This Life and All The Rest by Brit Benson {a review}

She's heaven and she's hell. She's my reward and my punishment. She'll ruin me again. I know it.

Brit Benson broke my heart with how The Love of my Next Life ended. Then came the wait for This Life and All the Rest. Lennon and Macon's story stuck with me, and I had to know how their story ended. So when I received an advanced copy of This Life and All the Rest I immediately dove in. From the moment I picked it up, I struggled to put it down. There were so many emotions packed in this book. There was 4 years of untold happenings waiting to be brought up.

My rating for This Life and All the Rest:

I'm going to be intentionally vague on a lot of happenings in this book, as it is a continuation of the first. So please bare with me on that. If you want me to expand on anything, drop me an email. There's a content/trigger warning I want to mention, but it's also a spoiler. So I'm conflicted on that. Is it enough to mention it just being a content/trigger warning without going into specifics? I'm going with yes.

This was a spectacular conclusion to Lennon and Macon's story! The secrets that were revealed. The truths that were spoken. The friendships that were made. The friendships that were broken. The hearts that had been broken being healed. It was all so damn wonderful.

Book one broke my heart. Book two continued with the heartache, and thankfully by the end healing was happening.

Everything Lennon went through during her separation with Macon (and her family) was intense. The heartache and pain were radiating off of her, and she was trying to heal however she could. Thankfully she had Sam by her side when needed whether by phone or in person.

Macon's life hasn't exactly been easy since Lennon went to London, but he's definitely turned a corner. Yes he's still upset with Lennon, and he doesn't understand the reasons she's done what she's done.

Everything is about to be revealed. What Lennon experienced. What Macon went through. What happened with their separation. All of it. All of that is being told while we also have the other storyline happening. After all there is a reason Lennon has returned to town. (that storyline may have had me shed a few tears)

Absolutely loved this duet. Brit Benson wrote an incredible story, created these characters who haven't had the easiest lives, and found away to bring them together for an emotional love story.

I need Sam to have her story told immediately. It's only fair! Plus I can't wait to see who she ends up with.

Go read this duet. It is one of my favorite duets of the year. Hands down. I hope you'll pick it up.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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She thinks our story is over.
It’s just beginning.

Lennon Washington has been the star of every dream, every nightmare, since the day I lost her.

Since the moment I let my demons win, and she slipped through my fingers.

Her memory has haunted me.
Changed me.
Broken me and remade me.
And I’d all but given up on us.

Now tragedy has brought her back into my life.
My secrets are at her disposal,
Hers are unraveling quickly,
And every emotion we’ve tried to deny is returning with a vengeance.

But we’re not kids anymore.
We have changed drastically.
And with each new ache, I start to wonder,

Is there a place for us in this life,
Or will we have to try again in the next one?

Thank you Brit Benson, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of This Life and All The Rest.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

 

Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne {a review}

He’s a real life, living and breathing Scrooge. And if he wants me to help him, he’s going to need to get some Christmas spirit. We’ll start with the mistletoe.

The fantastic writing duo, Piper Rayne, have just released a holiday romance called Single and Ready to Jingle! I read an early copy and it was so freaking adorable. Major Hallmark and Lifetime vibes for those who watch those holiday movies. Plus it features on of my favorite tropes!

My rating for Single and Ready to Jingle:

I've really been enjoying putting my reviews together as random thoughts/stream of consciousness. It allows me to say what I need to say, but not expand and potentially give spoilers. 

• This book was such a cute holiday read!
• THAT MEET CUTE! Oh my word I was laughing.
• I need a visual on that outfit! I can only imagine the looks.
• Loved that these two were such opposites when it came to Christmas.
• Loved how Andrew wanted to make everything right for Kenzie, and was encouraging her.
• Loved the dates they went on. I feel like there was only one "holiday type date" that they missed out on.
• The conflict/drama wasn't what I expected, but given what we learned earlier in the book, it totally makes sense.
• The ending was not what I was expecting, but I am glad it ended that way.
• Piper Rayne continues to create characters and write stories that I fall for.

Is Single and Ready to Jingle on your TBR? Did you preorder it? This book is going to be a good one to read during December!

Happy Reading,
Laura

 

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The girl who loves Christmas falls for the Grinch—it’s a Christmas miracle.

What started as a dumpster fire of a blind date turns into a deal.

In truth, it probably didn’t help that I showed up dressed like an elf but that’s a story for another time. Our start was rocky at best which is why it’s so frustrating that I can’t stop thinking about his sexy British accent. Or the way his chest and arms fill out his suit. Or his perfect hair with that single streak of grey at the front.

Santa likes lists and so do I, so here’s all the reasons why Andrew and I aren’t right for each other:

He’s my brother’s best friend
He’s the biggest grump I’ve ever met.
He hates Christmas.

That last one is big for a girl like me who thinks that the entire month of December should be a national holiday. So, when he calls for my help in planning his firm’s holiday party, I can’t pass up the opportunity to grow my small business. Bonus, we make a deal, and he agrees to attend three holiday events with me so I can make him fall in love with Christmas. As if I’d pass up an opportunity to make a Grinch’s heart grow three times its size.

It isn’t long until I discover Andrew has a very real reason to hate Christmas and I start to see him in a different light. That’s when the Christmas miracle begins.

Thank you Piper Rayne, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Single and Ready to Jingle.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

The Faceoff by Cali Melle {a review}

He tastes like a bad decision and that's exactly why he's in my tent right now...

She tastes like the worst decision I've ever made and I know there will be hell to pay for it.

The Faceoff by Cali Melle is the fourth book in the Wyncote Wolves series. This college romance is hate to love, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and of course sports romance. What started as a one night stand is about to evolve into something that looks a lot like forever. That is if Hayden and Eden can get over their issues.

My rating for The Faceoff:

Ever since Hayden burst on to the Wyncote campus, he's had my attention. I could not wait to find out who he was, his history, and find out who he would fall for. I immediately knew that he was going to fall hard once the right person walked into his life. Eden is the perfect fit for him.

Loved this line in the book:

When guards are let down and the ice around our hearts melts, how do we fight the fire that burns between us?

I KNEW that Hayden's story was going to be one of my favorites, and turns out I was correct.

• The meet cute was good.
• The reintroduction was better.
• Loved the banter.
• The hate to love was fantastic.
• Absolutely loved how these two fell for each other when they were both so firmly against relationships.
• The conflict/drama was not what I was expecting, but it really was perfect.
• These two are my favorite couple of the series!

I loved how both of them eventually lowered their masks. They finally got to a place where that honesty, and openness was necessary for their relationship to push forward.

Cali Melle has created this amazing family within the Wyncote Wolves organization. I cannot wait for the next two books to see how these characters continue to grow, find love, and ultimately find themselves.

If you are someone who enjoys college romances and/or sports romances, then go pick up The Faceoff. Figure skater + hockey player + hate to love = wonderfulness.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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Eden

After experiencing a nasty break-up during my freshman year, there is one type of guy that I refuse to get involved with.

Anyone from the university’s hockey team.

Hayden King is arrogant, cocky, has a reputation for being a playboy and there isn’t a single thing about him that I like.

One drunken summer night turns into a bad decision with Hayden. One that I swear that I’ll never make again.

But once senior year starts, I can’t seem to get away from him. He’s everywhere I go, everywhere I turn.

He’s under my skin and I find myself making mistake after mistake with him.

We better learn from our mistakes before our hearts get involved…

Hayden

Eden Finley is as cold as the ice that she skates on.

She’s the best figure skater at Wyncote University and I don’t know how I missed her when I first came here.

After one night with her over the summer, I can’t get her out of my head.

She has a chip on her shoulder, a nasty attitude and she hates my guts.

Which all only makes her more appealing.

I live for the chase, for the challenge.

And Eden Finley has no idea what she’s gotten herself into….

Thank you Cali Melle, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Faceoff.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

The Marriage Arrangement by Kim Loraine {a review}

"There's nothing wrong with falling in love, Becca. When you find the right one, it'll happen and you'll see."

The Marriage Arrangement is the third book in the Anything for Love series by Kim Loraine. In this latest book we get to know Becca Barnes and Taylor Savage a bit better. We find out about the day they met, how a romance about to blossom, and then we are in current day. If you are looking for a marriage of convenience story (fake relationship) that is also grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, hate to love, and a sports romance, then consider picking up The Marriage Arrangement when it releases on November 14, 2022!

My rating for The Marriage Arrangement:

I loved the majority of this book. I'm going to do my review stream of consciousness style!

• That meet cute was adorable!
• Becca and Taylor seem like they would be fabulous together. They definitely have chemistry.
• Tinkerbell and Hook
• Cardamom? Oops.
• Aww, she's taking care of him.
• Ugh. So it's going to be like that.
• Hello Taylor showing back up!
• Dang, that was an offer! But I can see Becca's point. She's obviously going to go for it. (otherwise the story would end here)
• LOVE all this banter!
• Scarlett has my curiosity
• OOH Scotland! Bring it on!
• Taylor's mom is THAT mom, and I am here for it.
• Granddad is pretty spectacular.
• Major shift happening in this faux relationship!
• Taylor's dad is an ass. Plain and simple.
• SCARLETT!?!
• Ooooh that's gonna hurt.
• Love getting to see more of Mav and Clara
• And they lived happily ever after.

Other random thoughts that I had while reading.

• I fully enjoyed the hate to love trope. It fit in so perfectly.

• So much happened in Scotland that I cannot even begin to touch on it. One of the last scenes had me feeling a tad worried. 

• I did not like Taylor's dad. Not one bit. Also, I will say that felt like a storyline that wasn't completed. I still have questions regarding that character, and the shenanigans that he was causing.

• One thing I know is that as Becca and Taylor's story was winding down, the groundwork was being laid for Scarlett's. I am beyond ready for that story!

I continue to enjoy this hockey romance series from Kim Loraine. I fell hard for Mav and Clara, and everything has just continued to snowball. Bring on Scarlett's story. (especially knowing what I know)

Happy Reading,
Laura

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I need a wife. NOW.

With this hockey season on the line, I can’t afford any distractions. And a dating reality show is one huge distraction. But there's a surefire way to get out of this dating show contract. All I have to do is get married.

Even with a reputation like mine–the Scottish bad boy of hockey–I'm confident I can find someone to play Mrs. Taylor Savage for a year.

Like Becca Barnes. The one who got away. Too bad she hates me. But that's why she’s perfect for this arrangement.

My contract is dissolved. She gets the bakery of her dreams.

Win-Win.

She just has to live with me and pretend she loves me in public for a year. No strings. No touching (unless there’s a camera). No messy heartbreak.

It’s sure to be a challenge because with the way I crave her, keeping my hands to myself might be harder than I planned.

But I can handle this. Being married to her will be easy. As long as I don't fall in love with her along the way.

Thank you to Kim Loraine, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Marriage Arrangement.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Favorite Mistake by Lisa Suzanne {a review}

This time, I didn't just lose the girl. I lost f*cking everything. I was planning my life around someone who couldn't be honest with me.

Favorite Mistake by Lisa Suzanne is releasing on November 17, 2022! This final book in the Vegas Aces: The Wide Receiver series ties up all the loose ends, and chances are you'll walk away with a smile on your face. Are you ready? I don't think you're ready. Hold on to your hats my reader friends, you're in for a wild ride!

My rating for Favorite Mistake:

Okay I'm doing my review for Favorite Mistake slightly different. I am going more random thoughts/stream of consciousness while reading versus being my usual long winded self.

Let's dive in.

• It's the final book, so Tristan and Tessa are about to get their happily ever after!
• I understand why Tristan ran, but it still breaks my heart.
• Coach and Mo are amazing.
• SAVANNAH!!!!!!!!!!!! UGH THAT WOMAN!
• Brandi and Tiffany both need to take a seat, preferably far away from Tessa and Tristan.
• HOW DID SAVANNAH GET THAT INFO?
  
• I'm sorry, WHO is their kid? WHAT?!?
• WOAH! Who was behind the impersonation account? I mean it tracks, but damn.
• I hope Russ is going to be okay.
• YES! I AM SO FREAKING HAPPY THAT HAPPENED!
• Loving that Tessa has found a great group of friends.
• Ooooh, the steam in this book!
• AWWW...Fallon 😍!
• Tell me more about Travis.
• I'm sorry...a baseball team? LISA SUZANNE WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME! I NEED IT IMMEDIATELY!
• T 'N T are dynamite!

Seriously my reader friends, run and grab this series. Tristan and Tessa's story is emotional, it's heartbreaking, it's steamy, it's dramatic, it's filled with amazing moments. The cliffhangers are torturous, but oh so worth it in the end. I am in love with Lisa's storytelling, and cannot wait for next two sports romance series that she has coming up for 2023.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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The boy next door isn’t next door anymore.

He’s in Vegas, preparing for the upcoming NFL season, and I’m still stuck in the small Midwestern town where we grew up.

We should be together, but people wanted us apart. They won. Secrets are uncovered and lives are forever torn apart.

Maybe it was a mistake to try to recapture what we once had after everything we’d been through.

But of all the mistakes I made in my life, he was my favorite, and I will never stop fighting for us.

FAVORITE MISTAKE is the final book in the VEGAS ACES: THE WIDE RECEIVER series. This series must be read in order.

Thank you Lisa Suzanne, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of Favorite Mistake.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!