Review: Surprise Me Always by Dani Elias

Title: Surprise Me Always

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
A single weekend. A quiet connection. And a choice that refuses to be forgotten.

Philip
I wasn’t supposed to meet anyone. My life is already mapped out. Safe. Sensible. Predictable. Then I meet Mark.
One impulsive decision turns into a weekend I already know has an end date. It’s meant to be simple. Temporary. But it isn’t. Somewhere between the slow touches and the way he looks at me like I matter, it starts to feel dangerously real. And real is exactly what I can’t afford. So I leave. Because I always choose the life that makes sense, even when it feels like I’m walking away from something that could have been everything.

Mark
I didn’t expect Philip. I didn’t expect the way he gets under my skin, or how easily he lets himself feel when he forgets to hold back. He tells me it’s just a weekend. I can see the walls he hides behind, the careful distance he keeps. I let him go anyway. Because some people need to make their own mistakes before they’re ready to choose something real. But when he leaves, he takes more with him than he realises.

Distance should have been the end of it. Instead, it turns everything sharper, clearer, harder to ignore. Because it’s one thing to make the sensible choice. It’s another to live with it. Some risks aren’t worth taking. And some feel impossible to walk away from twice.

Surprise Me Always is a standalone MM romance set in an interconnected world. It is written in British English.

Review:

While this book was written well, as are all of Dani Elias books, I was not 100% in love with it.

Philip and Mark met, and had instalove for sure in this 2nd installment in this series. I felt that there was far too much sex at the beginning of the book and far too little story. But Philip moved and things took on a more storytelling atmosphere.

I loved seeing how Mark took on the responsibility for the hamster and kept his word to keep him safe and loved. And seeing how their love was strong enough to see past what's going on in their lives and then translates into a true and steady love.

Dani Elias has shown us that love is love and that's all that matters. And she does so in a way that just shows it as normal and not something to be challenged. Kudos Ms. Elias.

I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read 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: 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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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: Wolves Always Bite by Lori Ames

Wolves Always Bite by Lori Ames
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I couldn't come up with much that I liked in this book. It was cheesy and seemed to just get cheesier the longer I read it.

I will say, though, that the wolf shifter, Adrian, was well developed, but Jeremy was a giant cheese ball. While I think the author was trying to make this a rom com, it didn't come across as that for me.

Kirt Graves did a great job of bringing all the characters to life.

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

View all my reviews

Audiobook Review: His Royal Bride Replacement by Lynne Graham

Title: His Royal Bride Replacement

Author: Lynne Graham
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
His Royal Bride Replacement is a royal, stand-in bride, marriage of convenience romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Lynne Graham.

A life-changing ring…
from His Highness!

Crown Prince Alessio drowns out each exploit with outrageous behavior! Even his wedding is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons—his reputation-repairing fiancée has pulled out! Leaving him urgently seeking a replacement bride. Enter Rosalia Castelli…

Innocent Rosy is merely a palace art restorer. How can she even think of becoming Sedovia’s queen? Yet to save her family from financial peril, she must accept Alessio’s shock proposal. And as she spends more time with her husband, she begins to catch glimpses of the man beneath the rebellious facade…and to crave his touch!

From Harlequin Presents: Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.

Review:

I wasn't sure if I'd be into royal escapades, but this quick read/listen proved me wrong. The characters are endearing, but I found the story to be lacking in oomph. It just seemed to rush through everything so quickly that I was left wanting more, and not it a good way.

I'm not sure if I would want to read another book by this author in fear that all of her books are this brief. I did however enjoy Melanie Crawley's narration of this book. She did a great job.

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: What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee

What Not to Do on Vacation: A Novel by Rachel Magee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While there are only 3 sisters to follow on this journey, at the beginning of the book, I had a heck of a time trying to separate them and keep the facts straight. But once I did, the book flowed, and the characters came to life for me and became friends. I hated seeing any of them in pain, and I was so happy to see that love won out in the end. (What's a rom-com without a happy ending?)

Karissa Vacker, the narrator, did a great job keeping each voice separate and giving us characters we could tell apart and fall in love with.

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

View all my reviews

Review: Late to Love by Valerie Pepper

Title: Late to Love

Author: Valerie Pepper
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

She’s a woman with a tool belt and a dream. He’s the grumpy bartender who falls head over heels.

Darcy Belle is full of contradictions. At twenty-four, she’s the beach town’s best carpenter with plans to launch her own custom furniture store online. The only thing she loves more than furniture is irritating the grumpy bartender at her weekly all-female bowling team practice. And when said grump agrees to let her flex her skills by renovating his loft? Life just took a turn for joy, folks.

Anthony Hall has lived a life of consistency and hard work. Owner and bartender at Hall’s Balls, he’s every bit the town grump people think he is. It’s not until Darcy Belle barrels into his life at full tilt, all luscious curves with power tools to boot, that he understands he’s got more to give. A lot more.

Forced to see each other almost daily, Darcy and Anthony slowly realize there’s more to their arguments than meet the eye, despite their seventeen-year age difference. But age is just a number, until years of hurt reveal that Darcy isn’t the one who needs to grow up.

Late to Love is an age gap grumpy-sunshine romcom where he falls first with a guaranteed happily ever after.

Review:

As a woman who likes a man who is "more mature" this age gap romance really spoke to me. True to form, Ms. Pepper has given us characters who are both flawed and redeemable all in the same breath. I love that Darcy is a capable woman who can do more and fix more than most men. Proof positive that not all women NEED a man. But knowing Darcy needs what Anthony has to offer makes her just that much more loveable.

My favorite line of the book was: Considering my age begins with the number four, I think it's a safe bet that I should keep my eyes the hell off her t*ts.

I laughed quite a bit at that. This book kept me laughing and cheering on the characters. Another hit for Valerie Pepper! Kudos. And I'd like to thank the author for the great recommendation for music. Noah Kahan is great.

************ 

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: Friends With Benefits by Marisa Kanter

Title: Friends With Benefits

Author: Marisa Kanter
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Lifelong best friends say 'I do' to a marriage of convenience, trading vows for a financial safety net and benefits. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Katherine Center.

Evie Bloom pays attention to the details. Her very job depends on it—as an aspiring Foley artist, she’s responsible for every crisp footstep, smacking kiss, and distinct sound in film and television. So when she’s selected for a fellowship opportunity that would make all her career dreams come true, she’s quick to spot the catch: there are no health benefits, and for someone with a chronic illness, that’s a non-starter.

Theo Cohen is an elementary school teacher who can't afford to live on his own in LA, and is facing eviction after his roommates couple up and move out of their rent-controlled apartment. But there is one loophole in his lease: each tenant must meet an income threshold, unless the tenants are married.

For Theo, the answer is obvious. Marry Evie, his best friend since forever. It’s not as if they don’t spend all their free time together anyways. Not only will Theo be able to keep his apartment, but Evie can be added to his insurance plan so she can accept her dream fellowship. It’s such a logical, practical solution. Never mind that Evie doesn’t really want to be married—not to Theo, not to anyone—ever. Or the small, complicating fact that Theo has always been a little bit in love with Evie.

But it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Marriage. It will just give them space to breathe, and much-needed relief from the daily financial stress. It won’t change anything.

It’s . . . going to change everything.

Review:

Can you trust yourself to make the best decisions when you're a little bit in love with your best friend? Probably not! But when your worst decision turns out to be the best decision for everyone in the long run... even if they don't know it... can it still be considered bad?

I loved the chronic illness rep in this book. The author did an exceptional job portraying it and its struggles. Ms. Kanter did a great job showing emotion and love in this book as well.

I've never read a book in which the character was a Foley artist, so this too was a real treat learning about the job and how it worked. I'm thankful the author put so much work into the research into this book.

I enjoyed listening to Gail Shalan and GM Hakim read this book. It felt like friends reading to me.

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.

Review: Warrick by Liza Bee

Warrick: Rocky Mountain Pack by Liza Bee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even without having read book one of this wonderful series (or so I'm assuming since this one was so good) this book gave me everything I needed to catch up on the happenings of the last book as well as giving me a full and captivating look at Aspen and Warrick's story.

I felt everything that Aspen was going through in this book. How did she deal with such heartbreak over and over from Warrick and still find love? (You'll have to read to find out, won't you?) I loved watching Aspen grow from someone who wasn't willing to face the hard stuff to someone who stood up for what she needed.

And Warrick... I wanted to bitch slap him a couple of times in the book, but once he pulled his head out of his butt and started doing the right things... well... I fell in love. Way to go, Warrick. You can teach an old wolf new tricks.

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

View all my reviews

Review: Twisted Paths by Dani Elias

Title: Twisted Paths

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Two wandering souls, one farting dog, and a love story no one saw coming.

Nancy
St Claire is the kind of Yorkshire village where the sheep outnumber people, and the most exciting event of the week is spotting the postman twice. Don’t get me wrong, I love my cosy life as a freelance marketing expert, but sometimes I feel like a hermit in yoga pants. That’s why I decided to shake things up and start a walking group: The Ramblers of St Claire. The turnout? Let’s just say it’s… intimate. There’s Mrs Higgins, her dog (whose gas problem could be classified as a biohazard), and Luke, the village recluse who radiates grumpiness like it’s a competitive sport. Gossip about him is practically a local pastime, but I don’t care. What I do care about is the fact that he looks like someone dragged him here against his will. Cheerful walking buddy? Definitely not. Mystery man who might just need a nudge to lighten up? Challenge accepted.

Luke
I moved to St Claire for peace and quiet. What I got instead is nosey neighbours, endless gossip, and writer’s block the size of the Dales. My next crime novel is overdue, my editor’s losing patience, and I’m completely out of ideas. So when I see an ad for a walking group, I think, “Why not? Fresh air, inspiration, a chance to study local characters.” What I didn’t count on was a group that’s more like a comedy trio: one eccentric pensioner, her farting dog, and Nancy—the walking embodiment of sunshine. She’s too chipper, too chatty, and far too determined to make me smile. Honestly, it’s infuriating. But also… strangely refreshing. Maybe she’s just what I need to crack my next story—or at least survive this village with my sanity intact.

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:

The Ramblers of Saint Claire series is going to be absolutely amazing! If Twisted Paths has anything to say with how good the series is going to be, it’s going to be epic!

Nancy is pretty much a hermit, and she’s decided that she’s going to start a walking club to get her out of her rut. And to be able to do that she needs people to come to her meet ups. And who should show up? Luke, and are you ready for this, Mrs. Higgins and her dog who has a horrible gas problem!

Mrs. Higgins is the embodiment of the nosy grandmother figure who is always trying to put her nose where it doesn’t belong. Or, in this case, does it really belong?

And Luke, what can you say about him? He is a writer who doesn’t want people to know that he’s a writer, much less a writer with writer’s block. He decides to move to Saint Claire in order to get some inspiration. When his agent suggests he take up a hobby little did he know that it would lead him to Nancy.

It’s amazing how in this short novella Dani Elias was able to get me to fall in love with Nancy and Luke. I even felt bad for the dog. Is there anything we can give that dog to make it less gassy? Maybe we’ll find out in future rambler books. I love how Miss Elias gives us a full-length novel in a novella sized chunk. She never short changes us or leaves us wanting for more, except for the next book.

I’d like to thank the author and happily booked PR for the opportunity to read 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.

Audiobook Review: Much Ado About Hating You by Sarah Echavarre Smith

Title: Much Ado About Hating You

Author: Sarah Echavarre Smith
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Enemies by day. Spicy fanfic author and devoted reader by night.

Things are about to get downright Shakespearean.

All’s fair in love. And war. And fandom.

Financial auditor Micah Mila is used to being the bearer of bad news, and her latest assignment in the local university’s English department has been especially taxing—no thanks to a literature professor who clashes with her at every turn. Thankfully, she has an after-hours escape: reading spicy Shakespearean fanfic.

Professor Aidan Scott is damn good at his job. But Micah has been a thorn in his side since the moment he laid eyes on her—eyes that really like what they see. Yet, with his job on the line, there’s no room for distractions. At least, not beyond the sexy fanfic he secretly writes.

When Micah discovers the man getting under her skin is the writer heating her up, their enemy vibe turns steamy. But with Micah’s audit due and Aidan’s career at risk, separating fantasy from reality becomes more than a little complicated…  

Much Ado About Hating You by Sarah Echavarre Smith

Shakespeare, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, secret romance, hot professor, “good girl,” dirty talk, hot nerd hero, black cat girlie, working together, praise kink, she comes first, high heat level, “I hate you but I love f&*$ing you”

Review:

What do you do when your job essentially puts other people on the unemployment line? You suck it up and do what you're paid to do, no matter how much people put you down and question your morals. But what happens when the person who is the most vocal decides that you're a feast? (You'll have to read to find out!) Those are the problems faced by our FMC, Micah. Poor thing.

And our MMC, Aidan, is suffering from wondering how much longer he's going to have a job since Micah is consulting for the University to find out where the fat could be cut in his department. Will he be next on the chopping block? And who else should be blamed but poor Micah?

If you enjoy a good spicy, enemies to lovers book, then this book is definitely one you should pick up. Sarah did a great job with the tension in this book and of making the characters both likeable and loveable.

And Cindy Kay and J. F. Harding gave the book the extra pizzaz it needed to bring it to the next level. Kudos you two, kudos! Stand up and take a bow!

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher 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: Not Safe For Work by Nisha J. Tuli

Title: Not Safe For Work

Author: Nisha J. Tuli
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Two workplace enemies find themselves in close proximity on a tropical company retreat that challenges their assumptions—and just might make them to fall for each other—in this romcom by a by a beloved TikTok author.

Engineer Trishara Malik once dreamed of being the first woman of color to smash the glass ceiling at WMC Purcell, but after years of dealing with white male privilege and blatant nepotism, she watches her hard-earned promotion go to her nemesis, Rafe Gallagher—the boss’s son. Teetering on the edge of burnout, Tris is stunned when she’s picked to attend WMC's corporate leadership retreat in Hawaii. It’s a chance to revive her stalled career and compete for a coveted spot in an executive training program—plus, three weeks in paradise! The only downside? Rafe is her co-attendee.

Tris plans to avoid Rafe entirely, but when she arrives in Maui, a booking error has them stuck sharing the honeymoon suite. Sure, it’s not all torture. Rafe is a smoldering ten—okay fine, an eleven—but after years of competition, they can barely stand being in the same time zone. As they vie against each other during aptitude tests and team-building exercises, Tris begins to realize Rafe might not be the villain after all. With her dreams at stake, can she learn to trust the man who might have been standing in her corner all along?

Review:

Tris works in a white male dominated industry. She's working to push through the glass ceiling of her job and make it in her field. But when her boss' son gets the job she's been working hard to get she nearly loses it. But soon she finds out that she's been picked for a leadership retreat (along with Rafe - her boss' son) and that gives her a little hope. But when they get there, guess what ladies and gentlemen... there's only one bed. (What a great trope!) But Rafe's not half the monster she thinks he is.

This enemies to lovers, workplace romance, with only one bed and forced proximity is a really fun listen. Soneela Nankani (our wonderful narrator) made the book fun, and she brought all the characters to life in such a great way. Kudos.

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

Audiobook ARC Review: If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair

Title: If All Else Sails

Author: Emma St. Clair
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

In this enemies-to-lovers romance, school nurse Josie and her brother's best friend--hockey player Wyatt Jacobs--are tricked into spending a summer together that's anything but smooth sailing.

When Josie's brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn't just one of her sports agent brother's clients. He's also his best friend. And Josie's sworn enemy.

Oh--and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle's ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt's first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they'll be able to make it home without killing--or kissing?--each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt's layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well.

Review:

Josie is set to go on a vacation trip with her brother who plans them and she just follows along. Unfortunately he's duped her this trip into taking care of his client/best friend who is suffering from an injury.

Wyatt's a grump, plain and simple. And when he finds someone on his property taking pictures, he blows his top. The next thing you know, she's in a cop car and the local cops are asking for autographs. What he doesn't realize is that the woman who was "snooping around" is actually his best friend/manager's sister, who he just doesn't recognize.

After everything settles down, Josie agrees to help Wyatt out, against his wishes, and they form an unlikely relationship.

In this brother's best friend, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine book, you'll find characters that you just can't help but love. When the book is over, you're left craving some more time with this wonderful pair.

Andi Arndt and Patrick Zeller did an exceptional job with this book. Their narration was spot on and had me pulled in from the first chapters.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me 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: Roller Coaster Romance by Kate Moseman

Roller Coaster Romance by Kate Moseman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When a cover looks like this, and the title has the word "romance" in it, I expect it to be a romance. I guess you could call it romance-lite. Granted, there were some romantic elements... kinda, but not enough to really pull it together for me. I found that most of the discussion in the book had to do with unionization, and again, little to do with romance. I was rather disappointed.

I enjoyed the characters in this book as they each had their own distinct personality. It was nice to see that the FMC was able to stick to her guns and fight the good fight from the inside.

Though I will say that Angelina Rocca did an exceptional job reading this book.

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

View all my reviews

Review: Her Love After Goodbye by Nichole Ruschelle

Title: Her Love After Goodbye

Author: Nichole Ruschelle
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

Her heart was shattered. He’s ready to piece it back together.

Ashley

The day I discovered my husband of six years had been unfaithful, I should have been devastated. But all I felt was confirmation—confirmation that the whispers in our small town were true. Now, I’m left picking up the pieces of my life, and the one person who’s been my anchor is Ricky. My childhood best friend. The boy who once knew me better than anyone. And the more time I spend with him, the more I start to wonder—what would it feel like to kiss him? To let him hold me? To love him the way I never got to before?

Ricky

I’ve loved her since we were twelve. And by the time I finally found the courage to tell her, she was already his. I stepped aside, watched from the sidelines, knowing she deserved the world—even if it wasn’t with me. But now, he’s gone. He broke her heart, and she’s looking to me for comfort. Only, I don’t want to be her shoulder to cry on. I want to be her future, her forever. And this time, I won’t let her go.

Trigger Warning: There is cheating on the page but not with the MMC.

Review:

Ashley can't believe her luck. Her husband is a lying, cheating, jerk face... (hey, I had to keep it clean) and when she finds out; she heads to the one place she knows she can call home - to Ricky. And when her divorce finalizes... she's back at Ricky's bar.

Ricky has always had feelings for Ashley, but the timing was never right when he tried to bring it to her attention. But when things come crashing down around Ashley, will he take advantage of it... of course not, he's a gentleman. And when she gets divorced? Does he take advantage then? Nope. He does everything right. AND I LOVE IT!

The two things that didn't sit right with me were that Ashley would call Ricky "Rick" and he hates that name. And if she's friends like they say she is in the book, she should know that. And... there are at least 2 instances where he mentions (in his head, mind you) that he hates that name, but we don't know why. I know it's a novella, but inquiring minds want to know. :)

************ 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: Aim for Love by Alicia Wilder

Title: Aim for Love

Author: Alicia Wilder
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:

When you aim for love, better learn how to hit the bullseye.

Mollie Tate never should have agreed to a girls trip to a small Colorado mountain town with her friends. Their idea of a pleasant adventure tour is her nightmare, and now she’s supposed to nail a target and climb a mountain with a hot guide looking on? This isn't going to go well.

Hunter West has been an adventure guide for years, teaching and guiding tourists through hikes, mountain biking, and backpacking while avoiding any romantic entanglements with them. That's never been a problem for his orderly life, until Mollie storms into his orbit with her complete inability to throw an axe or ride a bike. Suddenly, Hunter is wondering if he's ready for something bigger.

Private lessons might help Mollie connect her mind and body enough to hit a target, but getting her heart involved is a bigger problem. As the town draws her in and Hunter teaches her new skills on and off the trail, Mollie begins to consider whether she’s found an adventure that’s lifelong.

Review:

Mollie's a hot mess... or at least that's what her friends make her feel like. She's not good at anything... at first. But instead of being there for her when they should, they are only there to push her into more things that are uncomfortable for her.

Hunter's trying to make a career out of the job he has leading tours through adventures, but is he making any headway? When he meets Mollie, he does something he's never done before; he breaks the rules.

I was not the biggest fan of the two BFFs that Mollie came on the tour with, but in the end, they kinda pulled their heads out of their collective buttocks. (Thank goodness!)

Besides those two examples, I loved the rest of the characters. They all had their own personality that made you root for them until the end.


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I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book.. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

REVIEW: Italy Can Bite Me: A Vacation Romantic Comedy by MeLisa Ryun

Italy Can Bite Me: A Vacation Romantic Comedy by MéLisa Ryun
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG - 1,000,000 stars for this laugh out loud rom com that had me in stitches from almost the first page. Listen to this and tell me you're not laughing:

"Aunt Deb leads her silver-haired disciples in a basic tree pose. Holy downward facing disaster! The mortifying scene looks like a herd of overly enthusiastic, hopelessly uncoordinated flamingos playing Twister. It's equal parts hard to watch as it is can't look away."

And how about this one:

"You know you're an old man when the bells hang lower than the rope."

And lastly:

"Alright you horny teenagers!" Chester bellows. "Save some action for Juliet's statue. Those bronze boobies aren't going to fondle themselves."

Now, you'd think to yourself, "Self, that has to be all the good stuff in there." But, unfortunately -or maybe fortunately -YOU'RE WRONG!!! This book is rife with all kinds of wonderful banter, jokes, and shenanigans. You just can't get away with not laughing in this book.

MeLisa and Ryun are the Royal family of hilarity and good writing. Not only do you fall in love with their characters through the book, but you learn to love them so that when the book is over you just want to start reading again. There's nothing better than loving your book besties so much that you want to start reading all over again.

The emotion brought about in this book is amazing and the wounds so deep you wonder if you'll ever see your character grow and bloom, but in the end... *spoiler alert* there is a happy ending.

I'd like to thank the author and Happily Booked PR for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. Top book of the month for sure!

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Audiobook Review: American Housewife by Anita Abriel

American Housewife by Anita Abriel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maggie has it all now. Everything she could ever wish for. She has a career as the host of the beloved TV show The Maggie Lane show, a cooking show that proves to be everything the American woman wants and needs in their lives. She teaches cooking along with being the friend that every woman wishes she has. But to have that show, she had to marry her boyfriend (though he has tried to get her to agree to marry him several times) and provide the persona of the all-American happy housewife. What the world (and her husband Teddy) cannot know is that she holds a secret, one that could ruin her name and her marriage.

This book is told in spurts of the current time of the book to the past before she met and fell in love with her husband, Teddy. Her backstory is riveting and full of twists and turns you aren't really expecting.

I found the book to be well worth the read. The characters all had such wonderful backstories and played such a great part in the FMC's life.

The narrator Jennifer Jill Araya was outstanding in this book, and I would love to listen to more of what she reads. She brought the characters to life... magic.

I'd like to thank the publisher, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to review this book.

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Audiobook Review: Hard to Get by Laura Moher

Hard to Get by Laura Moher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Andi has been through hell, and back again. But once in a while she lets her hair down and dons a persona of Andrea hot singer with the band when they need a fill in. That's where Kevin meets her for the first time.

Kevin is smitten from the moment he lays eyes on this curvy goddess (thank you author for depicting curvy girls in such a wonderful light). But after a night of unbridled passion, Andrea disappears and Andi comes back. It isn't until football season starts that Kevin runs into Andi again, and even though Andi isn't all dolled up Kevin is still entranced.

The only problem I've had with this book is that the author didn't include trigger warnings in the beginning of the audiobook which I think are more than needed.

While it did seem to take FOREVER to get Andi to loosen up and let Kevin in, I loved the chemistry the two had in this book. The portrayal of the hypervigilant person, and also the talk they had with the football players in the beginning of the book... *chef's kiss*

Michelle Price and Paul Bellantoni were excellent narrators in this book. Thank you for giving me something that I can listen to at even my 1.75% and still love every single word. You are amazing and your talents are well used.

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

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