Wednesday, July 14, 2021

My Top 3 Favorite Tropes

There are so many amazing romance books on the market just waiting to be read. When looking for new books, you might be searching by the sub-genre, and/or the trope that they fall into, or you may just be searching for your favorite author. No matter how you search for books, chances are you may have heard people talk about tropes. Tropes are a way to describe the plot of the story, or better yet it’s a representation of the character, setting, or storyline. It’s familiar. It’s known. When you know the trope, you will have a good idea of what will happen between the main characters. You know how they’ll fall in love, and potentially have their happily ever after.

There are many tropes that I adore. Some are definitely more preferred than others. That being said, it seems with a lot of books I am discovering I enjoy tropes that I thought I otherwise wouldn’t. So it’s been an interesting journey. But that’s a post for a different day.

Today I want to share my top 3 favorite tropes in the romance genre. I will even give you a few examples of books to go with it. Hey, if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for book recommendations.

My Top 3, in no particular order, are:

Friends to Lovers
Best Friend’s Sibling
Second Chance Romance

Friends to Lovers

The name of the trope tells you exactly what you are getting. Our main characters have been friends for a good amount of time, and eventually they both want more in their friendship. They want romance. They want a partner. They want a happily ever after, and they see this person as their forever person.

So why is this one of my favorite tropes? Honestly, it comes down to the fact that it’s what a lot of people want, or a lot of people experience. Plus there is the history that you share with this person. You have these memories that you’ve created together as friends, and now you’re able to take it to the next chapter. You’re still friends, but there’s the added intimacy of the relationship now as well.

Here are a few books that I think you’d enjoy if you like the friends to lovers trope.

The Rule Maker by Gina Azzi
Austin and Chloe were childhood friends, but were separated due to her family moving. Now that her family is back in town, and she’s gone through a recent breakup, these two friends reconnect.
Secrets of the World’s Worst Matchmaker by Piper Rayne
Colton and Juno are best friends, and have been for a long time. Juno has a job as a matchmaker, and she had fixed Colton up with someone else. Now she’s regretting that choice, and is a bit heartbroken.
Restless Things by Samantha Lovelock
Sunday and Payne have been friends since they were small children. They’ve been through a lot together, and know each other’s secrets. Now though, they are both starting to feel that pull towards wanting more. But yet they are fighting it. Or at least Sunday is. *note that this is book 3 in an on-going series. While it is the start of Sunday and Payne’s story, it is best that you start from the beginning with Fragile Things.

Best Friend’s Sibling

This trope is also known as Brother’s Best Friend, but sometimes there is a role reversal, so I like to change the wording ever so slightly. The Best Friend’s Sibling trope is just what it sounds like, one of our characters is falling for the brother or sister of their best friend.

Now I can’t lie, when I was a teenager, I wanted this to happen. I wanted to fall for one of my brother’s friends, and I wanted it reciprocated. It is what it is. But that isn’t what happened in my life, and I am perfectly okay with that. I’m more than happy with my workplace romance. (which yes, is another trope.) I honestly think that teenage desire is what sparked my love of this trope. Plus it’s just such a Hallmark Movie waiting to happen. Ya know?

I have plenty of examples I could offer, but I’ll stick to three.

Gravity by KL Jessop
Gray is best friends with Nora’s big brother. He has been fighting this attraction for years now. After all there is quite the age gap happening, and he’s worried about what others will think. Especially his best friend.
Southern Heart by Natasha Madison
Mayson is suddenly in town, and arrives at his best friend’s house severely injured. When he arrives Chelsea is there taking care of the kids, and is scared out of her mind. But her medical training kicks in, and she ends up saving Mayson’s life. Ethan isn’t too sure about this relationship, and he really does not want his little sister with one of his friends.
Home Game by Lisa Suzanne
Oh Luke and Ellie! Ellie has recently moved to Vegas after being fired from her previous job. The timing is perfect because her brother is about to get married. The night before the wedding, Ellie meets Luke, and they have a one night stand. Or what should be a one night stand. As Ellie quickly finds out, Luke is her brother’s best friend. Luke is also the guy who she’s about to move in with.

Second Chance Romance

This trope just pulls at my heartstrings. Our main characters have been in a relationship together previously, but something didn’t work out for various reasons. Now though, they’ve grown. They’ve changed. They haven’t forgotten the other person, and they want them back. And these stories tell us how they end up achieving their happily ever after.

I think the reason I enjoy the second chance romance trope so much is because most of us have been there. The relationship has ended, but you’re not ready for it to be done. You can still see yourself with the other person, and you’d love nothing more than to get back together with them. You feel that connection, and you can see them as your forever person. The other reason I enjoy it so much is because of Hallmark movies. I can’t lie, I freaking love those movies. The cheesier the better. What can I say, I just love a good happily ever after!

Here are three book recommendations for the Second Chance Romance trope.

Rules for Dating Your Ex by Piper Rayne
Sedona and Jameson were high school sweethearts. They couldn’t imagine being without the other person. But when they moved to New York, something changed in their relationship. Feelings were hurt. Hearts were broken. Now Sedona has returned to Alaska, and she’s trying to mend her broken heart. It is going okay until the day that Jameson shows up.
Southern Chance by Natasha Madison
Kallie and Jacob were deeply in love. They thought they would be together forever. That is until prom night when Jacob left with Savannah. That night, Kallie’s heart was shattered. Now it is many years later, and Kallie is returning home. Jacob is now the chief of police, and he will be impossible to avoid. Everyone in town knows their history. Now they will get to witness these two reconnect, but can they get their HEA?
Roped Tight by Kim Loraine
Sam and Tucker met as teenagers. Sam was just starting to figure out who he is, and he was suddenly swept off his feet by Tucker. But Sam was having issues with it. He didn’t want his sexuality out there for others to know, and announcing he and Tucker were a thing would be doing just that. Tucker came to the Ryker Ranch to work as a ranch hand, and quickly became like family. He and Sam had an amazing night together, and then Sam left town. Now it’s years later, and Sam has returned to the ranch. These two are about to have the opportunity for a second chance, but will they take it?

There you have it friends, those are my top 3 favorite romance tropes! As you can see they all fall into that Hallmark movie scenario, and I’m not complaining one bit. I do love a Hallmark movie from time to time. Do you have a preferred trope? If so, tell me about it. Also, if you’re up to it, what book do you recommend to go with it?

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

The Assassin in 5F {a review}

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nana Malone comes the sexy, gripping conclusion to The Covert Affairs duet. If you have not read this duet, you need to. You won't regret it. The Covert Affairs duet is a Kobo Original, so if you don't have a Kobo reader, be sure to download the app for your phone or tablet!

The Assassin in 5F picks up right where we left off at the end of The Spy in 3B. If you've read that story, then you know what happened. Lyra hasn't told her boss what happened on the mission. They just know the bare minimum, and right now that's all she's prepared to say. As for Marcus, well he's healing. He too has not told his bosses what has happened, or really anything that has to do with that evening. He's keeping it quiet because something doesn't feel right. There has to be a reason why both companies keep appearing at the same places. But what is that reason? Who is behind it?

This book, oh this book! What a conclusion to the story! There was action, some suspense, a little mystery, and of course a whole lot of steam. The Assassin in 5F was so dang good. I could not put the book down until I had answers. And well by that point I was all in, so I didn't put the book down until it was finished. Such is life. It was completely worth it, and I didn't stay up too late, so it's a win. I will say that when it came to the mystery/who-dun-it section of the story, my mind was all over the place. I had a few suspects in mind, and was not the least bit surprised when it was revealed. I'd love to have a bonus chapter to find out what happened next in that situation. But that's just me.

The Covert Affairs duet was absolutely fantastic, and I highly recommend that you read it. Also, did you know that Nana Malone is the model on her book covers? She is! I did not know that until I read it earlier today. That is so dang awesome, and such a unique way to put a personal touch on the books.

Go read this spy vs spy duet. I am positive that you'll love the characters, and the story. If you're anything like me, you'll also be hoping for another duet to be set in this world/setting/whathaveyou.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

This time, romance isn't the only thing undercover(s).

It's not exactly a traditional date night to get involved in a shootout.

Then again, there's nothing traditional about Lyra and Marcus.

It was hard enough to hide their undercover work from each other--but discovering that their agencies are sworn enemies?

Awkward.

Lyra has never been known for her impulse control, but shooting her boyfriend is definitely an all-time low.

Marcus isn't the type of agent to disobey orders, but he can't seem to keep his eyes--or hands--off the infuriating woman he's supposed to forget.

Danger is closing in from all sides, forcing them to team up to solve their mutual problem...but the enemy is already closer than either of them know.

Download today on Kobo!

Add The Assassin in 5F to your Goodreads!

Start the duet with The Spy in 3B!

Meet Nana

USA Today Bestseller, Nana Malone's love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin.

It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion, and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.

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Thank you to Nana Malone and Valentine PR for providing me with a e-copy of The Assassin in 5F.

Infamous Love {a review}

Infamous Love by Lea Coll is now live! This is the first book in Lea's new Mountain Haven series, and it is such a good read. If you're looking for a romance book set in Telluride, then look no further than Infamous Love. Also, if the grumpy/sunshine trope is a preferred read for you, then again, go read Infamous Love.

Elle is a former reality tv show personality and she is trying to start over. She doesn't want to do the show any longer, and she definitely isn't interested in any spin-offs. Elle just wants to open her barber shop, and live her life away from the cameras, the gossip, and the fans. So why not escape to Telluride? She's been there before, it makes her happy, and she's found the perfect spot for her shop. Upon arriving in Telluride, Elle adopts an adorable little puppy. When she takes the dog to the vet, she meets Gray. Or rather she meets him for the second time. They had a little run in a few months ago, but she's sure he doesn't remember her. Gray moved to town for college, and after graduating he decided to stay put. Or at least for now. That all depends on if people find out about his past. If that ever gets revealed, then he's leaving town. Or so he believes. That is until he meets Elle. There is a spark between the two that cannot be denied. Gray's boss is talking about selling the business to him, but he wants Gray to prove that he's willing to stick around. What does that mean? Better communication with the human clients, participating in the community, and setting down roots. Gray isn't too sure about that, but again, Elle might just convince him to do all of it.

I haven't read a lot of the grumpy/sunshine trope, but oh my word how I enjoyed it! From the setting, to the characters, to the story, it was all so good. Both of them were hiding things, and I was just waiting for the moment of the big reveal. I figured that Elle's reveal would happen about the way that it did. I honestly expected it to be a bit more grand in the reveal, so that surprised me a bit. Same for Gray's though. In my head I had his reveal built up in a way, and I was expecting it to go a certain route. But again it didn't. Which is fine. The big dramatic moment doesn't need to be over the top, it just needs to be, well, dramatic. That tension needs to be there, and it definitely was. Our couple had to work through it, and see if they could come out the other side. Now if you know me at all, you know I tend to stick to the stories with HEAs, and you'll get that with Infamous Love. So that's no spoiler. Our couple was able to find their way back to each other, with a little help. I found myself not wanting to put Infamous Love down, and I cannot wait to find out who the next book in the series will be about.

Loved the book. I recommend the book. And I want to check out more books by Lea Coll. Oh, and there is a prequel for Infamous Love! Escape to Love is the title of the prequel, and I know that on Amazon it is currently* a free download. I'm assuming it is on the other retailers (listed below) as well.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

*Escape to Love is a freebie as of July 13, 2021. I don't know if/when that will change.

Elle
Move away. Dye my hair. Change my name. Fly under the radar.

That's my plan to keep the public from recognizing me. I just want to be the new business owner of an old-fashioned barber shop, the ultimate man cave. But all anyone seems to remember is that I'm the bad girl on a popular reality show.

And when I meet the new sexy veterinarian, his gruff voice and grumpy manner get my blood pumping. His sweet way with animals makes me want to know everything about him.

For the first time in my life, cameras aren't broadcasting my every move. No producer is telling me what to say or do. No one's pushing me toward him.

This natural gravitation toward him is the realest thing I've ever felt.

But when my past collides with my present, everything comes crashing down around me.

I wish I could just hide, but I can't.

Gray
Escape my past. Keep my secrets buried. And secure the dream job.

That's my plan to change my life.
I'm living like I could pack up and leave at a moment's notice.
Now, my new boss won't sell me his practice unless I convince him I'm here to stay.

Fresh from LA, Elle Carmichael walks into my vet office with her puppy and plans for her business. With her sunny disposition and wide-eyed hope, she thinks she's a good fit for this town. As soon as her crazy business plan fails, she'll be gone.

Getting involved with her is the worst kind of trouble. It will only attract attention to my past, ruining my future.

I wish I could resist her, but I can't.

Download today from one of these retailers!

Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo

Also, add Infamous Love to your Goodreads!

Meet Lea Coll

Lea Coll worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing.

She currently resides in Maryland with her family.

Connect with Lea

Thank you to Lea Coll and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an advanced copy of Infamous Love.

Broken Hearts {a review}

Broken Hearts by Rebecca Jenshak is now live! This is the third book in the Campus Nights series, and you don't want to miss this one. If college sports romance is what you enjoy, then go grab Broken Hearts now! And don't worry if you haven't read Secret Puck or Bad Crush, that's okay as these books can be read as standalones.

In this latest installment of the Campus Nights series, we meet up with Rhett. Rhett, as you may or may not know, recently ended his 6 year relationship with Carrie. It was time, plus the distance wasn't helping matters at all. The hockey team was out celebrating a recent win, and Rhett was about to hook up with someone. That is until he fell asleep. Oops. After a brief nap, Rhett decides to head to the rink to get some skating in. Upon arriving he notices that the figure skaters are still going, so he snoozes. That is until Sienna wakes him up. Sienna thought she was going to have the ice to herself, but it's looking like she's going to have to share. She's not exactly thrilled about it. But the duo agree to stick to their sides of the rink. A while later, Rhett ends up crashing into Sienna, and she goes down. After helping her back to the trainers office, Rhett apologizes constantly. These two are not starting off on the right foot, and it is irritating Rhett. Rhett eventually asks Sienna out, and she turns him down. What happens next is a friendship forming, morphing into a relationship, then comes heartache and the big dramatic moment.

Broken Hearts had me crying. Okay it was more so when a certain big moment happened, but still, I was crying. I am such an emotional person, and I can't help but cry at times. I loved getting to return to the group at Valley. I loved getting to see the characters I've come to enjoy. Loved how Rhett had to work to get Sienna to go on a date with him, and how he had to clear some things up. I was curious about Carrie's storyline, and the reasoning behind the constant phone calls. But that was never discussed fully. She was just being clingy, and was basically trying to rebuild the friendship they once had. Sienna is a sweetheart who is extremely talented at figure skating. She also has a heart condition, and that tends to make people not want a relationship with her. Yet here she couldn't keep Rhett away. There was so much to the story that I enjoyed. From the meet-cute for Rhett and Sienna, to the awkward moments between them, to the hockey storyline, to Sienna trying to figure out life after college, to the big dramatic moment, to the grief and heartache, to the grand gesture, all of it had me devouring the book. Also, the fact that Rhett is from Minnesota, and Sienna is from Wisconsin had me grinning like a fool. Gotta love that the main characters are in my area of the US. But can we talk about the name for Rhett's home town? If he's from Rochester, just say so, no need to rename it Rochestertown. Like what is that? Ignoring that little bit, I fully enjoyed the story, and am loving the series.

If you like new adult romances that are set at college, and feature sports romance, then please go read Broken Hearts. Then, if you enjoy it, go back and read the first two books in the series. Oh, and it sounds like Maverick is getting his story next! So stay tuned for Wild Love coming December 2021!

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

She's a figure skater. He's a hockey player. Things are about to heat up on the ice.

Rhett Rauthruss is single for the first time in six years. He's fresh off a long-term, long-distance relationship and ready to make the most of what's left of college.

Party with his boys, get to the Frozen Four with his team, and maybe play the field for a change.

Sienna Hale knows a thing or two about heartbreak. She's a college athlete about to skate for the last time, and nothing is going to throw her off course. Not her worries about finding a job after college, not the whispers of last year's accident on the ice, and not the cute hockey player who keeps asking her out.

They think they want different things, but when it heats up between them, there's no denying they have something in common--even if it's just for a night.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble!

Add to Broken Hearts to your Goodreads!

Meet Rebecca

Rebecca is a new adult romance author, caffeine-addict, and lover of all sports. She's a Midwest girl at heart, but currently resides in Arizona.

Connect with Rebecca

Thank you to Rebecca Jenshak and Valentine PR for providing me with an e-copy of Broken Hearts.

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Ruthless Noble {a review}

It's here! It's finally here! Ruthless Noble is available, and friends it was so worth the wait.

You may recall that back in April, I had read Savage Queen. I was completely taken with that book, and fell hard for Savvy and Jasper. You may also recall that I had some questions that I needed answers to. Well, I'm here to tell you, all my questions were answered in Ruthless Noble.

Why did Savvy have to change schools? ANSWERED!
What is her mother's angle? ANSWERED (and then some)!
What is she holding over Savvy? ANSWERED!
WHAT IS GOING ON? ANSWERED!

So yeah, like I said, all my questions were answered. There was also a part of the story that had my jaw drop. And oofta, I was not expecting that. But part of me thinks I should have. It just fits ya know?

Okay recap time. Although it will be brief because hello story continuation. We pick up right where we left off, and things start to happen quickly. Not only was Savvy just set up with Duke, she's also in the midst of an asthma attack. And this attack is a doozy. Thankfully Chuck was at this dinner, and he quickly gets Carter on the phone. Carter then arranges for Tessa to come up to the penthouse, where she then assists Savvy through the process until transport arrives. Flash forward just a bit, and everyone is at the hospital. Jasper arrives, has words with Carter (and therefore the Royals since they were by his side), and then sneaks off to find Savvy. And then a bunch more happens that I can't say anything about because SPOILERS!

Let's just get this out of the way now, I gave Ruthless Noble 5 stars. It was such a fantastic story. The storyline with Natalie had me anticipating the drop that would happen. The engagement storyline just had me laughing especially when Duke told Savvy what he did. The revelation in chapter 34, yeah that happened. Loved everything with Jasper and Savvy. These two are amazing together. Savvy had me tearing up when the one scene with Carter happened. I was proud of Savvy for telling everything. That took incredible strength, but she had the support to do it. Everything about this book I just loved. From the characters to the setting to the storylines to the final page, I was all in. Oh, and the steam in this book. OOOOHHHHH DAMN. Now excuse me while I head to Amazon to buy physical copies.

Highly recommend the Royalty Crew duet. Like I said last time, if you enjoyed the Folkestone Sins series by Samantha Lovelock, then you will enjoy the Royalty Crew. Just trust me on that. And if you haven't read either series, what are you waiting for? Go to Amazon NOW!

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

𝗥𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗶𝘇 𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘! 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝘃𝘆'𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆!

𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍.

Cocky.

Powerful.

𝘙𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴.

Until the day Savvy King swaggered into our world.

She defied me at every turn, refusing to yield to my command.

Her insolence infuriated me as much as it captivated me, until the battle 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 us.

She’s the perfect counterpart to my reign.

Except...the ring on her finger belongs to another.

People want to play politics with my life—with 𝘰𝘶𝘳 lives.

That is a mistake.

𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏.

𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝘃𝘆'𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆!

𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

Ruthless Noble on Amazon!

Start the duet with 𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣 which is currently FREE in KU!

Add Ruthless Noble to your Goodreads TBR!

~Giveaway~

To celebrate the release of Ruthless Noble, Alley Ciz has a signed paperback up for grabs!

Enter HERE!

Meet Alley

Alley Ciz is an internationally bestselling indie author of sassy heroines and the alpha men that fall on their knees for them. She is a romance junkie whose love for books turned into her telling the stories of the crazies who live in her head…even if they don’t know how to stay in their lane.

This Potterhead can typically be found in the wild wearing a funny T-shirt, connected to an IV drip of coffee, stuffing her face with pizza and tacos, chasing behind her 3 minis, all while her 95lb yellow lab—the best behaved child—watches on in amusement.

Author Links

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Thank you to Alley Ciz and Wildfire Marketing for providing me with an advanced copy of Savage Queen.