All I Need by JH Croix {a review}

If anyone had told me I would go up to Haven's Bay for a week and fall in love, I would've scoffed.

All I Need is the second book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix, and it just released on November 1, 2022. This best friends sibling, single mom story was just what I wanted. Actually it was everything I wanted All I Want to have been, but you can't have everything. Right? Right. Plus All I Want wasn't a single mom story, but more of a second chance romance. STILL THOUGH!

My rating for All I Need:

I fully admit that I went into All I Need fresh off of All I Want. If you read my review for Dallas and Audrey's story, then you'll know I struggled a bit. So I was a bit apprehensive, yet I tried to remain positive and open. I'm glad that I did. As this book was vastly different than the first. 

I will say I wasn't expecting Noah to fall for one of Thea's friends! I mean Dallas had just done that, so I wasn't expecting that trope again. I'm not complaining one bit either. It was a pleasant surprise, and now I wonder if Ian will fall for another one of Thea's friends. Only time will tell.

As I said above, All I Need had a much different feel than All I Want. All I Need has that bit of suspense built into it, and I was LOVING that. Absolutely loved it. I actually would have liked that part of the storyline to have delved a bit deeper.

I really liked how the meet cute occurred. Obviously if you've read the description, you have a general idea. But it still stood out, and then there was that recognition and familiarity of two people who used to know each other. I also really enjoyed our duo exploring Haven's Bay. While they both spent a lot of time there when they were younger, it was nice to see them out and about.

When the time came for Noah to meet Quinn, I think I was as nervous as Sasha. That be a "mom" thing. I don't know. Quinn really tested Noah, and he had to earn her trust. She wasn't giving that for free by any means. Quinn had me smiling frequently, and that teenage attitude had me laughing. The bond these two established came into play later in the story, and how that all played out tugged on the mom heart strings a bit.

Can I just say...Sasha's neighbor is a hoot! Loved the scenes that she was in. She definitely was a scene stealer. And I appreciated those light hearted additions to the story.

Honestly, there was very little about this book that I didn't enjoy. It was the JH Croix writing that I have come to enjoy. I fell hard for the characters, and I was drawn into their world. All I Need gives me high hopes for the next two books in this series.

What will you find in All I Need? Well according to JH Croix you'll get:
✔️ A broody FBI agent
✔️ A smart, sassy heroine
✔️ Off limits no more
✔️ An accidental break in
✔️ Swoony holiday romance
✔️ Small town shenanigans

I agree with 5 of those. While this story originates in Haven's Bay (the small town), we also spend a lot of time in Boston. So to call this an outright small town romance, I don't agree. Had the entire book taken place in Haven's Bay, then yeah, small town romance. You can decide for yourself though.

Have you read any wintertime holiday series? Any recommendations that I should check out? Are you going to give the Haven's Bay Holiday series a try? I think you should.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Break in for benefits?

When a friend offers me a week at her family’s home in Maine for the holidays, I say ‘yes’ so fast I forget to say please. As a single mom, time to myself is impossible to come by.

I’m barely in the house when I’m mistaken for a burglar. When the lights come on, I discover the broody FBI agent who found me is Noah Tate, the off-limits older brother of my best friend from high school.

Noah was tall, dark, handsome, flirty, and popular back in high school. I kept my secret crush on him under wraps. I was above all that now. Except the chemistry burns so hot between us the air crackles with it.

We’re snowed in, so maybe we can make the best of it.

Noah & Sasha’s story is perfect for readers who love: friends to lovers, slow burn, broody FBI agents, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who’s more than ready to prove a sassy heroine wrong.

*A full-length, standalone romance.

Thank you JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of All I Need.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Rescuing Broken by Gina Azzi {a review}

Even though I don't want him to, Jaxon Kane has a claim on me I'll never be able to shake.

Back in January 2021 I read my first book written by Gina Azzi. That book was The Sweet Talker, and I was instantly hooked. Yes, part of that may have been due to the fact The Sweet Talker is a hockey romance. However, it was Gina's storytelling, and characters who truly pulled me in. It was that combo that had me returning time and time again. In May of 2021, I downloaded Rescuing Broken. It sat unread on my kindle until now. This weekend I finally picked it up, and I didn't put it down until the story was over. Curiosity got the best of me, and I dove into this 2018 release.

My rating for Rescuing Broken:

Rescuing Broken was not at all what I was expecting. I had been expecting a standard romance with steamy moments, as that's what I've experienced with other books by Gina. 

Rescuing Broken is a second chance romance that has our couple reconnecting after 7 years apart. Except during those 7 years, life has not been easy on either. Jax is healing from his physical combat wounds, and also working through the mental wounds. All that while trying to adjust to being out of the military, and returning home. As for Evie, she never left town, and isn't the same woman that she was. She gave up so much after Jax left, and not necessarily by choice. She wants to move forward but feels stuck at the same time. Jax returning home isn't helping matters at all. Jax might just give her the push she needs.

There was so much that happened in this book, and so many revelations made. I could tell almost immediately what had happened with Evie after Jax left. But it wasn't until later in the book that my suspicions were confirmed. That build up just made it all the more emotional.

The way Jax "handled" Evie, and worked toward being in her life again was something I appreciated. He was watching her body language, figured out that something happened, and was making sure she knew he was by her side. Jax knew that with time Evie would tell him, and that he would do anything to protect her.

I loved the way trust was reestablished, and their bond was rebuilt. I adored these two characters, as well as the Kane siblings. Evie's big brother also caught my eye, and I find myself wondering if he doesn't have a book as well. Now I'll have to search Gina's backlist of books to find that answer.

Speaking of those characters...I cannot wait to check out the rest of this series. I do wonder if they'll all cover the sensitive subjects, or if they'll be what I'm used to with Gina's storytelling. I mean, the Kane brothers have some history to them. Those histories make for interesting stories. So no matter what, I'm in.

Also, while the author does not have a content warning on this book, I do feel that it would be beneficial. Especially for those who have experienced what Evie did, or if it just isn't a subject matter that you'd prefer to read about. I will say that everything is carefully handled. 

The ending of Evie and Jax's story had me smiling. These two have been through so much separately, and have managed to find their way back to each other. Together these two are going to have an amazing future, and continue to work through their traumas.

While I don't feel that this book would be the perfect introductory novel for Gina's storytelling, I do think that if you're a fan of her writing it's worth checking out.

I'm always up for a good second chance romance, and Rescuing Broken was just that.

Happy Reading,
Laura

 

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Jax enlisted to protect my future. But I never escaped my past.

After seven years of silence, Jaxon Kane barrels back into my life like he never left. He’s a hot, confident, fearless soldier, bearing new scars on top of old hurts. Jax isn’t the same man I fell for in high school. But I’ve changed too.

Now that our paths have crossed again, I can’t avoid him or dodge his questions. The harder he pushes to understand me, the more I resist.

Too broken for second chances, I know better than to let him in. If he learns why I never left Georgia, will he forgive himself?

If he discovers my secret, will he forgive me?

Note:

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Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

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Cursed by K Loraine {a review}

"I wasn't her true love. I was her second choice. The safe choice."

Recently I've started stepping into the PNR world, and I am finding that I am liking it here. It's a nice little break from contemporary. Could I stay there permanently? No, I don't think I could, or would. I love contemporary way too much to just abandon it. 

My rating for Cursed:

Cursed pulled me in with the blurb, and I knew that I had to read it. The fact that Kim Loraine wrote it was just icing on the cake. Kim is one of my one click authors so it's of no surprise that I enjoyed the book. There is just something about Kim's storytelling that lures me in, and has me wanting to live in the worlds she creates.

I found myself really intrigued with everything that was happening throughout the book. From the reintroduction of Aurora and Philip, to the meetup at the castle, to the reveal of the curse, and everything else that happened with in this story, I did not want the story to end. The dragons were definitely a nice touch. Add in the familiar faces from The Mate Games series, and I was hooked.

Loved the little twists that Kim added to the Sleeping Beauty story, and how she brought it into a more modern setting. I am so ready for more PNR from this author.

If you think you might have read Cursed before, know that is a possibility. This book was previously released with the title of Twisted Slumber. No matter what though it's a good read! There's action, there's steam, and of course there is a happily ever after.

Go check out this novella! Especially if you've been wanting to check out paranormal romance, or the writing of K. Loraine. I think you'll enjoy it.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

 

My family is cursed, and I’m the next victim.

At least, that’s what my father believes. His obsession with the sleeping curse that took my mother has driven him mad.

Growing up as the daughter of Hollywood royalty put me constantly in the sights of paparazzi. So when an invitation to visit Prince Phillip of Ashea arrives, I jump at the chance to get away from the cameras. He’s the man I’ve wanted since we were both children.

But I’ve only ever had him once upon a dream.

My prince is everything I envisioned, but a dark brooding presence has worked his way between us. Malachi, his wicked step-brother, weaves his spell around me. I should choose Phillip, but I want Mal just as badly.

In the halls of the castle, I discover fate has plans for the three of us.

One of them is destined to save me. The other is my curse.
And me? I need them both.

Cursed is a menage Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. Two dragons, one princess, and a destiny none of them can escape.

Thank you Kim Loraine for providing me with an advanced copy of Cursed!

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Therefore purchases made through the links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you for that!

All I Want by JH Croix {a review}

Haven’s Bay was the place I went when I needed to get away, although I hadn’t been here in almost four years. It was home in a way that nowhere else was.

All I Want is a 2017 release from author JH Croix. It is also the first book in the Haven's Bay Holiday series. The tropes in this book include best friend's sibling, age gap (10 years), second chance romance, and it is set in a small town. I went into this book expecting it to be similar pacing, and writing, to that of the various series set in Alaska. That isn't the case. Yes, the setting intrigued me. Something about Haven's Bay called to me, and I looked forward to exploring that little village.

My rating for All I Want:

Dallas and Audrey also grabbed my attention as this book features one of my favorite tropes (best friend's sibling). I was waiting to see how that would affect the storyline. When would Thea's friendship with Audrey come into play? Having read many of JH Croix's books that are set in Alaska, I thought I knew what to expect. After all JH has a way with those Alaska stories that just appeal to me.

All I Want had so much potential. SO MUCH! I mean we have an FBI Agent, we have his sister's best friend who just caught her fiancee in bed with another, it's holiday time, and we're in a small town. What could go wrong? It has all the makings of a Hallmark movie or even a Lifetime movie! That being said, All I Want was extremely slow. Not slow burn slow, just slow. There was almost too much detail and a lot of that detail wasn't necessarily pertinent to the storyline. Or at least not from my perspective. Even the time that Audrey and Dallas spent together wasn't anything that memorable. Honestly, the majority of their time together seemed to be of the intimate variety.  

With the recent break-ins in the Haven's Bay community, I thought that Dallas would be involved in the manhunt. Why? No clue, it's just where my brain went. I wasn't expecting a workaholic who couldn't even enjoy a vacation. My heart broke for Audrey and the situation she found herself in with her ex. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Yet she didn't seem as heartbroken about it, and it was almost more of a relief. In my mind I had expected that she and Dallas would get out and get reacquainted with this community that they grew up in. Especially since it was supposedly Christmas time.  

When it's all said and done, All I Want left me a bit disappointed.

Am I still going to read All I Need, All We Have, and All We Are? Oh absolutely. I'm not letting this one slow paced book deter me. I'm curious about Dallas's siblings, and what brings them back to Haven's Bay.

Have you read All I Want? What were your thoughts on it? Did I just go in with too high of expectations?

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Dallas

One kiss that burned so hot, I never forgot. Five years later. Audrey… so beautiful she takes my breath away and my sister’s best friend. I was half in love with her for years.

I moved on, and so did she. The universe rolled the dice. A dark, snowy night—no joke—I find her walking through the darkness. Christmas is right around the corner.

She’s so tempting, I can hardly think. Maybe rules are meant to be broken. Maybe second chances are real.

Audrey

I’ve fantasized about Dallas for years. One wild kiss. Five years ago. I’ve never forgotten it.

He’s tall, dark and dangerous…for real. FBI Agent, broody, handsome and distant. He couldn’t be bothered with me. Maybe because he thought I was too young. I’m not anymore.

*A full-length standalone romance.

Note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above will allow me to earn a small commission. So thank you for any purchases you make. I appreciate it.

Making the Cut by JS Wood {a review}

I wanted to be the one person in the world she couldn't live without. I wanted to be her everything.

Making the Cut is the third book in the Average Gents series from author J.S. Wood. This new release features the brother's best friend trope, a fake relationship, and these two going from friends to lovers. After losing her job, Viv finds the perfect opportunity to work for the competitor. There's just one catch, all employees must be in a committed relationship. Now Viv has to find someone to be her better half. Enter Archer. Archer is Viv's brother's best friend, and Archer is volunteering for the job. After all he's been in love with Viv for the majority of his life. This assignment should be a walk in the park.

My rating for Making the Cut:

We've gotten to know Archer and Viv a bit while they've circled around in the back of the other books in this series. Now it's their time to shine.

While this starting off as a fake relationship, Archer isn't looking at it like that. In his mind, this is his shot, and he's taking it. This attraction isn't one sided though. Not by any means. In fact these two have been gone for each other for many years. So that just adds to the tension. So dang good. Then there's the fact that they're trying to keep it quiet from the friend group, and more so Viv's brother.

The beginning of the book had me feeling for Archer. You could tell he was struggling. The fake relationship came at the perfect time as it gave him something positive to focus on. For Viv having to start over wasn't ideal, but this new opportunity seemed right up her alley. Even if it did require her to find a fake fiancee.

Everything that happened in Making the Cut goes to show how important communication is. Not to mention finding those moments where you can squeeze in time for your partner when life is extremely busy. Had that line of communication been a constant for Viv and Archer, I feel like they wouldn't have had as many issues as they did. But that's just my take.

I loved how supportive Archer was when it came to Viv. Well even to his friends in general. He is the perfect cheerleader for he holds dear.

I feel like this book is quite possibly my favorite of the series thus far. Now that could change, but it might not. I was just drawn to this couple, and the fact that their story features one of my favorite tropes helps a lot.

Okay but one thing I do not like, and it has to be said, is the cover. I'm sorry, but no. Just no. It is way too bright, and I'm just not digging the Green Bay Packers color scheme. Also that is not how I picture Viv at all. Dark hair? Yep. Curvier body? Perfect. The outfit though? No. The hairstyle? Again no. Even just the stance. Sigh. I really feel like a neutral cover would have been better. Or something not so vibrant. But that's just me, and I'm one person.

Bring on the next in the series!

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads

Archer Moore has a secret.

Since he was fifteen-years-old, he’s kept the fact that he was in love with his best friends little sister to himself, never wanting to ruin things if the secret came out.

Now, she needs a fake fiancé to help her secure a new job and Archer is ready to step up.

Viviana Capello is in a bind.

For years she’s worked to build her reputation as one of the best marketing agents in Denver. When her callous boss fires her without cause, she goes to their biggest competitor.

However, this new boss is unconventional and Viviana knows that having a partner will give her a leg up.

But when her ex crush and brothers best friend volunteers to help her out, feelings start to rise to the surface again.

Thank you JS Wood, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Making the Cut.

Also, I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Therefore purchases made through the links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you for that!