Thursday, April 21, 2022

Tight End by Lisa Suzanne {a review}


Today is the day that Vegas Aces season 3 is wrapping up. Vegas Aces: The Tight End by Lisa Suzanne was a wonderful journey from fake relationship to one that will last a lifetime. Ben and Kaylee both evolved so much throughout this series, it was absolutely wonderful.

My rating on Goodreads for Tight End was 4.5 stars. I loved it so. This entire series has secured a spot in my favorites list. (which no, there is no physical list at this point, it's all just in my brain.)

If you've  been following along, then you know that Vegas Aces: The Tight End is a continuous series, and books 1-4 each end with a cliffhanger. Therefore I simply cannot recap the book as there is too high of a risk for spoilers. Trust me when I say, the description that Lisa Suzanne has written provides you all the information you need. So let's jump into my thoughts...

Oh my goodness did Tight End have me loving Kaylee and Ben even more! Yes I've been obsessed with their story from the beginning. This fifth, and final, book though just wonderful. The storylines were mostly wrapped up (I do have a couple questions still up in the air), the secret I called back in Tight Laced was 100% confirmed, the reunion was everything I wanted, and I just fell even harder for these characters. Oh, and I was also right about a character being sketchy.

Can I tell you where I still have questions? Erm, probably not since it would be spoiler-ish. Ugh. I need to talk to someone about it! Guess I'll go to the spoiler room and discuss it there.

Lisa Suzanne knows how to write a story that grabs your attention, and has you on the edge of your seat for the entirety. These characters that she has created in the Vegas Aces world are phenomenal. They are memorable. I cannot wait to see them reappear in season 4. And yes, there is going to be a season 4! The set up is perfect, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

If you haven't started the series yet, then now would be the perfect time. All the books are out, so you don't really need to worry about the cliffhangers. Find your favorite reading spot, grab your kindle (or the paperbacks!), and fall for Ben & Kaylee.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Vegas Aces: The Tight End. All five books were fantastic, and I highly recommend that you read them.

Happy Reading,
Laura



I knew playing with my feelings was a huge gamble with someone like him, but I did it anyway. And now I’ve learned the hard lesson that gambling and life in Vegas just aren’t for me.

I have a lot of decisions I need to make on my own, so I take a job that will allow me to relocate, regroup, and make new friends as I try to figure out what comes next for me.

One of those new friends is a hot former baseball player who is also my temporary new roommate. Even though I find myself attracted to him, I’m carrying too much weight from my past to move forward.

I need to find a way to move on from my tight end, and the only way to do that is to tell him the truth that will change both of our futures forever.


TIGHT END is the final book in the VEGAS ACES: THE TIGHT END series. This series must be read in order.



Add to your Goodreads TBR!



Meet Lisa Suzanne


Lisa Suzanne is a romance author who resides in Arizona with her husband and two kids. 

She’s a former high school English teacher and college composition instructor. 

When she's not chasing her kids, she can be found working on her latest book or watching reruns of Friends.  




Connect with Lisa Suzanne


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Thank you to Lisa Suzanne, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Tight End.





Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Sinful Bodyguard by Emily Bowie {a review}



Sinful Bodyguard is the fourth book in the Dark Mafia Sins series from Emily Bowie. This new release is a friends to enemies to lovers story featuring forced proximity, arranged marriage, slow burn romance, and a whole lot of hate to love. Luna and Fin are both holding secrets, and when they are exposed, it could lead to a war, as well as heartbreak.

Having read Sinful Daughter, and Sinful Kisses, I thought I knew what to expect in Sinful Bodyguard. I knew the Rossi family would be involved. I knew we might find out a bit more about Katrina. I knew we would get to see the other characters periodically. I knew that I was returning to this mafia world. But that was it. I wasn't fully familiar with Luna. She was quiet in the other books, and so I didn't get a main character vibe from her. I do remember seeing Fin at the end of Sinful Kisses, and it honestly took me a bit to place him. 

I really enjoyed how this book began, and the fact that we were in the past. It gave insight into what happened to drive Luna and Fin apart. Not only that but it also showed what influenced Fin to live his life the way he has.


Luna is a strong, independent woman who can handle pretty much anything that is thrown at her. With the exception of Fin. The history between the two is less than ideal, and there is still a lot of feelings pent up regarding what happened in the past. Luna is also a protector. She will do what needs to be done to take care of her family.

Fin is amazing at what he does, and he has earned quite the reputation because of it. Taking over the family business isn't exactly high on his priority list, but it is what he is destined for. First though he needs to fix things with Luna. Not only that, but he's going to convince her family that an arranged marriage between the two is the perfect plan.

I really enjoyed the characters. Separately they are fantastic. Together, I'm just not feeling it. Never once while reading did I see these two being anything other than enemies. Maybe one day I could see a truce being called, but that's about it. So to see the relationship building, and Luna being so resistant toward it, I struggled. Did this Rossi sister deserve her own story? Absolutely. But this enemies to lovers romance was just missing something for me. Honestly it kind of felt like a filler story to get to Katrina's story. And believe me I think Katrina's story is going to be INTENSE! Especially with the build up.

All in all the story was decent. I gave it 3.5 stars on Goodreads. It was just not what I was expecting, or what I was used to based on the others in the series. But these are just my feelings, and we all process books in different ways.

Bring on Sinful Queen!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Sinful Bodyguard. I do have a review of Sinful Vow coming soon, I'm just ironing out my thoughts on that. 

Happy reading!
Laura



Cover Design: Jersey Girl Design

Long before Fin was my bodyguard, he was my best friend. It didn’t matter that he belonged to the Irish mafia and I the Italian.

One day changed everything. His family was murdered, and I helped set everything in motion.

I’ll carry the weight of that burden forever.

Six years later he’s back in my life as my bodyguard. He refuses to let me out of his sight, and I’m reminded of my betrayal every single day. Our connection is so much more than friends now. It’s hard not to appreciate his chiseled chest, strong arms, and his need to protect me.

When the tension wraps too tight around us it explodes. Igniting chemistry that neither one of us can say no to.

But Fin could never love me if he learned the truth. I should be more frightened of him than the monsters he’s protecting me from.

When secrets surface, we’re both forced to reckon with what the truth will do to our relationship.
Now I’m standing at the altar with a choice: stand with Fin and risk everything, or protect my family--and my heart.



Add Fin & Luna's story to your Goodreads TBR!


New to the world of Dark Mafia Sins?
Start from the beginning!
Author Bio
Emily Bowie is from a small town in Western Canada. She has been making characters come to life through her writing since she was old enough to put her thoughts on paper. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy. 

She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children. 

She is the author to the Bennett Brothers Series. 

Recklessly Mine, Recklessly Forbidden, & Recklessly Devoted. 

When she is not writing she can be found reading a good book, making digital scrapbooks and being physically active—whether it is at the gym, going for a walk, or playing /keep up with her children.
Connect with Emily






Thank you to Emily Bowie, and Give Me Books PR, for providing me with a copy of Sinful Bodyguard.

Baby Got Pack by Xavier Neal {cover reveal}


Xavier Neal has a brand new book releasing on April 28, 2022!

BABY GOT PACK is a small town, opposites attract romantic comedy. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy!

If it sounds interesting to you, be sure to add it to your Goodreads TBR, and definitely go preorder it!

Cover Designer: Dana L, Designs by Dana

Torrance
I like backpacks, and I cannot lie...
Now, people?
I can deny.
But whenever the consultant walks in with a smile on his face, encouraging me to find my place, I damn near lose a lung.
Ugh.
Asthma.
I swear, if I was an average lady, or if Mother Nature didn't hate me...then I might fit in, in the role I'm in, and the consultant would want more with me.

Fynn
One of my best mates tried to warn me...
That falling in love might be on my journey.
But with the business I'm in and the way I live, falling for a client just isn't my way.
Except I find myself wanting to hold her.
Make her bolder.
Let her lean on my shoulder.
See, she's not the average lady, plus her beautiful soul just drives me crazy.
This should've been a fling, yet now I'm looking at rings.
Because I'm ready to make this a forever thing.


Baby Got Pack is a standalone, opposites-attract, laugh-out-loud rom com from the same author who brought Hike, Hike, Baby and The Hockey Gods Series.


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

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Take Me There by JH Croix {a review}



Take Me There is a swoon-worthy romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix! This is the fifth book in the Dare With Me series, and if you love small town romances, you need to read this one!

Skylar's plan was to move to Alaska with her best friend, find a job she enjoys, and just live her best life. Her plan didn't as she wished. Instead she's in Alaska without her best friend, and she's working on healing her broken heart. Thankfully she has a job she loves, and is working with fabulous people. She's found her routine here, and slowly but surely she's finding community. Enter Tucker. Tucker is a pilot, and the company he works with is based on the same lot as the company Skylar works for.  So they see each other frequently. All it takes is him offering a helping hand to open the lines of communication, and to start forming a friendship. That friendship though is about to change. Well that is if they can both open up their hearts. Both of them are grieving a loss, and working through their pain. Tucker has no interest in a relationship, not after he lost his first love. What will it take for these two to jump head first into a relationship? Can they get out of their own way so a future can be built?

I adored this book. From the characters to the small town setting, I absolutely adored it. Returning to this remote Alaskan town felt like coming home and reconnecting with friends. I love the way JH Croix brought this area to life, and her characters truly give off that friend vibe. (as in they'd be you're friends)

Tucker has been through a lot, and so I could understand his reservations a bit. Yet at the same time, he was so young when everything happened that it felt like he was cheating himself out of a possibility of something great. He shut himself off for so long, and it was great to see Skylar affect him. 

As for Skylar...Oh my heart went out to her. Skylar did not have an easy life growing up, and then to lose her only friend shortly before moving to Alaska? UGH! Watching her build friendships in this new environment was so good. Yes she was cautious. Yes she was on edge. But she pushed through. She persevered.

Together these two were pretty amazing. I loved the chemistry. I could feel the attraction. Sometimes that is missing, but not this time. The passion was there. The love was there. It just all built so wonderfully.

I cannot wait to see what comes next for these characters. Friendships have been formed, and a found family has been built. 

You need to read this latest installment in the Dare With Me series from JH Croix. I think you'll fall for the characters, and the setting. Still not sure if it's for you? Take a look at this little tidbit from the author:

Tucker & Skylar’s story is perfect for readers who love: broody military heroes, friends to lovers, slow burn, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, tons of swoon, and one smokin’ hot protective hero.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. Happy reading!
Laura




I’m not planning to fall for the hot, broody military hero, thank you very much.

Skylar’s all but wearing a Stay Away sign. She might be tempting, but I can take a hint. Until a single moment leads to one kiss and then another. Before I know it, I’m in deep.

After tragically losing my first love, I never planned to fall in love again. But Skylar gets to me. She doesn’t even believe in love. I want her to believe. I want to slay her dragons. All of them.

I can handle it. My heart won’t get involved. Until Skylar walks away.



Grab Your Copy Here:
Apple | Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add to your Goodreads TBR!



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!


Connect with J.H. Croix

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

Second Shot with #76 by Piper Rayne {a review}


Happy Book Release Day to Piper Rayne! Second Shot with #76 is officially available. This is the 5th book in the Hockey Hotties series, and if second chance romances are your jam, go grab this one.

After reading Sneaking Around With #34 I was really curious about Cory and Ande's past. I had not read Tropical Hat Trick, so I didn't know what happened that week. Now though I at least have a general idea, and I will be going back to read that novella.

Witnessing these two go through everything they did to get to their happily ever after was an interesting ride. Especially that situation with York. Everything with York did not sit well with me, and she was definitely the villain in my mind.

I loved the connection that Ande and Cory had. How after that time together on the vacation, they both couldn't stop thinking about the other. Then reconnecting in Florida was just so good!

Piper Rayne has created a wonderful hockey romance series, and I am loving all the characters. I am looking forward to Offside with #55 when that releases! It is my hope that Piper Rayne continues writing hockey romance. Whether that's with the Fury or another team I just want more!

Hockey romance + second chance romance + a villain you'll love to hate = one fabulous read!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Second Shot with #76. I do hope you'll go pick up a copy.

Laura

My mom always said you don't get a second shot at making a first impression. I've remembered that my entire career. Especially since I'm one of the few black men who play professional hockey.


I'm calculated and respectful in the way I speak to my coaches, the owners, and the media. I've never taken a risk... until her.

I could blame it on the fact that for once I pushed away the pressure of my career for the ocean waves, the sand, and good times with my new teammates. But those are excuses because the minute I saw her at the airport, something lit up inside me and the best week of my life was spent with her in my bed.

After our week in paradise, we said goodbye, exchanged phone numbers and both assumed that unless one of us was flying through the other's city on the opposite side of the country, our vacation fling was over.

Then one night after practice I see her. She's here. In my city. Telling me she moved here for a job. If that's not fate tell me what is.

I've never wanted a second shot more than I do this time, but she's determined to leave what we were on the island we left behind.

 


Coming Soon to Audible!

 

Add to your Goodreads TBR!


 

Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write "heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle" about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

Connect with Piper Rayne





Thank you to Piper Rayne, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Second Shot with #76.


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