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.

Series I Finished {Bookmas}

The other day I shared the series I started in 2022. Today I am sharing the series that I finished in 2022. Series have been my weakness since my days of reading The Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley Twins (high/college). I just love to immerse myself into the worlds these authors create, even more so when I fall hard for the characters.

What were the series that I finished in 2022? Keep reading to find out.

Series I Started {Bookmas}

If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE reading series. I gravitate toward them. A lot of them are interconnected series, so each book focuses on different characters. Then there are those few that are a SERIES. Those cliffhangers get me every time, and I frequently find myself wanting to throw my kindle.  I never do, but it's just that moment of "DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?" followed by looking up when the next installment is being released. 

I would say that 9 times out of 10 once I start a series, I will see it through until the end. There are those rare occasions where I don't, but again that is few and far between.

What series did I START in 2022? Oh I have quite the list! I'll be sure to mention if they are interconnected or one solid story. 

Let's jump into the list....

All We Are by JH Croix {a review}

Thea was a drug, the very best kind for my body, the forbidden fruit.

The time has come for the final book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix. That means it's time for All We Are which is Thea's story! As we learned in All We Have, Thea and Joe were high school sweethearts who were heartbroken when their relationship ended. After all it wasn't their choice, but rather that of a parent. Now here we are years later, and their meet cute involves a snowstorm. I love a good second chance romance!

My rating for All We Are:

If you've read my reviews for All I Want, All We Have, and All I Need you'll know that I have mixed feelings about this series. When I first heard of the Haven's Bay Holiday series, my mind immediately went to Hallmark and Lifetime movies. I fully expected that quintessential holiday romance. You know what I'm talking about, the instalove, small town, major holiday vibes romance. That's what I wanted. That was what I built up in my head. How could I not when this is marketed as a holiday romance series set in a small town. Maybe I've just watched too many of those movies over the years. (and I'll continue to watch them.)

That being said, I enjoyed Thea and Joe’s story. Their meet cute was adorable, and I love their history together. First loves reuniting will always tug at my heartstrings. 

Then there's the fact that Joe is a dad! He has a little boy who he doesn't get to spend a lot of time with, but when they are together, you can feel the love. This storyline hit those mama feelings. No it wasn't perfect, but there is nothing perfect about being a parent. Plus Joey has been through a lot in his little life, so I fully expected things to not be smooth sailing. I will say I wasn't expecting the twist that came into play. I'm still not in favor of that twist. I feel it was unnecessary. But that's just me.

Thea's reason for returning to Maine makes sense as she was looking for an escape. The news she received back in Boston wasn't something she had expected. Plus the person she had been dating didn't handle that news all the best. So she was nursing heartache on top of that news. I have mixed feelings about how her and Joe reestablished their relationship. Plus that storyline regarding Thea's news was never really closed with other individuals. I don't like to say "closed", but that storyline made it seem as though it would be a discussion with others, but those discussions never happened. It was essentially swept under the rug. I will say that I was happy that JH Croix didn't take that storyline another route with a "Christmas miracle" type situation.

While this reunion started in December, it didn't all happen that month. So would I consider it a holiday romance? No I would not. See my above expectations for this series. Was Thea and Joe's reunion still a good story? Yes it was. Was it my favorite of the series? No it wasn't. I would say that it was my second favorite. Noah and Sasha's story was my favorite. Did I enjoy the second chance romance for Thea and Joe? OH absolutely! Second chance romance is a weakness of mine.

Final thoughts...The stories in the Haven's Bay Holiday series were enjoyable. I just had higher expectations for the storytelling after reading a couple of JH's series that are set in Alaska. At times it felt like the Haven Bay stories jumped forward too much, and it just didn't flow how I'm accustomed to. I also can't help but come back to the "holiday" moniker. These are not holiday romances, not by any means. They are the standard contemporary romance, and they just begin in the month of December.

Do I recommend the series? Yes, but no. As with any book, it's all about the reader. If the descriptions of the books sound interesting, go for it. I just suggest going in with an open mind. Only you can determine if the book is right for you. Don't let my thoughts deter you from reading. If you do decide to read the series, please let me know your thoughts.  Also, which couple is your favorite?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

A swoony small town holiday romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

✔️ Two broken hearts
✔️ One holiday week
✔️ Swoony second chance
✔️ Holiday hotness
✔️ Small town shenanigans


The forbidden bad boy. The rich good girl. High school sweethearts.

The last person I expect to see when my car breaks down is Joe Martinelli. I broke my own heart when I moved away after high school. Joe is my first and only love, and my father refused to let us see each other.

That was all before my father blew our family up and landed in jail for fraud. I meant to escape to Maine for the week before Christmas, except it turns out my brother is holed up at the house with my friend. I have a broken down car and nowhere to go.

Of course, it’s also snowing so heavily I can only see a few feet in front of me. When Joe offers to let me stay at his place, it seems like the smart plan. It has nothing to do with how hot he is, absolutely nothing to do with how much I missed him, and definitely nothing to do with my latest bad luck in romance.

One night turns into two, one kiss turns into three and even more.

Joe & Thea’s story is perfect for readers who love: swoony second chances, broken hearts mended, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who’ll do anything to win back the only girl he ever loved.

Thank you JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of All We Are.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Ruthless Reign by Aleatha Romig {a review}

Nothing is as it appears. Reflections deceive.

I still consider myself relatively new to Aleatha Romig's writing. At this point I've read 6 of her books, and I've fully enjoyed each of them. So when I heard about a royal romance series, I knew I had to read it as soon as possible. I downloaded the prequel, but I didn't need to as that's included within Ruthless Reign. Should you choose to pick up Ruthless Reign, know two things: 1) there are twists and turns and you may find yourself a bit lost at times, and 2) THAT CLIFFHANGER!

My rating for Ruthless Reign:

If you follow me on Goodreads, chances are you saw my review pop up, and were confused. I literally wrote three sentences. Which if you've read any of my reviews, you know I am long winded. Don't take that brevity as me not liking the book. This book pulled me, confused a bit, and then knocked me upside the head with that revelation. Seriously, I was blown away. So I didn't know what to say in my review at the time.

Not only did I not know what to say in my review, I was also worried about divulging too much, or even potentially giving a spoiler. Here's what I can tell you...

• Lucille married Prince Roman, and moved to his country.
• Their marriage is basically in name only, and they spend little time together.
• Lucille is bored, and wants to help out more with matters of the state. Roman, the King, and the Firm all are against this.
• Roman has a temper, as well as anxiety, and he's not handling things very well.
• Oliver is an actor who has just been offered the role of a lifetime.
• There is something going on in the country, and the villagers are very unhappy.
• Attraction is building, and not acting upon it is getting difficult.
• Secrets are being kept by everyone, and some are about to spill.

Was I vague enough?

Ruthless Reign was such an interesting read. The way it ended has me cursing the fact that Resilient Reign isn't out until January 31, 2023. I don't want to wait that long. I need to know what is going to happen next, when this secret is going to get out, what else is happening, who can be trusted, all of it...I need to know. Now I sit and wait, and maybe pout a little.

If you are a fan of Aleatha's storytelling, then run and grab this book immediately. (or be smarter than I am, and wait for Resilient Reign to release so you don't have to deal with that cliffhanger for as long.) Prepare yourself for the twists and turns, the revelations, and to be watching every single character to see who is trustworthy.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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I have a secret. I’m not who you think.

In this world where gowns, castles, and crowns make for the perfect reflections, life isn’t always as it appears. Love is elusive, even when the most beautiful woman is right before you. Illusions distort visions, shadows lurk in the sunshine, and monsters tread behind smiles and chivalrous facades.

I, Roman Archibald Godfrey, swore an oath to Molave.

To the king.

And above all, to Princess Lucille.

Forget the fairytales you’ve heard. This world is ruthless.

Thank you Aleatha Romig, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Ruthless Reign.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

All We Have by JH Croix {a review}

I'd never believed my breath could be stolen by nothing more than a look. Ian could do that effortlessly.

The time has come to return to Haven's Bay once again! This time we get to find out how Ian Tate and Jane Matthews find their happily ever after. Once again the family home is front and center, and of course Thea is involved.

My rating for All We Have:

I have mixed feelings about All We Have. On one hand it was a relatively cute romance. On the other it wasn't holiday related, nor was it what I was expecting. The blurb and the story don't really match up in my mind. Or at least not in my mind. Plus it says Jane is a librarian, and she's not, she's a science professor. So....

Having read the other books in the series, I wasn't 100% certain what to expect when it came to Ian's story. I will admit that I had some ideas in my head, but turns out I was completely off the mark. Part of me was expecting Ian to use his billionaire status in some over the top way. Maybe by purchasing Jane's family home or something like that. Or it having to do with Jane's career.

I did enjoy their meet cute at the family home. It seems to be a common theme for the Tate family. You'd think Thea would have given her brother a heads up that one of her good friends was staying there. Maybe it was Thea's way of playing matchmaker.

What Ian was going through was intense, and I can see how that stressed him out. Jane seemed excited about her new job in Boston, but we never really knew much about it, other than her being a professor. It was as though her job was second fiddle to everything Ian was dealing with.

The v-card aspect of the story...I don't know. The way that entire conversation came about was a bit odd in my mind. Even the setting for that conversation. I just can't wrap my head around it.

Also, I wanted more out of the situation Ian was dealing with. I feel that the suspense element could have really been played up and added something to the story. So I was a bit let down with that part. Plus I don't feel like that storyline is complete.

At the end of this third book, I still don't have a feeling for all that Haven's Bay has to offer. I try to picture the town, and it just isn't happening. That frustrates me a bit, as I'd like to have this visual in my mind. Plus honestly there wasn't enough time spent in that community.

When I started reading the Haven's Bay Holiday series, I seriously thought the stories were going to take place in that town, and the romances would be surrounded in the magic of the holidays. Instead it's as though both were after thoughts. I wanted a Hallmark or Lifetime type movie but in book form. If you've watched those movies, you know what I'm talking about. 

Now there is one book left in this series. Am I going to read it? ABSOLUTELY.  I am very curious to read All We Are! I cannot wait to read Thea's story, and see how this second chance romance plays out. I am crossing my fingers for that Hallmark-esque story that I've been craving.

Have you read the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix? What are your thoughts? At this point All I Need is my favorite.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

A swoony small town holiday romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

✔️ A broody billionaire
✔️ A whipsmart librarian
✔️ V-card request
✔️ Opposites attract in a big way
✔️ Swoony holiday romance
✔️ Small town shenanigans


She makes the rules. I break them.

I need a vacation more than I need air. A week by myself at my family’s vacation home in Maine is perfect.

Except Jane Matthews is there. I don’t recognize her at first because the smokin’ hot woman with a smexy librarian vibe is nothing like the Jane I remember. She’s one of my little sister’s friends, and I barely noticed her back in high school.

Now, it’s nigh impossible to ignore her. Sparks fly between us every time we’re near each other. When we get snowed in and Jane asks me a favor—a big favor—I don’t know if I can say no.

She says we just have the week. That we can’t tell anyone. That we’ll forget each other after it’s over. She’s wrong about everything.

Ian & Jane’s story is perfect for readers who love: friends to lovers, slow burn, broody billionaires, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who never expects to fall.

Thank you JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of All We Have.

Please note:

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

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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

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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!

Prince of Hawthorne Prep by Jennifer Sucevic {a review}

Revenge.
Austin doesn't want me.
He wants vengence.
I'm just the instrument he'll use to achieve it.

Jennifer Sucevic is back with another installment in the Hawthorne Prep series! King of Hawthorne Prep and Queen of Hawthorne Prep both focus on Kingsley and Summer's story. Now though it's time to officially meet Austin Hawthorne, and see what happens with Delilah. I should mention I haven't read Kingsley and Summer's story, so I don't know everything that happened there. What I can tell you is that to fully understand everything that is about to go down in Prince of Hawthorne Prep, it might be best to pick those two up. I did not. I chose to go in not knowing anything, and I still enjoyed the story. But believe me when I say I will be going back to read the previous two books.

My rating for Prince of Hawthorne Prep:

4.5 stars

Wow, what a story! In the beginning I was livid. Jasper immediately rubbed me the wrong way. His mask was slipping, and you could see the villain starting to appear. The fact that he can so easily switch between personalities is a bit scary. One minute he's showing his true self to Delilah, and the next he's putting on the charm with adults and friends. 

Every scene with Jasper and Delilah had me on edge. It wasn't that it was making me uncomfortable, it's more so that I could tell the person who he truly is. Yet some how he's at the top of the food chain. When Austin begins to come around, you can feel the pull that he and Delilah have. You can also feel the pure rage and jealousy vibrating off of Jasper. You can also feel the shift that is about to happen.

I was proud of Delilah for standing up for herself, and also getting herself out of that situation. I liked that Austin was her protector in that moment.

The scene at the fundraising event really ticked me off. I could not believe when all of that happened, and how it affected both relationships. Then to have it turn even darker. As I was reading that scene I was expecting something to go down, but I wasn't expecting that. Then add on that it was marked as no big deal? WHAT? HOW? What sort of blackmail does this person have on the powers that be? UGH.

So much happens in this book that I can't even put it into words. I could not put the book down though. I wanted to find out what happened next. And before I knew it the book was over. Let me tell you, I was not prepared for this book to end with that cliffhanger! I knew a cliffhanger was going to take place, but I did not expect that!! Now I need to google and find out when Princess of Hawthorne Prep releases. (psst: it's February 10 2023)

Here are my random thoughts as I was reading Prince of Hawthorne Prep: 

• Jasper just needs to go away!
• Delilah's mom...WHAT ON EARTH?!? I mean that about a few things. I just can't with her.
• Things with Austin didn't really start the best way, but dang has their story grabbed hold of me.
• Hawthorne Prep is an interesting place, and definitely not a safe space for outsiders.
• Everything that happened at that party? OH MY WORD! I can't. If what happened is what I'm imagining, NO!
• I need Princess of Hawthorne Prep ASAP, as I need to know what happens next!

I went through a wide variety of emotions as I read. I still can't get over it. That cliffhanger is going to haunt me until I read Princess of Hawthorne Prep.

Now before you decide whether or not to read this book, and get invested in the world, I do want to mention that there are content warnings for this story. The author doesn't specifically call them out, but in my opinion, you will find emotional and mental abuse, attempted sa, and drugging through a beverage. If those are not something you feel comfortable reading, then I suggest passing on this book. 

Prince of Hawthorne Prep pulled me in, and I cannot wait to return to this world. Not only to find out what happens next with Delilah, Austin, and Jasper, but also to read Kingsley and Summer's story. Oh I also feel that there is another duet in the works, or at least an additional standalone. Once you read the book, you'll know which characters I'm referring to.

If opposites attract, bully romances, sports (football) romances, enemies to lovers, high school setting, and/or love triangles are tropes you read, then add Prince of Hawthorne Prep to your TBR!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Betrayal. Blackmail. Revenge.

How is it that those three words now rule my life?

Welcome to the world of Hawthorne Prep. A seemingly idyllic school where ivy clings to the thick stone walls and a wrought iron gate keeps out the townies who can’t afford to foot the hefty price tag.

Except…I’m one of those townies.

I don’t belong here.

Most of the time, I feel like an outsider with her face smashed against a windowpane while staring inside. It’s a lonely feeling. One I’ve gotten used to. There are times when I secretly wonder if I’ll make it through senior year intact.

But then someone comes along and turns my world upside down and inside out. He makes me feel things I never dreamed possible. There’s a possessiveness to the way he watches me, and it sets my nerves on edge.

Especially when it’s in front of my boyfriend.

The one I desperately want to break up with.

The very same one who will make my life hell if I try to pull the plug.

Steering clear of Austin Hawthorne is my only option. A little attempt at self-preservation. For both our sakes.

One night changes everything between us and has me believing in the possibility of something more.
Just as swiftly as I’m given hope, it all comes crashing down around my head, making me a pawn in a game between two boys who will stop at nothing to take each other down.

Prince of Hawthorne Prep is book one in a duet and not a standalone novel. The completed duet is a standalone story within the Hawthorne Prep series and will conclude with Princess of Hawthorne Prep. You do not need to have read the previous books in this series to enjoy this duet.

Thank you Jennifer Sucevic, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of the Prince of Hawthorne Prep.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

No Mistake by Lisa Suzanne {a review}

"That's all I've ever wanted. A lifetime of laughter, of peace and harmony." 

Oh, this freaking series! Lisa Suzanne continues to lure me in, have me falling for the characters, and then torturing me with cliffhanger after cliffhanger. I don't put up with this from just anyone. Yet I do for her as the stories are like a miniseries that used to air on TV back when I was little. Tristan and Tessa's story is only 5 episodes long, but I cannot wait for the next "episode" to release. I'm a bit obsessed. Thankfully the next book, Favorite Mistake, is the finale, so all my questions should be answered!

My rating for No Mistake:

Friendly reminder that Vegas Aces: The Wide Receiver is a continuing storyline. So that means 2 things; 1) if you haven't read the other books in the series don't read this review, and 2) I have to be careful with what I say, so that I don't spoil anything. Believe me when I say that holding back is difficult, as there is so much I want to say! Especially with how No Mistake ended. My lips are sealed.

When Honest Mistake ended the way it did, I immediately had a couple thoughts going through my head. Obviously I can't say them, because spoilers. BUT in No Mistake we find out what happened with all of that. I am thankful that the scenarios I had playing out in my head were 100% wrong.

This book was a major turning point in Tristan and Tessa's story. We find out things about Stephanie. We find out more about Coax. We find out more about that social media account that is impersonating one of our main characters. There is so much revealed in this book. It's mind blowing.

We may have found out a lot of information, but that doesn't mean it was drama free. Oh not by any means. Especially if that ending was any indication. And of freaking course that cliffhanger had to involve that trio. UGH.

I need to read Favorite Mistake immediately so I can see Tristan and Tessa FINALLY get their happily ever after. Also so help me if Savannah doesn't get what's coming for her...UGH THAT WOMAN!

Have you read this season of Vegas Aces? Or are you being smarter than I am, and waiting for all 5 books to be released? If you like football romances, a surprise pregnancy, second chance romances, or just books filled with drama, then add this entire series to your TBR. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

All I want is my happy ending with the boy next door.

Every time we get close, something threatens to break us. Half-sisters, town gossips, and jealous exes throw punch after punch, but we hold on tight to each other as we attempt to navigate the chaos.

With his life in the spotlight as a professional football player, I start to feel like it might always be like this.

All I can do is pray there’s no mistake so big we can’t overcome it together.

NO MISTAKE is the fourth 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 No Mistake.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!