Bartender {a review}

Bartender is the brand new release by Annie Dyer! Let's take a trip to Ibiza and see what happens in the lives of Jameson, LaLa, and Livi. I will tell you now that Jameson is the main focus of the story, but you'll get plenty of visits with LaLa and Livi.

Jameson grew up visiting Ibiza on a regular basis. It is her Mom's happy place, and where you can frequently find Livi living. It's been a while since Jameson has visited though. She's recently had her heartbroken by a man she was in a relationship with, and so she is in need of an escape. What better place to go than Ibiza. Upon arriving, Jameson is immediately reunited her sister LaLa. They catch up on their lives during the drive to Safir. Once there is is time to party, go to clubs, and just live the island life of the privileged. It is quite the whirlwind. One night Jameson and crew head to a new bar that has popped up, and Jameson has spotted Tommy. He's the owner of the bar, a bit older, and extremely handsome. Jameson cannot get him off her mind. LaLa tries to convince Jameson to have a summer romance with someone. She's pushing for her friend Monty, but really anyone will do. Just something to bring back some life to Jameson before she heads off to New York. Eventually Jameson and Tommy begin talking, seeing each other casually, and hooking up. Now you might think their love story is the entire premise of the story, but it's not. There is a side story happening that involves Lawrie, Livi, Jameson, LaLa, Asher, Marcus, and Tommy. And that side story is where the suspense portion of the book comes into play. 

Bartender is the second book that I've read by Annie Dyer, and I'm still getting a feel for her storytelling. It feels a little slow paced for my liking, and when it's in heavy description mode I tend to lose interest. But that's a "me" issue, not an issue with the book. While I say all that, I also want to say that I absolutely loved the setting. The characters were interesting but extremely privileged and not overly relatable. Jameson and Tommy were a good fit for each other, and the opposites attracts aspect worked well.  More than anything though, I was curious about Livi, Gav, and Lawrie. I'd love a book that tells their story, as I'd love that backstory. The rest of storyline though, I really enjoyed probably more so when the suspense kicked in. I know a book about LaLa is coming, but I'm not 100% certain if I'll read it. I guess it depends on the description of the book.

Do I recommend Bartender? As long as you don't mind slower paced books, then yes I recommend the book. Full disclosure, I chose to give the book 3.5 stars (rating shown on Goodreads as a 3) primarily because of how slow it all felt. The side story wasn't enough for me to bump the book to a 4. Maybe had that been a larger part of the story, then perhaps, but it is what it is.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura 

My plans were simple: an island escape to relax before starting my new life in New York.

I didn’t plan on falling in love with a man who said he was just a bartender.

I didn’t plan on my White Isle vacation turning so dark.

And the bartender – it’s not just my heart he holds in his hands.

It’s my life.

Purchase your copy of Bartender HERE!

Add to your Goodreads TBR HERE!

Meet Annie

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

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

Facebook | Facebook Group | BookBub | Amazon

Hosted by

Thank you to Annie Dyer and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of Bartender

Savage {a review}

   

If you like MC Romance, Reverse Harem, or High School Bully romance stories, then you NEED to go read Savage by Caitlyn Dare!

Savage was my first ever Reverse Harem story, and I liked it more than I thought I would. I've had this preconceived notion in my head about the trope, and I tried to tell myself it wouldn't be something I'd like. Well, clearly I told myself wrong. Although it may have had to do with the story line, the writing, and all that jazz.  So I'll have to give another RH story a try to see if I do truly enjoy it, or if Savage just grabbed my attention.

Speaking of Savage...so what's it about? Well, we have Sadie who is the daughter of the Savage Falls Sinners MC Club President. She is in her senior year of high school, and her Dad has gotten intel on a threat toward his daughter. So what does he do? He sends in Rhett Savage and Dane Stray to keep an eye on her while at school. He has these guys attending the school as students, and it is making Sadie angry. Granted she doesn't know why they are at her school, she assumes it's to keep an eye on Rhett's little sister, River. Sadie isn't exactly happy to have River living in her house, taking her dad's attention, and having to keep an eye on River at school. It's not what she wants. Then one night, Sadie decides to take River to a party at the Clubhouse. Rhett is ticked. Dane makes a play for Sadie. Rhett is jealous...and then the story goes on.

Now I could tell you more about the story, recap it a bit more, but I struggle to know when to limit my words. So it's best that I leave my recap as it is. As I said above, this was my first RH story, and I was captivated. I wasn't the steamy scenes that kept my attention, but rather the entire story. From the beginning to the end, I was hooked. Then again, I love a good romantic suspense, so it shouldn't really surprise me that I enjoyed the storyline. There are so many unknowns that are still out there, but I'm guessing those will be revealed in Sacrifice (book 2) and Sacred (book 3). Also, I really want to know what Evan's issue is. He is just an ass, who thinks he knows something that he really knows nothing about. I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds, and what happens in the lives of our characters. Oh by the way, River and Jax just need to be together. Sorry not sorry. (also I want a novella about their relationship)

A quick note for all of you. Savage DOES end with a cliffhanger.  So if you want to binge read the trilogy, you'll have to wait until September when Sacred releases. Otherwise if you'd like to be tortured like the rest of us, start reading the trilogy now. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

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 include:

Enemies to lovers

Bully

High school

MC

Reverse Harem

Available NOW & FREE in KU!

Add to Savage to your Goodreads!

Don't forget to preorder SACRIFICE, Book #2, coming August 5th!

Meet

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

   

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Goodreads | Instagram | BookBub | Newsletter | Amazon

hosted by:

Thank you to Caitlyn Dare and Candi Kane PR for providing an advanced copy of Savage: Savage Falls Sinners MC #1.

His Secret Love {a review}

His Secret Love is the final installment of the Manhattan Billionaires series by Ava Ryan. If you're looking for billionaire romance, single dad romance, and/or forbidden/workplace romance, then give His Secret Love a read.

Jake is a single parent to two adorable kids, and he shares custody of them with his ex-wife. Jake has little to no interest in a relationship, but he is always looking for one night with a willing partner. Enter the dating app he uses. After scrolling through he is captivated by this gorgeous red head with amazing green eyes. He can't get her off his mind, and he contacts her to set up a date. The date is planned, and they meet up at a local bookstore. Skye recently left law school, and is trying to find a job to pay the bills especially since her student loans are going to need to be paid. She checks out Jake on the dating app, and after a conversation she agrees to meet up with him at her family's bookstore. When the two meet, the attraction is instantaneous. After conversation, they agree to go grab dinner together. After dinner at Jake's condo, steamy moments happen out on the balcony, and Jake tells Skye that he will call her. He doesn't call her. A little while later, Skye lands the job of a life time. She is now a live in nanny, taking care of two adorable kids. The woman who hired her is even giving her free room and board! So now she can focus on paying down those loans and saving for an apartment. That is until she meets her employer's ex-husband. Now she's questioning everything. Because that ex-husband, aka also her new sort of boss, is Jake; the man she had a one night stand with. The man who never called her after he said she would. Now she is going to be living with him whenever he has the kids. Can they keep that one night in the past, or will lingering attraction cause issues?

His Secret Love was so good. This quick read held my attention, and I had to keep reading to see what would happen between Jake and Skye. Would Marlene find out? If so, what kind of drama would she bring? From the initial meeting at the bookstore, to the steamy night together, to the sudden forced proximity, it was all so good. Now I could have done without the secrecy, but honestly 1) it's right there in the title, and 2) it's what makes the story the story. Ya know? Loved it all. Loved that the kids were paying enough attention that they caught on. Love that Skye found a family to love her and accept her. Loved that these two got their HEA. I was worried for a bit, but it happened.

So if forced proximity, secret relationships, one night stands turned lovers is your thing, then read the book. Or if you like billionaire romances, read His Secret Love. 

Thanks for reading my thoughts,
Laura

His Secret Love by Ava Ryan is now live!

Best one-night-stand of my life. Plot twist: she’s our new nanny…

Commitments? No thanks.

And after my painful divorce I’m also done with secrets and lies.

The occasional hookup is more my speed as a new billionaire, busy doctor and single dad.

But there’s something about Skye. That’s why I swiped right on her profile.

That’s why we enjoyed sizzling chemistry and an unforgettable one-night stand.

I meant it to be a one-time thing.

I never anticipated this growing obsession with her.

I certainly never expected my ex to hire her as our new nanny.

Now my life is full of messy secrets.

And the relentless desire to get feisty Skye back in my bed…

Don’t miss the final standalone in Ava Ryan’s sexy
contemporary romance series, Manhattan Billionaires!

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US | WW

Add His Secret Love to your Goodreads!

Meet Ava Ryan

Ava Ryan is an author of sexy contemporary romance. Her favorite things, in no special order, are animals, her family, cookies, people with great senses of humor and love stories. Currently in her writer's cave (ostensibly working hard on her next book while also checking Netflix every few hours to make sure she hasn't missed a new true crime documentary show), she loves hearing from readers via her website or social media. If you love billionaire alpha males, the feisty women who snag their hearts and books that end with a happily ever after, you've come to the right place.

Please make sure to subscribe to Ava's newsletter to stay in the loop about her latest releases and upcoming books!

Connect with Ava

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub | Newsletter

Thank you to Ava Ryan and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an advanced copy of His Secret Love.

Open Lanes {a review}

Are you looking for a new hockey romance book to read? How about the first book in a new series? Is second chance romance one of your favorite tropes? What about a bit of forced proximity? Friends to enemies to lovers? Do you enjoy New Adult romances that are set at college? Well look no further because Open Lanes by Mary Morano is the answer! Open Lanes is the first book in the Moosehead Hockey series, and it just released on July 1, 2021!

Why yes, this is the third hockey romance book that I've reviewed this week! And no, I'm not complaining one bit. It is my weakness. My obsession. And I rarely turn down the opportunity to read this area of the romance genre. I will say that college hockey isn't my usual read, but that isn't going to deter me from Open Lanes one bit.

In this book we meet up with Nicole and Brayden. These two have been best friends since birth, and honestly their parents have always believed these two were meant to be together. Around middle school though, everything changed. Brayden started being a jerk, and was just relentless when it came to picking on Nicole. Of course more often than not, this lead to tears for her. As for Brayden, he was dealing with these feelings that he didn't understand. Brayden's behavior turned these two friends into enemies. Nicole thought she would be free of him when she went away to college in Maine. But then Brayden announced he was going to the same school on a hockey scholarship. Flash forward to the end of their sophomore year, and it's time to head home for the summer. Nicole's boyfriend is driving her to the airport. After they have a much needed discussion in the car, he ditches her on the side of the road. She has no cell service, and there are basically no cars driving this stretch of road. As she continues walking, she finally hears a car coming up. That is when her mind goes into overdrive, and starts thinking all the thoughts. When a male gets out of his car, and is trying to talk to her, she does her best to ignore him. That is until he starts laughing. Turning around she is surprised to see Brayden. He convinces her that he'll drive her to the airport. On the way, she falls asleep, and he skips right passed the airport. (this is after talking to both of their parents, and getting the okay) What happens next is 5 days of sight seeing, conversation, a change in feelings, an overdue apology and explanation, and the beginning of what is meant to be.

I know I'm far past the age of these two characters (I could be their mom), but that didn't stop me from loving every second of the book. Also when Nicole first got into Brayden's car, and got a whiff of his hockey gear, I understood the overwhelming smell that she was assaulted with. That poor woman. I loved how everything played out in this story. From the friends to enemies aspect, to Brayden trying to stay in touch while at college, to how the car ride happened, and everything Brayden had planned for the trip. It was all so good, and I love that he incorporated activities/stops that we right up Nicole's alley. He knows her, and what she enjoys. Then there were a couple much needed conversations that happened, and I love how Brayden just laid it all out there. It shows that he has matured. Other than Nicole's ex, there wasn't a thing that I didn't enjoy. This book was a quick read. It kept me fully engaged. There was one point where Nicole read her book out loud for Brayden to hear that had me laughing hysterically. Which I then had to explain to my husband why I was laughing so hard.

Open Lanes was absolutely fantastic. It was Mary Morano's debut, and let me tell you, I have a sneaking suspicion she is going to become a favorite. I am looking forward to October when Snipe releases. From the little tease we had at the end of Open Lanes, it is also going to be a good book.

I highly suggest you check out Open Lanes. If you do, please let me know your thoughts on the book, characters, setting, etc.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

Brayden

My dream has always been to go pro, but in that dream, she’s standing beside me. I messed up my chance once before but now I have a second chance. Just like on the ice, I will do anything I can to win. This time I’m playing for keeps.

Nicole

He tortured me through High School, followed me across the country to college, and now I am stuck in a car with him for five long days. All I want to do is get home and go back to pretending he doesn’t exist. If only my stupid hormones would get on board with the plan.

Now Available from these retailers:

$3.99 for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

GOOGLE PLAY

Also available in Paperback!

Add Open Lanes to your Goodreads TBR!

EXCERPT

For the first time, the precarious situation that I found myself in really hit home. I was a 20-year-old female, walking down the side of an empty highway with no help in sight—talk about the beginning of every serial killer movie ever made. I couldn’t even alert anyone to where I was, or the fact I wasn’t on my flight back home as planned. It would be hours before anyone even knew I was missing. Whoever was in this car heading toward me could rape, kill, and chop me up into little pieces to feed to the bears in the woods before anyone even knew something was amiss. I started walking a little faster, knowing there was no way I was going to outrun this car, and there was nowhere to run to anyway. There wasn’t even anywhere to hide. I was in the middle of nowhere on a highway surrounded by nothing but flat open land for miles in either direction. I felt my anxiety starting to ramp back up. Taking slow deliberate breaths, I counted down backwards from twenty, allowing my body to calm itself down enough that I was able to find some semblance of control. I couldn’t panic right now because that would leave me no chance for survival.

In an effort to distract myself, I focused on the fact that if I did disappear, they will blame Señor Prick, since he was the last person anyone saw me with. Then he would have to spend the rest of his life in jail thinking about how he could have saved my life. That was the least he deserved if I died right now. I’d be dead and eaten, what did I care if he was wrongly accused? I’m not bitter or anything.

The sounds of the car grew closer, and I heard the beat of the music playing from inside. I started walking faster, not paying attention to the fact that my suitcase was like a big yellow flag screaming ‘look at me.’ I heard the car tires hit the gravel behind me, as it pulled to the side and slowed down. It was close—too close for comfort if I had to be honest. This wasn’t looking good. I hope they at least put a good picture of me on the missing person posters, not my god-awful high school graduation picture like they tended to use on those things. The profile picture on my Instagram would be my first choice, I hope someone suggests that to them. I heard the car stop, and the window squeak as it rolled down, before a deep voice called out.

“Hey, do you need some help?”

I kept walking, not wanting to make it easier than it would already be for him to kill me. I really hoped he wasn’t a sadist, choosing to prolong my death by torturing me and hope he just kills me quickly. I really didn’t think I could survive torture, even papercuts made me cry. I kept walking, picking up the pace once more so I was practically running away. Behind me I heard the dinging sound a car makes when the door is opened, and the car is still running. Great, he was getting out. Now he was going to chase me. Yes, I kept myself in shape, but to be honest, the only running I ever did was when I was late for class, and that usually ended with me being bent over wheezing. My situation was quickly going from bad to worse.

“Hey, I know you can hear me. I won’t hurt you; I just don’t feel comfortable leaving a female on the side of the road. Can I give you a ride somewhere?” The voice behind me asked. I snorted at his statement before yelling back over my shoulder.

“I’m pretty sure all serial killers want you to believe they won’t hurt you. Then they chop you up and leave you in the mountains for bears to eat. No, thank you, I don’t plan on being bear food today!”

Suddenly, a deep laugh rang out behind me. I stopped, was he laughing at me? What kind of serial killer did that? Isn’t he supposed to be chasing me? Maybe he doesn’t want to exert the energy yet to chase me? Or maybe this is all part of his sick twisted game. His laughter continued behind me as my annoyance ticked up a notch. What. The. Hell. Hands on my hips, I spun around to tell him off, only to stare into a very familiar, and very unwelcome face.

Casually standing in front of me, with his thumbs hooked in his jean pockets as he relaxed back against the hood of his black SUV was none other than Brayden Montgomery. Fucking Brayden.

~ Coming Soon ~

Releasing October 1

$3.99 for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

GOOGLE PLAY

About Mary Morano

Mary is a single mom who decided to take her own advice and follow her dreams of being an author. She’s a New York Islanders Fan and can be often found driving her kids to one of their many sports activities. She enjoys reading, and watching Harry Potter, Avengers Movies, and SVU. You can find her on social media, and she would love to hear from you!

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Reader Group | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon

Thank you to Mary Morano and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an advanced copy of Open Lanes.

Mid Year Freakout {book tag}

 

It's time for the 2021 mid year freakout book tag!

That's right my fellow readers, it is that time of year where book bloggers, booktubers, bookstagrammers, and booktok-ers all reflect back on the first half of the year. This tag was originally created by Megan Olivier over on youtube, and 2020 was my first year participating in the tag. If you'd like, you can read my 2020 Mid Year Freakout here.

From the few videos I've watch on youtube (booktube), it looks like people are leaving out the quantity of books read. Which is fine because everyone reads different amounts, but I like to look back and see my mid-way point. So you'll see me include that here in my freakout.

I'd love to know your favorite book of the year, most anticipated for the second half, what book you has a beautiful cover, and anything else book related that you'd like to share! So please comment below.

Thank you for taking time to read my mid year freakout. I greatly appreciate it.

Laura

Now let's get to the Q&A part of the mid year freakout!

1) How many books have you read so far?

As of today (June 30), I have read 154 books! And so many of them have been new releases. It's been wonderful. Can I keep up this pace? I don't know. I guess only time will tell.

Also my 2021 number is right on par with 2020, so that's kind of neat.

Yes, I know 154 books is a lot. I read a lot. It's my only hobby, and my nose is frequently in my kindle. Plus I think I tend to read quickly. Especially if the book captures my attention.

If you'd like to see all of the books that I have read in 2021, head over to my Goodreads!

2) Favorite books of 2021

In no particular order...

Driven by K. Bromberg
Fragile Things by Samantha Lovelock
The Edge of Happiness by Kristin Turnage

Balls to the Wall by April Canavan

Dirt Queen by Nora Blake

3) Favorite Sequels of 2021

Boots on the Ground by April Canavan

Fractured Things by Samantha Lovelock

Southern Heart by Natasha Madison

4) New Releases I haven't read, but want to

   

   

5) Most anticipated releases for the second half of 2021

This list could be extremely long, so I'll just go with these few:

Love Next Door by Helena Hunting (7/27)
When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting (9/21)
Pitch to Palace by Aven Ellis (8/25)
Making Spirits Bright by Aven Ellis (December)

Wild Mistake by Kim Loraine (7/26)

Ruthless Noble by Alley Ciz (7/10)
The Defender by Gina Azzi (8/5)

6) Biggest Surprise

Paper Hearts by Brittani Taylor
Saving Us by Wendy Million

7) Biggest Disappointment

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

I had such high hopes for this one, and it just didn't work out.
I'm convinced it was me that was the problem, as so many others have raved about the book.

8) Favorite New Authors

Samantha Lovelock {website | facebook | instagram}

Gina Azzi {website | facebook | instagram}

Lisa Suzanne {website | facebook | instagram}

April Canavan {website | facebook | instagram}

9) New Fictional Crushes

I blame Samantha Lovelock! 🤣

Poe Halliday, Stella Bradford

Sunday Easton, Payne Emerson

10) New Favorite Characters

Poe Halliday, Stella Bradford, Sunday Easton, Payne Emerson from Folkestone Sins

Remy, Parker, Kennedy, Lincoln, Emma, Dominic from the Birch Police Department

11) Book that made you cry

Dirt Queen by Nora Blake.

This book wrecked me, and I was UGLY crying. It's based on a true story, and my heart still has not recovered.

12) Book that made you happy

Decidedly with Wishes by Stina Lindenblatt

It's all because of Nala, and the passions she has for the dresses she is creating for these amazing young ladies, all while taking into account the special care that is needed.

13) Favorite Book to Film adaptation

I haven't read any book to film/tv adaptations yet.

Well I did read Driven by K Bromberg, but I haven't watch the show on Passion Flix yet. So I guess I could technically count that?

14) Beautiful Cover

Being someone who reads romance, this is hard. So many of the book covers feature men who are missing their shirts. And while, yes, they can be nice to look at, I wouldn't necessarily call them beautiful. They don't truly stand out. (just my opinion)

The three books that did stand out though are Reel by Kennedy Ryan, Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan, and Unsteady by Ashley Christin. Kennedy Ryan's cover is just elegant, classy, and gorgeous. It gives off the old Hollywood vibe, which fits with the book. Kristen Callihan and Ashley Christin's covers are easy on the eyes, unique, and also beautiful.

15) What book do you need to read before the end of 2021?

Well technically I don't NEED to read any, but are there a lot that I would like to read? Oh absolutely! I would love to clear out my ARCs by the end of the year. Is that 100% possible? I have no clue. But it's going to be my goal.