Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher {a review}

Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher is now live!

Get ready my friends...Declan and Iris's story is absolutely fabulous! This slow burn, age gap, fake marriage had my complete attention from chapter 1.

If you've read The Fine Print, then you know the basics of what is going on. Declan's Grandfather has died, and in his will he gave very specific instructions for his grandsons. Following those instructions is paramount to receiving their inheritance. So in The Fine Print, we watched Rowan fight it tooth and nail. Now in Terms and Conditions, we get to see Declan go through his journey. Of course Seth (dad) is right there front and center as our antagonist. Naturally he does what he does, and pushes all the buttons to get a rise out of his son. Anything to keep Declan from becoming CEO. Yet Seth underestimates Iris, and her ability to read the room. She sees what is happening, and jumps in to defuse the situation. Of course as all of this is going on, Declan and Iris are falling for each other. They may be "married", but they also know that was just a contract. Now, can they achieve their happily ever after? Or will it all blow up after a disagreement? And will they land the Dreamland Tokyo contract?

It's been a while since I read The Fine Print, and I remember really enjoying that story. So when I heard about Terms and Conditions, I knew I had to get my hands on the book. Even more so since I saw tidbits of Declan and Iris in that book. You could see the curiosity, the attraction, the chemistry, the longing. And it wasn't just one party trying to hide their cards, it was both of them. While I knew that Declan and Iris would end up together, I wasn't certain what sort of battle they would have to go through to get to their happily ever after. 

Having now read Terms and Conditions, I loved how it all played out. From the lead up to the engagement party, to the wedding, to the honeymoon, to everything that happened from that point on, to the realization of love, to their happily ever after, I could not put this book down. Now I did mention above that this book is a slow burn, and it took a while for the romance to kick in. Once our characters stopped denying what they were feeling, the romance flowed. 

Now that drama? Oh my word. Okay wait, I'd say there were really a couple of moments where I wanted to grab a few characters and smack them upside the head.  I fully admit that Seth Kane had me wanting to do that a few times! UGH, that man. But it wasn't just Seth. It was occasionally Declan as well. It wasn't until at Dreamland that Declan understood what he needed to do. I appreciate Mr Y talking him through that, and that talk really impacted Declan.

Back to Seth Kane for a moment...I have this feeling he is going to redeem himself in Cal's story. That there will be an explanation for why he is the way he is. Although I would be perfectly fine with Lauren Asher proving me wrong on that.

The journey toward reconnecting was an interesting ride. I loved going through that, and then finding out what had been planned. The fact that these two finally found their happily ever after had me smiling. I also enjoyed that Cal was involved in their reunion.

I gave this book 4.5 stars on Goodreads. Honestly about the only thing that kept it from being a 5 star read was that I wanted to know what happened between the reunion and the epilogues. There were some storylines that were not wrapped up in that regard, and so I didn't feel I could give it a full 5 star rating. Maybe answers will be given in Cal's story? I could only hope!

Speaking of Cal's story, I cannot wait to see what Lauren Asher has planned for that one. My gut tells me it's going to be a second chance romance, but I don't know anything more than that. 

I highly recommend that you go grab Terms and Conditions. It was a wonderful read that was emotion filled at times, but also shows the ups and downs that Declan and Iris went through. I do want to add a small content warning for discussion of past abuse.  So know that it is brought up, but it is handled carefully.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Terms and Conditions. Read this book! Declan may be a serious grump, but he has Iris by his side to push that grumpiness away.

Laura

Cover Design: Mary @ Books and Moods

Declan

I'm destined to become the next CEO of my family's media empire.

The only problem? My grandfather's inheritance clause.

Fulfilling his dying wish of getting married and having an heir seemed impossible until my assistant volunteers for the job.

Our marriage was supposed to be the perfect solution to my biggest problem.

But the more we act in love for the public, the more unsure I feel about our contract.

Caring about Iris was never part of the deal.

Especially not when breaking her heart is inevitable.

Iris
My plan to marry Declan was simple in theory.

Move in together. Throw a wedding. Have a baby.

We set rules to prevent any kind of issues.

Ones that were never meant to be broken, no matter how much Declan tempts me.

But what happens when our fake relationship bleeds into our real one?

Falling in love was never an option.

At least not for me.

 

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Meet

Plagued with an overactive imagination, Lauren spends her free time reading and writing. Her dream is to travel to all the places she writes about. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can't help loving. She likes sharing fast-paced stories with angst, steam, and the emotional spectrum.

Her extra-curricular activities include watching YouTube, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.

 

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Thank you to Lauren Asher, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Terms and Conditions.

The Edge of Redemption by Kristin Turnage {a review}

The Edge of Redemption by Kristin Turnage is now available! If you know me, you know that I have been eagerly anticipating this book. The moment I read The Edge of Happiness, I was hooked on these characters, the setting, and I was needing to know their stories. Ryan and Cassie may have started my love affair with this series, while Joss and Mac continued it. Now it's Jace and AJ's turn, and I am so excited. But also a tad bit nervous because Kristin Turnage has said it's an emotional ride. This Jessie Spano (Saved by the Bell) gif perfectly describes me in this moment.

Before I say anything, else, let me just start with YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! If you are someone who likes characters who have been through hell, and are still fighting to get out, then run and grab this book now. PLEASE!

Oh and also, if you are an emotional reader, have the tissues close by. This book will hit you in the feels, and the tears will fall. Especially as Jace shares about Bailey. Oh and as AJ shares about her sister. It's just a lot. It's fabulous, and totally worth it though.

Now if you've read The Edge of Happiness or The Edge of Serenity, then you've gotten glimpses into Jace's life. You've seen him battling his demons, but we didn't know what those demons were. We saw the drinking. We saw the drugs. We saw this man struggling to keep his head above water. In The Edge of Redemption we find it all out. Every last bit of it. My heart shattered as I read everything that Jace had been through, and the guilt that he has been carrying around.

Then there is the storyline with AJ and Beatrice (aka Belle). Dang if that didn't hit me hard. My heart broke for AJ, don't get me wrong on that. Her grief was palpable. But Belle? Witnessing that little girl work through her grief, and trying to wrap her head around how her life just changed, was heartbreaking. My mom heart struggled through reading her scenes.The tears came hard and fast. There were definitely moments of ugly crying happening.

Speaking of AJ, she seems like a very loving person. Not only is she uprooting her life to come take care of her niece, she's also returning to the town that she swore to never return to. Her time in Oaks was not good. It was full of heartache, stress, and trauma. So I don't blame her one bit for not wanting to return. Yet here she is trying to bring some stability to her niece's life. AJ is also a very talented artist. She finds out a happy moment for a person, recreates that through a drawing, and then folds it up for them to look at later. She's giving a piece of herself to each person she creates art for. 

The very first interaction between Jace and AJ had me smiling. Then when they ran into each other at the grief counseling session, that was so dang good. Add in the banter that slowly started happening, and I could not get enough.  Every interaction that these two had, I was unable to look away from.  I had to witness it all. I had to witness them falling. I had to witness the moment of conflict. Then there was the resolution, and my heart was so happy. And that retreat they had to go on? Oh so good. SO DANG GOOD! That entire scene was just spectacular. I loved it.

My heart soared with how quickly (and easily) Belle was accepted into the group. Those adults gathered around her, and just poured love into her. Whether it was through their time, their words, or just a friendly face, they cemented themselves into her life. They gave her a new family. The scene at church had the tears flowing. If you know about church, then you know how emotionally intense those scenes can be.

Absolutely LOVED The Edge of Redemption. Cannot recommend it enough. I will be talking about this book, and the series, for quite some time. Kristin Turnage has created this little world that I am obsessed with. These characters have drawn me in, and I am so thankful that I am able to know their stories. 

As of right now, this book has the potential to be my favorite for February. The paperback will be ordered as soon as it is available on Amazon, and it will join my copies of the first two books. I cannot wait to see who the next book will be about. My gut tells me it's going to be Hunter.

If you are a fan of new adult, small town romances, that are filled with emotion, then please go grab this series! The Edge of Happiness was my favorite book of 2021, and The Edge of Serenity was one of my monthly favorites. So you can clearly see that this series is one of my favorites.

Have your tissues handy. You'll need them.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Edge of Redemption. I hope you'll read Jace and AJ's story.

Laura

Cover Design: Sarah Kil Creative Studios

Jace Walker is a master illusionist, but he can’t keep up the act anymore. His family and friends thought he was happy and healthy and at peace with his past. But that was a lie. Every single moment from that awful day has been a lie. Just one big exhausting routine that he can’t stop. Always having to pretend to deal with the pain of his life lost.

All he wanted to do was feel her again, and the pills always helped. That is until they didn’t. Being forced to open up about his feelings is now his life. His newest distraction is this stranger in town with pink hair and an attitude problem who’s tormenting his mind while slowly bringing him back to life.

One look at AJ, and you’d think she has everything together, but things aren’t always as they appear. After leaving home at 18 to forge her own path, she’s pulled back to her old life by the death of her sister and brother-in-law, now being the only next of kin for her 7-year-old orphaned niece.

With her heart still aching to be free, she now fights the courts for custody of her niece, desperately trying to go back to the life she had. The only problem with her plan is the attractive asshole in the grief support group that she hates with every fiber of her being but who also feels like home.

To an onlooker, these two Grumpy Gus’s are the definition of toxic, but as fate would have it, they’re partnered together to complete their healing journeys.

With darkness around every corner, will the stars align on their road to redemption?

Content warning: The book contains sensitive subject matter related to the loss of a loved one and suicide.

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Ryan & Cassie

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Mac & Joss

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Meet Kristin Turnage

Kristin Turnage is an indie author that lives close to the beach in Florida with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. She has been writing for eight years and has been chasing her dream of becoming a published author for a long time. The Edge of Happiness from The Edge Series is her first published work and has turned her dream into a reality. She is excited that you are all taking this journey alongside of her.

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Thank you to Kristin Turnage, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Edge of Redemption.

Saving Jen by Ellie Masters {a review}

 

Ellie Masters has just released Saving Jen! This is the fifth book in the One I Want series, and it is a hard hitting, emotional story. This book is nothing like the previous four books, but it is still just as wonderful. Saving Jen is a steamy, second chance, contemporary romantic suspense. It features a protective hero and the smart, feisty heroine who steals his heart.

In Saving Jen, we have Jen and Patton. They have been married for a while now, and are trying to add to their family. Jen has had multiple losses, and it's taking an emotional toll. (as it should) Patton isn't dealing with the same emotions, or at least he isn't vocal about them. They continue to live their lives. He works for the military, and Jen is an EMT. When tensions rise in the community, it is becoming unsafe for the public, but Jen and Patton still need to do their jobs. But Jen working her job is causing issues with Patton. He would rather she stay home and be safe versus putting herself in danger. Their emotions are already elevated when tragedy strikes. This leads to conflict in the relationship, and an uncertain future. Can these two find a way to talk things out? Can they mend their relationship? Or is this it for Jen and Patton? Also, with the turmoil in the community, can both of them remain safe?

Having read the previous 4 books in the series, I thought I had a good idea of what to expect with the premise of the stories. Saving Jen proved to me that I was 100% wrong. This book threw me a curve ball, and at first I wasn't sure what to do. You see since the last two books were set in the same small town, I assumed we'd be headed back. Part of me also assumed that previous characters would either make an appearance, or at least be mentioned. That wasn't the case though. Which is fine. It just caught me off guard based on the previous books. As the story progressed, I was all in.

First, this is a marriage in trouble book. So it is our couple working through their issues, and finding a way to return to each other to make their relationship work. Loved that. Jen is a EMT in California, and her husband Patton is in the military.

Second, this book is emotion filled. Those emotions are not just from our main characters, but also from the storyline going on in the background. It's intense. It's real. It's just a lot. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

There were times in this book where Patton just had me shaking my head, as I was so frustrated with him. Then when he said what he said after that one incident? UGH! I was devastated for Jen. So when everything blew up, and the conflict kicked in, I wasn't sure how they were going to come out the other side.

Jen had me feeling the same at times. Part of me thinks if she had opened up about her feelings, then maybe all of this could have been avoided. But then at the same time that wouldn't have given the conflict for our characters to work through.

Loved the book. Love the series. Cannot wait for the next.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. I hope you'll consider picking up Saving Jen, and giving it a read.

Laura

A story of the deepest love, tragic loss, and a chance for Redemption.

Jennifer
While our cities burn, I face devastation on the streets, saving lives while my marriage falls apart. I once thought Patton and I could survive anything, but we’re not coming out of this unscathed. We’ve lost too much and our love is stretched beyond the breaking point. The choices I make aren’t easy, but at the end of a long and brutal night, I’ll see what remains of both my city and the love of the man I can’t live without.

Patton
Overcome with grief, I walked away. The love of my life is on the streets, doing what she does best. Jen's saving lives, but when she goes missing in the middle of the riots, I can no longer ignore the truth. She’s my wife. My love. She's my life. I may not be worthy of redemption, but I will bring my wife home.

Will the riots and civil unrest destroy Patton and Jennifer's second chance for a happily ever after? Or does fate have something else in store?

(Saving Jen was previously published as Patton.)

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EXCERPT

All we needed was one spark to ignite the city. The situation had been escalating for some time. Overzealous media and corrupt politicians fed the fire, weaving truth and lies into an intricate web, never once letting facts get in the way.

Nobody really knew what started the riots, but some traced it back to a drive-by shooting in San Francisco. Bullets sprayed from a car. People were wounded. A small child died. The community banded together for a public vigil, angry about the gangs, frustrated by the failure of the police, and fearful for their futures. Words were exchanged and then fists. Citizens went on a rampage.

We braced for the worst, foreseeing the chaos which would surely result.

This is but one story of what happened in the days and weeks leading up to the riots … It’s my story: a story of the deepest love, tragic loss, and a chance for redemption.

ALSO AVAILABLE

FREE for a limited time!

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU

Always free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Coming Soon

Releasing July 31

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU

Meet Ellie Masters

Ellie writes the kind of heart-stopping, pulse-pounding, can't-stop-reading romance filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy, alpha men. They have to be, because the heroines Ellie writes are strong women with take charge attitudes.

International, bestselling, multi-genre author, Ellie writes the stories she loves to read. Dark romance lover? Sweet contemporary romance? How about a romantic suspense to whet your appetite? Ellie writes it all. Don't wait any longer, your next book boyfriend is waiting for you.

Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.

Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. 

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Thank you to Ellie Masters, and Give Me Books PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Saving Jen.

Fall for Me by JH Croix {a review}

JH Croix has just released Fall for Me. Fall for Me is the latest addition to the Light My Fire series that is set in a small Alaskan town, and features a swoon-worthy romance with a firefighter. Archer & Phoebe’s story is perfect for readers who love: Marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, slow burn, broody secret billionaire, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a hero with a protective streak a mile wide.

I have read all of the books in this series, and have enjoyed them all. So I had high expectations with Fall for Me. This book, while good, hit different than the others. It was almost as though JH Croix was playing it too safe. Fall for Me had the potential to hit a lot harder, and be an emotionally intense story. Especially given the secret that Archer is holding on to.

Before I jump into my thoughts, I do want to add that there is a content warning for this book. It has to do with Archer's childhood, as well as something that happened to his cousin. So while I will not specifically name that action, I do want you to know that information is mentioned within the book.

All in all, I enjoyed the story. From the two friends being reunited, to the marriage of convenience, to it being a small town romance, that was all wonderful. I was here for it. Then there is the secret that Archer has been holding for about 20 years. When that was revealed, my jaw dropped. It wasn't what I was expecting. At least not based on the flashbacks we had witnessed. Then everything else unfolded, and I was all in. I wanted more details about all of it.

The relationship between Archer and Phoebe was so good. I felt the spark, the chemistry, the attraction. So while their relationship may have started as fake, it quickly morphed into reality. These two have a foundation of friendship, and now that they have been reunited, this relationship can blossom. Phoebe did irritate me every time she mentioned the money that Archer (and his family) have. You could tell she was uncomfortable, but it also came off as a bit envious. In a way she was judging Archer for something that is out of his control. He can't help it that his family is well to do, just like Phoebe cannot control her family's financials. I do wish that we would have been able to see Phoebe out in the field, and witness Archer's reaction to that. We know she's a badass female character who loves her job, so it would have been nice to witness that.

I went back in forth in my head about the rating. Part of me was thinking 3.5, the other said 4, so as of right now it's a 4. The main thing that had me wanting to rate this book as a 3.5 was the ending. It just didn't feel finished. It felt rushed. It left me with questions. (The biggest one was what happened with Clint?) But I decided to stay with my original thoughts (4⭐️) because the story is pretty darn good. I just wish the ending wasn't what it was.

I have absolutely enjoyed this series, and I know we for certain have one more book to come in Keep Me Close. I'm excited to see what happens with Chase and Hallie. 

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Fall for Me. I hope that you'll take time to read this story, and fall for the characters and the community.

Laura

Problem: My ex is marrying my ex-bestie.

Plan A: Burn the church down?

Plan B: Fake marry my friend.

I haven’t seen Archer since fifth grade. When he shows up in our small hometown and offers to marry me, I don’t ask many questions. I get to salvage my shredded pride and do him a favor.

I only need one thing from him—sell the deal when my ex comes back to town to marry my ex-bestie. Now I’m fake-married to a totally hot guy who needs a wife for *reasons*.

I’m way too cynical to fall for anyone, but Archer’s hard to resist. He keeps telling me we’re just faking it, but trust me when I tell you, there are some things we are not faking.

This was never supposed to be real. Until he whispers, fall for me.

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Meet J.H. Croix

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. 

Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. 

Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!

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Thank you to JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Fall for Me.

Up in Smoke by Kate Meader {a review}

 

Are you ready for a new firefighter romance series from Kate Meader? If so, go grab Up in Smoke NOW! Up in Smoke is the first in the brand new Hot in Chicago Rookies series about firefighters navigating the trials of new jobs and sizzling romances as they find their place in the world and the love of a lifetime.

First things first, I love that Abby has followed her dreams and became a firefighter. Yes she's following in her mom's footsteps, but she's doing this on her own, and proving that just because her father is who he is, he isn't helping her one bit. Abby has earned her position at Station 6 because of her qualifications.

Then there is that meet cute between Roman and Abby at the diner. Absolutely loved that, and absolutely saw what was going to happen next. It didn't matter one bit that I predicted it, the story still captivated me. From Abby finding her footing at the firehouse, to learning the ropes, to creating friendships, to going out on calls, I loved it all. The moments of tension, at work, between Abby and Roman had me coming back for more. I had to see how all of this was going to work out.

When they finally got together I was curious as to how it would affect their work, or if it would at all. I also was wondering what Abby's dad was going to say when he found out. I wasn't expecting it to all be revealed the way it was. But it was probably the best way for it to be revealed for the shock/drama factor.

Speaking of drama, I fulled expected Roman's ex to bring more to the table in that department. So I was a bit disappointed by her role in the story.

BUT, the moment of conflict between Roman and Abby was top notch. I never want to see characters in agony, but the way Kate Meader laid this all out was perfection. It just made the reunion all the sweeter. I could go on, but I don't want to accidentally spoil anything.

This was a great kick off to the new series, and I am so glad that I read it. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series, and witness Abby & Roman as side characters. Plus the next book is about Jude, and I am so ready for his story to be told! Now I just hope that Kate releases it sooner than December! (wishful thinking)

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Up in Smoke. If you are a fan of firefighter romances set in the workplace, that is also a bit of an age gap, as well as forbidden, then you need to check out this book!

Laura

Cover: Lori Jackson Design

Lives are on the line at Engine 6 … and so are hearts.

 

Newly-minted firefighter Abby Sullivan is exactly where she wants to be: Chicago Fire Department’s Engine 6, the station where her mom blazed a trail as one of the first female firefighters in the city. The first to fall in the line of duty, too. All Abby wants is to succeed, but that’s a tough proposition when people only see a feel-good story, a token woman failing at a man’s job, or the princess in need of protection. And the man tasked with watching her six? 

 

Lieutenant Roman Rossi, the one person she can’t let close. 

 

Having the daughter of his boss and nemesis under his wing shouldn’t be a problem for Roman—he’s a professional and can treat her like any other firefighter rookie. Except she happens to be the gorgeous woman he once shared a slice of cherry pie with, followed by the hottest, sweetest, most pulse-pounding kiss of his life. He didn’t know her name but he had planned to find out.

 

Now Roman knows exactly who Abby is: a threat to his self-control more dangerous than a five-alarm blaze. Lust has no place in the firehouse, and a distraction like Abby with her electric blue eyes, waves of flame-red hair, and freckles Roman wants to map with his tongue, is one he can ill afford. 

 

Because one wrong move … and it could all go up in smoke.

 

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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 review copy of Up in Smoke.