Book Release Blast for Dr. Single Dad by Louise Bay (REVIEW)……

 Unexpected fatherhood has a playboy seeing his future in a whole new light in this charming single dad/nanny romance.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Dr. Single Dad by Louise Bay, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this fifth installment in the Doctors series to your bookshelf!

Unexpected fatherhood, a newborn daughter and a nanny in the next bedroom he can't stop fantasizing about.

When a one-night stand announces I just became a father to a baby girl, my world is thrown into turmoil. My choice: single fatherhood or sign adoption papers.
The decision is easy.
Within hours, I'm on a plane to collect my daughter.
I’m in over my head. I barely know one end of a baby from the other. Luckily, I have the perfect plan. I’ll hire live-in help, have limited involvement with the kid, and keep my life just the same as it’s always been.
I finally find a nanny who lives up to my exacting standards. But the only problem is, every time I look at her, the future I thought I wanted starts to crumble.
Nothing in my life is going according to plan...and the wriggling poo machine in my arms is unexpectedly worming her way into my heart.
Life was ordered and logical until I got myself two roommates and started falling in love with both of them.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

I'm a sucker for a single dad romance and the premise of this one definitely captured my attention.  Though I hadn't read the previous books in this series, I found myself quickly tempted by each of the Cove brothers, and charmed by how they didn't hesitate in coming to support Dax learning about his becoming a father.  In a tale of two people living lives according to expectations and other's needs, this couple became a strong support to one another in finding their personal HEAs.

Dax Cove saw his life in a certain way with little benchmarks to gauge his success.  Becoming an unexpected father wasn't something he planned for but he has no intention of letting it change the picture of his future...at least that's how things start.  He plans on being a hands-off dad with a competent nanny to do all the work.  Having a sweet baby depending on him brings out a softer side to him though, has him enjoying the little milestones of a baby growing up instead of discovering a new medical concept.  The nanny he hired also tempts him and has him thinking of forever when he looks at her in a journey that endeared him to me.  Dax started off a bit arrogant, a bit standoffish, with his vision for his future a very solitary existence.  I enjoyed, and completely embraced, his evolution which showed the power of love.  Eira's supporting him changing his plans for his future was just what he needed.  Embracing love, and guiding a newborn's life, are just as important in the world as a new, medical discovery and it was an enlightening moment for him.

Eira Cadogan is the perfect woman for Dax and it's lucky that fate intervened to bring them together.  She's a strong heroine with a big heart, giving priority to her siblings for the last few years.  She works hard to provide for them, putting her own dreams and plans aside.  Her chemistry with Dax just felt right as they started a steamy journey to HEA full of sexual tension and doubts as they both struggled with what they wanted and who they wanted to be to each other and themselves.  She's a strong support to Dax throughout the book and made him a more likable hero.

Not having read the previous books in this series didn't diminish my enjoyment of it.  In fact, the interactions Dax has with his siblings has me adding their books to my to-buy list.  Their interactions felt real and were imbued with heartfelt emotions that drew me to each couple.  The overall premise is cookie cutter, but there's something about familiarity that made this a comfort read with steam.  Dax and Eira were wonderful together, bringing out the best in each other while forging believable paths.  Baby Guinevere was also a delight, and I normally don't like children in my romance reads, but I enjoyed the gentle and caring side she brought out in Dax.  On a whole, I found this a satisfying read with some spark.  And I look forward to reading more from this author!

My rating for this is a B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes contemporary romance novels that make you laugh - the kind she likes to read.

Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry when she grows up.

Louise loves the rain, RHOBH, London, days when she doesn't have to wear make-up, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne (not necessarily in that order).

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Keep up with Louise Bay and subscribe to her newsletter HERE.

Learn more about Louise Bay & her books HERE.

Connect with Louise Bay HERE.

Book Release Blast for Sincerely, The Puck Bunny by Maren Moore (REVIEW)……

 A hockey player who's more than what he seems wants to find HEA with the family he keeps behind the scenes, until the heroine's secrets get in the way, in this charming romance with just a bit of angst.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Sincerely, The Puck Bunny by Maren Moore, along with getting my impressions of this second installment in the Totally Pucked series, then add it to your bookshelf!

Who’s ready for Daddy Briggs?

Spoiler alert...
Briggs Wilson, the NHL’s most notorious bad boy isn’t actually who everyone thinks he is.
He’s kind, compassionate, loyal.
And plot twist?
The best baby daddy ever.
Yep, you read that right.
One weekend...One mind blowing weekend that ended with me having a baby with someone I barely knew.
We had a plan.
Co-parent, raise our daughter and put her first. Always.
Too bad I never considered actually falling for my charming baby daddy. Even better?

He wanted our family, more than anything. The problem?
I have a secret.
One that could destroy everything.

Sincerely,

The Puck Bunny

BUY here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

While unexpected pregnancies aren't my favorite romance trope, I was drawn to this story from the start because of my love for sexy athletes...and Briggs Wilson is definitely all that and more!  The media might see him as the bad boy of hockey, a player on and off the ice, but the reality of him is vastly different.  As the story of Briggs and Madison, the woman who turns his life upside down through the results of their one night stand and through the secret she's keeping, moves forward we see them changing not only as individuals but as a couple.  With each turn of the page the changes we see made me like them all the more, had me falling for them while I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Madison's truth to come out.  By the end I was utterly charmed by new daddy Briggs, with a heart warmed by a unique "family" of hockey players whose stories I look forward to reading next!

Briggs has had a life that's left him feeling bruised and angry, leading to a hockey career in jeopardy because of his hard living, along with a questionable reputation that has you seeing him in an unflattering light at the start of the story.  A brief respite though leads to a one night stand that changes everything for him and it's not long before he becomes my newest addition to my list of book boyfriends.  From the moment he met Madison there were definite sparks and watching the two of them grow closer together was delightful with lots of steamy interludes.  Their time away from the world, in the middle of nowhere, allowed them to be themselves and I liked who they started to show to readers from that moment on.  A few bumps along the way, as well as Madison's big bump, lead to big changes for Briggs that had him wholeheartedly embracing his new role as father.  He becomes completely smitten with baby Olive, interacting with her in scenes that made my uterus ache.  Though he started off trying to keep his relationship with Madison as a platonic couple, it's clear there's too many sparks to ignore, and it's not long before their relationship becomes steamy yet complicated with her secret hanging over them.  Briggs becomes a delicious hero with the birth of Olive, showing a soft and protective side to the bad boy persona seen previously.  He's a loving father who's determined to be the best dad ever, determined to do all he can to make his new family safe and happy.  To see that happen he gets surprising help from his teammates, a group of men who are like family to Briggs and who are equally charming in their own interactions with Olive.  Considering how awful Briggs's real family was to him, how manipulative they were, my heart was especially warmed by his teammates unwavering support of him through all his highs and lows.  Madison was a bit harder to like at times, particularly when it came to the secret she's keeping.  It was an obvious secret to readers from the very start, one that she easily could've shared at any point, especially as they were growing closer as parents and lovers.  I admired her mama bear attitude, admired her strength as a single parent, but was disappointed by her not telling Briggs the truth sooner.  Despite this secret hanging over them, I enjoyed their time together and the bond that formed between them was sweet and sexy.

With its delicious hero and endearing daddy/daughter interactions, this was a charming tale of unexpected family and second chances set in the hockey world.  Briggs became a better man as the story progressed, became the quintessential book boyfriend, and he was a definite highlight (especially in scenes with baby Olive).  While Madison wasn't a favorite heroine of mine, I did admire her motherly strength and her ultimately coming to Briggs's defense when he needed support most.  They were a sizzling pair, fun and flirty from the very start, becoming a solid parental pairing when Olive entered the picture.  Alongside this compelling main couple was an equally delightful cast of secondary characters,  teammates to Briggs who displayed brotherly bonds at every turn.  My favorites amongst all the teammates were Graham and Asher, sexy and funny, who endeared themselves to me as they argued over who was the better uncle...Graham especially charmed me in his own scenes with Olive and I'm definitely looking forward to his book.  All of these teammates have me excited for the future of this series and I'm waiting with breathless anticipation for where Ms. Moore takes us next!

My rating for this is a B+

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

FIND THE AUTHOR HERE:

FACEBOOK  |  READER GROUP  |  INSTAGRAM  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Book Blitz for Cameron Unscripted by Emily Mims.....

Two men who have been flirting with each other for years find their burgeoning connection complicated when one suddenly becomes a father in this contemporary m/m romance of compromise and the power of love.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Cameron Unscripted by Emily Mims, then add this sixth installment in the Durango Street Theatre series to your bookshelf!

Subtle glances, suggestive smirks, passing comments laced with innuendo...Cameron Heiser and Josh Goldstein have been quietly flirting for years. Just when the time seems right to act on their desire, Josh’s focus shifts when unexpectedly, he becomes father to his young niece and nephew.

Cam doesn’t date men with kids. Too many complications. He likes his fun to flow with the pace of his life. He comes and goes as he pleases, and getting involved with someone else’s family is more than he’s willing to take on. Even for Josh.

But the pull is too strong, and they strike a deal. What they have has to remain separate from Josh’s family life. No kids involved. What starts out as the apparent perfect solution turns into everything Cam swore he wouldn’t do. Josh’s time is not his own, and Cam is not good with waiting on the sidelines.

Miserable apart, Cam sees no way to make it work until fate’s hand pushes him in a direction he never saw possible. No one is more surprised to learn, love really does conquer all.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  SMASHWORDS  |  BOROUGHS PUBLISHING GROUP

OTHER BOOKS IN THE DURANGO STREET THEATRE SERIES:

Vivi's Leading Man - Book One

A year after their divorce, Vivi and Miguel are forced to work together to save the Durango Street Theatre, and learn they might really love each other after all.

Maggie's Starring Role - Book Two

Maggie has to secure grant funding to keep the Durango Street Theatre alive, but Kirby is standing in her way, and he’s too damn sexy to ignore.

Wade's Dangerous Debut - Book Three

Star of community theater, Wade Baxter's been living a lie for years, and to hold on to the man he loves, Wade must shed his demons and step into the light.

Jessica's Hero - Book Four

After her bomb squad husband got blown up, Jessica vowed no more cops, especially since she'd grown up with a cop father, and knew all too well she was not meant to be waiting up all night and worrying, never mind being widowed again, and then SWAT officer Brian Howard danced his way into her life, and she had to make a choice: be happy or be safe.

Letti's Second Act - Book Five

He’s too young, brash, and one hell of a distraction, but Letti can’t get Kevin Summerset out of her mind, and she might have to give into his pull after all.

AUTHOR INFO:

Author of over 25 Romance novels, Emily combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. The mother of two sons, she and her husband split their time between Texas and eastern Tennessee. For relaxation she plays the piano, organ, and dulcimer.

WEBSITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Book Release Blitz for Wicked Secret by Sawyer Bennett (REVIEW)

It’s a steamy romance of second chances that drives this story of two people torn apart by fate who find themselves reconnecting to save a life.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Wicked Secret by Sawyer Bennett, along with my impressions of it, then add this seventh installment in the Wicked Horse Vegas series to your bookshelf!

Those that truly know August Greenfield, will tell you that I live my life to the fullest. Work hard as part of the team at Jameson Force Security but play just as hard at The Wicked Horse Vegas. I have no regrets about my life.

Well, maybe just one.

Leighton Hale was my first love and the woman I wanted to spend my life with, but one day she was just gone. Vanished without a trace. Even my extensive contacts as part of the team at Jameson left me empty-handed in my search for answers. My single remorse is never being able to find out what happened to her, because no matter how difficult the truth may be, it can’t be as bad as never knowing at all.

Ten years later, a knock on my front door brings me face-to-face with the woman I thought I’d never see again and nothing in my life could have prepared me for the secrets she holds.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (KINDLE)  |  AMAZON (PRINT)  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  GOOGLE PLAY  |  KOBO  |  AUDIBLE

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

It’s the best of both worlds in this latest release from Sawyer Bennett as the world of the Wicked Horse meets Jameson Force Security in a suspenseful and erotically-charged romance.  Young love with dreams for the future were dashed with ten years of broken hearts and unanswered questions the result with a second chance to save a life and find HEA fueling this story and keeping me glued to the pages.  From its appealing characters, to its steamy interludes, to nicely paced moments of danger, readers will find themselves captivated by this story and looking forward to what comes next.

To all the world August Greenfield seems to be living life to the fullest with his globetrotting as an agent for Jameson Force Security and his scorching encounters at the Wicked Horse sex club.  While he might seem fulfilled by his lifestyle, they hide a heart that was bruised ten years ago when the love of his life left without a word.  His attempts to find her resulted in nothing but frustration and anger over her disappearance.  A knock on the door in the middle of the night though brings his past racing back to the present, bringing with it answers he’s always longed for along with a big reveal that will forever change his life.  The woman he’s never forgotten is back and it arouses all of August’s protective instincts, has him employing all his talents to keep her and her family safe.  Their second chance soon becomes an action-packed, erotically-charged, rollercoaster ride to HEA that had me frantically turning the pages towards its immensely satisfying conclusion.  From the start August is a delicious hero, hardworking and hard when playing, a man with strong loyalties.  Leighton’s return brings out all sorts of conflicting emotions in him...he’s hurt that she never contacted him before now, hurt that she kept a big secret from him, but understands why she did what she did.  Though he understands, that doesn’t keep him from sometimes saying or doing something hurtful.  He might like to keep their relationship all about sex, but it’s clear there’s meant to be more between them and as the story progresses they make their way back to each other.  The dreams they once had are finally able to come true in this scorching and sentimental story.

Ten years ago Leighton Hale dreamed of marrying August and having a family...until she and her father were dragged away in the middle of the night in order to keep them safe.  She never forgot him though, and with a life-altering disease staring her in the face, she’ll need him now more than ever.  After arriving at his door the truth she reveals to him is a heart-wrenching one, one that robbed him of time, and his early anger is understandable.  It makes for a rocky start to their reunion, but it ultimately binds them together as they stand in solidarity to make her son Sam healthy.  Leighton was young when she got taken away, forced into keeping secrets to keep her family safe.  She’s grown stronger over the years though and when Sam falls ill she thinks only about him as she races to August.  To get his help she’ll have to give up control, both in and out of the bedroom.  Doing so gives her more power than she ever imagined as August isn’t the boy he once was...he’s now a determined man who always gets what he wants.  Leighton’s a strong-willed woman, a true mama bear, a woman who still wants a HEA with August and gives as good as she gets.  Her and August scorched up the pages throughout their second chance and I enjoyed seeing them rediscover each other.

This was a fast-paced story with a perfect balance of sexiness and suspense.  I was kept on the edge of my seat, while blushing a time or two, as I gobbled up every interaction between August and Leighton.  August is a drool-worthy hero with a protective side I was drawn to and it warmed my heart to see him with Sam.  He took on the fatherly role quite well as his time with Sam felt realistic, especially with the seriousness of Sam’s health.  While he embraced his fatherly side, he didn’t hesitate in employing sensuality in his interludes with Leighton and these scenes utterly sizzled.  A scene between the two of them and his friend Declan was particularly unforgettable.  Declan Blackwood was a decadently delightful addition to the story, a rich boy living on his family’s hotel wealth.  He too embraced a hedonistic lifestyle, but showed a strong sense of loyalty too when it comes to his fledgling friendship with August.  Declan is sexy, unrepentant in his desires, and I’m left longing to know more about him and I hope his story is on the horizon.  A strong main couple, immensely appealing secondary characters (especially the endearing Sam and sexy Declan), and a captivating storyline make for yet another winner from Ms. Bennett involving two entertaining series!

My rating for this is an A-

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

AUTHOR INFO:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

FACEBOOK  |  FACEBOOK READER GROUP  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  BOOK+MAIN BITES  |  NEWSLETTER  |  WEBSITE  |  BOOKBUB |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  |  BN AUTHOR PAGE  |  MASTER BLOGGER PAGE

Book Release Blitz for Dare To Resist by Carly Phillips

A bachelor enjoying his post football career suddenly becomes a father when a baby is left on his doorstep.  Needing help he begs his assistant to move in as a nanny and it’s not long before their long-simmering attraction ignites.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Dare To Resist by Carly Phillips, then add this first installment in the Dare Nation series to your bookshelf!

He’s about to find a baby on his doorstep…and his assistant in his bed.

Austin Prescott is a lot of things. Ex football player. Sports agent. And as of this morning? Father. Finding a baby on his doorstep should have been a joke but the pink sticky note and baby carrier she came in is deadly serious.

What’s an out of his depth bachelor to do? Call his tempting and beyond gorgeous executive assistant and beg her to move in.

Quinnlyn Stone agrees to help Austin until he can straighten out his messy life. It’s just another item on her very long To-Do list. It’s absolutely not because she’s attracted to her very single and extremely handsome boss.

Close quarters. A baby. Undeniable chemistry. What could possibly go wrong?

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (KINDLE)  |  AMAZON (PRINT)  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  GOOGLE PLAY

AUTHOR INFO:

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books HERE.

BOOKBUB  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  INSTAGRAM  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Book Tour for To Tame a Wild Cowboy by Lori Wilde (GIVEAWAY)

A sexy bull rider finds himself an unexpected single father in this endearing small town romance that ends with a marriage of convenience that catches both he and his bride by surprise.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of To Tame a Wild Cowboy by Lori Wilde, then add this contemporary tale to your bookshelf.  In honor of this seventh installment in the Cupid, Texas series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a set of the most recent books in this series too!

New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde’s series set in Cupid, TX continues as one free-wheeling cowboy discovers he has a child—and a chance at real love with the last woman he expected.

What would it take to tame a wild cowboy?

One minute, Rhett Lockhart is a love ‘em and leave ‘em bull rider with a slow, sexy smile, a swagger, and not a care in the world. The next, he learns his free-wheeling days are over: a baby has been abandoned in the hospital, and there’s no question: he’s the father. But from the first moment he gazes into his daughter’s eyes, he knows the moment has come to say ‘no’ to no-strings. It’s time to grow up.

Standing in his way is the baby’s foster mother, Tara Alzate, who doesn’t quite believe Rhett is ready to change his ways. Still, she’s not not immune to his considerable charms. So when he proposes a marriage of convenience and shared custody, against her better judgement, she says “I do.” Can Tara tame this wild cowboy and make her own, long-buried dreams come true?

EXCERPT:

“Rhett, you may now kiss your bride.” Here it was. The moment Tara had been dreading since she’d cooked up this farcical idea. She’d made him promise to dole out nothing by a mere hint of a kiss, the barest brushing, the smallest increment of lip touching that they could get away with. He’d promised. She trusted him. He leaned in. She braced herself, locking her knees. Hang on. It’ll be over in an instant. His head dipped. She tipped her chin up. Rhett’s mouth came down on hers and for a second, he was playing by the rules and she sighed with relief, and thought, wow, this is nice...But the thought was premature. Her lips parted involuntarily, and she closed her eyes and sank against him. Well and completely lost.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  AVON ROMANCE  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  GOOGLE PLAY

AUTHOR INFO:

A fifth generation Texan, LORI WILDE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 82 works of fiction. She’s a three-time nominee of the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA award and has won numerous other awards. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University, and a certificate in forensics.

She is also a certified Hatha yoga instructor, and runs a yoga/creativity retreat for artists at Epiphany Orchards in Weatherford, Texas, the Cutting Horse Capital of the World.

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour for Legend by Sawyer Bennett (REVIEW)

When a regimented hockey player who likes things calm finds himself suddenly playing daddy, he can no longer ignore the sparks flying between him and his carefree neighbor as they bond over the bundle of joy that’s upending his life.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Legend by Sawyer Bennett, then add this third installment in the Arizona Vengeance series to your bookshelf!

The Arizona Vengeance is hockey’s hottest new team. But hockey’s hottest goalie is learning that even the best players sometimes need an assist.

Everything is clicking for the Vengeance. We may be new, but we’re well on our way to winning the championship, and I’m having the time of my life headlining the sports media as the hottest goalie—hell, player—ever. I for one am going to live up to my name...because I am Legend Bay.

Dragging my ass home from the gym, I’m blinded by some gaudy, glowing holiday lights. As usual, my hot-as-hell neighbor Pepper Nantais has gone way over the top. But just as I’m about to tell her off, something else catches my eye...Seems like Santa left me a present, and not one I was expecting.

As life takes an unexpected turn, I realize that there’s much more to Pepper than meets the eye. Sure, she’s gorgeous. And exasperating. And her taste in decorating may be a bit...unique.

But beneath her carefree demeanor is a fierce determination and a heart of gold. And before I know it I’ve fallen for her. Hard...

Pepper is exactly the woman I never knew I needed.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  AUDIBLE  |  GOOGLE PLAY

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As the third book in the Arizona Vengeance series readers have come to embrace these sexy men of the hockey world, becoming fully invested in their HEAs, and Legend is a delightful addition to the series.  In a tale that pulls at the heartstrings, while making you blush a time or two, readers will be charmed by the romance between two very different people who balance each other out beautifully.  Add in a bit of suspense courtesy of outside forces battering the happy bubble surrounding this likable main couple and you end up with an entertaining read that has me ready for more of these characters to take center stage.

Next door neighbors Pepper Nantais and Legend Bay have been rubbing each other wrong since he moved in, their differences adding to the obvious sexual tension, but the moment he finds a surprise on his front porch he finds himself counting on her more and more.  It’s not long before they’re giving into their palpable attraction in scorching, and endearing scenes, that shows them unexpectedly becoming a family.  Throughout this series Legend has shown himself to be cool, calm, and collected.  He likes order and is a bit of a stick-in-the-mud due to his childhood spent in the military, which is why his neighbor’s carefree way of life annoys him so much.  While she annoys him though, he can also admit that he’s attracted to her and enjoys their sparring matches.  The moment he discovers he’s a father is the moment everything changes for him and Pepper as she becomes vital in him learning the ropes of fatherhood and their working together shows them to be a formidable couple.  I liked seeing a softer side to Legend as his scenes with his baby girl were endearing and brought a smile to my face.  His scenes with Pepper were crackling from the moment they met and giving into their desires led to scorching interludes that had me blushing as readers saw Legend losing his usual control whenever he was with her.  Action-packed scenes on the ice were a nice addition to the external forces of chaos caused by a frustrating birth mother and issues surrounding other members of the team that led to a richly rewarding HEA for him and Pepper.

Pepper’s an immensely appealing heroine, a breath of fresh air to Legend’s ordered life.  She makes no excuses for her over-the-top decorations, her outgoing nature, or her enjoyment in poking at Legend’s control.  Her carefree attitude fuels her crackling connection to him and makes their instant indulgence all the more believable.  Behind her Bohemian nature lies a kind heart, an openness to make things better for others, and it’s what binds her to Legend as he undertakes his new role of father.  She easily rolls with every change thrown her way, never feeling cheated by what befell her in the past, and her easygoing nature made me like her all the more.  She’s the perfect balance to Legend, helping him take time to smell the roses, and get a little dirty in their erotically-charged journey to HEA.

This was a sweet and sexy read featuring a delightful main couple whose romance made me chuckle as well as blush a time or two.  These two opposites are crackling together, in perfect sync despite their differences, making each other better through their mutual support of each other.  His unexpected fatherhood was the driving force in Legend and Pepper getting together and it was heartwarming to see what baby Charlie brought out in them.  Alongside their easygoing romance were a few bumps in the road that felt unnecessary as I was enjoying the sensual haze of their romance and felt that these outside forces were a distraction.  Surrounding this entertaining main couple was the other members of the Arizona Vengeance, some whose stories have already been told and some whose stories I’m clamoring to read.  Though this story’s focus is mostly about Legend’s personal growth, there’s some exciting action on the ice that shows this team working together as the tight knit brotherhood we’ve seen forming throughout this series.  Among the players I’m most intrigued by are Dax, a friend to Pepper who’s got issues of his own in this story, along with Tacker who’s still dealing with the loss of a past love.  Tacker’s clearly hurting and I long to see him finally find some happiness in a story that promises to be emotionally intense.  On a whole this was another enjoyable addition to Ms. Bennett’s entertaining hockey series that I recommend to readers looking for an unforgettable main couple in a journey to HEA that’s been a long time coming.

My rating for this is an A-/B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even better, both.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

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