Audiobook Review: Coach's Call by Rosie P. Burke

Title: Coach's Call

Author: Rosie P. Burke
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Coach Tommy Hark
My world revolves around two things: Hockey… and my daughter Clara. Since my “ex” left Clara with the door attendant of my apartment building five years ago, I’ve managed to make it work pulling double duty. Coach of the best professional hockey team in the league plus mom and dad. Would that be triple duty? Whatever. When my go-to babysitter has to bow out to finish her education before taking the bar, I find myself struggling to be everything to everyone for the first time ever. A chance encounter sends me the solution in the body that would have the devil praying for forgiveness.

Amy Perez
You can't go home again. Well, I mean—I could. Technically. Nothing's been said or done to banish me from my parents’ homestead in Oklahoma; I just know that’s not the place for me. The issue is, even working at Charleston’s, the preferred bar for the local pro hockey team, it’s difficult making ends meet. When my friend Bitsy shoots me some insider info on a prominent man needing a live-in sitter, it seems like all my prayers have been answered.
Can I ignore the fact he’s the most delicious man I’ve ever seen? I need this job too much to be tempted by his rock-hard abs. His shaggy hair. His calloused hands. The way he is with his daughter…

Review:

Thou shalt not lust after your nanny... or your boss. But what happens when Coach Tommy Hark needs help with his daughter during the season and hires the hotter than sin Amy Perez? Not only does he find it hard to not lust after her, she finds it hard to do the same to him. But the one thing they both agree up on is that Clara comes first, and always will. So when trouble comes knocking (quite literally)...

   

 ... what are they to do? The only thing they can think to do, fake an engagement. But how long will they be able to hold on to the fake part of the relationship before someone gets hurt? Only time will tell.

As always, Rosie is a master with making her characters endearing and loveable. Even when they don't feel loveable to themselves, she makes us root for them either way. Clara was such a lovely little 5-year-old, and I wanted to protect her with as much fierceness as her father and nanny did. 

The only thing I missed with this book in the Dropped Puck series is a little bit more of the player interaction that we got with all the other books. If that would have been in there it would have been a 10 star review for me. (If only I could give those!) 

************ 

 I'd like to thank the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Icing the Enemy by Kristin Lee

Title: Icing the Enemy

Author: Kristin Lee
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kristin Lee brings you a enemies to lovers hockey romance full of sass, swoon and spice.

I’m not your typical jock—no endless string of hookups or partying until dawn. I’ll wait for the real thing.

Until a chance encounter at a truck stop with a defiant, blue-eyed bombshell with a broken down car and a dog sends my heart racing. Oakley James makes my brain short-circuit and my body stand at attention.

But it doesn't take long for her to show her true colors and I find myself agreeing to marry the person I'm desperately trying to hate.

Why?

She needs her trust fund.
And I need to honor my grandmother’s dying wish and stop the gossip mag rumor mill.

But meeting a woman at a truck stop should come with a warning.

Beware, she may steal more than your truck–she may steal your heart.

Icing the Enemy is a complete standalone in the multi-author series Hockey USA

Review:

I'm in LOVE! <3 All kinds of feels over here y'all. When you've got a Golden Retreiver MMC and a spunky FMC, what's not to love?

I wanted so much for this to work out for Oakley and Corbin. From the meet cute and beyond, I was cheering them on. And what a meet cute it was. Oakley will inherit a trust fund, but there are some stipulations. She must be 21... CHECK. She must be married... (insert record scratch here)

  . 

So what's a girl to do? Not much if she's stranded at a truck stop with a smoking car and a cuddly dog. That's when big Strong Corbin shows up and nearly sweeps her off her feet right then and there. 

From there it's a whirlwind of mistakes made again and again, and a long road to finding that forever sometimes isn't more than just an arm's reach away.

I loved this book. I would snatch Corbin away from Oakley in a heartbeat if I didn't think she'd scratch my eyes out, protecting what's hers. So, I'll just have to live vicariously through this book and the characters there. The only thing I think was missing was a final confrontation between Oakley and her sperm donor. That, I felt, needed to be done.

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

Review: Spellbinding Spirit by Dani Elias

Title: Spellbinding Spirit

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

When the spirits call, you have to protect her.

Catherine
Some people think I’m a conundrum. University professor by day, hunting ghosts by night. But it all makes sense to me. The only person that understands me is Sebastian. I’m not sure where I would be without my best friend on my side. And now he has arranged for me to investigate some strange occurrences at the hotel he works. This promises to become a night to remember.

Sebastian
I have been night manager for so many years; the thought of returning to a “normal” life when I take up my new position as Front of House Manager makes me feel excited but also a tad nervous. Lucky for me, I can spend my last night shift with my favourite person in the world. Do I think Cat is a bit crazy for chasing spirits? Maybe. But I like her craziness, I like her passion, and if it means I can spend a night with her, I’m even willing to believe in ghosts.

This small town, friends to lovers novella includes some minor elements of the paranormal.

This steamy romance is part of a series set in a shared world, but you don’t need to have read the others to enjoy it. Each story stands alone, though you might spot a few familiar faces along the way!

Review:

This is the first book that I've read of Dani Elias' that deals with the supernatural, and I love it. Not because the Hotel might be haunted, but because of the story she wove with the love that was missed with the ghost from the WWI era. The story within the story tugged at my heartstrings just like Cat's. For an author to weave such tales and make us care about the secondary characters, PRICELESS!

   

Sebastian and Catherine have been best friends for a very long time. And ten years ago, they may have kissed and agreed to just brush it under the rug. But how long will that last? Only time will tell. I missed having more of the other Greenview Manor characters mentioned in this book, but the backstory had me saying, "Next time Dani, next time." I can't wait to see what else Ms. Elias has to give us in this series. If you're into small town, friends to lovers (and boy does that part steam you up) books, then this one is for you. 

************ 

 I'd like to thank the author, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read and review this book. I NEVER charge for a review.

Audiobook Review: Saving Grace by Rosie P. Burke

Title: Saving Grace

Author: Rosie P. Burke
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Garrison Balchek
I'm the best goalie in the league. That's not me blowing smoke. I've got the stats to back me on this. My ability to see the ice, predict plays before they happen, read the players are all skills I've honed since the first time they strapped me into a pair of skates. But it's not just the ice where I enjoy watching people. That part of me is something no one can ever know. Makes finding The One difficult. But finding The One For Tonight? That I can do.

Grace Schwaltz
I've spent my entire life making sure things run smoothly. A planner, the queen of details. I stand on the sidelines, sit in the players boxes, or generally stay out of the way. That's my job. It's why they call me the PR Guru. But nights? Those are for me. I may be a wallflower professionally but I'm a freaking orchid at night: Lookie no touchy.

A chance meeting at an exclusive club that caters to various desires has these two questioning what they thought was the right fit. What you see is what you get. Right?

Review:

Saving Grace by Rosie P. Burke is the 4th book in her Dropped Puck Series and boy does she hit us hard with this one.

Grace has had a thing for Garrison for a while, but being the person in charge of keeping everyone looking good from a PR standpoint has her keeping her distance. But boy does she love to bust his balls.

Garrison is the best goalie in the league. He sees all, that's what he gets paid for. But when it comes to Grace, he wants to see more. He always has. When he sees her at the members only club he frequents, he's taken aback and can't wait to see more of her. And see he does.

I was given the opportunity to listen to this audiobook from the author through StoryOrigin and while I am thankful for the opportunity boy was this book hard to listen to. The narrator must have been Canadian and she misprounounced so many words (from the way an American would have said them) that it almost had me DNFing the book. I'm glad I didn't because the book itself was good, but OMG! It was the most painful hours I have ever listened to a book. I will go out of my way to NEVER listen to anything narrated by this person again.

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

Review: Dashing for Love by Valerie Pepper

Title: Dashing for Love 

Author: Valerie Pepper
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
In the margarita-fueled wake of his thirtieth birthday party, small town veterinarian Matty Brodigan takes the plunge into Blinding Love, an app where pictures aren’t allowed and users are paired based on personality tests. How is he to know that the woman he matches with is his best friend’s little sister?

Goldie Dash is finally getting her life together: she’s in her own place and has a burgeoning career as a journalist. She’s probably never going to shake her crush on her sister’s best friend Matty Brodigan, but that’s okay, because she just matched with someone on Blinding Love.

Hidden behind fake names, Goldie and Matty fall for each other. It’s only when they agree to meet at a masquerade ball that Goldie realizes what’s happened, and when she finally reveals the truth to Matty, the shocked pair decide to keep their relationship under wraps while they figure out what to do.

But secrets only last so long, and soon they face a choice: play it safe and walk away, or risk it all for the love they never knew they had?


WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK:

• Best friend’s little sister
• Dating app
• Hidden identities
• He’s (kind of) a cowboy
• Meddling neighbors and friends
• SO. MUCH. Banter and shenanigans
• Adorable dogs
• Dual POV

Review:

What happens when you're set up on one blind date too many? You tell your meddling land lady to stop setting you up. Goldie is happy where she is in life. That is, until the app, Blinding Love, shows that she has a match. She filled out the questionnaire ages ago and nothing came up, so she literally forgot about it until James matched her. She decides that using her real name probably isn't a good idea, and she tells James her name is Dawn. She suggests they meet at a charity ball for the local food bank. What happens is unexpected, and amazing.

Matty has been fine being the best friend. That was good enough. But after his 30th birthday party he looks at his best friend and the man she's fallen head over heels for and decides that he wants the same thing. That's where Blinding Love comes in. He matched much sooner than he anticipated and Dawn is everything he's ever wanted. But what happens when she wants to meet? Will sparks fly, or will it all be over before it even starts?

Valerie Pepper has done it again. I'm not sure how she brings such heart to her characters, but she does it in spades. This book made me flip pages so fast that had it been paper, it would have caused a fire. (And talk about fire, whoo... those spicy scenes!) If you've never read Valerie Pepper, please grab one of her books today! You won't regret it.

I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

************

I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Ice Contact by Ellie K. Drake

Title: Ice Contact

Author: Ellie K. Drake
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Olivia Brooks, the talented national anthem singer for the Milwaukee Steel Riders hockey team, feels like she's nothing more than background music in her own life. Stuck in a miserable relationship, she craves something more. One night, after being abandoned at a bar by her neglectful boyfriend, Olivia shares an unforgettable moment with a striking stranger, convinced she'll never see him again.

Hayes Larson, the newest star center for the Milwaukee Steel Riders, never imagined how much his life would change when he first saw Olivia Brooks. Fresh from a painful breakup, Hayes doubted he'd ever find true love again. But the instant he locked eyes with Olivia, he felt an overwhelming connection he couldn't ignore.

Three weeks later, their worlds collide in a way neither of them saw coming. As Olivia sings the national anthem at the home opener, her heart stops when she spots the stranger from that fateful night staring back at her from the ice.

With everything on the line—her career, her relationship, and her chance at love—will they risk it all for a shot at happiness? Find out in "Ice Contact"!

Review:

Olivia, the beloved National anthem singer for the Milwaukee Riders hockey team, finds herself in a tumultuous relationship with a class A douche canoe. When his reckless actions lead to the loss of her cherished job, Olivia is left questioning whether she can ever forgive him. Will his next move be the worst thing that could happen, or will it be a chance for redemption?

Hayes, a new trade to the Milwaukee Riders, is determined to move past the pain caused by his ex. Seeking solace on his first night in Milwaukee, he visits Walt’s on Water for a quick drink. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the mesmerizing siren song emanating from the stage. Fully aware of the consequences, he finds himself drawn to the alleyway where he has an encounter with an unavailable woman. Only his moral compass, and Johnny, keep him from doing something they’ll both regret. 

Three weeks pass, and neither Olivia nor Hayes anticipate the life-changing surprise that fate has in store for them.

Ellie K. Drake’s Ice Contact delves into the profound realization that every woman deserves to feel comfortable in her own skin. She deserves to be loved, cherished, and adored.

Ms. Drake’s choice of topics is highly relevant and empowering for women. She addresses timely issues with characters who are relatable and endearing. Moreover, the book includes intimate scenes that are both captivating and sensual.

I eagerly anticipate the release of the second book, which promises to delve deeper into the lives of Olivia and Hayes, as well as the other intriguing characters.

************

I’d like to thank the author and The Author Agency for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Firelight and Fractures by Angel M. Shaw

Title: Firelight and Fractures

Author: Angel M. Shaw
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Love doesn’t shatter in a single blow—it fractures, piece by piece.

With one choice, Misha Hroshko became my everything: my savior, my lover, my husband.

For a decade, he’s kept his promise to protect me, but some vows are harder to uphold than others.

Now, the dark secret society that once owned me wants me back, but Misha will stop at nothing to keep me safe.

So he prepares to fight the way he knows best—with force, with control, with ruthless determination.

The only problem? He wants to put me on a shelf.

Sheltered. Untouched. Forgotten.

I’ve spent too long in the shadows hiding from The Legion, and now it’s my turn to fight.

But I didn’t expect the biggest battle to be against the love of my life.

He saved me once…but can we save our marriage?

Firelight and Fractures is a dark marriage-in-trouble holiday romance novella. Featuring forced proximity, primal intensity, and a deadly secret society, it’s packed with tension, heat, and emotional depth. Told in dual first-person POV, Firelight and Fractures explores themes of love, power, and redemption. A standalone in the Devils in D.C. Saga, this novella contains mature themes. Full CWs are available on the author’s site. 

Review:

Holy hot, Batman! This novella had me from the very beginning. I love Luna. She's my hero. Not one to take life lying down or waiting for the man to do it all, she's just all any woman could want to be. And then Misha, hot, sexy, broody Misha! The man needs to learn to let go and accept help. He's not in life alone, just ask Luna. But no... he's got to be all alpha male (bring it on) and control the world.

Now, when I say this book is a DARK romantic suspense, I'm not lying here. You have to be made aware that the sex in this book is NOT vanilla! Not in any way. Nuh uh! But dayum. 

If you want a dark romantic suspense where he'll burn the world to protect the woman he loves, and she's willing to do the same. PICK THIS BOOK UP NOW! And if you like this novella, please consider picking up her Devils In DC series. Smoking hot - this novella is interconnected.

************ 

I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.