The Puck Drop by Jacqueline Snowe {a review}

 

The Puck Drop by Jaqueline Snowe is now live! If you're a fan of college romances that feature hockey players and forced proximity, then do I have the book for you! Okay, Reiner isn't technically a hockey player anymore, but he was one up until recently. So that still counts. Plus his internship is with the head coach of the school's hockey team.

Michael Reiner and Naomi both are attending Central State, and both are getting ready to start their internships. The night that Michael is supposed to meet with Coach, he has a beautiful woman come up to him asking him to just play along with what she's going to do. Turns out that the guy she was seeing was also with someone else, and she's had enough! Michael goes along with it, and minutes later finds out that this woman is the daughter of the hockey coach.  Not only is she Coach's daughter, we find out that she is an intern for the team as well. Michael is working closely with the coach, and Naomi is working on creating something different for the player stats. However Coach has little time for Naomi, which is rough for her as she just wants to prove that she can do her job.  After all she purposely chose this internship so that she could work with her dad, yet he's not participating. Anyways, as the season kicks off, Michael and Naomi are constantly together at the games, and they sit by each other on the team bus. They use these opportunities to get to know each other, and there is a definite spark there. Although Naomi isn't so certain that Michael wants her since most men want her twin sister. Do these two continue being friends, or do they risk it all for a potential relationship? Also, can Naomi and her Dad ever work together and mend their relationship?

The Puck Drop had me tearing up a time or two. Seeing Michael still processing the grief that he is dealing with just pulled at my heartstrings. But then seeing the other side of him, the person who tries to see the good in every moment, that made me fall for him. He just seems like an amazing character. Not only is he hard working, but he tries to be friends with everyone while occasionally issuing some tough love. You can also feel his passion for the game, and how it is hurting him to not be out on the ice with the rest of the team. Then there is Naomi, and ugh, her story. I teared up when she was explaining her past as well. Plus there's the drama with her dad, and her twin sister, it's just a lot. All of the things that Naomi is dealing with though eventually get brought up, and the air is cleared. Until that point though there is so much tension. Naomi and Michael being together just works. You can feel their closeness. You can see the base of friendship that they've built, and how they are relying on each other through various tasks. Yes it would be nice if their relationship could be public, but since she is Coach's daughter, AND they are both interning for the team, it really is best that it stays quiet. For now. I truly enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the storyline. It all just felt right. The book was a quick and easy read, and I devoured it.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Puck Drop by Jacqueline Snowe. I do hope that you'll consider giving this new adult college romance a read. I think that you'll enjoy it, and you'll find yourself looking for more to read in the Central State series that Jacqueline Snowe is creating.

Laura

Falling for the coach's daughter was never part of the plan...

Michael Reiner has the new start he’s been craving, where no one knows about his past and he can finally figure out what he wants out of life. Because one thing’s for certain—he can’t play hockey anymore, and life without hockey seems daunting. But when he gets the chance to intern under the Central State Hockey coach, he couldn’t be happier. Until he finds out the mysterious hottie he met at the bar is the Coach’s daughter.

Naomi Fletcher-Simpson has always been the weird twin. She prefers spreadsheets and trivia nights while her popular sister is everyone’s favorite. Things have been tense in her family, so when she gets a chance to pair up with the hockey team for a huge stats project, she takes it. She can repair her relationship with her dad and hopefully score her dream internship in the process.

Neither Michael nor Naomi expected to like each other. Complete opposites in every way, they slowly form a deep friendship that makes their chemistry sizzle, and friends with benefits is the only option to deal with their growing attraction. Michael can’t afford to lose the internship, and Naomi can’t afford to lose her heart to a hockey guy.

For the guy who’s suffered enough loss, and the girl who’s always left behind, they can’t risk falling in love—not when they both know all things come to an end, right?

Download today, or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US | WW

Add The Puck Drop to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Jaqueline Snowe

Jaqueline Snowe lives in Arizona where the "dry heat" really isn't that bad. She prefers drinking coffee all hours of the day and snacking on anything that has peanut butter or chocolate. She is the mother to two fur-babies who don't realize they aren't humans and a new mom to the sweetest baby boy. She is an avid reader and writer of romances and tends to write about athletes. Her husband works for an MLB team (not a player, lol) so she knows more about baseball than any human ever should. 

 

Connect with Jaqueline

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

Thank you to Jacqueline Snowe, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Puck Drop.

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.

Before we dive into the recap and the review, let's go over what tropes are featured in this story. We have:

• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Opposites Attract
• Forced Proximity
• Forbidden
• Work Place
• Single Parent
• Billionaire

So many wonderful tropes are featured, and I love it. Now I do have single parent listed, but it's more so single guardian, as the child isn't Rowan's. Phoebe is Rowan's niece, and her parents died a few years ago.

Rowan Cade is a successful businessman. He is a workaholic who owns two companies, and is worth a fortune.  Rowan is also the guardian of his niece, and it is time he finds a nanny for her. Enter Madelyn and her company that matches single parents with a nanny that will be a fantastic fit for the family. Penny (Penelope) is a single woman who is an aspiring writer. Currently though she's dealing with having writer's block, and is employed as a waitress. That job is about to come to an abrupt end though. Thankfully Madelyn is there, and she swoops in to save the day. She's been watching Penny, and has a feeling that she will make an excellent nanny for little Phoebe. After a conversation with Madelyn, Penny decides to give it a go. When she is headed to meet Rowan, she is talking loudly on her phone, and it just so happens that Rowan is right near her. He can hear her conversation, and just shakes his head. That is until he meets Penny, and finds out she is the new nanny. The nanny who will be living with him and Phoebe. The nanny that is extremely gorgeous. The nanny that he needs to pay no attention to. After all his company is getting ready to announce a new video game, and that is taking all his attention. That is where his focus needs to stay, not on her. Penny is captivated by Rowan also. He may be a nerd, but oh is he good looking! But her job is to take care of Phoebe, not to fall for her uncle.

When I first began the story, I wasn't sure what to think. Penny seemed interesting enough, but she also irked me. Same with Rowan.  I struggled to connect with them. It wasn't that I didn't like the characters, but it didn't seem like real life. I know, I know, it's a contemporary romance, so it isn't REAL. But there are some books that you can relate to, and it seems like it could play out in real life. Does that make sense? That is what I was missing with this book. That being said, I did like the story. I liked the geeky element of the video game creation. I liked that Penny was a writer.  I liked how Penny, the nanny, came into save the day. She took care of the child, she took care of re-writing the script for the video game, she took care of Rowan, and she ultimately found her way through her writers block. Not only that but Penny found her way back to her sisters as they found common ground. Penny was finding herself while working for Phoebe and Rowan. As for Rowan, I liked his passion for his job, I liked that he was working a job that he loved, I liked that he stepped up and became the guardian for Phoebe, and I liked how his truth was revealed.  Then there was the grand gesture to let her know he cares, followed by the big dramatic moment, only to then be followed up with another grand gesture. I love how that all played out. While the characters weren't ones I could connect with, the story was. And I have to admit, I'm curious for the next book in the series, The Nanny and the Hothead. Mitch and Charlotte's story has my attention. I am absolutely intrigued.

I really enjoyed the storyline, I just wish I felt more of a connection with Rowan and Penny. That was the only part that disappointed me.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

Three things NOT to do when nannying for a video gaming mogul (aka the hottest nerd on the planet):

#1 Do not get lost in his dreamy green eyes.

#2 Do not salivate over his rock-hard abs.

#3 No matter what happens, do not fall for his super-nerdy dirty talk!

Penny Fennimore is not winning at life. An aspiring writer with a monster-sized case of writer's block, she's got bills to pay and barely a dime to her name.

Enter the exclusive Nanny Match Agency and an opportunity to make bank.

The job: A cushy, live-in nanny position caring for tech billionaire Rowen Gale's six-year-old niece.

The problem?

Her hot nerd of a boss!

They're opposites in every way. He's the king of hi-tech, and she uses a flip phone from 2002. She's not even sure he's 100% human. With his muted expression, the man might as well be one of the robots from his video games until their eyes meet, and the attraction meter explodes.

She's got to put the kibosh on her libido. But the universe doesn't always play nice.

When Mr. Robot-Bedroom-Eyes goes MIA, she marches up to his fancy-pants video gaming company to give him a piece of her mind--which doesn't go as planned.

Instead, she spies a video game storyboard. It's a hot mess, and she can't help but dive and rewrite it.

Did anyone ask for her opinion? That's a no!

The positive? She's writing!

The negative? Her boss needs her to keep it up. 

Turns out, this video game requires a complete overhaul, and she's the only one who can give him what he wants.

Now, she's not only caring for his niece. She's with him morning, noon, and night.

And that's where it gets complicated.

When he looks at her, she gets a glimpse of what's behind his hardened veneer. And being with this man feels right, like the forever kind of right.

Her heart is on the line.

Could this nanny match be the match that changes everything, or will it be game over for the nanny and the nerd?

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

US | WW

Don't forget to add it to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Krista Sandor

If there's one thing USA Today Bestselling Author Krista Sandor knows for sure, it's that romance saved her.

After she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015, her world turned upside down.

During those difficult first days, her dear friend sent her a romance novel. That kind gesture provided the escape she needed and ignited her love of the genre.

Inspired by the strong heroines and happily ever afters, Krista decided to write her own romance novels. Today, she is an MS warrior and living life to the fullest. When she's not writing, you can find her running 5Ks with her husband or chasing after her growing boys in Denver, Colorado.

 

Connect with Krista

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub | Pinterest | Book+Main | Newsletter

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

Aidan MacTaggart is wickedly hot and on the hunt for a wife.

I've come to America with a mission and a plan--find the woman of my dreams by going to the same underground club where my older brother, Lachlan, met his wife. My plan might have some flaws. But they don't call me "Don Juan" MacTaggart for nothing. The lasses love me, and I know I can find my soul mate in Chicago.

Calli Douglas is everything I could want in a woman. She's bonnie, sexy, clever, and sweet. But she's also terrified of love and refuses to let me win her heart.

My solution? Follow her home to Michigan. Seduce her. And somehow, convince Calli to love me. We both have issues standing between us, but that will not stop me. Somehow, I will find my happy ending with the American lass who swears she can never love me.

Aidan in a Kilt is the second book in The Ballachulish Trilogy, a brand-new series based on the first three books in the bestselling Hot Scots series, reborn and retold from the heroes' perspectives. Aidan in a Kilt is coming soon in audio narrated by Will Watt.

Download today!

Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Anna

Anna Durand is a bestselling, multi-award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her books have earned bestseller status on every major retailer and wonderful reviews from readers around the world. But that's the boring spiel. Here are some really cool things you want to know about Anna!

Born on Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Anna grew up moving here, there, and everywhere thanks to her dad's job as an instructor pilot. She's lived in Texas (twice), Mississippi, California (twice), Michigan (twice), and Alaska--and now Ohio.

As for her writing, Anna has always made up stories in her head, but she didn't write them down until her teen years. Those first awful books went into the trash can a few years later, though she learned a lot from those stories. Eventually, she would pen her first romance novel, the paranormal romance Willpower, and she's never looked back since.

Want even more details about Anna? Get access to her extended bio when you subscribe to her newsletter and download the free bonus ebook, Hot Scots Confidential. You'll also get hot deleted scenes, character interviews, fun facts, and more including audio bonus chapters!

 

Connect with Anna

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

Thank you to Anna Durand, and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an advanced copy of Aidan in a Kilt.

Wild Mistake {a review}

Are you a fan of cowboy romances? Have you read Wild Ride? Did you fall for the Wildes? If so, it’s time for Luke’s story, and Wild Mistake tells us everything. So let’s head to Montana, and the Wilde’s horse ranch. But first, we are taking a two week vacation to Hawaii! After all, Luke did win that trip while he was in Vegas with Sutton! 

Luke has sworn to never give his heart to another woman. That break-up ruined him a bit, and now being here at her wedding just stings. It is at the wedding that Luke reconnects with Mackenzie Langston. She’s been gone for a while, and she happens to be the sister of his best friend. Not only that but the Langston’s are like family to Luke. They taught him what a family could be like. Luke quickly learns that Mack needs a break, and since he needs a break too this trip is the perfect escape. So Luke convinces Mack to leave with him for two weeks. When Luke and Mack arrive at their hotel room they quickly realize that there is only one bed in the suite. This shouldn’t be an issue. They are both adults. They are both single. Neither is looking for anything. So clearly nothing is going to happen. Right? Luke is nervous about this though. Nash would kick his butt if Luke did anything with Mack. The last thing Luke wants is to ruin his friendship with any of the Langstons, and he definitely does not want to hurt Mackenzie. His best friend would never forgive him if he did. But a shared bed, a honeymoon type vacation, and a gorgeous setting just might spark a relationship. Or at least one that can last for two weeks.

I love the Wilde Horse Ranch series. I loved the Ryker Ranch series. And if there is a Langston series (which it sounds like there could be), I am sure I’ll love that one too. Wild Mistake had me hooked from the beginning. Luke and Mack are amazing together. The chemistry is off the charts, and the steam, oooh eee, yeah it’s quite steamy. I loved how everything played out. From the beginning of their relationship, to the memories they made in Hawaii, to the big dramatic moment, to the I love yous, to the happily ever after, it was all so good. Kim Loraine just keeps writing these books that have me falling for the characters and the setting. I cannot wait to see what happens next with the Wildes. After all, we did have a bit of a bomb dropped on us with a couple situations. So yeah, I’m curious.

You need to read Wild Mistake. Trust me on that. You’ll be ever so glad you did. Especially if you enjoy cowboy romances, the best friend’s sibling trope, forced proximity, and/or shared bed romances. Highly recommend the book, and the series.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

It seemed like a good idea at the time.
A two-week Hawaiian vacation with a beautiful woman. What could go wrong?

Well, when that woman is my best friend's little sister, the answer is--everything.

Mackenzie Langston has been in my life since we were kids, and until now I didn't see past her family and our friendship.

So when she tells me she's sworn off men for the next year after a bad breakup, I jump at the chance to have some company on the vacation I'd booked for me and my cheating ex.

But Mack's all grown up and we're both on the rebound.

In a romantic suite with just one bed, the weather isn't the only thing that gets hot.

Turns out, what I thought was a good idea might end up one big mistake.

Especially when my heart's on the line.



Download today for only $2.99!
Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Listen to the audiobook today!


Add to your Goodreads TBR!





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 to Kim Loraine, and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an advanced copy of Wild Mistake.

Infamous Love {a review}

Infamous Love by Lea Coll is now live! This is the first book in Lea's new Mountain Haven series, and it is such a good read. If you're looking for a romance book set in Telluride, then look no further than Infamous Love. Also, if the grumpy/sunshine trope is a preferred read for you, then again, go read Infamous Love.

Elle is a former reality tv show personality and she is trying to start over. She doesn't want to do the show any longer, and she definitely isn't interested in any spin-offs. Elle just wants to open her barber shop, and live her life away from the cameras, the gossip, and the fans. So why not escape to Telluride? She's been there before, it makes her happy, and she's found the perfect spot for her shop. Upon arriving in Telluride, Elle adopts an adorable little puppy. When she takes the dog to the vet, she meets Gray. Or rather she meets him for the second time. They had a little run in a few months ago, but she's sure he doesn't remember her. Gray moved to town for college, and after graduating he decided to stay put. Or at least for now. That all depends on if people find out about his past. If that ever gets revealed, then he's leaving town. Or so he believes. That is until he meets Elle. There is a spark between the two that cannot be denied. Gray's boss is talking about selling the business to him, but he wants Gray to prove that he's willing to stick around. What does that mean? Better communication with the human clients, participating in the community, and setting down roots. Gray isn't too sure about that, but again, Elle might just convince him to do all of it.

I haven't read a lot of the grumpy/sunshine trope, but oh my word how I enjoyed it! From the setting, to the characters, to the story, it was all so good. Both of them were hiding things, and I was just waiting for the moment of the big reveal. I figured that Elle's reveal would happen about the way that it did. I honestly expected it to be a bit more grand in the reveal, so that surprised me a bit. Same for Gray's though. In my head I had his reveal built up in a way, and I was expecting it to go a certain route. But again it didn't. Which is fine. The big dramatic moment doesn't need to be over the top, it just needs to be, well, dramatic. That tension needs to be there, and it definitely was. Our couple had to work through it, and see if they could come out the other side. Now if you know me at all, you know I tend to stick to the stories with HEAs, and you'll get that with Infamous Love. So that's no spoiler. Our couple was able to find their way back to each other, with a little help.  I found myself not wanting to put Infamous Love down, and I cannot wait to find out who the next book in the series will be about. 

Loved the book. I recommend the book. And I want to check out more books by Lea Coll. Oh, and there is a prequel for Infamous Love! Escape to Love is the title of the prequel, and I know that on Amazon it is currently* a free download. I'm assuming it is on the other retailers (listed below) as well. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

*Escape to Love is a freebie as of July 13, 2021. I don't know if/when that will change.

Elle
Move away. Dye my hair. Change my name. Fly under the radar.

That's my plan to keep the public from recognizing me. I just want to be the new business owner of an old-fashioned barber shop, the ultimate man cave. But all anyone seems to remember is that I'm the bad girl on a popular reality show.

And when I meet the new sexy veterinarian, his gruff voice and grumpy manner get my blood pumping. His sweet way with animals makes me want to know everything about him.

For the first time in my life, cameras aren't broadcasting my every move. No producer is telling me what to say or do. No one's pushing me toward him.

This natural gravitation toward him is the realest thing I've ever felt.

But when my past collides with my present, everything comes crashing down around me.

I wish I could just hide, but I can't.

Gray
Escape my past. Keep my secrets buried. And secure the dream job.

That's my plan to change my life.
I'm living like I could pack up and leave at a moment's notice.
Now, my new boss won't sell me his practice unless I convince him I'm here to stay.

Fresh from LA, Elle Carmichael walks into my vet office with her puppy and plans for her business. With her sunny disposition and wide-eyed hope, she thinks she's a good fit for this town. As soon as her crazy business plan fails, she'll be gone.

Getting involved with her is the worst kind of trouble. It will only attract attention to my past, ruining my future.

I wish I could resist her, but I can't.

Download today from one of these retailers!

Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo

Also, add Infamous Love to your Goodreads!

Meet Lea Coll

Lea Coll worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing.

She currently resides in Maryland with her family. 
 

Connect with Lea

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

Thank you to Lea Coll and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an advanced copy of Infamous Love.

Watch Me Breathe {a review}

Watch Me Breathe is the third book in CE Johnson's Elements of the Heart series, and this time we get to learn Whack's (Lucas) story. Of course we'll also witness him fall for someone and have his HEA. We also get to see Owen, Everest, Natalie, and Dani! So yay for that.

Are you new to the Elements of the Hearts series? If so, don't worry, you don't need to read them in order. Technically they are all standalones. So while you won't know their story, you will know who they are in a committed relationship with. Also, these are romantic suspense books. So be prepared for that! Personally that is something I love, so I'm all for the suspense. 

In Watch Me Breathe we catch up with Lucas. He owns a roofing company, and is doing quite well for himself. He has also taken Mason under his wing, and is giving him the opportunity to learn the profession. One day these two are at a job, and they hear a car making a noise. They turn right in time to see it crash. They immediately rush over to the scene to see how they can help, all while Mason calls in the crash. Upon arriving, Mason sees that there is a child in the back seat. Quick inspection says that she's alright, and he takes her out. Meanwhile Lucas stays with the driver. She is having a panic attack and just wants out of that dang car. Lucas manages to calm her down, and learns her name is Montana, but she goes by Tana. Tana lets us know that her husband died in a car accident, and so this crash is triggering her panic attack. Plus the fact that her daughter is in the car just makes it that much worse. Lucas and Mason are there though, and are doing what they can to keep these two safe. Mason finds a stuffed animal in the truck, and Iris is attached to this toy now, and will not give it back. Lucas initially struggles with it, but accepts it for what it is. Now, days after the crash happens, Tana cannot get this man off her mind. So imagine her surprise when he appears at the diner she works at. And what happens in the rest of this book leads up to the HEA we all know we'll get.

I loved getting to read Lucas's story and finally finding out his history. This man has been through so much in his life, and it was nice to see him get his HEA. I also understand his love of suckers/lollipops now. Montana (Tana) is the perfect fit for him. She too has been through a lot, she is doing what needs to be done for her and her daughter, and she is one strong woman. My heart was in my throat at the accident scene, and again later on in the book when the suspenseful element kicked in. During that suspenseful part of the book I was definitely going through my mind trying to think of who it was, and I wasn't even close. But I guess I should have guessed had I been paying closer attention. I was also ever so happy when Lucas and Tana went to visit Owen and Natalie. Seeing the group back together just made me smile, and it just solidified the fact that Lucas and Tana are meant to be.

I really enjoyed the book. My heart broke when Lucas shared his past, and again when Tana shared hers. Seeing how Lucas was doing everything he could to protect Tana and Iris healed that broken heart though, and made me love the book all the more. Also I cannot wait for Mason to have his story told.

Highly recommend Watch Me Breathe, and really I recommend all of the Elements of the Heart series. The characters are wonderful. The setting is fantastic. And the storylines are so dang good. If you love books that feature romantic suspense, then read the book/series!

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

She’s a widow. And I’m not what I would consider a good role model for her young child.

It’s been a long road for me. I’ve been plagued with bad decisions and grief. You could say life sucker punched the wind right out of me.

Just like it did to the woman in the car that spun into the ditch right before my eyes. I helped calm her down until the ambulance came, and assumed I’d never see her again.

Judging by her wide eyes and the soda that poured into my lap when Montana Hutchinson delivered the drinks to my table at the town diner, I would guess she believed the same thing.

I thought we could be friends. After all, we have more in common than even she realizes.

But it seems Tana happens to be a magnet for trouble.
And I happen to be the kind of guy that can’t sit back and watch the danger unfold around her.

I’ll do anything to protect her and her daughter.

But every day I spend with her gets harder to push down the feelings growing inside of me.

Being with Tana not only proves I’m capable of love again.

I can breathe again.

Happiness isn’t something that everyone gets the privilege to have.

And there’s no way I’m about to let anyone take it away from me again.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: US | WW

Add Watch Me Breathe to your Goodreads!

New to the Elements of the Heart series?

Start from the beginning!

#1 Dani & Everest's story

Amazon US

Goodreads

#2 Natalie & Owen's story

Amazon US

Goodreads

#4 Dani & Mason's story

Coming October 2021

Pre-order HERE!
Add to Goodreads HERE!

Meet C.E. Johnson

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

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

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

Connect with C.E.

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

The Fine Print {a review}

Happy Thursday my fellow readers!

Today is the day that The Fine Print by Lauren Asher is available, and let me tell you, if you enjoy theme parks, a work place romance, and/or billionaire romance, then you're going to want to read this one. Or if Grumpy/Sunshine is your go to trope, then again, The Fine Print would be a good book for you to pick up.

Brady Kane, the founder of Dreamland, has recently died. Before he died he wrote a few letters to various people. Three of those letters went to his grandsons. Within those letters were tasks each person needed to accomplish, and there was a deadline. Don't follow through, there goes your stake in the company. Harsh? A bit yes. Needed? Yes. Rowan is the first to tackle the mission. He figures he can return to Dreamland, put in his six months, and be done. He does not care for the theme park, and it brings back memories he'd rather not face. Shortly after his arrival he is attending a morning staff meeting. It is there where he meets Zahra for the first time. She's late to the meeting, loud, and not paying attention. It's irritating Rowan. He's already trying to think of ways to get rid of her. Zahra pays this mysterious man no mind, and goes on with her usual routine. It isn't until a little bit later, when Rowan's name is announced, that she realizes she's sitting right next to the new park Director. A bit later, Rowan is talking with the "Creators" about what needs to be done with the park, and the deadline that he has for them. One of the leads asks about opening up the employee suggestions a bit earlier than normal. While hesitant, Rowan agrees. That night, Zahra has a bit to drink, fills out the form with her true feelings/suggestions, thinks she hits save, and calls it a night. The next morning she realizes that she didn't hit save, she hit submit. But you see, Zahra has a history with the park, and with Brady Kane. Brady knew that Zahra wanted to be a Creator, and she had been working on a plan for a while. That is until her ex took her idea and ran with it. What happens next in the story is the journey toward Zahra and Rowan's HEA. It's quite the trip, and at times you may find yourself wanting to yell at Rowan. Or maybe that was just me.

In the beginning of the book, I was all in. I loved that Grandpa had given these men certain tasks. I wanted to watch how that all played out. I can't lie, in the beginning Rowan ticked me off. He was such a jerk, and it just irritated me. It seemed as though there wasn't one caring bone in his body. Rowan was all work, and anything else didn't matter. Whatever made the company the most money was all that mattered. A decent wage for employees? Nah. Good health insurance? Absolutely not. No one was complaining, so all was fine. I really liked how as the story unfolded, Rowan was starting to question things. As for Zahra, I loved her from the beginning. She is a strong female who knows what she wants. She wants to be a Creator at Dreamland. She wants to be near her family. She wants the best for her sister Ani. I also loved how she challenged Rowan left and right. She could see behind his mask. She knew there was a better man struggling to break free. He just needed a little push. This story was just so good. Yes, there were times where I wanted the pace to pick up just a little bit, but at the end of the story I see why it had to play out the way it did. I understand. When the big dramatic moment happened, my heart crashed. I was worried that Zahra and Rowan weren't going to get their HEA. Obviously they did. (I only read HEAs, with the exception of one book that broke me.) And how their HEA played out, just warmed my heart.

I cannot wait to see what happens in the next Dreamland Billionaires book, Terms and Conditions. Which brother is getting their story told? No clue, but I'm hoping it's Declan. And so help me Iris had better be his end game. If not, my kindle will be thrown.

Absolutely recommend the book. Take a trip to Dreamland for yourself, and fall for the setting! I think you'll fall for the characters along the way too.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

Rowan

I'm in the business of creating fairy tales.

Theme parks. Production companies. Five-star hotels.

Everything could be all mine if I renovated Dreamland.

My initial idea of hiring Zahra was good in theory, but then I kissed her.

Things spiraled out of control once I texted her using an alias.

By the time I realized where I went wrong, it was too late.

People like me don't get happy endings.

Not when we're destined to ruin them.

Zahra

After submitting a drunk proposal criticizing Dreamland's most expensive ride, I should have been fired.

Instead, Rowan Kane offered me a dream job.

The catch? I had to work for the most difficult boss I'd ever met.

Rowan was rude and completely off-limits, but my heart didn't care.

At least not until I discovered his secret.

It was time to teach the billionaire that money couldn't fix everything.

Especially not us.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US | WW

Add The Fine Print to your Goodreads!

Meet Lauren Asher

Plagued with an overactive imagination, Lauren spends her free time reading and writing. Her dream is to travel to all the places she writes about. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can't help loving. She likes sharing fast-paced stories with angst, steam, and the emotional spectrum.

Her extra-curricular activities include watching YouTube, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.
 

Connect with Lauren

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub | Pinterest | Newsletter

Thank you to Lauren Asher and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an advanced copy of The Fine Print.