Picnic Perfect by Xavier Neal {a review}

 

Have you heard about the Kismet Cove Single's Week series? It features eleven authors bringing eleven brand new stories about finding love in all sorts of ways, and how the charm of this lake town brings people together. Known for its delightful allure, Kismet Cove is the perfect background to find the one! Picnic Perfect is Xavier Neal's addition to this series, and it is officially available today!

Picnic Perfect introduces us to Warren McGuire and Katy Horn. Warren is a workaholic who never takes a vacation. Yet here he is preparing for a trip to Kismet Cove. It's at his brother's insistence that he goes, and it isn't until he arrives that he finds out about the singles week aspect of his trip. Shortly after arriving to the bar, Katy approaches him. Warren doesn't remember her, but Katy remembers him. After all they both stood up for Warner and Babs at their wedding. It's just that Warren was more focused on work than being fully present at the wedding. One thing leads to another, and these two have an unforgettable week together. This week is filled with Warren stepping outside his comfort zone, trying new things, and maybe just maybe falling for Katy. Until a notification on his phone puts a hitch in the romance.

If you follow me on Goodreads, then you'll know that I had mixed feelings about Picnic Perfect. I was so excited because it's a new book from Xavier Neal, and I adore a lot of the books that she creates. The premise was so good. The teaser alone drew me in! I really liked Katy's character, as well as her chosen profession. She just seems like a wonderful person, full of humor, and extremely caring. Then there's Warren...he and I didn't vibe and I can't fully explain why that is. I think a lot of that had to do with how much of a workaholic he is, and how in his head he is. He isn't really focusing on the people/world around him, he's distracted by his job, and the fact that he wants to be in a relationship. Yet because he's so focused on his job, he isn't doing what he could to find said relationship. I don't know, I just didn't care for him. He wasn't the strong male character that I am used to reading about in Xavier's books. I will say that I did enjoy the dates that Warren and Katy went on. From the big top to the arcade to everything in between, it was just fun. Plus it pushed Warren out of his safety net, so that was nice.

The aspect of the book that I really struggled with, and what brought my rating down, was the breaking of the 4th wall. Well, no, it's not really that. I can handle the characters talking to me I guess. I think that it is more so that there was so much of it. I'd rather read about the interactions between our couple, and the side characters, than have the characters talking to me. Personally I'm not a fan of this format. Had the "conversation" been an internal dialogue that might have helped, but it was still over the top. There were times that it was excessive, and I struggled to focus on that. At times I did end up reading these 4th wall moments as internal dialogue, but it still wasn't my favorite.

I did choose to give Picnic Perfect 3 stars. I personally don't feel that the story really warrants more than that at this time. It felt a bit rushed, and not very finessed. And I know I was reading an advanced copy, so some things might have changed from the time I received the ARC until publication date.

As always, I do recommend the book because you may feel differently about it. Reading any book is a choice only you can make, and reviews shouldn't necessarily sway your decision one way or another. If you enjoy rom-coms, opposites attract, and/or second chance romances, then give this book a read.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts.

Laura

3 influences.

2 opposites.

1 vacation.

When Warren McGuire and Katy Horn bump into each other for the first time since his youngest brother's wedding, the last thing he expects them to do is hook up.

It doesn't take long for his insecurities to appear; however, to his surprise, they don't send her running.

He doesn't send her running.

For once in his over-planned life, Warren may have actually found a woman who wants him as much as he wants her.

Too bad that it's only supposed to be a fling.

Too bad that they live in very separate states.

Too bad that they live totally different lives.

Will Warren do what it takes to make this unlikely match work for the long run, or will he leave it behind for something more picnic perfect?

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About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible). 

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

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Coming Soon from Anna Hackett!

 

Anna Hackett's newest book, The Hacker, is coming October 12!

The Hacker is the fifth book in the Norcross Security series. Not familiar with the series? That's okay! Just prepare to join Vander Norcross, and the former military badasses of Norcross Security as they rescue, save, and protect the women they claim as theirs.

Cover Designer: Lana Pecherczyk

Photographer: Paul Henry Serres

She’s accidentally pregnant and someone is trying to kill her…and now her one-night-stand is her fierce protector.

Helicopter pilot Maggie Lopez is focused on building her helicopter and drone photography business—and she has the loans to prove it. She takes one night off to trade her jeans for a designer dress, and attend a fancy gala…and ends up spending a very steamy night with her panty-melting crush—Ace Oliveira. He’s tall, sexy, and the guru of all things tech at Norcross Security. 

She wasn’t supposed to fall in lust, or fall in love, and she really wasn’t supposed to fall pregnant.

Ace Oliveira’s life is just how he likes it. After years protecting his country at the NSA, he now puts his special computer and hacking skills to good use at Norcross Security. He gets paid well. Has good friends. Enjoys the hell out of his carefree bachelor lifestyle. Relationships and kids are not on the cards for him—ever. He has his reasons.

But then feisty, saucy Maggie—who snuck out of his bed life a thief—drops a bombshell.

Before they can even process the surprise pregnancy, it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Maggie. A series of deadly accidents are all centered on her, and Ace will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. With the men of Norcross at his side, he’ll track down a killer, fight his own demons, and convince skittish, independent Maggie to fall in love with her baby’s daddy.

Add to your Goodreads TBR List Here!

Meet Anna Hackett

Anna Hackett is a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled contemporary and science-fiction romance.

She loves writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals.

Some of her bestselling series include Galactic Gladiators, Eon Warriors, Treasure Hunter Security, and Team 52.

Anna lives in Australia with her real-life hero and their two little boys. 

For more information on Anna and her books visit: www.annahackett.com.

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Below the Line by April Canavan {a review}

 

After a slight delay, Below the Line by April Canavan is NOW AVAILABLE! If you're anything like me, you have been eagerly anticipating this book because it means that we FINALLY find out the history between Teri and Logan. And friends, what a story it is. 

Teri and Logan were once high school sweethearts. Logan had plans to marry her, to start a life with her, and to just have that happily ever after. Then came everything that happened with Lettie, and her death. Logan was grieving his sister big time, and he decided to join the military. To celebrate that, there was a family dinner scheduled. On the way there though, something major happened, and that right there changed Logan's path. He convinced himself that he could never be with Teri. He wasn't good enough, and everything that happened was his fault. Flash forward to current day. Logan is going on the annual camping trip with his family, and who shows up but Teri and her family. Logan is shocked to see her there, but he is also 100% happy she came. He's determined to talk to her and set things straight. Until things go south again. An emergency leads to an announcement, which leads to lives changing. Then there is the bombshell that the Chief drops onto Logan, and his life is spiraling out of control.

I am obsessed with the Birch Police Department series that April Canavan has created. Each book in this series has made me cry (at varying levels), and fall in love with our cast of characters. I want to befriend these fictional people. I want to go be their neighbor, be their friend, and just live in their community. Ever since reading Balls to the Wall (Remy & Parker's story), I have been intrigued by Logan and Teri. I knew that their story was going to be a bit intense. There had to be a reason why Logan was acting the way he was, and how he couldn't leave Teri alone. There is this connection between them that can only be described as soul mates. These two have a tether to the other that cannot be severed. No matter what has happened in their lives since that day in the alley, they always come back to each other. I love it. Do I understand why Logan would let himself into Teri's house every so often? Not really. I get that Teri brings him comfort, but dang if that isn't a little stalker-ish. (If you've read the story then you know what I'm talking about) 

I posted on Instagram when I was about half way through chapter 6, and I was picking my jaw up off the ground. I could not get over what I had just read, and the scenes that had just played out. That brought on the tears a little bit. Then later in the book, when the suspense kicked in, I was on the edge of my seat wondering how all that was going to play out. How was it going to wrap up? What would it take for Teri and Logan to get their HEA? I don't know that these two could handle much more heartache, pain, and loss. Everything that happened was rough to read, BUT at the same time it got them to where they needed to be. All of this brought them to their HEA. I love this series, and I want more. I cannot wait to read the novel that was teased at the end. My curiosity has been sparked, and I will be anticipating that book when it releases. But considering that book isn't even on Goodreads yet, I'll be waiting a bit. So while I wait for that one, I at least have the Birch County Fire series to look forward to. Ground Zero releases next month, and I am so ready for it!

If you are all about police and/or military romances, then PLEASE go read the Birch Police Department series by April Canavan. I put it under both categories because our guys are all former military (or reserves in Dom's case), and are just simply amazing. They are alphas, they are overprotective, they love hard, and they wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their ladies are pretty darn incredible too. Oh, and reading this series may have you craving tacos and pizza. Both foods play a big part in the books. 🤣

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on Below the Line, and the Birch Police Department series. I think you'll fall for these characters. If you're an emotional reader, have the tissue box close by. Some books will require more tissues than others.

Laura

Teri

Silence.

That’s all I had from him for years.

Broken promises.

Dreams of a life we should have had.

Except he left me behind.

And then he showed up, scarred and broken.

I can’t save him.

Hell, I can’t even save myself.

When he promises me the world, I know he’s full of shit.

But that doesn’t stop me from letting him in.

From hoping he’s not going to break me again.

Logan

I made promise after promise.

Broke every single one of them without looking back.

Okay, that’s a lie.

I looked back, and I made damned sure she never loved anyone else.

She’s always belonged to me.

I know I’m not a good man.

I may be dense, but I’m not a f*cking idiot.

When I get the chance to have her, I take it.

Her kiss.

Her smell.

The way she screams my name.

In the dark pit of my life, she’s the only salvation.

And I’ll destroy anything that tries to take her from me again.

Grab Your Copy Here!

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New to the Birch Police Department? Catch up here:

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Amazon | Goodreads | My Review

Meet April Canavan

I live on chaos and coffee, and you’ll find it running through every single one of my stories.  

First of all, I absolutely abhor writing anything biographical. In any form. I’m terrible at it, and I have the very firm belief that no one wants to know who I am. You’re here for books, right? But that doesn’t mean I’m off the hook.

 

I grew up sneaking over to my great grandmother’s to read her Harlequin novels. Those were delivered once a month in a ginormous box, and from the age of ten, she let me devour them in their entirety. I fell in love with romance, even the clean kind. And that, undoubtedly, led to many days and nights with my face buried in a book and the discovery that I wasn’t happy unless my hair was up, and I had a story in my hand. 

 

I never wanted to write. I wanted to read. ALL the words. Until someone pointed out to me that I’d been writing my entire life. I just needed to put the book in my hand down and pick up a pen. 

 

Once I started, I found out that I couldn’t stop. Now, I’m always writing. Or reading. Or chasing my son through the house to get the elusive hug he thinks I don’t need.

 

Oh, and I’m a Leo… which is completely on-point if you know me at all. I love being the center of attention. On my terms. When I can stay at home in my pajamas. With lots and lots of coffee on hand. And maybe a few snacks.

Connect with April Canavan

To learn more about April Canavan, visit here!

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Thank you to April Canavan, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of  Below the Line.

Scoring Beauty by Alley Ciz {a review}

 

Scoring Beauty by Alley Ciz is a sporty, sexy romcom featuring a hot-mess (at least in her eyes) single mom who’s about to knock this swoony motherpucking hockey player on his very fine behind. This interconnected stand-alone comes complete with your favorite can’t-mind-their-own-business Covenettes, a next generation trying their hands at the matchmaking shenanigans, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. You are going to love Ryan and Amara! 

Oh how to even recap Scoring Beauty?!? So we have Ryan, he is the captain of the Blizzards, and he is about to give up on dating. At least during the hockey season. That is until a gorgeous woman bumps into him in the locker room. Amara had been in there looking for Coach Watson, but instead ran into Ryan.  Ryan, not knowing that Amara is connected to Coach Watson, is instantly attracted to this woman! He cannot get her off his mind. Amara is also taken by Ryan, but she has vowed to never get involved with a professional athlete again. From this point on, the ball just gets rolling until a major miscommunication/misunderstanding throws everything off course. Amara is worried because a breakup doesn't just affect her anymore. Now she has to worry about Maverick as well. Especially since her son has grown so attached to Ryan.

Friends, this was my first BTU Alumni book, and I need to go back and read the others. No, not because it is necessary to do before reading Scoring Beauty, but rather so that I can get to know these characters! They captured my attention, and I love their sense of humor, and the way they are involved in each others lives. The friendship is just fantastic. Now I will say that Maverick stole the show in this book. Yes it's about Ryan and Amara, but this little 9 year old swooped in there and took over. I have a feeling that when Alley writes the stories for the next generation, Maverick's is going to be amazing. Back to Ryan and Amara though. Loved their meet-cute. I'm always up for a good awkward moment. Then when Ryan meets her again at Coach's house? So good. I could also see Ryan trying to put the breaks on his interest in Amara. I love how their relationship evolved, and this slow burn was handled wonderfully. The relationship that Ryan had with Maverick melted my heart. Even after things with Amara became rocky, Ryan was still there for Maverick. He was a constant for that kid, and that just warmed my heart. That whole big moment where the relationship skidded off course? That was a bit rough to read. I can see why Alley Ciz chose to reveal that information the way she did, but it also made me question Amara a little bit. Knowing how she felt about Ryan, why would she assume that he knew this when she never told him? I mean I was even a bit shocked to read that revelation. Yes, we knew a tiny snippet of Amara's past, and that Maverick's father was a hockey player. But that's all we knew. There's nothing that can change that though, and it definitely caused some drama. Loved all the characters. Loved how Ryan's ex was trying to help him find his HEA. All of it was just so good. Also, those group text messages? Freaking loved it. I need a circle of friends like that. I was laughing so many times. 

If you're read the previous BTU Alumni books, then you are definitely going to want to go read Ryan's story! If you have not read any of the BTU Alumni books, but you love hockey romances, single parent romances, and/or a good slow burn, then you'll want to read Scoring Beauty!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on the book. I greatly appreciate it.

Laura

RYAN

I’m done with dating.

Happily-ever-after isn’t in the cards for me, so I’m officially taking myself off the market.

Hockey is my mecca.

The arena my temple.

The ice the altar I worship at.

Then…I met her.

Strip me naked and run me over with a Zamboni—she’s the textbook definition of a bad love match.

Amara Miller, beyond beautiful and effortlessly drawing me into her orbit and making it impossible to resist her.

AMARA

It should have been a simple cross-country move.

Instead, it sent me crashing—quite literally—into the captain of Coach’s new hockey team.

Did I mention he was half-naked when it happened?

It doesn’t matter that he’s sexy as sin and the swooniest motherpucker I’ve ever met.

I will not lust after hockey players.

Been there.

Done that.

Bought the maternity shirt.

And Ryan Donnelly? He’s pretty much Mr. Hockey.

The problem is, I’m not the only one enamored with him—my kid is too.

It’s turning into a problem, because this mama doesn’t have time to play games when it comes to our hearts.

Add Scoring Beauty to your Goodreads TBR!

If you're interested in purchasing a copy, click here!

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of Scoring Beauty, Alley Ciz has a signed paperback up for grabs! Stop by her Facebook page to enter!

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.

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One Eye is coming October 15

 

🏍🔥COVER REVEAL🏍🔥

Calling all MC Romance fans! ONE EYE by KL Savage is coming October 15! This is the third book in their Ruthless Kings Atlantic City series, and you are not going to want to miss this one!

Pre-order here!

I had her and I lost her.

That’s what pain and fear does to someone; they make someone run.

And Alicia ran far...

Taking my heart with her.

We agreed we both had things to work on, but to be honest, I didn’t know how to improve.

She did.

She fought for us. She got stronger. She did what she said.

I lied.The truth is... I’m not the man she needs me to be.

And I don’t know how to be it.

I’m hideous. I’m a monster. My face is abnormal.

Who could love a man with one eye?

Who could love a man that’s... bad on the inside?

I’m a rotten soul.But she turns this rotten soul into something more.

She gives me hope.

Until she dares to move on from me.

And then all hell breaks loose.

Make no mistake, she’s mine.

And she’s about to learn what happens when someone pisses off a beast.

They become the monster they were born to be.But just as I have her, someone from her past comes looking for something that no longer exists.

Wedding bells ring in the distance.

And they aren’t mine.

No one marries her, but me

I, object.

 

Meet K L Savage

K.L. Savage writes about gritty, alpha males, sometimes their dark sides, and the women they love. If you have the same itch, their alpha males should fix that.

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