What I Read Last Week

It's the start of a new week! So that means it's time to recap what I read last week.

Last week was decent. I mean reading wise it was top notch. It was life that threw a few hiccups into the mix. When it came to my books, I read five. That seems to be my usual, and I'm good with that. One thing I do want to say is that all five that I read were advanced copies. So I received these books to help promote. That doesn't affect my feelings toward the stories though. That is always 100% honest.

There was a 5 star read this week! If you've been around for a bit, you know I don't give out 5s very often. For me to give 5 stars it has to be as close to perfect as possible. That being said it's also a bit of a gut feeling. While I'm reading I pay attention to how I feel, how the story is flowing, how the characters (side and main) are written, and just how invested I am. Add those things to the gut feeling, and it all adds up to 5 stars.

How was your reading week? Any 5 star reads? Any new favorites? Tell me about them.

Thanks for reading,
Laura

Vow of Revenge by P Rayne

I never realized that I needed a college mafia romance series, but here we are. P Rayne's debut was absolutely riveting. Mira is a strong female lead who is determined to shake things up in the mafia world. She wants to be seen as an equal, not an accessory. Then there is her betrothed who was thought to be dead. Mira doesn't want to marry Marcelo, but she doesn't have a choice. The way that relationship built was perfection. I loved the friendships that were in this book. I loved the connection even though they were rivals. Could not put this book down. Then there was the suspense that kicked in! That was my absolute favorite. Every single thing that happened in that part of the storyline was irresistible. Kudos to P Rayne on this book, and I cannot wait to read more in the series.

Break the Girl by Rachel Jonas & Nikki Thorne

Break the Girl was my introduction to Rachel and Nikki's storytelling, and I will be reading more from them. The blurb intrigued me, as did the tropes. I will say that I wasn't prepared for Break the Girl to end with a cliffhanger. So I might have yelled a bit, and then quickly looked up a release date for book two. I loved this story, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Stevie immediately had my curiosity as I wondered what she had experienced before transferring to Bradwyn. That woman has been through a lot in her life, and is still healing from it all. Then there are the guys that are now in her life, whether she wants them to be or not. Vince, Ash, and Micah command attention, know what they want, and are not afraid to go for it. I fell hard for them.

When I Come Home by Maisie Myers

When I Come Home was my first book by Maisie Myers. With everything that was going on between Thea and Cole I was just fascinated. I found myself wanting to know more. Needing to see how this was all going to play out. What sort of drama was going to pop up in the third act to cause separation? Not only that, but what happened six years ago that had Thea not wanting to return home? Between the revelation of what happened six years ago, and then with the third act break up, my jaw dropped a few times. I can honestly say that this is the first time, in a while, where I haven't been able to ping the dramatic moments. This second chance romance is one that I will not soon forget. While it took me a bit to get fully invested in the story, once that did happen I didn't want to put my kindle down until the final moment was over. Looking forward to continuing with this series.

Iced Out by Veronica Eden

Hockey romances are an obsession of mine. While professional hockey is my preference, college can be enjoyable as well. Iced Out was definitely one that I could not get enough of. Maya and Easton were amazing. I loved the banter between these two. I loved the connection that they had. It really did start off quite well, and their meet-cute was memorable. I loved witnessing their relationship grow. What I was not expecting was for emotional moments to happen. Now I am an emotional person to begin with, so maybe it just hit different for me. Yet those scenes had me tearing up. My heart broke for Maya, as well as for Easton. I appreciated the hockey to romance ratio. Getting to see Easton and his team on ice, and the bond they had was fantastic. I was also glad to see Maya have a friend group in her corner, and see her apart from Easton. I cannot wait for more books in this series! I'm hooked on the Heston U Hotshots!

Lost to the Moon by Meg Anne & K Loraine

It's over. I don't want it to be over. Throughout the course of the, 5 books in this, series I have fallen head over heels for the characters. Pan is my favorite. Sorry not sorry. He's right up there with Alex from the War quartet. I refuse to choose between those two. I shan't. Lost to the Moon had so much happening, as it should since it's the finale. I can't really talk about anything that happened either because of spoilers. Just know that the questions you may have had get answered. Plus there is that epic battle between our group and Pestilence. What a time that was! I love the family that Rosie has found for herself, and how all of her mates are proud to be part of it. Now it's time for Death or Famine to show off what chaos they have in store. It's going to be a wild ride that much I know, and I look forward to every moment of it.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Also, thank you to the authors who provided me with advanced copies of their books.

A to Z Reading Challenge 2023 (April Update)

Goodbye April! You went by way too quickly. Since it's basically over, it's time for my A to Z challenge update! 

I crossed off ONE letter. ONE! And it was for the title challenge. UGH! Hey, progress is progress though, and that's what counts. Maybe in May I'll be able to cross off some of the remaining Author letters. Maybe. The title challenge letters are getting a lot more challenging since I only have Q, X, and Z remaining.

Were you able to complete any letters this month? How many do you have left to go? Also are you doing the title challenge, the author challenge, or are you doing both?

See you back here at the end of May for another update!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Title Challenge:

A - All It Take by JH Croix
B - The Baby Blitz by Lex Martin
C - The Coppersmith Farmhouse by Devney Perry
D - Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz
E - Every Last Piece by JS Wood
F - Filthy Jealous Heir Pt 2 by Caitlyn Dare
G - The Great Austen Adventure by Tomi Tabb
H - How to Lose at Love by Sara Ney
I - Ignite by Melanie Harlow
J - Jagged Thorns by January James
K - Kellan by Anna Blakely
L - The Lawyer by Marni Mann
M - Movie Star by Jessica Simpson
N - Never Give Up by Rue Lennox
O - Out of Play by Aven Ellis
P - Promised to the Night by Meg Anne & K Loraine
Q - 
R - Resilient Reign by Aleatha Romig
S - Salutis Meae by Jocelyne Soto
T - Tempting the Neighbor by Ashley Munoz
U - Unexpected Love Story by Natasha Madison
V - Vow of Revenge by P Rayne
W - Wild Ever After by Rebecca Jenshak
X - 
Y - You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks by Piper Rayne
Z - 

Author Challenge

A - Aleatha Romig
B - Emily Bowie
C - JH Croix
D - Caitlyn Dare
E - Aven Ellis
F - Elise Faber
G - Gina Azzi
H - Anna Hackett
I - 
J - January James
K - K Loraine
L - Lauren Asher
M - Ashley Munoz
N - Sara Ney
O - 
P - Devney Perry
Q - Angela Quarles
R - Rue Lennox
S - Jocelyne Soto
T - Tomi Tabb
U - 
V - 
W - JS Wood
X - Xavier Neal
Y - 
Z - 

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

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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Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

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.

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