Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne {a review}

Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne is officially available! This final book in the Hockey Hotties series will draw you in with the forbidden workplace romance, and intrigue you as you meet Kane's brother Lee. You see Lee has a book of his own coming at the end of 2022, so this was the perfect time to introduce him!

It's so hard when a series ends. Especially when it is one you are invested in, and find yourself craving more of the characters. Yet the time has come to say goodbye to the Florida Fury. So what better way than for Jana to take ownership of the team, and fight her attraction to the new head coach (aka Kane). You see these two have had a secret fling going on for a bit, but with these new roles at work, something needs to change.

Jana and Kane caught my attention a couple books ago, and my curiosity was piqued. Both of them come across as interesting characters, and I was interested in seeing how they were together as a couple.

Their story pulled me in as I love a good forbidden workplace romance. From the forced proximity to the friends with benefits relationship to ignoring what is right in front of them, this book held my attention. Now, was it my favorite out of the six? No, it wasn't. BUT it was definitely towards the top of the list.

This book was also a nice launching point for the football romance series that is coming at the end of the year. Lee has my attention, and I'm finding myself wondering how his story is going to go, and if I will fall for the characters in this new series.

Also that epilogue? Hit me right in the feelings. I actually found myself tearing up a bit. Ahh memories. 

I will say it here and now, I am crossing my fingers that we revisit the team, or another team within the league. I am also crossing all the things that we will finally get Tweety and Tedi's story. I need to know all the things about them. I just do.

The Hockey Hotties series has had it's ups and downs, but throughout it all, I have found myself warming to the characters, and falling for their stories.  I'm sad to see the series end, but I am also ready for football!

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this book, and the series in general. Go pick up a copy of Offside with 55, and get to know Jana and Kane. (and catch up with all the other couples)

Happy Reading,
Laura

  

The last thing any professional hockey player wants is to be the old man in the game. The guy who doesn't know when it's time to retire. Still, I can't bear the thought of leaving the game.

This past year I've reflected on all my regrets, and I told myself that once I retire it'll be the time to settle down and start a family. But this is where it gets tricky.

I think I've found her—my Mrs. Although she'll deny our connection to anyone who asks. We've been sleeping together casually and since I'm still playing hockey, I've let her get what she wants—me—whenever she wants.

After being told my career as a player is over, the owner of Florida Fury grants me a shot to stay in the game. A coaching position I didn't know I wanted until it was offered. The catch? He's also passing the family business down to his daughter.

Who's his daughter?

The woman who's been in and out of my bed for the past year. Which means the woman I intend to make my wife is now my new boss.

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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!

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Thank you to Piper Rayne, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Offside with #55.

Last Love by Xavier Neal {a review}

Last Love is a jaw-dropping, second chance romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Xavier Neal! This is book two in The Love Duet, so if you haven't read First Love, go do so!

Are you ready to find out how Ryder and Presley reunite? How they fall back in love? How they finally get their happily ever after? If so, then run to Amazon now, because this story is AMAZING. Xavier Neal has written another fabulous duet, and I could not put this book down.

I gave this book 4.5 Stars over on Goodreads, it was THAT good! Here is my mini review of the book. Remember, I can't really elaborate since this is a conclusion to an ongoing storyline.

Things that I loved:

• Ryder and Presley finding their happiness
• Ryder finding people who cared about him
• Ryder had closure
• Presley spoke up when it was time
• Katherine

Honestly Katherine was a fantastic character, and having her as a friend was everything. She knew when to push, when to encourage, when to support. Yes her career guides her a bit on that, but I truly think it is just who she is as a (fictional) person. Plus she had some awesome one liners that had me laughing.

This conclusion to The Love Duet was everything. Our characters continued their journey, and still had moments that caused them to stumble. Yet they learned so much about the other as everything unfolded.

Since finishing Last Love, I have learned that Merrick and Jovi have a story as well! So I will need to read that to see how they came to be.

Thank you for taking time to check out my post. I greatly appreciate it. It is my hope that you'll check out Last Love by Xavier Neal, and fall for this second chance romance the way I did.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Ryder Collins wasn't always this determined.

This optimistic.

This devoted.

Once upon a time he was fractured.

Resentful.

Disgusted by his entire existence.

So, what happened?

He's finally given the opportunity to make things right with his soulmate.

Hopefully.

(This is the conclusion to The Love Duet)

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Available on Kindle Unlimited

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 DS Promotions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Last Love. 

Nothing Feels Better by Brit Benson {a review}

Nothing Feels Better is the third book in the Better Love series from Brit Benson. Nothing Feels Better is a single parent, opposites attract romance with a small age gap (5 years). If you've read the other two books in the Better Love series, then you're familiar with Jesse. In this book we get to see him fall head over heals, and fight for the relationship he so desires.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I am absolutely hooked on the Better Love series from Brit Benson!

Nothing Feels Better is the story between Jesse and Jocelyn. These two had a chance meeting when Jesse was at a party that Riggs was hosting. Turns out Jocelyn lives right next door. It's not just Jocelyn that lives there though. It's her two kids (June and Jude) too.

I have loved seeing Jesse's character evolve and grow throughout this series. Now witnessing how he found his forever person just has me loving him even more. This man is pretty phenomenal. He's not your typical college kid by any means.

The attraction is immediate. The chemistry is there. Jocelyn is a bit on edge about the 5 year age gap, but Jesse shows her it doesn't matter. These two together is everything. I could not get enough, and I may have stayed up extremely late so I could continue with their story. I regret nothing.

I really appreciated how the group quickly pulled Jocelyn into their community. They made her and the kids feel safe, loved, and a part of a new family so to speak.

There is so much that happened in Nothing Feels Better. I couldn't even begin to touch on it all. Just know that Jocelyn's ex-husband is scum. There are trigger warnings mentioned at the beginning of the book, so pay attention to that if there are things that are difficult for you to read about.

This story, while difficult to read at times because of the ex-husband, captivated me. I could not put it down, and I found myself wanting to know more. I wanted to see what happened next.

Loved the characters. Loved the story. Returning to this group of friends felt a bit like coming home. My heart is happy for Jesse, Jocelyn, June, and Jude. That little pirate stole my heart, and I see bits of myself in that 9 year old.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. Go read this book. You will not regret it one bit. By far one of my favorite reads for this month. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

Jesse Hernandez has infiltrated my life.

 

The gorgeous, exciting, genius of a man who hangs out next door.

Who happens to be younger than me.

And in college.

And heading to medical school in just a few short months.

 

It started innocently enough.

The occasional run-in.

A few chance encounters.

An offer to babysit.

An offer for…more.

 

But then it snowballed.

 

Now, I only know two things for certain.

One, for the first time in my entire life, I’m not an afterthought.

And two, this will end very, very badly.

 

My kids. My job. His future.

It’s all at risk.

 

Jesse Hernandez has infiltrated my life, and if I’m not careful, we will all be in tatters when he leaves.

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Meet Brit Benson

Brit Benson writes romance novels that are sassy, sexy, and sweet.

When she’s not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she’s reading. 

When she’s not reading, she’s probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods.

Brit currently resides somewhere near the Blue Ridge Parkway with her husband, daughters, and dogs.

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Thank you to Brit Benson, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Nothing Feels Better.

Ryker by Samantha Lind {a review}

Ryker is the first book in the San Francisco Shockwaves series from Samantha Lind! This single dad sports romance has been on my anticipated reads list for sometime now. So when presented with the option to read an advanced copy, I was all in.

I had been waiting for Ryker's story. He had caught my attention at the end of the Indianapolis Eagles series, and I quickly marked this book down as one I had to read.

Over all I liked the romance between Avery and Ryker. These neighbors turned lovers had me smiling quite a few times. The relationship between Avery and Ellie really drew me in. They formed a bond early on, and Ellie could see what her dad couldn't.

As the story progressed, I found myself waiting for the drama to happen. There were a couple of times when I thought it would happen, but then nothing. I think I've finally realized that the author just doesn't write those scenes into her books. So I should stop looking for it! Especially since I've read a few books by Samantha Lind. That lack of conflict and/or drama had me rating the book 3.5 stars on Goodreads.

All in all the story was good. Yes I wanted more from the characters. Yes I wanted the dramatic moment for the couple. At the same time, I just really like Ryker. He drew me in, and I was happy to see him find his happily ever after.

Will I continue with the series? That I'm not certain about. I didn't feel a pull to any of the other teammates. I don't have that connection. So time will tell.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. If you're looking for a whirlwind romance featuring a single dad and his next door neighbor, then consider picking this one up.

Happy Reading,
Laura

After years of trying to get back home to be closer to my daughter, I finally secured a spot on the newly expanded San Francisco Shockwaves.

 

Juggling being the newly appointed Captain of the team and taking on full-time fatherhood to a teenager sends my life into chaos.

 

I quickly find myself needing someone who can pick up the pieces and keep my life in order as I certainly can’t do it alone.

 

I just never thought my savior would be the sexy woman next door- the one I can’t keep my mind or eyes off every chance I get.

 

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Meet Samantha Lind

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. 

She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.

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Thank you to Samantha Lind, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Ryker.

He Saved My Boy by Amanda Shelley

Amanda Shelley is back with a new addition to the All American Boy series! This time she is featuring Davis Fallon. You may recognize that name as Davis appeared in a few other books by Amanda Shelley. His siblings have books telling their love stories, and now it is his turn.

Go download this book immediately. I'm sure it will be fantastic. (and no, I haven't read it yet, but I'm going to!)

Davis is the first guy to catch my attention since… hell I don’t even know.

Instantly, he made me think and feel things I forgot existed. It has been forever since I put my needs first, so I took the chance and let him light me up from the inside out.

Our night was the kind that will ruin me for all others.

But then I got the dreaded call I rushed out without a second glance, knowing I’d likely never see him again.

My son will always come first – Always.

Imagine my surprise when Davis walks in and he’s the only one who can save my boy.

This cannot be happening – I guess it’s time to pull up my big girl panties and see what happens.

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 NOW available on audio and with whispersync. You can start listening to the talented voices of Tim Paige and Kelsey Navarro today on iTunes, Audible or Amazon.