My 7 "One Click" Authors

Do you ever read a book, fall in love with everything about it, and then go down the rabbit hole to read EVERYTHING that author has released?

Oh, just me? Okay then.

You see when I do that scenario, those authors tend to become my auto-buy authors. So when they announce a book, I immediately pre-order. IMMEDIATELY! I don't need a description. I don't need to know much, because I know their style. I know what their books are like, and so I go off that. And honestly, it's never been an issue. They announce an idea for a book or series? I’m their biggest cheerleader. I will talk about their books, and/or their characters frequently. I will share their graphics on Facebook. I will like their social media posts, and comment on them. One of my favorite moments though is when a random thought, or a song, brings me back to a moment in one of their books, and then I find that I just have to talk about it. 

These authors have the ability to create these worlds with these characters that are just all encompassing. I find myself wanting to live in these places, and befriend the characters. I just cannot get enough!

Who are my auto-buy authors? I’d love to tell you about them. There are currently 7. I do have three more possibly going on the list, but I want to read more of their backlist before I make that determination.

7 Must Read Small Town Romance Series

Small town romances are one of my favorite tropes. We are talking top 5 level favorites. In my mind, it just gives off the Hallmark movie vibes, and I am here for it. You know exactly what I’m talking about too. I’m positive of it. 

Now, would I ever live in a small town? I absolutely would! Well that is if I were to ever move from my current location. There is just something about a small town that appeals to me. From the potential community events, to the size of the town, to the gossip possibilities, it all calls to me. Especially the knowing of your neighbors, and that community feel. I may be an introvert with social anxiety, but the desire for a community is strong. I do blame Hallmark and Lifetime movies for creating this built up image in my head though.

If you are like me, and enjoy small town romances, then I have some book recommendations for you! I’ll tell you now, ALL of my recommendations are for series, so I apologize. At the same time, you’re welcome, and I hope you love the settings as much as I do. 

Let’s dive in.

Southern by Natasha Madison

This series is absolutely fabulous, and one of my favorites. There are 8 books in the series, and while you don’t HAVE  to read them in order, I highly suggest that you do. Location for the book series is obviously the south. I believe it is in Texas. The Southern series begins with Kallie and Jacob. They were high school sweethearts with their eyes set on the future. Until Prom night happens and their world shatters apart. What happened that night had Kallie fleeing town, and not looking back. Now it’s years later, and she’s returning to town with her bestie Olivia. Olivia’s gotten herself into a bit of a situation, and so they are laying low in Kallie’s hometown. Upon returning to town, Kallie spots Jacob immediately. She can’t turn away. This second chance romance will draw you in, and it also happens to perfectly set the stage for Casey and Olivia’s story. (which is book 2)

Should you pick up Southern Chance, book one in the series, go into it with an open mind. Ignore the reviews on Goodreads, and just jump in. I will say that chances are high that you won’t like Savannah. You’ll see her as problematic, and may blame her a bit for what goes down. Again, go in with an open mind, and trust that you’ll learn her full story in Southern Storm. What I can tell you is that you’ll fall for Kallie’s parents. I adore them, and want to be a member of the family.

The Edge by Kristin Turnage

This young adult/new adult series is going to grab hold of you, having you falling for the characters, and wanting to find out more about Oaks North Carolina.

The Edge of Happiness was Kristin's debut novel, and for me, it was a 5 star read. I loved Cassie and Ryan’s story. It was emotional, it was heartbreaking, it was full of healing and growth, and we witnessed Cassie come into this friendship group where they loved and accepted her unconditionally. She was a part of their group, of this found family, and it was everything she needed.

The characters in this series? I FREAKING LOVE THEM! None of them have had an easy go with things, but as we delve into their stories, it just has me falling even harder. Kristin Turnage has released 3 books in this series, and each one has been a 5 star read for me. Kristin has this way of creating relatable characters, building this world where I would love to visit, and her storytelling is fantastic. I can’t get enough, and this is one of those series that i will recommend over and over again. If you are an emotional reader, then have the tissues handy. You'll need them. 

The Baileys by Piper Rayne

As if I could leave the Bailey family off my list! 

Please. It was March 2020 when I discovered this series, as well as Piper Rayne, and I was immediately drawn in. IMMEDIATELY I tell you. Lake Starlight is this adorable town in Alaska that I just picture as the quintessential small town. From the downtown, to the community knowing everything that happens with the Baileys, to the chaos that ensues. I just loved it.

So here’s the thing, there are 9 kids in the Bailey family. When Austin (he’s the oldest) was about to pursue his dream of being a professional athlete, his parents died in an accident. This had him returning home to become guardian of his siblings. To keep this family together, he gave up his dreams. Over time those dreams evolved, and he was willing to do what he needed to keep his family together. In Lessons from a One Night Stand we see how Austin and Holly meet, how a workplace romance is set to begin, and how their relationship brings on a bit of healing. Plus we get to meet all of the Baileys. Oh and there’s Grandma Dori who is a hoot. I love her shenanigans.

There are about 12 books in this series. It’s a lot I know. But each person has their own story, and then there are also 3 novellas. The books are all quick reads, they all have HEAs, they are steamy, they are rom-coms, and I highly recommend them.

The Greene Family by Piper Rayne

Oh like I could mention one Alaska family and not the other! The Greene Family series is a spinoff of the Bailey’s, and honestly you’ll see the Bailey’s make the occasional appearance in the books. Especially Grandma Dori who is always with Ethel, and Ethel just so happens to be the Grandma to all these Greene children. The Greene family has a bit of The Brady Bunch feel to it when it comes to how the family was formed. This is a blended family (yours, mine, ours), and with that comes a bit of added drama, emotions, angst, as well as healing.

Similar to the Bailey’s, each sibling has their own story. For the most part. Rylan’s story, he’s the youngest, we don’t get quite yet. That will come eventually, but for now we just have the parents story, as well as each of the older “kids”. In this series, you’ll get a wide variety tropes so there’s a little something for everyone.

In regards to the town, the way I have Sunrise Bay pictured just creates this atmosphere of community building, community events, and ease of getting around. Now how I have it pictured may be completely different than the Piper and Rayne have it envisioned, but I’m perfectly content with the town square image going on in my head.

Go read this series, but definitely read it after the Baileys. Trust me on that. Plus you’ll understand Dori and Ethel (as well as Midge) a bit better. Oh those Grandmas!

Ryder Ranch by Anna Brooks

Cowboys + Small town = GIVE ME!!

Ryder Ranch is a 4 book series set in the small town of Warrenville Texas. The Ryder family is comprised of Dad (Mack), and his four kids (Wilder, Hunter, Maverick, and Molly). Together they work the ranch, and are a constant in each others lives. They’ve all been hurt emotionally since the moment the kids mom walked away. Her leaving caused so much heartache, grief, and relationship problems that they all are still working through.

Hoping for Hunter kicks off this series, and our meet cute involves a cow. Yes, you read that right. It was that a little tidbit of info that had my curiosity piqued. How does a cow cause our couple to meet? That just doesn’t make sense. BUT once you start reading, you’ll understand. These Ryder men are all quite alpha, and a bit afraid of falling in love. So to watch each one topple is spectacular. This series brings on a few different tropes, from age gap, to grumpy/sunshine, to second chance, to opposites attract, but all the stories take place in the small town of Warrenville. Dad and the boys books are all part of this series, where as Molly’s story is part of Guarding Her series. The story of her and Brooks journey to a happily ever after is called Break. I haven’t read that one yet, but it is on my list.

Ryker Ranch by Kim Loraine

Now don’t get confused with this series title. I know it is VERY close to the Anna Brooks series I just mentioned, but they are different. Obviously.

The Ryker family lives in Montana, and their whole world is the family ranch. It’s an amazing property, and it employs a lot of people.However since Dad died they’ve been struggling financially. Those financial woes could be a thing of the past though if this reality TV show takes off. Now Clint just needs to take the jump, and not fall for the producer of the show.

This family has etched itself into my heart. I am a bit obsessed with them, and I regret nothing. I have adopted Mama Ryker as my second mom, and I would like to go stay with her for a few weeks. Her and Mama Barnes from the Southern series cannot be beat. These two matriarchs are phenomenal. Hands down. I aspire to be like them. Which also means I need to work on my cooking skills.

Anyway, this series set in small town Montana may have you wanting to live in that world. There’s just this strong community feeling, and you know you’ll have support there for you whenever you need it. There are currently 4 books, plus a novella, released, as well as a couple of spin-off titles. Trope wise we are talking opposites attract, forbidden, workplace, fake relationship, friends to lovers, surprise pregnancy, second chance, and a few others sprinkled in. Kim Loraine has created this setting, this community, that just feels like home. Then there are the storylines that pull you in, and have you wanting more from this cast of characters.

Pine Cove by Rebecca Gannon

This four book series is one that I discovered through Amazon Prime Reading. I devoured Her Maine Attraction, and immediately purchased the series. There was just something with the setting, with this group of friends, and with the potential relationships that had my attention.

The first book alone lured me in because this woman decided to just move to this coastal community where she knew no one, had no job, and was creating this fresh start for herself. Her Maine Attraction was a steamy, insta-love story, and I could not put it down. It is also in this first book where we meet Ally’s friends, and slowly but surely they too make the decision to relocate to Pine Cove. All of the love stories are filled with emotion, conflict, healing, self discovery, and finding of community.

If you’re looking for a quick, easy read, then consider checking this one out. I will say that I prefer the original covers (shown above) versus the updated covers, but that's just me.

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.

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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...

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

Favorite Books of each Month {2021}

If you read my 12 days of Christmas post, then you know which book was declared my FAVORITE of 2021! Believe me when I say that was not an easy declaration to make, but I am sticking with that selection.

Throughout 2021 I kept a list in my planner for my monthly favorite. Some months were easier to choose than others, I will say that! Occasionally there were those months where a few books would stand out, but I would force myself to narrow it down to just the one.

So what books were my monthly favorites? Let's take a gander.

Brogan by Samantha Whiskey {a review}

Samantha Whiskey did another surprise book release! When I read the text, and spotted the post on Facebook, I was absolutely giddy. The timing was perfect too because I had just finished reading a book, so I could immediately jump in. And that I did.

Brogan is the ninth book in the Carolina Reapers hockey series, and prepare yourself for this single dad and the nanny story. It also has the forced proximity, grumpy-sunshine, and surprise baby tropes.

As the story kicks off, we have Brogan out running with his teammates. Upon arriving home he spots a car seat sitting at his doorstep. He immediately panics. Brogan fully believes he is not meant to be a dad. Especially not with the upbringing he had. When he sees the baby waiting in the car seat he's nervous, anxious, and confused. A quick phone call to Silas (the owner of the Reapers) results in a meeting at his office. Silas quickly orders a paternity test, and they decide not to get law enforcement involved. Should Brogan not be the father, then they'll make the call. With the season getting ready to begin, Brogan doesn't know how he will handle raising a baby on top of his job. Thankfully Langley is there, and she has a nanny headed to them now. Fiona recently earned her doctorate in psychology, is trying to figure out what she wants for her future career, and needs to start paying her student loans. She had met Langley while interviewing to nanny her baby, but they went another route. Langley knew her qualifications though, and knew she'd be perfect for Brogan and Skye. Fiona had grown up taking care of her siblings, and had no problem jumping in to help with Skye. What started off as a nanny job for Fiona, quickly turned into falling for her boss, and being scared of the future. Could Fiona get over the commitment issues she had? Could she finally understand that she won't end up like her mother?

First things first, I have loved all of the sports romances that Samantha Whiskey has written. I have. Yes I've had minor dislikes with one or two, but overall those didn't affect the storyline, or my enjoyment of the book. That is the case with Brogan's story as well. Yes there are a few things that I didn't particularly care for, but I still enjoyed and devoured the book. It was like coming home, and seeing those friends who you've been missing. That is the Reapers, and their significant others. I've read quite a few nanny and the athlete/single dad romances lately, and I'm here for it. No matter how many I read, I still fall for the characters and their lives.

So let's talk about the book. Brogan comes across as someone with a tough guy exterior, but is a teddy bear for the woman he loves, and his kids. He thinks he is scarier than he is. My gut also tells me he has a bit of confidence issues when it comes to relationships because of the death of his parents. Somehow I think he hasn't completely properly grieved that, even though it has been years. The moment he found Skye, you could see his tough guy shell start to crack. This little gal was quickly wrapping him around her finger. Skye did not make it an easy transition for Brogan either. Whether it was the change in environment, or her age (2-3 months), she was frequently upset. I loved when the team stepped in to get the house ready for Skye, and all that they did for Brogan. The Reapers are a family, and the team definitely showed that. Same with Silas and what he did for Brogan after finding Skye on his doorstep. Then there is Fiona. Fiona had the potential to be an amazing character, yet I don't think she was well thought out. Her she had all this experience with kids because of practically raising her many siblings, and then was her education. I cannot figure out why she chose to be a nanny versus finding a career that would utilize her doctorate! But once I look past that, I see how she was able to bring light into Brogan's world. She showed him love, she showed him compassion, she was caring, she was not just there to take care of Skye, Fiona jumped in to help Brogan as well. I enjoyed their relationship, and the stolen moments they had. Fiona's commitment issues I struggled with. You could see her wanting forever with Brogan, but then thoughts of her mom would creep in, and poof those HEA thoughts were gone. Had her backstory been a more active part of the book, I think this could have been a 5 star read. I also wish that Samantha Whiskey had explained WHY Brogan is referred to as Demon. Why he thinks he's this big scary guy. That wasn't answered. Who he might be on the ice, isn't who he is off the ice. My last issue was regarding Tiffany. She could have been better utilized in the big dramatic moment between Fiona and Brogan. There was the potential for so much tension, frustration, and heartache, but it wasn't. Now I'm not saying the dramatic moment wasn't, well, dramatic, because it was. It was just a bit soft. I did enjoy their reunion, and how they found their way back together. And of course I enjoyed seeing them get their HEA, not to mention seeing them a bit later in the epilogue.

While Brogan and Fiona were not my favorite couple, I still fell for their story. On Goodreads I rated the book as 4 stars. I am sticking with that rating too. I know myself, and I know that I will be recommending Samantha Whiskey's books for other sports romance fans. I'm not letting those few tidbits alter my rating. (although the book should be sent back through proofreading because there were a few typos/grammar issues.)

Is it time for Maxim's story? Because as Brogan's story was going on, I noticed snippets of that story being built. I love me a good best friend's sibling romance, and I have a feeling it's going to be a doozy. Also, is Silas going to get a story? Because that man deserves it. I'd love to see him find his person like Nico in Only One Touch was able to.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Brogan. If you'd like to discuss it further with me, please reach out! I'd love to chat.

Laura

They call me Demon for a reason—I’m the most ruthless Reaper on the ice.

I’m not the person who finds a baby on their doorstep.

Except, after a morning run, I am.

And the note accompanying the little bundle says she’s mine.

I was nothing but a burden on my aunt and uncle after my parents died, and I’d decided I’d never have children.

But it seems fate has other ideas, and now I’ve got a three-month-old daughter…and zero clue how to take care of her.

Insert my new nanny—Fiona Andrews, the gorgeous, stubborn, and more than qualified woman who is saving my ass.

She moves in, and suddenly my upside-down world feels more balanced than ever before.

She’s magic with my daughter, patient with me, and has a mouth that drives me wild.

There are lines we can’t cross, shouldn’t cross…and yet keep crossing.

I’m falling fast, but it’s not just my heart that’s at risk anymore, and if we eliminate those professional boundaries?

I could lose them both.

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Meet Samantha Whiskey

Shameless pen name of a PTA Reject.

Writing contemporary romance from the car pool line and NEVER telling my mother. Ever.

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The Edge of Redemption by Kristin Turnage {cover reveal}

Kristin Turnage has revealed the cover for

The Edge of Redemption!

The Edge of Redemption is the third book in her The Edge series, and features the story between Jace and AJ. Kristin Turnage has said numerous times that this will be an emotional read, so have the tissues ready!

If you know me at all, you know that I have been EAGERLY anticipating this book! I adored the first two in the series, and am beyond ready for Jace's story to be told. Now please note, there is a content warning for the book as it contains sensitive subject matter related to the loss of a loved one and suicide. One thing I am certain of is that Kristin has handled this topic with grace and sensitivity.

Save the date for February 23, 2022!

Jace Walker is a master illusionist, but he can't keep up the act anymore. His family and friends thought he was happy and healthy and at peace with his past. But that was a lie. Every single moment from that awful day has been a lie. Just one big exhausting routine that he can't stop. Always having to pretend to deal with the pain of his life lost.


All he wanted to do was feel her again, and the pills always helped. That is until they didn't. Being forced to open up about his feelings is now his life. His newest distraction is this stranger in town with pink hair and an attitude problem who's tormenting his mind while slowly bringing him back to life.

One look at AJ, and you'd think she has everything together, but things aren't always as they appear. After leaving home at 18 to forge her own path, she's pulled back to her old life by the death of her sister and brother-in-law, now being the only next of kin for her 7-year-old orphaned niece.

With her heart still aching to be free, she now fights the courts for custody of her niece, desperately trying to go back to the life she had. The only problem with her plan is the attractive asshole in the grief support group that she hates with every fiber of her being but who also feels like home.

To an onlooker, these two Grumpy Gus's are the definition of toxic, but as fate would have it, they're partnered together to complete their healing journeys.

With darkness around every corner, will the stars align on their road to redemption?
  

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Kristin Turnage

Kristin Turnage is an indie author that lives close to the beach in Florida with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. She has been writing for eight years and has been chasing her dream of becoming a published author for a long time. The Edge of Happiness from The Edge Series is her first published work and has turned her dream into a reality. She is excited that you are all taking this journey alongside her.

 

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Snowed Inn for Christmas Anthology {a review}

Snowed Inn for Christmas is now live! Reader friends, you do not want to miss this anthology set at Christmastime. So let's head to Winter Falls and see what sort of matchmaking skills Santa has. Because yes, that jolly old elf is playing cupid, and messing with the weather.

Okay full disclosure my reader friends: I don't typically like anthologies. I don't, and I can't fully express as to why that is. That being said, Snowed Inn at Christmas was so dang fantastic that I gave it 5 stars. Which if you know me, I rarely give 5 stars. Yet this anthology had me wanting to visit Winter Falls, and befriend all of the characters.

In this anthology you will get 8 wonderful stories. The characters are absolutely fabulous. The setting is stunning. I loved how the stories flowed nicely together. It didn't really feel like you were reading 8 novellas. It felt like an interconnected series, and I loved it. Then there was the intro to the story, and how that set the stage for how the anthology would work. Once those romances were told, we had the wrap-up, and were able to see all our characters together again.

I'm sure you'd love to hear about the stories themselves, and my takeaways. It's hard to break them all down though. The majority are very insta-love. There are a few stories where the female main character is a virgin. The men are pretty much all alphas. The females are amazing, strong, intelligent, and not putting up with any crap. Oh, also the stories are STEAMY!  

By the way, the 8th novella may have been my favorite. I loved the dating app storyline, and how all that transpired.

To me, this is a must read holiday romance. I have been recommending it left and right. So please click the purchase links down below. (currently it's $1 for the e-book! such a steal!)

Go read this anthology, fall in love with Winter Falls, and of course also fall for the characters. I know I did.

Thank you for stopping by to read about my love of this anthology.

Laura

A record-breaking blizzard is on the way to Winter Falls...and close quarters sometimes make for strange bedfellows.

Led by their mayor, the citizens of Winter Falls rally together to keep everyone safe during the storm. Falling in love wasn't part of the plan, but cuddling next to the fire and kissing under the mistletoe leads to a whole lot of romance for these nine couples.

Spend this holiday season with nine of your favorite romance authors as they introduce you to a ski town where love is in the air. This collection includes all new stories that are hot enough to melt all the snow headed for Winter Falls.

Download today!

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Add to your Goodreads TBR!

 

Meet the Authors

 

BrynneAsher.com





https://www.ellechristensenauthor.com



Lucy Darling
https://authorlucydarling.com





http://www.fionadavenport.com




https://authorhopeford.com/






https://laylafrostwrites.com



Ella Goode
http://www.ellagoode.com




www.frankielove.net




www.rochellepaige.com

Thank you to all the authors who worked together on this anthology, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Snowed Inn for Christmas.