Lukas, Sometimes by Tempest Phan {a review}

"He tasted like torture. He tasted like sin. He tasted like everything I shouldn't have, he tasted like my downfall."

Lukas, Sometimes is the second book in the Art of Sinners series from author Tempest Phan. 

My rating for Lukas, Sometimes:

As I started reading Lukas, Sometimes I debated on whether or not it was the right book for me. It was just starting off so slowly, and I didn't feel anything for these two characters. Now maybe if I had read Damien, Forever things would be different. It wasn't until about 25% through the book that things began to pick up. Yet there was still that thought in the back of my mind that I should walk away. I still wasn't sold. 

Still I pushed through, and was determined to see the book to the end.

I have mixed feelings.

On one hand, I really enjoyed the suspense that was written in. That was an unexpected surprise. At one point I thought I knew who was behind it all, but I was wrong. It happens. When it was revealed though, it all made sense. Had I been paying closer attention I would have figured it out. But I was so focused on other parts of the storyline that I kind of glossed over the "proof".

As for the romance between Lukas and Lily, it was decent. Personally I didn't feel their connection. Lukas came across as an ass, and quite pushy. Whereas Lily was quieter, uncertain, and eager to please. It all felt a bit forced to me.

The pacing of this book was slow. For me there was too much explanation, filler moments, and internal dialogue. The description of the book is what appealed to me, and I thought for sure I would enjoy it. Did I enjoy it? Kind of. I feel like Saint might have been a better fit of for Lily. But Saint doesn't have the billionaire lifestyle happening, so there's that.

All in all the story was decent. I might give the author another try, but as of right now, I can't guarantee that.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads

A billionaire romance with a touch of angst, a hint of forced proximity, and a whole lot of heat.

LILY
There once was a prince, in a bungalow by the sea…

He’s the ocean roaring into my life, an ocean whose depths I can’t resist even though I must. I want him, but I’m not supposed to want more. And yet, when I look at him, this damaged artist, this kindred soul who paints my dark world with his laughter and his pain, I want to give in…But I can’t, not when I’m not the one he sees, not when doing so would mean losing my voice all over again.

There once was a prince, in a bungalow by the sea.
But he's not my prince; he never was for me.


LUKAS
Along came a pixie, in a faded hoodie…

She’s the wave crashing through my world, the wave that brought me to my knees and threatens to sweep me under. I want her, but I’m not supposed to want more. And yet, when I look at her, this paperbag princess, this impossible minx who dances her way into my dark, I start to lose control... But I can’t, not when I have nothing left to give, not when doing so would mean digging into the wounds of my past all over again.

Along came a pixie, in a faded hoodie.
Just a minx, a pixie… and she’s all that I see.

The ART OF SINNERS Series... An exquisite fall from grace.

Thank you Tempest Phan, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Lukas, Sometimes.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

The Mistletoe Bet by Maren Moore {a review}

I hate the holidays. Actually,  I loathe them. Call me Scrooge. The Grinch. The Girl who hates Christmas.

Maren Moore just released an adorable, yet steamy, holiday novella! The Mistletoe Bet proves that a lot can happen in a week, and Quinn is about to find that out firsthand. Especially since she just agreed to a bet with Parker. Who wins the bet? You'll have to read the story to find out.

My rating for The Mistletoe Bet:

It should be known that I have absolutely enjoyed every book that I have read from Maren Moore. So I went into The Mistletoe Bet with high expectations. Maren did not disappoint. I enjoyed every single minute of this novella, and have found myself wishing it was a full length book.

Not only did it feature one of my favorite tropes, but I just loved how the heroine was this grinchy grump who suddenly despised Christmas. Then there was the bet that was made, and I just fell hard. I wanted to see how Parker would have her rediscovering her Christmas spirit, and of course what it would take for these two to fall head over heals in love. 

I loved every single date/adventure that they went on. Those moments together definitely set the stage for a relationship. Oh, and that night at the Parker's office?

Then there was that moment when I literally gasped because two characters from the Totally Pucked series made an appearance. I may have been a little giddy about that, as I love when previous characters make appearances in other books. It's like a little easter egg.

The Mistletoe Bet is an adorable story that is filled with our heroine returning home for a week with the family, our hero trying to change the heroine's mind, plenty of dates, and not to mention, a lot of steamy moments. I don't know how Maren squeezed all of this into a novella, but she did. 

This book is one to read this holiday season. I highly suggest either downloading a copy immediately, or at least adding it to your TBR. If you've set a reading goal for 2022, and are a bit behind, grab some novellas to catch up!

Happy Reading,
Laura

 

Amazon | Goodreads

Everyone says “there’s no place like home”… well not for me.

When I’m forced to spend the holidays at home with my family in Strawberry Hollow, I have no idea how I’m even going to survive the week, let alone make it through my least favorite holiday… Christmas.

That is until I run into my childhood crush, and my brother’s best friend, Parker Grant.

Now, he’s the sexy, off-limits doctor in our small town, and nothing like the man I left behind six years ago.

While I hate the holidays, there is nothing that he loves more.

Well, other than a good bet...

Which is exactly what happens when we end up together under the mistletoe.

A bet that changes everything.

He asks for the next seven days to change my mind about Christmas.

But seven days alone with Parker is more than either of us bargained for.

He gives the season of giving a whole new meaning…

Maybe home really is where the heart is.  

Thank you Maren Moore for providing me with an advanced copy of The Mistletoe Bet!

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!

Monthly Wrap Up {October}

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

*Poof* Just like that October has come and gone!

One thing is for certain, my family and I had quite the month. We went to see a play at our local high school that was based on video games, we went to a corn maze and pumpkin patch at a local farm, and then also did pictures at a county park. October was also full of baking, and jumping in the leaves. Oh, my kids and I watched The Masked Singer too! I've loved that show since it's second season, and within the last couple my kids have joined my tv time. They have no clue who the majority of the celebrities are, but between the music and Ken, they are all in. Then naturally we ended the month with trick or treating. I stayed at home handing out candy, and in about 2 hours we had 150 kids. We're not back to our pre-pandemic numbers, but it's getting close. I think if Halloween hadn't fallen on a school day we would have had more kids. (and I would have been in trouble.)

Aside from all of that, and reading, I also have been listening to Midnights by Taylor Swift on repeat. Constantly. It's pretty much the only thing I listen to. I freaking love this album.

When it came to reading, I took this graphic to heart this month!

Mine to Love by Natasha Madison {a review}

"All I wanted was you. I would have taken you any way I could have you. I would have given you whatever it is you wanted."

It's time for Presley to get her happily ever after!!! If you've been reading the Southern Weddings series, then you know Presley has been anti-relationship. She's quite vocal about it. So who exactly is going to flip her world upside down? Why her brother's best friend of course! Prepare yourself for this emotional rollercoaster of a story.

My rating for Mine to Love:

Do I need to say much more than "it's a Natasha Madison book, so naturally I loved it"? Every single book that Natasha writes I seem to love. It's why she's an auto buy author for me. There is something about Natasha's storytelling, characters, and settings, that appeal to me. She creates these worlds that I want to live in, and befriend all the characters. I can't help it.

Presley and Bennett's story was spectacular. From the brothers best friend trope, to the surprise pregnancy, to the history that these two share, I couldn't get enough! I love that they found their happily ever after together. (and no that's not a spoiler, you already know they did!)

I loved the banter between the sisters. I loved the openness between Bennett and Travis when it came to Presley. There is nothing but love between this group, and I adore it. I wish I understood their mother a bit more, but she has her reasoning for being the way she is.

Mine to Love was filled with steamy moments, emotional moments, raw & honest moments, and all of that together created this wonderful story that I couldn't put down. I loved seeing Presley go through all of her mental roadblocks, and realizing what she stood to lose.

The road to happily ever after wasn't a simple one by any means, but after everything they went through, it finally happened.

Natasha Madison has created yet another series that I am obsessed with. Then she had to go and announce the next book is a crossover of sorts between hockey and southern? GIVE IT TO ME NOW! I don't want to wait until July 2023! Excuse me while I go pout in the corner.

If you have yet to read a book from Natasha Madison, please do. My introduction to her storytelling was Something So Right, and that quickly lead to me binging all the hockey series available, and then moving on to others. If you're not into sports romances, give the Hollywood Royalty trilogy a read. I really enjoyed those as well. I mean then there's the Southern series which I'm obsessed with. I regret nothing, and I will eventually finish her backlist of books.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Nothing says forever like two pink lines!

Presley
After my sisters’ disastrous weddings, I’m never going to get married.
I’ll just stay single forever.
It doesn’t matter that I’m in love with my brother’s best friend.
Or that Bennett and I shouldn’t even be friends with benefits.
Until the positive sign tells me I’m pregnant.

Bennett
I fell in love with Presley when she was eighteen and asked me for a favor.
She didn’t want to go to college a virgin.
I said no, but she kissed me, and I was lost in her.
Years later, I’ll take her with any rules she gives me.
She thinks this is just a fling. She’s wrong.
Because she’s always been mine to love.

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

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

So Pucking Over It by Elise Faber {a review}

My heart hadn't actually beat until I'd met Bailey. I hadn't truly lived, not until I'd been lucky enough to love her.

I have been waiting for this moment since July! That is when I first met Axel and Bailey in Big Puck Energy, and I was instantly captivated. Elise Faber has a way with words, settings, and character development that I absolutely love. Knowing that Rush Hockey was a spin off of Gold Hockey had me even more excited. Especially since there would be a crossover. Those Gold Hockey players are some of my favorite fictional players, so I always love it when they make appearances.

If you are not familiar with the Rush Hockey trilogy, know that they MUST be read in order. It is a continual storyline, and there are cliffhangers involved. Thankfully So Pucking Over It is the finale, so all the books are available to read. No need to be like me and wait for the next installment.

My rating for So Pucking Over It:

OH MY WORD! WHAT AN ENDING TO THIS TRILOGY!!! I seriously thought I would go through October with no 5 star reads, and then this book happened. I laughed. I literally cried. I felt all the feels, and may have found myself biting my finger nails. I KNOW OKAY, I KNOW!

So Pucking Over It had so much suspense, heartache, pain, and healing. My heart was beating rapidly during the first part of the story. Then it just piled on. I could not put this book down, as I had to know what happened next. I couldn't help it. I'm obsessed, and I needed answers!

So Pucking Over It was a fabulous read. Bailey and Axel FINALLY get their happily ever after. The journey to that HEA though was a rollercoaster ride. As though these two hadn't been through enough! Elise Faber just kept adding to it. This book was a bit emotional at times, and I loved every minute of it.

Then there was the fact that we were getting to hang with the Gold team, and I loved the way they were a part of this story. Brit and Stefan hold a special spot in my reader heart. Love those two.

I will say I was a bit surprised with that new storyline. That being said Veronica was a great addition to the story, and I am hopeful that she'll get her story told with a certain Rush player. (ahem, pretty please Elise!)

I am also hopeful that we'll get to see more of Bailey and Axel in future Gold Hockey stories. They would make fabulous side characters, and I'd just like to visit with them again while with the Gold players/family. I'm greedy!

When I had read Filthy Puckboy, I made a comment to Elise Faber that I hoped Billie Rose would get her story told. Elise confirmed that is happening! That story was set up throughout So Pucking Over It, but that teaser at the end? UGH! Now I have to patiently wait until January 24 for Love, Pucks, and Other Stories. So excuse me while I add that to my calendar, preorder the book, and add it to my anticipated reads list.

Have you dove into the Rush Hockey trilogy yet? If you're a fan of hockey romance and/or small town romance, I really hope that you'll read it. I started off strongly disliking Axel, but found myself changing my tune. He and Bailey are simply amazing.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

I had everything I had ever wanted…

And it meant nothing.

Because the love of my life had lost everything.

My career was exactly where I’d wanted it—I was on a great team, getting lots of playing time, and I’d finally won the ultimate prize.

But Bailey was hurting, and I couldn’t live knowing that.

I loved her more than my life, my job, my dreams.

She was my dream now.

And I would do anything to save her so that she could live out hers.

So Pucking Over It is the final book in Axel and Bailey’s story!

Thank you Elise Faber, and Elle Woods PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of So Pucking Over It.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

All I Need by JH Croix {a review}

If anyone had told me I would go up to Haven's Bay for a week and fall in love, I would've scoffed.

All I Need is the second book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix, and it just released on November 1, 2022. This best friends sibling, single mom story was just what I wanted. Actually it was everything I wanted All I Want to have been, but you can't have everything. Right? Right. Plus All I Want wasn't a single mom story, but more of a second chance romance. STILL THOUGH!

My rating for All I Need:

I fully admit that I went into All I Need fresh off of All I Want. If you read my review for Dallas and Audrey's story, then you'll know I struggled a bit. So I was a bit apprehensive, yet I tried to remain positive and open. I'm glad that I did. As this book was vastly different than the first. 

I will say I wasn't expecting Noah to fall for one of Thea's friends! I mean Dallas had just done that, so I wasn't expecting that trope again. I'm not complaining one bit either. It was a pleasant surprise, and now I wonder if Ian will fall for another one of Thea's friends. Only time will tell.

As I said above, All I Need had a much different feel than All I Want. All I Need has that bit of suspense built into it, and I was LOVING that. Absolutely loved it. I actually would have liked that part of the storyline to have delved a bit deeper.

I really liked how the meet cute occurred. Obviously if you've read the description, you have a general idea. But it still stood out, and then there was that recognition and familiarity of two people who used to know each other. I also really enjoyed our duo exploring Haven's Bay. While they both spent a lot of time there when they were younger, it was nice to see them out and about.

When the time came for Noah to meet Quinn, I think I was as nervous as Sasha. That be a "mom" thing. I don't know. Quinn really tested Noah, and he had to earn her trust. She wasn't giving that for free by any means. Quinn had me smiling frequently, and that teenage attitude had me laughing. The bond these two established came into play later in the story, and how that all played out tugged on the mom heart strings a bit.

Can I just say...Sasha's neighbor is a hoot! Loved the scenes that she was in. She definitely was a scene stealer. And I appreciated those light hearted additions to the story.

Honestly, there was very little about this book that I didn't enjoy. It was the JH Croix writing that I have come to enjoy. I fell hard for the characters, and I was drawn into their world. All I Need gives me high hopes for the next two books in this series.

What will you find in All I Need? Well according to JH Croix you'll get:
✔️ A broody FBI agent
✔️ A smart, sassy heroine
✔️ Off limits no more
✔️ An accidental break in
✔️ Swoony holiday romance
✔️ Small town shenanigans

I agree with 5 of those. While this story originates in Haven's Bay (the small town), we also spend a lot of time in Boston. So to call this an outright small town romance, I don't agree. Had the entire book taken place in Haven's Bay, then yeah, small town romance. You can decide for yourself though.

Have you read any wintertime holiday series? Any recommendations that I should check out? Are you going to give the Haven's Bay Holiday series a try? I think you should.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Break in for benefits?

When a friend offers me a week at her family’s home in Maine for the holidays, I say ‘yes’ so fast I forget to say please. As a single mom, time to myself is impossible to come by.

I’m barely in the house when I’m mistaken for a burglar. When the lights come on, I discover the broody FBI agent who found me is Noah Tate, the off-limits older brother of my best friend from high school.

Noah was tall, dark, handsome, flirty, and popular back in high school. I kept my secret crush on him under wraps. I was above all that now. Except the chemistry burns so hot between us the air crackles with it.

We’re snowed in, so maybe we can make the best of it.

Noah & Sasha’s story is perfect for readers who love: friends to lovers, slow burn, broody FBI agents, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who’s more than ready to prove a sassy heroine wrong.

*A full-length, standalone romance.

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

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Rescuing Broken by Gina Azzi {a review}

Even though I don't want him to, Jaxon Kane has a claim on me I'll never be able to shake.

Back in January 2021 I read my first book written by Gina Azzi. That book was The Sweet Talker, and I was instantly hooked. Yes, part of that may have been due to the fact The Sweet Talker is a hockey romance. However, it was Gina's storytelling, and characters who truly pulled me in. It was that combo that had me returning time and time again. In May of 2021, I downloaded Rescuing Broken. It sat unread on my kindle until now. This weekend I finally picked it up, and I didn't put it down until the story was over. Curiosity got the best of me, and I dove into this 2018 release.

My rating for Rescuing Broken:

Rescuing Broken was not at all what I was expecting. I had been expecting a standard romance with steamy moments, as that's what I've experienced with other books by Gina. 

Rescuing Broken is a second chance romance that has our couple reconnecting after 7 years apart. Except during those 7 years, life has not been easy on either. Jax is healing from his physical combat wounds, and also working through the mental wounds. All that while trying to adjust to being out of the military, and returning home. As for Evie, she never left town, and isn't the same woman that she was. She gave up so much after Jax left, and not necessarily by choice. She wants to move forward but feels stuck at the same time. Jax returning home isn't helping matters at all. Jax might just give her the push she needs.

There was so much that happened in this book, and so many revelations made. I could tell almost immediately what had happened with Evie after Jax left. But it wasn't until later in the book that my suspicions were confirmed. That build up just made it all the more emotional.

The way Jax "handled" Evie, and worked toward being in her life again was something I appreciated. He was watching her body language, figured out that something happened, and was making sure she knew he was by her side. Jax knew that with time Evie would tell him, and that he would do anything to protect her.

I loved the way trust was reestablished, and their bond was rebuilt. I adored these two characters, as well as the Kane siblings. Evie's big brother also caught my eye, and I find myself wondering if he doesn't have a book as well. Now I'll have to search Gina's backlist of books to find that answer.

Speaking of those characters...I cannot wait to check out the rest of this series. I do wonder if they'll all cover the sensitive subjects, or if they'll be what I'm used to with Gina's storytelling. I mean, the Kane brothers have some history to them. Those histories make for interesting stories. So no matter what, I'm in.

Also, while the author does not have a content warning on this book, I do feel that it would be beneficial. Especially for those who have experienced what Evie did, or if it just isn't a subject matter that you'd prefer to read about. I will say that everything is carefully handled. 

The ending of Evie and Jax's story had me smiling. These two have been through so much separately, and have managed to find their way back to each other. Together these two are going to have an amazing future, and continue to work through their traumas.

While I don't feel that this book would be the perfect introductory novel for Gina's storytelling, I do think that if you're a fan of her writing it's worth checking out.

I'm always up for a good second chance romance, and Rescuing Broken was just that.

Happy Reading,
Laura

 

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Jax enlisted to protect my future. But I never escaped my past.

After seven years of silence, Jaxon Kane barrels back into my life like he never left. He’s a hot, confident, fearless soldier, bearing new scars on top of old hurts. Jax isn’t the same man I fell for in high school. But I’ve changed too.

Now that our paths have crossed again, I can’t avoid him or dodge his questions. The harder he pushes to understand me, the more I resist.

Too broken for second chances, I know better than to let him in. If he learns why I never left Georgia, will he forgive himself?

If he discovers my secret, will he forgive me?

Note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Cursed by K Loraine {a review}

"I wasn't her true love. I was her second choice. The safe choice."

Recently I've started stepping into the PNR world, and I am finding that I am liking it here. It's a nice little break from contemporary. Could I stay there permanently? No, I don't think I could, or would. I love contemporary way too much to just abandon it. 

My rating for Cursed:

Cursed pulled me in with the blurb, and I knew that I had to read it. The fact that Kim Loraine wrote it was just icing on the cake. Kim is one of my one click authors so it's of no surprise that I enjoyed the book. There is just something about Kim's storytelling that lures me in, and has me wanting to live in the worlds she creates.

I found myself really intrigued with everything that was happening throughout the book. From the reintroduction of Aurora and Philip, to the meetup at the castle, to the reveal of the curse, and everything else that happened with in this story, I did not want the story to end. The dragons were definitely a nice touch. Add in the familiar faces from The Mate Games series, and I was hooked.

Loved the little twists that Kim added to the Sleeping Beauty story, and how she brought it into a more modern setting. I am so ready for more PNR from this author.

If you think you might have read Cursed before, know that is a possibility. This book was previously released with the title of Twisted Slumber. No matter what though it's a good read! There's action, there's steam, and of course there is a happily ever after.

Go check out this novella! Especially if you've been wanting to check out paranormal romance, or the writing of K. Loraine. I think you'll enjoy it.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

 

My family is cursed, and I’m the next victim.

At least, that’s what my father believes. His obsession with the sleeping curse that took my mother has driven him mad.

Growing up as the daughter of Hollywood royalty put me constantly in the sights of paparazzi. So when an invitation to visit Prince Phillip of Ashea arrives, I jump at the chance to get away from the cameras. He’s the man I’ve wanted since we were both children.

But I’ve only ever had him once upon a dream.

My prince is everything I envisioned, but a dark brooding presence has worked his way between us. Malachi, his wicked step-brother, weaves his spell around me. I should choose Phillip, but I want Mal just as badly.

In the halls of the castle, I discover fate has plans for the three of us.

One of them is destined to save me. The other is my curse.
And me? I need them both.

Cursed is a menage Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. Two dragons, one princess, and a destiny none of them can escape.

Thank you Kim Loraine for providing me with an advanced copy of Cursed!

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Therefore purchases made through the links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you for that!

All I Want by JH Croix {a review}

Haven’s Bay was the place I went when I needed to get away, although I hadn’t been here in almost four years. It was home in a way that nowhere else was.

All I Want is a 2017 release from author JH Croix. It is also the first book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series. The tropes in this book include best friend's sibling, age gap (10 years), second chance romance, and it is set in a small town. I went into this book expecting it to be similar pacing, and writing, to that of the various series set in Alaska. That isn't the case. Yes, the setting intrigued me. Something about Haven's Bay called to me, and I looked forward to exploring that little village.

My rating for All I Want:

Dallas and Audrey also grabbed my attention as this book features one of my favorite tropes (best friend's sibling). I was waiting to see how that would affect the storyline. When would Thea's friendship with Audrey come into play? Having read many of JH Croix's books that are set in Alaska, I thought I knew what to expect. After all JH has a way with those Alaska stories that just appeal to me.

All I Want had so much potential. SO MUCH! I mean we have an FBI Agent, we have his sister's best friend who just caught her fiancee in bed with another, it's holiday time, and we're in a small town. What could go wrong? It has all the makings of a Hallmark movie or even a Lifetime movie! That being said, All I Want was extremely slow. Not slow burn slow, just slow. There was almost too much detail and a lot of that detail wasn't necessarily pertinent to the storyline. Or at least not from my perspective. Even the time that Audrey and Dallas spent together wasn't anything that memorable. Honestly, the majority of their time together seemed to be of the intimate variety.  

With the recent break-ins in the Haven's Bay community, I thought that Dallas would be involved in the manhunt. Why? No clue, it's just where my brain went. I wasn't expecting a workaholic who couldn't even enjoy a vacation. My heart broke for Audrey and the situation she found herself in with her ex. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Yet she didn't seem as heartbroken about it, and it was almost more of a relief. In my mind I had expected that she and Dallas would get out and get reacquainted with this community that they grew up in. Especially since it was supposedly Christmas time.  

When it's all said and done, All I Want left me a bit disappointed.

Am I still going to read All I Need, All We Have, and All We Are? Oh absolutely. I'm not letting this one slow paced book deter me. I'm curious about Dallas's siblings, and what brings them back to Haven's Bay.

Have you read All I Want? What were your thoughts on it? Did I just go in with too high of expectations?

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Dallas

One kiss that burned so hot, I never forgot. Five years later. Audrey… so beautiful she takes my breath away and my sister’s best friend. I was half in love with her for years.

I moved on, and so did she. The universe rolled the dice. A dark, snowy night—no joke—I find her walking through the darkness. Christmas is right around the corner.

She’s so tempting, I can hardly think. Maybe rules are meant to be broken. Maybe second chances are real.

Audrey

I’ve fantasized about Dallas for years. One wild kiss. Five years ago. I’ve never forgotten it.

He’s tall, dark and dangerous…for real. FBI Agent, broody, handsome and distant. He couldn’t be bothered with me. Maybe because he thought I was too young. I’m not anymore.

*A full-length standalone romance.

Note:

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Making the Cut by JS Wood {a review}

I wanted to be the one person in the world she couldn't live without. I wanted to be her everything.

Making the Cut is the third book in the Average Gents series from author J.S. Wood. This new release features the brother's best friend trope, a fake relationship, and these two going from friends to lovers. After losing her job, Viv finds the perfect opportunity to work for the competitor. There's just one catch, all employees must be in a committed relationship. Now Viv has to find someone to be her better half. Enter Archer. Archer is Viv's brother's best friend, and Archer is volunteering for the job. After all he's been in love with Viv for the majority of his life. This assignment should be a walk in the park.

My rating for Making the Cut:

We've gotten to know Archer and Viv a bit while they've circled around in the back of the other books in this series. Now it's their time to shine.

While this starting off as a fake relationship, Archer isn't looking at it like that. In his mind, this is his shot, and he's taking it. This attraction isn't one sided though. Not by any means. In fact these two have been gone for each other for many years. So that just adds to the tension. So dang good. Then there's the fact that they're trying to keep it quiet from the friend group, and more so Viv's brother.

The beginning of the book had me feeling for Archer. You could tell he was struggling. The fake relationship came at the perfect time as it gave him something positive to focus on. For Viv having to start over wasn't ideal, but this new opportunity seemed right up her alley. Even if it did require her to find a fake fiancee.

Everything that happened in Making the Cut goes to show how important communication is. Not to mention finding those moments where you can squeeze in time for your partner when life is extremely busy. Had that line of communication been a constant for Viv and Archer, I feel like they wouldn't have had as many issues as they did. But that's just my take.

I loved how supportive Archer was when it came to Viv. Well even to his friends in general. He is the perfect cheerleader for he holds dear.

I feel like this book is quite possibly my favorite of the series thus far. Now that could change, but it might not. I was just drawn to this couple, and the fact that their story features one of my favorite tropes helps a lot.

Okay but one thing I do not like, and it has to be said, is the cover. I'm sorry, but no. Just no. It is way too bright, and I'm just not digging the Green Bay Packers color scheme. Also that is not how I picture Viv at all. Dark hair? Yep. Curvier body? Perfect. The outfit though? No. The hairstyle? Again no. Even just the stance. Sigh. I really feel like a neutral cover would have been better. Or something not so vibrant. But that's just me, and I'm one person.

Bring on the next in the series!

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads

Archer Moore has a secret.

Since he was fifteen-years-old, he’s kept the fact that he was in love with his best friends little sister to himself, never wanting to ruin things if the secret came out.

Now, she needs a fake fiancé to help her secure a new job and Archer is ready to step up.

Viviana Capello is in a bind.

For years she’s worked to build her reputation as one of the best marketing agents in Denver. When her callous boss fires her without cause, she goes to their biggest competitor.

However, this new boss is unconventional and Viviana knows that having a partner will give her a leg up.

But when her ex crush and brothers best friend volunteers to help her out, feelings start to rise to the surface again.

Thank you JS Wood, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Making the Cut.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Therefore purchases made through the links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you for that!