Monday, May 23, 2022

Nothing Feels Better by Brit Benson {a review}

Nothing Feels Better is the third book in the Better Love series from Brit Benson. Nothing Feels Better is a single parent, opposites attract romance with a small age gap (5 years). If you've read the other two books in the Better Love series, then you're familiar with Jesse. In this book we get to see him fall head over heals, and fight for the relationship he so desires.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I am absolutely hooked on the Better Love series from Brit Benson!

Nothing Feels Better is the story between Jesse and Jocelyn. These two had a chance meeting when Jesse was at a party that Riggs was hosting. Turns out Jocelyn lives right next door. It's not just Jocelyn that lives there though. It's her two kids (June and Jude) too.

I have loved seeing Jesse's character evolve and grow throughout this series. Now witnessing how he found his forever person just has me loving him even more. This man is pretty phenomenal. He's not your typical college kid by any means.

The attraction is immediate. The chemistry is there. Jocelyn is a bit on edge about the 5 year age gap, but Jesse shows her it doesn't matter. These two together is everything. I could not get enough, and I may have stayed up extremely late so I could continue with their story. I regret nothing.

I really appreciated how the group quickly pulled Jocelyn into their community. They made her and the kids feel safe, loved, and a part of a new family so to speak.

There is so much that happened in Nothing Feels Better. I couldn't even begin to touch on it all. Just know that Jocelyn's ex-husband is scum. There are trigger warnings mentioned at the beginning of the book, so pay attention to that if there are things that are difficult for you to read about.

This story, while difficult to read at times because of the ex-husband, captivated me. I could not put it down, and I found myself wanting to know more. I wanted to see what happened next.

Loved the characters. Loved the story. Returning to this group of friends felt a bit like coming home. My heart is happy for Jesse, Jocelyn, June, and Jude. That little pirate stole my heart, and I see bits of myself in that 9 year old.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. Go read this book. You will not regret it one bit. By far one of my favorite reads for this month.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Jesse Hernandez has infiltrated my life.

The gorgeous, exciting, genius of a man who hangs out next door.

Who happens to be younger than me.

And in college.

And heading to medical school in just a few short months.

It started innocently enough.

The occasional run-in.

A few chance encounters.

An offer to babysit.

An offer for…more.

But then it snowballed.

Now, I only know two things for certain.

One, for the first time in my entire life, I’m not an afterthought.

And two, this will end very, very badly.

My kids. My job. His future.

It’s all at risk.

Jesse Hernandez has infiltrated my life, and if I’m not careful, we will all be in tatters when he leaves.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR or BookBub wishlist!

Meet Brit Benson

Brit Benson writes romance novels that are sassy, sexy, and sweet.

When she’s not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she’s reading.

When she’s not reading, she’s probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods.

Brit currently resides somewhere near the Blue Ridge Parkway with her husband, daughters, and dogs.

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Thank you to Brit Benson, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Nothing Feels Better.

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Ryker by Samantha Lind {a review}

Ryker is the first book in the San Francisco Shockwaves series from Samantha Lind! This single dad sports romance has been on my anticipated reads list for sometime now. So when presented with the option to read an advanced copy, I was all in.

I had been waiting for Ryker's story. He had caught my attention at the end of the Indianapolis Eagles series, and I quickly marked this book down as one I had to read.

Over all I liked the romance between Avery and Ryker. These neighbors turned lovers had me smiling quite a few times. The relationship between Avery and Ellie really drew me in. They formed a bond early on, and Ellie could see what her dad couldn't.

As the story progressed, I found myself waiting for the drama to happen. There were a couple of times when I thought it would happen, but then nothing. I think I've finally realized that the author just doesn't write those scenes into her books. So I should stop looking for it! Especially since I've read a few books by Samantha Lind. That lack of conflict and/or drama had me rating the book 3.5 stars on Goodreads.

All in all the story was good. Yes I wanted more from the characters. Yes I wanted the dramatic moment for the couple. At the same time, I just really like Ryker. He drew me in, and I was happy to see him find his happily ever after.

Will I continue with the series? That I'm not certain about. I didn't feel a pull to any of the other teammates. I don't have that connection. So time will tell.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. If you're looking for a whirlwind romance featuring a single dad and his next door neighbor, then consider picking this one up.

Happy Reading,
Laura

After years of trying to get back home to be closer to my daughter, I finally secured a spot on the newly expanded San Francisco Shockwaves.

Juggling being the newly appointed Captain of the team and taking on full-time fatherhood to a teenager sends my life into chaos.

I quickly find myself needing someone who can pick up the pieces and keep my life in order as I certainly can’t do it alone.

I just never thought my savior would be the sexy woman next door- the one I can’t keep my mind or eyes off every chance I get.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Samantha Lind

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons.

She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.

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Thank you to Samantha Lind, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Ryker.

He Saved My Boy by Amanda Shelley

Amanda Shelley is back with a new addition to the All American Boy series! This time she is featuring Davis Fallon. You may recognize that name as Davis appeared in a few other books by Amanda Shelley. His siblings have books telling their love stories, and now it is his turn.

Go download this book immediately. I'm sure it will be fantastic. (and no, I haven't read it yet, but I'm going to!)

Davis is the first guy to catch my attention since… hell I don’t even know.

Instantly, he made me think and feel things I forgot existed. It has been forever since I put my needs first, so I took the chance and let him light me up from the inside out.

Our night was the kind that will ruin me for all others.

But then I got the dreaded call I rushed out without a second glance, knowing I’d likely never see him again.

My son will always come first – Always.

Imagine my surprise when Davis walks in and he’s the only one who can save my boy.

This cannot be happening – I guess it’s time to pull up my big girl panties and see what happens.

One Click Today!

NOW available on audio and with whispersync. You can start listening to the talented voices of Tim Paige and Kelsey Navarro today on iTunes, Audible or Amazon.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

On The Edge by Julia Connors {a review}

Julia Connors new release, On The Edge, is a steamy second-chance romance set in the world of competitive skiing. This debut novel is sure to catch your attention, and have you coming back for more. Jackson and Nate's story will pull you in, and have you waiting to see how they find their happily ever after.

Oh how I love a good second chance romance! The fact that this was slow burn, steamy, and a sports romance had me all in.

Jackson was perfectly content living her life, working at the job she loved, and she had her relationship with Marco. Except that relationship was causing a bit of turmoil. After returning to work from a long (and much needed) vacation, Jackson finds out she has a new client, and will be expected to travel with him to all the races. The minute she sees THAT name on the folder, she's ready to run. The way her relationship with Nate ended still caused heartache, and she was still angry. Meanwhile Nate was living life the best he could. He was doing what he loved, but he didn't have the woman he loved by his side. It was time to find his way back to her. To show her that it was only ever her. She was it for him.

This book was filled with so much emotion. These two have quite the past, and you can feel the connection between them. Their road to reunion wasn't easy though. But Nate knew that would be the situation when he started. Secrets were still being kept. Jackson was guarding her heart. Friends were worried. Plus they worked together, so that made a reunion even more difficult.

The big moment was pretty intense. I knew that drama was coming, but I wasn't expecting it to be that grand. I'm still not over all of that, and how it affected Jackson. I also still have a question or two regarding all of it.

The reunion took a while to happen, but I was so happy when it did. I was rooting for these two.

On The Edge was my first book by Julia Connors that I had read, and I cannot wait for the next in this series. Sierra has me intrigued. I'm also looking forward to Petra's story, and I would love to see something regarding Marco.

Thank you for taking time to read my random thoughts about On The Edge. Go grab this new release, or download it on Kindle Unlimited. I truly think you'll find yourself intrigued by the characters, and loving the setting.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Once upon a time I had it all: an Olympic gold medal, a career as a professional ski racer, and a happily ever after so close I could almost touch it. Then my perfect life imploded in one tragic weekend.

Five years later I’ve rebuilt my life with the best girlfriends, the perfect new boyfriend, and a new career. Now my ex—the one who wrecked everything five years earlier—is back as the newest member of the National Ski Team and I’m forced to be his physical therapist.

My days are filled with him. He’s constantly shirtless and sweaty and sexy as sin, and trying to make me fall in love with him again.

But I built these walls around my heart for a reason—and his presence is threatening to undo everything I've created without him. With the stakes this high and the sexual tension this hot, this could all go so very wrong.

Or, maybe we’re on the edge of getting everything we ever wanted.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet Julia Connors

Julia Connors grew up on the warm and sunny West Coast, but her first decision as an adult was to trade her flip-flops for snow boots and move to Boston.

She’s been enjoying everything that New England has to offer for over two decades, and now that she’s acclimated to the snowy winters and finally found all the places to get good sushi and tacos, she has zero regrets.

You can usually find her in front of her computer, but when she stops writing she’s most likely to be found outdoors, preferably with a pair of skis or snowshoes strapped to her feet in winter, or on a paddleboard in the summer.

To learn more about Julia Connors and her books, please visit here!

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Thank you to Julia Connors, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of On The Edge.

With Every Breath by JH Croix {cover reveal}

With Every Breath is coming October 11, 2022! This is the sixth book in the Light My Fire series from JH Croix.

With Every Breath is a swoony, firefighter romance set in small town Alaska! You are not going to want to miss this one. What will you get in With Every Breath?

A nosy, matchmaking grandmother.

Meet cute in birthday suit.

A broody, smokin’ H-O-T hero.

A brilliant, tomboy heroine.

A three-legged sweet rescue dog.

Plenty of small town shenanigans.

Jonah & Alice’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, smart & sassy heroines, nosy friends and relatives, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, oozing with swoon, and one smokin’ hot broody hero.

Cover design by Najla Qamber

Alice

I didn’t mean for the whole wedding party to see me skinny dipping.

That’s how I met Jonah, my new, way too hot for my sanity neighbor.

Jonah

I came to Alaska to escape. I prefer to leave tragedy behind and don’t need anyone reminding me I’m a hero. I’m not. I’m damaged goods and not in the market for romance.

Alice is beyond distracting, and I can’t avoid her. My grandmother thinks we’re fated for each other. While I’m busy trying to ignore my grandmother’s matchmaking, I make the mistake of kissing Alice. My willpower burns to the ground in a matter of seconds.

Pre-order now through one of these retailers!

Apple Books | Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add to your Goodreads TBR and/or your BookBub Wishlist!

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