17 Fabulous Reads for May

Can you believe that it's time to talk about the new releases that I'm anticipating for May? I'm in denial. If it's May, then it's almost the end of the school year. End of the school year means my kids will be on summer break, and my life will be chaotic again. Gotta love my kids and the chaos that ensues.

As of right now there are 17 books that have my attention for May. Now there is a rumor of another title, and one of the books on this list may be pushed to June. It's all very flexible, and I'm okay with that. Seven of the books I have mentioned below are sports romance. Are we even surprised by this? Yeah, I didn't think so. At this point in my reading life, it's just best to expect that a handful (or more) are going to be sports related. I'm obsessed.

Speaking of one of the TBD books, January James said late May or sometime in June for Twisted Vines. So I have it on my list, but my gut tells me it will be in June. Therefore there is no cover, no blurb, and no links. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Tell me which new releases are on your list! Any that I should keep an eye out for? Are any of the books I mentioned on your list?

Happy Reading,
Laura

When I Come Home by Maisie Myers

Release Date: May 1
Tropes: Small Town, Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers
Add to TBR

I left a trail of burned bridges, broken trust and shattered hearts behind me when I left my small town of Tupelo six years ago to chase fame and glittering lights in Hollywood.

But now I'm back.

And though the town still looks the same as it always did, everything about my home is different now.

People stare but never speak to me and my old friends don't know what to say anymore.

Then there's him.

Cole Mesaric. The mechanic with oil on his hands and a new girlfriend hanging off his arm. The boy from my past who I haven't stopped thinking about since the day I left.

He hates me most of all.

Can I ever make him forgive me? Or will I only make the same mistakes and tear him apart all over again?

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Release Date: May 2
Tropes: Fantasy, College, Suspense
Add to TBR

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda―because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Iced Out by Veronica Eden

Release Date: May 8
Tropes: Sports Romance, Forced Proximity
Add to TBR

Dancing on bartops means the night is going great. Exiting the bar hauled over the shoulder of Heston University’s infamous hockey captain? Not my idea of a good time.

But my would-be knight would have to do. I needed an escape route from my brother…his biggest rival.

Easton Blake is the perfect reminder of why I avoid hockey players.

Cocky.
Frustratingly sexy.
Accustomed to every girl in his orbit falling for his charm.

With his sultry smile that tells me he knows all the ways to make girls come undone with his touch, I’m almost the next score on his stats. Except I have no time for distractions when I’m focused on graduating early. Gaining Easton’s attention wasn’t part of my plans. Of course, from the moment he catches me shaking my assets on the bar, he decides I’m his next goal.

Instead of sticking to my own rules, I do something I shouldn’t: I dare him to try.

Easton’s never met a challenge he wouldn’t accept. He makes it clear he won’t be iced out without convincing me to give him a chance.

I swore off hockey players for a reason. Can I risk making the same mistake again?

Skating the Blue Line by Jocelyne Soto

Release Date: May 11
Tropes: Sports Romance, Close Proximity, Surprise Pregnancy
Add to TBR

My whole life, I have only dreamt of being one thing.
A ballerina.
From the age of three, I was obsessed with tutus, leotards, pointe shoes and everything that dancing had to offer.
After years of hard work, sweat and tears, I finally was able to make the dreams of the little girl in me come true.
Years later, I’m dancing for one of the most respected companies in the world, leaving out a dream and living the best life that I could have ever imagined.
Everything was going according to how I’d mapped it out.
Except…
I hadn’t mapped out two little blue lines skating into my life after a one night stand.
Now, there’s a possibility of me losing the dream I worked so hard to achieve.
And it’s all thanks to a professional hockey player with pretty eyes and a nice smile.

On The Line by Julia Connors

Release Date: May 12
Tropes: Second Chance, Sports Romance, Single Mom, Single Bed, Enemies to Lovers
Add to TBR

My marriage wasn’t perfect, but my husband’s unexpected death yanks away my sense of security and leaves me floundering.

Enter Jameson Flynn, former NHL star and my late husband’s sports agent, who’s back in my life as the executor of the will. Things between us are as contentious as when we worked together five years ago, except now we’re working together to navigate all of the secrets and deceptions my husband left behind.

I remember Jameson as arrogant, condescending, and heartless. And yet, he repeatedly shows up for me and my daughters – helping me pick up the broken pieces and put my life back together.

Now I’m seeing a side of him he only reveals to people he truly cares about. He’s protective in a way I didn’t know I’d like, caring in a way I didn’t know he was capable of, and still sexy as hell.

The problem is, he broke my heart a long time ago. But the closer I get to Jameson, the more I see that the only thing easier than hating him might actually be loving him.

 

The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder

Release Date: May 12
Tropes: Small Town, Single Dad, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Nanny
Add to TBR

My Best Friend. Young. Tempting.

She bid on me at my company’s charity auction and won. Back then, she was too young, with hearts in her eyes and her whole life ahead of her. That’s how we started, and after all this time, she’s become my best friend.

Being a single dad of twins and running Colorado's most successful summer sports company requires control and focus. Both of which are slipping through my fingers.

I just crashed her date and watched her kiss another man. The whole time her eyes were on me.

Now, she’s living in my house, nannying my kids for the summer, and saying she wants to “explore” things that drip with the kind of filthy curiosity that I crave.

I don’t want her to have anyone else, but I know it'll change us if I take what I want. And, if we destroy our friendship it’ll ruin me. Or worse, end up breaking my kid’s hearts and hers.

The Problem with Second Chances by Piper Rayne

Release Date: May 16
Tropes: Second Chance, Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Childhood Sweethearts
Add to TBR

For Rylan Greene and me, it was simple. Love only got us so far.

I’ve known him since we were six, long before he became the professional soccer star he is now. We’ve weaved in and out of one another’s lives as rivals, teammates, friends, and lovers. Until three years ago, when my life took a hit and I ran back to my small Alaskan town, Lake Starlight, away from anything or anyone that could hurt me.

He’s never far from my mind, a constant pining ache in my heart, but I’ve convinced myself I’m better off. But now, my best friend announces her engagement and that means Rylan will return home to stand as best man to her fiancé.

He’ll be back in my orbit for three whole weeks… but I can easily keep my distance. Sure, we’ll have to walk arm in arm down the aisle together, he’ll hold me close during the bridal party dance and we’ll stand for pictures next to each other. Nothing I can’t handle.

I’m so naïve though because he’s not in town for more than twenty-four hours before he knocks on my door. I should know by now, that the two of us will never be finished business.

Throne of Sin by Emily Bowie

Release Date: May 16
Tropes: Mafia, Dark, Single Mom, Second Chance
Add to TBR

When I walked into a gentlemen's club looking for a job, the last man I expected to see was the boy next door, whose heart I broke all those years ago.

Dante Mancini is all grown up.
He’s changed.
Dangerous.
Hardened.
Mafia.

He’s so handsome I’ll never be able to trust myself near him. Dante is and always has been my kryptonite. One look, one touch is all it will take for me to spill my deepest secrets and that will only break us more.
Desperate times call for desperate action and now he owns me.
I can't run from my past. A single kiss has me craving things I can’t have. It causes a tiny flame of hope in my chest, fueling our inferno of chemistry.
But our past is waiting.
Dante might be a made-man but I’m the true villain in our story.

Don't Say Goodbye by Nola Marie

Release Date: May 17
Tropes: Age Gap, Second Chance, Small Town, Forbidden
Add to TBR

Blurb to come

Lost to the Moon by Meg Anne and K Loraine

Release Date: May 22
Tropes: Paranormal, Why Choose
Add to TBR

It’s the end of the world as you know it…

At least it will be, if my dear despicable mum gets her way. I, however, happen to be quite fond of some of the toys I’ve discovered on this plane. Ma petite monstre, for starters.

But the plague is spreading, taking no prisoners, and I’m trapped and at the mercy of a deal I made with Rosie. If Pestilence succeeds, I’ll lose everything I’ve rightfully stolen.

What a waste that would be.

Then I’d be left in the cold and my mate would end up with them.

Her vampire duke.
Her over-protective wolf.
Her cocky shifter.
Her human hybrid.

That just won’t do. Not without her delectable demon topping the list. That’s right. Topping.

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to redeem myself in her eyes, not after everything I’ve done. I am the villain of this story, after all. What? I did warn you. It’s not my fault you didn’t believe me.

But I’ll let you in on a little secret about villains: They’re a whole lot of fun, and if you’re not willing to lie, possess, or steal for the things you want, well can you even say you deserve them?

Unfortunately, if mummy wins, none of that matters and we all lose.

So, I suppose I’ll have to do what I can to stop the Apocalypse if I want to enjoy the prize I worked so hard to claim.

You don’t have to thank me.

I’m not doing it for you.

Crushed by Elise Faber

Release Date: May 23
Tropes: Sports Romance, Forbidden, Workplace
Add to TBR

She was everything he shouldn’t want.
He was going to take her anyway.

Once Lily had fit the role of an annoying little sister.
But then she’d gone and grown up—become all woman and one he shouldn’t want.
She was off-limits, or should be, anyway. She worked for the San Francisco Gold, worked for the same team he played for. But that wasn’t the only reason she was off-limits.
Lily was the daughter of the man who had been more of a father than his own.
So Will couldn’t have her, couldn’t risk taking her.
Except…his body and heart weren’t listening to reason.
Because Lily had become the woman he wanted more than anything else.

Never Say Never by Rue Lennox

Release Date: May 23
Tropes: Small Town, Police, 
Add to TBR

It’s almost impossible to resist a bad boy that’s a good man… and that’s exactly what Travis Masterson is.

Scoring the Player by Rebecca Jenshak

Release Date: May 23
Tropes: Sports Romance, College, Opposites Attract
Add to TBR

Valley U’s hottest QB has heard in detail how I want to climb him like a tree.
One viral video and my life as a wallflower is over.
Felix Walters knows exactly how I feel about him—so does everyone else on campus.
It was supposed to be a private conversation between friends.
Now I’m the butt of every joke and everywhere I turn all eyes are on me.
It’s every shy girl’s nightmare.
Except now the hottest guy on campus wants to be my fake boyfriend.
Six weeks. Just pretend.
I’m a wallflower fake dating Valley U's hottest player.

Off Ice Collision by Cali Melle

Release Date: May 25
Tropes: Sports Romance, College, Grumpy/Sunshine
Add to TBR

Vaughn
One moment in time, one freak accident, and my entire hockey career was over.

Two years had passed since my injury and I am still mentally struggling with this loss.

Mad at the world and everyone in it, I sought solace at my parents' lake house for the summer.

It was supposed to be somewhere for me to be alone and heal.

But when London Hayes walks back into my life, the universe has different plans.

And I need to find a way to derail them because I refuse to drag her down with me.

London
It had been over two years since I'd last seen Vaughn Carter.

And he feels like a stranger.

Cold and distant, abrasive and angry.

He’s a shell of a person compared to the version I used to know, but I know he’s still in there.

Somewhere deep inside is the boy I used to love, but he needs help finding himself again.

And I won’t be the one to give up on him, even if it costs me my own heart in the end.

Hate You Always by Jennifer Sucevic

Release Date: May 26
Tropes: Sports Romance, College, Friends to Lovers
Add to TBR

It all starts with a bucket list and a romance novel…
I’ve known Ryder McAdams my entire life. We’re neighbors and our families are besties. He’s also friends and teammates with my younger brother, Maverick.
But Ryder and me?
We’ve never been close. In fact, I’ve always gotten the distinct impression he doesn’t like me very much. He goes out of his way to ignore me.
Know what makes it worse?
The electricity that hums in the air every time our gazes collide. It sizzles through my body until I feel it in the tips of my fingers and toes. Whoever said that you can’t control who you’re attracted to was, unfortunately, right.
I’ve done my best to stomp it out.
We’ve been at Western for three years and only come in contact when forced to interact. He’s busy partying it up and getting it on with his fangirl club. I’ve spent most of my college experience studying at the library so I can apply to the med school of my choice.
One drunken night changes everything when Ryder takes me home and finds the bucket list I wrote before freshman year.
Know how many things I’ve ticked off since then?
Zero. Zilch. Nada.
For some strange reason, Ryder decides he’ll be the one to help tackle each item before graduation.
That would be all fine and good, except there’s some pretty schmexy stuff on there…
Like the big O.

Wounded Things by Samantha Lovelock

Release Date: TBD
Tropes: New Adult, Opposites Attract
Add to TBR

A single kiss, a deadly mistake, and a shocking secret that might be the only thing that can save us all.

Gorgeous, ridiculously wealthy, and too smart for my own good—that's how people describe me. To the outside world, I'm the total package. Girls want me, and guys want to be me.

If they only knew the truth.

Like a fancy hood ornament on an expensive car, the sole purpose of my existence has been to increase my parents' status. As long as I go to the college they choose, only date girls they approve of, and don't embarrass them, they completely ignore me. To them I'm not a person, I'm an accessory. Over the years I learned to play my part without complaint, believing my future was already written.

Until I met her.

Beautiful and driven, the girl my parents would definitely deem unacceptable wants nothing to do with me and I have no idea why. I'm used to getting what I want, and I want her. In this game of wills, she's already lost.

She just doesn't know it yet.

Twisted Vines by January James

Release Date: TBD
Tropes: Billionaire, Gothic
Add to TBR

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

I NEED to read these books in April!

It's my birthday month!! That means I should read ALL the books I can to celebrate. Right? I mean it sound good. Maybe I should gift myself some books too. Hmm...the possibilities.

My anticipated reads list for April is HUGE. There are 15 books currently on it. I'm waiting to hear about one or two more. In a shocking turn of events only 5 of them are sports romance! For me that's surprising since most months sports romance tops the list. 

All of these books have made my list for various reasons. Some are series continuations, others are authors I've read previously and am excited to pick up their new series, and then there is even a new to me author that I'm ready to check out. Speaking of those series, there are THREE that the previous books ended with cliffhangers, so naturally I NEED to read them to see what happens next.

What is on your anticipated reads list for this month? Any books that you feel you absolutely MUST READ?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Note: I have read a few of these already as I received advanced copies of them for review. I'm keeping them on my list though for others to get excited about. (and believe me, I'm still excited!)

The Edge of Forgiveness by Kristin Turnage {a review}

Hi. I'm not okay. I just finished reading an advanced copy of The Edge of Forgiveness by Kristin Turnage. My heart is happy, my mind is all over the place, and my emotions took a hit. If you've been around for a while, then you know how much I adore The Edge series. There is just something about the small town of Oaks, and all of the characters that I've met. I want to go visit, befriend them all, or even better yet have Cora and Caleb adopt me.

If you're new to The Edge series, like I said it is small town romance. Not only that but each book hits a different emotion just right. If you're an emotional reader, then you should have tissues close by. Here in The Edge of Forgiveness you'll also find these two tropes: forced proximity and enemies to lovers. In a way I think, at least for Courtney, the trope of found family also applies. It could also be considered a second chance romance of sorts. Especially given the history between these two. We've met both Hunter and Courtney in previous books, so it's nice to finally hear their stories. 

So what's The Edge of Forgiveness about? Let's read the blurb first:

Courtney Rogers has two secrets, secrets that she’s kept from her best friend. One involves a night that changed her best friend’s life forever and the other is her best friend’s soon to be brother-in-law. She thought she was going to take both secrets to the grave, to make sure neither sees the light of day. But, when her best friend asks her to housesit while she goes on her honeymoon for two weeks, her once concrete walls start to crumble. Courtney’s always prided herself on being able to put on blinders and forget about her problems, but now the pressure seems to be too great. If she talks and lets out what’s trapped inside, she’ll be more alone than ever.

Could her best friend handle knowing that she was the reason her life changed forever?

Then, there’s the other serious issue, Hunter Freeman, AKA The Other Secret. The one she pushed so far away that, instead getting lustful glances and playful banter, she gets nothing but cold stares and a rock-hard heart. She thought it was for all the right reasons, he made her feel things, and those things were uncontrollable.

Hunter Freeman knows the game. He understands what needs to be done, but his problem, he doesn’t want to play. So, he doesn’t. Don’t expect him to bring you flowers, he won’t. Don’t expect him to chase you because his ass ain’t running. After going through his own heartbreak, and watching his brother struggle with love, he has decided to stop, to just stop trying. The fear of rejection hangs over him like a dark cloud. He’s seen the dark side of love and it’s not worth it to him. The highs never make up for the lows.

Just when he felt things starting to turn around, life decided to throw a wrench in his gears or, in his case, life decided to throw in a little bit of Courtney Rogers, the fucking curveball that came out of nowhere and always sends him home licking his wounds.

Now, she’s back after a year and will be in his world for two weeks. Both fighting to end what was started before it becomes too much. Both needing what everybody always wants.

Love, acceptance, and a little forgiveness.

Content Warning: This book contains sensitive subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.

 

Doesn't their story sound good? Right off the bat you know it's going to be an emotional one. Especially once Courtney shares her backstory. This woman has been hurt, and she has the trauma to go with that hurt. Yet she tries to bury it as deep as possible. Thankfully people are starting to see the cracks forming, and she's going to need the support once it all crumbles down. Don't think that this book is only about Courtney's journey toward healing. Oh no. You see Hunter also has some issues that he keeps hidden. There is a reason he stays away from relationships. There is a reason there is a brick wall surrounding his heart.

My rating for The Edge of Forgiveness:

5 Stars

Now if you've read The Edge of Happiness, then you know that Courtney is Cassie's best friend. These two have known each other for a long time and have an incredible bond. So when it's Cassie's wedding naturally Courtney is by her side on the big day. It is also Courtney that Cassie asks to house/dog sit while she and Ryan are off on their honeymoon. Now was there more to the story about having Courtney house/dog sit for 2 weeks? Of course there was, and that is part of Courtney's story.  Naturally during these two weeks she and Hunter are at each other's throats. Ever since that relationship that wasn't a relationship ended, there has been a lot of pain/frustration/heartache/longing happening. Here we are now and they are pretty much forced to be near each other. Even more so since Hunter works with Ryan (aka his brother) as the horse trainer. There are so many words flung back and forth between these two, it's ridiculous. Yet they can't stay apart. It's a wild ride.

You might be wondering how they get together if there is so much pain separating them. Well all that forced proximity is coming into play with the verbal volleys. It is when one of those moments spark something, and causes Courtney to panic that has Hunter's wall starting to crack. He sees the vulnerability, and knows that he needs to push a bit to get her to open up. Hunter just doesn't expect that this push is going to result in a verbal vomit. That's precisely what happened. These two have finally aired all their dirty laundry, and have bared their souls. It is now that a real relationship can form. That is if they want it to happen, or if they don't screw it up in the process.

I'm not going to touch too much on their relationship as it's really interesting to take in as you're reading it. That being said, Courtney has created bonds with others in Oaks. Whether it is Cassie, Joss, AJ, Madison, or even Cora. Not just those people though, she's finding that she has these connections within the town. She may not like it as it scares her, but those connections have been formed. She's found her family essentially. I think one of my favorite connections though was with Ollie. Ollie Freeman is the brother of Hunter and Ryan. He's the baby. He's trying to find his place in the family business, as well as in life. Something is causing him pain though, and Courtney sees that in him. She's called him on it, and I love that. She's let him know that she'll be his safe place to land when he's ready. It was that connection that had me wishing that Kristin would write his story as well.

Let's talk about the fact that the two weeks is up, and Courtney is heading back to Texas. After all that's where her apartment is, her job is, and a good portion of her life. As much as Courtney wants to get out of Oaks (or so she thinks), she's also feeling that perhaps Texas isn't where she's meant to be any longer. Yet she says her goodbyes to all except one. It is right before she leaves that she has a heartfelt conversation with Cora. It is that conversation that had me sobbing. I thought that since I had made it this far through The Edge of Forgiveness that I wouldn't get hit with the emotional moments. Yet this happened as Cora shared something from her past that resonated with Courtney, and it hit me. It was that simple conversation that had the flood gates opening. I was busy wiping away my tears while feeling all the compassion and love pouring off of Cora. She was speaking truth, she was speaking from her heart, and pouring this love into Courtney when she needed it most. I think that this conversation reached Courtney at just the right time. Perhaps something clicked into place even though she was still trying to run. 

Since this story was almost over, not only did I think I was going to get out of getting hit in the feelings, I also was wondering if church was going to happen. Now not traditional church. No no no. Church is where the group of friends (who are really family at this point) come together for one to bare their soul. To tell the things that are causing them pain. This therapy of sorts isn't always voluntary. Sometimes it is the group showing up to your house to have it out. To call you on your shit, and make you face the things that you might not want to. Yet at the end of the conversation, that therapy session, you find yourself with the answers you need. THAT is church. THAT is what this group continues to encourage, as well as experience. It may be something their parents started many years ago, but they are gladly carrying it into the future.

There is so much more that I want to say about The Edge of Forgiveness, but I've been long winded enough. If you're an emotional reader...take breaks, have the tissues close by, and feel free to message me while reading. I may have messaged the author a couple of times while reading, and I regret nothing. Hunter and Courtney are now part of my fictional family, along with the others I've "met" in Oaks. These characters have wedged themselves into my heart, and it is glorious. May we all find a group of friends similar to Ryan, Cassie, Mac, Joss, Jace, AJ, Hunter, Courtney, Travis, Madison, Ollie, and Noah. (I can't leave out Cora and Caleb either.)

When I started reading The Edge of Forgiveness I was worried. I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the others in the series. I was worried that I wouldn't connect with Hunter and Courtney. Yet here I am on the other side, and I did love their story as much as the others. I did connect with them. I did empathize with their situations. I was rooting for them since their initial meeting back in The Edge of Happiness. So to know that they've found their happily ever after, and that they are making their mental health needs a priority, just has me loving it all the more. I look forward to reading Noah's story when it comes out. Kristin has solidified herself as an autobuy author for me, and also her books are going to be on my 5 star predictions list. Time and time again she's shown me how talented she is with her words, her characters, her world buiding, and also all the energy (physical, mental, emotional) that she pours into creating these books. It's phenomenal. It is also why I buy the kindle copy of the book, as well as the paperback. I want to support her writing career as much as possible. It's my way of showing my appreciation for the stories she brings to life.


I truly hope you'll consider picking up The Edge of Forgiveness. If you haven't read the other three books (Happiness, Serenity, Redemption) I suggest you do. They all hit different. They all have emotional moments. They all struggle with something different. These books are not just romance, they are so much more than that. If anything these books are healing. The Edge of Forgiveness releases on April 13, 2023. Go preorder it, and get ready to fall for these characters.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Thank you Kristin Turnage, and Grey Promo, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Edge of Forgiveness.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

I Need These Books Immediately!

Happy March! Welcome to the third chapter of 2023. Those first two were interesting, so let's see how this one comes together.

One of my favorite things about a new month is all the new books that get released. There are so many to choose from, so many to add to my TBR, and so many authors to fangirl over. This month there are 12 books on my anticipated reads list. Two of them are POSSIBLY being released in March, as in they have March release dates on Amazon, but I haven't heard any updates from the author. So time will tell.

Last month the majority of my list was sports romance, and honestly March isn't looking too different. Eight of them are sports romance. I can't help it. Sports romance is just where my heart gravitates towards.

What is on your anticipated reads list for this month? Any books that you feel you absolutely MUST READ? Even if they're not new releases, let me know! Keep scrolling to see the books I can't wait to get my hands on. You may notice that a couple don't have book covers, and one doesn't have a link, that's because that info isn't out there yet. Once it is though I'll share it to my Facebook page. Make sure to follow me there.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Note: I have read a few of these already as I received advanced copies of them for review. I'm keeping them on my list though for others to get excited about. (and believe me, I'm still excited!)

I'm So Excited For These Books!

A new month means new releases! 

These are the TEN books that are releasing in February, and I cannot wait to read them. As I was compiling this list, I realized that 9 out of the 10 books are sports romance. I'm not complaining one bit, it's just a tad excessive. I'll have to be sure to read some non-sports romance books this month to balance it out. Maybe.

Let's jump into my list.

December Anticipated Reads

“In the winter she curls up around a good book and dreams away the cold.”

–Ben Aaronovitch

The last month of the year is almost upon us! Can you believe that? I'm a little shocked. It feels as though I was just returning to my blog, catching up on things, and getting used to my kids being in school again. Then I blinked, and here we are. 

December brings a lot of fun happenings for my family, as well as Christmas and New Years Eve. I'm looking forward to it all.

What I'm also looking forward to are these new releases! I have 16 books on my anticipated reads list, and my goal is to read them all. You'll have to wait for my monthly wrap up (to be posted in January) to see what I actually read. Don't want to wait? Follow me on Goodreads!

Let's jump into the books.

November Anticipated Reads

Fear not November’s challenge bold

We’ve books and friends,

And hearths that never can grow cold:

These make amends!

Alexander Louis Fraser, November

Can you believe November is only days away? As per usual I am in denial about this. November brings election day, my oldest daughter's birthday, and of course Thanksgiving. This month will be filled with family, friends, and memories. I can't wait!

November also means a new month of anticipated reads! I have a long list, and I am giddy.

What's on my anticipated list? Allow me to share with you!

October Anticipated Reads

Can you believe October is only days away? I am in serious denial about this. I mean how are we getting ready to start the 10th month of 2022? Excuse me while I go cry about how fast time is going.

That being said, October is bringing some fabulous books by some of my favorite authors. So you know I'm excited about that! 

There are 13 books that I am anticipating this month. You know I will be reading them ASAP. And yes, Lisa Suzanne appears on this list THREE times because her new season of Vegas Aces releases in October!! Bring on Tristan's story! Also, I am still crossing my fingers that The Sky At Night by Samantha Lovelock releases this month. 

I'd love to know what book releases you're excited about for the month of October. Did I miss your most anticipated? Tell me!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Mine to Have by Natasha Madison {a review}

Mine to Have is a small town, second chance romance from Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison. This first book in the Southern Wedding series will grab your attention, steal your heart, and have you falling for these characters. 

First things first, it should come as no surprise that I have been counting down the days until Harlow and Travis's story was available. We first met Harlow in the Southern series, and I was hoping we would witness her find her person. Well she did. It's just happening in a spin off series. Now Harlow's story does start with a prequel called Mine to Kiss. It is essentially the origin story for Harlow and Travis's relationship. That story alone was fantastic. Well until the ending. But that ending just lead to the anticipation of this book.

I'm not going to recap the book. What I will tell you is that Harlow kept her promise. She was there for what was supposed to be the best day of Travis's life. She put aside the heartache to support this man she once loved.

FIVE STARS

Harlow and Travis are simply amazing. After having read their prequel, I was highly anticipating this book, and it did not disappoint.

Add in the fact that we got to see Casey, Olivia, and the grandparents, and I was in heaven. I loved getting to go back home, reconnect with the familiar faces, and then watch as they guided Harlow through the pain, the heartache, the uncertainty, so that she could find happiness.

Travis also had his family there to encourage and support him. They helped him grieve the loss of the relationship he ended, and cheered him on as he found someone new. They were prepared to love and accept his new partner.

This second chance romance had me laughing, swooning, and tearing up. The romance was fantastic, and the steam was just what I’ve come to expect from Natasha Madison.

Loved every moment of this book, and cannot wait for the next in the series. Now I will say I am bummed because I don't think we'll see any more of the original crew, but rather it will be college roommates, and Travis's sisters as the future main characters. So this last little moment with the family was much needed. (and appreciated)

If you love small town romances, second chance romances, or if you fell hard for the characters in the Southern series, then you need to go grab Mine to Have immediately. Travis and Harlow will pull you in immediately. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my fan girl thoughts. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the book.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Are you ready for The Southern Wedding Series?

Things are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.

Aren't they?

 

Harlow

I promised him I would be there for the best day of his life.

Not thinking I wouldn’t be the one standing next to him.

But here I was attending the love of my life’s wedding day.

I smiled when I saw him and pushed back the tears that wanted to come out.

This was his day and I was going to fulfill my promise.

Travis

It was supposed to be the best day of my life.

But the second I got up, things started to fall apart.

The kitchen just caught on fire.

Flowers were from a funeral.

My bride-to-be just had an allergic reaction leaving by ambulance.

Oh and my ex-girlfriend just walked into the church.

They say you have to see the signs when they are right in front of you.

Maybe she was just mine to have.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR and/or your BookBub wishlist!

Meet Natasha Madison 

When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...

Connect with Natasha Madison

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook Reader Group

Follow on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub

Subscribe to Natasha's newsletter to stay up to date!

Hosted By:

Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Mine to Have.