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

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

Just a Kiss by Samantha Lind {a review}

Just a Kiss is the fourth book in Samantha Lind's Lyrics and Love series. If you are a fan of friends to lovers romances, then prepare yourself for Allison and Lee's story. 

As the story begins we are 10 years in the past. Allison, Lee, and their friends are all in high school and are preparing for the prom. Lee ends up asking Allison to attend with him, and that gets the ball rolling. Even then you could feel the attraction between them. At the prom they share a kiss that is etched into their memories. Jump forward to present day. Allison and Lee are both single. Lee doesn't do relationships, and is perfectly content finding someone just for the night. That is until he makes a move on Allison. He's finally taking his shot, and he is determined not to mess it up. After an amazing night together, they decide to enter a friends with benefits relationship. Which isn't usual for either of them. So what happens when feelings are caught? Can their friendship survive what happens?

He kisses me deeply. So deep I practically feel it down to my soul. He kisses me in a way that no man, other than when he was seventeen years old, has kissed me.

This was a pretty good friends to lovers story. I liked how it all played out. From their kiss at prom, to them reconnecting 10 years later, to everything that unfolded with their FWB relationship. A minor complaint I have is that I would have preferred for the story to be a bit more involved versus being a quick (short) read. I don't feel as though I got to know the characters that well.

I liked how open Lee was about not wanting anything permanent. He knew what he wanted, and he had it in his head that he wasn't worth a happily ever after. Yet here was Allison trying to convince him otherwise.

"I'm a one-night kind of guy, Allison. You know that. If I was dancing all up on you, it would get people talking and thinking about something else." 

When the moment of conflict happened I was curious as to how they would find their way back to each other. Wit how set in his ways Lee was, I wasn't certain what would happen. How it played out was good. I liked that Lindsay (Allison's best friend) inserted her into the situation and said what she did. Lindsay spoke her truth, and left it for Lee to figure out how to proceed. Now here's the thing...I feel like Samantha Lind could have used Lee's profession as a firefighter in their reunion. I just feel that going that route might have had a bit more of a dramatic feel to it all. Make him realize how quickly his person could have been taken from him. But she didn't go that route. She could have even used both their careers (firefighter & nurse) to bring them back together. It just felt like a lost opportunity. Yes the way it went down was FINE, I just wanted something more elaborate.

"Some woman is going to rock your world one of these days, and you're going to fall head over heels in love with her, and I can't wait to watch. It's always the ones that protest the most that fall the hardest."

I may have struggled with the fact that Just a Kiss was a shorter story (105 pages), but ultimately it still was a catchy friends to lovers story. Also, this book has me wanting to read Rumor Going 'Round so that I can find out how Lindsay and Tucker came to be!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Just a Kiss.

Laura

 

Cover Design: Oh So Novel
Cover Image via Deposit Photos

It all started with just a kiss.

The first was ten years ago in high school.

Our second was in a bar on the dance floor.

We agreed to keep things casual.

But we were like a fire burning behind closed doors.

Those sparks had me wanting more.

When I took a shot in the dark and asked for more, it brought us to the ultimate crossroads.

Do we do things right, with just a kiss goodbye?

Or do we do things right, with a kiss goodnight?

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

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Thank you to Samantha Lind, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Final Period.

The Final Period by Samantha Lind {a review}

 

The time has come my friends. The Final Period by Samantha Lind is the book that all Indianapolis Eagles fans have been more than likely dreading. Based on the title alone, you can probably determine that this is the FINAL book in the Indianapolis Eagles series.

I cannot even begin to recap The Final Period as it wasn't a story so much as a time that we can catch up with familiar faces, and meet a new one. So just know that going in.

Okay. It's no secret that I have only read one other book in this series (Rookie Move). And that book was decent, but not something I overly enjoyed. Still though when I saw that this book was coming out, I knew I wanted to read it. Yes it was nice to catch up. Yes I enjoyed the way the new series was set up. That had me curious, and I want to know more about Ryker! I want to know what happens next for him. Now for a bit of hard love...The Final Period was a bit confusing at times. There was so much time jumping (months at a time) that it was hard to follow along. Plus, at least for me, the story just didn't seem to flow very well. It felt broken and there was no real segue into the next chapter. I feel horrible saying that, but really it is what it is. That was my feeling about the novella, and I can't change my experience.  I did choose to give the book a 3.5 rating on Goodreads, because it had so much potential, and I enjoyed catching up.

Here's what I wish had happened. I wish that the setting was more of a party, a group vacation, or at an event where we had our friends all in one place. And in this setting we could hear about what they've been up to, and how their lives have changed (or are about to change). It could have shown the friendships, the relationships, how Ryker was brought into the fold, and how he was finding his role within the team. Then at the end, there could have been a few announcements made regarding the futures of various characters. That would then close the door on this series. But that's just what I wish had happened. Obviously Samantha Lind had to follow her own plans, and layout for the story. She knew how she wanted this final period to play out.

If you are a fan of the Indianapolis Eagles hockey series, then you should definitely read this book. It will give you the closure that you might want. If you haven't read any of the Eagles series, then hold off. Go read from the beginning, and then, and only then, read The Final Period.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on the book. I cannot wait for the San Francisco Shockwaves series to kick off with Ryker's story!

Laura

One final period to check in on the core group that has made up the Indianapolis Eagles crew you’ve fallen in love with. You’ll get some time with your favorite originals, their spouses, and kids…. As well as meet a new face or two.

 

While the time has come to say goodbye to the Eagles as we know them, some surprises are in store for one team member when the expansion draft sweeps into town, taking a member of the Eagles to the new San Francisco Shockwaves.  

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

Hosted By:

Thank you to Samantha Lind, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Final Period.

Coming Soon from Samantha Lind!

 

 Release Date: December 2

It all started with just a kiss.

 

The first was ten years ago in high school.

 

Our second was in a bar on the dance floor. 

 

We agreed to keep things casual.

 

But we were like a fire burning behind closed doors. 

 

Those sparks had me wanting more. 

 

When I took a shot in the dark and asked for more, it brought us to the ultimate crossroads.

 

Do we do things right, with just a kiss goodbye?

 

Or do we do things right, with a kiss goodnight?  

Pre-Order Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo 

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

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

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Saying Goodbye to the Indianapolis Eagles

 

The time has come for the Indianapolis Eagles hockey series to end. Don't worry though, Samantha Lind has one last book ready for us to enjoy!

The Final Period is going to be released on October 14, 2021, and you are not going to want to miss this conclusion to the series.

Oh and take notice, there is a new hockey romance series coming! And there will be a familiar face on the team!

 

One final period to check in on the core group that has made up the Indianapolis Eagles crew you’ve fallen in love with. You’ll get some time with your favorite originals, their spouses, and kids…. As well as meet a new face or two.

 

While the time has come to say goodbye to the Eagles as we know them, some surprises are in store for one team member when the expansion draft sweeps into town, taking a member of the Eagles to the new San Francisco Shockwaves.

 

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

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

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Nothing Bundt Love {a review}

Nothing Bundt Love is the latest release by Samantha Lind, and let me tell you it is fabulous! This book has the billionaire romance happening, the friends to lovers trope happening, small town romance, and it was all just SO GOOD!

In Nothing Bundt Love we meet Nathan and Harper. Nathan is a big tech mogul out in California, and his life was forever changed when he and his best friend sold their first app. Since then he's had an amazing career, but not such an amazing love life. As his Grandmother's 90th birthday approaches, she convinces him to return home to Sweet Valley to celebrate with her. Nathan has stayed away for almost 10 years, as he was in love with Harper. But he never told her. He never revealed that information, he just assumed it was a one sided deal. Flash forward a few days, and Nathan arrives in Sweet Valley. First stop for him is the local coffee shop. He immediately notices the beautiful woman working behind the counter, but does not know her name. Harper on the other hand immediately recognizes Nathan, and is taken away with how handsome he is. She's secretly hoping he will remember her, unlike back in high school. After all she's all grown up now, and she is a small business owner. She's making a name for herself, and she's content with her little life here in Sweet Valley. Or so she thinks. Nathan is talking to his Grandmother, and she tells him that Harper owns the shop now, and fills him in a little bit about what has gone on while he's been out west. Needless to say the next day Nathan goes back to the coffee shop, talks to Harper, and then asks her on a date. What happens next? A LOT.

This is my second book by Samantha Lind, and I really enjoyed Nothing Bundt Love. I'm actually eagerly anticipating Nothing Bundt Forever, but I didn't see an expected release date listed for that book. Anyways back to this book. I loved the small town setting, the fact that Nathan returned home for this big family event, and the fact that he fell hard for Harper. I also liked the fact that Nathan wasn't afraid to offer his assistance (whether just business advice or financial assistance). He wanted Harper's business to succeed. So I loved every little bit about all that. My ONLY issue with the book, or maybe it's Samantha Lind's writing, is that the big drama moment/moment of conflict that tends to happen in romance novels, didn't really happen. It was more of a little mole hill than a big thing. And I guess that just left me underwhelmed. I want to see my couples fighting for their relationship. I don't want them to just have an easy go. Yes, Harper and Nathan are located on opposite sides of the US. Yes they are both workaholics. Yes they are both driven. But honestly it felt as though Nathan got his way a bit. He could have easily moved his company to Sweet Valley, or opened up a regional office there. But it is what it is. I still loved the characters, the Sweet Valley setting, and the storyline. I just wanted the big dramatic moment. (Also, am I the only one who reads Sweet Valley and immediately thinks of the series by Francine Pascal? Or am I just aging myself?)

If you're looking for a new romance book to read that is 1) a quick read, 2) has wonderful characters, and 3) has that awesome small town setting, then go grab Nothing Bundt Love.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

Nathan Bailey was the one that got away…or so I thought.
 
After leaving our hometown of Sweet Valley, Tennessee, for college, he never looked back….
Until ten years later, when he walked into my bakery.
 
The now billionaire tech-mogul is back in town and has his eyes set on me.
 
He's no longer the boy next door.
Tall, dark, and handsome, he's all man now
 
His sweet-talking is impossible to ignore; it's almost as delicious as my bundt cakes. 
 
Can I take a chance on my first crush and hope he won't break my heart for a second time?

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to Goodreads Here!

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 copy of Nothing Bundt Love.

Nothing Bundt Love {cover reveal}

 

 

Release Date: July 8

Nathan Bailey was the one that got away…or so I thought.

 

After leaving our hometown of Sweet Valley, Tennessee, for college, 

he never looked back….

Until ten years later, when he walked into my bakery.

 

The now billionaire tech-mogul is back in town and has his eyes set on me.

 

He's no longer the boy next door.

Tall, dark, and handsome, he's all man now

 

His sweet-talking is impossible to ignore; it's almost as delicious as my bundt cakes. 

 

Can I take a chance on my first crush and hope he won't break my heart for a second time?

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

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: