Review: Ice Contact by Ellie K. Drake

Title: Ice Contact

Author: Ellie K. Drake
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

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

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Firelight and Fractures by Angel M. Shaw

Title: Firelight and Fractures

Author: Angel M. Shaw
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheltered. Untouched. Forgotten.

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

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

************ 

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

Review: Prescription for Love by Mia Denson

Title: Prescription for Love

Author: Mia Denson
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

On a frigid Christmas Eve, med student Meera faces her worst nightmare: carpooling back to Toronto with her arrogant, know-it-all rival, Owen. After a grueling month-long internship at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the last thing she needs is him mansplaining from the driver’s seat. But when a fierce blizzard forces them off the road and into a quirky bed and breakfast, the only available room is the violently pink attic – complete with one bed and just enough space for Owen’s oversized ego.

Snowed in, missing their families, and constantly at each other’s throats, Meera and Owen are ready to snap – until the B&B’s quirky charm and a few dangerously strong cocktails begin to thaw the ice between them. As sparks fly and tension gives way to undeniable chemistry, Meera must confront her feelings for the one person she thought she despised. Can their unexpected connection survive the return to their cutthroat med school life?

In this heartfelt holiday rom-com, two sworn enemies discover there’s a fine line between rivalry and romance – and that sometimes love is just one snowstorm away.

Review:

Meera and Owen are not what you would call friends. Med school is tough enough, but when you have arch nemeses, there is just not enough energy left in the day to deal with it. What happens then when you're stuck in the car with them car pooling home for Christmas? In order to find out, you'll have to read the book. Sneaky aren't I? I'll be honest, if it were me in this instance, I think I'd be all about shooting him in the foot (with a rock or something) for stealing my car snacks.

In this enemies to lovers book, you'll find out how just giving a little of yourself can be the best reward of them all.

I laughed out loud and rooted for the characters in this book from about the 15% mark in the book. (It took me that long to get over the car snack ordeal!)



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

I'd like to thank the author for the opportunity to review this book. I was given a book in exchange for an honest review, hope you enjoy it.

Review: Don't Lose Sight by Lonely Rest

Title: Don't Lose Sight

Author: Lonely Rest
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Being blind definitely has its downsides, but for Denise, life was always more on the sunny side. With a rich family, lots of friends, always dressed in the latest fashion, and living in a beautiful home, to Vanessa’s jealous eyes it would seem Denise had it all. Until one afternoon, when Denise finds herself lost, scared and all alone. Will Denise be found before danger snatches her away from her happy life?

Review:

This book is about Denise, a child with blindness, who has all the friends she could hope for, except one... Vanessa. What lengths will Vanessa go to in order to make herself feel better and will it give her the happiness she hopes for?

I was thrilled to find a book that has a disability rep for kids with blindness that touches on the subject of bullying as well. When my granddaughter gets older, I will be certainly let her listen to the audiobook copy I listened to.

The author gave me this book through StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for reading.

************ 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: Wistful Whispers by Dani Elias

Title: Wistful Whispers

Author: Dani Elias
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Hannah
Pregnant after a one-night stand? Definitely not part of the plan. But with Jake by my side—my best friend, my rock, the guy who’s promised to support me through all of it—I’m not worried about the village gossip. They can whisper all they like about Jake’s dark past, but I know him. I trust him completely. He’s got my back, no questions asked.
Lately, though... there’s been something different between us. When he looks at me, it’s like I’m seeing him for the first time. Or maybe it’s the hormones playing tricks on me, making me feel things I’m not sure I should. He’s been my best friend forever—nothing more, right?

Jake
Hannah means everything to me. She’s been my closest friend since I moved to Fellside, and the only one who truly accepted me—past, baggage and all. But truth is, she’s not just a friend. I’ve always felt more, even if I’ve never told her. As for the rumours flying around the village... they don’t paint the full picture. Some are right, some are wrong, but the past is behind me. My future? That’s with Hannah and the baby she’s carrying. The thought of everything catching up with me keeps me up at night, but if it comes to that—if it threatens her—I’ll fight to the end. No matter the cost.

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:

Wow... I was not expecting my guess on what was going to happen to actually happen. Every time I read a book, I try to figure out what's happening, or what's going to happen. Nine times out of ten, my internal meter is off and I'm shocked as hell about the ending. But not so much so with this book. But even though I called how things were going to go down, I did not expect the emotions that Ms. Elias evoked from this scene.

I love the well-written characters, Ms. Elias' ability to evoke emotion, and that even though this is a novella, it has a clear beginning, middle and end to the story. If you're a fan of the Greenview Manor Tales, or even if you've never heard of them, pick up this book. It comes 4th in the series, but you can read it as a standalone if you're not sure you want to invest your time in the entire series. But, then you'll kick yourself in the bum because you realize that Ms. Elias has talent and you're going to head back to the beginning to read the rest of the series.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Happily Booked PR and author Dani Elias for this opportunity.

************ 

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: The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole

Title: The Scientist

Author: Kristen B. Cole
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
When an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting?

When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off to the West Coast to endure a life of sunny skies and an inexplicable obsession with quinoa. Her new life in California comes complete with old friends, a potentially disastrous career change, and a gorgeous but reticent new neighbor, Dr. Alexsander “Lex” Strovinski, whose PhD might actually be in scowling with a minor in silent treatments.

As a world-renowned neurobiologist, Lex has dedicated his life to the single-minded pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, avoiding distractions at all costs. But now, a relentlessly chirpy new neighbor with an emerald green gaze seems intent on sabotaging his focus.

As Hadley and Lex find themselves repeatedly thrown together, what begins as one-sided banter eventually gives way to a profound heart-to-heart connection. But when Hadley’s loved one takes a turn for the worse and Lex is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity overseas, will their newfound connection unravel? Or will they discover that when it comes to opposites attracting, some bonds can never be broken?

Review:

In Kristen B. Cole’s ‘The Scientist,’ science and music create an unexpected harmony that will captivate readers from page one. This contemporary romance follows Hadley Oliver, a talented music composer and Stanford University teacher, whose life intersects with Dr. Alexsander (Lex) Strovinski, a brilliant Alzheimer’s researcher and fellow Stanford instructor. The author delivers a masterfully crafted story that shows us that love doesn’t always follow a predictable formula, especially when career aspirations and matters of the heart collide.

Cole’s greatest triumph lies in creating characters who are brilliantly flawed yet utterly endearing. Lex’s dedication to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s drives him with an intensity that sometimes blinds him to life’s other melodies, while Hadley’s passionate artistic nature helps her create beautiful music but sometimes clashes with the structured world of academia. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s their individual struggles and personal growth that makes them feel like real people you’d meet in the halls of Stanford. The author doesn’t shy away from showing their imperfections - instead, she lets them stumble, learn, and find strength in their vulnerabilities, making their journey together all the more authentic and all encompassing.

Cole masterfully weaves together the structured world of Alzheimer's research with the creative pulse of musical composition, creating a rhythm that keeps pages turning. When a research opportunity in Sweden threatens to separate our leads, the author doesn't take the easy way out. Instead, she crafts a gut-wrenching exploration of what happens when personal dreams and professional aspirations collide with matters of the heart. The pacing hits every beat perfectly, building tension through both professional challenges and personal revelations, while never losing sight of the central romance.

Cole's writing style shines with both technical precision and emotional depth. She navigates the complexities of scientific research and musical theory with confidence, making both accessible without dumbing down either field. Her writing flows seamlessly between the analytical mindset of the research lab and the passionate world of musical composition, creating the perfect harmony between head and heart. What truly sets this book apart is Cole's ability to make readers feel every moment of joy, heartache, and uncertainty. Whether describing the frustrations of failed experiments or the soaring heights of musical inspiration, her words resonate with authentic emotion and careful attention to detail. I'm not going to lie, I cried during this book. I don't do that often, but when I do... *insert chef's kiss here*

The Scientist' is a must-read for anyone who loves their romance with substance and sophistication. It's perfect for readers who appreciate STEM themes, music lovers, and those who believe that sometimes the most beautiful love stories grow from life's biggest challenges. This five-star read proves that when it comes to love, even the most carefully planned experiments can yield unexpected results.

This book is gearing up to be the best book of the year! I know it’s been there best of January.

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

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review, and here it is. Enjoy! 😊

Audiobook Review: Her Billionaire Man: Tension by Olivia Summer

Title: Her Billionaire Man: Tension

Author: Olivia Summer
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 

My life has always been such a clownish mess. Still, nothing beats old Mrs. Janey leaving her silly parrot a vast percentage of her establishment, worth billions. Now the bird, Boosh, is a billionaire! Hilarious, right? For goodness, flipping, sake! Who does that?

 

Want to know my part in this story? I'm to be Boosh's guardian, because how else does a parrot get to be assured of its newfound wealth without a human in the picture? Don't get me wrong, I'm flattered but not flattered that Mrs. Janey saw me fit enough to be part of this absurd scheme.

 

Do you know what's crazier, though? Getting Mrs. Janey's grandson, Craig Vans, out of the way. Before I tell you about the man's overwhelming god-like looks, I will give you a glimpse of why he's so upset in the first place. Craig has always had his way, including the multiple chains of companies in his name. He was more prosperous than anyone in New York, so why wouldn't he step down as the CEO and leave just this one establishment to the poor birdy Boosh?

 

The glaring answer was that Craig Vans was so full of himself ... well, the truth is that he had every right to be. The first day I met him, I wanted to forget my panties on his face. Want to know more? Read on.

Review:

I'm going to be honest, I'm not quite sure what to think of this book. I want to love it, I really do, but I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story that was going on long before the story even started. I craved for a little more interaction than was given. I get the hate banging and everything, but... I just felt there could have been a little more meat to the book. And then the cliffhanger? I don't mind a cliffhanger normally, but in a book this short it was just unexpected.

The narration was okay, but nothing to write home about. I'm not sure if the narrator was from a non-US based country but some of the pronunciations were a little "off". There were times when I wondered if the narrator was actually AI. 

via GIPHY

************ 

 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. I'd like to thank StoryOrigin and the author for this opportunity.