Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Saving Jen by Ellie Masters {a review}

Ellie Masters has just released Saving Jen! This is the fifth book in the One I Want series, and it is a hard hitting, emotional story. This book is nothing like the previous four books, but it is still just as wonderful. Saving Jen is a steamy, second chance, contemporary romantic suspense. It features a protective hero and the smart, feisty heroine who steals his heart.

In Saving Jen, we have Jen and Patton. They have been married for a while now, and are trying to add to their family. Jen has had multiple losses, and it's taking an emotional toll. (as it should) Patton isn't dealing with the same emotions, or at least he isn't vocal about them. They continue to live their lives. He works for the military, and Jen is an EMT. When tensions rise in the community, it is becoming unsafe for the public, but Jen and Patton still need to do their jobs. But Jen working her job is causing issues with Patton. He would rather she stay home and be safe versus putting herself in danger. Their emotions are already elevated when tragedy strikes. This leads to conflict in the relationship, and an uncertain future. Can these two find a way to talk things out? Can they mend their relationship? Or is this it for Jen and Patton? Also, with the turmoil in the community, can both of them remain safe?

Having read the previous 4 books in the series, I thought I had a good idea of what to expect with the premise of the stories. Saving Jen proved to me that I was 100% wrong. This book threw me a curve ball, and at first I wasn't sure what to do. You see since the last two books were set in the same small town, I assumed we'd be headed back. Part of me also assumed that previous characters would either make an appearance, or at least be mentioned. That wasn't the case though. Which is fine. It just caught me off guard based on the previous books. As the story progressed, I was all in.

First, this is a marriage in trouble book. So it is our couple working through their issues, and finding a way to return to each other to make their relationship work. Loved that. Jen is a EMT in California, and her husband Patton is in the military.

Second, this book is emotion filled. Those emotions are not just from our main characters, but also from the storyline going on in the background. It's intense. It's real. It's just a lot. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

There were times in this book where Patton just had me shaking my head, as I was so frustrated with him. Then when he said what he said after that one incident? UGH! I was devastated for Jen. So when everything blew up, and the conflict kicked in, I wasn't sure how they were going to come out the other side.

Jen had me feeling the same at times. Part of me thinks if she had opened up about her feelings, then maybe all of this could have been avoided. But then at the same time that wouldn't have given the conflict for our characters to work through.

Loved the book. Love the series. Cannot wait for the next.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. I hope you'll consider picking up Saving Jen, and giving it a read.

Laura

A story of the deepest love, tragic loss, and a chance for Redemption.

Jennifer
While our cities burn, I face devastation on the streets, saving lives while my marriage falls apart. I once thought Patton and I could survive anything, but we’re not coming out of this unscathed. We’ve lost too much and our love is stretched beyond the breaking point. The choices I make aren’t easy, but at the end of a long and brutal night, I’ll see what remains of both my city and the love of the man I can’t live without.

Patton
Overcome with grief, I walked away. The love of my life is on the streets, doing what she does best. Jen's saving lives, but when she goes missing in the middle of the riots, I can no longer ignore the truth. She’s my wife. My love. She's my life. I may not be worthy of redemption, but I will bring my wife home.

Will the riots and civil unrest destroy Patton and Jennifer's second chance for a happily ever after? Or does fate have something else in store?

(Saving Jen was previously published as Patton.)

Purchase now on Amazon!

US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Add Saving Jen to your Goodreads TBR!

EXCERPT

All we needed was one spark to ignite the city. The situation had been escalating for some time. Overzealous media and corrupt politicians fed the fire, weaving truth and lies into an intricate web, never once letting facts get in the way.

Nobody really knew what started the riots, but some traced it back to a drive-by shooting in San Francisco. Bullets sprayed from a car. People were wounded. A small child died. The community banded together for a public vigil, angry about the gangs, frustrated by the failure of the police, and fearful for their futures. Words were exchanged and then fists. Citizens went on a rampage.

We braced for the worst, foreseeing the chaos which would surely result.

This is but one story of what happened in the days and weeks leading up to the riots … It’s my story: a story of the deepest love, tragic loss, and a chance for redemption.

ALSO AVAILABLE

FREE for a limited time!

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU
Always free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

99c for a limited time!

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

Coming Soon

Releasing July 31

AMAZON
US / UK / CA / AU

Meet Ellie Masters

Ellie writes the kind of heart-stopping, pulse-pounding, can't-stop-reading romance filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy, alpha men. They have to be, because the heroines Ellie writes are strong women with take charge attitudes.

International, bestselling, multi-genre author, Ellie writes the stories she loves to read. Dark romance lover? Sweet contemporary romance? How about a romantic suspense to whet your appetite? Ellie writes it all. Don't wait any longer, your next book boyfriend is waiting for you.

Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.

Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive.

Connect with Ellie

Sign up for Ellie's Newsletter!

Thank you to Ellie Masters, and Give Me Books PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Saving Jen.

Fall for Me by JH Croix {a review}

JH Croix has just released Fall for Me. Fall for Me is the latest addition to the Light My Fire series that is set in a small Alaskan town, and features a swoon-worthy romance with a firefighter. Archer & Phoebe’s story is perfect for readers who love: Marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, slow burn, broody secret billionaire, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a hero with a protective streak a mile wide.

I have read all of the books in this series, and have enjoyed them all. So I had high expectations with Fall for Me. This book, while good, hit different than the others. It was almost as though JH Croix was playing it too safe. Fall for Me had the potential to hit a lot harder, and be an emotionally intense story. Especially given the secret that Archer is holding on to.

Before I jump into my thoughts, I do want to add that there is a content warning for this book. It has to do with Archer's childhood, as well as something that happened to his cousin. So while I will not specifically name that action, I do want you to know that information is mentioned within the book.

All in all, I enjoyed the story. From the two friends being reunited, to the marriage of convenience, to it being a small town romance, that was all wonderful. I was here for it. Then there is the secret that Archer has been holding for about 20 years. When that was revealed, my jaw dropped. It wasn't what I was expecting. At least not based on the flashbacks we had witnessed. Then everything else unfolded, and I was all in. I wanted more details about all of it.

The relationship between Archer and Phoebe was so good. I felt the spark, the chemistry, the attraction. So while their relationship may have started as fake, it quickly morphed into reality. These two have a foundation of friendship, and now that they have been reunited, this relationship can blossom. Phoebe did irritate me every time she mentioned the money that Archer (and his family) have. You could tell she was uncomfortable, but it also came off as a bit envious. In a way she was judging Archer for something that is out of his control. He can't help it that his family is well to do, just like Phoebe cannot control her family's financials. I do wish that we would have been able to see Phoebe out in the field, and witness Archer's reaction to that. We know she's a badass female character who loves her job, so it would have been nice to witness that.

I went back in forth in my head about the rating. Part of me was thinking 3.5, the other said 4, so as of right now it's a 4. The main thing that had me wanting to rate this book as a 3.5 was the ending. It just didn't feel finished. It felt rushed. It left me with questions. (The biggest one was what happened with Clint?) But I decided to stay with my original thoughts (4⭐️) because the story is pretty darn good. I just wish the ending wasn't what it was.

I have absolutely enjoyed this series, and I know we for certain have one more book to come in Keep Me Close. I'm excited to see what happens with Chase and Hallie.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Fall for Me. I hope that you'll take time to read this story, and fall for the characters and the community.

Laura

Problem: My ex is marrying my ex-bestie.

Plan A: Burn the church down?
Plan B: Fake marry my friend.

I haven’t seen Archer since fifth grade. When he shows up in our small hometown and offers to marry me, I don’t ask many questions. I get to salvage my shredded pride and do him a favor.

I only need one thing from him—sell the deal when my ex comes back to town to marry my ex-bestie. Now I’m fake-married to a totally hot guy who needs a wife for *reasons*.

I’m way too cynical to fall for anyone, but Archer’s hard to resist. He keeps telling me we’re just faking it, but trust me when I tell you, there are some things we are not faking.

This was never supposed to be real. Until he whispers, fall for me.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Apple | Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Meet J.H. Croix

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs.

Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing.

Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!

Connect with J.H. Croix

Hosted by:

Thank you to JH Croix, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Fall for Me.

Up in Smoke by Kate Meader {a review}

Are you ready for a new firefighter romance series from Kate Meader? If so, go grab Up in Smoke NOW! Up in Smoke is the first in the brand new Hot in Chicago Rookies series about firefighters navigating the trials of new jobs and sizzling romances as they find their place in the world and the love of a lifetime.

First things first, I love that Abby has followed her dreams and became a firefighter. Yes she's following in her mom's footsteps, but she's doing this on her own, and proving that just because her father is who he is, he isn't helping her one bit. Abby has earned her position at Station 6 because of her qualifications.

Then there is that meet cute between Roman and Abby at the diner. Absolutely loved that, and absolutely saw what was going to happen next. It didn't matter one bit that I predicted it, the story still captivated me. From Abby finding her footing at the firehouse, to learning the ropes, to creating friendships, to going out on calls, I loved it all. The moments of tension, at work, between Abby and Roman had me coming back for more. I had to see how all of this was going to work out.

When they finally got together I was curious as to how it would affect their work, or if it would at all. I also was wondering what Abby's dad was going to say when he found out. I wasn't expecting it to all be revealed the way it was. But it was probably the best way for it to be revealed for the shock/drama factor.

Speaking of drama, I fulled expected Roman's ex to bring more to the table in that department. So I was a bit disappointed by her role in the story.

BUT, the moment of conflict between Roman and Abby was top notch. I never want to see characters in agony, but the way Kate Meader laid this all out was perfection. It just made the reunion all the sweeter. I could go on, but I don't want to accidentally spoil anything.

This was a great kick off to the new series, and I am so glad that I read it. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series, and witness Abby & Roman as side characters. Plus the next book is about Jude, and I am so ready for his story to be told! Now I just hope that Kate releases it sooner than December! (wishful thinking)

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Up in Smoke. If you are a fan of firefighter romances set in the workplace, that is also a bit of an age gap, as well as forbidden, then you need to check out this book!

Laura

Cover: Lori Jackson Design

Lives are on the line at Engine 6 … and so are hearts.

Newly-minted firefighter Abby Sullivan is exactly where she wants to be: Chicago Fire Department’s Engine 6, the station where her mom blazed a trail as one of the first female firefighters in the city. The first to fall in the line of duty, too. All Abby wants is to succeed, but that’s a tough proposition when people only see a feel-good story, a token woman failing at a man’s job, or the princess in need of protection. And the man tasked with watching her six?

Lieutenant Roman Rossi, the one person she can’t let close.

Having the daughter of his boss and nemesis under his wing shouldn’t be a problem for Roman—he’s a professional and can treat her like any other firefighter rookie. Except she happens to be the gorgeous woman he once shared a slice of cherry pie with, followed by the hottest, sweetest, most pulse-pounding kiss of his life. He didn’t know her name but he had planned to find out.

Now Roman knows exactly who Abby is: a threat to his self-control more dangerous than a five-alarm blaze. Lust has no place in the firehouse, and a distraction like Abby with her electric blue eyes, waves of flame-red hair, and freckles Roman wants to map with his tongue, is one he can ill afford.

Because one wrong move … and it could all go up in smoke.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Kate Meader

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, fire hose, or hockey stick, and she’s there.

Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with big-hearted guys and strong heroines - and heroes - who can match their men quip for quip.

Connect with Kate Meader

Hosted by:

Thank you to Kate Meader, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Up in Smoke.

Friday, February 18, 2022

Worth Every Second by Jocelyne Soto {cover reveal}

Jocelyne Soto has just revealed the cover for Worth Every Second! This college football romance will be available on March 31, 2022.

I loved her Flor de Muertos series, and so I cannot wait to check out Worth Every Second.

Jocelyne does say, on her website, that there is a content warning for this book. Here is the link to that info so you can be prepared should you choose to read Worth Every Second.

Cover Design: Shanoff Designs

Posting “certain types” of pictures online is never a good idea. Especially when you’re the star player of your college football team.

But I did it anyway.

Never did I think that by posting my pictures online that I would find someone that I would actually be interested in.

But I did.

I saw her pictures, she commented on mine and the conversations were nonstop. She was the girl of my dreams and I wanted to meet her. Who knew that the girl of my dreams was the shy girl that sat next to me all semester.

Now that I know who she is, I want my shot. Only if she would give it to me. Every chance she gets I get turned down, but I'm not giving up.

I will show her that she is worth it, even if she may not think so.

Pre-Order Your Copy on Amazon!

US | UK | CA | AU

Free in KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Jocelyne Soto

Jocelyne Soto is a romance author born and raised in California.

She started her writing journey in 2015 and in 2019 she published her first book. She is an independent author who loves discovering new authors on Goodreads and Amazon.

She comes from a big Mexican family, and with it comes a love for all things family and food.

Jocelyne has a love for her mom’s coffee and writing. In her free time, she can be found reading a romance novel off her iPad or somewhere in the black hole of YouTube.

Connect with Jocelyne Soto

Hosted by:

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Vegas Aces: The Tight End by Lisa Suzanne {series cover reveal}

💛🏈 💛SERIES REVEAL 💛🏈 💛

A hot new season with the 𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐞𝐬 by international best-selling author Lisa Suzanne is coming in March 10, 2022! Buckle in and get ready for tight end Ben Olson's roller coaster ride in 𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝!

I have been waiting for this announcement! If you know me, I fell head over heals for the characters from the Vegas Aces series. First it was Luke and Ellie, along with Josh and Nicki. Then it was Jack and Kate. Now, now we get Ben's story. Oh I cannot wait to see how this all goes, and what sort of shenanigans occur. BRING IT ON!

Now remember, this 5 book series MUST be read in order. So join me on the journey starting March 10, 2022. That is the day the first two books, Tight Spot and Tight Hold, will be available.

What to expect from 𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝:

💛Fake Relationship
🏈Brother's Best Friend
💛 Small Age Gap
🏈Hilarious Banter
💛 Sexy times (Ben is dirty!)
🏈All the feels!

Tight Spot

I don’t date football players.

I’m not interested in the ones who are a decade older than me. I want nothing to do with the ones who play on the same team as my brothers, and I certainly avoid the ones who spend more time in strip clubs than kids’ clubs.

So why do I suddenly find myself faking a relationship with Ben Olson, the bad boy tight end who fits every descriptor on my naughty list?

He’s in a tight spot, and I’m intrigued by the illicit under the dinner table action that proved to me he’s nothing but trouble. He’s hot and I’m bored. He doesn’t do relationships, and I’m just looking for some fun.

Except fun is taking a quick turn into real feelings, and now I’m in a tight spot of my own.

🏈 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭 is the first book in the 𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝 series. This series must be read in order.