Thursday, June 24, 2021

Jock Royal {a review}

 


Jock Royal is the brand new book by Sara Ney, and it is the fourth book in her Jock Hard series. This new adult sports romance takes place on a college campus, and features a relationship between two athletes (track & rugby).

Okay real talk before we head into my recap of the book. The way this book started, eh, that's not sitting well with me. To challenge someone (a teammate) to pull a prank, and have it based upon appearances of the other person? EW. No. Although I will say I'm glad our heroine had issues with that and tried to get her teammates to change the prank. Moving on...As I said above, Jock Royal takes place on a college campus. We have Ash, our hero, who is attending college in the US so that he can have a bit of a break from his life back home. He's going to step into the job his father has for him, but first he wants to be here to obtain his degree in business. While attending college he also is on the Rugby team.  Meanwhile Georgia, our heroine, has just transferred to this school. Yes, it's her last semester of college and so it's a bit odd to transfer this late in the game, but events at the previous school made the transfer necessary. After all she's on scholarship, and without that scholarship, college would take a lot longer and she'd be in debt. One night Georgia attends a party with her teammates. It is then that the hazing takes place, and her team says she has to ask the ugliest guy (in attendance) out on a date, and then bring the guy to them to make sure she completed her task. Well Georgia spots Ash. His face is all bruised up from a game, he could use a hair cut and a shave, and well right now he fits the bill. Ash however knows what's up, and he's not putting up with it. That is their meet-cute, and what happens next is their journey toward a HEA.

Jock Royal gave me mixed vibes. Yes, it was an easy to read story. Yes, I liked the idea of the storyline. Yes, I really enjoyed Ash's character. Then there was Georgia. The opening scene did not cloud my judgement of her. Not at all. I actually applaud her for trying to stand up to her teammates. But there was something about our heroine that just didn't feel right. She seemed immature (yes, I know she's only 21/22), and not really willing to communicate clearly. Maybe I was missing something with her, I'm not entirely certain. I was rooting for Ash and Georgia though. I was. I wanted their relationship to work out. I wanted their new found friendship to move into the lovers category. And so when that happened I was thrilled. Then life after Vegas happened, and that irked me. A lot. Like I said, the book just gave me mixed thoughts/feelings. I'm glad that there was an HEA at the end, but it doesn't feel like their story should have ended there. That could just be me though.

All in all I loved the hate to friends to lovers aspect of the story. I loved the British influence that Ash brought. The scene on the Rugby pitch had me chuckling. Rating wise, I am leaning towards a 3.5.

Should you choose to read Jock Royal, please let me know your thoughts. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura




IT’S EASY TO TAKE ONE DARE WHEN YOU THINK IT’S HARMLESS.

 

Ashley Dryden-Jones is the best rugby player on the field—when I take a dare I instantly regret, I had no way of knowing he was a gentleman. An athlete. British with no plans to stay in the States.

 

He makes me forget myself, bruises, 5 o’clock shadow, accent and all.

 

He makes me forget I cannot crawl into bed with him at night—or get drunk and throw caution to the wind for once in my overly cautious life.

 

Because he’s my new roommate.

 

ONE STUPID BET LEADS TO ONE UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT.

 

When I win a trip to Vegas I need a plus one; he’s the strapping, strong and responsible choice. Besides—I’ve never been anywhere and he has.

 

He is the best friend I didn’t know I needed.

 

Ashley is one of the good ones—but I’m about to find out how bad this good boy can be.



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Meet Sara Ney


Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

 Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

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Thank you to Sara Ney and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of Jock Royal.

Savage {cover reveal}

SAVAGE by Caitlyn Dare is coming July 1, 2021!

Welcome to Savage Falls...A brand new dark reverse harem bully romance trilogy from bestselling author Caitlyn Dare, coming this summer!

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

Are you ready for a SAVAGE summer?

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster
Cover Model: Adrian


A new dark romance from the bestselling author of the Rebels at Sterling Prep series.

No one knows the code of the Sinners MC better than me.

Born and raised in the club, I’ve spent most of my life rebelling against my daddy’s strict rules and overprotective nature.

When an old MC rivalry resurfaces, I find myself with not one, but two surly biker babysitters.

Dane Stray, my ex-best friend, and Rhett Savage, my daddy’s favorite member and perpetual thorn in my side.

I don’t need protecting though, not the way Dane and Rhett think I do.

But they’re determined to get all up in my business. I hate them… except, I also want them.

Both of them.

Which is kind of awkward because I’m the club princess and one-hundred percent off-limits.

That’s never stopped them taking what they want though.

One of them wants me.

One of them hates to want me.

And me? I just want to survive senior year and finally spread my wings.

But I’m about to learn just how far Sinners will go to protect their own… especially when it’s my life on the line.

SAVAGE is a full length dark enemies-to-lovers/bully romance. This is a why choose novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. It is book one in a trilogy.   

Genre: Dark romance
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, bully, high school, MC, Reverse Harem

 Pre-order is now available!
Add to Goodreads HERE!


Meet

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

   

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

The Rule Maker {a review}



I have loved the Boston Hawks series by Gina Azzi since it debuted back in January. I can't lie. I have fallen for this group, and I have fallen hard.  So when I heard that The Rule Maker was going to be Austin's story? Well I was all in. Then when I learned that it is a friends to lovers story? That just made it even better.

Now if you're not familiar with the Boston Hawks, it is a sports romance series, and our heroes are professional hockey players.  The heroines are all pretty fantastic in their own right, are intelligent, talented, and are the perfect fit for the guys. 

In The Rule Maker we have Austin who is the captain of the Hawks, and feels as though he always has to be in control. He has the world on his shoulders, and it's becoming a lot of pressure for him. As we learn it all stems from an event that happened in college, and that event still drives him to this day. Then there is Chloe. She and Austin were childhood friends, and were constantly together. That is until her family moved to New York. That is when their friendship fizzled. Chloe has recently had her heartbroken by her ex-fiancee, and she now finds herself moving back in with her parents for the summer. Oh, and her parents have recently moved back to the Boston area, and are excited to meet up with the Merricks once again. When Austin opens the door to the house, Chloe is immediately taken aback. She cannot take her eyes off the man standing in front of her. Even though her heart is still healing, Austin has woken a part of her that had been shut off these last few months. After a discussion around a bonfire, these friends come up with a plan to be each others plus ones to summer events. From this point on, their relationship begins to change.

You really should not be surprised when I say that I LOVED this book. I've loved the entire series thus far, and I knew Austin's story would not disappoint. Chloe is an intelligent woman who has always known what she wants in life. It's just that her ex has messed with her brain, and now she has doubts. What she does know is that she loves her job as a crossword puzzle writer. She gets to use her brain, and can work from anywhere. I absolutely love that Gina Azzi keeps writing in these strong, intelligent female characters, and that they keep their smarts about them throughout their relationship. I really enjoyed the friends to lovers storyline, and liked all the history that these two share. Add in the fact that their families are friends, just makes it all the better. I liked how Austin stepped in and said he would be Chloe's plus one to the engagement party, and how it stunned all of the attendees. That was awesome. I was so glad when Austin finally opened up to Chloe about what haunts him, and how that event has shaped his life. The dramatic moment felt appropriate, and I like how it dragged out a little bit. It has Austin a bit stirred up, and it was nice to see him fretting about. All in all, I loved the story. I loved the setup for the next book, and I have to say I was caught off guard when it was said that James was getting his story next rather than Panda (Luca). I don't know what I'll do when the Boston Hawks series is over. I can only hope that Gina Azzi has a spin-off in the works.

You already know I'm going to say that I highly recommend The Rule Maker, and all of the Boston Hawks books, so don't even pretend you're surprised by that. If you are a fan of hockey romance, then grab the series. If you're a fan of friends to lovers, grab The Rule Maker. Just trust me, it's worth it.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura





NHL Boston Hawks captain Austin Merrick used to be my boy-next-door. Now, he’s the man on my mind.

Our paths haven’t crossed in over a decade when I find myself back in Boston, desperate to save face in front of my ex-fiancé. With a devilish smirk and wicked blue eyes, Austin steps back into my life to be my plus one for a summer filled with weddings and events.

Should be fun and effortless, right?

Then why the need for rules?

And why do I crave his touch at the small of my back and wish for his kiss on a moonlit beach?

Suddenly, things begin to feel complicated, messy, and real. When I look at my first friend, I don’t see the boy-next-door, but the man I want to spend forever with.

If Austin learns the depth of my feelings, will he give us a real chance? Or are some rules better left unbroken?



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AUTHOR BIO

Gina Azzi writes emotional and captivating contemporary romance novels with heart-warming happily-ever-afters. She is the author of Second Chance Chicago Series, The Kane Brothers Series, Finding Love in Scotland Series, The College Pact Series, and Corner of Ocean and Bay. All of her books can be read as stand-alones. 

A Jersey girl at heart, Gina has spent her twenties traveling the world, living and working abroad, before settling down in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three children. She's a voracious reader, daydreamer, and coffee enthusiast who loves meeting new people. Say hey to her on social media or through www.ginaazzi.com.


AUTHOR LINKS


Thank you to Gina Azzi and Give Me Books PR for providing me with a copy of The Rule Maker.

Sinful Daughter {a review}


Sinful Daughter is the first book in Emily Bowie's new Dark Mafia Sins series. Right off the bat, Emily Bowie lets us know that each book in the series will be a standalone. So no need to worry about cliffhangers!

Sinful Daughter introduces us to the Rossi family. They are one of the local mafia families in this area of Texas, and they are at war with the Mancini family. Aria Rossi is the eldest daughter, and she is trying to determine if she wants to be the lawyer for her family. She's giving is some serious thought, but doesn't know if it's what she wants. As she makes the decision, she's pretty much shunned from any conversations regarding the business.  Aria's father has also told her that she needs to get married. He has so graciously pulled a list of suitable husbands for her, and she needs to choose. There's just one little problem, Aria has fallen for Theo Fox. Theo is a local police officer, and he is anti-mafia. He believes these families need to be taken down, and that once they are gone the town/county/state would be all the better. His issue is also a bit influenced by the fact that his father (also a police officer) was killed by a person in the mafia. So that has given him a bit of a grudge. His little love affair with Aria is clouding his judgement though. Can he continue to take down these members of the mafia when he's in love with someone in the world?

When I read the description for Sinful Daughter, I wasn't certain how this relationship would play out. I mean a good cop, and a daughter of a mafia family? Hello opposites attract and enemies to lovers! From the initial meeting for Aria and Theo, to the very last page, I was fully captivated. I was curious how this would work out. I was waiting for the moment where they got caught, and what the ramifications of their tryst would bring. I was also waiting to see if Theo would keep his "good cop" status, or if he would start slipping into the shady cop world. I loved the enemies to lovers aspect of the story. I loved how they kept their relationship going, while trying to keep it hidden. My heart shattered toward the end, and I thought this was the end for Aria and Theo. I thought there was no way anything could happen. Then Kane entered the story, and this relationship gave me the HEA I wanted for Aria. I'm ready for Sinful Kisses to be released, as I cannot wait to see what happens next! Especially with that little tidbit we learned toward the end of the book. What the heck happened there? Oofta.

If you are a fan of Mafia Romances, then give this book a try. It isn't a dark romance like most mafia romances, so you won't get a lot of violence or gore. One thing you will get in this book is some steamy moments. It could even be a good introduction to the genre. Oh, and don't forget to scroll to the bottom and enter the giveaway that Emily Bowie is hosting through Rafflecopter!

Thanks for reading my thoughts,
Laura



I’m in love with a mafia princess…

And I’m a cop. One of the good guys.

Theo Fox:

I’m on the verge of taking down the largest mafia family. Until, Aria Rossi. She’s equal parts sexy and sassy. I want to hate her. Yet, she consumes me, drawing me into her world. She blurs the lines of right and wrong, twisting my moral compass each time we meet. She’s become a distraction that will get me killed. When I’m forced to choose between the job I love and the girl I need to hate, will I choose right? Is there even a choice?

Aria Rossi:

He’s the one cop who can’t be bought, making us enemies. I want him, I hate him. He should be off-limits and yet when he puts his hands on my body I can’t say no. War is at my family’s doorstep and Theo Fox wants to be the victor by eliminating the Rossi last name. I never asked for him to steal my heart but it never stood a chance. The world is all ablaze. Will my heart survive or turn to ash in my desperate attempt to save my family? Will either of us be standing when the smoke clears?



Add to your Goodreads TBR HERE!

Now available on Amazon!

US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited



Excerpt

“I’ve never claimed to be a saint, but you, il mio peccato (my sin), will destroy me,” I rasp into her ear. She wiggles under me, making those beautiful moaning sounds only I get to hear. The room is lit enough I can almost make out the smile on her lips.

The party echoes around us, and I wish I could kiss her in public. I wish she wasn’t planning on marrying someone who wasn’t me. Twisting her hair around my hand, I yank it toward me while biting down on her neck. The desire to mark what’s mine is strong, with the need for people to question who she was with. Even when I know it could get us both killed.





Coming Soon!


Releasing September 23

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


Author Bio

Emily Bowie is from a small town in Western Canada. She has been making characters come to life through her writing since she was old enough to put her thoughts on paper. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy. 

She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children. 

She is the author to the Bennett Brothers Series. 

Recklessly Mine, Recklessly Forbidden, & Recklessly Devoted. 

When she is not writing she can be found reading a good book, making digital scrapbooks and being physically active—whether it is at the gym, going for a walk, or playing /keep up with her children.


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Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Saving Ariel {a review}


Are you looking for a new romantic suspense book rec? How about a love at first sight book rec?  What about a book featuring a strong heroine?  Single dad romance? Need a new series? Well then look no further! Allow me to introduce you to Saving Ariel by Ellie Masters!

Ariel Black, our heroine, is a helicopter pilot who has extensive training as she had been a helicopter pilot in the military until she received a medical discharge. This flight though is going to change her life in ways she isn't ready for. Ariel and her crew are headed to an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico to pick up a couple of injured workers. This flight though is right during a hurricane, and all of the crew is evacuating. So her getting there on time is necessary. After a bit of a difficult landing, the medical crew exits, and Ariel is waiting to be secured. Suddenly there is knocking at her door, and Aiden is there telling her to get out of her helicopter. Naturally Ariel fights this, but Aiden wins this round. Once inside the rig, Ariel checks out the weather. It looks like the hurricane is coming in quicker than anticipated, and taking off at these wind speeds is not going to happen. This group is now stuck on the rig until conditions improve. And that is how the story begins, and it is on that landing pad that Aiden falls hard and fast for Ariel.

When I first started Saving Ariel, I thought that the helicopter pilot was a male. I know, I know, I shouldn't have assumed. But I did. So when I found out she was a female, I was cheering her on. She is a strong woman, who is proving that she can do anything she puts her mind to. She knows how to do her job, and she knows what is safe versus not. The fact that she was fighting with Aiden right away made me root for her even more. She wasn't taking anything from anyone. Or at least not if she could help it. I also loved how she fought her attraction, and voiced that it had only been hours that they've known each other. Yet for Aiden, he was all in. Ariel was right to be a bit skeptical and reserved. I loved how the relationship started, and the connection they felt. I love how Ariel's crew was a bit worried about her, and were all ready to go big brother on Aiden. Then Aiden's group was right there calming the waves and talking about what a great guy he was. I just loved it. When the big dramatic moment happened, I fully admit that I held my breath. I may also have started speed reading at that point so I could see what happened next! I had to know! And when that was all revealed, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. The HEA at the end made my heart happy.

I absolutely loved Saving Ariel from start to finish. It was a wonderful story with a strong heroine. I could not put the book down, and am excited to read the rest of the series as it releases. We've been set up now for the next book, Saving Brie, and I cannot wait to hear her story. With how Saving Ariel kicked off, I have high expectations for the series!

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura




If they want their happily ever after, they’ll have to fight Mother Nature for it…

Aiden Cole isn’t interested in love.

Any romantic notions he had died with his wife, despite her dying wish that he find love again. His focus is on raising his daughter as a single dad, and keeping his offshore oil rig crew safe. As his crew evacuates in advance of Hurricane Julian, a category five monster barreling down on the gulf, disaster strikes. Two of his crewmen are critically injured. He needs to get them to safety before the hurricane hits. When the aeromedical rescue helicopter pilot turns out to be a woman, he’s surprised. When she falls into his arms, his entire body takes notice. The tough, gorgeous, pilot is everything Aiden thought he’d never have—or want—again. Can Ariel be the one? His second chance at love?

Too bad the storm seems to have other plans for them…

Ariel Black doesn’t believe in love.

With a category five hurricane barreling down on the Gulf, helicopter pilot, Ariel Black, is on a mission to evacuate wounded men from an oil rig. When the massive storm arrives ahead of schedule, it grounds Ariel’s helicopter, trapping them on the oil rig. She and her men, along with Aiden and his wounded, must ride out the storm. It’s the worst possible time to fall in love, but she does. Ariel falls hard…right into the installation manager’s arms. Aiden Cole makes her heart race, her pulse pound, and the butterflies in her stomach soar. Could he be the one?

Will the storm of the century destroy Aiden and Ariel’s chance at happily ever after? Or does fate have something else in store?

Saving Ariel, a steamy, second chance, contemporary romantic suspense, about love at first sight. It features a protective hero and the smart, feisty heroine who steals his heart.

(Saving Ariel was previously published as 'Aiden.')





Get your copy today and let the binge-reading begin.


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

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EXCERPT

I spent eight years in the military. Alpha men are a dime a dozen in the Army, but we all had the same purpose, the same mission. The business of oil drilling attracts a similar breed, rough and rugged men, only these don’t hold to a code I understand. With the military, everyone marches to the same drummer, follows the same orders, and can be trusted implicitly.
Drillers? They’re a rough lot.

They make me uncomfortable, and I don’t trust them.

Gusts buffet the helideck and the craft shudders. As the whine of the engine disappears, another sound replaces it. A deep, thunderous booming, felt more than heard, joins the roar of the wind. Vibrations from waves crashing against the support pillars rip through the super-structure. Nature’s power literally shakes the world.

I pop open my door and signal to the waiting crew it’s safe to approach. They rush forward and secure my skids, bracing the helicopter against the rising winds. They do the same to the rotors overhead.

Once the skids are locked securely to the helideck, I give the signal for Andrew and Larry. The two men jump out, packs strapped to their backs and portable stretchers in tow.

This isn’t our first foray to one of the thousands of oil rigs distributed throughout the Gulf. The imposing structures never fail to inspire awe, and I feel some of that now pounding in my blood. Or maybe that’s adrenaline spiking along my nerves? It doesn’t matter. Everything about this situation is intense.

Safety protocols have been drilled into me, as they have for my crew. Many of the walkways, stairwells, and ladders span vast distances with deadly drops beneath them. One hand on the rail at all times. It’s a mantra we live with. A fall here can be fatal. Drilling remains one of the most dangerous professions for a reason.

A thick arm braces my door as a gust tries to slam it shut on my leg.

“Careful!” a gruff voice shouts.
“Thanks.”
He pulls back, a look of surprise on his face. “You’re a chick.”
“All day. Every day.”
“Huh.” He holds the door open against the wind. “Come with me.”
“I’ll stay here, thank you.”

“Not happening. Too dangerous.” His gruff features brook no argument as he studies my face. An aura of authority surrounds him and slams into me with the absolute assurance I will do as he says.

My entire career has been spent facing down dominant men and overcoming male and female stereotypes that define who I can and can’t be. I earned my right to pilot the helicopter and won’t let his overwhelming presence force me into feeling less because I happen to be a chick.

But that authoritative aura?

It does things—spins my thoughts, teases my mind, and draws forth a powerful need to cave to his demands. To dispel the effect he has on me, I shake my head and grit my teeth.

“I’m staying with the helicopter.”
“No. You’re not.” He props open the door, leans in, and pulls me out of my seat.






AUTHOR BIO


Ellie writes the kind of heart-stopping, pulse-pounding, can't-stop-reading romance filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy, alpha men. They have to be, because the heroines Ellie writes are strong women with take charge attitudes.

International, bestselling, multi-genre author, Ellie writes the stories she loves to read. Dark romance lover? Sweet contemporary romance? How about a romantic suspense to whet your appetite? Ellie writes it all. Don't wait any longer, your next book boyfriend is waiting for you.

Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.



AUTHOR LINKS




Thank you to Ellie Masters and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an advanced copy of Saving Ariel.

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