Rebel Yule by Kate Meader {a review}

 

Are you a fan of the Rookie Rebels series from Kate Meader? If so, then go grab Rebel Yule now! This novella, set during the Christmas season, will have you falling for Erik!

Casey has been working as Harper's assistant for a while now, and every time Erik Jorgenson has a meeting with Harper, Casey cringes. He acts as though he doesn't remember her, but Casey remembers Erik quite well. It may have been one night, but she thinks about it fondly. Meanwhile Erik cannot figure out why Casey dislikes him so much! What did he do? He's friendly, he asks questions, and he tries not to pester, but it's always the same. It isn't until the night of the party at Harper's house that Erik's questions are answered. And those answers? Well it's allowed him to explain something major, and he fills Casey in on a few things. While Erik wants forever with Casey, she's offering him a holiday fling. Can it stick to that? Or will these two ride off into the sunset together?

I fell for these two big time! I love how passionate Erik is about Christmas, and about his family. I love how invites the team over for these holiday celebrations. I love the time that he and Casey spent together. Yes my heart hurt for the years that these two had to be apart, but now things are headed in the right direction. Everything that happened between these two just felt right. From the way things ended all those years ago, to Casey's reaction to seeing Erik again, to the way their story unfolded. Loved it, and wish it was a full novel versus the novella. Of course I also loved getting to see the familiar faces from previous stories making their appearances. 

If you're a hockey romance fan who enjoys a good second chance romance, then go grab Rebel Yule now! Or save it for a bit closer to Christmas, and read it during December.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts about Rebel Yule. 

Laura

A holiday entry in the Rookie Rebels series, featuring a player who’s been here from the start . . . 

Goalie Erik "Fish" Jorgenson finally gets his shot at love . . . but first he'll have to figure out what he did to offend the woman he's had his eye on for some time. Can a little Yuletide cheer get him into her good graces, warm bed, and frozen heart? Or will he fumble the puck and lose his chance? 

Join the Chicago Rebels this holiday season and find out if Erik is as good at saving Christmas as he is at saving goals!

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook

Add Rebel Yule to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Kate Meader 

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, fire hose, or hockey stick, and she’s there. 

Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with big-hearted guys and strong heroines - and heroes - who can match their men quip for quip.

Connect with Kate Meader 

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub | Reader Group | Amazon Author Page

Hosted By

Thank you to Kate Meader, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Rebel Yule.

Affliction by JL Stray {a review}

There's a new addition to the Salvation Society series!

Affliction by J.L. Stray just released, and it was pretty darn good. If you're wondering about the familiar faces that will appear, it is Catherine, Jackson, and a few guys from Cole Security. I will tell you that Jackson and crew do not make an appearance until the second half of the story. Meanwhile Catherine is there from the beginning.

In this second chance romance we meet Mia and Terry. Mia has followed her passions and has opened up her own shoe company. And this company is very successful. So much so that they have a photo shoot and interview coming up with InStyle! One thing Mia doesn't know is that Terry has been asked to be the photographer. Terry and Mia have quite the history. They were in a serious relationship for many years, and all was going well, until the day Terry took a job in London. That lead to heartbreak, anger, frustration, and loneliness. During their 5 year separation, Terry and Mia would see each other at events, but never talked. They always stayed away from each other. Now here we are 5 years later, and these two are about to spend a lot of time together. A bit of forced proximity with a connection that cannot be denied is going to lead to a reunion. Or is it? Someone from Mia's past is determined to not let that happen.

You all know that I love a second chance romance. It is one of my favorite tropes, and I love to see people fall back in love with each other. It makes me happy. I gave Affliction 3.5 stars on Goodreads. For me it was a decent story, but I didn't feel the draw. This story wasn't calling to me for the first half of the book. It felt slow. It didn't grab my attention, and to be honest I didn't feel the connection between Terry and Mia. Yes they have history together, but it just wasn't working for me. I say that only to go on and say that I enjoyed the second half of the book. I know, I know. But you see the second half is when the suspense kicks in. It is when things start happening, and Jackson's crew is brought in. It is also during this time that we have our dramatic moment between Terry and Mia. I understand why Mia did what she did, but I'm with Hawkeye on this one, and it didn't need to happen. Also, I find myself wondering if J.L. Stray named the villain Chad because of the tiktok moment that happened in September. (Chad made a video about the romance genre, and well the romance readers came for him.) At the end of the day, I am glad that Terry and Mia had their HEA. They overcame a lot to get to that point. 

There is a trigger warning for this book! If domestic violence is a trigger for you, then bypass this book. It is a minor element to the story, but it is definitely there.

If you've been around my blog for any length of time, then you know that I almost always recommend that you all read the books that I read. I truly believe that ratings are so personal, and are influenced by various factors, so it's hard to take them at face value. Also, the mood that we are in when we read the book can affect the way we reflect on the book. So while I gave this book 3.5 stars, and said that the first half was slow moving, you may not feel the same way. You may think it's the best thing ever. That's the joy of reading a book, we all walk away with different thoughts and feelings about that story.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Affliction. I appreciate you stopping by, and I hope that you'll give the book a read.

Laura

~He wants me to remember and I want to forget he ever existed. The past holds too much pain.~

He left me with a simple, “I’m sorry I can’t.”

Now he’s back. And he’s everywhere. Showing up in all the places that we frequented, and invading the newly created normal I made for myself when he left me. His expertise has even been sought at my company, Shoegasm. Making it impossible to breathe without thinking of him and what could have been.

Terry should have stayed gone, I can’t be with him. Ghosts from the past, who afflicted so much pain, are back. And I can’t go down that road again, knowing Terry could end up hurt. This time it’s me who has to protect him.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet J.L. Stray

J.L. Stray has always enjoyed reading books and writing stories.

Finally, she gathered up enough courage to publish one herself. 

A former Policy Specialist and current Consultant, she spends any extra moment she has writing, outlining and scheming her next book. 

Raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, she graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. Most days she uses one of those degrees in either her career or dealing with her children. 

J.L. lives with her husband in that same small town, where they raise their three very active children, who always have them at a diamond, field or court.

She is a lover of books, shoes, beaches, and a strong drink. 

Connect with J.L. Stray

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Twitter

Hosted By:

Thank you to JL Stray, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Affliction.

Check out this cover from Brit Benson!

 

Better with you is coming on November 23!

Better With You is the second interconnected standalone in the Better Love series by Brit Benson.

This enemies-to-lovers new adult romance is sassy, sexy, and has a guaranteed HEA.

It is not necessary to read Love You Better before enjoying Better With You, but Better With You will contain minor spoilers for Love You Better.

Riggs Stanton is a thief.

He’s also a liar, a jerk, and a playboy jock.

Sure, I might have thought we had a connection.

I might have thought he was worth breaking my “no dating” rule.

He might have even given me the best orgasm I’ve ever experienced to date.

But it was a farce.

A trick.

Another lie.

And I don’t make mistakes twice.

Now he says he needs me.

One week of my help and I never have to deal with him again.

For ten grand, I can suffer anything for seven days.

Even Riggs Stanton.

Except…

The more time I spend with him, the more I get to know him, the more I question myself.

What if what we shared before was real, and it’s everything else that’s fake?

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Brit Benson

Brit Benson writes romance novels that are sassy, sexy, and sweet.

When she’s not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she’s reading. 

When she’s not reading, she’s probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods.

Brit currently resides somewhere near the Blue Ridge Parkway with her husband, daughters, and dogs.

Connect with Brit Benson

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page 

Hosted By:

October A to Z update

Here is my progress. New additions to the list are in orange!

A: Adventurous Love by Lea Coll

B

C:

D

E

F: Fallen Heirs by Laura Lee

G

H: The Hacker by Anna Hackett

I

J: Affliction by JL Stray

K

L: Ruthless Kings by Laura Lee

M: Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks

N

O

P

Q

R: Rebel Yule by Kate Meader

S: 

T: Turnover by Lisa Suzanne

U

V

W: Wicked Liars by Laura Lee

X

Y

Z

 

Windsor Academy by Laura Lee {a review}

If you've been around my blog since the beginning of 2021, then you know that I fell for a series called Folkestone Sins. Some might say I'm a bit obsessed with it, but whatever. If you've read it, then you know just how amazing it is! Reader friends, I just read another young adult/new adult rich kid series called Windsor Academy. And let me tell you, it was freaking fabulous! There's romance, there's drama, there's suspense, there's that little bit of mystery going on, and it just keeps your attention. I should also mention that you need to read these three books in order! The first two end in cliffhangers so you can't just jump in.

Quick note: Laura Lee has said that this dark high school bully romance may contain triggers for sensitive readers. Due to the mature subject matter, it is recommended for readers 18+ only. So please keep that in mind should you choose to read the trilogy. If you need to know more information regarding those triggers, please send me a message on Facebook or Instagram!

Jasmine (Jazz) has just had her life turned upside down. Not only did her mother recently die due to a drive by shooting, but she was also separated from her little sister Bella. Bella went to live with her dad, and it turns out that Jasmine's dad has chosen to take her in.  Jazz doesn't want anything to do with him, but she does need a place to live. Shortly after arriving to the house (mansion), Jazz is told that she will be attending Windsor Academy, and that her father has gone to great lengths to get her accepted so late in the term. It is a privilege to attend this school, and she should remember that. The first day of school quickly approaches, and Jazz is left to sink or swim. What Jazz doesn't know is that there is a hierarchy at this school, and the royals are at the top of the ladder. Her sister (Peyton) just happens to be one of those royals, and she is determined to make life hell for Jazz. Which means her cohorts are going to do the same. And what the royals do, the student body does. Thankfully Jazz ends up meeting Ainsley, and these two hit it off, and immediately become friends. It appears taht Jazz has also made an impression on Kingston, and well since Peyton thinks he is hers (and he's one of the royals), she is none to thrilled about this. Peyton warned Jazz about staying away from Kingston! School drama and Peyton drama aside, there is other things happening. Kingston is working hard at uncovering some secrets that he believes his dad is holding, and Kingston is determined to take him down. What secrets are they? Something to do with his dad's business, and it isn't on the up and up, that's for certain. This entire trilogy focuses not only on the relationship between Jazz and Kingston, but also Jazz and Bella, Ainsley and Reed, and of course the entire situation with the dads. Shit is about to go down, and it's going to be intense.

So I fully admit that when I started reading Wicked Liars, I wasn't certain what I was getting myself into. I knew that it was a dark high school bully romance, and that the blurb sounded intriguing. I also knew that Jazz was moving into a house with a parent that didn't really want her. He even went so far as to change her last name! But there was nothing she could do about that until she was 18. Then there were the scenes with Peyton and her crew that just didn't sit quite right. Peyton definitely thinks highly of herself, and believes that Jazz is beneath her. Loved the friendship between Jazz and Ainsley. That felt authentic, and it was something that both characters definitely needed. The fact that Ainsley is Kingston's twin was just a bonus. The hierarchy scenes definitely fit into the same vibe as Folkestone Sins and the Royalty Crew duet. So it made me think of those books, and I think that made me fall even harder for Jazz, Ainsley, Kingston, Bentley, and Reed. Everything that happened in this trilogy had me unable to put my kindle down. I was stuck in this world that Laura Lee created, and I just had to know what happened next. Who was after Jazz? What were the dads up to? How was this all going to play out? What was Peyton's part in all of this? WHAT IS GOING ON? I had to know! And this curiosity led to me binge reading the series. I regret nothing. I am glad that Laura Lee wrapped up Jazz and Kingston's story nicely. There isn't any loose strings when it comes to them. She also set us up nicely for a book featuring Bentley. And that book is now one that I am eagerly anticipating. Thankfully I don't have to wait too long for Broken Playboy!

I am going to buy physical copies of Windsor Academy. I am. They can sit right next to my copies of Folkestone Sins and Royalty Crew. So knowing that info, it should be clear that I highly recommend the series. This contemporary romance will draw you in, and hold your attention from the first page to the last. It is just so good!

Thank you for reading my thoughts on the Windsor Academy series. I appreciate it.

Laura 

Amazon | Goodreads

Liars. 

Every last one of them. 

The kings and queens of my new high school.

The father and stepmother I never knew. 

Each has more wealth and privilege than I could've ever imagined. 

Each has a pile of wicked dirty secrets they'd do anything to protect. 

These people have grown accustomed to getting what they want and what they want is to make my life a living hell. 

Too bad for them, you can't break someone who's already broken. 

Too bad for them, I won't give up without a fight. 

Too bad for them, I'm going to make them pay...even if it's the last thing I do. 

Amazon | Goodreads

In a world filled with secrets, lies, and cruelty, only the strongest will survive. 

I’m living proof of that. 

But being left for dead has made me question everything I thought I knew. 

I want to believe I have allies in these ruthless games, but the more truths I unravel, the more twisted and tangled the web becomes. 

And the deeper I fall down the rabbit hole, the more determined I am to bring them down. 

Amazon | Goodreads

Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive...

Pretty, pretentious little liars.

I’m surrounded by them everywhere I turn.

But I’m learning not everything is as it seems.

The ones who I thought were my enemies have become my greatest allies. And the ones who I severely underestimated turned out to be much eviler than I could’ve ever imagined.

They say money can’t buy happiness. Well...I’m here to tell you, it can certainly broker a deal with a devil.

And the funny thing about dealing with devils? They always come to collect. Too bad for them, I’m going to put up one helluva fight.

I’m stronger.

I’m ready.

And I’m going to love watching them fall.