17 Fabulous Reads for May

Can you believe that it's time to talk about the new releases that I'm anticipating for May? I'm in denial. If it's May, then it's almost the end of the school year. End of the school year means my kids will be on summer break, and my life will be chaotic again. Gotta love my kids and the chaos that ensues.

As of right now there are 17 books that have my attention for May. Now there is a rumor of another title, and one of the books on this list may be pushed to June. It's all very flexible, and I'm okay with that. Seven of the books I have mentioned below are sports romance. Are we even surprised by this? Yeah, I didn't think so. At this point in my reading life, it's just best to expect that a handful (or more) are going to be sports related. I'm obsessed.

Speaking of one of the TBD books, January James said late May or sometime in June for Twisted Vines. So I have it on my list, but my gut tells me it will be in June. Therefore there is no cover, no blurb, and no links. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Tell me which new releases are on your list! Any that I should keep an eye out for? Are any of the books I mentioned on your list?

Happy Reading,
Laura

When I Come Home by Maisie Myers

Release Date: May 1
Tropes: Small Town, Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers
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I left a trail of burned bridges, broken trust and shattered hearts behind me when I left my small town of Tupelo six years ago to chase fame and glittering lights in Hollywood.

But now I'm back.

And though the town still looks the same as it always did, everything about my home is different now.

People stare but never speak to me and my old friends don't know what to say anymore.

Then there's him.

Cole Mesaric. The mechanic with oil on his hands and a new girlfriend hanging off his arm. The boy from my past who I haven't stopped thinking about since the day I left.

He hates me most of all.

Can I ever make him forgive me? Or will I only make the same mistakes and tear him apart all over again?

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Release Date: May 2
Tropes: Fantasy, College, Suspense
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Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda―because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Iced Out by Veronica Eden

Release Date: May 8
Tropes: Sports Romance, Forced Proximity
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Dancing on bartops means the night is going great. Exiting the bar hauled over the shoulder of Heston University’s infamous hockey captain? Not my idea of a good time.

But my would-be knight would have to do. I needed an escape route from my brother…his biggest rival.

Easton Blake is the perfect reminder of why I avoid hockey players.

Cocky.
Frustratingly sexy.
Accustomed to every girl in his orbit falling for his charm.

With his sultry smile that tells me he knows all the ways to make girls come undone with his touch, I’m almost the next score on his stats. Except I have no time for distractions when I’m focused on graduating early. Gaining Easton’s attention wasn’t part of my plans. Of course, from the moment he catches me shaking my assets on the bar, he decides I’m his next goal.

Instead of sticking to my own rules, I do something I shouldn’t: I dare him to try.

Easton’s never met a challenge he wouldn’t accept. He makes it clear he won’t be iced out without convincing me to give him a chance.

I swore off hockey players for a reason. Can I risk making the same mistake again?

Skating the Blue Line by Jocelyne Soto

Release Date: May 11
Tropes: Sports Romance, Close Proximity, Surprise Pregnancy
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My whole life, I have only dreamt of being one thing.
A ballerina.
From the age of three, I was obsessed with tutus, leotards, pointe shoes and everything that dancing had to offer.
After years of hard work, sweat and tears, I finally was able to make the dreams of the little girl in me come true.
Years later, I’m dancing for one of the most respected companies in the world, leaving out a dream and living the best life that I could have ever imagined.
Everything was going according to how I’d mapped it out.
Except…
I hadn’t mapped out two little blue lines skating into my life after a one night stand.
Now, there’s a possibility of me losing the dream I worked so hard to achieve.
And it’s all thanks to a professional hockey player with pretty eyes and a nice smile.

On The Line by Julia Connors

Release Date: May 12
Tropes: Second Chance, Sports Romance, Single Mom, Single Bed, Enemies to Lovers
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My marriage wasn’t perfect, but my husband’s unexpected death yanks away my sense of security and leaves me floundering.

Enter Jameson Flynn, former NHL star and my late husband’s sports agent, who’s back in my life as the executor of the will. Things between us are as contentious as when we worked together five years ago, except now we’re working together to navigate all of the secrets and deceptions my husband left behind.

I remember Jameson as arrogant, condescending, and heartless. And yet, he repeatedly shows up for me and my daughters – helping me pick up the broken pieces and put my life back together.

Now I’m seeing a side of him he only reveals to people he truly cares about. He’s protective in a way I didn’t know I’d like, caring in a way I didn’t know he was capable of, and still sexy as hell.

The problem is, he broke my heart a long time ago. But the closer I get to Jameson, the more I see that the only thing easier than hating him might actually be loving him.

 

The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder

Release Date: May 12
Tropes: Small Town, Single Dad, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Nanny
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My Best Friend. Young. Tempting.

She bid on me at my company’s charity auction and won. Back then, she was too young, with hearts in her eyes and her whole life ahead of her. That’s how we started, and after all this time, she’s become my best friend.

Being a single dad of twins and running Colorado's most successful summer sports company requires control and focus. Both of which are slipping through my fingers.

I just crashed her date and watched her kiss another man. The whole time her eyes were on me.

Now, she’s living in my house, nannying my kids for the summer, and saying she wants to “explore” things that drip with the kind of filthy curiosity that I crave.

I don’t want her to have anyone else, but I know it'll change us if I take what I want. And, if we destroy our friendship it’ll ruin me. Or worse, end up breaking my kid’s hearts and hers.

The Problem with Second Chances by Piper Rayne

Release Date: May 16
Tropes: Second Chance, Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Childhood Sweethearts
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For Rylan Greene and me, it was simple. Love only got us so far.

I’ve known him since we were six, long before he became the professional soccer star he is now. We’ve weaved in and out of one another’s lives as rivals, teammates, friends, and lovers. Until three years ago, when my life took a hit and I ran back to my small Alaskan town, Lake Starlight, away from anything or anyone that could hurt me.

He’s never far from my mind, a constant pining ache in my heart, but I’ve convinced myself I’m better off. But now, my best friend announces her engagement and that means Rylan will return home to stand as best man to her fiancé.

He’ll be back in my orbit for three whole weeks… but I can easily keep my distance. Sure, we’ll have to walk arm in arm down the aisle together, he’ll hold me close during the bridal party dance and we’ll stand for pictures next to each other. Nothing I can’t handle.

I’m so naïve though because he’s not in town for more than twenty-four hours before he knocks on my door. I should know by now, that the two of us will never be finished business.

Throne of Sin by Emily Bowie

Release Date: May 16
Tropes: Mafia, Dark, Single Mom, Second Chance
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When I walked into a gentlemen's club looking for a job, the last man I expected to see was the boy next door, whose heart I broke all those years ago.

Dante Mancini is all grown up.
He’s changed.
Dangerous.
Hardened.
Mafia.

He’s so handsome I’ll never be able to trust myself near him. Dante is and always has been my kryptonite. One look, one touch is all it will take for me to spill my deepest secrets and that will only break us more.
Desperate times call for desperate action and now he owns me.
I can't run from my past. A single kiss has me craving things I can’t have. It causes a tiny flame of hope in my chest, fueling our inferno of chemistry.
But our past is waiting.
Dante might be a made-man but I’m the true villain in our story.

Don't Say Goodbye by Nola Marie

Release Date: May 17
Tropes: Age Gap, Second Chance, Small Town, Forbidden
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Blurb to come

Lost to the Moon by Meg Anne and K Loraine

Release Date: May 22
Tropes: Paranormal, Why Choose
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It’s the end of the world as you know it…

At least it will be, if my dear despicable mum gets her way. I, however, happen to be quite fond of some of the toys I’ve discovered on this plane. Ma petite monstre, for starters.

But the plague is spreading, taking no prisoners, and I’m trapped and at the mercy of a deal I made with Rosie. If Pestilence succeeds, I’ll lose everything I’ve rightfully stolen.

What a waste that would be.

Then I’d be left in the cold and my mate would end up with them.

Her vampire duke.
Her over-protective wolf.
Her cocky shifter.
Her human hybrid.

That just won’t do. Not without her delectable demon topping the list. That’s right. Topping.

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to redeem myself in her eyes, not after everything I’ve done. I am the villain of this story, after all. What? I did warn you. It’s not my fault you didn’t believe me.

But I’ll let you in on a little secret about villains: They’re a whole lot of fun, and if you’re not willing to lie, possess, or steal for the things you want, well can you even say you deserve them?

Unfortunately, if mummy wins, none of that matters and we all lose.

So, I suppose I’ll have to do what I can to stop the Apocalypse if I want to enjoy the prize I worked so hard to claim.

You don’t have to thank me.

I’m not doing it for you.

Crushed by Elise Faber

Release Date: May 23
Tropes: Sports Romance, Forbidden, Workplace
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She was everything he shouldn’t want.
He was going to take her anyway.

Once Lily had fit the role of an annoying little sister.
But then she’d gone and grown up—become all woman and one he shouldn’t want.
She was off-limits, or should be, anyway. She worked for the San Francisco Gold, worked for the same team he played for. But that wasn’t the only reason she was off-limits.
Lily was the daughter of the man who had been more of a father than his own.
So Will couldn’t have her, couldn’t risk taking her.
Except…his body and heart weren’t listening to reason.
Because Lily had become the woman he wanted more than anything else.

Never Say Never by Rue Lennox

Release Date: May 23
Tropes: Small Town, Police, 
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It’s almost impossible to resist a bad boy that’s a good man… and that’s exactly what Travis Masterson is.

Scoring the Player by Rebecca Jenshak

Release Date: May 23
Tropes: Sports Romance, College, Opposites Attract
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Valley U’s hottest QB has heard in detail how I want to climb him like a tree.
One viral video and my life as a wallflower is over.
Felix Walters knows exactly how I feel about him—so does everyone else on campus.
It was supposed to be a private conversation between friends.
Now I’m the butt of every joke and everywhere I turn all eyes are on me.
It’s every shy girl’s nightmare.
Except now the hottest guy on campus wants to be my fake boyfriend.
Six weeks. Just pretend.
I’m a wallflower fake dating Valley U's hottest player.

Off Ice Collision by Cali Melle

Release Date: May 25
Tropes: Sports Romance, College, Grumpy/Sunshine
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Vaughn
One moment in time, one freak accident, and my entire hockey career was over.

Two years had passed since my injury and I am still mentally struggling with this loss.

Mad at the world and everyone in it, I sought solace at my parents' lake house for the summer.

It was supposed to be somewhere for me to be alone and heal.

But when London Hayes walks back into my life, the universe has different plans.

And I need to find a way to derail them because I refuse to drag her down with me.

London
It had been over two years since I'd last seen Vaughn Carter.

And he feels like a stranger.

Cold and distant, abrasive and angry.

He’s a shell of a person compared to the version I used to know, but I know he’s still in there.

Somewhere deep inside is the boy I used to love, but he needs help finding himself again.

And I won’t be the one to give up on him, even if it costs me my own heart in the end.

Hate You Always by Jennifer Sucevic

Release Date: May 26
Tropes: Sports Romance, College, Friends to Lovers
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It all starts with a bucket list and a romance novel…
I’ve known Ryder McAdams my entire life. We’re neighbors and our families are besties. He’s also friends and teammates with my younger brother, Maverick.
But Ryder and me?
We’ve never been close. In fact, I’ve always gotten the distinct impression he doesn’t like me very much. He goes out of his way to ignore me.
Know what makes it worse?
The electricity that hums in the air every time our gazes collide. It sizzles through my body until I feel it in the tips of my fingers and toes. Whoever said that you can’t control who you’re attracted to was, unfortunately, right.
I’ve done my best to stomp it out.
We’ve been at Western for three years and only come in contact when forced to interact. He’s busy partying it up and getting it on with his fangirl club. I’ve spent most of my college experience studying at the library so I can apply to the med school of my choice.
One drunken night changes everything when Ryder takes me home and finds the bucket list I wrote before freshman year.
Know how many things I’ve ticked off since then?
Zero. Zilch. Nada.
For some strange reason, Ryder decides he’ll be the one to help tackle each item before graduation.
That would be all fine and good, except there’s some pretty schmexy stuff on there…
Like the big O.

Wounded Things by Samantha Lovelock

Release Date: TBD
Tropes: New Adult, Opposites Attract
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A single kiss, a deadly mistake, and a shocking secret that might be the only thing that can save us all.

Gorgeous, ridiculously wealthy, and too smart for my own good—that's how people describe me. To the outside world, I'm the total package. Girls want me, and guys want to be me.

If they only knew the truth.

Like a fancy hood ornament on an expensive car, the sole purpose of my existence has been to increase my parents' status. As long as I go to the college they choose, only date girls they approve of, and don't embarrass them, they completely ignore me. To them I'm not a person, I'm an accessory. Over the years I learned to play my part without complaint, believing my future was already written.

Until I met her.

Beautiful and driven, the girl my parents would definitely deem unacceptable wants nothing to do with me and I have no idea why. I'm used to getting what I want, and I want her. In this game of wills, she's already lost.

She just doesn't know it yet.

Twisted Vines by January James

Release Date: TBD
Tropes: Billionaire, Gothic
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Books on my Birthday Wishlist

My birthday is on Friday. 

I'll be halfway through another decade.

Since my birthday is rapidly approaching, I've been receiving the question of "what do you want for your birthday?"

My usual response is "nothing". That's only because I don't like having to come up with things on the fly. Plus when I tell them I want books they typically shake their heads at me. Hey I like what I like, and unless you're willing to shell out the big bucks for tickets to the Taylor Swift concert, books is my answer.

So what books do I want for my birthday? Oh I have a full Amazon list, but these are at the top of my list.

Sterling Falls series by S Massery: Special Editions

Look at these gorgeous covers for Thief, Fighter, Queen, and Rebel! I read this series as an ARC, and I want it on my shelf.

Camelot Misfits MC by Xavier Neal

This is another series that I read in ARC form. I fell so hard for King and Imani. I need their trilogy on my shelf! If Xavier Neal had a discreet, or special edition, cover for this I'd gravitate toward that, but the originals are fine.

All the Special Editions that Natasha Madison has out. I know this is greedy, but the love I have for these stories, and now these new covers is just one I cannot explain.

Hollywood Royalty series

Only One series

Something So series

This Is series

Southern Series

Then my DREAM item on my wishlist is for the original covers to the Salacious Players Club series from Sara Cate.

Praise and Eyes on Me currently have new covers (and I'm not a fan), but the original model covers for all 5 books are PERFECTION. Give Me More, Mercy, and Highest Bidder are still in their original form, but I know new covers are coming. 😭

So there you have it. These are the books that I'm telling people I want this year. Will I receive them? Probably not, but a woman can dream. Also, I'll gladly accept any other book on my wishlist, or paperbacks of the arcs I've read. 

What do you have on your wishlist?

Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

10 Must Read Second Chance Romances!

It's no secret that second chance romance is one of my top 3 favorite tropes. There is just something about a couple returning to each other years later, and finding their happily ever after together. Let's just say it's the romantic in me.

There were a couple of books that I wanted to put on this list, but they were the second half of duets. Therefore you'd have to read book one to get to the second chance romance in book two. If you're curious about what those recommendations were, well they are: The Love Duet by Xavier Neal, Next Life Duet by Brit Benson, and the Blood and Bone duet by Paula Dombrowiak. All three are fantastic, and I highly recommend them.

I'm not here to talk about duets though. Let's talk about the standalone romance novels that I think you should read. (full disclosure: these are standalones, but they are part of larger interconnected series.)

There are some authors who I could reference multiple times, but I'm going to do my best not to repeat. Well except for one time. But they are from different series, so I'm calling it good.

Do you read second chance romances? Any favorites? Have you read any of the books I'm about to mention? If you don't like the second chance trope, why not? I'm just curious. I know we all have our preferred tropes.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Southern Sunrise by Natasha Madison

I was absolutely smitten with Ethan and Emily's story. These two were high school sweethearts, but then something happened, and Ethan left to join the military. He's back now, and he ran into Emily at his mom's house. Or rather what was his mom's house. This book had me crying, laughing, swooning, and not wanting it to end. There was just something about getting to see Ethan all grown up, and falling in love that I just could not get enough of. Life hasn't been easy, but his sunrise is near, and he's determined to win her back.

Rules for Dating Your Ex by Piper Rayne

Sedona Bailey's story was one of my favorites of the series! We had watched this relationship happen throughout the series, and to finally get this was just perfect. Sedona and Jamison had been high school sweethearts. They moved away together when he became a professional soccer (football) player. Things had been going great, until they weren't. It was that difficult time when Sedona fled back to Lake Starlight. Her family welcomed her home, helped her through the heartbreak, and was by her side when Jamison reappeared. Don't worry there is no need to read the previous books in the series, but if you want to it's a fun read. This book was a quick read, it was emotional, and it had me loving this family even more. 

Making Spirits Bright by Aven Ellis

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Aven's storytelling. Jack and Aoife had been introduced in Connectivity 2.0, and we heard all about what went down in their relationship. We heard about the heartache, and learned why Aoife has the trust issues that she does. Making Spirits Bright is their second chance, and oh what a story it was. Now personally this one moved a bit slower for me than I'm used to, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Getting to watch these two reconnect, heal, and grow was just wonderful. Aven continues to blow me away with her books.

Mine to Have by Natasha Madison

Mine to Have is the first book in the Southern Wedding series, and it was fantastic. Yes there is a prequel called Mine to Kiss, and for the full effect you should read that first. Especially since it tells how Harlow and Travis met, fell in love, and ultimately broke up. Mine to Have is their reunion, and I could not put it down. This was my favorite of the series (thus far), and a lot of that had to do with the fact that it was a spin off of the Southern series. So I was familiar with Harlow. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.

Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks

Oh Maverick! Snippets of his story were shared in the previous two Ryder Ranch books, but this is all about him and Cricket. She's returning home, and things are about to steam up. Well that is if forgiveness can happen. The heartache was strong, as was the feeling of abandonment. 

Never Too Late by Rue Lennox

Oh Rue...the ride you took me on with this book was good. Jake and Margot/Lilly have known each other for many years. They had a brief relationship in which hearts were shattered, and Lilly ran. Now she's back, and having to work near Jake on a frequent basis. Jake is determined to win her back, and keep her safe. The relationship happened fast in this book, so the storyline is really more about the suspense element, and that was intense. This was a binge read for me, and that's how it usually is when I read Rue's stories. Pack your bags, and head to Birch Maine to meet these characters. I'm sure you'll fall in love.

Saving Cate by Ellie Masters

I can't even fully put this book into words. Cate is a wilderness guide, and lives in a small town. Her ex, Caleb, is in the military and things did not end well between the two of them. Well now he's back, and he hears about some trouble. He is determined to protect Cate, and hopefully win her back. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The suspense element was delightful, and I could not put the book down. Highly recommend books by Ellie Masters whether they are second chance or not.

The Trailblazer by Gina Azzi

I LOVE THE BOSTON HAWKS! This is the series that hooked me on Gina Azzi's writing, and has since caused me to read the majority of her backlist. (as well as staying on top of current releases.) The Trailblazer is all about Declan and Vivi. Vivi's grandpa has recently passed away, and in order for her to receive her inheritance she must marry. Henry is who she said she'd marry, yet on her wedding day she spots the man who broke her heart all those years ago. This freaking book had me BAWLING toward the end. So many emotions were felt, and I was fully immersed in the story. If you're a hockey romance fan, grab this one.

Vegas Aces: The Wide Receiver by Lisa Suzanne

Well would you look at that - a series is on my list. Not just any series though, oh no this is Tristan and Tessa's story. Yes it encompasses all 5 books. Yes there are 4 cliffhangers. Yes it is a wild ride. Yes it has emotional moments. Yes there are secrets. Yes there is drama. Yes it is small town at times. Yes it is steamy. Yes you'll fall for these two. Tristan and Tessa were neighbors, and then they fell in love. One day Tessa upped and moved to live with her Aunt, and cut off all communication with Tristan. He knew nothing except she left him when he was planning forever. Now it's years later, she's returning home and he's home for the offseason. Sparks are about to fly.

Wild About You by Rebecca Jenshak

Yep, another hockey romance made my list. I regret nothing. Heck this entire list probably could have been hockey related, so be thankful it's only two books that I'm featuring. Tyler and Piper have been broken up for 4 years now. He's a rookie with the Wildcats, and Piper is working at the nearby high school. Piper also happens to interact with Everly. Everly just moved in with her big brother (Tyler) after some issues back home in Iowa. It is a meeting about Everly that puts Tyler and Piper back on each other's radar. This relationship is one of my favorites of the Wildcat Hockey series. Rebecca Jenshak writes these amazing stories that are enjoyable, with relatable characters, and feature a bit of emotion. I can't get enough.

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

Happy Monday! 

Last week went by in a flash. Honestly my nose was in my kindle for the majority of it. Or at least it seems that way. Also, I can say with confidence that my minor reading slump is officially over. HOORAY!

Why do I say that? Well I read 8 books last week. Four of them were read in 2 days. I know. Trust me. I know. I also ignored all daytime responsibilities, okay after dinner responsibilities as well, to accomplish that. I regret nothing.

What did you read last week? Any standouts? Any duds? Have you read any of the books I've mentioned below?

Hope you have a great reading week!
Laura

The Wolf Hotel by KA Tucker {a review}

I did it again.

I binged an entire series in a matter of days. 

Two days to be exact.

I regret nothing.

For a while now I've been hearing people recommend The Wolf Hotel series by KA Tucker. They've said it's a good story, and quite steamy. So I cashed in some of my Ibotta balance, and downloaded the series. Since I had just finished reading a book, it was the perfect time to start The Wolf Hotel. Also, did you know that this series was originally called Wolf Cove, and was published under KA Tucker's pen name of Nina West? I did not know that until I went to review on Goodreads, and I was confused by my "current read" title. Thankfully a quick look at the reviews had me certain I was in the right place.

Before we jump into my review, allow me to share the tropes that are featured in this series. 

Virgin Heroine

Age Gap

Billionaire

Workplace
Forbidden
Love Triangle
Opposites Attract
Proximity

I'm sure there are others, but those were the first that came to mind.

Now, onto my thoughts...

The first book in the series is called Tempt Me. It is here that we meet Abbi, and find out why she is applying for a job that would take her to Alaska. We also find out that she has very little experience outside of the jobs/volunteer positions that she held in her small town. Flash forward and Abbi's arriving at the hotel, only to find out that the position she interviewed for, and accepted the job for, had been changed. It was going to be looked into though. Later that night Abbi hangs out with her coworkers, and gets drunk. It is after that little party that she finds herself on the dock, where she is "saved" by a man. He pulls her back from the edge, and helps her back to her cabin. Turns out it's the owner of the hotel, except she doesn't find that out right away. It was quite the meet cute. Oh and she word vomited all over him that night, sharing some of her deepest thoughts and feelings, as well as that pesky little detail about being unexperienced in the bedroom. 

Okay so my thoughts...This was an interesting book. There was a lot of build up, scene setting, and introducing of characters. Once that was out of the way though I found myself a bit intrigued. Abbi had my curiosity, and I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Obviously she was going to get into  a relationship with Henry Wolf, but how was that going to happen? Then there's that little friend group that Abbi stumbled into, and they had my curiosity as well. Abbi was finding a new community of friends, and they were introducing her to a variety of topics and situations. Tempt Me ends with things unfinished. I don't want to call it a cliffhanger because it isn't this big to do, but you are left hanging. So have Break Me ready to go.

Speaking of Break Me, this book had me screaming. I was so invested in everything that was happening. Abbi's new job was perfection. Favoritism? Absolutely. Still though I could not get enough. There's so much that I want to say, but it would be spoiling things. While reading I was getting frustrated with Abbi's lack of confidence. She jumped to conclusions very easily when it came to Henry. Now Henry also irritated me a bit, and his actions didn't always sit the best with me. Also the things that Abbi did in this book seemed very out of character. However she's learning things. Is she going about it the right way? Difficult to say. What happened after the party was VERY steamy, and I found myself yelling at Abbi to NOT DO THAT! While I was yelling at Abbi, I was also thinking "get it girl". Then there was Ronan and Connor, um, was not expecting that. Not at all. But again, she's experiencing "things" and discovering preferences. I experienced such a variety of emotions while reading Break Me. From being happy for the relationship building, to irritation and frustration with our main characters, to being crushed because of what happened, to my jaw dropping from certain scenes, it was a gamut of emotions. That ending though. was not prepared. Not at all. It's what had me picking up Teach Me immediately after.

I'll be honest, Teach Me was my least favorite of the series. Something shifted after Break Me, and I'm having mixed feelings about it. The first half of this book was just meh. It was anything special if you will. Abbi's mom is not my favorite. Neither is Jed. That being said, the way that KA Tucker wrote Abbi's mom did not sit well with me. The words used to describe this woman are distasteful. While she isn't a lovable character, she still could have been described in a more favorable way. The fat shaming was just unacceptable. Abbi continued to frustrate me in this book. She's 21 years old, but is still willingly under her mom's control. She's under her ex's family's control. She doesn't push back, and is just a doormat. It's ridiculous. Not to mention how insecure she is. Now the second half of this book was much better. The storyline became more engaging, more captivating, and pulled me back in. Then there's everything that happened with Margo. Damn. I think one of my favorite parts of this book was how Henry would make time for Abbi. He went out of his way to show his dedication to her, and how important she was in his life. 

Surrender to Me is the final book in Abbi and Henry's story, and it was a wild ride. I loved the relationship that continued to build with our main characters. I loved how Henry continued to show his dedication to Abbi. I also loved how she was dropping everything to be by his side when he needed her the most. I was so glad that we were finally back in Alaska. It felt good to return to where this all began. There was emotional scenes in this book as well. I found my jaw dropping when those happened just because of the disbelief. Those emotional and dramatic scenes definitely helped this book. The return to Alaska also helped. Getting to see Abbi reconnect with her work friends was needed. Getting to see her interact with Ronan and Connor again was very much needed. Abbi wasn't as insecure in this book, and I appreciated that. It was as though she was finally getting confident, and comfortable with who she is. Oh there's so much I want to say, and I don't know how to properly convey it. From the family dramas to the return to Alaska, to the scene in the shed, to the situation at the Mine, to the hot tub scene (and what happened after), there was a lot that happened. I can't even begin to talk about it all. That hot tub scene, and the scene after that, had me blushing. oh. The ending of Surrender to Me though? WHAT WAS THAT? Where is my epilogue? I have questions that need answers. Seriously. I know I'm not alone with missing the epilogue as many people said that on Goodreads.

Let's talk about this series as a whole.

I understand why it has the hype that it does. It is definitely a steamy series. While there is a relationship between Henry and Abbi, this entire series really focuses more on Abbi's awakening than anything else. It's why there are so many watching scenes, and getting turned on because of it. She's learning about her body, her preferences, and having experiences as well. Some of those are with Henry, while others are without him. The steam was hot and heavy while not completely overpowering the story. However, I feel like there could have been a slightly better balance. 

The relationship between Abbi and Henry was an interesting one to witness. From their funny meet cute, to the forced proximity, to the heartbreak, to the fight to be together and that reunion, to how forever happened, it was good. Do I wish things were a bit different? Yes. I feel like there was a lot of unnecessary happenings. Abbi's insecurity was just over the top in the first three books. I liked how Henry was able to read Abbi so easily. He knew when she was in her head, and having those thoughts. He was able to pull her out of it, remind her that he was here with her, and this is how it is. He was consistent.

Let's talk about Jed for a moment. Everything to do with this character did not sit well with me. Why was it perfectly fine for him to cheat on Abbi? Why was it looked at as a sign of weakness for him? Why was she supposed to wait for him? That was no okay with me. Then the constant pushing of him back into her life by her parents, his parents, and himself? NO! Abbi is old enough to know what she wants versus what she doesn't. She found someone new, she's moved on, accept it! The religious undertones here did not sit well with me either. Ugh.

Did I enjoy the series? Yes, to an extent. Part of me would have preferred that we were in Alaska the entire time, another part wishes the happenings in Abbi's small town were never included, and then part of me wished for more together time for our couple.

Did I like Abbi and Henry? Yes I did, but they frustrated me from time to time.

Do I recommend the series? Kind of. What I mean is that this is going to be out of the comfort zone for some people, and for others it might be a bit tame. So read the description for all the books, and see if it fits with your preferences.

Will I be reading other KA Tucker/Nina West books? Absolutely. I have my eyes on the Empire Nightclub series.

Have you read The Wolf Hotel series? If so, what were your thoughts on it? Did you feel that Abbi and Henry should have ended up together? Or were you feeling that Ronan was a better fit for her? I'm curious. (oh, and I think that she and Ronan had a good connection, but I see that more as a fling than happily ever after.)

Thanks for reading my thoughts!
Laura

 

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