Long Way Home {a review}

Friends, The Long Way Home by Laura Farr was such a sweet story. Definitely gave me Hallmark Movie vibes. Now don't take me saying sweet and automatically assume this is a closed door or fade to black steam level, because it's not. It also isn't over the top. It was right in that sweet spot.

When I read the teaser for the book, I was automatically intrigued. I've read single parent stories before, and the majority have been single mothers. So this flips the script. Jack is doing his best to take care of Jacob, work a full time job, and tend to the house. Not having anyone close by to help him out, means that he gets little to no alone time (or time out with friends).

With Libby's phone call inviting Jack and Jacob out to the family ranch in Texas, I knew right away that Jack was going to fall in love with someone. And oh how he did. 

I absolutely loved this book. Right from the beginning I was hooked, and could not put it down. (I would have finished it one sitting, but I was getting tired and well my kindle met my face. oops.) Seeing Jack and Aria together day in and day out, and witnessing their connection grow, was just wonderful. What made me fall even harder though was Aria's instant connection with Jacob. Oh that sweet little boy. My mama heart swooned.

Of course this book couldn't just be the sweet love story of Jack and Aria. Oh no. There had to be a point of conflict, and who better to bring that but Jacob's mom, Zara. I knew nothing good would happen when Zara showed up. Then there was the accident, and I just wanted to throw my kindle because ZARA. I just can't.

In the end though, everything worked out the way it was supposed to. My heart was happy. The characters were happy. It was all wrapped up ever so nicely.

The Long Way Home may have been my first book by Laura Farr, but it will not be my last. I need to go back and read the first three books in this series so I can see the others get their HEAs. Especially since I have fallen for the characters, and the setting.

If you'd like to read the teaser, as well as an excerpt, keep scrolling. There are also links to add the book to your Goodreads TBR and to Amazon should you want to purchase. If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, The Long Way Home is available for you to read free.

Thanks for taking time to read my thoughts,

Title: The Long Way Home

Series: Healing Hearts #4

Author: Laura Farr

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 14, 2021

BLURB

Life as a single dad is tough, and when Jack Davis gets the chance to spend a couple of months on his family’s ranch in Texas, he doesn’t hesitate. Within hours of arriving, he meets Aria Stanton, the ranch’s horse trainer. He’s drawn to her in ways he can’t explain, but falling in love with someone who lives on the other side of the world isn't something he planned on, especially when he knows he can’t stay.

Aria never expected to fall hard and fast for Jack and his adorable son. In an attempt to guard her heart, she fights their undeniable connection, knowing if she gives in to her feelings, she’ll be picking up the pieces of her broken heart when he leaves. Love has other ideas though, and she’s soon in deeper than she’s ever been.

When Jack’s past collides with his present, lies and deceit threaten to tear them apart. Will Aria have what it takes to hold on to their love when she’s the only one able to fight for it, or will they both end up heartbroken?

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

“Tonight was fun, right?” he asks as he takes another pull of his beer.

“Yeah, it really was,” I agree.

“Well, you’ve definitely come away from tonight with one admirer, that’s for sure.” He chuckles and bumps his shoulder with mine.

My cheeks flush and my stomach flips. “I have?” I ask quietly, my fingers playing with the stem of my wine glass.

“Yeah. Jacob adores you.” My heart sinks when I realize he’s not talking about himself. Of course he’s not, why would he? We only met a few hours ago. “I’ve never seen him so comfortable with someone he’s only just met. You must be pretty special.” Despite my initial reaction to his comment, my heart warms thinking Jacob likes me.

“I’m not sure about special. I think I won him over with my car playing skills.” I chuckle as I turn to look at him. “What can I say, I’m a big kid at heart.”

“I think you’re pretty special.” His voice is low and I barely hear him over the noise of the television. “You definitely won me over.”

“I did?” I mutter, my eyes finding his.

“Yeah, the second I saw you.”

“Oh…” I reply, not knowing what to say. He puts his half-empty bottle of beer on the table in front of us and reaches for my glass, setting it down next to his.

“Do you think I could kiss you now? I might go mad if I have to wait a minute longer.”

My eyes widen in surprise. No one has ever asked if they can kiss me before. I don’t know if it’s his British accent or whether it’s just because it’s him, but I’ve never heard anything sexier.

“Well, I wouldn’t want you to go mad because of me,” I whisper, my eyes already dropping to his lips. Despite only meeting a few hours ago, I’ve thought a lot about how it would feel to kiss him. My heart pounds in my chest as he turns to face me on the sofa, his hand snaking into my hair. His palm cups my face and his thumb gently strokes my cheek. As he lowers his mouth toward mine, I close my eyes. When I don’t feel his lips a few seconds later, I open one eye, only to see him staring at me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, self-conscious I have lasagna from earlier around my mouth.

He shakes his head. “Nothing. I just wanted to remember this moment.”

His lips crash against mine before I have a chance to say anything, and I find myself tugging on his t-shirt in a desperate attempt to get as close to him as possible. His tongue swipes across my bottom lip, and I open to him. It’s the most perfect kiss I’ve ever received, and my whole body feels alive. My fingers leave his t-shirt as my hands trace up his toned chest and over his shoulders, my fingers finding the hair at the nape of his neck. In one swift movement, he’s laid me on the sofa, his body over the top of me. His weight presses me into the cushions, and I can feel his erection against my thigh. I shamelessly raise my hips to try and find some relief for the growing ache that’s building between my legs. When I grind against him, he moans into my mouth, and that turns me on even more.

“God, Aria,” he says against my lips as he pulls out of the kiss and rests his forehead on mine. “We’ve got to stop.” His breathing is labored, and I’m panting too. “If we don’t, I’m going to take you right here on this sofa.”

His words make the ache between my legs even stronger and I tilt my head, capturing his lips with mine. I pepper kisses around his jaw and my lips come to a stop by his ear. “You know that turns me on even more, right?” I whisper, nibbling gently on his ear.

ALSO AVAILABLE

FREE for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Always free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO

Laura Farr lives in Shropshire with her husband and two children. When she isn’t working, or being a Mummy she is pursuing her dream of writing.

She is a romantic at heart and loves nothing more than writing stories with a happy ever after, even if there is the odd chapter of angst thrown in! Her desire to write came from her love of reading and when she isn’t writing you will find her attached to her kindle or spending time with her family.

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NEWSLETTER

Sweetened {a review}

I had never read a book by Annie Dyer before now. That being said, when I read the teaser for Sweetened, I knew I had to pick it up. I just had to. And now, well now I want to go back to the start of the Severton Search and Rescue series and get to know everyone.

Now I will admit that it took me a little bit to get into Sweetened. My gut tells me it was just me getting into the world, and figuring out the characters. I also think it too me a bit as this book is set in England. So there were certain words that I had to look up. That's all minor things though, and you may have a completely different experience.

The banter between Lainey and Jake was fantastic. The pranks also had me chuckling. You could feel the relationship building, even though they were both fighting it. (okay more so Lainey, but still) Their relationship had a bit of a slow burn to it, and I was here for it. Let's set aside the relationship, and talk about the setting! Could not have been more perfect. I love the farm setting, the small town environment,  and the businesses that Lainey and Jake had created. Oh and those alpacas had me laughing a few times with their random appearances.

I do wish that Annie Dyer had elaborated more on Lainey's business. That was so intriguing to me, and after a bit that faded into the background as the relationship progressed. When Lainey revealed her past trauma to Jake, I honestly thought that would have been built into the storyline. In my mind it would have been awesome to see Jake (and team) rescue Lainey from the situation. But it is what it is, and just because my mind went some where, doesn't mean that the author went there.

All in all I'm glad I read Sweetened. It was a good story with great characters. If you're following my Goodreads reviews, you'll notice that I gave 3 "physical" stars to the book. Since they don't do partial ratings, I did put in my description that I felt this was a 3.5 star. Thinking about it now, I could even bump that to a 3.75. 

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts about Sweetened. If you keep scrolling a little bit further, I have the teaser posted for you to read. I've also added links to Goodreads (add it to your TBR!) and Amazon.

SWEETENED by Annie Dyer is LIVE! 

FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

One Click Here: http://mybook.to/Sweetened
Add to Goodreads: Sweetened by Annie Dyer

Winning will never taste so sweet…

Lainey Green has got exactly what she wants—the dream location for her equine therapy centre and a place to settle down and call home.

Unfortunately for Jake Maynard, that home is the farm he desperately wanted, and the alpaca owning, farm running, town Romeo isn’t about to be on the welcoming committee for Lainey anytime soon. 

Irritation turns into rivalry, which morphs into something else entirely.

And pretty soon Jake Maynard is well on the way to hanging up his playboy ways for good.

Lainey is the only prize he’s interested in winning. 

Now all he has to do is persuade his feisty, independent neighbour to feel the same about him. 

   

Did you know? Annie Dyer has a FREE Novella for you!

It is called Ridden, and it is Holly and Josh's story.

You can get your freebie here: https://bit.ly/3sAdLHY     

About the Author:

    

Annie lives in the north of England, not too far from the amazing city of Manchester. She is owned by several cats and many hens, narrowly avoiding being a mad cat woman by enslaving a very understanding husband. She’s an avid reader of many genres and if she’s not writing a book, she’s usually reading one!

Connect with Annie:

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The Heartbreaker {cover reveal}

Claire Contreras has revealed the cover for The Heartbreaker!

 

~Releasing: May 6, 2021~

Cover Designer: Hang Le
Photographer: Miguel Anxo Photography
Model: Sergio Carvajal

 

  

They say you never forget your first.

Jagger Cruz, the popular, gorgeous, athletic, heartbreaker, was my introduction to college flings.

Over the years, I've tried to pay no attention to every wicked rumor I heard about him, even though deep down I knew they weren't just rumors. Unable to face the consequences of what we'd done, if we were ever in close quarters, I ran in the other direction. If we were coincidentally put in the same class, I dropped it.

Avoidance was the name of the game and so far I was winning.

That is, until we're assigned the same apartment.

Living with Jagger during my last semester was definitely not in my plans, but I'm determined to make it work. As long as I don't look at him for too long or let his innuendos get under my skin, I should be fine, right? I have to be.

They say hooking up with your roommate can be messy, and losing my heart to Jagger would be disastrous.

 

Pre-order your copy today!

Pre-order today on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dbRcE9
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheHeartbreakerCC

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3w220MD

 

Meet Claire

Claire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance and are currently translated in seven different languages.

She was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Miami, and now lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, two adorable boys, and French Bulldog. When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book.

Connect with Claire

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Every Time I Fall {a review}

 

I was so excited to read Every Time I Fall by Lexi Ryan. It is the third book in the Orchid Valley series, and this book is the story of Dean and Abbi. How could I not be excited? This book contains a small town romance featuring the brother's best friend trope. Then there is the fact that Abbi is a curvy woman, and that is something I can relate to. Just so many great things!

If you read my weekly wrap up, then you already know the rating I gave Every Time I Fall.  I think we can all agree that a 3 star rating isn't anything to be ashamed of. It's a good book, and a decent read. I stand by that. I'd actually go so far to say that Every Time I Fall is more of a 3.5 than a 3, but again, that isn't an option on the sites I use. So there's that.

Here's what I will say:

• The concept for the book was fantastic. (small town/brother's best friend/plus size heroine)
• The characters are relatable.
• Loved the community/setting.
• Loved that Abbi was thinking of her future career. 

That all holds true. Yet something was off for me. Maybe had I read the first two books in the Orchid Valley series, I'd have a different opinion. Maybe it was Dean. Maybe it was Abbi. Maybe it was the way Abbi felt about herself. Maybe it was Amy. (She's a piece of work) Maybe it was the secrecy of the relationship. Heck, maybe it was just me!  I cannot fully put my finger on it. 

Did I enjoy the book? I did.

Would I recommend it? I would because the storyline is good.

Will I read more by Lexi Ryan? Absolutely. 

Thanks for taking time to read my thoughts,

Scroll a bit further if you'd like to read the teaser for Every Time I Fall. I've also included a link to add it to your Goodreads TBR, and a link if you'd like to purchase the book.

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan brings you Every Time I Fall, a sexy standalone romance about a woman learning to love herself and the guy who's loved her all along.



He's my brother's best friend.

The hot guy with the heart of gold I've never let myself want.

Guys like Dean don't go for girls like me.

Curvy. Thick. A big girl. Whatever label you put on it, I know who I am and what it means. And that's fine. I'm content to be Dean's buddy and nothing more.

Or so I thought. When Dean finds out about my bedroom issues and decides to help me fix them, everything changes.

He swears there's no such thing as "bad in bed" and pleasure is all about chemistry. I'm not convinced, but he intends to prove it. With his mouth. With his body. With his dirty texts and whispered promises.

I know from the first kiss that I'm going to fall hard. That this can't last, and the end might break me. But, for these days with Dean, all the hurt might be worth it.



  Download today!
Amazon: http://mybook.to/EveryTimeIFall
Apple Books: http://bit.ly/ETIFApple 
Nook: http://bit.ly/ETIFNook 
Kobo: http://bit.ly/ETIFKobo
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3lXlLQs

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ETIFGoodreads





Meet Lexi



Lexi Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of emotional romance that sizzles and the 2018 winner of the Romance Writers of America® RITA®  award for Best Long Contemporary Romance. She considers herself the luckiest girl around to make a living through storytelling. She loves spending time with her kids, weightlifting, ice cream, swoony heroes, and vodka martinis.

Lexi lives in Indiana with her husband, two children, and a spoiled dog.
 
Connect with Lexi
Website | http://www.lexiryan.com/
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Amazon | http://amzn.to/2bIYjGa
Facebook | http://bit.ly/LexiRyanFB
Facebook Group | https://bit.ly/3jm8Jtz
Instagram | http://bit.ly/LexiRyanIG
Twitter | http://bit.ly/LexiRyanTW
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Bad Crush {teaser}

 

Attention fellow hockey romance fans! We have a new book headed our way!

Bad Crush by Rebecca Janshak is releasing April 27, 2021!

Blurb

There are a lot of really great ways to tell your best friend's brother you have a crush on him, I'm sure.
I should tell him. I'm planning on telling him. But every time Adam's around, I turn into a nervous wreck.

On the stage, I'm bold and brave, but standing next to him, I'm shy and timid.

Overnight I go from pretending I don't love him to pretending I do and hoping he doesn't realize it.

See, Adam needs a date. He's newly single and not looking for a real girlfriend, so he asks his good friend and brilliant actress (me) to play the part.

Acting like I'm in love with him is easy. Hiding my feelings is the real challenge.

Now I have to tell my fake fiancé that I'm not pretending.

My bad crush has gotten me in way over my head.

Pre-order your copy today!

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Add to your Goodreads

Bad Crush