Wake My Heart {new release}

 Happy Tuesday everyone!

Today is release day for Wake My Heart by Lydia Michaels.

I posted my thoughts on this book yesterday, so here is a link to that. 

Grey's Promotions wanted to share a bit about the author, as well as the book. So please continue reading.

Thanks and happy reading,

Laura

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Happy Monday my fellow bibliophiles!

Can you believe another week in February is over? We are inching towards March already. Time is just flying by. Last week was a pretty good week when it came to reading. I will say that I had my first DNF of the year. So that was surprising for me. Especially since the book had a bit of hype surrounding it. Heck it was on the Goodreads list for best romance of 2020! 

Moving on, let's talk stats:

• 5 books started
• 4 completed
• 1 DNF (did not finish)
• 4 e-books
• 1 physical book (library)
• 2 were e-arcs
• 1493 pages

My average rating was 3.4 ⭐️
The book I DNF'd I gave a 1⭐️ to, so that really brought down my average.

Enough about that, let's talk about the books I read!

Boyfriend Material

by Alexis Hall

The Boyfriend Material made it's way onto the Goodreads Best Romance of 2020 list, so I figured this book has to be good. Based on the description I was thinking that the book would be similar in style to Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. I was wrong. OH SO WRONG.  Folks, I DNF'd this book at 30% (129 pages). It was so slow moving it was almost painful. Luc was quite immature and really frustrated me. After 30% I said to myself that this book is not worth the reading slump it will put me in to. So I returned it to my library (via overdrive), gave it a 1 star, and have absolutely no desire to pick it up again.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious if the book improved. But I'm not curious enough to pick it back up. I don't know how this book made it on to the Goodreads Best Romance list. Did you read Boyfriend Material? Did you like it?

Take a Hint, Dani Brown

by Talia Hibbert

Now Dani Brown on the other hand, this book too made its appearance on the Goodreads Best Romance list. Dani Brown totally deserved a slot on the list. This book drew me in, it moved fast, the characters were personable, and I loved it. The relationship between Zaf and Dani was adorable. I loved the fake dating aspect of their story. Then of course there is the Brown sisters. These ladies are just fantastic, and bring a smile to my face. Zaf and his love of romance novels had me smiling as well. He'd fit in great with the guys from the Bromance Book Club. 

I gave Dani Brown 4 stars. Could it have been a 5? Oh absolutely, but I'm stingy with those and the book has to give me everything I want.  There were minor things that held me back. Do I still recommend this book? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY! I also recommend Chloe Brown. I'm anticipating Eve Brown's story too.

Balls to the Wall

by April Canavan

Balls to the Wall was my first ARC for the week. When I read the title, I forgot why I had requested the book. I was just confused. In my mind the title doesn't match up with the story, yet at the same time I don't know what I would recommend as an alternate title. Should you chose to read this story, let me tell you now, HAVE TISSUES HANDY! Also I should mention that there are a couple of parts that are emotional and/or difficult to read about. So be prepared. (if you need to know what the triggers are, please let me know and I'll fill you in the best I can without ruining the story.)

Here's what I can tell you, this is a small town romance featuring a single mother. It's more than that though, as it is also kind of a second chance romance. You see Parker and Remy have known each other for most of their lives. There has always been a connection between them, and when Parker went to make her move, he shut her down and wrecked her with the words he said. Parker sought solace in a friend, became pregnant after a night together, and married him. Her husband was in the military and was shipped overseas where he then lost his life. Fast forward a few years, Remy is now home from deployment, and is working for the local police department. He also made a promise to Parker's husband (they were deployed together) to watch over Parker. What happens next is the love story of Parker and Remy.

I freaking loved this book. Yes I cried. Yes I gasped a few times. Yes there was a time or two where I was holding my breath and eager to find out what happened next. When it was over, I found myself immediately looking to see when the second book in the series was coming out. I don't care that it will follow a different couple, I just need more of this community. More of these characters. Oh and rating wise, 4 stars.

Wake my Heart

by Lydia Michaels

Apparently my heart needed to be gutted by two books in a row. Wake my Heart was my other ARC for this week, and it's good. I will say that this book is the ultimate slow burn. Wow. This book is also filled with Maggie's grief, and eventual healing. You might need a tissue or two. (for me, this book didn't bring as many tears as Balls to the Wall.)

When we first meet Maggie, she is with her husband Nash. They were high school sweethearts, and were each others world. Everyone knew them. So naturally when Nash died (car accident) it wrecked Maggie. The grief, the anger, the sadness, it was all so much to handle. Maggie shut down, and shut out everyone.

That is until one day when her neighbors house sells, and in moves Ryan Clooney. He takes notice of Maggie. Of the fact that she doesn't drive, that she is skittish, and that she keeps to herself. Of course he also notices her as a woman, and he is finding himself attracted to this stranger. 

 

What starts as a friendship, slowly moves into a romantic relationship. Ryan is truly waking Maggie's heart through his friendship, his companionship, and his love. I ended up giving Wake My Heart 4 stars.

Undercover Bromance

by Lyssa Kay Adams

I have been wanting to read this book since last March when it released. I absolutely loved Bromance Book Club, and was hoping the sequel would be as enjoyable. Yet for some reason I kept pushing it off. Well I finally dived in.

If you read my Baseball Romance post, then you'll know I flagged this book series as Baseball Romance. Um, that isn't the case. Yes, book one was about a baseball player. Undercover Bromance though, absolutely not. This book is more of a billionaire/millionaire romance. Doesn't really matter though because I loved this book.

Yes, there are parts of the story that are difficult to read about (workplace assault), but ultimately it was handled with grace. We get to see the pain. We get the fire that is building in Liv. We see how this group of people come together to try and take down the villain. What we also see is two people building a relationship, while trying to fight it. Liv and Mack are the perfect characters for the enemies to lovers trope. They truly are.  

I loved Bromance Bookclub. I loved Undercover Bromance. I have since read Crazy Stupid Bromance (next week we'll talk about this one), and I am now eagerly anticipating Isn't It Bromantic?, which comes out in July. Love this series, and cannot wait to see what else Lyssa Kay Adams comes out with.

Oh and for rating, I gave it 4 stars. Again, it was close to 5, but I just couldn't do it.

There you have it, the five four books I read this week. Have you read any of them? As you can see I had a couple books that fit the fake dating trope, a slow burn, a second chance romance, and an enemies to lovers book. All in all it was a good week. I was a bit worried that things might go down hill after kicking off my reading week with a DNF, but thankfully that didn't happen.

I hope your February has been filled with some great books!

Happy Reading my friends,

Thank you to Grey's Promotions and Wildfire Marketing for providing me with ARCs of Balls to the Walls and Wake My Heart for review. All thoughts and opinions about the books are mine alone.

March Releases I'm Excited About

Oh hi there.

Do you realize that March is a little over a week away? Yeah, I know, I was caught off guard by that too.

A new month means new books being released!

I have five books that I am eagerly anticipating the release of. All except one are series continuations, and that other one is the start of a series. So there's that.

What books am I excited about? Let's discuss.

On March 1st, The Risk Taker by Gina Azzi is available. This is the second book in her Boston Hawks series. If you are like me, and are a bit obsessed with hockey romance, then grab this series. Book two will give us the love story between Easton and Claire. This is a brother's best friend trope, and I cannot wait to dive in. It is also a bit of a forced proximity trope, and while that isn't my favorite, I'm still intrigued. In The Sweet Talker, we saw a bit of Claire's interest in Easton, so I am curious to see how their story is going to play out. I also wonder how much of Easton's addiction will come into play.

Curious what The Risk Taker is about? Here's the blurb:

My brother's best friend, NHL god Easton Scotch, has always seen me as a kid. Now, I'm his new roommate and I'm determined to show him that Claire Merrick is all grown up.

Boston Hawks left wing and bad boy personified, Easton is untouchable, reckless, and sexier than any one man ought to be. He has a complicated past, makes questionable life choices, and doesn't want anyone growing too close. Least of all me.

East makes himself clear on his first day out of rehab, when we become reluctant roommates. At best, I'm angling for friendship. But soon, East is lowering his guard and we're bonding.

When we cross a line there's no coming back from, he spirals, jeopardizing his recovery and my heart. If Easton is the risk taker, then why does it feel like I'm the one gambling it all?

On March 9th, we get Eve Brown's story! Now I know next to nothing about this book except for what the description tells me. And I'm okay with that. I will say that it is sounding like an enemies to lovers story, and that is one of my favorite tropes, so yes please! Oh, and it's also the completion of the series. Excuse me while I go cry. I have loved this series.

Here's the description:

Eve Brown is a certified hot mess. No matter how hard she strives to do right, her life always goes horribly wrong. So she's given up trying. But when her personal brand of chaos ruins an expensive wedding (someone had to liberate those poor doves), her parents draw the line. It's time for Eve to grow up and prove herself--even though she's not entirely sure how...

Jacob Wayne is in control. Always. The bed and breakfast owner's on a mission to dominate the hospitality industry and he expects nothing less than perfection. So when a purple-haired tornado of a woman turns up out of the blue to interview for his open chef position, he tells her the brutal truth: not a chance in hell. Then she hits him with her car--supposedly by accident. Yeah, right.

Now his arm is broken, his B&B is understaffed, and the dangerously unpredictable Eve is fluttering around, trying to help. Before long, she's infiltrated his work, his kitchen--and his spare bedroom. Jacob hates everything about it. Or rather, he should. Sunny, chaotic Eve is his natural-born nemesis, but the longer these two enemies spend in close quarters, the more their animosity turns into something else. Like Eve, the heat between them is impossible to ignore...and it's melting Jacob's frosty exterior.

March 15th brings us Roped Tight, which is the conclusion of the Ryker Ranch series. BOOO! Roped Tight tells us Sam's story, and reveals his history with Tucker. Now I don't know much about Sam, except for the fact that he's a Ryker and he is a professional bull rider. His chosen profession has taken him away from the ranch, but now he's coming back. 

Here is the description from Amazon:

Second chances don't come around every day, but Tucker Weston is mine.

Ten years ago Tucker reeled me in with his sexy smolder. But he cut me loose after I fell hard for him that summer on my family's ranch. I left without looking back. Went to chase my dreams and became Sam Ryker, world champion bull rider.

But I never forgot the first man I loved.

Now, I'm back at my family's ranch and he's here in front of me, just as rugged and hot as he's always been. And though I've sworn to hate him for breaking my heart, I want him more than I should. All those promises I made to myself fly right out the window. Because when I'm near him, I can't think. I can't make the right choices.

Trouble is, my family needs me here, and I can't afford a distraction like Tucker Weston. It'll cost more than my heart this time around.

But all it takes is one kiss before he's got me roped tight yet again.

Even though I'm bummed the Ryker series is ending, Kim Loraine has announced a spin-off series. So there will be more cowboy romance in the future.

Restless Things is coming on March 25! Also, the cover reveal is happening March 1st. After finishing Fractured Things, I have been counting down the days until Restless Things releases. I cannot wait for Sunday and Payne to have their story told. I also need to find out what happened after that cliffhanger! Seriously. Now if you're not familiar with the Folkestone Sins series, it is a new adult dark romance, and it has to be read in order. In the first book, we had Stella returning to California, and taking her place as one of the heirs. I will say this little community has some interesting history. I am seriously hoping that Samantha Lovelock gives us a prequel to tell us about more about all of it. Or who knows maybe more will be revealed in these last two books.

Here is the blurb for Restless Things. It is spoiler free, but it will give you a little something to prepare you for the book.

Sometimes in ruin, we find our truth.

Sunday

Payne Emerson is the boy I grew up with. The one who kept all of my secrets.

My life was perfect, until that one fateful night it all fell apart.
And I became invisible.
When my brother died, my parents looked right through me. My lonely feet stumbled and I finally fell.
Nobody truly knows how deep the darkness within me dwells, nobody except him.
I'm afraid of the fire he ignites within me. Afraid it will burn through the walls I've built to shelter my bruised and wounded heart.

What if I can't find my way back?

I can't lose myself again.

Payne
Sunday Easton is the first girl I ever kissed. The one who holds my heart in the palm of her hand.

When her world collapsed, I tried to be there for her. We were young, I was powerless.
And I became invisible.
She confessed her sins and I kept her secrets, holding tight to her small hand in the dark. Now we don't talk about the heat that burns between us.
I'm the only one who truly sees her and I'm done pretending.

Will she ever trust me enough to let go?

I'll never let her disappear.

Now there are a few content warnings for this book that the author wants people to know. "This book contains situations and flashbacks that may trigger some readers, drug use, mental health issues, language that may be offensive, and scenes of a sexual nature (all consensual)." So please keep that in mind should you choose to read the book. 

I plan on reading the book on release day (I'm hoping to receive an ARC, but if not I'll wait), so I will be able to answer questions should you have any.

The last book that I an anticipating is The Rebel by Kendall Ryan. Now you may recall that I read a novella called One Night with the Rebel, so I know a bit about the book. Not a ton, but a bit. It's hockey romance. It's the first full length book of the series, and I am ready for it. My hockey romance loving heart is giddy. Okay but what about the actual content? It's Holt and Eden's story. If you read the novella, then you know their history. You also know that Eden is the new owner of a professional hockey team, and that there is drama surrounding her new position, and Holt is here to help.

You know I love to share the description of books, so here it is for The Rebel:

Holt

Six years ago, Eden barged into my life and turned everything upside down.

We spent one scorching-hot night together, and then she disappeared into the sunset with the golden jock everyone adored. Which makes sense, right? A girl as beautiful and brilliant as Eden Wynn doesn't end up with a rebel like me.

I expected them to live happily ever after, but that's not what happened. She's back in my life--and tempting me like no one else has. And while I'm certain I'll only tarnish her shine, I want her.

I'd heard the old notion that one night held the power to change everything. I just never believed it.

Until now.

Eden

I'm public enemy number one.

Turns out, the East Coast is protective of their hockey team and very vocal about not wanting a young female owner. Well, too bad, because this team is all Grandpa Wynn left me, and I have no intention of walking away.

Enter my new head of security, Holt Rossi. My history with him is...complicated. Chemistry reignites between us while the world waits for me to stumble.

He's supposed to protect me--but who will protect my heart from him?

 

Can you see why I want to read this book? This is their second chance at romance! Plus I cannot wait to see Eden kick butt at her job, and watch the community change their minds about her.

There you have it, the five books I am eagerly anticipating for the month of March. What books are on your radar for March? Any that you think I might like? 

Happy Reading,

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,