Friday, September 29, 2023

Book Cover Reveal for Big Nick Energy by Lani Lynn Vale…….

 I can never get enough of Ms. Vale's writings and with this upcoming release there's even more of her cleverly crafted writings to consume.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Big Nick Energy by Lani Lynn Vale, then count down the days until this contemporary collection releases on December 19th!

Big Nick Energy is a compilation of things that Ms. Vale has written as companion pieces to already published novels.
Get updates on your favorite couples during COVID-19. These stories were written in the very first weeks of the Covid-19 Pandemic. You’ll see some of your favorite couples as they navigate that time period. Their coping mechanisms to being locked down can be kind of...flamboyant.
Somethin’ About That Boy: You’ll get some of the ‘rest of the story’ from Banner and Perry’s new life together far away from their family and friends. But don’t worry, big, rich, all grown up and famous Slone and Titus make appearances in their update. You’ll also get the story between Blue and Titus that you’ve been waiting for in Titus’s very own short story.
But don’t despair, Viddy and Trance, as well as their kids, have their own Christmas story, too!


PRE-ORDER LINKS:  AMAZON  |  iBOOKS  |  BN  |  KOBO

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Book Release Blast for Textual Relations by Lauren Rowe (REVIEW)……

 Readers looking for a charming and steamy age-gap romance will get all that and more with this fleshed-out story of a past novella.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Textual Relations by Lauren Rowe, along with my impressions of it, then add it to your bookshelf!

Grayson McKnight
I haven’t been having much luck on the dating scene lately, ever since my breakup with my longtime college girlfriend. I thought being twenty-five and single would be a blast, but dating apps are trash and I’ve managed to get nothing but three fake numbers at my favorite bar.
Thankfully, the actual owner of the third fake number was kind enough to reply to let me know I’d texted the wrong number. She was warm and open and expressed curiosity about the fake number I’d been given, so we got to texting. She gave me some flirting advice, so I can get a real number next time. But she was so hot when dispensing her advice, and also so kind, I saved her as Hot Teacher in my phone and mustered the courage to ask her for drinks tonight. Not to get more advice, but to persuade her to give me a shot herself. And she said yes. Well, actually, she said maybe. But I honestly think she’s coming.
Sight unseen, I’m already far more attracted to Hot Teacher than anyone I’ve met on the dating scene, so I’m going to pull out all the stops tonight, if she comes to the bar. The thing is, I might be shy and terrible at flirting, but if Hot Teacher gives me a shot, I’m pretty confident I’ll be able to surprise her behind closed doors. I’ve been studying up so diligently since my breakup, in fact, I’m pretty damned sure I’d be able to blow her beautiful mind, if only she’ll give me the chance.
Textual Relations is a steamy older woman/younger man romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud, fan yourself, and swoon your way to Grayson and Selena’s happily ever after.
NOTE: Portions of the full-length novel, Textual Relations, originally appeared in Lauren Rowe's much shorter novella, Wrong Number, Right Guy, that was only briefly available.

BUY AT AMAZON here.


MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

An expansion of an earlier novella, Ms. Rowe has fleshed-out the characters while still retaining the charm of this older woman/younger man romance.  In a story with a theme that is one of my favorites, Ms. Rowe nicely balances a cute and clever beginning with a sensuous connection that slowly evolves with each turn of the page.  While some of the dialogue gets a bit cheesy in later parts of the story, I found the text messaging between the lead characters to be the real winner here.

Grayson McKnight is a decadently delightful hero, one who's having a hard time with the current single's scene as he's a bit of a dork and having trouble navigating today's dating scene.  I found him an endearing hero though and would've been content with just a relationship full of text messaging.  I enjoyed seeing the ease he and Selena texted with one another and enjoyed seeing Grayson become more confident as time went on.  Though some would say these two are opposites, it's clear they were meant to be together in a relationship that was a bit predictable and cheesy at times, but was still satisfying.

Readers looking for a sweet and sensual tale will get just that with this age-gap romance featuring a near-perfect hero and an engaging build-up for the main couple.  Ms. Rowe definitely did it up right with her expansion of a past novella, an expansion that will please long-time fans while gaining new ones!

My rating for this is a B.

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


AUTHOR INFO:

Lauren Rowe is the USA Today and international #1 best-selling author of bestselling Standalone Smitten, The Reed Rivers Trilogy, as well as The Club Trilogy, The Josh & Kat Trilogy, The
 Morgan Brothers Series, Countdown to Killing Kurtis, and select standalone Misadventures.
Lauren's books are full of feels, humor, heat, and heart. Besides writing novels, Lauren is the singer in a party/wedding band in her hometown of San Diego, an audiobook narrator, and award-winning songwriter. She is thrilled to connect with readers all over the world.
To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for Lauren’s emails HERE!
To learn more about Lauren Rowe & her books, visit HERE!
Email Lauren HERE.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Book Release Blitz for Vixen by D. M. Earl (REVIEW)…..


It's another tale full of intense emotions set in the MC world from an author who's become a go-to for me.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Vixen by D.M. Earl, along with my impressions of it, then add this fourth installment in the Devil's Handmaidens MC series to your bookshelf!

She's as fierce and fearless as they come...
Being pulled back in is the absolute last thing that I want,
Or need.
After all, the demons and horrors of back then nearly destroyed me, Broke me,
And killed me.
But my friend needs me,
She needs out,
Away from the trafficking and prostitution, An escape I know all too well.
The Devil Handmaidens are always on my side, Supporting me,
Trusting me,
And protecting me.
I just need one more person on my side, The strongest, bravest man I know,
The one who shattered my heart,
Left me high and dry.
Can I rely on Ironside,
Or will he break me all over again?

**START THE SERIES here WITH TINK.**


BUY VIXEN here.


MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Readers will once again be pulled into the emotional wringer of a web built on a woman's painful past that has defined her until now.  When that past comes calling though she'll be left with big decisions and big reveals that will change her life inexorably.  With each turn of the page the author balances moments of edge of your seat suspense, with intimate and sensual encounters between an unforgettable main couple, with the help of an eclectic cast of secondary characters who have me looking forward to future installments.

Vixen's a woman with a painful past who managed to crawl her way out with the help of the Devil's Handmaidens.  She didn't escape without scars though as she was forced into prostitution and drug addiction with her twins stolen from her.  She thought that undercover FBI agent Ironside would be her savior but he vanished from her life, taking her heart with him, and leaving the Devil's Handmaidens her sole support emotionally and in giving her a safe place to call home too.  When a phone call from her past reopens the door on her journey of pain, it's a journey that now encompasses many of her club sisters since the man that hurt her back then is fueling many of the secrets hanging over the club now.

From the moment Vixen gets the call for help my pulse was immediately racing with fear and anticipation.  The rescue plan was one that brought in every member of the club and put each in danger.  The rescue plan crafted fueled this story courtesy of the importance of its success, the secrets it left hanging over those trying to save those used and abused, all which made for a raw and gritty read.  The romance between Vixen and Lucas "Ironsides" Dombranski is one of second chances, forgiveness, and making amends and it made my heart ache watching them try to find a HEA amongst so much pain and uncertainty.  Theirs was definitely a hard-fought and rocky road to HEA...but I was definitely on board for all that went on between them and was fully invested in them from start to finish.  Not only was I captivated by Vixen and Ironside's complex relationship, I was on the edge of my seat for all that befell the other members of the club.  The secrets hanging over each, the uncertainties weighing each down, all kept me excitedly turning the pages in search of answers and HEAs.  In a book filled with many (one too many at times) eclectic characters, ones who were tough yet supportive, ones who put their lives on the line to do what's right, I'm once again applauding D.M. Earl and this wonderfully crafted MC world that keeps me coming back for more!

My rating for this is an A-

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today Bestselling author, D. M. Earl creates authentic and genuine characters while spinning stories that feel so real and relatable that the readers plunge deep within the plot, begging for more. Complete with drama, angst, romance, and passion, the stories jump off the page.
When Earl, an avid reader since childhood, isn't at her keyboard pouring her heart into her work, you'll find her in Northwest Indiana snuggling up to her husband, the love of her life, with her seven fur babies nearby. Her other passions include gardening and shockingly cruising around town on the back of her 2004 Harley. She's a woman of many talents and interests.
Earl appreciates each and every reader who has ever given her a chance--and hopes to connect on social media with all of her readers.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Book Excerpt Reveal for Fractured Hearts by D.M. Earl…….

 The Grimm Wolves are back in this seventh installment of the gritty and pulse pounding story of a woman hiding out from danger and the MC biker hiding his pain behind his laughter.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste, along with a new excerpt, of Fractured Hearts by D.M. Earl, then start counting down the days until this book hits shelves on October 20th!

DINGO
Laughter is the best medicine. I make sure to always deliver the fun and crazy while hiding my pain behind it. It's who I am and what I do. I also work my butt off for the Grimm Wolves MC brothers, trying to prove myself as more than just a prospect. But even the toughest of the tough need to let loose every now and then. I know that more than anyone after the world of hurt I've experienced.
CELEE
A chance encounter in a chat room just may be the saving grace I've needed all along. My father's enemies are closing in, and my time just might be running out. Thank God!
Dingo and his brothers will do anything to keep me safe--even if it means going up against the most vile of criminals around. But the more Dingo tries to protect me, the more I know he's hurting too.
Can two fractured hearts find a way to heal together?

EXCERPT:

“Celee, never give up your power, sweetheart. Only you know what you want to do. I get it, it’s hard sometimes to make decisions, but if you allow others to do that for you forever, you will never do what you want. I’d rather you tell me ‘I’m not sure, let’s get gas and we can decide then.’ I do know where you’re coming from believe me, that’s why I’m telling you this. So, Celee, are we stopping or going for a bit longer?”
I smile inside because Frank is a good guy, one in a million, and I don’t know how I got so lucky being so stupid. God, I could have ended up with a murderer or a rapist, but instead I found the one biker who seems to have a soft heart and an old soul.
“Frank, why don’t we stop at the next big truck stop, fill up, and see how we both feel? Sound good?”
 He laughs instantly, which has me giggling. This right here. It’s so easy to be with him since he doesn’t make me feel stupid, or worse, worthless. Well, maybe he will if he ever hears my entire story.



PRE-ORDER THIS UPCOMING BOOK here.

**START READING THE GRIMM WOLVES MC here.**

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Book Tour for Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale (REVIEW)…..

 Ms. Vale continues to fly through the air with the greatest of ease in this second installment in the Welcome to the Circus series as a star pro footballer (and single father) finds himself drawn to a woman who's the star of the show...but clearly struggling under the weight of performing.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of 
Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale, along with getting my impressions of this emotional and charmingly endearing romance, then add it to your bookshelf too!

Slone Day, defensive end for the Longview professional football team, has a lot on his plate.
He’s at the peak of his career, he’s a single father raising a girl that’s border line genius and can’t seem to find the time to date. Let alone see someone seriously.
He’s perfectly content living his life as it is.
Then he goes to a circus.
There, he meets a woman that literally takes his breath away.
And in one bold, crazy, this is probably going to backfire move, he not only asks the woman out. But he invites her to spend the next two weeks with him while she’s recovering from an incident.
***
There she is, a practical invalid who can’t go anywhere without being babysat, experiencing a crisis in the middle of a public setting, when she spots him.
The moment that Caristonia Singh meets Slone, she realizes her life is about to change.
Meeting men when you work in a circus is practically impossible. That’s why she’s the inexperienced girl that doesn’t know how to act around a hot guy.
A really big, really sexy, holy crap he could toss me over his head and make it look easy, guy.
From the moment he comes to her defense—family can be dicks sometimes—she starts falling.
But nothing good ever lasts when it comes to the circus life.
People come and go. No one ever stays.
But Slone is dead set on proving her wrong, but she’s learned firsthand that nothing good ever lasts.


BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  iBOOKS  |  BN  |  KOBO


MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

The Welcome to the Circus continues to shine courtesy of its unique setting, a larger than life feeling when it comes to the storyline, and its delightful and immensely appealing main couple and its surrounding secondary characters.  The Singh Family Circus offers a bit of something for everyone to see, but behind the scenes things don't run nearly as smoothly with personal issues and danger from an unknown person rocking the foundation the family has tried to build.

Caristonia "Ari" Singh is the Queen of the Big Cats, showing them off to the world while keeping them under control.  Her home life is far from controlled however thanks to her less than loving family.  In the first book in this series her family seemed caring and supportive for the most part, with the occasional family squabble.  In this book however, her family was far less likable.  They seemed almost cruel at times in their antics with her, particularly the behavior of her twin.  With each hurtful moment one after another adding up, and with health issues becoming increasingly dangerous for her career and everyday life, she's desperate to get a break from her family and the circus...Enter single dad footballer, Slone Day who offers her sanctuary!  Ari's an amazing woman, one who gets put through a lot with each turn of the page.  She's a loving, caring, quirky woman who tends to be a bit quieter than her twin.  Her family's mocking and joking antics sometimes turn cruel which left her with no support.  These moments broke my heart and seeing Slone come on the scene to defend her had me cheering and instantly falling in love with him.

Slone Day first made an appearance in a previous book where his story of being a single dad began.  That story expands here with him and those around him driving this story in this engaging and fast-paced romance.  Slone's a wonderful hero with an equally delightful daughter, a super smart little girl who contributes many funny comments to the story.  Slone accepts Ari quirks and all, accepts her unconditionally from the moment their eyes meet.  He gives her the support and the protection her family should be giving her.  He's a hero in every sense of the word, both as a father to his genius daughter and as a lover to Ari.

This was a fast-paced read with a romance that built over Ari's two weeks away from the circus.  It was a combustible connection between Ari and Slone, balanced out by them actually getting to know each other.  They shared their fears, their dreams, along with the reality of their lives and how their relationship might be affected.  I loved all the past characters who made appearances and seeing how their appearance tied all of Ms. Vale's backlist together.  While frantically turning the pages of this compelling romance my heart was beating crazily, waiting with bated breath for the identity of the stalker...while discovering another cliffhanger that left me screaming yet ready for more.  Ms. Vale has captivated me, keeps me thoroughly entertained with heart pounding romances and compelling characters in a cleverly crafted world that keeps calling to me.

My rating for this is an A.

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Book Tour for Acing the Game by Carey PW (REVIEW & GIVEAWAY)……

Carey PW is an author who embraces diversity, and with their newest book they take readers on a journey of exploring sexuality and finding love, happiness, and your own self-worth.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Acing the Game by Carey PW, along with getting my impressions of it, then discover even more about this LGBTQ+-fueled tale by the other sites hosting this tour HERE
In honor of this  angsty romance make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC too!

Is food really the way into a person’s heart?
Shep Lee thought he had it all. A successful restaurant, a loving husband who understood his asexuality, and most of all, the ability to be himself, a popular chef in the small town of Cloverleaf, Montana. That is, until his husband, Elmer Eshler, began pushing Shep more on sex.
Elmer doesn’t understand why he can’t turn his partner on—aren’t they perfect for each other? And Shep loves him, right? Shep, meanwhile, while confident with his body, is and forever will be sex indifferent. Why has Elmer suddenly changed his tune? But he doesn’t want to lose the man he loves so much. What can they do?
Shep convinces Elmer to try a polyamorous relationship. Elmer gets to have Shep and the sex life he’s always wanted. Shep gets a cooking buddy and a chance to experience a relationship and even try sex with a woman as his authentic gender. At first, Shep isn’t sure, but finds himself coming around—this feels safer than opening up the relationship. All three of them will be romantically involved, so that should ease any jealousy, right?
But when Willow Saint, a free-spirited, boisterous, and saucy young woman, comes into their lives, neither are prepared for the emotional and sexual rollercoaster that follows. Enthralled by Willow’s charm and kindness, Elmer and Shep struggle to understand what this means for their own bond. Can they become one happy family? Or will this ruin everything?

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY AT AMAZON here.


MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

This is the second by Carey PW that I've experienced and I'm once again impressed by the depiction of diversity found within the pages.  What starts out as a couple looking to change how they conduct their marriage eventually evolves into a journey of self-exploration.  It's an uber-angsty journey though, one that frustrated me at times while also giving me a lot to think about when it comes to "definitions" and sexuality.

Shep and Elmer are a compelling main couple, a far from perfect couple who feel their relationship is lacking and thus decide to bring in a third.  That third is Willow, a likable woman with a background that I wish had been more fully fleshed-out.  Her place in the trio added a lot of angst, a lot of frustration, and it took a lot of push/pull to make things work.  Shep's a likable character, one who thought his marriage was good...until Elmer caught him off guard with wanting something new.  I felt sorry for Shep in his desperation to make Elmer happy.  I wish he'd communicated more but I was still rooting for him to make a more secure HEA for himself.  Elmer was someone who angered me time and time again, often made things about him, but I still enjoyed the discussion he fostered in readers.  Another character I enjoyed was Tank, a delicious husband and larger than life character who I wish had played a bigger role in the story.

From start to finish this was a book that pushed buttons, one that was thought-provoking and had readers debating sexuality and self-esteem.  Definitions are never easy and this book gives readers a lot to think about.  While it's not a perfect read it's one that you won't forget anytime soon!

My rating for this is a C+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Carey PW (he/they) is a debut author, college instructor, and mental health counselor. Carey is currently completing his next manuscript, Acing the Game.
Carey lives in Montana, and identifies as nonbinary, transmasculine (AFAB) and panromantic asexual. Due to the lack of resources in rural communities, Carey has discovered that writing about his lived experiences is a therapeutic outlet for him and hopes that his readers relate to his own personal struggles and triumphs shared through his characters’ narratives. Carey is particularly interested in exploring relationship conflicts around sexuality and gender differences. He has also worked as a high school writing instructor and college writing instructor, earning a B.A. in English Literature, a M.Ed. in English Education, and Ph.D. in Social Foundations of Education all from the University of Georgia. In 2020, Carey earned his second M.Ed. in Counselor Education and works as a licensed clinical professional counselor, LCPC. He has a strong passion for working with the unique mental health issues of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Readers can learn more about Carey from his blog, www.careypw.com. When he is not writing, Carey is busy training for marathons, parenting his six cats, sharing his culinary talents on social media, serving on the board for the nonprofit Center for Studies of the Person (CSP) and learning photography. 
Carey PW loves to hear from readers. You can find his contact information, website and author biography HERE.

AUTHOR BLOG  |  INSTAGRAM  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  TIKTOK

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 8, 2023

Book Release Blast for Reckless Heart by Brighton Walsh (REVIEW)…….

 A secret romance explodes in this fourth installment in the Starlight Cove series as a businessman becomes entangled with his employee...who just happens to be his sister's best friend.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Reckless Heart by Brighton Walsh, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this steamy and sentimental small town romance of opposites attracting to your bookshelf!

Turns out the gorgeous woman I had a one-night stand with is not only my sister’s best friend but also my new employee.
Worse? I shared a whole lot more with Avery than one mind-blowing night. I told her my deepest, darkest secret.
Despite my constant worry that she’ll let the truth slip to my family, I can’t stay away from her. And when we’re tossed together for an out of town trip and forced to share a room with only one bed, the chemistry between us finally explodes...again.
I have no problem making her see stars—or breaking the bed. The trouble is, the longer our secret relationship goes on, the more I want to keep her.
But she’s eight years my junior, the sunshine to my grump, and I know her free spirit wants more than the small town of Starlight Cove can offer.
I have no doubt no one will ever give her more pleasure than I will, but I refuse to hold her back. Even if that means letting her go when her three month contract is up.


BUY here.


MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Courtesy of Ms. Walsh, and her sweet and spicy small town romance, my week has ended on a definite high note.  In a story that checked many of my happy boxes, readers will find this a comfortable read that is low on angst and high on sexual tension thanks to its delicious hero.  With much about this book feeling familiar, the story becomes like a blanket that warmly embraced me and captivated me from the first page to the last.

In a story full of delights, the brightest spot is its decadently delicious hero, Aiden McKenzie.  To the world he seems buttoned-up and dedicated to work, a man who likes to control everything he sees as his.  Behind the scenes though is another side to Aiden, a casually sexy side that shows off his tats and his talent for dirty talk and erotic thoughts...all leading to a big secret he's been hiding, one that he only shares with his one night stand.  It's a one night stand that changes his life irrevocably as it's courtesy of an unforgettable woman...one he discovers is his sister's best friend.  Avery and Aiden are combustible from the moment they lock eyes and they waste no time burning up the pages.  Though Avery working for Aiden leads to a few awkward exchanges early on they have a wonderful connection that sees them wholeheartedly supporting one another with each turn of the page.  Through it all Avery's a likable heroine, fun and sassy, but with some issues that have kept her from reaching HEA.  Aiden's just the one to help her be all she can be though and they fit together like two pieces in a puzzle.

Along with a combustible main couple, there were a slew of entertaining secondary characters who were funny and told it like it was.  Friends and family of Aiden were especially delightful with banter that constantly had me smiling.  Young and old both provided entertaining banter and keep driving this series forward, leaving me clamoring for more.

My rating for this is an A-

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Award-winning USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brighton Walsh spent a decade as a professional photographer before taking her storytelling in a different direction and reconnecting with her first love—writing. She likes her books how she likes her tea—steamy and satisfying—and adores strong-willed heroines and the protective heroes who fall head over heels for them. Brighton lives in the Midwest with her real life hero of a husband, her two kids—both taller than her—and her dog who thinks she’s a queen. Her boy-filled house is the setting for dirty socks galore, frequent dance parties (okay, so it's mostly her, by herself, while her children look on in horror), and more laughter than she thought possible.
Sign-up for newsletter HERE.
Connect with the author HERE.

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Book Release Blast for End Game by G.A. Mazurke (REVIEW)…..

 Fans of sports romance have reasons to celebrate with this charming friends to lovers tale set in the hockey world.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of End Game by G.A. Mazurke, along with my impressions of it, then add this first installment in the New York Stars series to your bookshelf too!

She’s my lifeline, my rock...
When I was billeted with the Bukowskis, I made a mistake.
I didn’t lock Gracie Agnieska Bukowski down.
Instead, like a 16-year-old idiot, I became best friends with her brother, Kow, and now, the family considers me one of their own.
Until her, hockey was my only refuge. So, when I’m traded to the New York Stars, my first move is to change my number to 35. See, we made a vow, one that she might have forgotten, but I haven’t.
Gracie’s about to be swept off her feet.
I’m going to prove to her that not only is she not my sister...She’s my end game.

BUY here.


MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Fans of sports romances have reason to rejoice with this series starter that touches on the many years of friends becoming lovers that's set in the hockey world.  It's a long book, one that could've been edited down a bit, but it was an entertaining read that charmed me and put a smile on my face.  In a delightful bonus, the glimpses of characters from this author's other series brought all of them together in one big happy family that reflected the family created by the members of each hockey team.

At the start of the story Liam Donnghal's only obsession is playing hockey.  Billeting with a Canadian family while honing his own talents though gives him something else to obsess over…his new family’s daughter, Gracie.  Theirs is a romance long in the making however with a lot of things happening to them and a lot of changes they undergo.  Through everything I found Liam a delicious hero, one who’s experienced some real trauma but who slowly addresses the issues it caused.  He was a bit slow in embracing his burgeoning feelings for Gracie, but once he did, he was all in.  In tender moments between him and Gracie, they were able to connect as adults in a sweet and sensual transition from friends to lovers.

Gracie Bukowski comes from a hockey family, a family of three brothers who play the sport and parents who support each new player.  She desperately wants to make her own mark though and it’s her eventual move to New York that lets her do just that and has her and Liam finally reconnecting after years apart.  This time around it’s two grownups interacting, in steamy interludes that included delightfully naughty French talk from Liam, as well as emotional talks and wholehearted acceptance of who they’ve become.  Gracie’s a wonderful heroine, outspoken and larger than life!  She’s a tell-it-like-it-is woman who’s a perfect match for Liam, especially with him finally working through the issues from his past.

Though this romance was a bit long, the connection between Liam and Gracie captivated me.  I loved seeing their romance grow and their protective sides emerge.  They protected each other from the harsh world outside and their love became an empowering balm that I was constantly rooting for.  Gracie’s family wasn’t the most likable unfortunately and it was their pressure that kept these two apart for so long.  As many problems as I had with this family, I still found myself drawn to Gracie’s brother Kow, and would love another glimpse of him.  The hockey world was depicted in a thoroughly researched addition to the storyline, a loving homage to the sport that was an entertaining backdrop to the romance of these two friends.  With a unique and appealing main couple, a captivating and emotionally engaging romance, and a well-crafted backdrop, readers will find this a sweet and sensual read that will make you smile as well as blush!

My rating for this is an A.

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


AUTHOR INFO:

G.A. Mazurke is the crazy lady behind Serena Akeroyd, crafter of smexy heroes you just wanna lick. While Serena has us expecting dark romance with lots of twists and turns...G. A. is her more mainstream/contemporary personality.
She explores her sweeter side while keeping the sexy we love, where the women fall hard but the men fall harder.
Some of G. A.’s books will cross over into Serena’s universes...so expect a cameo or two from beloved characters, while discovering new bands of brothers, with the banter, the laughs and the tears you are used to.
Keep up with G.A. Mazurke and subscribe to her newsletter HERE.
To learn more about G.A. Mazurke & her books, visit HERE.

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Book Release Blitz for Harvest Moon Kisses by Sara Ohlin (REVIEW)……

 A woman with no ties in the states finds herself connecting to the small town where she's wanting to start an equine therapy program in this sweet and sensual contemporary romance.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Harvest Moon Kisses by Sara Ohlin, along with my impressions of it, then add this second installment in the My Graciella series to your bookshelf!

Choosing true love suddenly seems like no sacrifice at all.

Starting an equine therapy program is Vivianna Orleans’ dream, and she has three months to work on it at Brockman Farms before family obligations will pull her back to France. Arriving in the charming town of Graciella, Vivianna discovers her small rental house is right next door to bachelor Jake Cooper.

Thirty-six-year-old estate attorney Jake Cooper has purchased his first home in Graciella. Too bad his girlfriend doesn’t share his love of small-town life and dumps him. But Jake’s used to moving on from relationships. He’s also used to charming people and being the life of the party, but the woman in the rental next door won’t give him the time of day or even her name.

Slowly, guardedly, the pair draw closer, bonding over their love of animals…including Jake’s crazy rescue mutt who adores Vivianna. When Vivianna gets hurt, Jake swoops in to care for her and their love affair begins. The people and town of Graciella swirl their magic and friendship around Vivianna, urging her to stay…despite the family duties demanding her return to her old life.

Will she give up her legacy and inheritance for a beautiful found family and true love?


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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

With summer winding down I've been on the lookout for quick reads with likable characters, romantic storylines that warm your heart, all in a tale wrapped up in a beautiful bow.  This is just such a read!  It's an easygoing romance with an appealing main couple and just the right amount of emotional melodrama to keep you turning the pages.

Vivianna is a woman with a dream...a dream that time is running out on.  To help her achieve her dream though she's got the unexpected allies of the denizens of Graciella as well as Jake, the single attorney next door.  Vivianna's an appealing heroine, one who's loving and loyal, yet afraid to trust her heart.  Throughout the story, and with the unconditional support of the colorful townsfolk of Graciella, she slowly strengthens her self-esteem in a story of empowerment.  Jake's a good match for Vivianna, a man who's been seen as the life of the party who lives for the moment.  With Vivianna, he's willing to take his time though, and together they create a sensual burn that was nicely built up.

Along with a main couple who readers will be rooting for, there's the equally delightful citizens of Graciella who infused an extra bit of joy to the story.  To top it off, there's Gus...the doggy star of the story.  He played a pivotal role in bringing these two neighbors together and I absolutely adored him.  He added to the warmth of this small town romance and helped put a smile on my face that I'm still wearing.  While this story is nothing new, what it does do it does very well...which has me looking forward to the next installment in this series.

My rating for this is a B.

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Puget Sound based writer, Sara Ohlin is a mom, wannabe photographer, obsessive reader, ridiculous foodie, and the author of the contemporary romance novels, Handling the Rancher, Salvaging Love and the upcoming contemporary romance Seducing the Dragonfly.
She has over fifteen years of creative non-fiction and memoir writing experience, and you can find her essays at Anderbo.com, Feminine Collective, Mothers Always Write, Her View from Home, and in anthologies such as Are We Feeling Better Yet? Women Speak about Healthcare in America, Take Care: Tales, Tips, & Love from Women Caregivers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Although she’s the author of many essays about life, grief, motherhood and the connections we make through delicious food and shared meals, Sara loves creating imaginary worlds with tight-knit communities in her romance novels. She credits her mother, Mary, Nora Roberts and Rosamunde Pilcher for her love of romance.
If she’s not reading or writing, you will most likely find her in the kitchen creating scrumptious meals with her two kids and amazing husband, or perhaps cooking up her next love story. She once met a person who both “didn’t read books” and wasn’t “that into food” and it nearly broke her heart. You can learn more about Ms. Ohlin on her website.

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