Breathe Again by Nola Marie {a review}

Music can save lives. And if you listen closely enough, you might hear a cry for help. We missed his cries.

In May 2021 I was read my first book by Nola Marie. Goodbye is a Second Chance was the first book in the Sons of Sin series, and I was immediately hooked. There was something about Nola's storytelling and the characters she created that grabbed hold and wouldn't let me go. With each new release I found myself more and more intrigued by Maddox Masters. You could feel the pain and heartache pouring off of him, and I needed to know his story. His past was hinted at throughout the series, but it wasn't until Shed My Skin that we fully began to know this character. The blinders were pulled off, and here he was raw and exposed. When Shed My Skin ended, my heart beating rapidly. That cliffhanger was a doozy, and I needed the conclusion to his story ASAP. Well Breathe Again is the conclusion, and it is an intense story. Which is fitting because it's Maddox, and he is an intense man.

My rating for Breathe Again:

Maddox Masters...you beautifully broken man who has so much love to give, and talent to share.

This FREAKING book had me sobbing, it had me laughing on occasion, it had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next. I had to know how Maddox and Quinn were going to get their happily ever after. I needed to see how Maddox was going to get through everything that he has been dealing with. I needed the closure to this series. I needed to know that all of the characters that I have come to love are happy, healthy, and have surrounded themselves with people who love them.

Maddox and Quinn's story was not an easy one by any means. There was so much pain, anger, heartbreak, trauma, healing, passion, and love flowing through these pages. We see both of them working together through their issues, and leaning on the other when needed. These two have overcome so much in their lives, and their story was a beautiful one to read.

In this book we see Maddox through one of the hardest times of his life. We see Quinn dealing with BS from two people who are close to Maddox. Those people assume she's something she's not. It was frustrating, and heartbreaking. We also find out what happened that day when Maddox was rushed to the hospital with his life on the line. Then there's the information Maddox begins to learn about his conditions, and we see him work through all of that. Breathe Again shows this second chance at life that Maddox has been given. With Quinn and his friends by his side Maddox has the support he needs, the love he needs, the encouragement to go on.

I may not be ready to say goodbye to the Sons of Sin, but I know that Nola Marie has other books in the works that will draw me in just as much as this band did. Plus I should really go read the River City series so that I can know Bastian, Rory, Jax, and Zane a bit better. After all they all make appearances throughout the Sons of Sin series. 

Should you choose to read Maddox's story, please note that there are content warnings. So be sure to head to Nola's website to research those before diving in.

Sons of Sin is a rockstar romance series that covers a variety of tropes. All of the books in this series are emotional reads, they cover sensitive topics, and the stories are ones that live on in your head. You could say they live rent free in my brain. If you haven't read any books by Nola Marie, I highly suggest that you do. Nola's storytelling is impressive.

Happy Reading,
Laura
 

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Breathe Again is book 6 of the Sons of Sin series and the conclusion to book 5, Shed My Skin, which must be read first.

From International Bestselling author Nola Marie comes a Rockstar romance like you've never seen.

From the flames of sin I rose, by her virtue, I fell...

I found her in my eleventh hour. My whiskey-eyed canary. Quinn.

Call it Fate or destiny or whatever, but she is the melody to calm my madness. With her, the demons inside me quiet. She doesn't have a hold on my heart, she owns it. She is my everything.

I've been given a second-chance and I’m not about to squander it. This time, I’m not fighting to let go. I’ll fight the past, my darkness, and my fear and hold on.

To her, only her, and to our future.


WARNING: This book is not for the faint of heart. It will tear your heart out and stomp on it before putting it back together. The characters are not perfect and the heroes are flawed. If you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows, I suggest you try another book. But if you want real emotion with a happily ever after, then you’ve found your book.

Mature audiences only. Refer to nolamarie.com/sons-of-sin for full disclaimer.

Thank you to Nola Marie for providing me with an advanced copy of Breathe Again.

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Any purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission. Thank you!

Covered by Elise Faber {a review}

Holding her had felt right. Helping her felt right. Standing here, talking to her, no matter how stilted, felt right.

I freaking love the Gold Hockey series. Just about every single book has held my attention, and had me falling for the characters. This cast is like family now. A fictional family, but a family none the less. So when I heard that another book was being released, I immediately preordered a copy, and then also signed up for an advanced reader copy (ARC). What can I say except I'm obsessed! Ever since reading Blocked, I've been hooked, and each book is a must read. Even as the players retire, that connection to the team is still there.

My rating for Covered:

Covered was no different. The moment we met Jordyn in Cap I knew I was going to need her story. Jordyn is going through the motions after her marriage has ended. Her life has been upended, and she's just trying to find a safe place for her and her sons to land. Thankfully Josh and Jess have provided just that. With Josh playing for the Gold, he also is bringing an extended family into her life. One of those new acquaintances is Ben. This man's life hasn't been easy, and he sees Jordyn. He sees her grief, her pain, her heartache, but he also sees her power, her passion, and her strength. There is something about her that draws him in.

Covered had me swooning, it had me laughing, it sent so many different emotions coursing through my body. I could not get enough. From the moment I started reading Jordyn and Ben's story, I didn't want to put it down. I fell into their world, and I felt like a fly on the wall as I witnessed everything. I watched as Jordyn transformed right before our eyes, and I also saw the bond that her boys were building with Ben. Those little boys were also finding their footing. It was glorious to see.

Of course there had to be drama. I love when that pops up in romance stories. We had the expected conflict between Josh and Ben. I mean how could that NOT be present! We had the ex husband showing his face, and trying to insert himself where he doesn't belong. Then there was the emotional scenes with Ben's family. Those scenes had me holding my breath, and shedding a few tears. All of these conflict scenes just added that little extra to the book that made it so enjoyable, and had me not wanting the story to end.

Also I have to say I can relate to Ben with his need to do a drive by when finding a new place. That had me laughing, and saying "that's me". That man has a special place in my heart. He's just this amazing man.

Between the emotional scenes, the steamy scenes, and the drama filled ones, it all came together to create this fantastic romance. Then there were the scenes with Ben and the boys. That bond was established, and continued to grow stronger. Those kiddos knew that they had a safe space with Ben, and that he would do whatever he could to protect them. I will admit that when Josh discovered the seriousness of the relationship I had to laugh out loud. All while shaking my head. Gotta love those comedic breaks.

That set up for Crushed? Uh, yes please! I need that immediately. Too bad it's scheduled for April 2023!

Oh, if you're wondering about tropes for Covered, here are what I believe them to be:

Brother's Best Friend
Single Mom
Found Family
Forbidden

Have you discovered the Gold Hockey series yet? There are so many tropes that take place throughout the series that there is a little something for everyone. I think if you give this team a chance, you'll fall for them like I have.

Now go order a copy of Covered, and then after you read it be sure to share your thoughts. 

Happy Reading,
Laura

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She’s his best friend’s sister.

He’s going to keep her anyway.

Getting caught in bed with his friend’s sister wasn’t the welcome Ben had planned when joining the roster of the San Francisco Gold.

Neither was the black eye he sported for several weeks afterward.

Jordyn was a newly divorced, single mom of two boys, and not looking for love, but Ben wasn’t easily scared off.

Not when her brother threatened dismemberment.

Nor when Jordyn told him she was swearing off men and relationships forever.

Because she was his forever…

And he’d fight tooth and nail to keep her.

Thank you to Elise Faber, and Elle Woods PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Covered.

Note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program. Purchases made through links above will allow me to earn a small commission. So thank you for any purchases you make. I appreciate it.

 

False Start by Piper Rayne {a review}

I’d love to say I’m above it all, but the truth is, I admire him too. I just do it from afar.

Did you hear that Piper Rayne has a new football series kicking off later this year? It's true! The series is called Kingsmen Football Stars. We've already met one of the members of the team in My Scorned Best Friend. Yep, Xavier Greene is on the team, and we are about to meet his teammates.

But did you also know that Piper Rayne has released a prequel novella to set the stage for You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows? They did! That novella is False Start. Now do you need to read this prequel before the full length novel? No, but it might be a little helpful to have the backstory of Lee and Shayna.

My rating for False Start:

 
In False Start we are headed back to college. It is there that we find out Lee is struggling with one of his classes, and he needs a tutor. It is then that Shayna and Lee officially meet, and a schedule is set to work on catching Lee up in class. From that point on a friendship of sorts builds, and then comes the attraction. There's more though, and it involves a bet. Sigh. 

Lee rubbed me wrong in this book, and I found myself wanting to smack him upside the head. Along with a few of his teammates. But here he is this amazing football player who is doing what needs to be done to stay on the team, and secure his future. As for Shayna, I related to her in a lot of ways. She's quiet, but she's passionate. She loves with everything she has, but when you've done her wrong, she won't put up with it. 

This prequel has me even more ready for You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows! Getting to see how Shayna and Lee's story began? YES! Bring on the second chance romance with the hate to love, and enemies to lovers tropes. I am freaking here for it.

Is it the end of December yet so I can see how these two find their way back to each other?

Are you going to read the Kingsmen Football Stars series? You know I am! After all it's sports romance, and it's a series written by Piper Rayne. That duo knows how to write a steamy rom-com that also has emotional moments added to the storyline.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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The start of Lee Burrows and I was a college girls' biggest fantasy.

Campus' most popular guy, the starting quarterback, the same guy I've crushed on forever, notices me—the quiet introvert.

Although, he never would've noticed me if he didn't need my help passing our biology class. I didn't think I had a chance with him until he started flirting with me and asking me questions like, "Who was the guy you were talking to?" and "Do you have a boyfriend?"

It took a few tutoring sessions before we ditched the library to "study" at Lee's apartment.

It was a fantasy come true until I found out the truth and vowed that Lee Burrows would never get another chance with me again.

A note from me:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliate Program. Any purchases made through links in this post allow me to earn a small commission. So thank you for that.

November Anticipated Reads

Fear not November’s challenge bold

We’ve books and friends,

And hearths that never can grow cold:

These make amends!

Alexander Louis Fraser, November

Can you believe November is only days away? As per usual I am in denial about this. November brings election day, my oldest daughter's birthday, and of course Thanksgiving. This month will be filled with family, friends, and memories. I can't wait!

November also means a new month of anticipated reads! I have a long list, and I am giddy.

What's on my anticipated list? Allow me to share with you!

Honest Mistake by Lisa Suzanne {a review}

I want to be with Tessa. They say when you know, you know, and I've always known it was her.

Today's the day! Honest Mistake by Lisa Suzanne is available! That's right, it's time to pick up with Tristan and Tessa, as well as Savannah and Stephanie. What sort of shenanigans will happen this time around?

Honest Mistake picks up right where Hidden Mistake left off. It was quite the ride, and this season just keeps getting better. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next!

My rating for Honest Mistake:

Honest Mistake is filled with passion, emotional moments, revelations, a fresh start, and heartache. Tristan and Tessa have their eyes set on forever, but there are obstacles in their way. Namely Savannah and Stephanie. It's not just them though, there's another who is going to throw a curve ball in TNT's journey toward happily ever after.

I want to say more about the storyline, but since this is a story in progress, it would involve spoilers. Just know that our duo moves forward toward a happily ever after, but naturally there is road blocks in the way.

Oh and there was at least one time where I found myself tearing up. Maybe it was personal experience, maybe it was hormones, or maybe it's just me being me. Then there was the scene that made me gasp out loud. Not to mention the scene where I literally said "UGH" out loud. (and yes, that last scene had to do with Savannah.)

No Mistake needs to appear on my kindle immediately so I can find out what happens next. Because that cliffhanger is playing on repeat in my mind.

Have you started reading this fourth season of the Vegas Aces? Trust me when I say this entire series has me hooked! It's a must read for football romance fans. So steamy and drama filled.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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He’s not the boy next door anymore, and I’m not the girl I used to be, either.

His life is in the spotlight as one of the most popular professional football players on the Vegas Aces, while I can’t afford to have my secrets exposed. But as we work together on a project benefitting our small Midwestern town, we easily slip back into the friendship we once shared.

He introduces me to the people he’s closest to now, and I find myself fitting into his new life as he works to fix the mistakes of his past. But somebody’s digging into my history, threatening to break us before we even get started.

It’s time to be honest about my mistakes.

HONEST MISTAKE is the third book in the VEGAS ACES: THE WIDE RECEIVER series. This series must be read in order.

Thank you to Lisa Suzanne, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of Honest Mistake.

Also, I am an Amazon Affiliate. Purchases made from links above allow me to earn a small commission. So thank you!