Sunday, June 6, 2021

The Enemy Trap {a review}

 

Late last night I finished reading The Enemy Trap by Maren Moore, and I was completely taken by this book. If you know me, you know I love sports romance, especially hockey. Add in enemies to lovers, a fake relationship, and forced proximity, and I'm completely enthralled.

The Enemy Trap tells the story of Hayes and Sophia. They have known each other since they were in school, and honestly, Sophia had quite the crush back in the day. Now though, she wants nothing to do with the man. When Hayes returns to town to celebrate his goddaughter's 5th birthday, he runs into Sophia (she's the godmother), and you can just feel the tension and dislike radiating. It is at the party where Scott says they just need to get each other out of their system so they can all move on. Sophia scoffs at this suggestion. A few days later, Holly announces that she needs Sophia for a photoshoot. She already has the man lined up, but her model backed out at the last minute. Once on the boat, Sophia gets ready, and then Holly steps out so she can finish. Well a little bit of time goes on, and Sophia leaves the room. Turns out she is on the boat practically alone. The only other person aboard is the person she despises the most. Hayes Davis is on the boat. It is at this point where their lives are about to change forever.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. From the enemies to lovers, to the forced proximity, to the friends pushing them together, it was all just so good. They fought it for so long, but when they finally realized their feelings, that was what I was waiting for. Loved watching their relationship grow and develop. Loved how caring and compassionate Hayes was throughout the pregnancy. He was preparing himself for this major life change, and he was going to be ready. I was waiting for the moment of conflict to occur, and when it did I wasn't surprised by Sophia's reaction/response. When the plan Hayes had come up with was revealed, I was so giddy. Love how he did all that. There isn't one thing that I would change about this book. Not one thing. Absolutely loved the book, the characters, the setting, all of it. I cannot wait to read more books by Maren Moore.

If you're a fan of sports romance, fake relationships, enemies to lovers, and/or forced proximity, then go grab this book now. Just trust me on this.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

Saturday, June 5, 2021

Of All Days

 


 Release Date: May 14

Can the most embarrassing day of your life lead to the love of your life?


Corfu, Greece.


It’s not a vacation for HR expert, Olivia Duncan. It’s a business trip. One that she has diligently planned for, because Olivia likes to keep things organized and perfect. Not even her frizzy hair gets away with not doing as she wants.


But an embarrassing mishap at the company conference puts her in the path of Niko Teresi, a handsome taverna owner who knows a thing or two about how constricting corporate life can be.


Olivia doesn’t do change or spontaneity. She never deviates from her path.


But hiding from the world and waitressing in his taverna, can Niko show her there’s life in letting go?


Take a heart-warming trip to a Greek island to discover if love can be found in unexpected places with the unlikeliest of people.


With relatable characters, steamy chemistry, and breathtaking locations, this sun-drenched, feel-good contemporary romance novel will pull you into every heartfelt moment.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to Goodreads Here!


Meet Lily Baines

I'm a mother, wife, and author (the order to this changes depending on the day). 

For 20  years I have worked in Human Resources, mostly in the high-tech industry, but kept writing to maintain my sanity and flow of creative juices. One of my stories won a short story competition and got me a book deal. In the past year, I'm dedicating my time to my 3 children, husband, family dog, bottomless laundry basket, full kitchen sink, and my writing.

I love contemporary romance. I love escapism. I love the perfect combination of romance stories that take me away from my everyday life and dive into the story right along with the heroes. That's the type of books I write. With swoony alpha-male heroes and relatable everyday women that win their hearts. Escape with me into romance.

I look forward to connecting :)

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Friday, June 4, 2021

Our Kind of Love {a review}


Our Kind of Love by Kait Nolan is the latest release in the Men of the Misfit Inn series. If you are a fan of childhood sweethearts, friends to enemies to lovers, soulmates, fake engagement, small town romance, or rockstar romance, then you're going to want to grab Our Kind of Love. 

In this book we meet up with Kyle who is a successful country music star. He is just coming off of a tour, and his team is trying to set up a relationship between him and Marci. Kyle wants nothing to do with her, and definitely does not want a relationship with her. The next day Kyle is on a live tv show, and the host asks him about rumors of him and Marci. Kyle shuts that down, and says his heart belongs to another. They automatically assume he's engaged, and somehow he blurts out Abbey's name. To try to get ahead of the paparazzi, Kyle immediately heads to his home town. The place he tries to stay away from. But Abbey is there, and he needs to fill her in before news travels. Now Kyle and Abbey have history. They have known each other since they were itty bitty, and Kyle's parents worked at the orchard Abbey's family owns. Abbey knows the secrets Kyle is holding on to, and she is always able to get through to him. Abbey believes in him, and trusts him with all that she is. Our Kind of Love tells the story of their past, their present, and what is in store for their future. We also find out why Abbey is so angry with Kyle, and see how they work towards overcoming that.

When I started reading Our Kind of Love I had just finished reading a dark romance, and my mind was tired. I was also worried that a reading slump might be heading my way, and I did not want that to happen. The first little bit of the book was a struggle for me, but I put that all on the reasons I just mentioned. It had nothing to do with Kait Nolan's book. Once Kyle returned to his home town, and had that reunion with Abbey, I was all in. I found myself wanting to know their past. What had Kyle done that hurt Abbey so much? Also, I really wanted to know what Kyle's parents had done. Because it had to be something pretty major. Then there was Granddaddy. That man is a hoot, and I was immediately taken with him. There was so much happening in Abbey and Kyle's relationship. Yes, it started out as a fake engagement, but then it all changed. And I loved it. I love how passionate Kyle is about his career, and how he wants something to change so that he can have a life. Tour after tour, album after album, promo after promo, it all gets tiring especially when you are not given a break from it. To me that really spoke about the music industry because you see that all the time. So that was definitely real life sneaking into this story. 

Our Kind of Love was such a good story. I love the found family aspect, love the singer/songwriter career for Kyle, loved the setting, and so many more parts of the story. Highly recommend the Our Kind of Love, and I am looking forward to the third book, Don't You Wanna Stay, which releases in August.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura 



One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars, Kyle Keenan has it all—fame, fans, and a chance at fortune. But the dream he’s busted his tail for means nothing without the woman who holds his heart. With her sassy smile and pull-no-punches attitude, Abbey is his greatest love—and his greatest regret. When he’s confronted in a live TV interview about alleged involvement with a country music starlet, Kyle blurts out he’s already engaged…to Abbey.

Abbey Whittaker has come a long way from the starry-eyed six-year-old who made a marriage pact with her best friend. With a thriving business, a loving family, and a tight-knit group of friends, she’s put away childish things. She long ago banished Kyle from her life, so the last thing she expects is him walking through her door or the blistering kiss that follows.

Kyle is desperate to convince Abbey that a fake engagement is the best way to get the media off her back—and his. And it just might give him a chance to fix what he destroyed. Even as these two frenemies remember all the reasons they wanted to be lovers, another blast from Kyle’s past returns, threatening to expose the secret he’s spent his entire career hiding.

When truths come to light, will love conquer all or will Kyle lose everything?


Grab Your Copy Here!

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Meet Kait Nolan


Kait Nolan is a RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements.

She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world's most perfect food.

When she's not writing, reading, working the evil day job, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.


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Thank you to Kait Nolan and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of Our Kind of Love.

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Savage Falls MC {series announcement}

Welcome to Savage Falls...

A brand new dark reverse harem bully romance trilogy from bestselling author Caitlyn Dare, coming this summer!

Two dirty-talking tattooed bikers, a pretty boy football player with secrets, and the MC princess who will bring them to their knees...

Are you ready for a SAVAGE summer?


SIGN UP NOW!

    

 

SAVAGE #1
Release Date: July 1st
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SFSbook1

   

SACRIFICE #2
Release Date: August 5th
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SFSbook3

   

SACRED #3
Release Date: September 2nd
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SFSbook3

     

Meet

Two angsty romance lovers writing dark heroes and the feisty girls who bring them to their knees.

   

Author Links

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Smoke {a review}



Smoke is the fourth book in the Virtues and Lies series by Alexandra Silva. It is also the first part of Freddie and Georgina's story. You'll have to stay tuned for Flame which is the conclusion of their story, and it releases later this month.

From the few, spoiler free, comments that I've read on Goodreads, it does sound like you should read Virtue and Lies IN ORDER. However, I didn't do that. I KNOW, I KNOW! I'm jumping into the series by reading Smoke first, but I am going to go back and read from the beginning.  I am.  I just promised to have this review out by today, and my schedule didn't allow me to read the first three books prior. So don't do what I did. I don't know if I will write individual reviews for Burn, Scorch, and Blaze here on my blog, or if they will just be on Goodreads. But I should have that figured out soon.

Let me just say, this is a DARK romance with mafia vibes. But it isn't a mafia romance book. Does that make sense?

ANYWAYS...In this book we have Freddie who has been searching high and low for Lucy. While he never specifically says it, she is the woman he loves, and he feels guilty that she is missing. Had he just been on time, maybe she wouldn't have been taken. Fast forward 8 years. Freddie is in a relationship with Georgina. She loves him, but he will never say it back. That's beside the point. One day, out of the blue, Lucy shows up at Freddie's house. She is looking rough, and he takes her to the hospital. Now it's time to try and get some answers as to where she's been, and who took her. Lucy is being tight lipped about it all. Then there is Georgina, the extremely talented ballerina who is hopelessly in love with Freddie. Georgina is also accustomed the world that Freddie is a part of. So she doesn't question things. When a bouquet of flowers is delivered to Georgina, Freddie and company go on high alert. This bouquet has a specific meaning, and someone is coming for her.

As I said above, I stepped into the series not having read the previous three. Honestly I think that's why I struggled a bit while reading. I didn't have the full picture. I didn't know the background of the characters or the group they are up against. So that definitely did not play into my favor. I also think I struggled because I just wasn't in the mood for a dark romance. Yet I did not let those things sway my rating. I still feel that Smoke deserves 4 stars. Now that rating may change once I go back and read Burn, Scorch, and Blaze. Time will tell.

As I read Smoke, my curiosity was definitely piqued. The fact that there is this element of mystery (where was Lucy, who is coming after Georgina) definitely had me wanting to read more. I'm also really curious about the relationship between Freddie and Georgina. Then the fact that the book ends in a cliffhanger? Well geez Louise, just hook me in why don't ya. I need to know what happens next! Thankfully Flame is coming in a couple weeks so I can find out. I'm seriously hoping that Georgina and Freddie get their HEA. Also, what is going to happen with Lucy? Will the villain be defeated or will they escape? I NEED TO KNOW! 

It is my goal to have Burn, Scorch, and Blaze read before Flame comes out. Wish me luck on that. I am hoping there might be a little leeway in my schedule to allow three additional books to be read.

If dark British romances are your thing, then definitely go check out the Virtues and Lies series by Alexandra Silva. Just be sure to start from the beginning. You know, that thing I didn't do. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

Just Out Of Reach {cover reveal}

 

    

JUST OUT OF REACH (The Just Series #1) by Xavier Neal

Re-Releasing on June 10th

Photographer: Eric Battershell, Eric Battershell Photography
Model: Johnny Kane
Cover Designer: Dana Leah, Designs By Dana



From best-selling author Xavier Neal comes a slow-burn romance that's full of the unexpected...

      


They say all the best things in life are free.

I say all the best things in life are easy.

That is until easy gets me put on house arrest where I'm stuck with an estranged aunt, a needy cat, and drinking lemonade instead of tequila.

Easy suddenly becomes hard.

I basically have to sweat to get paid.

I finally realize that great cheesecake doesn't magically materialize.

And I have to deal with a law-appointed babysitter constantly showing up to c-block my chance of proving to the drop-dead gorgeous neighbor - who I want screaming my name every night - that I'm more than just the crime I committed.

All the best things in life may be easy, but I'm slowly learning that all the greatest require real work.

Real effort.

And most importantly, real sacrifice.

      

Add to Goodreads HERE!

Purchase Links:




About the Author



Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack” and their two fur babies.

   

Connect w/Xavier:

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Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Back to Us {a review}


I FREAKING LOVE A WELL DONE SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE! And reader friends, Back to Us by T.C. Matson fit that bill perfectly.

Back to Us is the second book in the Cameron Falls series, and I am hooked. I will be reading Back to Me, and I will be reading the next two in the series as well. I am falling for this small town, and the people in it.

Dakota and Blake were high school sweethearts. That is until the day after Dakota tells him she's been accepted to a college in California. You see that next day, she found him in bed with another girl. She saw red, and ran. Leaving both of them heartbroken. Now, 11 years later Dakota is returning to town for her Granny's funeral. She is hoping she won't have to see Blake, but since it's a small town and the families are friends, the likelihood of that it miniscule. When the community sees Blake and Dakota in the same area, people start talking. Are they getting back together? Will they forgive each other? Is Dakota moving back to town? And that reunion is exactly what this book is about. It's about forgiveness and finding your way back to the person you're meant to be with. It isn't perfect. It isn't easy. But in the end, there is forever.

When I read the teaser for Back to Us, I was immediately drawn in because of it being set in a small town, and the fact that it is a second chance romance. Those are two of my favorite things in books, and Back to Us did not disappoint. As I was reading the book, it seriously felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie, just with a bit of steam added in. I could picture the scenes playing out, and I LOVED IT. I could feel the tension, the heartache, the longing, the emotions just flowing off of these two. I could see their friends and family watching from the sidelines and watching this reunion happen. Then when the big moment happened, and that pie went flying, I could hear the heartache, the pain, the anger coming from both of them. But then towards the end of the book, when Dakota had to return to California, my heart shattered for Blake and Dakota. I was crushed. After going through all that with the characters, I couldn't see how they would get back together again. Thankfully T.C. Matson had me covered, and I watched it all unfold. When the book ended, my heart was so happy. The HEA I knew I would get happened. It all wrapped up wonderfully.

Loved the story. Loved the characters. Loved the setting. Cannot wait to see who the next book is about. Especially since I'm sure we "met" the main character in Back to Us. Time will tell.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

The Trouble with #9 {cover reveal}

 

Release Date: August 10

Trouble.

One word that comes to mind when someone talks about me. I like to think of it as protection, watching out for the ones I love. But now I’m spending more time in the penalty box than on the ice and the team owner isn’t happy.

 

Finding myself across the room from the hot therapist I kissed on New Year’s Eve only makes me push my problems down further. I want couch time with her but not the kind she’s used to.

 

I decide to lie to her just to finish off my therapy so I can do what I really want—date her—even if she says she doesn’t date hockey players. Just when my therapy sessions are up and I’ve made some headway with Paisley, it’s my parents who throw another wrench in my plans. 

 

If I abide by my parent’s wishes to marry the one they’ve chosen, I’ll lose Paisley forever. But if I go against my parents, I’m failing my deceased best friend all over again.


Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

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Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write “heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle” about families, whether that be blood or found. 

They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids. 

Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!


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Tuesday, June 1, 2021

A Real Cowboy Always Protects {a review}


A Real Cowboy Always Protects is the 8th book in the Wyoming Rebels series by Stephanie Rowe. In this book we get to witness Logan Stockton and Skylar Jones fake an engagement, temporarily move to Wyoming, and ultimately fall in love.

Logan and Skylar have been neighbors for about two years now. On this night, they bump into each other in the elevator. Skylar is off to the store across the street for a cup of coffee, and Logan just finished working out at the onsite gym. They begin chatting, and as per usual, Skylar is just drawn to Logan. When Skylar returns to the building, there are two men waiting for the elevator. They hop in with her, and get off at her floor. She doesn't know it yet, but these men are here for Logan, and if they have their way he won't be coming out alive. Skylar knocks on Logan's door, attempts to use some spy lingo, and Logan catches on. Next thing you know, Skylar is locked in Logan's office and hiding under his desk, all while he handles things in the hallway. It is shortly after this point that we find out Skylar and Logan are headed to Wyoming, as Skylar needs to hide out from this assassin.

There is so much that I loved about this book! From the Stockton family, to their friends, to Logan going into protector mode, how Skylar's Mom ended up on the property, the big showdown, the love story, and ultimately the surprise, for the teenager, at the end. My heart soared with that one. Okay fine, a few tears were shed as well. I will say that at the beginning of the book it said this was a slow-burn, but honestly I didn't get that at all. If anything it felt like once they arrived at the ranch, things built rapidly.

This was my first read in the Wyoming Rebels series, and now I really want to go back and read the first seven books. This group just seems amazing. They've overcome so much, and you can just feel the sense of community.

If you are a fan of neighbors to lovers, small town romance, fake engagements, and/or romantic suspense, then go read this book. I think you'll like it. I know I did.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

Southern Heat {a review}

 


Today is release day for Southern Heat, which is the sixth book in the Southern series by Natasha Madison. Southern Heat tells us the story of Quinn and Willow. If you read Southern Heart, you may recall getting a small glimpse of their introduction. It was quite the first impression.

In Southern Heat, we go back to the night that Chelsea is rescued, Mayson's dad is dead, and Quinn finds a woman hidden beneath a bed. This woman is barely alive. The moment Quinn picks her up to bring her to the ambulance, he feels a connection with her. Jane Doe is brought to the hospital, and all of her wounds are discovered. From broken bones, to fractured ribs, to bruises galore, this woman has it all. Days later it is also discovered that she has a broken clavicle. We then learn that her name is Willow, and she had been through hell with Benjamin for the last 8 years. This is her story of healing, growing, and finding love in this small southern town.

My recap of the book doesn't really do it justice. It just doesn't. How can I put into words everything that happened in Willow and Quinn's story, without spoiling it. I love that this book was insta-love. I love that it is small town romance. I love that Quinn sat by Willow's hospital bed around the clock. I cannot even begin to imagine all that Willow had been through in her life. Some of it was pretty difficult to read about, but she is a survivor. I love how these two fell into love without even realizing it. Witnessing these two fall for each other, go through the moment of conflict, and come back out of it stronger than ever just warms my heart. I just loved this book through and through.

I cannot get enough of the Southern series by Natasha Madison. I love her hockey series, I loved her Hollywood series, but this Southern series is a whole different ball game. There's only two books left in the series, and I don't want it to be over. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura


Willow
After being left for dead, I was given a fresh start by my knight in shining armor.

My protector.

I never had a family before they took me in.

But I don’t know how to stay or trust.

I always had a bag packed and ready just in case I needed to escape again.

Like they say, old habits die hard.
Being in the shadows is lonely, but lonely is safe.

Quinn
I was the quiet one, the one who stood in the back and watched things unfold. The cowboy who only cared about his horses instead of the glory.

Until I found her fighting for her life. Something inside me shifted, and I couldn’t stop it.

I couldn’t stop protecting her. 
I fell in love with her with one look because she was my soul mate.

Even though I knew I couldn't make her stay.



Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo

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Southern Heat


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 copy of Southern Heat.