Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Like I Never Said by CW Farnsworth {a review}

Are you looking for a Young Adult book that glides easily into New Adult? Then you need to go pick up Like I Never Said by C.W. Farnsworth! It just released on March 22, 2022, and I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK! Not only is it a sports romance (my fav), but it is also a small town romance. Oh but it gets better as it also falls into the friends to lovers trope, and briefly dabbles in the fake relationship trope.

Like I Never Said starts off with Auden arriving in Canmore. Her parents have sent her there for a bit as they hash out their divorce back at home. The only people Auden "knows" in this small town is her aunt, and her cousin. Except she hasn't seen either of them in years. So it's a bit awkward. Plus her cousin is avoiding her. One day Auden ventures out to a local coffee shop, and as she is working on school work (yes, even in the summer) a group of teenage guys approach her. They need to borrow a pen, and that leads to introductions and conversation. Not only that, but it is at this coffee shop where Auden and Elliot meet for the first time. It's where they have a brief conversation, and their friendship is ignited. The next couple of weeks go by in a blur, but amazing memories are made, and a lifelong friendship is formed. While distance could be an issue, it doesn't stop Auden and Elliot from talking each day. Suddenly it's a year later, and Auden is back in Canmore for a visit. Feelings are being felt, and it's becoming more difficult to ignore the attraction. What will it take for Elliot and Auden to have a real relationship? To take this to the next level? What about Elliot's hockey plans? Auden's college goals? Will distance play an issue?

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Honestly I gave it 5 stars. It all came down to the storytelling, and me falling head over heels for Auden and Elliot.

Yes the story starts when Auden and Elliot are 16. Yes it continues for 4 years. Yes it is 100% worth it. And yes, we only see little snippets outside of the time in Canmore.

What appealed to me the most about this book was the layout. We didn't know much of what happened when it wasn't summer time, and Auden wasn't in Canmore. But each time she returned, Auden and Elliot picked right up. I loved it.

Witnessing these two meet, become friends all while fighting their growing feelings was so good. They were friends first. The attraction built over time, and each didn't want to admit to feelings. At the end of the first summer, they said goodbye. But that friendship continued to grow through texts, FaceTime, and phone calls. While miles separated them, they didn't let that affect their connection.

The scene at the sorority house...my heart. It is here that I truly felt the connection between Auden and Elliot. You could see this was a major turning point for them. Truths were spoken. Emotions were fresh. Hearts were laid out waiting to be accepted or denied. 

One thing that I would love to know is what happened after that Thanksgiving in California when Auden went home with her friend. Yes, we know a little snippet, but did anything ever come from it? Did the two ever meet up? Clear the air? Or is it just done?

Also what happened after the grand gesture? How was time spent until the epilogue? What team drafted Elliot? Did he go first? I HAVE QUESTIONS!!

I would love to return to this small town, and find out what happens with Elliot's friends, as well as Auden's cousin. Did they find their happily ever afters? I can't lie, I'm really curious about Josh.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Like I Never Said. I adored this book, and the characters. If you are a fan of young adult or new adult, then please go pick this book up. It is so dang good!

Laura
Cover Design: Kim Bailey @ Bailey Cover Boutique


A lot can happen on a two-week trip to the Canadian wilderness.

Auden Harmon learns her parents’ marriage is officially over. Expected. Accidentally gifts a five-hundred-dollar pen to a stranger. Unexpected.

Neither event wreaks havoc on her life quite like meeting Elliot Reid does. He has eyes the color of the cloudy sky. A slapshot the whole country has an unhealthy obsession with. The uncanny ability to say the exact right thing, right when she needs to hear it.

They stay in touch after she leaves. Swap secrets. Become best friends. Tell each other everything.

Well…almost everything.

It’s a thin line between love and hate. The line between love and friendship with a guy who makes mammoth-sized butterflies swarm your stomach? Practically transparent.

But when he’s made it clear friendship is all he has to offer?

You can never say it.

Grab Your Copy Here!
Free in KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR!


Meet C.W. Farnsworth


C.W. Farnsworth is the author of numerous adult and young adult romance novels featuring sports, strong female leads, and happy endings.

Charlotte lives in Rhode Island and when she isn’t writing spends her free time reading, at the beach, or snuggling with her Australian Shepard.

Find her on Facebook (@cwfarnsworth), Twitter (@cw_farnsworth), and Instagram (@authorcwfarnsworth).


To learn more about C.W. Farnsworth and her books, visit here!


 


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Thank you to C.W. Farnsworth, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Like I Never Said.

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Reap by Caitlyn Dare {a review}


The Red Ridge Sinners MC series from bestselling author Caitlyn Dare continues… REAP is a full length dark enemies-to-lovers/bully romance. This is a why choose novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. It is book two in the series, and it must be read in order. So start with Ruin.

As this is a story in progress, I cannot recap what I read without spoiling what happened in Ruin. So please forgive me for not recapping the story. Let's jump into my random thoughts (aka my review).

First things first, Jax's storyline broke my heart. I was not prepared for the secrets that he was holding. I don't think we know the full truth yet, and that is going to be even more devastating. I did appreciate that Zach, Diesel, and River were there for him.

Rhett continues to have me shake my head with his big brother antics. I cannot wait for his reaction once things come to light.

Kat has my attention, and while I read the first part of her story in Dare, I cannot wait for Defy: A MFM Romance to be released so I can continue her storyline. Also, what happens in Dare takes place during this book. So if you want to know what's going on with Kat, go download Dare from the author's website.

Zach's background being revealed is raising some flags, and I am curious to see how all of that plays out. He is an interesting character who is playing things close to the vest.

Diesel has me wondering when he's going to cave, and get out of his head. What will it take for him to go for what he wants?

I'm glad that River finally spoke about what happened in Colton. That truth is out there and it no longer needs to sit upon her shoulders. The reaction to that was just what I expected it to be, and what happened after was also right in line with what I had envisioned.

The big moment that happened has my curiosity piqued. I think I know who is behind it all, and I have this feeling that a couple storylines are going to tie together. Time will tell.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to be waiting as patiently as I can for Rule.

Highly suggest you pick up this series. I can't lie, I still struggle with River's age. Yet the storyline has drawn me in, and that is why I stay.

Thank you for reading my random thoughts. Go read the Red Ridge Sinners, and fall for these characters. They really start to feel like family.

Laura




I never imagined falling for a Red Ridge Sinner… let alone three.

But here I am, sneaking around with Diesel, Zach, and Jax, willing to risk the consequences for just one more kiss or touch or moment.

They get me. Understand what I need, and how to make me soar. But every time we find ourselves in the dark, stealing precious minutes together, reality closes in around us.

One of them is broken.

One wants to do the right thing.

And one of them refuses to admit what I already know. I’m willing to fight for them… All of them. 

Even if it goes against everyone’s expectations of me. Even if it upsets the people I love.

Even if it makes me a target for our enemies.


Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!


Meet Caitlyn Dare


Caitlyn Dare is a Top 50 Amazon bestselling author of dark romance.  

She writes angsty, gritty stories about alphaholes you’ll love to hate and the feisty girls who bring them to their knees.


Her bestselling series include: Savage Falls Sinners MC, a dark high school reverse harem romance; and Rebels at Sterling Prep, a dark bully high school romance.


To learn more about Caitlyn Dare & her books, visit here! 


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Thank you to Caitlyn Dare, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Reap.

Nero DeLuca by Xavier Neal and Amarie Avant {a review}

 

Are you looking for another anthology to read? How about one that features mafia romance? Well then you need to go grab Savage Bloodline immediately! Here's what it is about:

Darkness lurks behind their gazes.
There’s something sinister about their smiles.
Their name incites fear in their enemies.
Their touch arouses passion in the women they love.
They are the DeLucas. In the streets and in the sheets, there’s one word that describes them best.
SAVAGE.

The men of the DeLuca family are proof that the bigger the alpha, the harder they fall… in love. Download this exclusive anthology featuring 20+ BRAND NEW mafia romances to find out which DeLuca you will fall in love with. But first, you must ask yourself one question: Are you ready to give your heart and body to a savage?

I haven't read the entire collection yet, but did read an advanced copy of Nero DeLuca's story. Oh what a story it was! Nero's story alone has me wanting to binge the entire anthology immediately. Which it is on my kindle waiting for me, but I'm going to pace myself. (or so I think!)

Nero DeLuca's story is a Cinderella retelling. Except there are no wicked stepsisters, this time they are stepbrothers. Elle and her brothers have found themselves in an undesirable situation. The only real option for Elle to get out of it is to agree to marry Nero. It would be a short marriage, but it would take care of everything.

Once again, Xavier Neal and Amarie Avant hit it out of the park with this mafia romance. From the very first page, to the end of the story, I was all in. From their fake marriage, to the beach scene, to Nero and Elle falling for each other, to the suspenseful scenes. I was curious about what was going to happen with our characters, and how things would play out. So good, highly recommend.

Now that suspenseful scene I wasn't fully expecting. I mean I should have since it is a mafia romance novella, but in the back of my mind I was just expecting conflict between our couple. But what played out, and how all of that came to a conclusion was so perfectly played. Love every moment of it.

Was there anything from the novella I wasn't fond of? Of course there was. But I wasn't expecting to love all aspects. The foot play wasn't for me. That was a bit over done. That's just my opinion, so please don't think I'm being negative about it. One scene of it would have been plenty for me.

After having read Nero DeLuca's story, I look forward to reading the rest within the collection. If you enjoy mafia romances, I hope you'll pick this one up too.

Thank you for taking time to read my brief thoughts.
Laura







Once upon a time, she was asked to put on a slipper.

Little did this princess know, the arrangement she agreed to was going to become much bloodier than the original fairy tale...

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

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



Thank you to Xavier Neal, Amarie Avant, and DS Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Nero DeLuca.



Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Love on the Lake by Helena Hunting

 

Can Aaron love her, even when she can’t love herself?

Love on the Lake, an emotional small town, standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is live now!



Teagan Firestone has always been the dutiful daughter, especially since her mom died. But as her father finally begins to move on, it’s her turn to do the same. Her destination: Pearl Lake, a close-knit community with an entrepreneurial spirit and secrets of its own.

One of them is Aaron Saunders, who dropped out of college to work construction for Pearl Lake’s upper class. He’s a mystery and has a playboy reputation—that is, until he meets Teagan. Neither of them is looking for love, but in a town this small, it’s hard not to let your heart get involved.

As their romance heats up, Aaron’s elusive past comes to light and Teagan is there for him, bringing them even closer together. But when Teagan is forced to face her own demons, her inability to accept the support of friends and family threatens the life she’s worked so hard to build.

Can Aaron love her, even when she can’t love herself?

Fall in love today exclusively on Amazon or read FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Add Love on the Lake to your Goodreads TBR!


Meet Helena Hunting

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Connect with Helena

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Twisted Debt by Xavier Neal and Amarie Avant {a review}


Happy Tuesday my friends! Today the Once Upon A Broken Crown anthology is available for purchase. I had been hearing about this anthology for a while now, and have been following their updates on Facebook. If you are looking for fairytale retellings then you need to go grab this! It's extremely affordable, and I think you'll enjoy it. I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of ONE of the stories, and I am hooked.

Here's what the blurb for the anthology has to say:
Your favorite fairytales, reimagined. What if Captain Hook was Snow White's Savior? And Belle was the Beast she feared. Maybe Red Riding Hood isn't so sweet. What if the villain got the girl? Or the Princesses we know and love had secrets so dark, their tales were better left distorted. 20+ classic tales retold from the minds of best-selling and award-winning authors. Romance like you've never imagined, spice that’ll set you ablaze, and adventure that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Everyone deserves a happily ever after—even if it's twisted.

While I have not read the full anthology yet, I definitely will be. It's sitting on my kindle just waiting for me to pick it up.

So which book did I read an advanced copy of? That would be Twisted Debt by Xavier Neal and Amarie Avant. Twisted Debt is a Rapunzel retelling, and this story captured my attention from the beginning.  

At the beginning of the story, we catch up with Mr Pierson and Elias Whittington. Mr Pierson had taken a loan from Elias, and was to be repaying that. Well he defaulted, and now Elias is here to collect the collateral. What is that collateral?  Mr Pierson's daughter, Zel.

What started as a contractual agreement without Zel's consent, quickly evolved into more.

"For the next three months, you are here to entertain me. You are to be my date when I do not wish to dine alone. Companion for the events I do not wish to attend with the accompaniment of a beautiful woman on my arm. And most importantly, mine to use for pleasure--morning, noon, or night."

Witnessing the relationship between Elias and Zel grow, and evolve was an interesting ride. It was full of steam, questioning, and falling. Every single moment of the story had me wondering what was going to happen next. Then when the moment of conflict occurred, I was starting to doubt that Elias and Zel would get a happily ever after. But I should learn to never question myself, or rather the authors, as they'll give me what I want. The journey to their reunion was not an easy one, but there was definitely someone in Zel's corner helping her out.

Loved this retelling of Rapunzel, and have high hopes for the rest of the anthology.

Thank you for taking time to read my abbreviated thoughts (Twisted Debt is a novella after all). I do hope you'll pick up the anthology, especially if you are someone who loves steamy fairytale retellings.

Laura






Once upon a time, she was asked to let down her hair.

Little did this princess know, the arrangement she agreed to was going to be much more twisted than the original fairy tale...



Add Once Upon A Broken Crown to your Goodreads TBR!


Participating Authors in this anthology:
Amarie Avant & Xavier Neal, Erin O'Kane, Susana Mohel, Sade Rena, Annie James, Lark Anderson & LJ Anderson, DC Renee, Catharina Maura, Mikki Noble, Kelly N. Jane, Amanda Kimberley & P. Mattern, Alexandra Silva, Olivia Peters, Katherine L. Evans, Sarah Bale, Taya Rune, Devyn Sinclair, Emma Luna, C. Hallman and Monica Corwin, Sierra Rowan.


About the Authors


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, Amarie Avant, and DS Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Twisted Debt.
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