The Endgame by Bianca Borell {a review}

One day, Levi Kingston will be a memory. A bitter memory, but a memory, nonetheless.

The Endgame is the latest release from Bianca Borell. This is a sports romance featuring the brother's best friend trope, as well as first love, and a virgin heroine. The Endgame also spans quite a bit of time. I hesitate to call it a slow burn, because in the steamy sense it's not, but in the HEA it is. If that makes sense. 

This was my introduction to Bianca Borell, and let me tell you, I will be back to read more. I felt all the emotions while reading, and was rooting for these two to get together. Of course I was also rooting for Ian to stop being the protective older brother, as well as the family dynamic shifting a bit.

My rating for The Endgame:

I loved this book! I mean it features one of my favorite tropes, plus it's a sports romance. That wasn't the only reason why I loved it though. This book was all about timing with our characters, and for the longest time they just couldn't get to their happily ever after. When it finally did happen though, I was celebrating. Levi and Amelie had gone through so much. So to see them finally getting to this moment had me smiling.

Is it instalovy? Well yeah, but at the same time no. Like I said above it's walking that fine line. If anything I would say it's more insta-lust, but you can't deny the connection that these two had from their first introduction.

I loved Amelie and Levi together. I felt their chemistry, their bond, and could not wait to see everything they were going to need to go through to get their happily ever after. And boy oh boy did they have to go through some stuff.

A little over half way through the book I thought this is it, they're getting their happily ever after now. But then I looked at the % of the book I read, and instantly knew the characters were about to go through something very difficult. I just wasn't expecting it to be what it was.

I did really like how Amelie was able to follow her dream, and how all of that happened. I was wondering who the investor was, and while in the back of my mind I knew, at the same time I was speculating a few different people. The passion that Amelie has for baking radiated off the pages. No matter the emotion, Amelie was able to calm herself, and her mind through baking. I loved that for her.

Some might get frustrated with all the back and forth with our couple. For me though it just added to the intensity of their story. It created these moments where you couldn't look away. It honestly was like watching a movie.

This book was filled with emotions, passion, heartache, separation, healing, and a great connection. It wasn't just regarding their relationship though. There were family dynamics at play that also caused hurt, frustration, anger. All of that required healing and forgiveness to move forward.

I hope that you'll pick up The Endgame. Maybe you'll fall for these two the way I did. Maybe you'll fall for some side characters. Maybe you'll find yourself hoping those side characters get their stories told. Or maybe that's just me.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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Every girl with a brother grows up with one fundamental rule: his best friend is off limits. That’s one rule she longs to break when he crashes into her life.

Amelie Weston has been taking the safe path for as long as she can remember. Not disappointing her parents by pursuing the career she wants. And not pursuing the guy she’s been crushing on.

But she’s tired of being the good girl.

Her brother’s best friend is pushing her to stop being a people pleaser and open the bakery of her dreams. Little does he know he’s also at the top of the list of her heart’s greatest desires... and he’s making himself impossible to resist.

Levi Kingston fully intends to become a legend on the field as one of the best players ever. He must stay focused and work relentlessly toward his goal. He doesn’t have time for distractions... until he meets his best friend’s sister, and his well-laid plan is challenged.

Bad timing, responsibilities, and loyalty to her brother keep them apart. But the connection between them only grows stronger. Their feelings become impossible to ignore, and the fight against them is pointless.

Will they take a chance on love? Or waste an opportunity for long-awaited happiness?

Thank you Bianca Borell, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Endgame.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

All We Have by JH Croix {a review}

I'd never believed my breath could be stolen by nothing more than a look. Ian could do that effortlessly.

The time has come to return to Haven's Bay once again! This time we get to find out how Ian Tate and Jane Matthews find their happily ever after. Once again the family home is front and center, and of course Thea is involved.

My rating for All We Have:

I have mixed feelings about All We Have. On one hand it was a relatively cute romance. On the other it wasn't holiday related, nor was it what I was expecting. The blurb and the story don't really match up in my mind. Or at least not in my mind. Plus it says Jane is a librarian, and she's not, she's a science professor. So....

Having read the other books in the series, I wasn't 100% certain what to expect when it came to Ian's story. I will admit that I had some ideas in my head, but turns out I was completely off the mark. Part of me was expecting Ian to use his billionaire status in some over the top way. Maybe by purchasing Jane's family home or something like that. Or it having to do with Jane's career.

I did enjoy their meet cute at the family home. It seems to be a common theme for the Tate family. You'd think Thea would have given her brother a heads up that one of her good friends was staying there. Maybe it was Thea's way of playing matchmaker.

What Ian was going through was intense, and I can see how that stressed him out. Jane seemed excited about her new job in Boston, but we never really knew much about it, other than her being a professor. It was as though her job was second fiddle to everything Ian was dealing with.

The v-card aspect of the story...I don't know. The way that entire conversation came about was a bit odd in my mind. Even the setting for that conversation. I just can't wrap my head around it.

Also, I wanted more out of the situation Ian was dealing with. I feel that the suspense element could have really been played up and added something to the story. So I was a bit let down with that part. Plus I don't feel like that storyline is complete.

At the end of this third book, I still don't have a feeling for all that Haven's Bay has to offer. I try to picture the town, and it just isn't happening. That frustrates me a bit, as I'd like to have this visual in my mind. Plus honestly there wasn't enough time spent in that community.

When I started reading the Haven's Bay Holiday series, I seriously thought the stories were going to take place in that town, and the romances would be surrounded in the magic of the holidays. Instead it's as though both were after thoughts. I wanted a Hallmark or Lifetime type movie but in book form. If you've watched those movies, you know what I'm talking about. 

Now there is one book left in this series. Am I going to read it? ABSOLUTELY.  I am very curious to read All We Are! I cannot wait to read Thea's story, and see how this second chance romance plays out. I am crossing my fingers for that Hallmark-esque story that I've been craving.

Have you read the Haven's Bay Holiday series from JH Croix? What are your thoughts? At this point All I Need is my favorite.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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A swoony small town holiday romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

✔️ A broody billionaire
✔️ A whipsmart librarian
✔️ V-card request
✔️ Opposites attract in a big way
✔️ Swoony holiday romance
✔️ Small town shenanigans


She makes the rules. I break them.

I need a vacation more than I need air. A week by myself at my family’s vacation home in Maine is perfect.

Except Jane Matthews is there. I don’t recognize her at first because the smokin’ hot woman with a smexy librarian vibe is nothing like the Jane I remember. She’s one of my little sister’s friends, and I barely noticed her back in high school.

Now, it’s nigh impossible to ignore her. Sparks fly between us every time we’re near each other. When we get snowed in and Jane asks me a favor—a big favor—I don’t know if I can say no.

She says we just have the week. That we can’t tell anyone. That we’ll forget each other after it’s over. She’s wrong about everything.

Ian & Jane’s story is perfect for readers who love: friends to lovers, slow burn, broody billionaires, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of swoon and all the feels, and a protective hero who never expects to fall.

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

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

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!