eARC Book review: A Hero's Christmas Hope (Holidays in Heart Falls #3) by Vivian Arend

 

Available now

eARC provided by author

He’s her hero. Could she be his hope for the future?

A standalone holiday story from New York Times bestselling author Vivian Arend.

Single father Ryan Zhao didn’t expect a ghost from his past to literally slide across his path and down a snow bank. His relationship with Madison Joy was a bright spot during college, and there’s a lot to catch up on. Can holiday magic turn these friends into forever love?

Ryan and Madison were College friends turned to best friends. On her way to a new job Madison slides in, literally on snow in a ditch to visit Ryan for the month of December. As they catch up Madison helps in many ways with things Ryan has going on in his life and with his daughter. They were always best friends but now it feels different. As the weeks fly by Madison feels like maybe she's found home and love.  I love the friends to lovers trope of  this story. Two great people finding love and support in each other.  A great feel good story for the holidays.

Find out more about Vivian Arend and this story here www.vivianarend.com

eARC Book review: This Cowboy of Mine (Wranglers of Wyoming #2) by R.C. Ryan

 

Available Dec 15th 2020

eARC Provided by publisher

A cowboy with a wild side

Kirby Regan isn't opposed living on the edge. After all, she just quit her career in Washington, D.C, so she could move back to Wyoming and buy her family's ranch. But hiking the Tetons after dark during a snowstorm goes beyond being adventurous, especially when Kirby's boss warns her that an escaped convict is at large. Sheltering in a cave seems the safest option to ride out the blizzard-until Kirby realizes it's already occupied . . . by a ruggedly handsome cowboy.

Like the mustangs he treats, veterinarian and rancher Casey Merrick prefers to live wild and free, which is why a relationship is not in the cards for him. He doesn't mind sharing his space with a gorgeous stranger, as long as they can both keep their distance-a task that begins to seem impossible as the attraction between them heats up. But before they can worry about the spark smoldering between them, Casey must find a way to protect Kirby from nature's most ruthless conditions . . . and a convicted killer on the loose.

Kirby is going back to her roots in Wyoming with wanting to buy her uncle ranch. All her family is gone and her uncle took her in as a child and raised and protected her.  Hiking in the mountain for her job in a snowstorm puts her in contact with Casey Merrick who is sheltering in the same cave that Kirby finds. This was a comfort story even with the suspense elements. If you love a big ranching family stories you will enjoy this series. 

Find out more about R.C. Ryan and this series here ryanlangan.com

eARC Book review: Dream Chaser (Dream Team #2) by Kristen Ashley

eARC Provided by publisher

Available Dec 15th 2020

Ryn Jansen has no interest in taking a risk on Boone Sadler. Thanks to a long list of men who've done nothing but let her down, Ryn vows to stay far away from the caring, protective commando. And when Boone confronts Ryn with evidence that her loved ones are conning her, Ryn is less than thrilled -- with her family and Boone. But even as Boone proves he's the kind of guy to meet her every need, she doesn't trust him to stay when life gets hard . . .


Boone Sadler's never been one to back down from a challenge. He's determined to show the funny, sexy Ryn that the irresistible connection between them is worth exploring. But caring for Ryn's heart and body becomes a matter of life and death when Ryn's beloved niece and nephew are put in danger and dirty cops begin gunning for Ryn. Soon Boone realizes their romance is in danger of more than heartbreak -- and to have any future together, they'll have to put their trust in each other.

Ryn has had a lot of disappointments in her life. She's living her life for her now. No men. Boone is not one to give up though. Things get sticky when the wrong guy pays attention to Ryn. Boone steps in to help her out and show her what kind of man he is. I loved this book. It was exciting and read quickly and left me wanting more. Not much more you can ask for right? Loved watching these two grow close.

Find out more about Kristin Ashley and this series here www.kristenashley.net

eARC book review: Christmas on Peach Tree Lane by Jules Bennett

 

Available now.

eARC Provided by author

Event planner Violet Calhoun lives to deck the halls, and her quaint Southern hometown’s fiftieth annual Tinsel Tour will be the event of the season. With a magazine crew on hand to document Peach Grove’s transformation into a winter wonderland, this year’s festivities have got to be the holly-est, jolliest yet. She does not have the time to deal with a Grinch—even a gorgeous one like Brady Jackson.

Divorce attorney Brady has plans to divest himself of his family’s ancestral mansion and be back at his Atlanta firm by New Year’s. Hanging so much as a wreath on the door is not a part of that plan. Nor is dealing with an annoying—though undeniably adorable—elf.

But Violet is all about making holiday magic happen. As they work together to stage Brady’s historic house, the town grump reveals he’s more sexy than Scrooge. And after some mind-blowing kisses, what starts as a Christmas flirtation starts to feel more like a year-round affair…

Violet and her two friends have revitalized the town of Peach Grove and with Christmas coming it's time for the Tinsel tour of homes. The best home on the tour has a new owner and he's not interested in anything but clearing his grandfather's things from it and selling. Violet is pretty persuasive though and soon gets owner, Brady on board. Brady is leaving at the first one the year though so what starts as something casual turns into something else some hard decisions have to me made. Love this fun Christmas season story. Violet is this wonderful full of energy person and Brady has kind of minimized his life to just work with no enjoyment from it. Violet changes all that for him and Brady is there for her too. Wonderful start to new series.

Find out more about Jules Bennett and this series here www.julesbennett.com

eARC Book review: Feliz Naughty Dog (The Dogmothers #5.5) by Roxanne St. Claire

 

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eARC Provided by author

Pru Kilcannon has one goal when she wakes on Christmas Eve – to perform the most “Random Acts of Christmas Kindness” so she can spread cheer and ensure her high school wins the county-wide “RACK IT UP” contest. But when her friends decide to team up with their boyfriends, the ever-helpful Dogmothers enlist the new kid in school as Pru’s partner for the contest. And that means good-girl Pru has to spend the entire day with the broody, moody, and crazy cute bad boy Lucas Darling, and his chaos-causing greyhound, Tor.

As if that wasn’t enough holiday havoc, Pru and Lucas have to accompany the grannies on a secret mission to check out a man Yiayia has met on an online dating service. Gramma Finnie is convinced Aldo Fiore is a mobster, Yiayia thinks he’s her dream man, and Pru just wants to be sure her great-grandmothers don’t get themselves arrested — or worse. There’s no telling what could happen when the Dogmothers spy on an eighty-year-old who might be playing a rather flirtatious Santa at the mall…or might be hiding from the Feds.

But no one expected the real trouble to come from Tor, the former racing dog who causes mayhem and mall madness. As Pru and Lucas attempt to control Tor, supervise the Santa Stalking, and knock out a few random acts of kindness…they also give in to a delicious little Christmas crush that just might lead to some magic under the mistletoe this year!

The Dogmothers are at it again but this time matching their great granddaughter Pru. Pru has never had a boyfriend but she just might get her first one for Christmas. Agnes and Finnie are spying on the man Agnes has been crushing on from a online dating site. What trouble could they get into really. This was a fun quick read. The grannies are always a fun time and they get their own exciting adventure this time while Pru is getting her own with the new boy at school. Wouldn't be Christmas without the whole family getting together. Perfect holiday read.

Find out more about Roxanne St Claire and this series here www.roxannestclaire.com

eARC Book review: Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews

 

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Available now!

She couldn’t forget…

Wealthy squire’s daughter Margaret Honeywell was always meant to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe, but it’s bastard-born Nicholas Seaton who has her heart. Raised alongside her on her father’s estate, Nicholas is the rumored son of notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim. When Fred frames him for theft, Nicholas escapes into the night, vowing to find his legendary sire. But Nicholas never returns. A decade later, he’s long been presumed dead.

He wouldn’t forgive…

After years spent on the continent, John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has finally come home to England. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he’s on a mission to restore his family’s honor. If he can mete out a bit of revenge along the way, so much the better. But he hasn’t reckoned for Maggie Honeywell. She’s bold and beautiful—and entirely convinced he’s someone else.

As danger closes in, St. Clare is torn between love and vengeance. Will he sacrifice one to gain the other? Or with a little luck—and a lot of daring—will he find a way to have them both?

Maggie Honeywell found the love of her life as a kid. Nicholas Seaton was a servant but her very best friend. Unfortunately Maggie was meant to marry Fredrick. Fredrick was mean and rude and had it out for Nicholas. One night he set Nicholas up and Nicholas had to run. He promised he'd come back for Maggie. Years later Maggie meets John Beresford who looks a lot like Nicholas but is he? I haven't read a historical romance in ages. Honestly the title drew me first and then the blurb seemed interesting so why not give it a try. Wonderful book with exciting characters with a tough leading lady who through everything stayed sassy even though she might have been dimmed for a while. Maggie and Nicholas seems so cute together and teenagers you find yourself rooting the John is Nicholas. Great wrap up from a new to me author.

Find out more about this book and author here www.mimimatthews.com

eARC Book review: Looking for a Cowboy (Heart of Texas #5) by Donna Grant

Available October 27th 2020

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. . .

P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered―and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister...and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth―and keep her safe in his arms.

I really got into this book from the beginning. It opens with a prologue that is pretty dark. It tells the backstory on how Marlee got to be where and what she is. Marlee used to be a cop but the murder and abduction on her sisters baby changed her life and she became a PI to hunt her sisters killer and find her niece. Ten years later she's in Texas hunting for another missing baby. Cooper is well of financially but can't find what makes him happy and then he meets Marlee. The two click and Cooper and his extended family join the hunt for the baby snatchers/murderers. I enjoyed this book up until about 80-85% when things start winding down. It just seems all over the place and at time unbelievable. Several moments where I thought no way. I felt a little let down. Jace was the one of the bright spots and a time or two stole my attention. OK but definitely not my favorite. Will stick with the series to see what happens with Jace.

Find out more about Donna Grant and this series here www.donnagrant.com

eARC Book review: Once Upon a Billionaire (Blue Collar Billionaires #1) by Jessica Lemmon

 

Available now.

eARC Provided by author

I never finish a project late. Ever. So, when sassy, stilettoed Vivian Vandemark swaggers in with a roll of red tape to shut down my construction site, you can imagine my reaction. Although, it involves a sledgehammer and perfectly good drywall, so maybe you can’t.

She doesn’t look or act like any government employee I’ve met and I’m determined to uncover her secrets. When I lean in, I lean in hard. But so does Vivian. Now that we’re incinerating the bedsheets, we’re in way over our heads.

What started out as physical infatuation quickly morphs into more. Vivian is staying at my place and I’m helping bury her father. She’s meeting my adoptive family and I’m hiring her fresh-out-of-rehab brother. With our checkered pasts, trust doesn’t come easily, but hell if I let that stop me from living happily ever after…

First in a new series we start with Nate and Vivian. Vivian used to be a billionaire and now she's working a not so glamorous job and trying to make ends meet and take care of her younger addict brother. She's also trying to disappear into the woodwork and not be noticed because of what her criminal father did that took away her billions. Nate of the other hand came from nothing. She's no stranger to addiction since his mother is a addict. He was adopted by a family that were billionaires and given new direction and a chance at a good life and he ran with it. Vivian is sent to his construction site and he can tell right away she's more than she wants to appear. These two clash a lot but are also so good for each other. You wanted them to make it. Both have issues with their pasts and that's a lot to work through and they almost destroy it all before they figure things out. I enjoyed this book and look forward to Nate's brothers stories.

Find out more about Jessica Lemmon and this series here www.jessicalemmon.com.

eARC Book review: Man’s Best Friend (The Dogmothers #5) by Roxanne St. Claire

 

Available Sept 25th 2020

eARC Provided by author

Declan Mahoney and Evie Hewitt are childhood best friends who become young lovers on one summer night in the Carolina mountains. But the next morning, they learn Declan’s firefighter father has been killed while saving Evie’s family and home. Consumed by grief, and determined to take up his responsibility as the oldest Mahoney sibling, Declan turns from Evie. That heartbreak sends her running halfway across the state, rarely seeing Declan over the next twenty years. But when Evie comes back to Bitter Bark, a couple of meddling grannies who call themselves the Dogmothers hatch their plan to rekindle this romance. They arrange a "chance" meeting and plant some surprises along the way.

When she sees Declan, Evie is knocked over by emotions for the firefighter who might just be the reason she’s forty, childless, and dedicated to her career. She’s also nearly knocked over by the Husky-Malamute mix at his side. With an unexpected assist from a dog who’d been surrendered at the fire station, Declan decides he can’t miss this chance to reconnect with the woman he’s never forgotten. It doesn’t take long for old feelings to burn hot…and it doesn’t take long for Evie, a veterinary neurologist, to notice something's not quite right with the gorgeous dog Declan’s about to put up for adoption.

As they work together to help Judah, more than one creature is healed. Evie starts to demolish the walls grief had raised around Declan’s heart, and he reawakens her dreams of marriage and motherhood. But as they fall back into each other’s arms, Declan discovers the truth about his father’s death, and that revelation threatens more than their love…it could threaten their lives. Will Evie and Declan’s dreams be destroyed by tragedy? Or can they finally let go of the past so they can take hold of the future…together?

Book 5 in the Dogmother's series we get Declan's story. It's not a easy one. Evie and Declan were inseparable as teens. Everyone thought they would marry. Tragedy struck and suddenly it's over. Declan's father is killed fighting a fire and Evie's house. Declan feels he has to be the man of the house and take care of his family. He ends it with Evie and she leaves town. Now she's back to take care of her grandfather and Declan finally sees what a fool he's been. Twenty years gone. Can he get Evie back? This one got my heart and mad me sad and angry. Sometimes I just wanted to shake them both. It was interesting to see where the renewed relationship developed and how the families helped it a long. A excellent and engaging read. I was so happy when everything worked out and Declan got closure about what happened with his dad. 

Find out more about Roxanne St Claire and this series here www.roxannestclaire.com.

eARC Book review: Three Weddings and a Baby (Heart Falls #9) by Vivian Arend

Available now

eARC Provide by author

After the stories are done, their stories go on.

One of the great parts of writing a long, family saga is that I get to revisit characters who have already hit their happily-ever-after. Over the past couple of years I’ve written short vignettes revisiting characters from the HEART FALLS series. They’re written specifically for readers who have already enjoyed the main stories. These visits with favourite friends were sent out in newsletters, and are available for FREE ON MY WEBSITE.

But, for readers who want the stories on their ereader, I’ve made them available digitally for your convenience. Check first to see where each vignette fits into the full series if you want to avoid spoilers for books you haven’t yet read!

AS WELL, this collection contains a BRAND NEW short story for Josiah Ryder and Lisa Coleman. This collection is the ONLY place to read this story!



THIS COLLECTION CONTAINS:
1. Reading Order for the HEART FALLS series

The following wedding vignettes:
2. Surprised at Bootstomp Point (Caleb & Tamara) 3K words
3. Heartfelt at Heart Falls (Walker & Ivy) 4K words
4. A Wild Horse Wedding (Luke & Kelli) 3.5K words

And the short story:
5. Oh Baby! (Josiah & Lisa) 17K words

A cute puppy, a wedding, and a baby.  that’s it. That’s the blurb. lol.

Longer cheater version:

Lisa and Josiah are thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. He’s got his veterinarian work; she’s been busy stepping in to help her sisters and friends whenever and wherever they need. And they have Ollie, the sweet little terrier that can’t get enough of either of her favourite humans.

But as one year ends, and a new one begins, Lisa can’t help but wonder if there’s something she’s missing. What exactly is she supposed to focus on now that her extended family is settled and all her sisters are happy?

If you're a fan of the Heart Falls series you are going to want to read this vignette novella. Vivian Arend gives us snippets from previous stories. As the title says three weddings and a baby. If you read a series you wonder what happens after the book ends? Well here's our chance to see what happens to some of your favorite characters. I loved all these quick stories and of course wish they were longer but I always wish any good story was longer lol. I can't wait to see what's next.

Find out more about Vivian Arend and this series here www.vivianarend.com

eARC Book review: Happily This Christmas (Happily Inc #6) by Susan Mallery

 

Available September 29th 2020

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

There’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

Wynn Beauchene has a thriving business, a great kid and a mildly embarrassing crush on the guy next door—local cop Garrick McCabe. She’s a strong, independent woman who can’t help dreaming what-if about a man she barely knows. Until he needs her help…

Garrick’s pregnant daughter will be home for Christmas, and his house needs a woman’s touch. Garrick and his little girl were tight once and he’s hoping a small-town Christmas will bring her back to him. But thawing his daughter’s frosty attitude will take more than a few twinkle lights. Maybe sharing the holiday with Wynn and her son will remind her of the joy of family.

As the season works its magic on these wounded souls, Wynn realizes it’s time to stop punishing herself for a painful secret, while Garrick remains haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes. Will he allow Wynn to open the only gift she truly wants—his heart?

Wynn has been punishing herself for something she did 15 years ago. Holding herself back emotionally and keeping her heart closed because of it. Garrick has a grown daughter that's about to have her first baby. They had a falling out when she was a teen and Garrick is determined to find out what happened and reconnect. I loved Garrick and Wynn together. They made a great team. Garrick's daughter comes to stay the last few weeks of her pregnancy because her military husband is deployed. She was quite annoying at first but does a lot of growing up by the end of the book.  The story lags a bit here and there but i enjoyed seeing characters from previous books popping up. Overall a enjoyable read perfect for a fall evenings read.

Find out more about this series and Susan Mallery here www.susanmallery.com

eARC Book review: The Hitwoman Plays Games (Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman #24) by JB Lynn

 

Available now

eARC Provided by author

Life’s not all fun and games…

Hitwoman Maggie Lee has faced off against some bad people in the past, but nothing she has ever faced before has prepared her for her new assignment. Nothing.

What could be worse than working at a kid’s game center?

Flashing lights, beeping machines, screaming kids on a sugar high, and the world’s biggest claw machine may be the combination that finally pushes Maggie over the edge, as she tries to hold down a legit job as a cover for her first PI case.

Not that her downtime offers any respite. While she’s “off” she has to deal with family drama, dangerous dancers, a weird job assignment from the mob boss, and a VERY high stakes poker game.

Thankfully she’s got her animals to confide in, a bodyguard who’s looking out for her and a certain police detective on her side.

Maggie’s got to deal with the hand she’s been dealt…but there’s no guarantee she’ll come out the winner.

Maggie once again finds herself in a predicament. The woman never catches a break. It seems she's always juggling several balls at once. From taking care of Katie her niece, her multitude of animals and her family there's not a lot of left over time for anything else. This book like the others in the series have many laugh out loud moments and hold your breath moments. It's exciting and dangerous at every turn. Maggie has several men her in life but seems at some point every one let's her down.  It all comes out ok in the end but the journey is a good hang on kind of time. If you want to thoroughly entertained this series is just the one.

Find out more about JB Lynn and this series here www.jblynn.com

eARC Book review: Want You to Want Me (Want You #2) by Lorelei James

Available now

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

The new sexy contemporary romance in New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James's Want You series, set in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Hockey player Gabriella "Gabi" Welk spent her life in pursuit of championships, but she has little to show for it besides dusty trophies and second-place medals. Now her career consists of several part-time jobs to make ends meet. When Gabi gets a chance at her dream job, she swallows her pride and asks her nemesis--smart, sexy and savvy Nolan Lund--for help.

Since being named future CEO of Lund Industries, Nolan has tried hard to overcome his reputation as a fun-loving playboy and ladies' man. For the first time ever, he's more focused on the company than his personal life. He spends his free time at the ice rink his brother owns, cheering on his niece at her hockey games...and watching Gabriella Welk, the superstar athlete and assistant coach who gets under his skin in a way he can't ignore. He's shocked when Gabi agrees to trade a favor for a favor.

They have little in common besides their mutual mistrust, but between family crises and sibling rivalries, Nolan and Gabi realize they want to be more than just friends--much more.

Gabi Welk has always been big into hockey. Now she's still a hockey girl but in need of a job that pays the bills. Nolan Lund is named the future CEO of Lund industries. Now he's trying to fix his playboy rep he's had for years. Nolan and Gabi have a history of butting heads but when Gabi needs help getting ready for a big career interview it's Nolan she turns to for help. I'll admit I did not read book one in this series. It left me lost several times when people or things were mentioned that i had no idea about. This made it difficult at times to follow the story. I really enjoyed  the interaction between Nolan and Gabi. They had kind of a opposites attract thing going on. Nolan is definitely more than his looks. He's smart and caring and puts Gabi first. Gabi on the other hand is not a tomboy hockey player. She's a smart caring women who can take care of herself. I feel i need to go back and read book one and see what i missed. 

Find out more about Lorelei James and this series here www.loreleijames.com

eARC Book review: Hidden Ambition (Dynasties: Seven Sins #4) by Jules Bennett

Available now

eARC Provided by author

Revenge has never been hotter—until desire burns away their deceptions…
Will she be his ruin…or his redemption?

Chase Hargrove is on a mission to take down the company that destroyed his family…by becoming its CEO. Loyal Black Crescent employee Haley Shaw is his unwitting secret weapon. But when Chase is blindsided by passion for her, he gets careless. With his hidden motives exposed, will he lose everything—even Haley? Or will the tables turn when he learns she has hidden motives of her own…?

Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.

One man’s betrayal can destroy generations. Fifteen years ago, a hedge-fund hotshot vanished with billions, leaving the high-powered families of Falling Brook changed forever. Now seven heirs, shaped by his betrayal, must reckon with the sins of the past. Passion may be their only path to redemption. Experience all Seven Sins!

DYNASTIES: SEVEN SINS

Book 1: Ruthless Pride by Naima Simone
This CEO’s pride led him to give up his dreams for his family. Now he’s drawn to the woman who threatens everything…

Book 2: Forbidden Lust by Karen Booth
He’s always resisted his lust for his best friend’s sister—until they’re stranded together in paradise…

Book 3: Insatiable Hunger by Yahrah St. John
His unbridled appetite for his closest friend is unleashed when he believes she’s fallen for the wrong man…

Book 4: Hidden Ambition by Jules Bennett
Ambition has taken him far, but revenge could cost him his one chance at love…

Book 5: Reckless Envy by Joss Wood
When this shark in the boardroom meets the one woman he can’t have, envy takes over…

Book 6: Untamed Passion by Cat Schield
Will this black sheep’s self-destructive wrath flame out when he’s expecting an heir of his own?

Book 7: Slow Burn by Janice Maynard
If he’s really the idle playboy his family claims, will his inaction threaten a reunion with the woman who got away? 

This book can stand alone. It's the only book of the seven i have read.

Chase Hargrove feels his family deserves some pay back after what one man did to his family years earlier. Back then he couldn't do nothing but now he's in a position to get back at the family who caused his pain. Haley Shaw is the forgotten daughter. Her parents told her she wasn't going to amount to nothing. She's been proving them wrong every since. Haley is Chase key to revenge. Chase tries to cozy up to Haley to get info out of her but it doesn't take long for him to realize she's special. Guilt creeps in. Haley isn't sure of Chase's motives so she sets a trap. Again guilt creeps in. These two have to come clean to have a chance at happiness. Easier said than done. Watching these two trying to figure themselves out was so much fun. Chase has to struggle with the path he's been on for years and Haley had to figure out if she's worth being loved. Great read from page one. This book although part of series by multiple authors definitely reads as a stand alone. 

Find out more about Jules Bennett and this series here www.julesbennett.com

eARC Book review: The Rebellious Rancher (The Millers of Morgan Valley #3) by Kate Pearce

Available July 28th 2020
eARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Attachment to the land, hard work, and community, sets the folks of Morgantown apart from the everyday, and always brings them back to the ranch—where they might even find love . . .

After his father decides to leave the ranch to his older brother, usually calm, steadfast Ben Miller struggles to deal with his resentment. When he’s invited to develop a trail riding experience on the Morgans’ dude ranch, Ben jumps at the chance. Soon he’s assigned a mysterious client, an actress whose family secretly wants her removed from influences in LA. Ben’s determined to teach her to fend for herself. But he quickly discovers she’s more than a pampered pretty face . . .

Silver Meadow believes she’s preparing for a serious dramatic role—one that will free her from her controlling parents. She’s certainly not going to be controlled by Ben, especially when he takes her out in the middle of nowhere to learn how to survive. Yet gradually, far from her cell phone, Silver begins to open up to him about her life—and finds they have more in common than they thought. Soon a romance blossoms—but can a jet-setting movie star and a homebody cowboy find the best of both worlds?

Ben Miller doesn't know where his place is in the family. He's a little lost. When the Morgan family offers him a job as a guide for a mystery person. The mystery person being Silver Meadows a well known actress who needs to learn how to survive in the wild for a movie role. The longer out on the trail the closer they get even though they are so opposite of each other. I liked the first half of the book a lot. I enjoyed the trail ride part and how they got together. The whole time i wondered how it was going to work out when that all ended. They are really from two different worlds.  The second part was ok but Silver's dad is annoying and overbearing and so is Ben's. It was all kind of awkward is places. It was a ok read that started off strong but i struggled to keep reading the second part of the book. 

Find out more about Kate Pearce and this series here www.katepearce.com

ARC ebook review: A Change in Tide (Northern Lights #1) by Freya Barker

Available as a audiobook June 20th 2020.
This title has been previously released in ebook form 
audiobook provided by publisher through Netgalley

What impact would it have when everything suddenly faded to black?

For Mia, a crowded subway ride changes her entire life. Retreating to the wilderness helps her cope with a world that is suddenly too loud, too turbulent.
Her existence safely contained to the small cottage on the lake, she is unprepared for the neighbor that moves across the bay

A career-ending injury has Jared permanently benched. His reputation as The Enforcer won’t survive the unanticipated responsibilities awaiting him.
Away from the public eye, he adjust to his new reality, under the quiet observation of the intriguing hermit on the other side of the water.

Mia had a rather scary experience on a subway five years ago. So scary that it caused a big change in her mental stability and she suffered debilitating panic and anxiety attacks. She has to quit her beloved job and a midwife and moved out into the country where she found a small cabin on the lake. Then she got herself a new neighbor. Jared was a NHL hockey player. He suffered a career ending injury and once he recovered from the surgery he needed he decided to move out to the country for privacy and to help his pregnant sister the only family he has.   The first chapter is this book was a bit off putting. It did not paint the hero in a good light at all. I think that chapter could have been left out.  Overall a enjoyable story with a bonus story with Jared's sister Jordy finding a great guy too. 

Find out more about Freya Barker and this series here www.freyabarker.com

eARC Book review: In Too Deep (Wildfire Lake #1) by Skye Jordan

Available July 6th 2020
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley


I’ve got one hell of a life--the business of my dreams, a close-knit family, and the title of elusive but most-eligible bachelor in town.

The only thing I’m missing now is my heart. I gave it away as a teenager and never got it back.

I didn't think I’d see that girl again. She was my best friend, my first love, the person I couldn’t wait to see arrive in June and couldn’t stand to see leave in September. But the summer she turned eighteen, she flew off to Paris and never looked back.

When she resurfaces twelve years later, I don’t want to want her. I don’t even want to care. I really just want my fucking heart back so I can move on with a normal life--marriage, kids. Hell, I’d settle for a cease-fire in my romantic life.

It turns out we’ve got a shared interest in her grandfather’s land. This could be the perfect opportunity to settle the past. Or it could be the biggest mistake of my life, the one that destroys my heart for good.

Laiyla and Levi have a past as teenage lovers. She left one summer without saying goodbye and Levi hasn't been the same since. Now twelve years later she's back in town with her two best friends. Is she here to stay or is she going to leave him broken hearted again? I have not read this author in a very long time. I was thrilled when i started reading this book that i was immediately sucked in. There's nothing better than a book you can't put down. I loved all the characters. Laiyla's friends are both so different from her but still get a long great.  Levi and Laiyla get a second chance at love. It isn't a easy path back. The town isn't to happy with Laiyla and her parents are still trying to control her. Levi and his family have her back. Now she just has to make a decision. Stay or go. Want a great enjoyable read? 

Find out more about Skye Jordan and this series here www.skyejordanauthor.com

eARC book review: Desolation Road (Torpedo Ink #4) by Christine Feehan

Available July 7th 2020

eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Torpedo Ink is Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov’s whole life. They’re his brothers, his family—his everything. But that doesn't stop him from wanting something that only belongs to him. That’s why the tough biker has spent the last six weeks at the library, reading every book he can get his hands on and watching the prim and proper librarian who makes his blood rush. 
 
For the past six weeks, Scarlet Foley has been fantasizing about the handsome, tattooed man whose eyes follow her every move. She senses he's dangerous. She wants him to get close enough to touch. She wishes she could let him know the real woman, not the one she pretends to be. But Scarlet has a plan to carry out, and she can’t afford any distractions.
 
Absinthe is well aware that Scarlet is hiding something. She’s a puzzle he intends to solve, piece by intoxicating piece….

Absinthe is a member of the Torpedo Ink MC and he has a thing for the town librarian Scarlet Foley. Scarlet is not what see seems and Absinthe knows it but what she is is just as a appealing to him. Both come from tragic pasts that they can never be fully healed from.  Ok i have not read the previous books in this series but it's a spin off from two other series so i know some of the characters as I have read some of those. I liked the characters in this book but i did not like the cat play. It might someone else's thing but is definitely not mine. I like a good sex scene but they seemed to be to many and the details repeated many times was distracting. It felt as is the story was set to often for the sex scenes. I wanted more story. Overall it was enjoyable and I am left wondering if i would have enjoyed the previous books better. 

Find out more about this series and Christine Feehan here www.christinefeehan.com

eARC Book review: More than Neighbors (Blackberry Bay #1) by Shannon Stacey

Available Now
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

The only thing they have in common is a property line!

He’s trying to uncover his past.

She’s hoping for a brighter future.
Cam Maguire is in Blackberry Bay to unravel a family secret. Meredith Price has moved next door with her daughter. He’s unattached. She’s a widowed single mom. He’s owned by a cat. She’s definitely team canine. All these neighbors have in common is a property line. One they cross…over and over. And Cam thought he knew what he wanted—until his family’s secret changes everything.


First in a new series. Cam Maquire is a rich power house business man. He shows up next door the new resident in town Meredith Price. Meredith is a window with a young child. Meredith if finally feeling good about where she is after the death of her husband a few earlier. She's back in her hometown near family. Cam is just temporarily in town to empty out the home of his grandmother he never knew. The birth dad he also never knew about. It's a lot for anyone to deal with but Meredith and her young daughter Sophie help him realize what he should appreciate in life and it isn't the corporate world. This is a enjoyable pleasant read if you just want to get lost in a book that isn't to complicated. I enjoyed all the characters but wish Cam would've had a friend to confide in and hash things out with. His parents were rather cold and there's no mention of having any friends. Over all though it was a good read.

Find out more about Shannon Stacey and this series here www.shannonstacey.com

eARC Book review: Hush, Puppy (The Dogmothers #4) by Roxanne St. Claire

Available now
eARC Provided by author

John Santorini has his hands full this summer and not just with Maverick, the wild and willful puppy he recently adopted. He’s trying to franchise his business, he’s got serious staffing issues, and his biggest investor still hasn’t committed to financing. But all of those problems fade away when a five-year-old girl pounces on his puppy in the park and pronounces him “Mine!” John can handle a kid with a crush on little Mav. But he’s not so sure what to do with his instant attraction to her mother, a beautiful young widow who brightens his world the minute she arrives in town.

Summer Jackson has come to Bitter Bark for one reason: to meet a man. But the man she plans to connect with isn’t there. Instead, she finds two outrageous grannies who want to marry her off, discovers an extended and colorful family that wraps her in love, and crushes hard on a Greek charmer who offers her a place to stay and a job for the season. John may not have been the man Summer intended to meet, but his soul-melting kisses soon have Summer rethinking all her plans. He’s smart, sexy, sweet, and his impossibly adorable puppy is helping her daughter overcome her baffling speech impediment.

It doesn’t take long before Summer and John are dreaming of the happy ending they’ve both been denied. But when the past comes back to wreak havoc on all their lives, Summer’s real reason for coming to town threatens to destroy this budding little family. Will John have to settle for a Summer fling…or do the Dogmothers have the recipe for romance one more time?

John Santorini has always been the serious child in the family. He's got a lot of brain power and it's always served him well even. He's got a lot on his plate with trying to get his business franchise going and wrangling a important needed investor to make that happen. A sweet 5 year old and her mother crash into his world and teach him to relax and not over think to much. Summer Jackson came to Bitter Bark to find one one to apologize but finds another that rocks her world.  The Dogmothers win another one with this book. Summer and John click from the beginning but that doesn't mean it's smooth sailing to the end. John is one of those nice guys everyone wishes they had in their lives. Puts other people first especially people he cares about. Summer has dealt with the death of her spouse and raising a child by herself. When she meets John and his big crazy fun family they accept her as one of their own. This is a feel good story that anyone can enjoy. 

Find out more about Roxanne St Claire and this series here www.roxannestclaire.com

eARC Book review: Scandalous Engagement (Lockwood Lightning #3) by Jules Bennett

Available now
eARC provided by publisher through the author

One kiss with her best friend…changes everything.

Their engagement may be fake…

But the chemistry is as real as it gets!
Josie Coleman has the perfect plan to get rid of her bothersome ex-husband: pretend she’s about to marry again. But her fake engagement to her best friend, Reese Conrad, isn’t going as expected. His steamy, toe-curling kisses are anything but friendly…and their simple plan leads to very complicated feelings. Too bad that isn’t the only surprise Reese has in store…


Josie Coleman made a mistake when she married her ex-husband. She remedied that mistake but the ex won't take the hint that it's over for good. Reese Conrad is her best friend and as been forever. To help her out he tells the ex he's her new fiance'. Forced into a forced change in their relationship makes them both reevaluate that relationship.  While the two of them are navigating this change Reese is also dealing with finding out who his biological father is and two half brothers he never knew he had.  A great wrap up to the series Josie and Reese fake engagement makes them realize they were perfect for each other all along. Watching them them come to that realization was fun. Seeing Reese and Josie expand their family with Reese's two new new step brothers and their significant others was just icing on the cake.  A quick fun read and a great way to spend a evening lost if a book.

Find out more about Jules Bennett and this series here  www.julesbennett.com

eARC Book review: Dream Maker (Dream Team #1) by Kristen Ashley

Available now
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Dream Man and Rock Chick series comes a brand new story about love, friendship, and the bonds of sisterhood.

Evie is a bonafide nerd and a hyper-intelligent chick who has worked her whole life to get what she wants. Growing up, she had no support from her family and has only ever been able to rely on herself. So when Evie decides she wants to earn her engineering degree, she realizes she needs to take an alternative path to get there. She takes a job dancing at Smithie's club thinking this would be a quick side gig, where she can make the money she needs. But with her lack of dancing skills and an alpha bad boy who becomes overly protective, Evie realizes this might not be as easy as she thought.

Daniel "Mag" Magnusson knows a thing or two about pain, but the mask he wears is excellent. No one can tell that this good-looking, quick-witted, and roguish guy has deep-seated issues. Mag puts on a funny-guy routine so he can hide his broken heart and PTSD. But when Evie dances her way into Mag's life, he realizes that he needs to come face-to-face with the demons of his past if he wants a future with her.

First is a brand new  spin off series including characters from the Dream Man and Rock chick series. You  don't have to read those series to read this book but it wouldn't hurt and they are both great series.  Daniel Magnusson is Mag to pretty much everyone but when he meets Even aka Evie she can't seem to go with the flow and calls him Danny. He keeps trying to correct her but after a while he decides he likes her calling him that. He used to be a Danny but his life in the military eventually made him just Mag. Evie is this wonderful nerdy smart sexy chick. Most of her family has been questionable in their support of her and when her brother drags her into some of his not so good shenanigans Danny is there to help. Truths get told and Evie finds out she has a new family some blood family and others who make her family. This book is a mix of the Rock Chick/Dream Man series in how the story flows. I listened to this is audiobook form the same time i read it and i love my audiobooks but this felt much better in ebook form to me.  A good read for me from start to finish. Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Find out more about Kristen Ashley  and this series here www.kristenashley.net

eARC Book review: The Somerset Girls by Lori Foster

Available now
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

No one knows you quite like a sister…

Summer in Sunset, Kentucky, means long, hot days—and sometimes surprising new beginnings. Through it all, the ties of sisterhood will be there, guiding Autumn and Ember to the lives, and loves, they need…

When they’re running the animal-rescue farm they inherited from their grandparents, Autumn and Ember Somerset are perfectly in sync. At all other times, not so much. Dependable Autumn would rather curl up with a good book than paint the town red with Ember. After the disaster that was Autumn’s last relationship, it’s pure self-protection. But when her high school crush comes back to town with his adorable young daughter, igniting memories best left forgotten, there’s only one person Autumn can turn to…

Beneath Ember’s free-spirited facade is a layer of deep hurt. She’ll gladly nudge Autumn toward a second chance. But risk her own heart? Not likely. The closer Autumn gets to her own happily-ever-after, the more Ember wonders what she might be missing—and if it isn’t her time to be bold, too.

Two sisters running a animal rescue and living in a duplex that used to be their grandparents house.  Two very different approaches to life but still super close when it matters. That's the Somerset sisters. Autumn get a job designing a backyard project and inside rooms for a man she used to crush on in high school. He and his adorable daughter capture her heart. Ember had a devastating loss last year and she puts of a vibe that she's a party girl when what she really wants is a family. The girls farmhand is that man she just doesn't know it yet. I enjoyed this book a lot. From the beginning i was hooked on the characters. Lori Foster just makes you feel right at home.  The only thing that bothered me a bit was Ember's HEA came on really fast and Autumn's seem to take forever and dragged on a bit.  When everything is crazy in the real world right now this was a breath of fresh air. Something to make you smile for sure. Forget for a bit. Just what a good book is supposed to do.

Find out more about Lori Foster and this book here www.lorifoster.com

eARC Book review: The Hitwoman and the Exorcism by J.B. Lynn

Available May 28th 2020
eARC Provided by author

Maggie Lee will do anything to protect her family…including participating in an exorcism.

When her niece is threatened by an evil spirit, Maggie and her menagerie (with the help of friends Armani and RV) must find a missing skull and rob a graveyard. As if that isn't enough, they must also go on a quest to collect a list of magical ingredients (including pumpkin spice coffee, because everyone knows that’s some magical stuff right there).

God is being snarkier than usual, as Maggie also contends with the demands of a mob boss, the fallout of a killing, and an offer of a job that could be her most dangerous yet.

Will she figure out a way to exorcise the evil spirit to save her beloved niece Katie or will the cursed cloud Maggie’s always lived under finally get the best of her? 

Maggie never seems to have a normal day. Thanks to her family she's gotta be ready for anything. Now she's got to find a skull and find someone to perform a exorcism on a dog. What? Author JB Lynn never disappoints. If you haven't tried this series it's definitely worth getting into. Twenty three books and I never know where the story is going to lead. Always full of surprises and I'm kept guessing. Quick, fast read and engaging story every time.

Find out more about JB Lynn and the Hotwoman series here www.jblynn.com

eARC Book review: Beyond Just Us (Remington Medical #4) by Kimberly Kincaid

Provided by author
Available May 19th 2020

Remington’s most cynical doctor is about to get upended by two little words:
I DO.

Tess Michaleson runs her ER like she runs her life—
no pretenses, no exceptions.
As a single mother, she can’t afford anything less.
As a woman who’s been burned by love?
She can’t believe in anything more.
Her son and her job are the center of her world.
That’s all Tess needs.

Until Declan Riley falls into her arms…
literally.

His tattoos and his Irish accent are enough to melt her panties
His diagnosis? That’s enough to break her heart.
But Tess can help him get the care he needs…

All she has to do is marry him.

Declan knows he should keep Tess at arm’s length.
What they have is temporary. Necessary.
And he knows from experience just
how dangerous getting close can be.

But the longer he’s around the smart, sexy doctor and her son,
the more Declan realizes
close isn’t enough.

He wants Tess. He wants it all.

Even if he has to do the one thing he swore he never would to have her.

Tess is one tough cookie. She's does it all even when all of it is overwhelming. She's got good friends to take her back though and still she gives. Declan had a tough life growing up. His family broke up and he hasn't seen his sister in years. He joined the military to get a new family and that was great until a medical condition put him out. These two get married to help Declan get medical help he needs using Tess' insurance. Thing is they are attracted from the get go. Can fake become real? Absolutely. I enjoyed this book. The two click right away. Even though both got a lot to deal with they both make time to help others. Past history gives you hangs up though. Trust is hard to achieve when you've been wrong more than once. It pretty much all goes to the dumpster until the 11th hour. An enjoyable read from beginning to end. Love all the characters in this series. We should all have friends like these. 

Find out more about Kimberly Kincaid and this series here www.kimberlykincaid.com