What I Read Last Week

Happy Monday! The last week of March is upon us, and I'm in denial. Let's not focus on that though. Instead let's take a look at the books I read last week!

Last week I devoured 5 books, and all of them were solid 4 star reads. I was quite happy with every single book, and had few complaints. I read a few sports romances, a billionaire romance, and a police romance. Trope wise there was single mom, workplace, age gap, forbidden, brother's best friend, single bed, second chance, and suspense. Oh how I loved all of it. Full disclosure: All five of the books I read this week were advanced copies from authors and pr companies. That doesn't affect my rating, or opinion, on the books though. I would be all in regardless.

Did you have a favorite book this last week? Was there one that stood out above the rest? For me, I think it was Hello Billionaire.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Groundball by Lisa Suzanne

This fourth book in the Vegas Heat series had my jaw dropping. We pick up after that major cliffhanger, and things are still up in the air. There were so many little things that happened in Groundball that I can't talk about, but desperately want to. Plus what happened toward the end? Not to mention what happened at the end? DAMN! Can I have Hardball now please? PLEASE! I am so not ready for Cooper and Gabby's story to be over, but at the same time I need to know what happens. (also, Lisa Suzanne mentioned in her facebook group that she's setting up dates for season two!)

Coast to Coast by Cali Melle

I LOVE the Wyncote Wolves. While college hockey isn't my preferred, there is just something about these characters that draws me in. So I can only assume it is Cali's storytelling. Coast to Coast was a book I was excited about. We had met both characters previously, and I just knew they would be amazing together. I wasn't disappointed in their connection at all. I fully enjoyed every moment of their time together, and their relationship bloomed wonderfully. The only things I had issues with was that the story seemed rushed. Also we didn't get to fully know Simon. He had alluded to things in his past, but we didn't find out what that was. No matter what though I enjoyed the story, and am looking forward to the next. (It's Vaughn's story!)

Hello Billionaire by Kelsie Hoss

Hello Billionaire was my introduction to Kelsie Hoss, and let me tell you I will return! This single mom, workplace romance had everything I liked. I mean from the very beginning when Farrah door dings the Tesla next to her, I was all in. Because of course, OF COURSE, it had to belong to Gage. The attraction was obvious, the flirting began slowly, the passion (once we got there) was intense. I absolutely loved this story. My favorite part though was that Farrah wasn't willing to settle. She knew what she wanted in the relationship, laid it all out there, and wasn't backing down. Now of course the conversations, and scenes, with Farrah's ex-husband were difficult to read. I did not like it when he appeared, and it put a damper on the mood. That being said, it's also real life being mixed in. So it is showing that aspect, which I can appreciate. I'm ready for the next story. I'm invested, and I need to see these now familiar faces find their happily ever afters.

Never Too Late by Rue Lennox

Rue Lennox did it again. She wrote a story where I fell for the characters, was invested in their journey towards a happily ever after, and was captivated by the suspense. OH THE SUSPENSE! My only complaint was that the book felt rushed. I wanted to spend more time with the couple, and I felt there was more opportunity for drama (from the woman Jake had been seeing), and for the suspense to be more grand. Not sure if I'm putting that into words correctly. I guess you could say I was left wanting more.

Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews by Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne has had this story building for a while now. Ever since Twyla was introduced to the Kingsmen world, I knew that her story would be one of my favorites. OMBDBCA could have easily been read in one sitting. That being said I tried to slow it down, and did make it stretch over the course of two days. I loved the connection that Chase and Twyla had. I loved how their relationship built. The steam was so good. The grand gesture was perfection! The build up for the story featuring Miles was also quite epic. I have high hopes for his and Bryce's story. I'm going to miss the Kingsmen, but am ready to get to know the Chicago Grizzlies.

Thank you to all the authors listed above for providing me with advanced copies of their books.

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I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

6 Baseball Romance Recommendations

Two years ago I wrote a similar post to this. In that Baseball Romance Series recommendations post I listed 4 series that I thought all baseball romance lovers would enjoy. I stand by those recommendations to this day. I loved all of those books, and still think of them fondly. Heck I still recommend them to people who are looking for baseball romances!

So here we are in 2023 and I'm back with new recommendations. These titles have come out in the last 18 months or so. They all captured my attention for various reasons, and I think you should read them.

Since spring training is currently in full force it is the perfect time to grab a baseball romance, and immerse yourself into the world of baseball. Which books do I suggest? Let's head to the field and find out.

Vegas Heat by Lisa Suzanne

This series should come as no surprise. I've read the first four books, and am eagerly awaiting the fifth to arrive on my kindle. This first season of the Vegas Heat follows Cooper and Gabby. They met at a blackjack table in Vegas on Gabby's 21st birthday. Gabby had no clue who Cooper was, all she knew was that she was instantly attracted to him. It was only later that she found out that 1) there is a 12 year age gap, 2) he's moving to Vegas for his job, and much much later she found out that 3) he's her dad's best friend. Naturally they are keeping this relationship quiet because Troy does not want his daughter with a baseball player, nor does he want her dating someone THAT much older than she is. Yet the attraction is strong, and these two cannot stay away from each other. Should you choose to pick up this series, I actually suggest waiting until April 13 or at least pretty close to that. Why April 13? That is the day that Hardball, book 5, releases. If you wait until then, you don't have to really subject yourself to the cliffhangers, as you'll have all the books available to you.

The Wrong Pitch by Brittany Taylor

This college romance from Brittany Taylor was SO GOOD! I loved the meet-cute, I loved the hate-to-love, then there was the brother's best friend trope as well, and I was just hooked. The Wrong Pitch just released today, and if you'd like to read my full review you can do so here.

The Third Baseman by Lulu Moore

Full disclosure...this book isn't out yet. It comes out on March 29, and I read an advanced copy of the book. My review can be read in this blog post. I'll be honest and say that I had mixed feelings with The Third Baseman. I enjoyed many aspects of it, but there were others I didn't enjoy as much. Part of that I attribute to the fact that this was my introduction to the author, and the content of this book really carried over to previous titles. So why should you read it if I had mixed feelings? The obvious answer is that everyone experiences books differently, and my feelings won't be yours. Alternately it's a good second chance romance. It's set 14 years after the heartbreak, and the storyline bounced between modern day and the past. It was interesting to see how the characters have changed, and in some ways how they've remained the same.

Fake Love by Jocelyne Soto

This book was a bit of an emotional roller coaster. From the drug issues, to his mom’s health issues, to being traded, to meeting Jen, to coming up with this fake relationship plan, to everything that happened next, I was hooked. Jocelyne Soto created a wonderful story. While Maddox wasn’t always my cup of tea, in the end I came around to him. This book was emotional, it was steamy, and I could not put it down.

Wild Card by Ashley Munoz

This college sports romance was a doozy! There's drama, suspense, and of course a romance. Mallory is a school journalist, and she just got the tip of a lifetime. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Only this potential story is going to cause some issues. Decker happens to be on the baseball team, and while he knows a bit about this card game he doesn't know the full story. He's also not keen on Mallory digging into it. Yet they work together. The connection these two had was impressive, even with them trying to deny it. Should you read Wild Card, be prepared for slow burn. Although I will say it is worth it. I absolutely loved Wild Card from start to finish. Loved the book. Loved the characters. 

Caught Looking by Aven Ellis

It's no secret that I am a major fan of Aven's storytelling, as well as her characters. There is just something about the way she brings these people to life that has me wanting to befriend them. Chase and Meghan were no different. I was drawn to them, and just wanted to stay with them for as long as possible. This may have started as a fake relationship, but it quickly morphed into something real. Yet things were not going smoothly. There were issues to be discussed, to be worked through, and trust to be built. Caught Looking is the FOURTH book in the DC Soaring Eagles series, and while you can read them out of order, I think it gives the best effect to start at the beginning.


So tell me, have you read any of these titles? If you did, how did you rate them? If you haven't, do you think you'll pick them up? What are some of your favorite baseball romances? Give me some recommendations!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

These books were ALMOST 5 star reads

Yesterday I had shared the books I've rated 5 stars in 2023. I thought it would be interesting to see which books were ALMOST 5 stars. The books that I loved so much but were just missing that little something extra to give it that push to 5 stars. These stories captivated me. I fell for the characters. I immersed myself into the worlds. When the stories ended I definitely suffered from book hangovers.

I tell ya those book hangovers were intense. Some were stronger, and longer lasting, than others, but each made an impact. I would gladly return to these settings, and these characters. You know, if I was a re-reader.

What are the seven books that were almost 5 star reads?  Let's take a look.

Bent by Rue Lennox 

Listen I love Rue's writing, and the characters that are brought to life. The suspense that she adds into these books of hers are just amazing. So when reading Bent it was no different. We had these great characters, a enjoyable storyline, and spectacular suspense. All that with a happily ever after. So why wasn't it a 5 star? Honestly it was Avery and her stubbornness, her actions...I just couldn't fully connect. That doesn't mean that I didn't like her. I definitely sympathized with everything that happened. It was just a little something that was off, and so that held me back.

Bad Boy's Downfall by Gina Azzi

I LOVE the Thunderbolts. LOVE THEM. I had been anticipating this book since reading Brawler's Weakness. Knowing that Lola was getting her happily ever after, and the fact that it would involve one of her dad's teammates - it was just too good. River and Lola's relationship tugged on the heartstrings, hit me in the emotions, and I was waiting for Axel's reaction (which did not disappoint). Why 4.5 stars instead of 5? It came down to River and Lola. In this book they felt different from the characters we had come to know in previous books in the series. There was this shift, and it felt as though they were being held back, or just not as intense/dramatic/sincere as they should have been. Again it's this minor thing that had me realizing it wasn't a strong 5, but it also wasn't a 4, so I went in the middle.

Devious Obsession by S Massery

First things first, this book was such a trip. Steele is an intense man, and he found the perfect person to fall for. It's as though Aspen was made for him. Seriously. This book took us on such a journey, and I couldn't put it down. Now when it comes to the rating, this one is easier to explain, and I mentioned in my review of the book. My rating choice all came down to Steele's online activities, and one specific scene in the book. In all honesty I probably could have given it 5 if it had just been one of those reasons. That combination of the two though, had me realizing that I couldn't do it. My gut said no. Doesn't change my love of the book though.

Reclaiming Brave by Gina Azzi

Denver and Sierra were my favorite couple of this trilogy! Their story just hit a bit harder, and I felt this connection to the two of them. It was so opposites attract that I couldn't help but love it. Then add in the best friend's sibling trope, and it just heightened everything. My reasoning on the rating honestly came down to the fact that there were still questions that went unanswered. Those certain storylines throughout the trilogy that just had no closure. I don't like it when that happens in books, and so it does affect my rating.

Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz

Chance, Gemma, and those dogs...I tell ya! Defensive Hearts had me laughing, I was swooning, and I wanted to knock some sense into our characters. Here's the thing that rubbed me wrong, and kind of had me wavering on my rating - Chance's reaction to that photo, and the words that spewed out of his mouth. That just put such a damper on it. I could not get over that situation. Maybe I'm being too nit picky, but I don't think so.

Made for You by Natasha Madison

Natasha Madison and her hockey romances bring me so much joy. There has not been a single one that I have not loved. It just makes sense that Xavier and Vivi continue on with that trend. Then there's the fact that Matthew Grant was there, and he brought his over the top ways into every scene. He just brings me such happiness. Let's get into what happened that I wouldn't give it 5 stars. It comes down to Xavier. Xavier changed his tune way too quickly (hate/enemies to lovers). I didn't necessarily know if his attraction to Vivi was authentic or opportunistic. I feel horrible saying that. Yet it was something that lived in my head while reading. A smaller part that affected the rating was the Grant/Horton/Stone family. I hate saying that because I love them. There was just too much of them in this book. 

The Owner by Xavier Neal

The Owner showed me what I've been unknowingly missing from other hockey romances. The chirping. The hockey lingo. I freaking loved that, and I talked about it in my review. However as much as I loved that, it also distracted a bit. Between the lingo (where I needed a glossary), and certain moments with Harper it just had me feeling 4.5 stars. Again not a 4, but not a 5 either. It's right in that sweet spot.

See I told you that my reasonings are minuscule, and not necessarily something that others would dock for. Yet I know, for me, I made the right choice. Also these books that I mentioned are some of my favorite reads of 2023 so far.  I've recommended all of these books numerous times on social media, and I stand by my ratings.

What are some books that you went back and forth on with ratings? If you've read any of the books I mentioned, how did you rate them? Were they 5 stars? 4? 4.5? Less than 4? I'm curious.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

2023 5 Star Reads {so far}

Since the first quarter of 2023 is almost complete I figured now would be the perfect time to look back on the 5 star reads I've had thus far. Now I fully admit there are not that many. To be fully upfront about it, there are SIX books that I've given 5 stars to. Four of them are romances, one is a memoir, and one is a manga. Out of those six, only one of them was an advanced reader copy. 

What books have I given 5 stars to? Allow me to fill you in. Although if you've read my weekly reading recaps, or even my monthly wrap ups, then you know which books I've rated 5 stars. If you haven't read those posts, or just want all that info in one handy dandy little spot, then please continue reading.

I fully admit that it takes a lot for me to give a book 5 stars. I'm looking for something very specific, and honestly I cannot fully put it into words. It's more of a feeling than anything else.

What books have you rated 5 stars in 2023?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Spare by Prince Harry

From the moment this book was announced I knew that I would be reading it. I remember when his mom died (I had been up late watching an Audrey Hepburn movie on tv), and how gutted I was. Then there was watching the funeral, and of course watching Diana's boys grow up without her. Of course I've also heard the talk over the years, especially in the last few, so I wanted to hear Harry's side. That is what Spare is. It is his side of the story. You can argue some may have been embellished, but maybe it hasn't. This is how he remembers the events, so it's his reality. This man speaks of the pain, heartbreak, anxiety, loss, etc that he has experienced at this point in his life. He speaks on the fear of losing another family member the way his mom died. Honestly, I would have that same fear. Not only that but he's sharing that the institution is more important than the family. That's just sad.

Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo

This was my first ever manga, and I was captivated. I read it in a day, and fell hard for the story. It gave me so many things that I love in one spot. There is the spy aspect, a found family, a mystery, some suspense, and also a fake romance. I'm here for it all.

Broken Love Story by Natasha Madison

This freaking book broke my heart. The story of what our heroine went through was jaw dropping. My heart broke for her, and her children. Then she found love again with an unlikely person. I could not put this book down, and was so invested in what I read.

Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

I wrote an entire post about this book where I shared my love for the story, and the couple. Not to mention that freaking horse. I think I loved that horse as much as I did the couple. 

The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

Is this where I admit I actually have two posts about this book? One is my thoughts while reading, and the other is about my favorite quotes. I honestly think I might love The Front Runner more than Off to the Races. I once again fell for the characters, everything that they've gone through, and the horse. I held my breath many times while reading because of the intensity of the scenes. I regret nothing. If you like small town romances then you need to read this one. Actually read the entire series, it's worth it.

The Sky at Night by Samantha Lovelock

This book was a 5 star hopeful. From the moment Samantha Lovelock announced the book, I told myself I could see myself giving it 5 stars if it lived up to the hype in my head. It did. It completely did. Plus it had me approving of a redemption arc for a character I previously could not stand. My full thoughts are listed in a this post. Samantha Lovelock had me laughing, crying, and realizing I didn't give a character a full chance. There were also some quotes that I loved, and one that hit home personally. I cannot wait for The Sea at Dawn, and I'm hoping it is Kess & Vann's story. If it's not, that's okay too, but I'm hopeful.

Thank you Samantha Lovelock for an advanced copy of The Sky At Night.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

What I Read Last Week

Spring break is officially over, and my kids are back to school. We had a great week together, and didn't let that little bug ruin too much of our plans. My kids did a lot of fun activities, and hopefully made some good memories. I think the highlight was bowling. We all had a good time, and bowled decently. 

When it comes to reading my week was really good. I read 6 books, and enjoyed the majority of them. Four books were advanced copies from the authors (and/or PR teams), and two were already on my kindle. There were 3 small town romances, 2 sports romances, and 1 paranormal. It was a nice little variety.

So what were the six books that I read this week? Keep scrolling to find out!

I would love to hear about the books you read, or booktubers you watched, and anything bookish. Please share!

Happy Reading,
Laura

 Yours to Take by Emily Silver

The meet cute in this book had me laughing. The setting was fabulous. I love a good small town, and it being set on a family ranch was just that much better. Our heroine was lovable. Our hero had potential. While the story was good, this wasn't my favorite. It felt lacking, and that connection between the characters wasn't strong. I'll still be returning for the next book in the series because the Winchester family intrigues me. I want to see each of them get their happily ever after. I went into a little more detail with my review over on Goodreads.

A False Start by Elsie Silver

I LOVED this story. Seriously so good. Elsie Silver is an amazing writer, and the characters she creates are some of my favorites. While I did enjoy this story, I felt like it was missing a lot of Griff's point of view. I wanted more of his history, and his struggles. Plus there was that reveal that seemed major at the time, but then didn't really amount to anything. Again, I went into more detail over on Goodreads if you're curious.

Batter Up by Hallie Bennett

Oof, this book was a hot mess. I went in knowing it was a baseball romance with a plus size female main character. I also knew it was instalove. Instalove is fine. It is. As long as there is a connection between the characters. I did not feel that what so ever. Our heroine clearly hated her body, and her self esteem was in the trash. Then there was our hero who was over the top and quite annoying. He was trying to be all alpha-ish, but it was a miss. Thankfully this book was a novella so it all went quickly. Unfortunately I still wasted time reading it. 

Captive of the Night by Meg Anne & K Loraine

The Mate Games: Pestilence continues to pull me in. Not as much as War did, but that's okay. Different characters, different storylines, same world. I still am enjoying it. Now when the second book ended I thought that someone else was taken over. So when this book started and it was a different character I was confused. That could have just been my reading though and not fully paying attention. I liked this change up though, and how the possession played into the story. Also when the one characters past was revealed that was interesting. I knew there was something "special" about the character, but didn't know what it was. So this new piece of info just has things making sense. I am curious as to what will happen in the future, and how everything will play out. If you're wanting to read this book, it will be releasing on April 10, 2023. (although paperbacks are typically available a bit before hand.)

Almost Goodbye by Nola Marie

Oh Nola! This author continues to pull me into her storytelling, and has me falling for the characters. Almost Goodbye is Henry's story. We met him in the Sons of Sin series, and while I knew his story was coming, I didn't know what to expect. This age gap romance duet ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger. It is very much a second chance romance, and it is forbidden. Plus this small town is completely against Henry. Now because of what happened the town is also against Ashleigh. I loved that we were able to get to know Henry, and see all that he had been through over the years. I wish we had a point of view from Ashleigh during the same time. I would love to know what she dealt with during those 5 years. The way the secret came out was just what I was expecting. That being said I wasn't expecting what went down with Carter. Then there is Ashleigh's dad, and OOFTA he's a lot. I'm not a fan. I need the second half of this duet ASAP, but I have to wait until May. 

The Third Baseman by Lulu Moore

I don't even know what to say about this book. It wasn't really what I was expecting. Maybe it had to do with this being my introduction to Lulu Moore's storytelling. Or maybe it was the adding in of british terms (diary for schedule/calendar being one). Or it could have been the way the high school was portrayed that felt very hollywood, and not realistic. Or perhaps it was Jupiter and Marnie that I just didn't completely vibe with. I still cannot fully understand why 18 year old Jupiter did what he did. Yes it's been explained, but it still isn't sitting right. Now flash forward 14 years, and I'm confused as to why 32 year old Jupiter did what he did. I mean yes, he wanted her back, and was using that influence to make it happen, but again, not sitting right. Then there is Marnie, and I don't understand why she accepted the job. It doesn't matter how irresistible the owner is, you can still say no if it's not something you're interested in. Now did these two have a connection? Absolutely. From day one they had that connection. I'm not denying that. They are meant to be together. That much I can see. Now don't think I didn't like the book, because I did for the most part. I'm always up for a second chance romance, add in that it's sports related, and I'll read it. Will I read another book by Lulu? Possibly. I mean now that I know what to expect, I might give her books another go. The Third Baseman releases on March 29, 2023.

Thank you Emily Silver, Nola Marie, Lulu Moore, Meg Anne, and K Loraine for the advanced copies you provided me with.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!