October A to Z update

 

It's time for my final update with the October A to Z reading challenge! Here is my progress. New additions to the list are in orange!

A: Adventurous Love by Lea Coll

B: Broken Playboy by Laura Lee

C: Change on the Fly by Maren Moore

D: Designing for a Royal by Tomi Tabb

E:

F: Fallen Heirs by Laura Lee

G: Ground Zero by April Canavan 

H: The Hacker by Anna Hackett

I: 

J: Affliction by JL Stray

K: An Irresistible Chance by Kim Loraine

L: Ruthless Kings by Laura Lee

M: Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks

N: The Nanny and the Hothead by Krista Sandor

O: Only One Regret by Natasha Madison

P: 

Q:

R: Rebel Yule by Kate Meader

S: One Eye by KL Savage

T: Turnover by Lisa Suzanne

U: 

V: Violent Attraction by Jocelyne Soto

W: Wicked Liars by Laura Lee

X: Taming of the Crew by Xavier Neal

Y:

Z:

Final Thoughts:

I think I did a pretty dang good job for this being a monthly challenge! There were a couple letters I thought I could fulfill (I & P), but I ran out of time. Still though I'm proud of what I accomplished and will definitely attempt this again. I'm thinking of making it a quarterly challenge in 2022. Q, U, and Z will always be the problematic letters, but you never know, eventually I'll be able to fill in those spots.

Have you ever tried an a to z reading challenge? If so, how'd you do?

Laura

Ground Zero by April Canavan {a review}

 

Are you a fan of April Canavan's books? Did you read the Birch Police Department series? Have you been wishing for a Birch Fire Department series? Well good news, Ground Zero, the first book in the series, is NOW AVAILABLE!

If you read any of the Birch PD series, then you may remember Josh. You may also remember that he was a police officer who was leaving the force to return to firefighting. On his final night as a police officer, he was at a roller rink meeting up with friends. It was there that two things happened. The first was that he kept making eye contact with a gorgeous woman. The second was that he had to make an arrest. Shortly before his shift was over, he had to take yet another call that brought him to a hotel. It was at that hotel where he ran into the woman again. A brief encounter turned into a night together, and then she vanished. That is until six months later when they run into each other in Birch. Jump forward a couple days, and who does Josh run into at the firehouse? Nia. Turns out she's been hired as the new paramedic for the station.

Ground Zero is another fabulous book from April Canavan. I am hooked on her Birch County books. Whether it's police or fire, I'm all in. Hand them over. Even though they always lead me to having tears strolling down my cheeks. From the way Josh and Nia originally met, to their reconnection 6 months later, I loved it all. It was also interesting to hear about Nia's connection to Eddie Stryker, and that history. Let's back up a bit though. At the beginning of the book, when Josh made that arrest, what happened after that? That storyline just poofed into thin air, and left me wondering. It was a loose end that wasn't tied up, and it's bugging me. However that location did lead to Josh and Nia meeting, so that's a plus. Okay back to Josh and Nia's relationship. I loved it. These two obviously had a fantastic connection, and their relationship from coworkers to friends to lovers was seamless. It just worked, and flowed nicely. Yes Josh put his foot in his mouth a couple times, but Nia also went overboard as well. But it gave that tension, and brought the uncertainty to their relationship. It made them both vulnerable. Love their relationship. I just do. Aside from the relationship, I also enjoyed how familiar faces popped up. We were able to "see" some of the Birch PD characters make appearances, and that just brought a smile to my face. Especially when Nox was mentioned. That kid just has a place in my heart. Let's talk about the action/suspense aspect of the book. OH MY WORD! That was intense. Plus it lead to the tears flowing. Those scenes just hit me smack dab in the feelings. As for the who-dun-it portion, I was immediately thinking of the characters we had previously met, and trying to determine if they had the motive. It wasn't until right before Josh discovered who was behind it, that I thought "what about so and so", and I was right. The final "showdown" though, damn. Loved it, and it hit me in the feels again. But I was left with a question regarding the villain. I don't think I missed it, my mind is telling me one thing, but at the same time it's telling me something else. So I've got questions.

Putting those couple of questions to the side, I thoroughly enjoyed Ground Zero, and am looking forward to the other books that are coming in the series. I'm now anticipating January 18, 2022, as that is when Breach Point is supposed to be releasing.

If you like small town romances, work place romances, firefighter romances, romantic suspense, and/or the forced proximity trope, then please go read Ground Zero. I think you'll enjoy it, and quite possibly find yourself wanting to go read all of April's backlist titles.

Thank you for reading my thoughts about Ground Zero. Loved this book, the setting, and of course the characters.

Laura

Ground Zero: The center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity

I carried her lifeless body out of a burning building.

One that collapsed on top of us, forcing us to fight for survival.

Where she gave her life so that I could live.

That nightmare wasn’t the happy ending I thought I’d find in the flames.

Turns out, it wasn’t our ending at all.

It was the beginning of our story.

The one where I fell in love without knowing what was happening.

Or the destruction she would thrust into my path.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add Ground Zero to your Goodreads TBR!

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 Ground Zero.

Kingdom Come by Aleatha Romig {excerpt}

Aleatha Romig has a brand new book releasing on November 16, 2021! Kingdom Come is part of a multi-author series called the Underworld Kings.

About the series:

Step into the dark and gritty universe of the Underworld Kings.

A multi-author series of standalone books filled with mafia families waging war, danger and violence, arranged and forced marriages, angst, love, and everything in-between.

Light or dark, twisted or sweet, the Underworld Kings has something for every reader.

They say the price of freedom is learning that you have nothing left to lose.

There was a time when I had it all. Money. Power. Love. And in the blink of an eye, it was gone.

Along the road to my new life, I have a chance meeting with Cecilia Abernathy. Born to greatness, this American princess is out of my league. That doesn’t mean I don’t see her for the woman she is behind the headlines. In a rare glimpse I see not only her outward beauty but her inner determination. I’m moved by her in ways I don’t allow myself to ponder.

Time passes and I’m moving forward, persevering beyond my loss, and making a new name for myself. And then I’m given an assignment.

One job.

One quest.

If I succeed, my kingdom will be at hand.

If I fail, there will be no more chances.

Men like me aren’t saviors, and that isn’t my assignment. My mission is to find the daughter of one of the most powerful men in New York, in the country, and maybe the world. Find her and deliver her to her family’s rival.

Cecilia Abernathy has been kidnapped. All I have to do is exchange her current hell for another. And then I can walk away and claim my reward.

Has my taste of freedom made me willing to sell my soul for a kingdom?

Find out the answer in KINGDOM COME, a dangerous forced-proximity stand-alone romance by New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig. 

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Excerpt

The ceiling was silent, telling me that Cecilia was probably in bed. I envisioned her the way she looked when she came out of the bathroom wearing nothing more than a towel, her long hair wet and tangled. At first my gaze had gone to her lower arms and lower legs. It wasn’t because I wanted to see her injuries.

I didn’t.

My attention went to those areas because in that moment and time she was allowing me to see them.

I couldn’t explain that sensation; it was as if she trusted me with her pain.

Cecilia didn’t know me. She didn’t know that I wasn’t a trustworthy man. If I had been, my life would be different. I wouldn’t be traveling the world alone as a gun-for-hire or a mercenary. I wouldn’t have the Dellinger princess sleeping in the middle of nowhere and the mob boss of San Diego most likely on my trail.

As she stood in that bathroom doorway, I quickly refocused on her.

Her.

That one word had an all-inclusive meaning.

The all of her.

I wasn’t fixated on the towel or what it hid. I was obsessed with her—the entirety. Her fucking doe-like eyes resonated into my soul, brimming with emotion, dark and deep. If I stared long enough, I’d be sucked into their gravitational force, into a black hole.

I couldn’t let that happen.

One day I’d be delivering Cecilia to one coast or the other.

That eventual decision wasn’t debatable.

Getting close to her—emotionally or in any other way—wasn’t part of the plan and would only complicate matters.

Meet Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Get Aleatha'd Here:

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A True King by SE Rose {a review}

 

A TRUE KING by SE Rose is now available! This is the fourth book in the Poisoned Pawns series, and if you enjoy royal romances with suspense, you NEED to read A True King.

This is typically where I would recap the book, or at least the first chapter, and fill you in on what to expect. I'm struggling though as for how to recap this story because there is just so much that happened. First things first, while A True King can be read as a standalone, I really think that you should start from the beginning with A Fierce Princess. It will give you the history that I truly think is needed to fully appreciate the storyline. Moving on. There is a secret organization called The 44 that has been wreaking havoc for the royal family. So much so that all staff had to go through additional background checks due to a recent threat. One of those people who had to be cleared was Mia Edgewater who is Prince Christian's assistant (and partner). Mia understands, and she goes to her parent's home for a mini vacation. That is until her plans change, and she disappears. Christian is a wreck, and will do anything to find her. Especially since he knows this is the woman he wants to marry, despite the archaic rules that say he has to marry another royal. But there's a secret that Mia may or may not know about her family history. With Princess Susanna's (Anna) "researching ability", Christian now knows just about everything. He just needs to find her to talk. But is her lineage the only secret being hidden, or is there more to discover? 

Oh my gosh, this story. THIS STORY! I can't. From the vary beginning I was sucked in. I could not put my kindle down, and I am not complaining one bit. I absolutely loved just about everything. From the way that Christian and Mia's relationship started, to Mia's disappearance, to the secrets being revealed, to the reunion, to all of the action that happened. Just so good. There was a point while reading, that I found myself wondering who was behind it all, and why. Then there was a scene at the castle that sent my mind in overdrive. My jaw literally dropped, and I know I had this look going:

You see things were starting to make sense, I was noticing things here and there, and at that point there was no turning back. There was no setting my kindle down. I was not going anywhere until I had my answers. I was not fully prepared for everything that happened next. Everything that happened just had me on the edge of my seat, and I was waiting to find out how it was going to conclude. And oh how the suspenseful storyline wrapped up, was good. It was what I was expecting, but none the less, it was good. What happened next though, that was a little underwhelming for me. One moment we were having a reunion, and the next we were in the epilogue. I wanted something more to happen between those scenes. Part of me wanted something with Mia's family. Part of me wanted to see the royal family come together in one location. I wanted the build up to everything that happened in the epilogue. Basically I'm greedy, and wanted a tiny bit more. I can't help it. It's how I am with a story that has me so invested.

From the setting, to the characters, to the storyline, I loved it all. I highly suggest that you read A True King. It is full of action, suspense, love, and steam. Not only that but it's a quick and easy read too. If you are a royal romance reader, then please go one click this book. Heck go one click the entire series. You won't regret it. I think you'll really fall for this royal family.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on A True King. I highly recommend this book, and hope that you'll give it a read.

Laura

A FUTURE KING.

A FORBIDDEN ROMANCE.

A CENTURY-OLD SECRET.

WHAT A ROYAL FAMILY IS ABOUT TO FIND OUT MAY DESTROY THEIR MONARCHY AND EVERYONE THAT STANDS IN THE WAY.

The royal staff are off-limits. It was a simple rule, but when Mia Edgewater walked into Prince Christian’s office to interview for a position as his assistant, that rule was all but forgotten. The two fell madly in love until the palace sent away all the staff following a security breach. Angry, but resigned to follow palace orders, Mia left.

That was two long weeks ago. Mia hasn’t responded to a single text or call. Prince Christian decides to take matters into his own hands and show up at Mia’s family home. He’s determined to talk her into giving him second chance. Only when he does, she isn’t there.

As Prince Christian starts to look for Mia, he doesn’t know he’s about to find a threat greater than any his family has faced. He’s about to unravel a mystery so dark, so insidious that he may soon question who he can trust. And at the heart of this secret, is Mia.

Can he find her before it's too late? Can he even trust her when he does? Or will a hidden enemy kill his one true love and his chance at becoming king?

#1ClickHere

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

New to the Poisoned Pawns series?

Start here! ↓

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About the Author

 

USA Today & International Bestselling romance author, S.E. Rose lives near Washington D.C. with her family. When she's not wrangling her cats or keeping up with her kids, she's plotting her next story. She loves all things wine, coffee, and cats. In her non-existent free time, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, binging on her favorite shows, and reading, especially if it's a good mystery or comedy.

Connect with S.E. Rose

Website | Newsletter | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookbub | Goodreads | Youtube

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Thank you to SE Rose, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of A True King.

Taming of the Crew by Xavier Neal {a review}

Today is the day that TAMING OF THE CREW by Xavier Neal is officially available! This is the fifth book in the Hockey Gods series that is set in Vlasta University in Vlasta, Wisconsin. This new adult/college romance tells the story of Patrick Peck- the captain of the Vipers hockey team, and Nyeena Stiles- the niece of Coach Stiles. This opposite attracts story will hit you in the feels, and have you falling hard for the couple. Now TECHNICALLY this is a standalone, and you can read it as such. That being said, you miss out on the knowledge of the other couples, and may not fully understand the banter or nicknames. So if you were me, start from the beginning with Can't Block My Love.

Friends, you are going to love Peck! This man is 100% dedicated to hockey. It is essentially his everything. His parents have made sure of that. This is his senior year at Vlasta University, and once again he's been chosen to be the Captain of the hockey team. This year though, Peck's brother is joining the team, and this could go either way. The Peck family is not close. Not at all. There are major issues that are brought on by the parents. You'll learn about those as the story progresses. Peck (Patrick) is ready for a fantastic final season. That is until Nyeena Stiles makes her appearance. Nyeena knocks him off balance, and he is immediately taken by her. Meanwhile Nyeena has just moved to Vlasta so that she could receive treatment for a disease that really one has one cure. Meeting Peck, and falling for him was the last thing on her mind. Yet her she is, living her life to the best of her ability with Peck and his crew by her side. All is going amazing, until the moment it's not.

I was not prepared for the emotional scenes in this book. Yes, Xavier Neal warned me that tissues would be needed, but I wasn't expecting the story to go the route it did. So please have tissues ready for when you read Taming of the Crew. Everything about this story drew me in. Peck was a familiar face and I had been waiting for the day he found his person. I enjoyed getting to catch up with the crew, and witness how they added Nyeena into the fold so easily. I enjoyed how finding a passion aside from hockey altered Peck's life. He found something else to bring him joy, and to focus a bit on. Yes he wasn't 100% focused on hockey, but that was a good thing. It allowed him to be a better player, because he finally knew what a life off the ice could be like. Nyeena is a fiery, passionate, independent, intelligent woman, and I loved it. She is a fantastic character who is dealing with some major health issues. Yet she didn't let that really slow her down. She was determined to live the best life she could with the time she's been given. The relationship between Peck and Nyeena had a bit of the instalove elements, but this was most definitely a slow burn.  And oh what a slow burn it was. SO GOOD!

I want to bring up the big moment that happens...don't worry I'm not going to say what it was because spoilers. I do want to say that it was intense. It was emotional. It truly showed a found family relationship, and how those who love you will be by your side. Also, my gut totally called the resolution. From the moment things were set into place, and little tidbits of info were dropped, in my mind I was thinking "hmmm I wonder". This big moment though, I'm going to be thinking about it for a while. Peck and Nyeena's story is definitely my favorite of the series. If there is another addition to the Hockey God's series, I'm not certain it could top Taming of the Crew.

If you enjoy a good slow burn, then please read this book. If you enjoy sports romance, read this book. If you enjoy new adult romances set at college, read this book. If you are a person who lives in Wisconsin, and you like to see your state represented in a book, read this book. Basically just read this book! I honestly think you'll love it. Just have those tissues close by.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Taming of the Crew. I love the folks from Vlasta University, and I hope you'll read their stories and fall for them too.

Laura

 

Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical.

All the other college athletes across the country wanted to be them.

All the chicks who glided into their gazes were excited to bang them.

Their reputation was that of Gods who wore skates instead of sandals.

And thanks to a certain center's constant leadership on the ice, they are true champions once again.

Captain Patrick Peck lives and breathes hockey, yet one glimpse at his head coach's loud-mouth, full of life niece who has just moved to Vlasta, and suddenly, he wants more.

More days of watching old TV shows and less days of listening to hockey podcasts.

More nights of hearing her scream his name and less nights of scheduling extra practices.

More memories out of the rink and less memories of only being loved in it.

Will this overly focused center be able to balance hockey and love, or will he be forced to abandon one for the other?

Go One Click this book now! 

Add Taming of the Crew to your Goodreads TBR!

Are you new to the Hockey Gods and Vlasta University? Start here↓

Can't Block My Love

Amazon | Goodreads

My Fair Puck Bunny

Amazon | Goodreads

The Forward Must Cry

Amazon | Goodreads

Defenseman No.9

Amazon | Goodreads

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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Thank you to Xavier Neal, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Taming of the Crew.