Thoughts I Had While Reading The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

I finished The Front Runner, and I'm over the moon happy with what I read! 

When I started reading this book, I knew I had to do a Thoughts While Reading post. You may recall that last week I posted one for Off to the Races by Elsie Silver. So let's jump into my random thoughts for The Front Runner!

Not familiar with the book? Here's the description:

Stefan Dalca is beautiful, brooding, and bossy. He’s also public enemy number one in this small town, with a murky past that’s hard to overlook. And I just agreed to three fake dates with him.

I may be a renowned veterinarian, but when I find myself in a sticky situation, Stefan is my last hope. I need his help to save a sick foal and what he wants in return is me.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction, but the more time I spend with him, the more I wonder if he’s not quite the villain they’ve made him out to be. With every intimate conversation and lingering look, the tension between us builds. I’ve been drawn to Stefan since the first day I laid eyes on him. And now he’s downright irresistible.

I know sleeping with the enemy is playing with fire. But like a moth to a flame, I’m attracted to the mysterious man in a way I can’t explain—in a way those closest to me wouldn’t approve of or understand.

And the more he softens for me, the harder I fall.

But as his mysteries unravel, so do hidden truths. Truths that are bound to leave someone burned.

I just didn’t expect that someone to be me.

 

The Front Runner is book three in the Gold Rush Ranch series. Trope wise this book is sports romance (horse racing), as well as small town, opposites attract, a little fake dating, workplace, and forced proximity.  I guess you could even consider it a billionaire romance, as well as maybe a smidge of enemies to lovers. Personally I think it might be more hate to love than enemies, as it's really Billie who is enemies with Stefan.

Our main characters are Stefan Dalca and Dr. Mira Thorne. The setting bounces between Gold Rush Ranch and Cascade Acres. Naturally we also find ourselves at the track. 

• STEFAN? Oh, I wasn't too sure about him when he was introduced in Off to the Races. I'm curious about who he is, and how he came to be a race horse owner/breeder/all of that.
• I'm so happy that Mira is our leading lady. I've been curious about her!
• Okay so these stories are overlapping a bit. Interesting. I like that.
• Billie's dislike of this man is intense. I mean I get it after the shenanigans in Off to the Races.
• I still really like Violet. She's good people.
• Wait, what happened to that mare? I think my heart just broke. And of course her baby's sire has to be who it is. OF FREAKING COURSE.
• How is this going to bring Mira and Stefan together?
• OH THAT'S HOW! 
• My heart is breaking all over again. (and over another horse!)
• I'm liking these glimpses of Stefan's past that we are getting. It sounds like his childhood was not an ideal one.
• "He needs a name. It's important he has a name." "Why?" "Because he's going to make it. A name ties him to this world. It gives him an identity. Means we recognize his existence."
• The fact that Mira cannot classify Stefan makes perfect sense. The sides he has shown are vastly different, and which is the real him? Or is he just a mix of it all?
• Hank really is the best. Such a father figure to all the characters.
• OOFTA THAT WAS A LINE! Did it just get hot in here?
• Loki? Really? I mean I love it, but too funny.
• What's going on with Nadia? What was that call about?
• 13 years between Stefan and Nadia. So he's 32, and I think Mira mentioned she's 27. 
• I'm sorry, WHAT HAPPENED TO NADIA? I did not just read that. What the hell?!?
• This bond that Mira and Nadia have formed so quickly is wonderful. Nadia clearly needs someone like Mira in her life. That female connection, a sisterly relationship if you will. (or just a good friend.)
• That's right, Elsie did mention that there was content warnings for this book. 30% in, and Stefan just dropped some info. Oof.
• Okay that's the tie that Stefan has to Rush Creek. I was wondering about that, and it makes perfect sense.
• This has to be the dance that Stefan was referring to:
  
  
  
  
• What is Patrick up to? Seriously. He's sketchy and I don't trust him.
  
• I like learning about Stefan. This book has definitely changed my impression of him. Which was probably the point of him getting a story. The reader would feel for him, and what he's been through. I don't want to call it a redemption arc, as my initial reaction to him was based off of a brief encounter in that first book.
• Okay I guess this really is a fake dating situation. Especially with what's going on. Personally I didn't picture Stefan as blonde, but that's what Mira is saying, and he just confirmed it. So okay then. I pictured him with a darker complexion, and darker skin. Why? No real clue, it's just what I envisioned.
• Everything that happened when they visited Mira's parents was fantastic. From Nana giving her approval of sorts, to the things Sylvia said, to the way Sunny reacted to Stefan, to the "promise" Stefan made, I loved it all. Plus Stefan having Mira's back like that? SWOON!
• OOFTA THAT WAS ONE STEAMY KISS IN THE RAIN! More of that please!
• Oh my word the things that Stefan has experienced! His dad was a horrible person, that is very evident.
• WWWHHHHHAAAAT? WHAT?!? NO! NO WAY. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up from the ground. (p186 iykyk)
  

  

  
  
• Oh I cannot wait for that info to come out!
• Okay this little break up of sorts...I'm not here for it. Nope nope nope. Come on Mira pull your head out of the sand.
• Also this slow burn is TORTURE! (in the best way possible of course because of the tension.)
• Stefan is so f*cking misunderstood.  YES HE IS MIRA, YES HE IS!
• I wonder if Billie, Vaughn, Violet, Cole, and Patrick will be at this event? I could see Billie and Vaughn I guess.
• Of course Patrick was there, and OH MY WORD!!! DID THAT JUST HAPPEN? DID THAT SERIOUSLY HAPPEN? AHHHHHH! Oh to be a fly on the wall!
• Moving on from that ordeal with Patrick...Anyone have a fan I can use because damn that next scene was steamy.
• So it's just done. Seriously. Unacceptable. What the hell!
• Okay that's better, and YES!
• That just made me blush. Dang. I can't say I've had a book make me blush before. Stefan has a mouth on him. 
• Things are going too well, and there's still a lot left in this book. Something big is going to happen isn't it...
• I am loving that Nadia has joined the group. She fits in so well with Violet, Billie, and Mira!
• Glad it's out in the open now. Maybe now opinions will change. I would honestly love it if Billie's opinion changed. She's just holding a grudge.
• I love how much of a goner Mira is. She just hasn't realized it's love yet.
• Uh oh...here comes the drama. This is going to cause a fight, I just know it. 
• I was hoping it wouldn't come out this way. UGH!
• My heart is breaking.
• I did love the conversation that Stefan and ___ had after the fact. I think it helped clear some things up, and shed a little light.
• That person is going out to the lake to "talk" with Nora. Oh my heart!
• WOULD YOU JUST LISTEN to what's being said! FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!! UGH. I get it you're hurt, you're frustrated, but come on!
• Nana is so spot on with everything she said. Love that she helped Mira see what was right in front of her.
  
• OH NO! NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! NO!
• Tears...tears are falling down my cheeks right now. I'm a wreck.
  
• Oofta that was an emotional ride. 
• Now let's work toward the happily ever after. It's time you two. It's time.
• Ahhhh the results! YAY!!
• The lake! It's happening! AHHHHH!
• So that's how it all went down with the colt. I love it.

My rating for The Front Runner:

When I discovered that this book was about Stefan and Mira, I was nervous. You see when I read Off to the Races I wasn't a fan of Stefan at all. What went down with DD just didn't sit well. Yes part of that was Vaughn's fault, and yes Billie may have overreacted a bit, but ultimately had Stefan pulled back I might not have felt like he was the bad guy. Then there was Mira who had my curiosity from the moment she was introduced. So I wanted to see her get her happily ever after, even if it was with Stefan.

I loved how that forced proximity really spurred things on between the couple. Being there for the mare and the foal was important, but it also proved to be the perfect opportunity for Mira and Stefan to bond. A friendship was forming, and the groundwork was being laid. Plus it showed Mira that Stefan isn't "Dalca the Dick" like Billie believes. There is more to this man, and she's going to like what she sees. While I wasn't too keen on the 3 dates agreement, it really did work out for the best. It allowed experiences to happen, conversation to build, and a connection to be formed. A better understanding was developed. All of that helped lead to their happily ever after.

The visit out to Mira's childhood home for that family event was an interesting one. I knew her mom would love Stefan, but her dad's reaction had me chuckling a bit. Then there's Nana who just knows everything. My favorite part though, besides that kiss, was when Stefan stood up for Mira to another family member. He shut that shit down immediately. The things he said were perfection.

I truly was not expecting The Front Runner to be a 5 star read for me. Yet here we are. I have fallen for Stefan, I like Mira even more now than I did previously, and I'm also really enjoying Nadia. Then there's that dang horse, Loki, that stole my heart too. It's the name plus a few other things.

The steam in this book? OH MY WORD. It may have started off as a slow burn but things definitely heated up. Stefan has quite the mouth on him, and some of those scenes were wow.

Now I marked this book as a sports romance, but I'm debating on it. You see there wasn't much that took place in that environment. We were only at the track once, and it wasn't a frequent conversation. So I'm struggling with my classification as sports romance.

I absolutely loved The Front Runner. It honestly is a toss up between this story and Off to the Races for a favorite. I honestly think that Stefan and Mira could come out on top of the list. That being said, I still need to read Nadia's story. She could trump them all. Only time will tell.

Thank you for reading my random thoughts, as well as my review. I appreciate you sticking around through my long-windedness. Have you read The Front Runner? If so what was your rating? Did you fall for the couple?

Happy Reading,
Laura

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I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thoughts I Had While Reading Off to the Races

I've been hearing about Elsie Silver's storytelling, and everyone is raving about it. So it's time for me to dive in. As I mentioned in my kindle haul, I've purchased the first two books in the Gold Rush Ranch series, and I'm starting with Off to the Races. This is a sports romance set in a small town, and our main characters are starting off as enemies.

Main characters: Vaughn Harding and Billie Black (aka Wilhelmina Farrington)
Setting: Gold Rush Ranch in Canada
Sport: Horse Racing
Release Date: April 29, 2021

As I've done previously, I'm going to jot down my thoughts while reading. I enjoy doing this as it's real time thoughts that I'm having. Afterward I will write my final thoughts as a mini review.

Here we go with Off to the Races...

• So I'm taking it that Billie's family is sort of famous? 
• I'm sorry, Grandpa has been accused of WHAT?
• Kudos to Vaughn for trying to take care of the ranch and also standing up for himself.
• I love that the grandparents had a fairytale type of love.
• Clearly there is drama in Vaughn's family, and they're not exactly close.
• Oh Vaughn, this is not a good way to make a first impression. No wonder this book is enemies to lovers.
• I'm liking Billie already, and how she isn't putting up with this little temper tantrum of Vaughn's. She's also finding a reason to laugh, and I love that.
• Okay so this is a workplace romance as well. I'm here for that.
• This horse has my attention. Cannot wait to see what Billie does with Double Diablo. I also liked how Billie told the horse that he reminds her of another man she met today. Oh how I giggled.
• The interaction with DD was too cute. I can tell Billie is serious about this job, and she's going to give it her all.
• I'm glad that Billie has found a friend in Violet. I think they both could use it. Oh how they are opposites.
• That was an interesting interaction between Vaughn and Billie. Could this be the beginning of the fall?
• Geez Vaughn jump to conclusions much?
• The hug in the kitchen? EVERYTHING!
• Go Billie go! DD is doing amazing. The way that Billie advocates for DD is so needed. She clearly has bonded with him.
• They have meals together every Saturday? It really is starting.
• Time for the first race. I'm nervous. This jockey isn't sitting right with me. He's going to do something to DD, it's what my gut is telling me.
• Mama Bear, not Mother Hen. YES BILLIE!
• Ooh Billie's secret is out! Someone knows her real identity.
• "Vaughn, what are you doing?" "Shutting you up." LOVE IT!
•  DD? WHAT? What's happening?
• I didn't expect to tear up over an exhausted horse trainer, or an under the weather horse. Geez.
• The tension between these two. Goodness. Just give in already!
• They gave in. Kind of. It was very hot. 
• Billie don't put your forcefield back up! Let this man in!
• It's about time Vaughn! This should have been said a while ago.
• Okay I'm 68% into the story. The drama has to be coming. Right? RIGHT? Oh what's it going to be.
• Steamy steamy steamy!
• Who is Stefan Dalca? Why is he popping up now? My mind is whirling.
• Here's the drama, and right after such a successful day. UGH!
• YES BILLIE YES! TELL HIM ALL THE THINGS HE NEEDS TO HEAR. MAKE HIM FACE REALITY!
  
• VAUGHN!!!! WHY?!?! WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO HER? GRRR ARRGH!
• DAMNIT VAUGHN!
• The conversation between Hank and Billie has me crying.
  
• My heart is breaking for Billie. Thankfully Violet and Mira have her.
• So Violet and Cole? Hello set up for the next book!
• Vaughn better figure this shit out or he's going to lose the person he loves, as well as a fabulous horse.
• He figured it out. HE FIGURED IT OUT, and in the perfect way.

My rating for Off to the Races:

That's right, I gave this book 5 stars. How could I not? The story demanded my attention. I was fully invested in the lives of these characters, as well as the horse. Even the setting was perfect. The 3rd act break up? PERFECTION! The antagonists? Even liked them.

Billie's relationship with DD? Absolutely could not get enough. She had a bond with that horse from the very beginning. Then there was that scene after the first race that just had me LAUGHING. Don't get me wrong, I was upset about what occurred, but Billie's reaction and response was top notch. That verbal smackdown was what both of those characters deserved. (in my opinion)

Honestly my only complaint, if you can even call it that, was surrounding Billie's family. I was waiting on them to bring a smidgen of drama. In my mind, and with how the story began, I fully expected them to make an appearance. I mean the mere mention of them brought a morsel of drama, but I figured they would actually appear. Whether that was at the farm, or at the race track. Doesn't really matter though.

The ending of this book had me swooning. Okay fine a good portion of the book had me swooning. I'm not even talking about the steamy moments, I'm just talking the regular every day actions. The care and consideration, the instinct to protect, the worry about how the person is doing, all of it hit just right.

Now I will say I can't wait to see how things play out in the next book. Violet and Cole? Hello opposites attract and potentially grumpy sunshine. I'm guessing there's also an age gap going. Cannot wait to see Cole's tough guy exterior crack. This man is going to fall HARD, and he's not going to know what hit him.

Have you read Off to the Races? How about any other book by Elsie Silver? This was my introduction to her storytelling, and I can see why she is getting the hype that she is. I seriously am going to be buying the paperback editions. I need to own physical copies. Yes I'm making this declaration after reading ONE of her books. When you know, you know. Also I have a feeling that after finishing the Gold Rush Ranch quartet, Elsie will become an auto-buy author for me. I'm making that prediction now.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thoughts I had while reading The Owner

Going into The Owner, I figured I would do another thoughts while reading post, as well as add in a tiny review at the end. Before we dive in though, LOOK AT THIS COVER! I absolutely love it. The simplicity, the colors, the team logo, all of it. More of this please.

For those who do not know The Owner is the first book in the Dalvegan Dragons hockey series from Xavier Neal. This fictional town is in Texas, and the owner of the team recently died. So the team has now been handed down to his daughter Harlow Hennington. Harlow has been raised around hockey. She lives and breathes the sport. To say she knows the ins and outs would be an understatement. This is her passion, and nothing will stop her from curating a fabulous team. Not even the life changes that are thrown at her. A spontaneous Vegas wedding? No big deal, she can get it annulled. A surprise pregnancy from that Vegas wedding? Uh, that's going to be a bit more of an adjustment. Falling for her husband? Well that is not in the plans, but it might be happening. First though she needs to take care of her team. Everything else can wait. Or can it.

When I first heard the premise of this book I thought it was going to be an owner/athlete relationship. That was where my mind went, and so when I was reading and that WASN'T the case, I was confused. Guess that's what happens when you make an assumption. What this book is though (trope wise) is age gap, opposites attract, Vegas wedding, surprise baby, and workplace. The Owner is also FULL of hockey lingo and chirping. After all Harlow is the owner of the team now, and hockey is life.

5 Football Romance Series You Should Read

With the "Big Game" quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to read some football romances!

If you know me at all, you know football isn't my first choice for sports romances. However I do still read them, and I have 5 series that I think you should read! You know, if you haven't already. I also want to mention that the majority of these recommendations do not have cliffhangers. I love a good standalone series where each book focuses on a different couple! That being said, the Vegas Aces series is full of cliffhangers! Prepare yourself for that because they leave you wanting. But also loving the characters.

The Playbook by Alexa Martin

Number of books: 4
Released: 2018-2020

Now I'm sure most people have read this series. If not though, I highly suggest you do! This series focuses on four different relationships. It's the meet cute, it's the adjusting to dating a professional athlete, it's the drama that ensues, the heartache, the reunion, and the ultimate fall. Each book gives you a happily ever after, and I loved all of them.

Raleigh Raptors by Samantha Whiskey

Number of Books: 3
Released: 2020

Samantha Whiskey writes some wonderful sports romances. I fell for her hockey romance series, and when the Raleigh Raptors came out, I immediately read them. Now full disclosure; Nixon wasn't my favorite. I struggled with the storyline big time. I didn't vibe with Liberty at all, so that played a big part in it all. Roman and Hendrix though, loved those two stories. I am holding out hope that Samantha Whiskey will return with another addition to the series. That being said it has been over 2 years since Hendrix released, so I'm a little doubtful.

Denver Mountain Lions by Emily Silver

Number of books: 5
Released: 2022

This series features so many different tropes! From friends to lovers, to forbidden, to second chance romance, to enemies to lovers, to age gap, there is something for everyone. I fell hard for some of these players, as well as Emily Silver's storytelling. I cannot wait to read more from her. 

Kingsmen Football Stars by Piper Rayne

Number of books: 2.5
Released: 2022-present 

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Piper Rayne's small town romances. So when I heard about them branching off into football, I knew I'd have to give it a read. So far I've read the prequel, as well as You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows. I will be reading Brady's story yet this month, and I cannot wait to dive into that single dad and the nanny romance. With Piper Rayne's books, you'll get a wonderful story, a bit of drama, a good dose of steam, and a happily ever after. You may also find yourself hoping other characters will get their story told.

Vegas Aces by Lisa Suzanne

Number of seasons: 4
Number of books: 20 (5 per season)
Released: 2021-present

In 2021 I read the first two seasons of the Vegas Aces, and I was hooked. Now here's the thing, you're going to want to read these books in order. You learn things in season one that carry over to season two, and then onto season three. I will say season four is a bit different, but it still helps to have the knowledge of previous seasons in your head. Luke Dalton kicks things off with his story, and our introduction to Ellie is one you won't forget. Jack Dalton is up next, and I went from hating this man to falling for him. Ben Olson is featured in season 3, and that was by far my favorite season. Tristan Higgans is up in season 4, and a familiar face appears (and attempts to mess things up). One thing I love about these seasons is that there is always a villain you love to hate. Each season has at least one, and I'm here for it. I cannot wait to see who the villain is in season 5. (and yes, season 5 is happening later in 2023.) Prepare yourself to swoon, laugh, cry, and want to throw your kindle.

There was one other series that I wanted to recommend, but I really wanted to keep my list at 5. So instead I'll list it as a bonus recommendation. That series is The Lone Stars by Katie Graykowski. There are seven books in this series, and I enjoyed so many of them. I remember tearing up at a few, swooning over a couple, and falling hard for a few players. If you're looking for a lesser known series, then check that one out too. The first book was published in 2013, and the last in 2021. The first six are offered with Kindle Unlimited, so if you have a KU subscription consider downloading one of the titles.

Have you read any of these series? Do you have any recommendations for me? I'm always up for another sports romance to read.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

The Endgame by Bianca Borell {a review}

One day, Levi Kingston will be a memory. A bitter memory, but a memory, nonetheless.

The Endgame is the latest release from Bianca Borell. This is a sports romance featuring the brother's best friend trope, as well as first love, and a virgin heroine. The Endgame also spans quite a bit of time. I hesitate to call it a slow burn, because in the steamy sense it's not, but in the HEA it is. If that makes sense. 

This was my introduction to Bianca Borell, and let me tell you, I will be back to read more. I felt all the emotions while reading, and was rooting for these two to get together. Of course I was also rooting for Ian to stop being the protective older brother, as well as the family dynamic shifting a bit.

My rating for The Endgame:

I loved this book! I mean it features one of my favorite tropes, plus it's a sports romance. That wasn't the only reason why I loved it though. This book was all about timing with our characters, and for the longest time they just couldn't get to their happily ever after. When it finally did happen though, I was celebrating. Levi and Amelie had gone through so much. So to see them finally getting to this moment had me smiling.

Is it instalovy? Well yeah, but at the same time no. Like I said above it's walking that fine line. If anything I would say it's more insta-lust, but you can't deny the connection that these two had from their first introduction.

I loved Amelie and Levi together. I felt their chemistry, their bond, and could not wait to see everything they were going to need to go through to get their happily ever after. And boy oh boy did they have to go through some stuff.

A little over half way through the book I thought this is it, they're getting their happily ever after now. But then I looked at the % of the book I read, and instantly knew the characters were about to go through something very difficult. I just wasn't expecting it to be what it was.

I did really like how Amelie was able to follow her dream, and how all of that happened. I was wondering who the investor was, and while in the back of my mind I knew, at the same time I was speculating a few different people. The passion that Amelie has for baking radiated off the pages. No matter the emotion, Amelie was able to calm herself, and her mind through baking. I loved that for her.

Some might get frustrated with all the back and forth with our couple. For me though it just added to the intensity of their story. It created these moments where you couldn't look away. It honestly was like watching a movie.

This book was filled with emotions, passion, heartache, separation, healing, and a great connection. It wasn't just regarding their relationship though. There were family dynamics at play that also caused hurt, frustration, anger. All of that required healing and forgiveness to move forward.

I hope that you'll pick up The Endgame. Maybe you'll fall for these two the way I did. Maybe you'll fall for some side characters. Maybe you'll find yourself hoping those side characters get their stories told. Or maybe that's just me.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Every girl with a brother grows up with one fundamental rule: his best friend is off limits. That’s one rule she longs to break when he crashes into her life.

Amelie Weston has been taking the safe path for as long as she can remember. Not disappointing her parents by pursuing the career she wants. And not pursuing the guy she’s been crushing on.

But she’s tired of being the good girl.

Her brother’s best friend is pushing her to stop being a people pleaser and open the bakery of her dreams. Little does he know he’s also at the top of the list of her heart’s greatest desires... and he’s making himself impossible to resist.

Levi Kingston fully intends to become a legend on the field as one of the best players ever. He must stay focused and work relentlessly toward his goal. He doesn’t have time for distractions... until he meets his best friend’s sister, and his well-laid plan is challenged.

Bad timing, responsibilities, and loyalty to her brother keep them apart. But the connection between them only grows stronger. Their feelings become impossible to ignore, and the fight against them is pointless.

Will they take a chance on love? Or waste an opportunity for long-awaited happiness?

Thank you Bianca Borell, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Endgame.

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I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

The Faceoff by Cali Melle {a review}

He tastes like a bad decision and that's exactly why he's in my tent right now...

She tastes like the worst decision I've ever made and I know there will be hell to pay for it.

The Faceoff by Cali Melle is the fourth book in the Wyncote Wolves series. This college romance is hate to love, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and of course sports romance. What started as a one night stand is about to evolve into something that looks a lot like forever. That is if Hayden and Eden can get over their issues.

My rating for The Faceoff:

Ever since Hayden burst on to the Wyncote campus, he's had my attention. I could not wait to find out who he was, his history, and find out who he would fall for. I immediately knew that he was going to fall hard once the right person walked into his life. Eden is the perfect fit for him.

Loved this line in the book:

When guards are let down and the ice around our hearts melts, how do we fight the fire that burns between us?

I KNEW that Hayden's story was going to be one of my favorites, and turns out I was correct.

• The meet cute was good.
• The reintroduction was better.
• Loved the banter.
• The hate to love was fantastic.
• Absolutely loved how these two fell for each other when they were both so firmly against relationships.
• The conflict/drama was not what I was expecting, but it really was perfect.
• These two are my favorite couple of the series!

I loved how both of them eventually lowered their masks. They finally got to a place where that honesty, and openness was necessary for their relationship to push forward.

Cali Melle has created this amazing family within the Wyncote Wolves organization. I cannot wait for the next two books to see how these characters continue to grow, find love, and ultimately find themselves.

If you are someone who enjoys college romances and/or sports romances, then go pick up The Faceoff. Figure skater + hockey player + hate to love = wonderfulness.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Eden

After experiencing a nasty break-up during my freshman year, there is one type of guy that I refuse to get involved with.

Anyone from the university’s hockey team.

Hayden King is arrogant, cocky, has a reputation for being a playboy and there isn’t a single thing about him that I like.

One drunken summer night turns into a bad decision with Hayden. One that I swear that I’ll never make again.

But once senior year starts, I can’t seem to get away from him. He’s everywhere I go, everywhere I turn.

He’s under my skin and I find myself making mistake after mistake with him.

We better learn from our mistakes before our hearts get involved…

Hayden

Eden Finley is as cold as the ice that she skates on.

She’s the best figure skater at Wyncote University and I don’t know how I missed her when I first came here.

After one night with her over the summer, I can’t get her out of my head.

She has a chip on her shoulder, a nasty attitude and she hates my guts.

Which all only makes her more appealing.

I live for the chase, for the challenge.

And Eden Finley has no idea what she’s gotten herself into….

Thank you Cali Melle, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Faceoff.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

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

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

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.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Favorite Mistake by Lisa Suzanne {a review}

This time, I didn't just lose the girl. I lost f*cking everything. I was planning my life around someone who couldn't be honest with me.

Favorite Mistake by Lisa Suzanne is releasing on November 17, 2022! This final book in the Vegas Aces: The Wide Receiver series ties up all the loose ends, and chances are you'll walk away with a smile on your face. Are you ready? I don't think you're ready. Hold on to your hats my reader friends, you're in for a wild ride!

My rating for Favorite Mistake:

Okay I'm doing my review for Favorite Mistake slightly different. I am going more random thoughts/stream of consciousness while reading versus being my usual long winded self.

Let's dive in.

• It's the final book, so Tristan and Tessa are about to get their happily ever after!
• I understand why Tristan ran, but it still breaks my heart.
• Coach and Mo are amazing.
• SAVANNAH!!!!!!!!!!!! UGH THAT WOMAN!
• Brandi and Tiffany both need to take a seat, preferably far away from Tessa and Tristan.
• HOW DID SAVANNAH GET THAT INFO?
  
• I'm sorry, WHO is their kid? WHAT?!?
• WOAH! Who was behind the impersonation account? I mean it tracks, but damn.
• I hope Russ is going to be okay.
• YES! I AM SO FREAKING HAPPY THAT HAPPENED!
• Loving that Tessa has found a great group of friends.
• Ooooh, the steam in this book!
• AWWW...Fallon 😍!
• Tell me more about Travis.
• I'm sorry...a baseball team? LISA SUZANNE WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME! I NEED IT IMMEDIATELY!
• T 'N T are dynamite!

Seriously my reader friends, run and grab this series. Tristan and Tessa's story is emotional, it's heartbreaking, it's steamy, it's dramatic, it's filled with amazing moments. The cliffhangers are torturous, but oh so worth it in the end. I am in love with Lisa's storytelling, and cannot wait for next two sports romance series that she has coming up for 2023.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

The boy next door isn’t next door anymore.

He’s in Vegas, preparing for the upcoming NFL season, and I’m still stuck in the small Midwestern town where we grew up.

We should be together, but people wanted us apart. They won. Secrets are uncovered and lives are forever torn apart.

Maybe it was a mistake to try to recapture what we once had after everything we’d been through.

But of all the mistakes I made in my life, he was my favorite, and I will never stop fighting for us.

FAVORITE MISTAKE is the final book in the VEGAS ACES: THE WIDE RECEIVER series. This series must be read in order.

Thank you Lisa Suzanne, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of Favorite Mistake.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!