Thursday, December 9, 2021

Jock Romeo by Sara Ney {a review}


The latest addition to Sara Ney's Jock Hard series is now available! Jock Romeo introduces us to Roman, and in this book he finds his HEA with Lilly. Now if you read Jock Reign, then you may recognize Lilly, after all she is Eliza's friend and former roommate.

This book starts when Lilly and Roman are freshman. They both attended the same party, and wind up sitting in the stairwell talking for a while. When their time together is up, Lilly gives Roman the bracelet she had made. Flash forward a couple of years. Roman has just returned to the states after having spent a semester abroad. After arriving at his parents house, he realizes he can't do this any longer. He needs to move out. Thankfully he befriended Ashley when he was in England, and Ashley mentioned that his brother Jack might have a spare room. So naturally Roman moves in with Jack and Eliza. On move in day he is carrying a box out to the garage, and is taken by the beautiful woman talking with Eliza. It takes him a moment, but he realizes that it is the same Lilly he had spoken to all those years ago at the party. Roman ends up dropping the box, and shatters the award that was in there. Lilly feels guilty, and is determined to fix it. After all she loves to craft! What happens next is friends who start to fake date, only to realize that they've fallen for each other. But of course their relationship isn't drama free. 

Jock Romeo was a cute college romance. I really enjoyed the way this book started. It gave us history to the characters, and honestly I was rooting for them from that point on. The way Sara Ney incorporated Ashley and Jack into the story was an added benefit. I happen to be one who likes it when former main characters make appearances in other books. It's the familiarity. The second introduction between Roman and Lilly was definitely a bit awkward, but it had that cute rom-com vibe to it. These characters on their own are great, but together it makes them so much better. Especially since Lilly is an extrovert, and well Roman is a homebody and introvert. So it gives that nice balance. The way their relationship started, and how Roman took care of Lilly, was so good. The fact that he had no issues bringing her home (as a friend) to enjoy a meal with his family, was nice. It was also the perfect set up for the fake relationship to begin. Also, I LOVED Roman's family. His Aunt was hilarious, and added some great comic relief to this book. Now I will say that the dramatic moment wasn't all that impressive. I'm so used to reading these big explosive situations that this one just seemed extremely minor. BUT this moment fits with the characters. So while I would have preferred something a bit grander, it is what it is. 

One other thing I want to mention is regarding this book fitting into the Jock Hard series. I'm struggling to see how it fits. The only way I can make it fit, in my mind, is that Lilly is the "jock" since she is a cheerleader.  It works. She's definitely a spectacular athlete. The reason I say I struggle to see how this book fits in is because in the previous books the male has always been the "jock". 

Like I said, the story was cute. It was an a quick, easy read, and I was able to return to a familiar setting. If you like new adult romances with a college setting, then give Jock Romeo a read.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura



HE IS THIS STORIES LEAST LIKELY ROMEO.

Roman Whitaker is every girl’s best friend. An easy going nice guy, Rome is brilliant and funny. At the age of twenty-two, he’s moving out of his parents’ house for the first time and into off-campus housing with two complete strangers.

No more Mister “Playing it Safe.”

Rome may be wicked smart, but math and science will only get him so far, and they certainly won’t land him a first date with the girl of his dreams.

For that, he’ll get a little unwanted help from his friends—and meddling family members.

YOU NEVER FORGET A FRIENDLY FACE.

Lilly Howard is tired of being taken for granted. After breaking up with her philandering boyfriend, she’s giving up guys and learning to love herself again. 

She’s sick of playing nice.

When she bumps into Rome, they become instant friends. When he asks her to be his fake girlfriend to keep his family off his back, she agrees—but only if he’ll return the favor…

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Meet Sara Ney


Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

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Thank you to Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Jock Romeo.

17 Books that made me ugly cry


If you've read my reviews, whether here on my blog or over on Goodreads, chances are you've heard me talking about crying while reading books. Now it doesn't happen with EVERY book, but it does happen a lot. Tears are easily triggered for me if our characters get injured, or someone dies, or it's just a heightened emotional scene in the story. I can't help it, it's how I'm wired. The tears just flow. I own it. I accept it. I always keep a box of tissues close by.

In 2021, there were 17 books that had the tears flowing. There was one book in particular that had me sobbing almost the entire time. Just the way it kicked off, and then everything that happened in the story, and the big reveal. I was just a mess.

(now, just because these books had me sobbing, doesn't mean they will you. we all express our emotions differently.)

 


So since I like to share...Here are the 17 books that had me ugly crying. 

(as always, please check for any content/trigger warnings.)

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The 8 Duets I Read in 2021


We've talked about my love of series, but another thing I enjoy are duets. Especially when they are well written, and there isn't too much time between release dates.

In years past I haven't read a lot of duets (duologies), but in 2021 I managed to read 8. Technically Chase by Kacey Shea could be considered a series, but the author considers it a duet, so I am too. Then there is the Bennett Duet. While Beni and Chantal's story is complete, I am still holding out hope for a novella or spin off featuring Miko. If you know, you know.  

Here are the 8 duets that I read in 2021.

The Score Keeper by Gina Azzi {cover reveal}

 

 Release Date: March 3

Boston Hawks owner Scott Reland is my father’s biggest rival and the last man who should catch my eye. But when he does, I don’t look away.

 

We’ve circled each other for years, two outliers in a small club of NHL owners. We know the rules, manage similar pressures, and understand that this lifestyle — hockey over everything — isn’t for everyone. 

 

Which is why I want out. 

 

To prove to my father that I have a future beyond the New York Sharks, I score one for me and open a bakery in Boston, the city that reveres Scott. 


It isn’t long until the dynamic and perceptive Hawk pursues me. And I’m entirely unprepared to be swept off my feet, cared for and supported after so many years on my own. Scott easily draws me back into the hockey life I thought I didn’t want. 

 

But can our relationship survive the demands of this industry? Or will I always be keeping score, second to the game that dictates everything?


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Meet Gina Azzi


I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family. 

 

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

 

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina


Connect with Gina

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Tuesday, December 7, 2021

The 25 Series I Started in 2021



2021 was clearly the year of series for me!

As I said yesterday, in my series I completed post, I LOVE series. They are my obsession. They are the best thing for me. It's no different than watching a favorite tv show. You get involved into the world, form opinions about the characters, and decide whether you want to continue or not.

In 2021 I started A LOT of new series! And I'm good with that. I have enjoyed every moment of it. I think I've read quite the variety. That being said, one thing all these series share is that all they are contemporaries. Which if you know me, you know that it my preferred area of romance.

What series did I start reading in 2021? Let's find out. (and grab a snack, because it's a long list.)

1. Bergman Brothers by Chloe Liese




2. The Edge by Kristin Turnage



3. Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade


4. Folkestone Sins by Samantha Lovelock


5. Wonderland Novellas by Samantha Lovelock


6. Unexpected Royals by Tomi Tabb



7. Boston Hawks by Gina Azzi



8. Sons of Sin by Nola Marie



9. Paradise Alaska by Barbara Dunlop



10. Hockey Hotties by Piper Rayne


11. Metros Hockey by Crystal Perkins


12. Sin by Aleatha Romig


13. Birch County Fire by April Canavan


14. Reckless Desires by Victoria Ellis


15. Better Love by Brit Benson


16. Heartbreak by Brittany Taylor


17. Mooseheads Hockey by Mary Morano


18. Fool Me by Lizzie Morton


19. Wildcat Hockey by Rebecca Jenshak


20. Rake Forge University by Ashley Munoz


21. Greene Family by Piper Rayne


22. Wilde Horse Ranch by Kim Loraine


23. Ryder Ranch by Anna Brooks


24. Nanny Love Match by Krista Sandor


25. The One I Want by Ellie Masters



WOW! I mean, I knew I started a lot of series in 2021, but I was not expecting THIS!

25 series were started, and I know for a fact that I'll be able to move three into the series completed in 2022 category. Sadly Folkestone Sins, Rake Forge University, and Ryder Ranch will all conclude in 2022. Sigh. I don't want them to end...Yet I know they have to at some point.

What series did you start in 2021? Any you'd recommend? Have you read any of the series on my list?

Happy Reading,
Laura