Thursday, December 16, 2021

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting {a review}

Back in 2019 I read my first Helena Hunting book. It was Pucked, and I absolutely loved it. I immediately fell for Helena's writing, her characters, and these stories she was creating. I could not get enough. Soon enough I read 2 additional books in the Pucked series, her Shacking Up series, her Clipped Wings series, her All In series, as well as her standalones that were out at that time. Have I worked my way through all of her titles? No. Absolutely not. Am I working on it? You betcha.

I had heard about When Sparks Fly earlier this year when Helena was starting to do promo for it, and I was intrigued. It's by Helena so, naturally, I have to read it. It's friends to lovers! I really enjoy friends to lovers, so hand it over. Then my schedule became a bit busy, and I delayed reading the book. It is now December, and I put When Sparks Fly on my list of books I want to read before the end of 2021. Well I can officially cross it off my list, as I've read it!

Avery Spark works with her sisters at the family business, Spark House. It is an event hotel, and it takes up ALL of her time. It is her sole focus. One morning she is driving to a meeting, it happens to be raining outside, and she's a nervous wreck. Ever since her parents died in a vehicle accident, she gets on edge while driving in these conditions. Declan, her roommate, calls her while on the road, and he's apologizing because he was supposed to drive her to this meeting. As he's talking on the phone with her, she begins mentioning another vehicle driving recklessly. Next thing we know there's a loud noise, and Avery isn't responding to Declan's voice. Declan stays on the line, manages to get ahold of Avery's sisters to relay what's happening, and is able to relay information to the first responders about Avery. From this point on it is all about Avery's healing. Declan is determined to do WHATEVER he can to assist her. So much so that he's working from home until she's good to be on her own. Eventually this friendship begins to turn into more. Will this work? Can these friends become lovers? Can trust be built when a person from the past reappears?

I loved witnessing Declan and Avery realize they had feelings for each other. I loved watching their relationship progress. Declan caring for Avery. Avery caring for Declan. Neither wanting to ruin what they had, just making it more. I'll admit that when the car crash happened, I gasped. Legit gasped. Pretty sure my hand flew to my mouth too. Yet, if I'm completely honest, I struggled with this book. I didn't feel the connection between the characters. It wasn't there. Yes they were friends, but I didn't feel the chemistry. Was it still enjoyable to witness them catching feelings? Absolutely. Then there's Avery's business. What even is the Spark House? I mean I get that it's a hotel and event center, but it was odd. I was really confused by the events they were hosting, and their clientele. What is the deal with the fountain that they are trying to save money for it? Why does it need to be done before Grandma returns? I'm just so confused, and I feel a bit lost regarding bits and pieces of the story.

I wanted to love this book. I did. I went in thinking it would be a 4 star, or even perhaps a 5, but at the end of the day it was a 3. It was still decent, but it was lacking at the same time. I'm sorry to all my fellow Helena Hunting fans out there. I don't like not giving her books 4 or 5 stars, but I just couldn't.

Also, I'm noticing that this is going to be a series/trilogy. It's looking like the next book is going to be about London. I can't lie, I'm curious about it. Her character rubbed me a bit wrong in this book, but I'm guessing there is a reason for that. So yes, I will be reading Starry-Eyed Love.

Did you read When Sparks Fly? If so, what were your thoughts?

Laura

Avery Spark is living her best life. Between her friends, her sisters, and Spark House, the event hotel her family owns, she doesn’t have much time for anything else, especially relationships. She’d rather hang out with her best friend and roommate, Declan McCormick, than deal with the dating scene. But everything changes when she is in a car accident and needs someone to care for her as she heals.

Declan avoids relationships, giving him a playboy reputation that he lives up to when he puts a one-night stand ahead of a promise he made to Avery. While he may not have been the one driving the car, he feels responsible for Avery’s injuries and is determined to make it up to her by stepping into the role of caretaker.

Little did they know that the more time they spend in compromising positions, the attraction they’ve been refusing to acknowledge becomes impossible to ignore. When they finally give in to the spark between them, neither is prepared for the consequences. Their love is fragile and all it will take is a blow from the past to shatter it all.

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My Five Star Reads of 2021

I know 2021 isn't over yet, so making this list is a bit tentative. After all I could still add a book or two to the list. Believe me when I say I will update this list if I do.

Now for me, a 5 star read is absolutely mind blowing. I find myself falling head over heels for the characters, the setting, and the storyline. Often times it will have me wanting to dive into other books by the author. A 5 star read also means I am recommending that book frequently.

At this point in 2021 I have had seventeen 5 star reads. I would say that the majority of them I have spoken about A LOT. Maybe a bit over the top with my recommendations. But that's just it, that is the pull of a 5 star read. You want to recommend it. You want others to fall in love like you did.

So what are my 5 star reads? Let's dive in.

Brogan by Samantha Whiskey {a review}

Samantha Whiskey did another surprise book release! When I read the text, and spotted the post on Facebook, I was absolutely giddy. The timing was perfect too because I had just finished reading a book, so I could immediately jump in. And that I did.

Brogan is the ninth book in the Carolina Reapers hockey series, and prepare yourself for this single dad and the nanny story. It also has the forced proximity, grumpy-sunshine, and surprise baby tropes.

As the story kicks off, we have Brogan out running with his teammates. Upon arriving home he spots a car seat sitting at his doorstep. He immediately panics. Brogan fully believes he is not meant to be a dad. Especially not with the upbringing he had. When he sees the baby waiting in the car seat he's nervous, anxious, and confused. A quick phone call to Silas (the owner of the Reapers) results in a meeting at his office. Silas quickly orders a paternity test, and they decide not to get law enforcement involved. Should Brogan not be the father, then they'll make the call. With the season getting ready to begin, Brogan doesn't know how he will handle raising a baby on top of his job. Thankfully Langley is there, and she has a nanny headed to them now. Fiona recently earned her doctorate in psychology, is trying to figure out what she wants for her future career, and needs to start paying her student loans. She had met Langley while interviewing to nanny her baby, but they went another route. Langley knew her qualifications though, and knew she'd be perfect for Brogan and Skye. Fiona had grown up taking care of her siblings, and had no problem jumping in to help with Skye. What started off as a nanny job for Fiona, quickly turned into falling for her boss, and being scared of the future. Could Fiona get over the commitment issues she had? Could she finally understand that she won't end up like her mother?

First things first, I have loved all of the sports romances that Samantha Whiskey has written. I have. Yes I've had minor dislikes with one or two, but overall those didn't affect the storyline, or my enjoyment of the book. That is the case with Brogan's story as well. Yes there are a few things that I didn't particularly care for, but I still enjoyed and devoured the book. It was like coming home, and seeing those friends who you've been missing. That is the Reapers, and their significant others. I've read quite a few nanny and the athlete/single dad romances lately, and I'm here for it. No matter how many I read, I still fall for the characters and their lives.

So let's talk about the book. Brogan comes across as someone with a tough guy exterior, but is a teddy bear for the woman he loves, and his kids. He thinks he is scarier than he is. My gut also tells me he has a bit of confidence issues when it comes to relationships because of the death of his parents. Somehow I think he hasn't completely properly grieved that, even though it has been years. The moment he found Skye, you could see his tough guy shell start to crack. This little gal was quickly wrapping him around her finger. Skye did not make it an easy transition for Brogan either. Whether it was the change in environment, or her age (2-3 months), she was frequently upset. I loved when the team stepped in to get the house ready for Skye, and all that they did for Brogan. The Reapers are a family, and the team definitely showed that. Same with Silas and what he did for Brogan after finding Skye on his doorstep. Then there is Fiona. Fiona had the potential to be an amazing character, yet I don't think she was well thought out. Her she had all this experience with kids because of practically raising her many siblings, and then was her education. I cannot figure out why she chose to be a nanny versus finding a career that would utilize her doctorate! But once I look past that, I see how she was able to bring light into Brogan's world. She showed him love, she showed him compassion, she was caring, she was not just there to take care of Skye, Fiona jumped in to help Brogan as well. I enjoyed their relationship, and the stolen moments they had. Fiona's commitment issues I struggled with. You could see her wanting forever with Brogan, but then thoughts of her mom would creep in, and poof those HEA thoughts were gone. Had her backstory been a more active part of the book, I think this could have been a 5 star read. I also wish that Samantha Whiskey had explained WHY Brogan is referred to as Demon. Why he thinks he's this big scary guy. That wasn't answered. Who he might be on the ice, isn't who he is off the ice. My last issue was regarding Tiffany. She could have been better utilized in the big dramatic moment between Fiona and Brogan. There was the potential for so much tension, frustration, and heartache, but it wasn't. Now I'm not saying the dramatic moment wasn't, well, dramatic, because it was. It was just a bit soft. I did enjoy their reunion, and how they found their way back together. And of course I enjoyed seeing them get their HEA, not to mention seeing them a bit later in the epilogue.

While Brogan and Fiona were not my favorite couple, I still fell for their story. On Goodreads I rated the book as 4 stars. I am sticking with that rating too. I know myself, and I know that I will be recommending Samantha Whiskey's books for other sports romance fans. I'm not letting those few tidbits alter my rating. (although the book should be sent back through proofreading because there were a few typos/grammar issues.)

Is it time for Maxim's story? Because as Brogan's story was going on, I noticed snippets of that story being built. I love me a good best friend's sibling romance, and I have a feeling it's going to be a doozy. Also, is Silas going to get a story? Because that man deserves it. I'd love to see him find his person like Nico in Only One Touch was able to.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Brogan. If you'd like to discuss it further with me, please reach out! I'd love to chat.

Laura

They call me Demon for a reason—I’m the most ruthless Reaper on the ice.

I’m not the person who finds a baby on their doorstep.

Except, after a morning run, I am.

And the note accompanying the little bundle says she’s mine.

I was nothing but a burden on my aunt and uncle after my parents died, and I’d decided I’d never have children.

But it seems fate has other ideas, and now I’ve got a three-month-old daughter…and zero clue how to take care of her.

Insert my new nanny—Fiona Andrews, the gorgeous, stubborn, and more than qualified woman who is saving my ass.

She moves in, and suddenly my upside-down world feels more balanced than ever before.

She’s magic with my daughter, patient with me, and has a mouth that drives me wild.

There are lines we can’t cross, shouldn’t cross…and yet keep crossing.

I’m falling fast, but it’s not just my heart that’s at risk anymore, and if we eliminate those professional boundaries?

I could lose them both.

Read NOW!

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Amazon | Goodreads

Meet Samantha Whiskey

Shameless pen name of a PTA Reject.

Writing contemporary romance from the car pool line and NEVER telling my mother. Ever.

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Be sure to text SAMANTHA to 77222 to be the first to see covers, hear about giveaways, and new releases!⁣⁣

Merciless Kings by Becca Steele & C Lymari {a review}

Merciless Kings, book one in the Boneyard Kings trilogy from Becca Steele and C Lymari is now available! If you are a fan of dark college romances featuring enemies to lovers, bully, and reverse harem tropes, then you need to check out this book.

As the story opens, we meet Everly Walker. She is starting her junior year at Blackstone University, and just going about her life while also trying to appease her uncle. He's all she has left since her parents died, and he's one of the higher ups at the school. While walking around campus Everly has an interaction with Saint Devin. Everyone knows who Saint is, and he is a member of the Boneyard Kings with his brothers Matteo and Callum. Everly is unsettled by this brief conversation with Saint. It's left her on edge. What she doesn't know is that these three guys have put a target on her back. Why? We don't really know as of yet, but it's sounding like it has something to do with things her uncle is dabbling in.

When I read the description for Merciless Kings I was intrigued. The stage was set for a spectacular story to be told. That being said, this trilogy opener left me a little wanting. Everly came across as a bit immature, yet confident in her skills and abilities. I can't fully explain it. I was a bit annoyed when she didn't push for a reason as to why the guys were pursuing her. All they would tell her is "you know why". Well if she knew why, she wouldn't be inquiring. It really sounds like a case of the guys not having all their information correct. Speaking of the guys, I'm not sold on them yet. They are arrogant, and think very highly of themselves. I haven't figured out what their game plan is. To be honest I don't think they know yet either. What I do know is that each of them are attracted to Everly, and well Everly is also attracted to them. So there's that. There is non-con in this book, so if that's a trigger for you, make note. There were a few scenes in the book that captivated me. I wanted more of that. (Everly searching the churches, Everly and Saint together, and the fight.) This book ends on a cliffhanger, and it's a doozy of a cliffhanger too. My curiosity is what will keep me around, and has me ready to read Vicious Queen. I just need to wait for March in order to do so.

Merciless Kings left me with more questions than answers. Parts of the story were more interesting than others. Also there was a lot of flashbacks. Which I can kind of see the purpose of them, especially as it relates to Callum, Matteo, and Saint. At times though it's a bit much. Maybe that's just me though. On Goodreads I marked it as 3 stars, but in the review I said 3.5 stars. In my opinion the story could have been flushed out a bit better. Or perhaps the boys backstory could have been a novella vs being filler for the book. Don't get me wrong, this trilogy has great potential. It just didn't vibe with me the way it did other reviewers.

Remember, these are just my thoughts on the book. Everyone is going to have different thoughts and opinions. That's part of the joy of reading. I do suggest giving it a read though. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Merciless Kings.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

They say bad things happen in threes.

The first was when I lost my parents.

The second came when I had to leave behind everything I knew to move across the world to live with my only remaining relative.

But what was life for, if not for living?

So I kept moving.

Then the third thing happened, just as I was about to begin my junior year at the prestigious Blackstone University.

I caught the eye of not one, not two, but three of the most infamous guys on campus.

The three guys from the wrong side of the tracks.

Saint, Mateo, and Callum.

And now that they have me in their sights, I know that there's nowhere I can hide.

There's no escape from the Boneyard Kings.

Merciless Kings is a reverse harem romance with enemies to lovers and bullying themes. This is book one in the Boneyard Kings series, and cannot be read as a standalone.

Read it now!

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Meet Becca Steele

Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of M/F and M/M romance. She currently lives in the south of England with her husband, two kids, and a whole horde of characters that reside inside her head.

When she's not writing, you can find her reading or watching Netflix, usually with a glass of wine in hand. Failing that, she'll be online hunting for memes, or wasting time making her 500th Spotify playlist.

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Meet C. Lymari

Claudia lives in the Chicagoland suburbs, and when she’s not busy chasing after her adorable little spawn, she’s fighting with the characters in her head. After not being able to keep up with them, she decided enough was enough and wrote her first novel. C. Lymari writes both sweet and dark romances that will give you all the feels. Her other talents include binge-watching shows on Netflix and eating all kinds of chips.

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Thank you to Becca Steele, C Lymari, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Merciless Kings.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

The Edge of Redemption by Kristin Turnage {cover reveal}

Kristin Turnage has revealed the cover for

The Edge of Redemption!

The Edge of Redemption is the third book in her The Edge series, and features the story between Jace and AJ. Kristin Turnage has said numerous times that this will be an emotional read, so have the tissues ready!

If you know me at all, you know that I have been EAGERLY anticipating this book! I adored the first two in the series, and am beyond ready for Jace's story to be told. Now please note, there is a content warning for the book as it contains sensitive subject matter related to the loss of a loved one and suicide. One thing I am certain of is that Kristin has handled this topic with grace and sensitivity.

Save the date for February 23, 2022!

Jace Walker is a master illusionist, but he can't keep up the act anymore. His family and friends thought he was happy and healthy and at peace with his past. But that was a lie. Every single moment from that awful day has been a lie. Just one big exhausting routine that he can't stop. Always having to pretend to deal with the pain of his life lost.

All he wanted to do was feel her again, and the pills always helped. That is until they didn't. Being forced to open up about his feelings is now his life. His newest distraction is this stranger in town with pink hair and an attitude problem who's tormenting his mind while slowly bringing him back to life.

One look at AJ, and you'd think she has everything together, but things aren't always as they appear. After leaving home at 18 to forge her own path, she's pulled back to her old life by the death of her sister and brother-in-law, now being the only next of kin for her 7-year-old orphaned niece.

With her heart still aching to be free, she now fights the courts for custody of her niece, desperately trying to go back to the life she had. The only problem with her plan is the attractive asshole in the grief support group that she hates with every fiber of her being but who also feels like home.

To an onlooker, these two Grumpy Gus's are the definition of toxic, but as fate would have it, they're partnered together to complete their healing journeys.

With darkness around every corner, will the stars align on their road to redemption?

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Meet Kristin Turnage

Kristin Turnage is an indie author that lives close to the beach in Florida with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. She has been writing for eight years and has been chasing her dream of becoming a published author for a long time. The Edge of Happiness from The Edge Series is her first published work and has turned her dream into a reality. She is excited that you are all taking this journey alongside her.

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