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: Healing Together by Dani Elias

Title: Healing Together

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let someone see you properly.

Alex
I know my reputation. Charming, a bit too confident, happier flirting than settling. It used to suit me. Then Emma turns up in Fellside with her soft curves, cautious smile and a habit of underestimating herself, and suddenly I am tripping over my own clever lines. She brings out the part of me that actually wants to try. I tease because it makes her blush. I stay close because she relaxes when I am around. And the more time I spend with her, the more certain I am that I would move mountains to keep her safe.

Emma
Most of my life I have been surrounded by people who made me feel slightly wrong, slightly too much or not quite enough. Moving to Fellside is my attempt to finally breathe without waiting for someone to tell me I am doing it badly. I expected peace. I did not expect Alex. He is confident and irritatingly charming, the kind of man who sees straight through my awkwardness. Even worse, he actually seems to like the body I have been taught to apologise for. I don’t know what he sees in me, but every time he smiles, I want to believe in it. I want to believe in him.

A blossoming romance, a village that refuses to mind its own business, and a moment on the fells that will test everything they are building. Healing takes time, but sometimes the right person walking beside you makes all the difference.

This is a re-edited and refreshed edition of the steamy small town story previously published as Blossom with Me, Book One in the Fellside Mountain Rescue series. The series has been lovingly revisited with polished writing, added depth, and a few updated story beats. Set in the north of England and written in British English.

Review:

If you are a fan of Fellside, then you need to pick Healing Together up immediately. I have read all of the Fellside books and Miss Elias has made this book so much better. You can actually feel the heart and soul that have gone into this book since she has initially released them. Kudos to you, Miss Elias. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful rewrite of your own story.

I'd like to thank Happily Booked PR and Dani Elias 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: How to Serve Up Love by Dani Elias

Title: How to Serve Up Love        

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

BREAKING: ONE REVIEW. ONE TOMATO SAUCE. AND A SPARK NEITHER OF THEM EXPECTED.

Carlisle prides itself on being quietly respectable. Unfortunately for everyone involved, a food critic and a chef have just made that impossible.

Chloe
Speed dating has been a masterclass in lowered expectations, and my tolerance for nonsense is at an all-time low. So yes, my latest column was sharp. The tomato sauce deserved it. What I did not anticipate was the furious chef turning up at the Carlisle Gazette, review in hand, pride wounded, smelling like fresh herbs and righteous indignation. He’s intense, infuriating, and far too attractive for someone who insists this is just an argument.

Tom
That sauce is my grandmother’s recipe. It’s not a trend, not a shortcut, and not up for debate. When Chloe dismisses it in print, I go looking for accountability. What I find is a woman who’s clever, unapologetic, and entirely unimpressed by my temper. This is not flirting. This is a professional disagreement. A serious one. Except the arguments don’t stop. They deepen. They linger. And suddenly I’m thinking about her far too often for someone who insists this is purely about food.

Late nights turn heated. Boundaries blur. And when care creeps in where it doesn’t belong, it becomes uncomfortably clear that this isn’t just about a review anymore.

Because in a small city where reputations are fragile, careers are political, and women pay the price for being human, wanting each other might cost more than either of them is prepared to lose. And walking away might cost just as much.

Fair warning: there’s a cheeky dose of adult content inside. Set in England and written in British English.

Review:

Call in the fire brigade because Chloe and Tom are hot, hot, hot!

I've enjoyed watching Dani Elias grow as an author and this book shows how well she's come to know her characters and you can feel the love through the pages.

If you're looking for a hot romance between a critic and a chef... then ladies and gents, this book is for you.

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.

Title: Fated Paths    

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
A quiet heart. An unexpected connection. And a love that refuses to fade.

Eve
Life on the Norfolk coast is safe, predictable and small. I have spent years convincing myself I prefer it that way. Then a last-minute hiking trip to St Claire throws me completely off course. Aaron is charming, patient and disarmingly kind. We barely touch on the day we meet, yet he lingers in my thoughts long after I return home. What begins as a gentle friendship over emails soon becomes the brightest part of my days. And the closer we grow, the harder it is to ignore the truth. I want more. But wanting more means letting myself hope, and hope has a way of colliding with reality when you least expect it.

Aaron
I went to St Claire to clear my head, not to find someone I cannot seem to forget. Eve is quiet, clever and unexpectedly funny once she allows herself to breathe. Our emails become the best part of my week and seeing her again starts to feel less like a choice and more like something inevitable. Long-distance was never in my plans. Neither were the feelings that grow every time she trusts me with another piece of herself. And when life shifts without warning, I realise I have far more to lose than I ever imagined.

A tender, emotional slow-burn romance about connection, courage and the kind of love that changes the direction of your life long before you realise it.

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:

An absolute delight to get back together with the Ramblers again. Of course our four-legged friend Bernard made an appearance along with some amazingly well thought through characters! Ms. Elias, you’ve struck gold 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: Crossed Paths by Dani Elias

Title: Crossed Paths

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Two souls, one journey, and a spark they never saw coming.

Alexandra
Two years after my divorce, life has settled into a predictable rhythm—running the pub, cooking for one, and dodging my brother Peter’s constant attempts to fix my social life. When he drags me along on a village ramble, I’m only going to keep the peace. Then Hunter shows up. He’s Peter’s best mate, the charming hotel owner who always seems to have a smile and a clever remark ready. He claims he’s just scoping out the walk for his guests, but somehow, he keeps ending up right by my side, making me laugh and, annoyingly, reminding me what it feels like to have fun. I’ve been waiting for life to surprise me—maybe I’ve been waiting in the wrong place.

Hunter
Owning a small, exclusive hotel comes with its challenges—like knowing how to sell guests on the local attractions. So, when I hear about a village walking group, I decide to give it a shot. For “research,” of course. My best mate Peter agrees to tag along, but he brings his sister Alexandra, and suddenly, I’m in over my head. Alex isn’t just Peter’s big sister; she’s gorgeous, clever, and has this spark I can’t ignore. Too bad she’s also living like a hermit, and Peter wants me to help “get her back out there.” What he doesn’t know is that I’ve fancied her for years. Nudging her out of her shell might just break mine wide open.

Review:

Dani Elias' new book Crossed Paths is a beautifully written book about Alexandra (Alex) who has been hurt one too many times and has decided that the only way to remedy that situation is to stay holed up in her own little world.

Hunter has always liked Alex, but the bro code kept him from acting on it for fear of losing his best friend. But when he joins in on the Ramblers group he's back in touch with Alex and realizes that the feelings he's held at check won't stay hidden for much longer.

If you love a small town romance, with extra steam, a farting dog, and a meddling neighbor then this book is for you. Pick up Dani's new book coming soon.

I'd like to thank Happily Booked and the author for giving 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: Backed by You by A. Boss

Title: Backed by You 

Author: A. Boss
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Callie Ryan

I came to Montana for peace and quiet, not a moody landlord with walls higher than the mountains surrounding his property.
Beau Montgomery is frustratingly handsome with his piercing eyes and capable hands. He’s a man of few words, all of them gruff and spoken alongside a scowl that could freeze hell itself.
This is his sanctuary. And I’ve invaded it.
But when Hollywood calls me back, he’s there—steady, protective, and unexpectedly gentle. Now I’m seeing another side of the brooding mountain man, one that makes my heart race.
And for the first time, success isn’t what I’m hiding from.

Beau Montgomery

She’s a pain in my ass.
A sassy little woman with the body of a goddess who doesn’t think she has to listen to a word I say. And don’t even get me started on how she drives like she just robbed a bank.
She’s temporary. I don’t do temporary.
Not since I learned how quickly everything can change.
But there’s something about her that gets under my skin—the way she talks to her dog, how she sees through my defenses, the quiet strength behind her smile.
I’ve spent years building walls to keep everyone out. Now the one woman who shouldn’t belong in my world is the only one I can’t imagine living without.
After fifteen years of dedicating my life to this country, I didn’t think I’d be put on my knees, begging for a chance at forever.

Review:

Beau's reluctantly back in town because of a military injury, and when he finds that there's someone in "his" cabin he's not thrilled. All he wants is to be alone, and staying with his family won't allow that. So one night, after trying to sleep in the rain - in a tent - his better judgement goes out the door.

Callie has come to Montana at the suggestion of her best friend, but she wasn't expecting to love it as much as she does. But why is she hiding in rural Montana, and from what?

The sparks fly between Beau and Callie in the latest book from A. Boss, and is by far her best book yet! If you love a grumpy/sunshine, small-town romance, this book is for you.

I'd like to thank A. Boss 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.