Audiobook Review: Sour Notes by Canea Cox

Title: Sour Notes
 
Author: Canea Cox
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Note to self:

Don’t fake date your ridiculously hot best-friend-slash-roommate if you’re not prepared to accidentally ride him like a pony in paradise.

Which is why telling our families that Swayze Wolff and I are dating is easily my dumbest idea yet.

But with a toxic ex waiting at my twin brother’s destination wedding, and months of online dating resulting in nothing but unsolicited d*ck pics with a side of shriveled nut sacks…

what choice do I have?

FML.

We’re forced to go from estranged BFF’s who only communicate via snarky post-it notes to hopelessly devoted in a matter of minutes.

Not that it matters. He’s a commitment-phobic police lieutenant and I’m a hot mess who doesn’t do boyfriends, unless they have batteries.

It’s foolproof, right?

Totally the safest option.

Except my “fake boyfriend” is way too real. My family adores him.

My ex loathes him.

And when my boss hands me a buzz-worthy

assignment, guess who volunteers to take notes?

Two weeks in paradise.

One bed.

Zero boundaries.

And suddenly I’m ready to rewrite all the rules.

But last time I believed in a fairytale, I got trapped in a nightmare, and that’s one chapter I don’t plan on rereading.

Review:

Oh my god! This book had me laughing so much I couldn’t keep it in. My husband thought something was wrong the first couple of times he heard me laughing until he realized I was listening to the book!

The heat in this book is less steamy 🧖 and more on fire! 🔥

I loved how both narrators brought this book and these characters to life. The bloopers… OMG the bloopers!

The author has now been put on my insta read list… now to look for a backlist!

I’d like to thank the author and PinUp Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book.

************ 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.

Audiobook Review: Sweet Hate by Canea Cox

Title: Sweet Hate

Author: Canea Cox
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Note to self: Don’t play truth or dare with your super hot ex best friend if you’re not prepared to lose more than your panties.

Which is why avoiding Axel Verona is the only priority as I come back to Sweet Haven for the first time in eleven years.
But I didn’t count on accidentally setting my gram’s bakery on fire.
Or that the super growly, chisel jawed fireman coming to my rescue would be none other than Axel himself.

FML.

The sparks flying between us are hotter than the flames coming from the oven.
Not that it matters.
After he ghosted me for over a decade, I’m pretty sure he hates me.
And you know what?
I’m not a fan of his either.

But when he surprises me with a game of truth or dare over text, I can’t back down.
One dare leads to the next, and before I know it…
I’m in too deep.

All it takes is a video of him sliding down a fire pole.
One look at those bulging arm muscles and his cheeky wink, and now all I can think about is sliding down his instead.

Last time I gave into those orders, I lost my best friend and that’s one thing I don’t plan on repeating.

Review:

Haven and Axel had to deal with mistakes from the past. Is Haven able to forgive Axel for his misgivings or their misunderstandings? Can Axel move forward?

Well if he doesn’t move forward with Haven… I’ll take him.

I loved the narrators for this book. Andi Eloise & Christian Fox did excellent jobs!

I’d like to thank PinUp Audio and the author for the opportunity to listen to this book.

************ 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.

Audiobook Review: Flying by Jordana Blake

Title: Flying

Author: Jordana Blake
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Lily knows she is easier to love in small doses. Wellness Influencer, Lily Long, appears to have it all together now. A decade ago she left her small town and her teen marriage behind, starting over…and over…and over. Searching for a place to belong she’s constantly trying to to fit the expectations others seem to have of her. River knows old secrets could destroy his chances with the one who got away.

River Hendrix, is an anxious shell of his old goofball self. After taking over the family business from his ailing father, he has worked diligently to prove he’s worthy and capable of growing their multi-generation town legacy. This single-minded pursuit might have come at the cost of his personal life, but what does it matter when the girl of his dreams left town long ago?

Now Lily is returning to Peacock Springs to celebrate their friend's engagement. Will Lily’s carefully curated facade survive the close-up scrutiny of those who love her best? Will River find the confidence to admit to her how he’s always felt? Luckily their meddling friends see this opportunity to bring Lily home, help River relax, and reunite their little “fr-amily.” That is, so long as everyone can survive the fallout of the secret River’s held onto and a weird town mandate they can’t make go away.

Are they flying towards the adventure of a lifetime or just running from the past? Flying includes a M/F, friends-to-lovers, small-town romance full of quirky townies, found family, spice, and a guaranteed HEA. It is the first book in a series of interconnected romantic traum-com stories, exploring human stress response behavior. Set in Peacock Springs, NJ, they highlight healing through laughter and love.

Review:

As a woman with ADHD, I could see myself in this spicy little Rom-com. I loved Lily and River and I’m so sad to see this story end. But… I know good things are bound to happen in her next book.

Thanks for the great read.

This book had me laughing so hard! The narrators made this book even better than I remembered!

I’d like to thank the author and PinUp Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book!!!


************ 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.

Audiobook ARC Review: Under Juniper Skies by Claire Cain

Title: Under Juniper Skies    

Author: Claire Cain
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
I’m here to start a new life, not fall for the handsome, grumpy single dad sheriff.

When I left my old life for a fresh start in a small mountain town, I didn’t expect to begin the new chapter with a run-in with the hot, growly local sheriff. I’ve had enough of beautiful men setting fire to my life, thanks very much.

While I try to settle in, slim housing options result in me living above said sheriff’s garage. Perfect. I’ll keep my head down and stay out of his way—not easy when we’re living side by side.

He’s suspicious of me and, frankly, rude despite his reputation as a war hero and doting single dad. I can’t reconcile the man I’ve met with the stories I keep hearing around town about how generous and kind he is.

Until he apologizes and changes everything. He still sticks his foot in his mouth, but he’s good-hearted and he’s giving me something I’ve been chasing—a safe place.

I could resist him when he was judging me and needlessly gruff, but I’m not sure I can keep my distance when he’s being more than neighborly. He helps me find my wayward cat, then invites me for cocoa with his daughters, and before I know it I’m seeing past the badge and right to the heart of him.

This fresh start is taking an unexpected turn. After so long living in the smog of my old life, I’m finally breathing deep in these clear mountain skies… until I’m reminded why I ran in the first place.

Review:

My first Claire Cain book and I think I'm hooked. I loved Sam and Grant's chemistry, even when it threatened to blow up and ruin everything right from the start.

I love a small town mountain romance when a strong man can make up for the wrongs he's done, and it's enough to win the heart of the woman he wronged. And I loved the fade to black spice level on this book since sometimes I need a break from the smut I tend to read. And what a great way to palate cleanse. I can't wait to read more by this author.

The tension in this book had me jumping every now and then, and I loved the narrators in this book.

Thank you to Pin Up Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this book.

************ 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: Perfectly Yours by Sarah Neeson

Title: Perfectly Yours

Author: Sarah Neeson
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Hemlock Point is Kaylee's refuge—a place to escape her controlling mother, lose herself in her library, and forget the heartbreak she can't seem to shake.

Until Jason walks through her library doors.

Her high school sweetheart is back after four years, claiming he's writing a book about her town. But the longer he stays, the easier it becomes to slip back into old patterns—as if he never left at all.

Except she can't let herself fall again. Not when he's only scheduled to stay six months. And not when she's built a life she loves—one that doesn't include the man who left her behind.

But Jason isn't the same restless traveller who walked away. He's ready to put down roots, and determined to prove he's not leaving again. Now Kaylee has to decide: can she trust the man who once broke her heart, or will fear cost her a second chance at forever?

A second-chance, small-town romance with no third act breakup, a meddling matchmaker, found family, and a little spice.

Review:

I love the second chance romance that Sarah gave us with Jason and Kaylee. Their connection, from the first encounter was evident and you could feel the love that they had for each other. Proof that time never dulls true love.

I’d like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful five 🌟 review!

************ 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: No Room for Rivals by MeLisa Ryun

Title: No Room for Rivals

Author: MeLisa Ryun
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Hi. I’m Ivy Ellison—strategic, data-driven, and about to strangle my coworker on camera. Cole Hartwell, company wildcard and my professional rival, is six feet of muscle that screams “trust me, it’ll work”.

My romantic history is a graveyard of being the "second choice." Men don't choose me—they settle. So long ago, I decided to choose my career. I'm one step away from my dream role, and the only thing standing in my way is Cole’s smug, handsome face.

One high-stakes trip.
One career-making campaign.
And one cramped hotel suite not designed for two people who "hate" each other this much.

The assignment? Produce a live-streamed eco-activism singles weekend at the Hotel Bellwether. The celebrity headliner? Blaze Tate, a caffeinated golden retriever with a gazillion followers and zero impulse control. When he cannonballs into the ocean with sea lions, donations pour in. The more he goes off script, the moreCole gains the advantage and I lose my sanity.

Cole treats our rivalry like foreplay and acts like the sleeping arrangements (and my curves) are somehow his problem. He’s determined to prove that winging it wins campaigns, and every viral spike is proving him right. Somewhere between fighting for my career and resisting the urge to shut him up with my mouth, I’m starting to wonder if the biggest risk isn't losing my promotion—but walking away from the one person who might finally choose me first.

Hotel Bellwether, Book 3 of 5, is a standalone that delivers enemies-to-lovers-tension with one bed, forced proximity, competence kink, and a slow burn that absolutely brings the heat. Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn chaos and Tessa Bailey steam.

Review:

OMG guys, this book has it all. The Ivy & Cole vibes are insane! The animosity, the heat, the passion and the heart stole my breath time and again. Not only did I wake my old man a few times laughing, but there were two times when I cried my little heart out. Any book that can do that is above 5 stars for me!! The forerunner for the best book of 2026!

I’d like to thank the authors and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book.

************ 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: His Perfect Melody by Aria Harding

Title: His Perfect Melody

Author: Aria Harding
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Skylar Levine is supposed to be happy.
She’s weeks away from marrying a man everyone adores—steady, kind, predictable. But the closer she gets to “forever,” the more she can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t the life she’s dreamed of. And when Nathan Lowe, her first love and her best friend’s brother, returns to town in hopes of finding some inspiration for his music score, delicate façade she’s built starts to crack.
Nathan has spent years chasing perfection at a piano bench and coming up short.
Every time he faces his unfinished piece, it leads him back to one truth: his music hasn’t had its heart since Skylar walked away. Now that he’s back in town to try finding that spark that he lost, the notes come easier, but the risk of getting there becomes greater.
Because this time, one wrong move could break both of them for good.
As old sparks ignite and buried emotions resurface, Skylar must decide whether to keep playing it safe or finally listen to the part of her that’s still his. But trusting Nathan again means confronting the fear that’s haunted her for years—the fear that love, no matter how true it may be, might hurt more the second time around.
Especially when he was the one who broke it first.

Review:

This book was deeper that I anticipated. Which is a really good thing. I enjoyed getting to know them, but found that the FMC took a long time to pull herself out of her mini pity party. Yes, Skylar, Nathan did leave, but he's here now. Quit beating around the bush and just love him already. I wanted to crawl into Nathan's back pocket and let him take me home and teach me piano though.

This book got 3.5 stars in my opinion, but I rounded up because I loved Nathan so much.

I'd like to thank Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book.


************ 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.

Audiobook ARC Review: The Temptation of Truth by Brit Benson

Title: The Temptation of Truth

Author: Brit Benson
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Loving her will ruin my life,
But I’m tired of living a lie.

Mabel Rossi is the heartbeat of The Hometown Heartless.
The famous drummer with fast hands, faster wit,
and a light that shines brightly even from the back of the stage.
She’s temptation in lipstick and lace, and I’m just her manager’s niece.
Married, invisible, and completely out of place.

Taking the job on tour was supposed to be a harmless adventure.
Now that I’m here, far from home and my husband,
I’m starting to remember who I was before I lost everything,
and I have Mabel to thank for that.

Between stolen glances and whispered truths,
She coaxes me from the darkness,
Until I can no longer hide from the lies I’ve buried under the life I don’t want.

I’m married to a man I’ve never loved.
She’s so far out of reach it hurts to even want her.
But in quiet hotel hallways and backstage corners,
I start to crave things I shouldn’t.

Even if it’s reckless. Even if it’s wrong.
Because with Mabel, I start to feel alive again.
When she touches me, the fog lifts,
And suddenly, I’m not so scared of tearing it all down just to feel the sun.

Review:

What an awesome book. It showcases how control can ruin a marriage and almost ruin a person. It shows what love can and should be, in its time. This author ekes emotion from every scene; from the first to the last. I can’t wait to read more from this author soon.

The narrators are amazing in this book and I enjoyed that there was a male voice narrating the minor male characters in the book. Kudos to all three narrators.

************ 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.

ARC Audiobook: Only on Gameday by Kristen Callihan

Title: Only on Gameday

Author: Kristen Callihan
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
A “fake” fiancée is just the trick to help a bad-boy football player clean up his image. Trouble is, there’s nothing fake about the way August feels about his “pretend” fiancée.
August Luck is on the brink of greatness: top NFL draft pick, a great team, multiple corporate sponsorships, but he keeps messing it up with bonehead moves. After his latest shenanigan goes viral, everyone is telling him to get his act together.

Penelope Morrow grew up with August. Their mothers were best friends. Unfortunately, Pen always fled the room with a look of disapproval on her pretty face whenever August was around. But Pen has a problem too: she inherited her grandparent’s house and can’t pay the estate tax.

On a whim, August decides a temporary public engagement is the solution to both their problems—he’ll pay her taxes, and she’ll help his image. Win-win.

But, when it comes to Pen, nothing is certain or safe. Because Pen isn’t so reserved anymore. This time, she’s smiling back at him. And he likes it. A lot. Will they each survive the ruse unscathed?

Game on...

Perfect for readers who love:

• Shy girl/sunshine boy
• Hero in hot pursuit
• Unrequited love + epic yearning
• Fake dating (or is it?)
• Delicious slow-burn romance
• Childhood nemeses (all grown up)

Review:

Pen and August's love story is one that has to be read. The way they cherish each other is beyond words. It reminds me how lucky I am to have a wonderful man like August (minus the pro-football aspect) and that makes me feel even closer to Pen. 

I've never read a book by Kristen Callihan, but I can see that I'll have to read more if only for the superb character building.

The only thing that I didn't like was that Pen's dad didn't get what he deserved.

I can't wait to see which Luck brother is going to be next (or sister, but I'm rooting for January and March to find a match. (The names in this family cracked me up so much!)

Teddy Hamilton and Maxine Mitchell did an EXCELLENT job with this book! Their voices brought such a richness to the book. I may have fallen a little bit for Teddy's voice... (don't tell my husband).

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book! <3

************ 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.

Audiobook Review: Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It by MéLisa Ryun

Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It: A Holiday Romantic Comedy by MéLisa Ryun
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fake dating and enemies to lovers fans be aware... this book is going to have you laughing your ass off.

While this book took a while to get into I loved how Melisa Ryun was able to keep me entertained with the banter that the FMC (Chase) and MMC (Ethan) had going on. There were several times while listening to this book that my partner looked at me and said, "What's so funny?" then I'd have to explain what's going on in the book and then tell him what was so funny.

Audrey Obeyn and Luke Persiani did an excellent job narrating this book. I would love to listen to more books that they read.

I'd like to thank the authors and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read/listen to this book.



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Review: Resilient Love by Giuliana Victoria

Resilient Love by Giuliana Victoria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can you put two sports in one book!? Yes please! And bring it in hot because Giuliana sure did.

Putting Raf and Elise together? Pure magic and heat personified.

Never doubt what a man will do to please his coach, even if it's coaching his coach's daughter's football league. In order to get to the Olympics Elise must play on a team, but that team needs a coach to win. When Rafael comes on the scene she knows that life just got a little more difficult. And because of how the last coach was let go, things are a little — tense to say the least. But can what they feel for each other be worth breaking a few rules? To find out you'll have to read.

A great sports romance with heat that will knock your socks off! I mean read this: "Oh, and princess? There won’t be anything nice about how I plan to play with you." Are my panties melting over here?

I'd like to thank the author for the opportunity to read this book!

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Review: The Penalty Player by Kristin Lee

Title: The Penalty Player

Author: Kristin Lee
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

She guards her heart behind old rules and fresh scars.

I’m determined to prove she’s the only game I want to win.

Now, a Caribbean getaway with our friends throws us into one room, with one bed, and buried flames ignite.

Every minute spent close to her brings back just how much I’ve always loved her—especially when a rogue lizard sneaks into my bed, sending us into a fit of laughter and landing us tangled together under the island stars.

When we return to reality, we face game changing twists—one of which is a big fat plus sign—a slap shot I didn’t see coming.

The Penalty Player is a complete standalone in the multi-author series Hockey USA.

Review:

Kristin Lee has brought the heat again in her book The Penalty Player.

Becca is divorced and is worried that she's never going to have the things in life she expected to have. A husband, kids, and a life worth living. But as her Mamaw told her, "When what you need is a hell-raising, beer-drinking man who loves to be surrounded by friends and family." (Boy do I wish I could have met that lady when I was younger!) So when she goes on the Stallion's reunion, the last thing she hopes to find is the man she's always loved... with his girlfriend. But after Corbin and his girlfriend show up, one thing leads to another, and Corbin's girl finds her way home.

Corbin has always done what his father wants until now. So when he gets to the reunion and sees Becca there the pull is too much. Fate lends a hand, and they are "forced" to share a room since Becca's friend wasn't able to make it to the reunion, leaving an empty bed and another couple needed Corbin's single room.

This book brings the best to just one bed, forced proximity, and hockey romance (though I would have loved a ton more hockey -- but who wouldn't? I mean hockey players... am I right?)

I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book.

************ 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.

Audiobook Review: The Makeup Girl by Eddy Twice

The Makeup Girl: Crash On You by Eddy Twice
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ivy lost it all, her boyfriend, her home, her furniture, even her bed. And when she's forced to get a job after not having had one for a while, she lands a job at a makeup company. I found it hard to believe that Ivy just landed a job based on a friend's recommendation with no skill set at all. And to have found an apartment as quickly as she did seems to be a little unusual too.

While the banter was good in this book, I found it very difficult to keep my focus. The ending was satisfying, but was sped up so quickly that I felt like I missed some of what happened in the interim.

Bonnie Walsh and Daniel Rosenberg did an okay job with the narration.

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

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Audiobook ARC Review: Writing Mr. Right by Alina Khawaja

Title: Writing Mr. Right

Author: Alina Khawaja
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
In this charming, delightfully original rom-com, a struggling writer’s muse suddenly comes to life, but can they create their own happily-ever-after?

Legal secretary by day, aspiring novelist by night, Ziya Khan pours herself into writing stories featuring the kinds of diverse characters she loves. In exchange, she’s got a growing pile of rejection letters. When yet another “thanks but no thanks” arrives on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Ziya decides to throw her novel and her dreams in the trash. End of story.

Except that when Ziya wakes up, there’s a flesh-and-blood version of her muse standing in her kitchen. His name is Aashiq, and it’s his job to inspire Ziya to write again. From singing karaoke to standing up for herself at work, he’s pushing Ziya out of the sidelines and into the world, showing her how to live and love fully.

Even more impossibly, something starts to blossom between them. But as Ziya rediscovers the joy of writing, Aashiq starts to disappear. His job is almost done. And it seems soon Ziya will have to choose: Her art…or her heart?

Review:

As an author, I can relate to the problems that Ziya had in this book. She was pouring her heart out only to have people tell her that what she wrote wasn't good enough. Then the worst happened... she gave up. That is until she made an unintentional wish that brought her muse to life. And what happened next is nothing short of magic.

Aashiq, the muse, shows her that life and writing is not all about sitting down and putting pen to paper. I found such joy in this book. So many lessons that Aashiq told Ziya pertain to my life as well. So not only was this book a work of fiction, but it worked to light a fire under me in the form of a self-help book.

Then... Alina did it... she made me cry. If a book can make me cry, it is automatically a 5-star review, so Alina... thank you for providing this wonderful work of fiction and self help even if that's not how you envisioned it to be.

Mayuri Bhandari did an excellent job reading this book! <3

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

************ 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.

Audiobook Review: Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher

Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

No matter how she tries, and how many rules she tries to implement, she's toast. Juniper does not want to fall for a Macabe brother, so she's made rules... plenty of them. But none of them seem to stick.

The wonderful back and forth between Juniper and Callum is smoking hot, even when they are actively avoiding each other. Elliot Fletcher nailed this right on the head and was able to make me yearn for more.

Russ Bain and Rebecca McClay did an amazing job voicing these two characters and the others that are in the book. They helped to bring spice to life.

I'd like to thank the publisher HarperAudio and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book. Thank you.

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Audiobook Review: The Double Play by Annah Conwell

The Double Play by Annah Conwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hazel has the chance to work for another sports figure, but does she want to work for Emmett, a single dad, when all she's been used to is two parent families? Her former employer highly recommended Emmett, so she decided to give him a chance. But when she met June, his beautiful daughter, she was smitten and knew she had to have the job.

Little did she know that she'd fall head over heels for this grumpy baseball player. But fall she did, and hard. And not only for him, but for June as well.

Annah Conwell has provided us with an exceptional grumpy/sunshine, nanny, sports romance, rom-com. How she fit so much in such a little space is beyond me.

I loved the dynamic between Emmett and Hazel, and Hazel and June. And I want to go back and live in this world with them as my besties forever.

Tim Paige and Charlotte North did a wonderful job narrating this book and I would certainly give any book they were reading a chance.

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

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Audiobook Review: The Single Dad's Guide to Recreation by Karen Grey

Title: The Single Dad's Guide to Recreation

Author: Karen Grey
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

He’s the big-city corporate VP slashing costs. She’s the sunny, small-town toddler-whisperer in his crosshairs. It should be easier for them to keep their hands off each other.

The new guy in town may be a hot single dad–we’re talking total, mouthwatering eye candy here–but that isn’t stopping him from shuttering my favorite program here at Climax Parks & Rec.

Nor does it stop me from being blinded by lust and tripping over my own feet every time I see him, even though we’re completely wrong for each other.

He’s all business; my job is to play.
He’s moved upstate from Manhattan; I’ve returned to my small town roots.
He’s overwhelmed by his two adorable kids; doctors told me I’ll never be a mother.

Oh, and did I mention that it’s his job to “re-org” (aka ruin) everything I love about my job?

Despite all this, he’s got me dreaming of something I told myself I’d given up on: a family of my own.

Warning! Do not read this book unless you love:

• ❤️Uptight heroes who are silly with their kids
• ❤️Sunshiny, Cinderelly heroines
• ❤️Nosy, interfering, small-town bureaucrats
• ❤️Possibly magical clock towers
• ❤️Parks and Recreation and Schitt’s Creek vibes

To the reader: my romance novels are all lighthearted and humorous and the main two characters are guaranteed to find a happy ending. However, they may run into a few obstacles along the way as well as need healing from incidents in their former lives. If you’d like content guidance regarding sex/nudity, death, mental health and/or reproductive health challenges, you can find them in detail at karengrey.com/contentguidance

Review:

Karen Grey is at it again. She's delivered a laugh out loud book with feels for miles.

Avery is fighting to save her mother's program at the Parks and Rec department. But when Josh comes in she's not sure if she should hate him, or jump him. It's not until she meets the real him (the one with kids and a life) instead of the work him that she realizes that she's craving for more, with him.

This book had me laughing, crying, and longing for more. When they are forced to go to a work retreat together and have to share one bed... (love that trope) that they both realize that this could be more.

Grayson Owens and Carly Robins did a good job narrating this audiobook.

I'd like to thank Karen Grey and BookFunnel for the opportunity to listen to this book.

************ 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.

Audiobook Review: Finding Mr. July by Anna E. Collins

Title: Finding Mr. July

Author: Anna E. Collins
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
She’s ready to do whatever it takes to get the job of her dreams, even if it means working with a pile of adorably unruly pups--and the office grump-- in this charming contemporary rom-com perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Sarah Adams.

Intern Holly King knows there are pros and cons to everything, including competing in her nonprofit’s big fundraising competition.
 
The Pros:

• Winning means a full-time job at the new office in Scotland
• Scotland is thousands of miles away from her toxic ex-boyfriend
• Her pitch includes PUPPIES! Lots of ‘em!

     The only con? Working with Jonathan Summers. But if Holly wants her calendar of hot, outdoorsy guys and their dogs to win against everyone else’s fundraising ideas, she’ll need Jonathan’s undeniable talent as a photographer…even if he is the office grump.

     When their collaboration accidentally gets off to a steamy start, Holly vows she won’t be distracted again. But as they scramble to shoot a year’s worth of hunks and pups in just a couple of weeks, the spark between Holly and Jonathan can’t be ignored.

     With Holly’s career dreams finally coming into focus, whatever’s developing with Jonathan makes her wonder—could she be missing the bigger picture?

Review:

Sunshine - Holly (check)
Grump - Jonathan (check)
Rom-Com (check)
Workplace Romance (check)
Animal - dogs (check)
Narration - Lauren Ezzo (check and check)

I loved this book and the vibes that Holly and Jonathan gave out. But no matter how good things got, there had to be a 3rd act break-up (which made me want to slap someone for not getting all the information first) and it resolved itself well. I didn't think that this person would pull their heads out of their... well, you know... long enough for there to be a HEA, but... it happened and I'll say, it was worth the wait.

This is the first (and not the last for sure) of the books I've read by Ms. Collins. I'm so glad that I was given the opportunity to listen to the wonderful voice of Lauren Ezzo by NetGalley and the publisher.

************ 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.

Audiobook Review: Alluring Adventure by Dani Elias

Title: Alluring Adventure

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Gliding over the mountains of Fellside sounds like a dream until it turns into a nightmare.

Keeley
Writing about the sleepy town of Fellside is a far cry from my usual thrilling escapades, but I can't help falling for its tranquil charm. And no, it has absolutely nothing to do with the incredibly attractive outdoor adventure expert—or so I keep telling myself. Joining him on one of his tours might just be the adventure my readers crave. Getting up close and personal with the hottie is an added perk. Though he makes it clear that dating me would break his rules, he can't hide the effect I have on him. The question is: how do I get him to admit it?

Oliver
"No dating clients, no dating clients," I chant to myself as the bubbly blogger wants to join one of my tours. She's funny, smart, and drop-dead gorgeous. But I've got to keep my hands to myself – her review is crucial for my business. All I need to do is give her a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My hormones just have to behave themselves.

Alluring Adventures is a small town, suspense romance.

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!

It contains adult content, please read the content warnings. The book is set in the north of England and written in British English.

Review:

Oliver runs a struggling adventure business and Keeley could be the one to save him. But will Oliver let his budding feelings interfere with his "no client" rule? Keeley and Oliver are a great pair and it was great to see them come together in such a wonderful way. I loved that Keeley was a take me as I am kinda gal. There was nothing that was going to stop her from having what she wanted, and Oliver was it.

Jack Hart was an amazing narrator. You could feel the emotions through his voice, and damn if that man can't read a sex scene. Whoooooo.....

I recommend this sexy rom-com to anyone who is interested in excellent character development, steam and wit.

I'd like to thank the author and Happlily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book.

************ 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.

Audiobook Review: All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson

Title: All the Perfect Days        

Author: Michael Thompson
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

"A stunning tale." —Booklist, STARRED review for How to Be Remembered

For readers of Rebecca Serle's In Five Years and Nikki Erlick's The Measure, Michael Thompson's romantic magical realism will have you smiling, laughing, crying, and questioning: If you knew how long your loved ones would live, would you tell them?

Dr Charlie Knight fears life is passing him by. He's in his late thirties, and treading water as a family doctor in the same small town he grew up in.

Just as he's planning his escape, something changes. He develops a gift, an extraordinary insight for any doctor: a sense of exactly how many days his patients have left to live. 

But in a country town like Marwick, his patients are his friends. His own family. The people he grew up with, and the girl he still loves.

And Charlie discovers this gift may not be a gift at all.

Review:

This book had a very unique premise. I was not expecting this hometown doctor to be able to tell when a person is going to die. Is it a gift that he's able to help the people that come to him lead a better and more full life, or is it a curse to know something that is deep about people you know and care about?

The emotion that Michael Thompson was able to portray in our MMC, Charlie's character, was amazing. His ability to show depth and heartbreak at the level he did... masterful.

Ryan Ennis did a great job bringing Charlie and the rest of the cast to life through his voice. Thank you for that.

I'd also like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

************ 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.