Thursday, October 14, 2021

The Nanny and the Hothead by Krista Sandor {a review}

The Nanny and the Hothead by Krista Sandor is now live! If opposites attract, or hate to love, are a couple of your favorite tropes to read then go pick this one up.

In Nanny and the Hothead, we find ourselves back in Colorado catching up with Charlotte. She was recently fired from the restaurant where she was working, and now she's working as a photographer's "assistant". Her dream though is to attend a two week course in London, and really begin her photography career. After meeting with her mentor, Charlotte is feeling defeated. Not only is she broke, but it's looking like this course is not going to happen. Enter the woman who is about to change her life by offering her a job as a nanny. She tells Charlotte to wear this necklace, and be at this location tonight. It is there that she will meet the person she will be working for. Who shows up at the location? Mitch. Aka her former boss at the restaurant, the one she threw a salad at. Aka the hothead. As the evening unfolds, it is revealed that Mitch is the person she's been matched with. He has a son who needs a nanny, as his life has just been flipped upside down after his mom died. Can these two enemies come together to do what's right for Mitch's son? Can Mitch come up with a book concept, and get the book written before his deadline? Will Charlotte find her spark, and ultimately end up at that course in London? What about a relationship?

When I first started reading The Nanny and the Hothead I was a bit worried. It started off quite slowly, and I almost set it aside. But once Mitch arrived to the bar where Charlotte was going to be, things picked up. The hate to love began. You could feel the tension between these two. As the story progressed, so much was revealed. We learned a lot about Mitch's past, and the reason why he has become this hothead. We learn about the pain and heartache. Same for Charlotte though. We learn about her issues with accepting help from others, and leaning on them when needed. She is so used to being on her own, that to be part of something else just seems odd. Together though these two are amazing. They are passionate, funny, and determined. They do what they need to do to get the job done. They also include Mitch's son as much as possible when it comes to Say Cheese, Louise. Everything that happened has changed our characters, and quite frankly for the better.

I loved the characters, the setting, and I really enjoyed the storyline. I look forward to seeing these two as side characters in the next book. I am also ready for the next book, as that was set up nicely.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. I hope you'll give The Nanny and the Hothead a read. It really is a good story, and if you have KU, it is included in your subscription!

Laura


Charlotte Ames despises hotheads. You know the type. The growly, perma-scowling bully who blows his top at the slightest inconvenience. And her former boss, Top Chef Mitch Elliott, is the king of all hotheads.
 
How big of a jerk is he? Big enough to make her hurl a salad at the guy.

Those vegetables didn't ask to be strewn across the floor. But Mitch deserved it!

 
Is he devastatingly handsome when he loses his cool? Could his stormy blue eyes, flashing with passion, melt the panties right off a gal? That would be a yes. Still, she can't stand him. And she'd thought she'd seen the last of the culinary creep.
 
She was wrong.
 
On the cusp of eviction and with five bucks to her name, she needs a job.

Enter the exclusive Nanny Match Agency and an opportunity to make some real cash.
 
Sounds great, right? Wrong again!

 
The universe has one messed-up sense of humor. When she wakes up after a margarita bender and learns she's become the hothead's nanny, life goes topsy-turvy! But when the nanny dust settles, she sees another side of the man. A man who might be more than a hothead. A man who gazes at her with such intensity, she can barely keep from combusting.
 
Don't fall for the hotheaded chef.

Her head knows what to do. If only she could convince her heart.

 
Could this nanny match be the match that changes everything, or will it get too hot in the kitchen for the nanny and the hothead?


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Meet Krista Sandor


If there's one thing USA Today Bestselling Author Krista Sandor knows for sure, it's that romance saved her.

After she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015, her world turned upside down.

During those difficult first days, her dear friend sent her a romance novel. That kind gesture provided the escape she needed and ignited her love of the genre.

 Inspired by the strong heroines and happily ever afters, Krista decided to write her own romance novels. Today, she is an MS warrior and living life to the fullest. When she's not writing, you can find her running 5Ks with her husband or chasing after her growing boys in Denver, Colorado.

 

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Thank you to Krista Sandor, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Nanny and the Hothead.

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.


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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.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

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.



Grab Your Copy on Amazon!
or read for free with Kindle Unlimited.

Add The Hacker to your Goodreads TBR!

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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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:

Website | Newsletter | Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Social Media Links:

FacebookStrong Hearts Readers Group | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok



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