Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks {a review}

 

It's time! It's time for Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks! If you've been following me for a while now, you know that I have read the other two books in the Ryder Ranch series, and absolutely loved them.  You may also know that I have been WAITING for Maverick's story. He captured my attention back in Hoping for Hunter, and I just HAD TO KNOW everything.

In Missing Maverick, we have Maverick Ryder and Cricket McBride. These two were high school sweethearts, and Maverick was ready to propose. Then Cricket left to go to New York, and Maverick's heart was shattered. Fast forward 13 years, and Maverick is a dad of 2 girls, working with his family, and still grieving the relationship he lost. Then there's Cricket. She has been in New York, found a couple family members, buried a family member, got married, got divorced, and is returning home. She still loves Maverick, but she is positive that he will never forgive her. The day that Maverick walks into The Pig is the day that he and Cricket reunite. This does not go well, and has just brought back all the feelings from years ago. Now, can these two find a way back to each other? Or are they destined to stay apart? What about Cricket's ex-husband? Is he going to be an issue for them?

Missing Maverick did not disappoint. Yes there were a few things I would have preferred to be a bit different, but in the grand scheme of things, I am a happy camper. Maverick's backstory is interesting. Knowing how close he and Cricket were, to how he reacted after she left, to his daughters, to just who he became after Cricket left, and after his mom left. Those were two major events in his life. But Cricket has been through some stuff too. Yes she had her reason for leaving, but as we learn, she wasn't planning on staying away. Life just happened and delayed her return. Then there was her marriage, her divorce, and the whole situation she dealt with because of her ex. It was a lot. I suppose this is also where I should mention that there is a content warning regarding domestic violence. It is just mentioned, not re-enacted and there isn't graphic detail or anything like that. But if that is something you struggle to read about, know that it is part of Cricket's story. I love these characters. I love this setting. I want to visit there. I want to become friends with these fictional people. Just yes. There was a lot of drama in this book. There was a little suspense as well. And Mama Ryder makes an appearance after being gone for years. Let's just say I got choked up with that one. Oh the emotions. One more thing, Maverick was a bit of an ass in this book. Yes, I know, Cricket returning triggered emotions, but dang he was a grump.

Like I said, I loved this book. I love this series. It is of no surprise that I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I'm thinking it is Mack's story! But now I have to wait until July 2022. Excuse me while I go cry. (and pray that the release date is pushed up.)

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Missing Maverick. If you enjoy cowboy romances that are set in small towns then you need to read this entire series!

Laura

I was going to love her until my last breath, and she promised to do the same… but she lied.

Cricket McBride packed up without warning, ditching our small town and the life we were going to build together. She left me with tears in her eyes, a kiss on my cheek, and an empty heart that had done nothing but hardened over the years.

My life wasn’t what I thought it would be, but I’d long since accepted it for what it was. I was content with working on my family ranch and being the best father I could. And I was fine with that.

Or so I thought.

When Cricket returned, one look was all it took for me to admit I still cared, but it wasn’t until I saw the marks on her skin and the pain in her soul that I realized just how deep that love went. Because the same hands that held her tight also promised to protect her… and I never broke a promise.  

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Meet Anna Brooks

The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance. 

Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. 

She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels. 

When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering. 

 

She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.

Connect with Anna Brooks

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Thank you to Anna Brooks, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Missing Maverick.

The Final Period by Samantha Lind {a review}

 

The time has come my friends. The Final Period by Samantha Lind is the book that all Indianapolis Eagles fans have been more than likely dreading. Based on the title alone, you can probably determine that this is the FINAL book in the Indianapolis Eagles series.

I cannot even begin to recap The Final Period as it wasn't a story so much as a time that we can catch up with familiar faces, and meet a new one. So just know that going in.

Okay. It's no secret that I have only read one other book in this series (Rookie Move). And that book was decent, but not something I overly enjoyed. Still though when I saw that this book was coming out, I knew I wanted to read it. Yes it was nice to catch up. Yes I enjoyed the way the new series was set up. That had me curious, and I want to know more about Ryker! I want to know what happens next for him. Now for a bit of hard love...The Final Period was a bit confusing at times. There was so much time jumping (months at a time) that it was hard to follow along. Plus, at least for me, the story just didn't seem to flow very well. It felt broken and there was no real segue into the next chapter. I feel horrible saying that, but really it is what it is. That was my feeling about the novella, and I can't change my experience.  I did choose to give the book a 3.5 rating on Goodreads, because it had so much potential, and I enjoyed catching up.

Here's what I wish had happened. I wish that the setting was more of a party, a group vacation, or at an event where we had our friends all in one place. And in this setting we could hear about what they've been up to, and how their lives have changed (or are about to change). It could have shown the friendships, the relationships, how Ryker was brought into the fold, and how he was finding his role within the team. Then at the end, there could have been a few announcements made regarding the futures of various characters. That would then close the door on this series. But that's just what I wish had happened. Obviously Samantha Lind had to follow her own plans, and layout for the story. She knew how she wanted this final period to play out.

If you are a fan of the Indianapolis Eagles hockey series, then you should definitely read this book. It will give you the closure that you might want. If you haven't read any of the Eagles series, then hold off. Go read from the beginning, and then, and only then, read The Final Period.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on the book. I cannot wait for the San Francisco Shockwaves series to kick off with Ryker's story!

Laura

One final period to check in on the core group that has made up the Indianapolis Eagles crew you’ve fallen in love with. You’ll get some time with your favorite originals, their spouses, and kids…. As well as meet a new face or two.

 

While the time has come to say goodbye to the Eagles as we know them, some surprises are in store for one team member when the expansion draft sweeps into town, taking a member of the Eagles to the new San Francisco Shockwaves.  

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Meet Samantha Lind

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. 

She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.

Connect with Samantha Lind

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Thank you to Samantha Lind, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Final Period.

The Hacker by Anna Hackett {a review}

My name is Laura, I just read my first book in the Norcross series by Anna Hackett, and I want to go binge the entire series. If romantic suspense with former military members are books that you enjoy, then you need to go read The Hacker by Anna Hackett. Just trust me on that!

In The Hacker, we catch up with Ace and Maggie. They recently had a very memorable night together, and neither is able to forget it. One thing Maggie wasn't planning on was becoming pregnant, yet here she is. She knows she needs to tell Ace, but he's been out on assignment so she hasn't been able to. Now Maggie is getting ready to take clients out in her helicopter, so she can't focus on any of that right now. Her mind needs to be on her job. After that flight, things are suddenly going a bit crazy around Maggie. Someone hacked her drone, tried to hit her with it, and eventually crashed it. Maggie is angry, and rightfully so. Thankfully Vander swooped in to save her, and all was well. Even though they had no idea who was behind this chaos. Later that night, Maggie is going to a Norcross event, where she finally is face to face with Ace. She tells him her news, and he puts his foot in his mouth. They have to work through all of that though because Ace needs to figure out who hacked Maggie's drone, and see if they can figure out who is after her (and why!). So who is behind this attack against Maggie? Will they be captured? Can Maggie and Ace have a relationship, or will Maggie be a single parent?

This story. OH THIS STORY. At the very beginning I was just kind of meh about it. But then when the drone situation happened, and even before that when Maggie realized something out her clients on the island, I was all in. I absolutely love romantic suspense, and this book was definitely bringing it. Yes, the love story between Maggie and Ace was nice too, but dang if that didn't take a backseat to the action! I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of this book. Every time the action scenes kicked in, I was ready. I was ready for the villain(s) to be found, and for Maggie to just be safe at last! I absolutely loved the suspense, the characters, and the setting. I want to go back and binge the original 4 books in the series, and am already looking forward to the next. Anna Hackett has grabbed my attention, and I look forward to devouring this series. (as well as checking out her other books.)

I said it before, and I'll say it again, if romantic suspense is your sub-genre of choice, then GO READ THIS BOOK! If you enjoy romances with former military members, GO READ THIS BOOK! If you have a KU subscription, go add this book NOW! You won't regret it.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Hacker. I hope that you'll read it. I truly think, if you're anything like me, you'll devour this story. (and fall for the characters.)

Laura

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 like 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.

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or read for free with Kindle Unlimited.

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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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Thank you to Anna Hackett, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Hacker.

Falling for the Country Boy by Michelle Rene{a review}

Are you in the mood for a country romance? How about a little opposites attract situation? Country boy vs city girl? Well if that sounds intriguing to you, then check out Falling for the Country Boy by Michelle Rene. It is the first book in the Blossom Creek series, and it just released TODAY!

In Falling for the Country Boy we meet Aubrey and Kenny. Aubrey is in town to attend a college football game. Her parents had purchased the tickets, but were unable to attend at the last moment. So Aubrey took one ticket, and then her parents sold the other. At the stadium is where Audrey and Kenny meet. Turns out this country boy bought the ticket. He was just coming to enjoy the game, so sitting next to this beautiful woman is just an added bonus. As the two talk, a friendly wager is placed. That wager ends up with our characters going out after the game. Which then leads to an amazing weekend spent together. Audrey is struggling with the fact that she has to return home when she really just wants more time with Kenny. Kenny is feeling the same, and a plan is hatched. Can these two make long distance work? Or is it going to cause issues?

This book was just a quick and easy read that was full of romance and steam. Kenny and Aubrey hit it off right away, and their relationship was just a whirlwind. I enjoyed the story. I loved the setting, and while I didn't bond with the characters, I still appreciated them and the journey they went on. I will say that I do wish there had been a bit larger of a dramatic moment between our couple. The moment they had was just so minor that there wasn't a moment where you build up the scene in your head and wait for it to play out. Or maybe that just happens to me. The other thing that I struggled with was in regards to Audrey's job, and subsequently the move. I get that her relationship with Kenny was moving fast, and that making this change was bound to happen. That being said, in my mind she just gave up everything. At the beginning of the book I thought that Audrey was going to be this strong, independent character who would push back and challenge Kenny. That apparently wasn't the case. So that disappointed me a bit.

At the end of the day, I enjoyed the story. No it wasn't perfect in the sense that it didn't have all the romance story elements that I prefer. While I say that, I have to admit that I am curious about the next story in the series (which has no name nor a release date).

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Falling for the Country Boy. I hope you'll give this book a read. Especially if you are a KU subscriber. 

Laura

College football, stadium food and a hotel spa in New Orleans was all Aubrey Evans thought she needed to regroup and mentally recharge. At least, it was until the handsome stranger, wearing the wrong shade of red, with a panty-melting smile and sexy southern drawl standing in front of her offered her a hot dog and beer.

It’s been a few years since Kenny “Hutch” Hutchinson was last in the Big Easy. When the opportunity arose to see his alma mater play for a national championship he couldn’t resist and purchased a ticket online. Little did he know, he’d be sitting among the opposing team’s fans, much less have a beautiful blonde with sparkling blue eyes sitting beside him.

When a friendly wager between them sparks an undeniable chemistry, their memorable weekend turns into an unexpected relationship. Are the feelings they share enough for a city girl to survive life on the farm or is falling for the country boy going to be another lesson learned?

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or read for free with Kindle Unlimited

About Michelle Rene

Michelle Rene is author of The Strong Hearts Collection, Blossom Creek Series and several standalone novellas. She is also the co-author of The Winter Haven Series, which she writes with Xana Jordan.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Michelle grew up in Florida where she still lives today. In 2020, Michelle joined millions of women in becoming an ovarian and uterine cancer survivor. A story she is sure to tell in a book someday.

When not spending time with her family and friends, you can find her writing, or cheering on the Florida Gators. Due to her one-click addiction, Michelle spends her downtime reading one of the many books on her Kindle.

Follow Michelle here:

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Thank you to Michelle Rene and DS Promotions for providing me with a copy of Falling for the Country Boy.

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!

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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 

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