my last romance turned into a dumpster fire, I did the only reasonable thing–I swore off men for all of eternity. So my bestie said she did the only reasonable thing–she signed me up for a freaking dating app. I thought it was a joke. But after too many martinis, I committed a cardinal sin. I slid into the DMs of the first eye-roll inducing profile I found – @BigDeckEnergy.

With a name like that, how could I resist giving him a piece of my mind?

I never expected him to write back. I also never expected to like him.

His body? Sexy as hell.
Handle? Cocky.
Accent? Did I mention he’s British?
Personality? Funny, sweet, and witty.

Everything was falling into place until it all came crashing down and I remembered why I’d written off dating in the first place. Because Ethan Byrne wasn’t just @BigDeckEnergy. He was a pro hockey player. #41, the center for the Seattle Cyclones, to be exact. He also happened to be my brand new client, and completely off-limits.

Too bad I already knew exactly how big his deck really was.

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Listen to Shane East and Stella Hunter narrate the story on Audible!

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Meet Kim Loraine

Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

Connect with Kim

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Hosted by:

Thank you to Kim Loraine, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Big Deck Energy.

 

Big Deck Energy by Kim Loraine {cover reveal}

Big Deck Energy is a steamy stand-alone novel in Kim Loraine's Anything For Love series featuring a strong heroine, a hero with a hot AF British accent, and lots of flirty banter.

Check out this gorgeous cover for BIG DECK ENERGY!

This all-new sexy forbidden sports romance is coming March 14th!

A sexy, mistaken-identity, forbidden sports romance!

After my last romance turned into a dumpster fire, I did the only reasonable thing–I swore off men for all of eternity. So my bestie said she did the only reasonable thing–she signed me up for a freaking dating app. I thought it was a joke. But after too many martinis, I committed a cardinal sin. I slid into the DMs of the first eye-roll inducing profile I found – @BigDeckEnergy.

With a name like that, how could I resist giving him a piece of my mind?

I never expected him to write back. I also never expected to like him.

His body? Sexy as hell.

Handle? Cocky.

Accent? Did I mention he’s British?

Personality? Funny, sweet, and witty.

Everything was falling into place until it all came crashing down and I remembered why I’d written off dating in the first place. Because Ethan Byrne wasn’t just @BigDeckEnergy. He was a pro hockey player. #41, the center for the Seattle Cyclones, to be exact. He also happened to be my brand new client, and completely off-limits.

Too bad I already knew exactly how big his deck really was.

Preorder NOW!

Amazon | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Apple

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Audio preorder alert signup!
Big Deck Energy will be narrated in duet by Shane East and Stella Hunter!!!

Meet Kim Loraine

Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

Connect with Kim

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub | Newsletter | TikTok

Cover reveal hosted by

 

The Baby Proposition by Kim Loraine {a review}

It seems as though I've been waiting on Maverick's story forever. Obviously that isn't the case though, as it's only been since July 2021. Thankfully I had Daisy and Hawk to distract me as I waited. 

The Baby Proposition, by Kim Loraine, is the first book in the Anything for Love series, and it is telling us all about Maverick and Clara. Clara is the local vet, and is frequently at the Wilde Horse Ranch checking up on the animals. Of course while she's there, she also gets to catch up with Maverick. These two have formed quite the friendship, and there is that pull there to have that friendship turn into something more. But Clara won't let that happen. She's determined to do things on her own.

"I can't count on other people to make my dreams come true. So, I don't look for my prince charming. He doesn't exist."

Which that's all fine and dandy. She is a fully capable person, and if she doesn't want that HEA, she doesn't have to go after it. Clara is also adamant that she wants a baby. She's gone so far as to look into donation clinics, and has done her research. She's not getting any younger, and Clara feels it is time. One night at a wedding, Clara tells Maverick that she's going to become a mom. He's surprised, obviously, but then she goes on to clarify. It is after all of this, that Maverick offers his assistance. Clara takes him up on it, but she doesn't fully explain things to him. She's not looking for a night. She's looking for a donation. What happens next is full of romcom moments that end up with these friends determined to find their happily ever after. Can they have it together though, or would they be better off just being friends?

Now, I absolutely loved Maverick and Clara's story! From The Wedding Date Proposition prequel, to the very last page of The Baby Proposition, I just loved it. I feel connected to these characters, and I want the best for them. 

From the very beginning when you could see their friendship beginning to take a turn, to the moment when Maverick made his offer, to Clara's response, and everything that happened with the baby proposition. I knew these two would fall for each other!

Let's talk about that scene with Luke though where they (Luke & Maverick) are getting ready to race through the fields. I was really enjoying their banter.

"Get off my ass. You aren't my wife. Leave me alone."

But during that race, Maverick's mind started to wander. He was thinking about everything that needed to be done. From the property here, to the property in Texas, and now that hockey team in Seattle. It's a lot, and he's feeling spread thin. What happened next though, had me gasping. My heart lurched, my hand flew to my mouth, and I was worried for a few minutes. Egads I was not expecting any of that to happen. I fully admit that I had tears welling up in my eyes. Thankfully Clara, and Doc, quickly arrived on scene and were able to do what they both needed to do for the horse, and the human. STILL THOUGH! My heart.

As the story progressed, we saw how the relationship shifted between Maverick and Clara. Yes, Maverick was going to help Clara get pregnant. But Clara was determined to keep things as relationship free as possible. That's not working. For either of them.

"I didn't even see it. I didn't see how much I needed you in my life and how I need to be in yours."

Then there was when Ben arrived in town. Ben and  Clara have known each other for years, and she was hoping he would want to move to Sunrise to help run the clinic. She needed him for when she might need to go on maternity leave. That is if she were to get pregnant. Maverick isn't thrilled about this person though, and you can feel the jealousy rolling off of him. I'm so glad that Clara called him out on it too.

"At first, the jealous caveman thing was cute, but not anymore. Why are you so mean to him?"

"I am not."

""Yes, you are. You're being ridiculous and grumpy."

When Maverick went to his buddies for guidance, I found myself chuckling often. That entire scene brought a smile to my face, and had me loving the characters even more so.. Oh those cowboys. I had a big grin on my face when Travis called him out for the reason why he was there learning the ropes. Then there was this brief conversation:

"How do I know if I'm ready?"

"It's kinda like riding a bucking bronc. You're never ready. You just hold on for dear life and hope you make it through."

As the story progressed, I found myself wondering what the dramatic moment was going to be. I knew it was going to happen, but what I had building in my brain just wasn't seeming right.  I can safely say it wasn't what I thought it was going to be, and I'm happy about that. I like it when books are not completely predictable. But the dramatic moment also had me wanting to knock our character upside the head. COME ON! 

Sorry, I couldn't resist. The entire scene had me wanted to scream this exact sentiment.

Their happily ever did come though. It may have not been as quickly as Maverick would have liked, but a happy ending happened none the less. And what an ending it was.

Oh, but can we backtrack for a moment? Let's go back to the moment that had the community coming together. That moment at Ryker Ranch gutted me. MY HEART! I was YELLING at Kim Loraine. Oh you can't do that to me! Kim, WHY?!?!? UGH. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. 

Sweet Mama Ryker tugged at my heartstrings. That woman has been through so much, and I just want to wrap her up in a gigantic hug. (and have her adopt me.)

As this story wrapped up, I found myself curious as to what was going to happen next for Maverick and Clara. We know about the hockey team, but what exactly happened with the property in Texas? I feel like that wasn't cleared up completely. Which is okay, I'm just annoyingly curious.

Also, this has me anticipating Killian Wilde's story. From the moment he arrived on the scene in this story, I knew the setup for his story was happening. I have a feeling that one is going to be a bit of a wild ride. Or rather, he's going to Drive Me Wild. 

Then, of course, Kim Loraine had to set things up for the first hockey story as well. I'm so ready! Big Deck Energy is sounding amazing. It's a forbidden romance featuring the mistaken identity trope. BRING IT ON! Let's go Seattle Cyclones!

I gave The Baby Proposition 4.5 stars on Goodreads. Maybe it was the familiarity of the characters, maybe it was the tropes, maybe it was the storyline, but no matter what, this book pulled me in. (really, it was all of those things that lead to my rating.)

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Baby Proposition. If you like cowboy romances featuring the friends to lovers trope, then I hope you'll pick this one up. Now this is part of a series, but don't worry about that! All of the books can be read as standalones, so really you can jump in anywhere you please. I should also mention that this is technically the first book in the Anything for Love series, but I am also lumping it in with the Wilde Horse Ranch series as that is where it was to originally fit in. Happy reading my fellow book lovers!

Laura

Cover Design: T.E. Black Designs
Photography: Michelle Lancaster

Clara Barnes wants a baby, and I’m going to give her one.

I wanted Clara the first time I saw her, but as soon as I figured out she was the local vet and would be working on my ranch, I knew I had to let her go. I put myself in the friend-zone until the night she told me she wanted to get knocked up.

There wasn’t a chance I’d let another guy get her pregnant, even if he was an anonymous donor. Not when she had me, Maverick Wilde—grade A certified Montana cowboy—right in front of her.

The arrangement was perfect. I make my donation, she gets her baby, we go back to being friends. No strings. No messy heartbreak.

Except everything changes when we decide it’ll be a lot more fun to make a direct deposit and do things the old fashioned way. That spark between us? Now it’s a blazing fire I have no desire to extinguish.

Our baby proposition just got a lot more complicated.

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Meet Kim Loraine

Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

Connect with Kim

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub | Newsletter | TikTok

Thank you Kim for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Baby Proposition.