Baseball Romance Series

 

Today is the day friends. If you are a baseball fan, then you know that today is when pitchers and catchers report to spring training!

I grew up attending baseball games, and truly love the sport. In all honesty, it is the sport that I understand the most. Heck I lettered in baseball when I was in high school! Oh does that have you confused? It should. Allow me to explain a bit. I was the scorekeeper for the varsity team. Yep, I was the one with the book and pencil in hand, keeping track of the stats. It was so much fun. Now that it's many, many years later, do I remember how to do it? Not off the top of my head, but I'm sure I could pick it up again with little issue.

So yes, my love of baseball is strong.

And yes, I do love a good baseball romance book. Or rather in my case, series.

Today I want to share my four favorite baseball series. 

DC Soaring Eagles

by Aven Ellis

It is no secret that I love the characters Aven Ellis creates. Her books are some of my favorites, and I am always giddy when she has a new release. The DC Soaring Eagles are no exception. These books are sweet. They are swoon worthy. They are feel good books with heroines that are relatable. Plus it's a rom-com, so you really cannot go wrong. Oh and there is Barbara and Dominick. Love that couple. If you're wondering about the steam factor, it's low. All of Aven's books are fade to black (closed door). So yes we get the build up, and then we move on. 

The Perfect Score

by Samantha Christy

This trilogy was my introduction to Samantha Christy, and oooh, I want more. Please. From the characters to the storyline, I loved it all. I will say this series brings out the emotions a bit. So yes, there were times that I cried, especially in Stealing Sawyer. I wouldn't change a thing though. As for the steam, oh it's there and I loved it. I cannot recommend this series enough. 

Tavonesi

by Pamela Aares

I began reading this series in March of 2020, and I was hooked. Now here's the thing, this series starts out as baseball romance, but it changes about halfway through to more of a billionaire type romance series. I'm not complaining, but it did catch me off guard. Especially since I initially picked it up for the baseball aspect. Still it is an amazing series.  A few of the books I would classify as romantic suspense:  Love Bats Last, The Heart of the Game, No Stranger to Love, and Until Love Finds You. I devoured the first ten books in the series. Whether they featured baseball or not, it did not matter. I will say that I skipped the last book, as it just didn't appeal to me. 

Bromance Book Club

by Lyssa Kay Adams

I think most people have heard of the Bromance Bookclub Series! I mean the first book was all the rage in late 2019, early 2020. I mean, what's not to love. It's men reading romance novels to try and improve their relationships! Personally, I loved the first book. Without looking at Goodreads, I'm pretty positive that I gave it 4 stars. Time for some full disclosure: I haven't read Undercover Bromance or Crazy Stupid Bromance yet. BUT I do have them requested at my library. So as soon as they come in, I will be reading them. So yes, I am recommending this entire series based off only having read one of the books. Sorry, not sorry. I just have faith that I'll enjoy the others.

Of course I cannot mention baseball romance books without mentioning Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey. While the entire Hot and Hammered series does not deal with baseball, this first book does. So naturally I had to add it. Let me tell you Georgie and Travis's story brings the STEAM. Oh my. If baseball and fake dating are your jam, and you don't mind a lot of steam, pick up this book!

So there you have it, my four series recommendations plus one more book. Have you read any of the series I mentioned? I've been doing some "research" (aka googling), and who knew there were so many baseball romance books out there! I've definitely added a few to my list. That being said, do you have any baseball romance books to recommend?  I'm all ears.

Happy Reading, and Go Twins!

Let's Talk Romance {a Romance Book Tag}

The other day I was watching a tag video that Heather from Bookables had posted. It's all about the romance genre, and since it's my favorite type of book to read I figured why not join in. 

First romance you remember reading

Montana Sky by Nora Roberts

Last romance you read

Balls to the Wall by April Canavan

Romance you are most like to recommend to a newbie

Modern Royals series by Aven Ellis

Romance you are most likely to recommend to another romance reader

All the Kings Men duet by Kennedy Ryan

An underrated romance you wish more people would read

Bloodmark Saga by Aurora Whittet

I binged this series, and absolutely loved it.

An overrated romance you wish people would stop talking about

Oh, well, let's do this then.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

No I haven't read it, but I have heard it's not really a romance, so yeah.

An auto-buy author

Because I cannot just pick one:
Aven Ellis
Natasha Madison
Helena Hunting
Kennedy Ryan

An author you use to love that you've since abandoned

Nicholas Sparks
I used to read EVERY book he would release. There are still some that I love to this day, but I won't pick up any more of his books. Heck the last book I read of his (Two by Two) was so bad I almost DNF'd it.

Favorite trope

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and second chance.

Best book with your favorite trope

Well now that's a bit subjective. Let's go with my most recent read which was Balls to the Wall by April Canavan. Parker and Remy used to be friends, after some words spoken by Remy they are now enemies, and it could very well be a second chance for them. So there you go.

A book you didn't like even though it has your favorite trope

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

It is enemies to lovers, and I DNF'd it.

Most hated trope

Maybe forced proximity

A book you liked even though it has the trope you hate

About a Boy by Stephanie Kay

Your problematic favorite

I honestly have no clue. And yes, I had to look up what this meant as I've never heard the term before.

A book everyone else loved that has you scratching your head

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

Now to be fair, it wasn't horrible, but it also wasn't this awesome book that so many people are making it out to be. 

Your favorite romancelandia person to follow on twitter

I don't really do twitter, so I'll skip this question.

A place or person you go for recommendations or reviews

Steph's Romance Book Talk, Bookables, Chelsea Palmer, In Love & Words, and Peace Love Books all on Youtube.

A book that has a character that reminds you of yourself

On Thin Ice by Aven Ellis

Holly Johannsen is me in fictional form. A bit of social anxiety, loves planners and books, and is from Minnesota. 

Romance cover you love

Is this where I admit I don't like the majority of romance book covers? That being said, many of Nora Roberts covers tend to draw me in. Especially the Cousin O'Dwyer trilogy and The Guardians trilogy covers..\

A book you've reread more than twice

I don't typically re-read unless it is pictures books with my kids.

Best romance audiobook

I don't listen to audio books.

Best romance or rom-com movie

You've Got Mail

Favorite heroine

I'm torn between Tenley from Clipped Wings and Lennix from All the King's Men duet.

Favorite hero

I don't have one.

Your all time favorite romance

HAHAHAAHA
That's cute.
You expect me to choose one.

• All the King's Men duet by Kennedy Ryan
• Modern Royals by Aven Ellis
• Bloodmark Saga by Aurora Whittet
• The Edge of Happiness by Kristen Turnage
• Sign of Seven trilogy by Nora Roberts
• The Guardian trilogy by Nora Roberts
• Folkestone Sins by Samantha Lovelock 

That was a lot more difficult than I was expecting! It was still enjoyable to complete though. 

Have you read any of the books I mentioned? Who are your auto-buy authors?

Happy Reading,

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Hello my fellow book lovers! Hope your week was amazing, and filled with wonderful books. Last week for me was terrific. I enjoyed all the books that I read, and that made me happy.

Let's talk stats really quick.

I read:

• 5 books
• 3 were physical books (library loans)
• 2 were e-books
• 1 of them was an e-arc
• 4 were sports romance
• 1261 Pages

I gave each of them 4 stars. Although I will say one of them I went back and forth on. It was this close to being a 5 star read.

Fractured Things {a review}

Folkestone Sins is a series of interconnected duets.
Fractured Things is the second book in the Folkestone Sins series.
Ongoing questions about Stella and Poe will be answered throughout
all of the books in the series.

I'm going to throw this out there now, it's bold I know, but Folkestone Sins is going to be one of my favorite series of 2021. Yep, I said it. I truly believe it will be in my top 5. So thank you, Samantha Lovelock for creating this wonderful series.

Now that I've made that declaration, let's talk about Fractured Things. Well I mean, I can't talk about it in depth, but we can discuss a few things. I'm not about to spoil anything if I can help it. 

Before I say something I shouldn't, let's start with the book blurb:

Stella:
Poe Halliday could have been my everything. The boy who allowed me to dream again.

Over as quickly as it began, one night ended it all with a dark secret spit from cruel and twisted lips.
The secret that stole her from me.
After spending my entire life living with my mother's demons, I refuse to let them take anything else away from me.
I'm stronger than they think I am, and the only way I can escape this nightmare is to fight.

This time it will be on my terms.

I have to go back.

Poe:
Stella Bradleigh shone like the brightest star. Able to keep my shadows at bay with nothing but her smile.

I've been unknowingly living under the same roof as the devil incarnate--the architect of a horrific event kept secret for so long.
The secret that stole her from me.
When she left, my world turned cold again.
From the day she arrived, I knew my heart belonged with hers, and even though I tried to push her away, she became a part of me.
The shadows in this town are no match for the ones I carry. I'll stand by her side and fight.

This time it will be on her terms.

She has to come back. 

So if you remember how Fragile Things ended, you know that was a doozy of a cliffhanger. You also know that Stella ran, and rightfully so. She had a lot to process.

Fractured Things picks up right after all that occurred. The "Poe-logue" gives us a quick refresher into what happened. It does get one key piece of information wrong though, but that won't be revealed until sometime in chapter four. Ahem. Oh and Poe is keeping a secret that will be shared later. Well not in this blog post, but in the book.

Anyway, Poe goes after Stella. I had a feeling it would happen, but part of me wondered if he might not. So when Poe, Payne, and Mr Halliday head to New York, I had a bit of a smile on my face. When the guys find Stella and Sunday (because you know there was no way she was letting Stella go by herself!), they eventually make their way back to the apartment. Things happen there (with the sleaze ball landlord), and even though the girls are holding their own, Poe and Payne come with the assist. I had to smile when Poe said:

"You're a tough one, Stella Bradleigh, and I'm grateful for that. No more scrapping though, okay? Thank you for proving once again you can take care of yourself, but you'll give me a heart attack before I hit my twenties if you keep this up."

As they all are leaving the apartment, Sunday says this to Stella:

"This is not your home anymore. I don't think it was ever really anything more than a stopover. We are your home: me, Payne, Poe, Cecily--all of us. Folkestone is your home. It's time to leave this place behind." 

Yes! Give Stella the family she needs. Remind her that you all are her people, and that you care for her. 

When the group finally lands back in California, Poe made me laugh. Seriously.

"We need to work on your fear of flying because I want to travel everywhere with you. Recreate our first meeting in as many airports as we can find." 

If you recall their initial meeting in Fragile Things, then it might make you laugh too.

There is this whole thing that happens in Holt's (Mr Halliday) office, and oh my heart.  That reveal was just everything. I may have teared up a little. So when you come to chapter ten, come back and talk to me.

I want to tell you about Stella and Poe, and what happened after Stella's meeting with Holt. I want to tell you what Poe revealed to Stella, because oof it was a lot.

I also want to tell you how I cried a bit in chapter sixteen, because hello emotional. 

There is an epic scene in chapter eighteen with Stella and Hali, and oh how I want to share it all. But I can't, because spoilers.  Just know, Stella comes out on top. It is in this chapter when we learn a little tidbit about Sunday as well. More of her story will come out in Restless Things, so we need to be patient.

There is so much I want to talk about. Like what happened in chapter twenty at the hospital. Seriously, what was that?  Or the party, and the whole thing that happened outside. Um what? Why? But also, tell me more. My gut tells me this is important information for Restless Things.

Also this little piece I pulled from the book just sums up the pain that Poe is dealing with when it comes to his relationship with Stella.

What do you do when it feels like half of you is missing? Not missing like you can never see them again, but missing in the sense that you're forced to see them all the time, but they aren't beside you anymore. I think that's almost worse. That feeling of desire, of want, of a craving you can't satisfy. Having to watch them live their life without you keeps twisting the knife a little deeper.

Don't worry though. This graphic should tell you a bit about Poe and Stella, and the status of their relationship. 

Anyways, a lot of stuff went down in this book. All of it put together makes an incredible story. The fact that Fractured Things left off on another cliffhanger, that hurts. But it also sets the stage for Sunday and Payne. I'm excited to see Stella and Poe as side characters and focus on the relationship between Sunday and Payne. I'm curious about their past, and how the last few chapters for Fractured Things will play into Restless Things.

If you like new adult romance that has a bit of mystery and suspense to it, grab this series! I cannot recommend it enough. Oh and if you're wondering about the steam factor, there is a bit to be had. Really though it was the rest of the story that drew me in, and held me captive. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go add the paperbacks to my wishlist, so they can eventually come home to me.

Happy Reading,

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing for providing me with an e-arc of Fractured Things in exchange for review.

I am loving this series and the characters.

Fragile Things {a review}

One day I was scrolling through Instagram, and stumbled across a promo post for Fragile Things by Samantha Lovelock. I read the description and knew that I had to read this book! 

Sometimes what seems most fragile, can't be broken.

Stella
Poe Halliday was an accident. A chance meeting that changed my life forever.

My mother didn't have secrets; her secrets had her. After she disappeared, I had nothing.

Or so I thought.

When the invitation arrived, the opportunity to learn about my mother's past was too great to pass up. I know I was taking a risk, but I craved answers.

Now the dark history of this town threatens to tear me apart.

It's all about him.

I knew this was a mistake.

Poe
Stella Bradleigh was a distraction. Something to play with when my shadows got too dark.

I spent my entire existence forced to live a life I didn't want. There was only one way out.

Or so I thought.

Meeting the beautiful stranger with the mysterious past, I thought she would be a good time, and then I could just throw her away.

Instead, she consumed me, and now she's made me question everything I know to be real in my life.

It's all about her.

I knew I was a mistake.

Now I know you might be thinking, "Laur that doesn't tell us much". You're right, it doesn't. BUT it's enough to pique curiosity. Or at least it was for me.

Fragile Things is the first book in the Folkestone Sins series. It is a dark, young/new adult romance that is told from dual point of views. We first meet Stella while she's living alone in New York. Her mom disappeared a couple years ago, and after a short stint in foster care, Stella ran. She knew she'd be better off alone than living in that foster care environment. Shortly before her 18th birthday, Stella receives a mysterious package. Inside the package is a letter that is inviting her to take an all expenses paid trip to California. Needless to say, she accepts the invitation.

Upon arriving at the airport, Stella literally runs into a gorgeous man. She decides to go for it, and kisses the man. Oh what a kiss it was. Stella could practically feel the spark. But she's certain she'll never see this person again.

That is until the first day of school when she runs into him again. 

And that is how Stella and Poe met. 

(it feels like it could be instalove, but oh no friends, we're getting slow burned for a bit)

As the story progresses, we see how Stella has become friends a fantastic group of people, who are referred to as "the heirs". It seems that their families are the founding families for their little community. Stella is slowly finding out a bit more about her Mom's past. 

There is so much I want to tell you about Fragile Things. I want to tell you about Hali. She's our villain of the story, and she has her claws aimed right at Stella. Then there is the guy who takes Stella to the party, and all the horrible things that happen with that. I want to tell you about the tension between Stella and Poe, as well as between Sunday and Payne. I want to tell you about what happened to Stella's Mom (past and present). I also long to tell you about how the book wraps up, but hello major spoilers.

Just know, you go on a ride in this book. You'll love the characters. You'll be annoyed with a character or two. You'll be in disbelief about things from the past that are revealed. You may also feel like yelling at Stella and Poe. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself wishing for a friend like Sunday. She seems awesome, but she definitely has some issues that she's working through.

So if you like dark young/new adult romance, that has a bit of suspense and mystery to it, then grab this book. Actually, just purchase the entire series now because otherwise you'll be going back to download the additional books in the series. Oh wait, maybe that's just me.

If you decide to read Fragile Things, know that the Folkestone Sins series must be read in order, as each book is the continuation of the story. Fragile Things and Fractured Things are currently available. Restless Things will be released on March 25, 2021, and Ruined Things will be available on June 17, 2021. 

Happy Reading book lovers,

Thank you to Wildfire Publishing and Samantha Lovelock for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Fragile Things. I am hooked on this series, and cannot wait to see how it continues. All thoughts about the book are mine, and I was not required to leave a positive review. I was truly captivated by this book, and cannot wait to see how it progresses.

About A Boy {a review}

Stephanie Kay has released her latest book today! It is called About A Boy, and this friends to lovers novella was so good. So good. Now technically About A Boy is part of a multi-author series called All American Boys, but you don't have to read the other books to know what is going on. I don't believe they are intertwined, or if they are it is extremely minor. Although if you want to, go for it! I'm sure it will introduce you to a variety of authors that you might not be familiar with.

 
Now, if you read my February Anticipated Reads post, then you may recall me questioning the last name Lanzi. I was wondering if Maddie Lanzi was any relation to Sophia Lanzi. (Sophia is from Delay of Game, which is book 3 in the San Fransisco Strikers series.) Well my question was answered! I thought they might be sisters, but nope, they are cousins. So yes, they are related. Sorry if that's a spoiler for you. I don't think it is though as Sophia is barely in the book. Anyways, that little connection made me smile.

As I mentioned previously, About A Boy is a friends to lovers story. Maddie and Marco have been best friends since they were little, and their families have always referred to them as M&M. Well Marco has recently flown back into town so he can make some truffles for a wedding, and M&M are sharing a hotel room. All is fine and dandy until they find out about the hotel room situation. That's going to make things a bit more interesting. 

Before I say too much, let's bring in the book blurb:

The best of friends, but nothing more. Until now...

Graphic designer Maddie Lanzi is still figuring out her life. Her freelance business is up and sort of running, but something is missing -- her best friend. The only constant in her life since birth. Inseparable. Until a year ago.

Pastry chef Marco Marchetti has spent the last year in Paris honing his skill with all things chocolate. Life is good. The only thing that could make it better is having his best friend Maddie by his side. Now he's heading stateside to make truffles for her brother's wedding. He's excited to see his family, but all he really wants is to hang with Maddie. They're even rooming together, just like when they were kids.

When a hotel mix-up turns two queen beds into one massive king-size, he's seeing his best friend in a whole new light. Will a weekend of passion turn into a lifetime together or will Marco be heading back to Paris alone?

About A Boy was so good. I loved the story. I loved the romance. I loved how steamy the book was. I loved "seeing" Maddie and Marco together, and reconnect after being separated for the last year. I, of course, also enjoyed when the characters from the San Fransisco Strikers books made an appearance. I was smiling like a fool.

Of course every good love story has a moment where things turn questionable. Can they work through their issue to get to their happily ever after? Can they communicate, and not just assume the other knows? So you already know that an issue arises, but what will happen? How does the book end?

If you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, then please read this book. It is worth it, I promise. About A Boy is a quick and easy read, but I think you'll fall for the characters too. I can only hope to see more of Maddie and Marco in future books by Stephanie Kay.

Happy Reading,

About Stephanie Kay:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Stephanie Kay has always loved a good romance, and she got hooked on the dirty ones at the tender age of 14, when she told her mother that if the cover wasn't a bodice ripper, then there was no sex in the book. As an avid mystery reader, her mother never checked to see if Stephanie was lying. Twenty plus years later, Stephanie's most prized possession is her Kindle, and she may have a Hallmark movie obsession.

You can find her online at www.stephkaybooks.com and on Facebook and Twitter. Please join her reader group for updates and excerpts. 

Thank you to Stephanie Kay for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for a review.

A positive review was not required, this story just made me happy and therefore I talked about it.

About

Only One Touch {a review}

Fellow book lovers, today is the day that Only One Touch releases! It is the fourth book in the Only One series, and we follow the relationship between Nico and Becca. Having read the first three books, part of me always wondered if Nico and Becca might end up together. It just seemed like the natural progression since they were both prominent side characters.

If you haven't read the description for the book, well let's start there:

Nico:
When I inherited the Dallas Oilers from my father, I became one of the youngest owners in hockey history. Even though the team was at the bottom of the hockey standings, I had big plans to change that and bring the Cup to Dallas.

Falling in love was something I never believed would happen to me.

You'd think I was getting everything I ever wanted with the girl and the winning record, but I still have a promise to fulfill to my childhood best friend.

Becca:

Never let them see you sweat has been my life motto since I decided to make a name for myself as the most sought after sport agent.

I know what it takes to close a deal, and only want one thing -- to be the best.

Until I felt his touch one night, and everything I thought I knew was forgotten. Nico is everything I've never let myself want.

But all my cards came crashing down the minute I read the headlines.

It only takes one touch to change everything!

Oh friends, I don't think you're fully ready for this book. You will go through ALL the emotions. You'll love Becca and Nico, and you'll hate each of them too. You may even feel like throwing the book at some points. I'm going to be a bit vague in my post here as I don't want to unintentionally spoil anything.

If you read Only One Night, then you know how that ended. That jaw dropping moment. Flash forward to Only One Touch, and we find out what happened, and why. 

For those familiar with the series, you already know Becca. She is our kick ass agent. She handles all the contracts for Manning, Miller, Ralph, and numerous other athletes. Becca is the woman you want in your corner. She goes above and beyond. Then we have Nico, the owner of the Oilers. This man is all about his work, and has little time for anything else. 

These two see each other frequently due to the nature of their jobs, but suddenly something has changed. They find themselves thinking about the other, and realizing they want to pursue this. Whatever "this" is. Of course Becca is hesitant because they do work together so often. She doesn't want to mess that up. But ultimately the heart wants what the heart wants.

Becca and Nico are amazing together. They balance each other. Through this relationship they are finally figuring out that there is life to be had outside of work. They're learning that they can have a successful relationship, and still run a business that has a crazy amount of responsibility.

That whole situation with Nico and Lauren had me screaming at my kindle. Why, just why? And yes, I wanted to smack a fictional character. Nico fully deserved the heartache and sleepless nights that happened. (I say that but my heart still went out to him.) I mean, I was prepared for this to happen. It's right in the description, and it was mentioned at the end of Only One Night, but still! My heart cannot take this. Sigh.

My heart totally broke for Becca, and I found myself shedding a few tears on her behalf. (okay fine more than just a few.) I don't blame her one bit for running. She needed to focus on her work so that she wouldn't be thinking about Nico constantly, and everything that happened. The way her brothers protected her warmed my heart. The way Ericka was by her side during her most painful days, just had me saying YES. Ericka may be Becca's right hand person, but she's also her friend, and that is what Becca needed. She needed someone in her corner. 

The way this book wrapped up though. Ahhh. It was what my heart needed after being ripped out and trampled on. Even the situation with Lauren made sense. We fully understand why she had to do what she did, and she too is getting the ending she deserves. It just made my heart happy. I may have gave a contented sigh as I finished the book.

Well that is until the ending of the second epilogue. SERIOUSLY NATASHA MADISON! Are you trying to kill me? Geez woman.

One last thing, I love how Natasha brings back those familiar faces from her other two hockey series. Getting to "see" Matthew Grant made me smile. I did find myself getting greedy though and wishing more of the group would appear. Now I can only hope that is the case in Only One Regret. (is it October yet?)

So tell me, have you read Only One Touch? If so, what did you think? If you haven't read it, are you going to? If you've read the series, which book is your favorite? Mine is still Manning's. I don't know if his story can be topped. It very well may stay as my number 1.

Happy Reading,

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3chsakQ

Apple: https://apple.co/2RMZ1om

Nook: https://bit.ly/3hXFXyp

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3hPQETB

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:

Website: https://www.natashamadisonauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNatashaMadison/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/natashamauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashamauthor/?hl=en 

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152112081478827/ 

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and Natasha Madison for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Only One Touch. A positive review was not required, but if you know me, you know it was going to happen for this book. I truly adore the Only One series, as well as Something So and This is.

Weekly Wrap Up

Why hello there my fellow book lovers! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. It's the start of a new week, and that means it is time to share what I read last week!

Last week I read 3 books, and listened to an audio book. That's right, an audio book. If you read my February Book-opoly post, then you already know I landed on "go to jail", and landing there is a punishment spot. My punishment is to listen to an audio book. So I dealt with that. 

Of the books that I read, 2 were ARCs that I received, and the other was my Amazon First Reads pick for February. So my Kindle and I spent a good chunk of time together. Like always.

So what audio book did I choose?

I went with The Date Swap by Lydia Westing. It is narrated by Maggi Mayfield, and this book is a Scribd exclusive. Now full disclosure, I chose this book because 1) it sounded like a cute rom-com, 2) it's a fake dating trope, and 3) it was only 2 hours. 

Quick description of the book in my own words: Two strangers meet at an airport, realize they are headed to the same destination, and are both in need of a fake relationship to appease their parents. They never expect to fall for each other.

Here's the full description from Scribd:

Vivacious and forthright, Lyla Taylor is honest, except when it comes to her family. It’s self-preservation, really; she doesn't want to give her judgmental mother any more ammunition than she already has. But there’s no lie that will cover up the fact that Lyla is attending her cousin’s Hawaiian destination wedding alone. Until she meets the recently single, straitlaced, and handsome stranger Daniel Dugray in the airport. 

Since they both need a date to their Hawaiian wedding weekend, Lyla convinces Daniel they can be each other’s dates. Among all the secrets she keeps from her family, what’s one more? Tripping through bad weather, ex-lovers, and convincing their families they’ve known each other more than a few hours, Lyla and Daniel struggle to keep up the ruse. As their families pry into their fake love-life, Lyla and Daniel work to last out the weekend until they can part ways forever. At least that was the original plan. Of all the lies Lyla is keeping up, denying her growing feelings for Daniel is the one she needs to last.

Overall it was a cute story, and I was fully interested in how it would play out. Would I have preferred for it to be an e-book or a physical book? Absolutely. But that wasn't an option, and the challenge was to listen to an audio book, so I did it. Still not my preferred way of reading. Maybe I need to find a full cast audio book? Rating wise, I gave The Date Swap a 3/5.

The first e-book I read this week was Only One Touch by Natasha Madison. That's right, I scored an ARC of this book! I was so giddy when the notification appeared in my email. SO GIDDY! Only One Touch was/is one of my anticipated reads for the month, so the opportunity to read it early? Yes please!

Only One Touch was everything I was hoping it would be. Nico and Becca together is just so right. Their chemistry is amazing. 

So that I don't ruin the book, here's the description:

Nico

When I inherited the Dallas Oilers from my father , I became one of the youngest owners in hockey history. Even though the team was at the bottom of the hockey standings,

I had big plans to change that and bring the Cup to Dallas.

Falling in love was something I never believed would happen to me.

You’d think I was getting everything I ever wanted with the girl and the winning record, but I still have a promise to fulfill to my childhood best friend.

Becca

Never let them see you sweat has been my life motto since I decided to make a name for myself as the most-sought-after sport agent.

I know what it takes to close a deal, and only want one thing—to be the best.

Until I felt his touch one night, and everything I thought I knew was forgotten. Nico is everything I've never let myself want.

But all my cards came crashing down the minute I read the headlines.

It takes only one touch to change everything!

I loved the book. I loved the characters. I wanted to smack them both at times, as well as Lauren. I screamed. I cried. I want to read it all over again. I gave Only One Touch a 4/5. 

Next up was The Wedding Game by Meghan Quinn. This was my Amazon First Reads pick for the month, and it was just okay. Now I say that, but I also should say that it picked up about 40% of the way in. Once we got to that point, I was all in. It was just getting there (hello slow burn) that was not my favorite. I know, I know, we need that build up and we need the "world/setting" built. I get that. 

Once the story picked up for me, I was invested. I needed to know how this relationship was going to play out. I needed to know who won the freaking game. I needed closure. And I got that. All in all it was a cute story. I will say I had a different ending to the game imagined in my head, and that was based off of what Thad "said" in the beginning of the book.  Speaking of Thad, he drove me up the wall. UP THE WALL. My rating for this book was 3/5.

My final book of the week was an ARC of Rookie Move by Samantha Lind. When I requested this ARC, all I paid attention to was the fact that it was 1) romance, and 2) it involved hockey. What I didn't pay attention to is that Rookie Move is the 9th book in a series. Yes, it's a standalone series, so it isn't that big of a deal, but it pains me to read out of order. It is what it is, and I can't go back and change it.

Curious what Rookie Move is about? Here's the description from Goodreads:

Dylan

My future was all mapped out.
Graduate high school.
Get drafted. 
Make a professional hockey team’s roster.
Marry my high school sweetheart.

I had it all within my grasp; 
Everything was falling into place.
Except for the distance,
And our conflicting schedules. 

How can we both follow our dreams when the roads keep taking us in different directions?

Hailey 

My future was all mapped out.
Graduate high school.
Graduate Med-School.
Land my dream residency.
Marry my high school sweetheart. 

My dream took me to the opposite coast, but my heart just wasn’t in it anymore.

Could I find a new path to my goal and still find happiness?

Was thinking we could make this work just another rookie move?

Rookie Move is a high school sweethearts romance story. It was a sweet story, and I liked how it flowed. While I enjoyed the story it was missing something. Maybe this is how the author's books are, and I just don't know it as this was my introduction to their writing.  I'm used to reading other books where the couple has a conflict that they have to work through, and I was missing that in this book. Now yes, you could argue with me that the opposite coasts and conflicting schedules could be the conflict I'm looking for, but it wasn't.  Everything about Dylan and Hailey's relationship seemed too perfect. Overall it was a cute story, and I gave it a 3/5.

There you have it. Those are the 4 books I read this week. All in all, it was an okay week. Only One Touch was definitely the high light of the week, and by far my favorite book that I read.

Want a sneak peak of what I'm reading for this week? Here you go:

What did you read last week? What's on tap for this week? Any favorites? Any duds?

Happy Reading,

The Edge of Happiness {a review}

Now you may be thinking, Laur you've talked about The Edge of Happiness before! You're correct, I have talked about it in my February Anticipated Releases, in my January Top 5, and also in my most recent weekly wrap up. 

So why am I talking about it again? Well in those posts I just focused on the book description, and telling others to read the book! Here I can at least share a bit more about the book, as well as quotes I loved, while also doing my best to avoid spoiling the book. Plus when you find a book you love, you talk about it. Sometimes ad nauseam. Sorry, not sorry. 

First and foremost, we need to discuss the fact that The Edge of Happiness is the debut novel by Kristin Turnage, and it releases TODAY! Oh, and also, there are four more books coming in The Edge series.  You already know I'm giddy about that. I get to stay with these amazing characters! Now I just need to be patient as Kristin writes the books.

After reading the book, I feel that there should be a content warning for bits and pieces of the story. There are sensitive subjects related to mental illness that occur. So know that going into the story. If you want specifics, please send me a message on instagram or facebook.

Also, if you are an emotional person (like me), have tissues on hand. Just trust me on that. I mean I went through quite a few in the first five chapters, so yeah. 

If you've read the description of the book, then you know that Cassie is struggling with events that have happened in her life. We don't know the full story of what sent Cassie into this spiral, but she's hurting. And now, her Dad is sending her to stay with family that she doesn't know. At least it's better than the alternative that his Dad's girlfriend (Jennifer) was proposing. 

Upon arriving in Oaks North Carolina, Cassie is immediately introduced to her Aunt and Uncle. It's a bit overwhelming, but with her dad by her side it's a bit more manageable. Which is understandable because we're always most comfortable with those we know. We can let our shield down a little bit.

The hug scene with Aunt Katie, in chapter 2, warms my heart. And yes, it may have made me tear up a bit.

Her arms wrap around me and squeeze me in all the right places, a true mother's hug. I feel my muscles relax and my heart fill with warmth.

We all need that sort of hug from time to time. A true mom hug just feels different. It's as though you feel the love coming through. It's everything.

More introductions are made, and Cassie now knows her cousins Tyler and Josslyn. I also like how Josslyn and Cassie immediately bonded, and that Josslyn felt that she could be herself around her new cousin. It was an instant connection between the pair, and Cassie's circle started to take shape.

Josslyn convinces Cassie to run to the grocery store with her, and it is there that she meets Ryan (and Mac). There is an immediate attraction for Cassie and Ryan. Probably more so on Ryan's part though. More than that attraction though, there is an immediate connection. It's like two missing pieces finding each other.

That meeting, at the grocery store, set the stage for everything that happens next.

A few days after Cassie arrived in town, she finds herself at a birthday party for Mac. After a little time passes, all these new faces become a bit too much, and Cassie goes to find a quiet place. Ryan finds her, and asks "Are people too much sometimes?" He understands her. He sees her. 

This group that Cassie now has, is amazing. They've all connected in a deep way. Even though Cassie hasn't told them her past, they love and accept her for who she is. Cassie in turn repays that to them. Whether it is helping with a wedding, making their favorite foods, being a shoulder to cry on, etc, it's her way of giving of herself.

Another thing that I love his how Cassie wants to learn. She doesn't want anyone to do things for her. She wants to learn how to do it. Whether it is setting up a fishing pole, baiting the hook, working at the farm, working in her Aunt's store, whatever. Teach her, and she's good to go.

After a particularly rough day for Ryan, Cassie plans a surprise for him that she pulls off with the help of their friends. She doesn't want anything from Ryan. And this quote sums it up nicely.

"We all have shitty days. We all get in moods where we don't want to be around people, and just want to be left alone. But we also have those days where sometimes it's nice to know there's ice cream and spaghetti waiting for you. It's nice to know someone sees you struggling, and doesn't try to bombard you with questions."

Once that Ryan realizes she doesn't want anything from him (except for him to be happy), he relaxes a bit. They spend time just hanging out and watching movies.

Eventually Cassie finds herself going to the farm with Ryan. There she meets his parents (Caleb and Cora), and gets to help out around the place. While it's hard work, Cassie is enjoying it. When a storm rolls in, and the two are essentially suck in the barn, Ryan asks Cassie to "tell me your story". 

"It's not pretty."
"I don't want pretty. I want yours."

That reply of Ryan's had me nodding my head in agreement. If we want a true relationship with others, we have to be vulnerable and let people know where we are hurting. If we let them know our past, our struggles, together we have the option of overcoming it, of working through it. So yeah, that line was perfection.

You want to know what thought of Ryan's damn near broke my heart? It was this one:

I know that I'm going to be the one that's going to shatter her soul. It kills me but I have no other choice. She deserves more than the asshole I am.

Then later in chapter 28, he thinks this:

I need her to hate me because I can never hate her. No matter how hard I try. It's hard to hate the sun when it shines so beautifully. 

That last part happens after everything that's revealed in chapter 27. So just when Cassie needs Ryan the most he pulls this garbage. UGH. 

Things happen, and I want to smack Ryan. But I can understand why he did what he did.

The conversation between Jace and Cassie, in chapter 34, wrecked me. We got to hear just a snippet of Jace's story, and I can tell already that once he gets his turn, I will need a box of tissues. I'm positive that a couple tissues won't be enough.

"Everyone's broken, sweetheart. We all have our demons that we battle every day. The key to winning isn't about making them disappear. Winning is about knowing what you were and changing for what you want to be."

"Everyone feels fear when they are faced with what they can't forget. You're always going to feel this. It's never gonna go away. The memory will be with you forever. It doesn't matter how much you grow as a person. Your demons will always be there. Always knockin' on the door, but you have the choice if you open the door or not."

So a whole lot of more stuff happens, that I can't discuss because spoilers, and Jennifer appears in town ready to take Cassie home to her Dad. Jennifer drives her back to Trent and Kate's to grab her stuff, but there is a crew waiting to protect Cassie. Time passes and it is at Trent and Kate's house that Cassie and Ryan finally have it out. She gets all of it off her chest. Does she feel better? No. But she feels a bit lighter. She's been holding all of this in.

After some conversation, Cora tells Cassie that "even on the darkest days, we always look to the sky, Sunshine." That line triggered a memory for Cassie, and that opened up information that we didn't have prior. 

I literally gasped when everything came out. GASPED. (okay and teared up because emotions.)

Oh and after that, Ryan made me want to smack him again for his actions with Kayla. Stupid stupid man.

Prepare yourself friends. Because Cassie wrote Ryan a note, and left him a flash drive with videos to watch. My heart. OH MY HEART. I was prepared, but I wasn't. 

I want to talk about what happened in chapter 37, I really do. More so about how sneaky Cora is. Of course I also love that she wasn't the only one in on it. I love this group.

In chapter 38 we get to find out Ryan's story, and why he had everything bottled up. It was interesting to hear everything he's been through, and it helps me to understand him a bit better.

I want to tell you so much more, but spoilers. Just know that this book is worth reading. It's worth the emotional roller coaster that we go on. I hope you do read it. If you do, please come tell me your thoughts.

Please accept my apology for being long winded. It's who I am, and I just truly love this book. Thank you Give Me Books PR for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a review. Congrats Kristin Turnage on publishing your first book! I look forward to reading more of your books in the months and years to come.

Happy Reading my friends,