Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Southern Heart {a review}


It's no secret that Natasha Madison is one of my favorite authors. From the characters to the setting to the storylines, she just hooks me each and every time.

So when I had the opportunity to read an early copy of Southern Heart, I was all in. I was obsessed with the first four books in the Southern series, and cheered when she announced there would be an additional four books.

Now the question is, did Southern Heart top my love of Southern Sunrise? I mean, I gave Sunrise 5 stars, so it's not like I can go any higher than that. 

Fellow romance readers, I FREAKING LOVED Southern Heart. I want more of Chelsea and Mayson. Also, there is a scene with Savannah that darn near had me in tears. When she said what she said, my heart was feeling it. AHHH!

If you've read any of the Southern series books, then you already know that there is a bit of a suspenseful element to the stories. That suspense in Southern Heart was WOW. I kept wondering when the big showdown was going to happen, and when it did, my heart broke. OH NATASHA MADISON! She tortures me. (in all the best ways of course.)

Chances are you're thinking, but Laura what's the story about? Well I can tell you this much. Chelsea has just returned to town after finishing nursing school, and has accepted a job at the local clinic. She doesn't start for a month though, and so tonight she is babysitting at her brother's (Ethan) house. Chelsea has put the kids to bed, and there is a storm happening outside. The power is threatening to go out, and suddenly there is a thump at the door. Chelsea is hesitant, but she opens it up and a man stumbles in. He's been brutally beaten, and he is bleeding. He collapses on the floor and says Ethan's name. Turns out the man is Mayson, a military friend of Ethan's, and he is in need of major help.

From there the story continues, and I will say NOTHING more, because loose lips sink ships.

Earlier I questioned whether Chelsea's story could top Ethan's, and while I want to say yes, for me it didn't. Oh it came close! But there is just something about Ethan and Emily that tugs a bit more on my heartstrings. 

I will say, I did give Southern Heart 5 stars as well. 

Oh, and um that last little bit before the epilogue. Say what now! Oooh, is it June 1 yet? Because inquiring minds need to know what the heck is going on!

My fellow reading friends, go grab Southern Heart. Just trust me, it's wonderful. Yes, you can jump right in at Southern Heart, but I highly suggest starting from the beginning with Southern Chance. 

Let me know i you read the Southern series!

Happy Reading,

PS: I think my birthday gift to myself will be physical copies of the first five books in the Southern series.🤣


Oh and because I know it will be appreciated, below is the teaser for Southern Heart!


Release Date: April 6

Some secrets have a way of coming back and haunting us, no matter how much we try to bury them.

Chelsea
Coming back home was supposed to be normal.
Not that my life had ever been normal, but it was getting there.


Then I opened the door and found a man—broken, bloodied, and fighting for his life.
I don’t know why, but I said I would take care of him. I had to. Needed to.


He was a mystery, showing up from out of nowhere. But he might have already stolen my heart.

Mayson Carey
The only thing I have ever wanted in my entire life was to forget who I was. Joining the military helped me do this.


Keep your head down and glide through life was my new motto. No strings, no relationships. Nothing.


Everything was working until a knock at the door had me face-to-face with the reason I was running.


So I ran—I fell into her arms, and she fell into my heart, but I know better than to think it’ll last.


Some secrets have a way of coming back and haunting us, no matter how much we try to bury them.

Grab Your Copy Here:
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo






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

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Thank you to Natasha Madison, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an early reader copy of Southern Heart. A positive review was not required. All thoughts/opinions are my own.

Monday, April 5, 2021

Weekly Wrap Up

 


Hoping you all had a wonderful weekend. Here in Minnesota it was GORGEOUS outside. I was out pretty much all day yesterday.  It was perfection. I will welcome these temps with open arms. Yet in the back of my head I'm not foolish enough to believe winter won't try to make a small comeback.

Last week was a busy week of reading, and reviewing. Really though I can't complain. Reading is my hobby, and I am passionate about it. Writing reviews, and this blog, well that's just for fun.

Let's talk stats for last week.

  • Books Read: 5
  • Kindle Books: 5
  • ARCs: 3
  • Pages Read: 1,869
My average rating was 4 stars. Not too shabby.

My favorite book of the week was Southern Heart by Natasha Madison. My review for that will be posted tomorrow. Seriously, so good. Then again I think I say that about every Natasha Madison book I read. (and I'm perfectly okay with that. There's a reason she's one of my favorites.)

With all that being said, let's move onto the books!

(if I've already posted the review, it is linked in the book title.)



1) Brightly Burning Bridges

by Ivy Wild

Rating: 4 Stars


Oh this book! Brightly Burning Bridges was SO GOOD! It was frustrating at times, which had me wanting to throw my kindle. But this story line, it sucked me in and held me hostage until the very last page. I LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT!

2) Royally Pucked

by Pippa Grant

Rating: 4 Stars


Royally Pucked is the second book in Pippa Grant's Copper Valley Thrusters hockey series.  This book brought together two of my favorites: Royal romance and hockey romance. And Royally Pucked did not disappoint. I loved seeing Manning and Gracie together. Then add in Loki, and it was just so good.


3) Southern Heart

by Natasha Madison

Rating: 5 Stars


Do I really need to say much about Southern Heart? I mean, if you've read the Southern series by Natasha Madison, then you know what you're going to get. But I suppose not everyone has read the first four books, so there is that. If you like romance with a little suspense, then ooh you'll like this one. I mean the suspense starts pretty much right away. Chelsea has just returned to town to start a new job, and has decided to watch her niece and nephew for the night. A storm rolls through, and it sounds like someone is hitting the door. Chelsea eventually opens the door, and a man (who has been beaten to a pulp) falls inside. Chelsea doesn't recognize him, she just sees the injuries. Before the man passes out, he says "Ethan". (Ethan is Chelsea's brother)

And that's all I'm going to say. Just trust me on this. You'll want to read it.


4) Ruthless Monarch

by Ava Harrison

Rating: 4 Stars


Calling all mafia romance fans! Ava Harrison has a new one for you to read. I was torn with Ruthless Monarch. On one hand I enjoyed the story. The concept was fabulous. On the other hand, I think it could have been executed a little better. 

5) Beauty and the Beefcake

by Pippa Grant

Rating: 3 Stars


I was so excited for Beauty and the Beefcake! No, not because of the title as I'm not a fan of it. I was excited because it was Ares's story. I had such high hopes. Especially since I was coming off of Royally Pucked. Beauty and the Beefcake though was underwhelming. Well until about the last 25% of the book. It was that last quarter that I was saying YES, THIS IS WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR. It was just a little too much slow burn and filler for my liking. 

Royally Pucked {a review}


I finished off the month of March by reading Royally Pucked by Pippa Grant. Royally Pucked is the second book in her Copper Valley Thrusters series. This is a sports rom-com, and Royally Pucked features a Prince who has been banished to America where he falls for the person he shouldn't.


Now I can't lie, I was hesitant about picking up this book. Especially since The Pilot and the Puck Up was not my favorite. I struggled with Joey and Zeus's book. But while reading that one, I was intrigued by Manning. There was something about him that had me knowing I would read his story. Plus knowing this has the accidental pregnancy trope, that helped seal the deal.


And you know what, I enjoyed Royally Pucked. I was actually a bit bummed when it ended.

Did it have me laughing out loud? Well no, but I did chuckle a few times.

Plus I was so invested in the storyline with Elin. Seriously, that was interesting. I still have a couple questions regarding that. I'd also really like to know what was going on with that monkey!

Also, Gracie's side hustle that she's running out of her bakery? LOVE IT! Now THAT had me laughing a bit.

All in all, this was a cute story. I ended up giving it 4 stars on Goodreads, and I have decided to continue with the series. After all it is looking like Ares might be getting his story told next. So I can't call it quits! I HAVE to read Ares's story! I have to. That man has my curiosity piqued.

Have you read any of the Copper Valley Thrusters books? If so, which was your favorite? Did you know that there is a 5th book releasing this month? It's called I Pucking Love You. Have you read any books by Pippa Grant? I think her Stud in the Stacks book my have been my favorite that I've read so far.

Happy Reading,


Keep scrolling to read the teaser for Royally Pucked. I've also included the link to add it to your Goodreads, as well a link if you want to grab it on Amazon. If you're a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, it's FREE for you!








A hockey-playing prince, a most improper lady, and one accidental pregnancy...

When you're an heir so spare that getting attacked by a shark is more likely than you ever wearing the crown, you're allowed certain liberties. Yet still, those liberties can bite you in the ass.

Good thing I'm such a charming devil.

Even then, I've been banished to America for a year under the pretense of playing professional hockey while my father cleans up my latest mess. But trouble follows me wherever I go.  Generally trouble of the beautiful female variety, and Gracie Diamonte is no exception. Or possibly, she's the best exception.

Until the dinosaur suit. The cookie incident. And the accidental pregnancy.

Of course I'll do the right thing.

Just as soon as I solve that pesky problem of my royal betrothal.

I'm about to be the biggest scandal to rock my country and there's a good chance my father may throw me to the sharks after all. The funny thing is I've heard that raising children may not be so different from swimming with the sharks. So no matter how you look at things I am Royally Pucked.

Royally Pucked is a hilariously wrong romance between a spare heir and the lady least likely to ever wear a princess crown, complete with dirty cookies, an emotional support monkey, and lots of pucking around. This romantic comedy stands alone with no cheating, cliffhangers, and ends happily with a family of...more than two.


Add to Goodreads: Royally Pucked

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Ruthless Monarch {a review}




Ruthless Monarch is a mafia romance featuring the enemies to lovers trope. I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book, and it was a decent story. It held my interest, and I was curious the entire time.

Do I think some things could have been elaborated on? Oh absolutely. I'd love to tell you specifics, but that would lead to spoilers, so I can't.

Was there a twist that I wasn't expecting? YES there was. Plus there was another moment that wasn't specifically said, but I did guess it. So yay for me on that.

Did I like the characters? I did. Both Matteo and Viviana were intriguing. Now there were times where Viviana bothered me slightly, but it is what it is. I will say I enjoyed how Viviana was able to magically get Matteo to open up to her. That was impressive. Not to mention how she could easily read him. As for the side characters (Julia, the Governor, Salvatore), they kept me on my feet. If I'm being honest, I would have appreciated more of the Salvatore storyline. 

How was the romance? It was good. You have the classic enemies to lovers trope, along with a bit of forced proximity. The steamy scenes were just that, steamy.  

Overall, the story was decent, but honestly it left me a little wanting.  When I was 3/4 of the way through the book, I was debating that it could wrap up in the last quarter as I knew it wasn't going to cliffhanger. I actually wish Ruthless Monarch had been a duet, as that would have allowed the storyline to delve a little deeper and add in more action/drama. 

Let's talk rating! As you know, on Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub, you can only give full star marks. That makes those in-between ratings a bit more difficult. I chose to mark Ruthless Monarch as a 4 on Goodreads. In reality, it was probably more of a 3.5 or 3.75 for me. Could I have dropped it to a 3, eh maybe, but I think it is better than that. So I'm sticking to my 4 star rating.

Do you read mafia romance? What do you look for in the story? Is it the romance? The storyline? The length of the story?

Happy Reading,


Please keep scrolling to read the teaser for Ruthless Monarch! I have it included below.



Matteo Amante.


Dangerous. Deadly. And most of all, devastating.


He’s the king of the city.

Running the mafia and ruling the East Coast.


He’s at war with his cousin, and I am the casualty.


There is nothing Matteo won’t do to win.

He’ll burn everything down to the ground, my hopes and dreams included.


He’s no hero.

He’s the handsome devil who will probably kill me in the end.


Falling in love with the enemy can destroy me, especially when he is my husband . . .




 Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!


US: https://amzn.to/3c87VYf

WW: http://mybook.to/ruthmon


Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3s383NM




Meet Ava Harrison


Ava Harrison is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.

When she's not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.

 

Connect with Ava

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Thank you to Grey's Promotions and Ava Harrison for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Ruthless Monarch in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required, all thoughts/opinions regarding the book are my own.


Friday, April 2, 2021

Brightly Burning Bridges {a review}



I just finished reading Brightly Burning Bridges by Ivy Wild, and I'm not okay. I mean I am, but I'm not. I haven't recovered from this book yet.

Okay so I know that this is an enemies to lovers bully romance. I know that. I knew that going in. But friends, I found myself DESPISING Silas for a good majority of the book.

Heck if you look at my Goodreads, these were the two updates I posted.



Silas had me wanting to throw my Kindle at times. If I had a physical copy of the book, it would have flown across the room. It wasn't just his arrogance, I mean that played a big part of it. It was his attitude. I thought it might have improved after high school, but oh no. Silas is the type of man I would avoid at all costs.

So I say that, and I stick to it, but knowing his back story, knowing what he has dealt with, that slightly changes my feelings about him. Just a little bit. Yes, he's gone through this horrible thing that no one ever wants to go through, but it's evident he never had closure. He never healed. He took that pain and let that lead him. I think that also had a lot to do with Silas pushing others away.

As for Skyler, well she wasn't perfect either. But I could relate to her a bit. She was the outsider in school, and she was obviously different than her peers (in appearance and status). Now do I understand why she did what she did for Silas back in high school? Heck no! But whatever. That is what it was. After high school things didn't really improve for Skyler, but she did her best. She was making a life for herself.

Then Silas showed up, and everything changed. We still the back and forth between current day and 10 years prior, but now we get to experience Silas and Skyler with no one standing in their way. (well except for themselves obviously)

My friends, this story...ooooooh... I don't even know what to say. 

It was good. It was frustrating. It sucked me in and held me hostage until the very last page, and I freaking loved it. Once you find out about Vartan's history, yeah, that changes EVERYTHING. Like I thought I disliked Silas, oh Silas is NOTHING compared to Vartan. And while I understand why he did what he did, I also want to throttle him for doing what he did. 

In the end, I got what I wanted. Although if I'm being honest, I fully thought there was a chance it wouldn't happen. I was a bit worried.

I want to say more, but I can't. Because I know myself and I will spoil something. I will say more than I intend to, and ruin the story.

The teaser is posted below for those who may be curious!

Happy Reading,


Thank you to Ivy Wild and Candi Kane PR for providing me with an advanced copy of Brightly Burning Bridges! I may have disliked Silas in the beginning, but by the end I was all in for him and Skyler.
 
    
      


Silas
He wasn't my friend until he became my enemy.
His center is freezing cold, and his edges burn me when I get too close.
He is everything I want and nothing I am.
They say not to burn bridges, but he burned ours to the ground.

Skyler
She is the girl who wants to be seen, but hates being noticed.
She was my friend, my tease, my confidant.
She is pure light against all my darkness.
The reason you burn down bridges is to build them up stronger.

Brightly Burning Bridges is a standalone romance and part of the Kings of Capital series.

   

      
AVAILABLE NOW! 

FREE IN KU!



About the Author: 
Writer of all things untamed, romantic and free, Ivy Wild never planned on becoming a romance novelist. In fact, she hated romance as a kid and was quite proud of that fact. Basically, life is weird. Married to her own alpha hero, she currently lives in various places of the world at various times thanks to his military career. Her current side hustle is being a lawyer.   

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