Below the Line by April Canavan {a review}

 

After a slight delay, Below the Line by April Canavan is NOW AVAILABLE! If you're anything like me, you have been eagerly anticipating this book because it means that we FINALLY find out the history between Teri and Logan. And friends, what a story it is. 

Teri and Logan were once high school sweethearts. Logan had plans to marry her, to start a life with her, and to just have that happily ever after. Then came everything that happened with Lettie, and her death. Logan was grieving his sister big time, and he decided to join the military. To celebrate that, there was a family dinner scheduled. On the way there though, something major happened, and that right there changed Logan's path. He convinced himself that he could never be with Teri. He wasn't good enough, and everything that happened was his fault. Flash forward to current day. Logan is going on the annual camping trip with his family, and who shows up but Teri and her family. Logan is shocked to see her there, but he is also 100% happy she came. He's determined to talk to her and set things straight. Until things go south again. An emergency leads to an announcement, which leads to lives changing. Then there is the bombshell that the Chief drops onto Logan, and his life is spiraling out of control.

I am obsessed with the Birch Police Department series that April Canavan has created. Each book in this series has made me cry (at varying levels), and fall in love with our cast of characters. I want to befriend these fictional people. I want to go be their neighbor, be their friend, and just live in their community. Ever since reading Balls to the Wall (Remy & Parker's story), I have been intrigued by Logan and Teri. I knew that their story was going to be a bit intense. There had to be a reason why Logan was acting the way he was, and how he couldn't leave Teri alone. There is this connection between them that can only be described as soul mates. These two have a tether to the other that cannot be severed. No matter what has happened in their lives since that day in the alley, they always come back to each other. I love it. Do I understand why Logan would let himself into Teri's house every so often? Not really. I get that Teri brings him comfort, but dang if that isn't a little stalker-ish. (If you've read the story then you know what I'm talking about) 

I posted on Instagram when I was about half way through chapter 6, and I was picking my jaw up off the ground. I could not get over what I had just read, and the scenes that had just played out. That brought on the tears a little bit. Then later in the book, when the suspense kicked in, I was on the edge of my seat wondering how all that was going to play out. How was it going to wrap up? What would it take for Teri and Logan to get their HEA? I don't know that these two could handle much more heartache, pain, and loss. Everything that happened was rough to read, BUT at the same time it got them to where they needed to be. All of this brought them to their HEA. I love this series, and I want more. I cannot wait to read the novel that was teased at the end. My curiosity has been sparked, and I will be anticipating that book when it releases. But considering that book isn't even on Goodreads yet, I'll be waiting a bit. So while I wait for that one, I at least have the Birch County Fire series to look forward to. Ground Zero releases next month, and I am so ready for it!

If you are all about police and/or military romances, then PLEASE go read the Birch Police Department series by April Canavan. I put it under both categories because our guys are all former military (or reserves in Dom's case), and are just simply amazing. They are alphas, they are overprotective, they love hard, and they wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their ladies are pretty darn incredible too. Oh, and reading this series may have you craving tacos and pizza. Both foods play a big part in the books. 🤣

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on Below the Line, and the Birch Police Department series. I think you'll fall for these characters. If you're an emotional reader, have the tissue box close by. Some books will require more tissues than others.

Laura

Teri

Silence.

That’s all I had from him for years.

Broken promises.

Dreams of a life we should have had.

Except he left me behind.

And then he showed up, scarred and broken.

I can’t save him.

Hell, I can’t even save myself.

When he promises me the world, I know he’s full of shit.

But that doesn’t stop me from letting him in.

From hoping he’s not going to break me again.

Logan

I made promise after promise.

Broke every single one of them without looking back.

Okay, that’s a lie.

I looked back, and I made damned sure she never loved anyone else.

She’s always belonged to me.

I know I’m not a good man.

I may be dense, but I’m not a f*cking idiot.

When I get the chance to have her, I take it.

Her kiss.

Her smell.

The way she screams my name.

In the dark pit of my life, she’s the only salvation.

And I’ll destroy anything that tries to take her from me again.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

New to the Birch Police Department? Catch up here:

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

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!

Hosted By:

Thank you to April Canavan, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of  Below the Line.

What book series just had a name change?

 

April Canavan just announced that the Birch Police Department series is getting a name change! It will now be known as Birch County Heroes! April  has said that the content in the books will not changed, it’s simply a rebranding.

So I'll be going back to my posts to update the labels! Don't worry, I'll keep the BPD label as well since that is what the series was originally known as.

Also, I highly recommend the Birch Police Department series. You should definitely go read it.

Amazon | Review | Goodreads

Amazon | Review | Goodreads

Amazon | Review | Goodreads

Amazon | Review | Goodreads

Amazon | Review* | Goodreads

*review will be coming in September 2021

Break it Down {a review}

Have you ever read a book where you cried through the majority of it? Because for me, that was Break It Down by April Canavan. If you're unfamiliar with the book, it is the fourth book in the Birch Police Department series. Honestly, I've read all four, and all four of them have had me in tears at one point or another. What can I say, except I'm a very emotional person.

In Break It Down, we have Chloe and Ian. They have been a couple for YEARS, and were engaged to be married. That is until Chloe receives news that her brother has died during his most recent overseas deployment. This gutted her, and she felt it was Ian's fault. She blamed him, and so she ended their relationship. But not a day goes by that she doesn't regret that decision. At the reading of her brother's will, it is announced that Chloe, Ian, and the rest of the group are all headed for a week long vacation. It is all paid for, and there are challenges to be completed while there. It is at this vacation where Chloe is finally able to talk to Ian a bit. She lays it all out there, and she makes it clear that she wants her ring back. She wants to marry Ian! Ian is making her wait. One day Chloe and Ian are out on the lake enjoying time together when they notice something strange. It looks like something is floating in the water, and when they get closer they find out it is a woman. They rescue her, and the ambulance arrives to take her to the hospital. And that's that. Or is it? This my friends is where the suspense kicks in a bit. 

As I said at the beginning I cried throughout this story. When death is mentioned, or a major illness, I automatically get all up in my feelings. There is something about walking through this period with the characters that just brings out my sympathetic self, along with a bit of empathy. And then I'm just a mess. So learning that Chloe's brother died overseas, and also learning that her parents died years earlier, and she's now the only one left of her family, just hit me hard. Even typing that out made my eyes a little misty. Collect yourself Laura! Witnessing Chloe go through all this, and trying to distance herself from Ian was hard. I understand why she was doing what she was, but still. I loved every single thing about Break It Down. From the struggles that Chloe and Ian went through, to the vacation at the lake house. to the activities they had to participate in, to the return home, to the end of the book. All of it was amazing. My emotions went on a rollercoaster ride, but that's okay! It was worth it for this book. When the book was over half through, I was wondering when the suspense was going to kick in. I figured it would have started already. But clearly I was wrong. When it did begin though, I was a nervous wreck. I mean I knew the story would end on a good note, but getting there took time. I can't lie, I do wish the suspense had been a bit more drawn out, but it is what it is, and I loved the story.

Originally I was going to give Break It Down 4.5 stars, but as I've sat with it, I realized that it truly is a 5 star read. Yes I wanted there to be more to the suspense side of the story, but ultimately it isn't enough to not call it a 5 star read. 

I loved this book. I love all these characters. The setting is fantastic. And I clearly need to purchase some stock in Kleenex since I've been going through so much lately with all these tear jerker stories. Highly recommend that you read Break It Down, and really all the books in the Birch Police Department series.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

Chloe

A folded up flag is all that remains.

My brother lost overseas.

And every single day, I face the man who walked away.

The man who couldn't save him.

The one I blame, even if he's not at fault.

He haunts every step I take, and I can't escape.

I'm not sure I can convince him to let me go.

I'm definitely not strong enough to admit the truth.

I never stopped loving him.

Ian

The sight of her holding that flag will haunt me until the day I die.

One night.

One mistake.

One failed mission.

Two families ruined forever.

The right thing to do is walk away.

Especially when I see rage in her eyes.

She doesn’t need the trouble I’ll bring her way.

There’s only one thing I’m good for.

And it sure as hell doesn’t include fixing her problems.

With my expertise, I can break her down and tear her apart.

I just can’t put her back together again.

But she’s in my blood, and I can’t let her go.

She might be shattered and broken, but I never wanted her perfect.

I just want her.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR 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!

Hosted By:

Thank you to April Canavan, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Break It Down.

Bite the Bullet {a review}

Bite the Bullet is the third book in the Birch Police Department series by April Canavan, and it releases TODAY!

If you've been with me for a while, then you know that both Balls to the Wall and Boots on the Ground made my monthly top 5 lists. I am a bit obsessed with the series, and love the romantic suspense element that they offer. I get sucked right in, and I cannot put the books down. So I am expecting Bite the Bullet to be the same way.

In Bite the Bullet we are meeting up with Emma Hayes and Dominic Ortiz. Emma, you may recall, is the sister of Linc and Danny. Linc and Danny served overseas with Dominic. Linc and Dominic now serve together at Birch PD. One night Bee comes over to Emma's house, as her parents asked if Emma could watch her. Emma loves Bee, so it wasn't an issue. Plus Emma knows a bit of what goes on across the street. She's reported it a few times. That night though, everything changes. It is also this night that Emma finds out Dom is back in town. Emma is a new recruit to the police department and is beginning her training. Dom has been tapped to be her training officer. But there's a problem. They're attracted to each other, and the other night they kissed. Dom agrees to continue on, and tells the Chief the kiss meant nothing. And that is where it all starts.

I am obsessed with the Birch Police Department series. I cannot get enough. I absolutely loved Emma and Dom's story. Loved the relationship that Emma has with Dom's parents and siblings. Love the friendship that this group has. Love the ritual the guys have before someone deploys. Love how they have each others backs. The love story was fabulous. It has a bit of an age gap, as well as the brother's friend trope, along with a little military romance. It's just wonderful. Now I honestly thought the big moment of the book was when Dom deployed and Emma went to training. HAHAHAHAHA NO. That wasn't it. I mean that was the little moment of conflict. The suspenseful moment was still to come. And when it did, I can't lie, my mind immediately went to another person. Even though clues were given early on, my mind still didn't go there. But when I realized what was happening, my jaw dropped, and I gasped.

This book. OH THIS BOOK. Is it going to make my May top 5? Well I don't quite know yet, but there's a good chance.

If you're a fan of romantic suspense, then go read the Birch Police Department series. There's two more books yet to come, and I am eagerly anticipating both of them. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

May Anticipated Releases

Can you believe it's already time to talk about books releasing in May? 

I know! I mean it seems as though I was just sharing my anticipated reads for April. Yet some how, here we are.

So I have ELEVEN books on my anticipated reads list. I know. You want to know what's not funny? They're all in the second half of the month.  And I really want to read them all on their release dates. (well unless I can some how score an ARC, and then there is the chance of reading in advance) Yes I want to read them on their release dates because I want to read these books, but also because I want to share my thoughts here on the blog. Oh and all the books are continuations of series, or spin-offs. Sorry, not sorry.

What are the ELEVEN books? Well, I'm glad you asked.

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!

Hosted By:

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.

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. 🙂

Boots on the Ground {teaser}

I am beyond excited. The next book in the Birch Police Department series by April Canavan is set to release on March 30, 2021! I had read Balls to the Walls back in February, and LOVED IT. It was actually one of my top 5 reads for the month. So I definitely have high hopes for Boots on the Ground.

🔥🔥TEASER BLAST🔥🔥

BOOTS ON THE GROUND by April Canavan is coming March 30!

PreOrderHere: https://geni.us/BootsGround

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.

Bloggers sign up for release events here: https://forms.gle/A1SUj2p78hFmbmx49

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Happy Monday my fellow bibliophiles!

Can you believe another week in February is over? We are inching towards March already. Time is just flying by. Last week was a pretty good week when it came to reading. I will say that I had my first DNF of the year. So that was surprising for me. Especially since the book had a bit of hype surrounding it. Heck it was on the Goodreads list for best romance of 2020! 

Moving on, let's talk stats:

• 5 books started
• 4 completed
• 1 DNF (did not finish)
• 4 e-books
• 1 physical book (library)
• 2 were e-arcs
• 1493 pages

My average rating was 3.4 ⭐️
The book I DNF'd I gave a 1⭐️ to, so that really brought down my average.

Enough about that, let's talk about the books I read!

Boyfriend Material

by Alexis Hall

The Boyfriend Material made it's way onto the Goodreads Best Romance of 2020 list, so I figured this book has to be good. Based on the description I was thinking that the book would be similar in style to Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. I was wrong. OH SO WRONG.  Folks, I DNF'd this book at 30% (129 pages). It was so slow moving it was almost painful. Luc was quite immature and really frustrated me. After 30% I said to myself that this book is not worth the reading slump it will put me in to. So I returned it to my library (via overdrive), gave it a 1 star, and have absolutely no desire to pick it up again.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious if the book improved. But I'm not curious enough to pick it back up. I don't know how this book made it on to the Goodreads Best Romance list. Did you read Boyfriend Material? Did you like it?

Take a Hint, Dani Brown

by Talia Hibbert

Now Dani Brown on the other hand, this book too made its appearance on the Goodreads Best Romance list. Dani Brown totally deserved a slot on the list. This book drew me in, it moved fast, the characters were personable, and I 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'd fit in great with the guys from the Bromance Book Club. 

I gave Dani Brown 4 stars. Could it have been a 5? Oh absolutely, but I'm stingy with those and the book has to give me everything I want.  There were minor things that held me back. Do I still recommend this book? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY! I also recommend Chloe Brown. I'm anticipating Eve Brown's story too.

Balls to the Wall

by April Canavan

Balls to the Wall was my first ARC for the week. When I read the title, I forgot why I had requested the book. I was just confused. In my mind the title doesn't match up with the story, yet at the same time I don't know what I would recommend as an alternate title. Should you chose to read this story, let me tell you now, HAVE TISSUES HANDY! Also I should mention that there are a couple of parts that are emotional and/or difficult to read about. So be prepared. (if you need to know what the triggers are, please let me know and I'll fill you in the best I can without ruining the story.)

Here's what I can tell you, this is a small town romance featuring a single mother. It's more than that though, as it is also kind of a second chance romance. You see Parker and Remy have known each other for most of their lives. There has always been a connection between them, and when Parker went to make her move, he shut her down and wrecked her with the words he said. Parker sought solace in a friend, became pregnant after a night together, and married him. Her husband was in the military and was shipped overseas where he then lost his life. Fast forward a few years, Remy is now home from deployment, and is working for the local police department. He also made a promise to Parker's husband (they were deployed together) to watch over Parker. What happens next is the love story of Parker and Remy.

I freaking loved this book. Yes I cried. Yes I gasped a few times. Yes there was a time or two where I was holding my breath and eager to find out what happened next. When it was over, I found myself immediately looking to see when the second book in the series was coming out. I don't care that it will follow a different couple, I just need more of this community. More of these characters. Oh and rating wise, 4 stars.

Wake my Heart

by Lydia Michaels

Apparently my heart needed to be gutted by two books in a row. Wake my Heart was my other ARC for this week, and it's good. I will say that this book is the ultimate slow burn. Wow. This book is also filled with Maggie's grief, and eventual healing. You might need a tissue or two. (for me, this book didn't bring as many tears as Balls to the Wall.)

When we first meet Maggie, she is with her husband Nash. They were high school sweethearts, and were each others world. Everyone knew them. So naturally when Nash died (car accident) it wrecked Maggie. The grief, the anger, the sadness, it was all so much to handle. Maggie shut down, and shut out everyone.

That is until one day when her neighbors house sells, and in moves Ryan Clooney. He takes notice of Maggie. Of the fact that she doesn't drive, that she is skittish, and that she keeps to herself. Of course he also notices her as a woman, and he is finding himself attracted to this stranger. 

 

What starts as a friendship, slowly moves into a romantic relationship. Ryan is truly waking Maggie's heart through his friendship, his companionship, and his love. I ended up giving Wake My Heart 4 stars.

Undercover Bromance

by Lyssa Kay Adams

I have been wanting to read this book since last March when it released. I absolutely loved Bromance Book Club, and was hoping the sequel would be as enjoyable. Yet for some reason I kept pushing it off. Well I finally dived in.

If you read my Baseball Romance post, then you'll know I flagged this book series as Baseball Romance. Um, that isn't the case. Yes, book one was about a baseball player. Undercover Bromance though, absolutely not. This book is more of a billionaire/millionaire romance. Doesn't really matter though because I loved this book.

Yes, there are parts of the story that are difficult to read about (workplace assault), but ultimately it was handled with grace. We get to see the pain. We get the fire that is building in Liv. We see how this group of people come together to try and take down the villain. What we also see is two people building a relationship, while trying to fight it. Liv and Mack are the perfect characters for the enemies to lovers trope. They truly are.  

I loved Bromance Bookclub. I loved Undercover Bromance. I have since read Crazy Stupid Bromance (next week we'll talk about this one), and I am now eagerly anticipating Isn't It Bromantic?, which comes out in July. Love this series, and cannot wait to see what else Lyssa Kay Adams comes out with.

Oh and for rating, I gave it 4 stars. Again, it was close to 5, but I just couldn't do it.

There you have it, the five four books I read this week. Have you read any of them? As you can see I had a couple books that fit the fake dating trope, a slow burn, a second chance romance, and an enemies to lovers book. All in all it was a good week. I was a bit worried that things might go down hill after kicking off my reading week with a DNF, but thankfully that didn't happen.

I hope your February has been filled with some great books!

Happy Reading my friends,

Thank you to Grey's Promotions and Wildfire Marketing for providing me with ARCs of Balls to the Walls and Wake My Heart for review. All thoughts and opinions about the books are mine alone.