Hey, Neighbor is a standalone contemporary novella by Sierra Shipley. Shipley is a new author to me but the blurb looked like a lot of fun and I figurHey, Neighbor is a standalone contemporary novella by Sierra Shipley. Shipley is a new author to me but the blurb looked like a lot of fun and I figured I might as well give it a go.
The heroine of the story is Elsie, described as a shy and curvy girl, she is so severely introverted she is nearly agoraphobic. The hero is her neighbour in the same townhouse complex, Kane. Kane is rough and ready, he's a mechanic and much more extroverted. What starts as a friendship based upon the deal made by Elsie and Kane for him to help her get out into the dating world, ends in something both steamy with some deep emotions.
This was just a fun and charming story, a small town opposites attract that was just so satisfying to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Eager Housewife is a standalone contemporary novella by Evie Rose, and is book 2 of Filthy Scottish Kingpins.
This is one of those books where you eitEager Housewife is a standalone contemporary novella by Evie Rose, and is book 2 of Filthy Scottish Kingpins.
This is one of those books where you either love or loathe the premise. We're talking mafia/crime family (set in the UK), a best friend's father age gap romance, a free use wife, very smutty and with a touch of drama. I would probably go as far to suggest that there is an element of breeding romance as well.
Incredibly hot and steamy. I enjoyed how mature both characters were, so I found it easy to get into the romance side of things.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Rumors, Ruin and the Duke is a standalone regency/historical romance by Karla Katovil and is the first book of The Lost Lords ser4.5* rounded up to 5*
Rumors, Ruin and the Duke is a standalone regency/historical romance by Karla Katovil and is the first book of The Lost Lords series.
The reclusive Duke of Hartwick is back in London and it is the Season. He's only in town because he's found a lead on the investigation that has consumed him for the past five years - the murder of his father and older brother. He has been so consumed that he has pushed away his great aunt, Aunt Trudy, and her companion, Miss Lucy Middleton, where a connection was hinted between the two.
Lucy seems to understand Hart more than most people and she is determined to help him. Although the duke, as their attraction intensifies, is determined to protect Lucy at all costs. Even though he loathes the idea of his aunt finding her a husband. Between the intense feelings between the two, there is mystery and danger. I really enjoyed some of the other characters we met along the way (I won't go into them, because potential spoilers, but I do hope that we get to hear more from at least one of them).
I enjoyed this book, although it didn't blow my mind, it was fun and I enjoyed the drama and the romance. I am looking forward to seeing what else comes in this series and what characters we will meet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
No Sweet Goodbyes is part of the Birch Harbor: Coming Home series by Rue Lennox. While the books in this series are standalone, hints to this story diNo Sweet Goodbyes is part of the Birch Harbor: Coming Home series by Rue Lennox. While the books in this series are standalone, hints to this story did come up in the previous book, so if you want the full experience (including hearing about Emma's machetes), then you might want to go back and see about the other couples in the series.
This is a contemporary, best friend's sister/brother's best friend romance, that also includes military and first responder characters, second chances and secrets. Dominic and Emma have known each other for years, not only is Dominic best friend to Emma's brother, he also served in the same military unit as both of Emma's brothers. However, Dominic is still in the Navy as a reservist, which means he is called up at random times.
Dominic and Emma have always had a thing for each other, but they had never actually communicated with each other about it. In some ways their relationship also has an element of enemies to lovers. As a civilian, Dominic is a police detective in their small hometown, and is blindsided to find out that Emma has joined the force as well.
There is a lot of heart and a lot of emotions in this book. Both characters have valid fears and valid reasons for how things have acted out between them. However, the time has come that could make or break them. I really enjoyed the rollercoaster of emotions and the big feels that I felt while reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Stout of My League is the fourth book of the Love on Tap series by Sylvie Stewart. This is a standalone book, although the main characters of the prevStout of My League is the fourth book of the Love on Tap series by Sylvie Stewart. This is a standalone book, although the main characters of the previous books do appear and the relationships make sense without further context.
In this book, after her older brothers have found love, Lynn Brooks has decided to take life by the horns. Being the youngest and the baby girl of the family means that her over protective brothers tend to be more a hinderance than a help. The book spans over a year as Lynn goes through the life as a college student, working as she studies, and trying to get work at the city's baseball stadium. Lynn has dreams to be a sports physio and she has plans to go as far as doing a PhD. That's how she meets Joey Martel, one of the most popular baseball players in the city.
This is a slow burn romance, where both Lynn and Joey fall deep and hard. It is a really satisfying read because these two really dig deep, even without much intimacy at the start, Lynn and Joey are just explosive together. I enjoyed their journey and their learning to communicate and earn faith/trust in each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Goldie's Grumpy Grizzly is a standalone paranormal romance by Coco Elliot. It is part of the multiauthor series, Filthy Fairytales, and obviously (froGoldie's Grumpy Grizzly is a standalone paranormal romance by Coco Elliot. It is part of the multiauthor series, Filthy Fairytales, and obviously (from the title) this one features elements of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
This is a fun novella featuring a grumpy grizzly bear shifter and a romance writer with a terrible case of writer's block. Bear shifter, Cole, lives out near Fable Forest with his mother and brothers close by. Rae was adopted at a young age by a celebrity couple, and unfortunately with celebrity parents and other successful siblings, she's feeling the pressure and the fear of being mediocre. These two clash the moment they meet, however, this is mostly because of the current stress in their lives, as well as the hang ups formed over the years when it comes to relationships.
This is a cozy, small town, paranormal, fated mates romance that will appeal to many readers that love a sweet romance featuring shifters and all sorts of magic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Charmed by the Mountain Man is a novelette by Lilah Hart and is the fourth book of the Rosewood Ridge Riders. Sexy and charming, this book is the storCharmed by the Mountain Man is a novelette by Lilah Hart and is the fourth book of the Rosewood Ridge Riders. Sexy and charming, this book is the story of single dad and his new nanny who literally turns up on his door step.
If you're not familiar with Lilah Hart, here's what to expect: a mid thirties guy and a early-mid twenties woman, a good dash of instalove, muscle bound and gruff mountain men, a lot of spice, a HEA... and all read in under an hour.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
His Stormy Seduction is a standalone curvy woman/mountain man romance by C.L Cruz. It is a novelette, easily read in under an hour, and is the second His Stormy Seduction is a standalone curvy woman/mountain man romance by C.L Cruz. It is a novelette, easily read in under an hour, and is the second story of the Rugged Peaks series.
This is an instalove romance between a gruff mountain man and a headstrong nature photographer. This was just a fun and steamy ride from start to finish. The characters aren't all about the sex, they definitely have some depth and their own backstories that is significant to their shared chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Dad Bod Gorgon is a fabulous standalone monster romance co-written by Violet Rae and Kat Baxter. I'm really getting into this multiauthor series of DaDad Bod Gorgon is a fabulous standalone monster romance co-written by Violet Rae and Kat Baxter. I'm really getting into this multiauthor series of Dad Bod monsters, and this one happens to be written by two authors that I have really enjoyed individually in the past.
The premise of this one is pretty simple... a hunky gorgon male (you know, beast of Greek myth, think Medusa) and a curvy bombshell human woman - Gideon and Verity. They live in a town that has far more monsters than humans, and while Verity doesn't mind the differences, she is not entirely comfortable in her skin there. But she is certainly passionate about linguistics, teaching various students and translating all sorts of ancient texts. Gideon's and Verity's first meeting doesn't go too well, but there is something there that neither can ignore.
I really enjoyed getting to know both Gideon and Verity. Verity is a strong, independent, extremely intelligent and sassy woman. Gideon is also pretty intelligent, he is also strong physically but probably not so much emotionally with his insecurities when it comes to love. He really is just a teddy bear. This book had Beauty and the Beast kind of vibes and I loved every bit of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Her Forbidden FIrefighter is a standalone contemporary romance by Traci Douglass. It's a small town medical/first responder roma3.5* rounded up to 4*.
Her Forbidden FIrefighter is a standalone contemporary romance by Traci Douglass. It's a small town medical/first responder romance. It's also a Harlequin Medical imprint and honestly, this is one of those more pleasant romances that is best described as a Harlequin romance. There is plenty of tension and a main character that continually fights her feeling, but all in all, this is a really sweet and pleasing romance.
The story surrounds physical therapist at Wyckford General Hospital, Luna. She's got some baggage in her past and for that reason is not keen on getting into a relationship. She is satisfied with her job and her friends and her home in Wyckford. Then there is Mark, he's one of the town's firefighters, he is good at what he does. He also has baggage of his own, though he is known as a lady's man, he also has baggage from his past that means that he mostly focusses on his career, much like Luna.
Mark and Luna are thrown together when Luna gets lost on a trail. Then a tree goes down, blocking the road into town. And then they accidentally find a runaway, who Luna immediately brings in, seeing parts of herself in the troubled teen. All of this means that Mark is close enough to Luna to know that he thinks that she is worth a chance, he just needs to get through her defences.
This is a fun story with a really nice HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Hearts In Vines is a contemporary, small town, enemies to lovers romance by Olivia Reign. It is also the second book in the Vineyard Secrets series, bHearts In Vines is a contemporary, small town, enemies to lovers romance by Olivia Reign. It is also the second book in the Vineyard Secrets series, but can be read as a standalone book.
In some ways this book has a rather typical plot, a woman with a stalker ex-boyfriend is in need of protection. The spin for this one, and a theme that is explored throughout the book, is that Ryan gets a call from the man that bullied him relentlessly in high school, begging Ryan to protect his sister, Hallie. After her parents split up, each taking custody of one child, Hallie didn't grow up with her brother, so she doesn't realise what her brother was like in school. This adds more complexity onto Hallie and Ryan's already complicated start. Thrown into this complicated bullying storyline, there is clear indications that background character, Hallie's brother Gage, could have a full redemption arc.
As for Hallie's ex that is the reason why she is in danger and needs Ryan, this part of the story was well paced. This is the catalyst that makes Ryan see Hallie as more than his bully's sister. These two have definite chemistry, but with all the "stuff" and "drama" going on, it makes them feel both real and relatable. Hallie's brother and Ryan's family also add a layer to the story that makes it feel more real.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. Cannot say more without me gushing and going into full spoilers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Protected by the Alien Mercenary is a standalone sci-fi alien romance by Robin O'Connor, and is part of the My Monster, My Protector series. This is aProtected by the Alien Mercenary is a standalone sci-fi alien romance by Robin O'Connor, and is part of the My Monster, My Protector series. This is a fast paced, steamy read that has a perfect HEA.
The premise of the story is pretty simple. Human woman Rikki finds herself abducted and now she is being auctioned off. That is until an alien mercenary, Thar'oc is drawn to her and saves her.
Thrown together on a space ship, even with others around, Rikki and Thar'oc have a forced proximity type of start to their budding relationship. These two characters are both strong but in many way contrast each other to the point there are parts of their personalities that are polar opposites. Ultimately this means that their path to love is not easy, and is what gives this story so much heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Saved by the Mountain Man is a novelette by Lilah Hart and is the third book of the Rosewood Ridge Riders.
If you're not familiar with Lilah Hart, herSaved by the Mountain Man is a novelette by Lilah Hart and is the third book of the Rosewood Ridge Riders.
If you're not familiar with Lilah Hart, here's what to expect: a mid thirties guy and a early-mid twenties woman, a good dash of instalove, muscle bound and gruff mountain men, a lot of spice, a HEA... and all read in under an hour.
Violet and Colin are characters that I happily got invested in. Colin is part of the local motorcycle club, hence the series, and like many of his brethren are starting to find love just as the biggest event, Biker Blast, hits town.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Sold to the Mountain Man is a contemporary standalone romance by Opal Nicks, and it is the third book of the series Mountain Men of Cady Springs. ThisSold to the Mountain Man is a contemporary standalone romance by Opal Nicks, and it is the third book of the series Mountain Men of Cady Springs. This is a fun and relatively quick read, maybe taking me a little over an hour.
The name of the series says it all really. Hot, sexy mountain men in and around the small town of Cady Springs, Colorado find love. In this book, one of the local recluses, Jack Stone, has been grieving for a long time time over the loss of his fiancée. But his life is about to change when the peace is threatened by an unscrupulous developer, and the sexy woman that is looking to sell to said developer. Chloe wants to sell the land that she inherited. Mostly because the proceeds would give her financial security and also the opportunity for her and her sister to get their business going.
While the sparks of attraction are evident between Jack and Chloe from the start, this is an enemies to lovers type of book. Jack and Chloe are strong characters on their own, but together they are something else. Really fun and really sweet, and with a bit of spice thrown in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Saving Zane is a standalone contemporary romance by Kaci Rose. It is book eight of the Oakside Military Heroes series, set in a tightknit small town. Saving Zane is a standalone contemporary romance by Kaci Rose. It is book eight of the Oakside Military Heroes series, set in a tightknit small town. This is a high danger and suspense novel that also happens to involve a romance that shows the possibility of healing two damaged characters in the process. This is your classic, tough but sensible and emotionally scarred ex-military hero goes in to save the day. The two characters also have a significant age gap, however, I found that the age gap was just there and part of the characters.
Zane was injured while serving in the military, he is still recovering and has been sent to Oakside Hospital. He doesn't have any close links, but arriving at Oakside brings him a new community. It is here that he meets and is instantly drawn to the young woman who is the centre's art therapist, Carlee. There is a sort of gentle romance with hot chemistry as the two get to know each other and figure themselves out. However, things change when Carlee becomes guardian to her niece - life gets complicated, and romance gets even more complicated.
I loved Zane and Carlee, they are really wonderful and complex characters. They are incredibly strong characters and I was cheering for good things for them from the start.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Thrill of the Hunt by Annee Jones is a standalone contemporary novel and is part of the Eligible Bachelors series. This was a fun and relatively easy/Thrill of the Hunt by Annee Jones is a standalone contemporary novel and is part of the Eligible Bachelors series. This was a fun and relatively easy/quick read, with some fast paced action and unravelling a bit of a mystery, there is not one word wasted in this book.
Maya Patel is a journalist looking for her big story to give her career a good kick start. She comes from a traditional family and her parents are nagging her to turn her mind to marriage rather than focusing on her career. She wants to get her teeth into a meaty story, a story that involves drug trafficking. With some inspiration, Maya ends up shadowing local bounty hunter Zane West. Zane has had a checkered past, and a childhood devoid of love or care from his single mother. But his uncle was able to pull him into a better space and join the family business.
Maya and Zane quickly develop a rapport that is based more on getting their guy than anything else. However, the chemistry between them is spicy. I really enjoyed both their character's development as the plot progressed, as they work to solve their case and open up to each other on a personal level. The ending was really just nice and brought a smile to my face.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Short, sexy and sweet instalove in a small mountain town - Obsessed with the Mountain Man is a novelette by Lilah Hart, the fourth book in the RosewooShort, sexy and sweet instalove in a small mountain town - Obsessed with the Mountain Man is a novelette by Lilah Hart, the fourth book in the Rosewood Ridge Mavericks series. Easily read in under an hour, I enjoyed the the grumpy recluse, Luke, who just wants to be left alone. That is until Ally crashes into his life. Ally is like a dog with a bone. But the love bug bites hard.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Molly and the Minotaur is a standalone small town monster (fantasy) romance by Bea Gallo. This was a fascinating read and I loved it. It was like GreeMolly and the Minotaur is a standalone small town monster (fantasy) romance by Bea Gallo. This was a fascinating read and I loved it. It was like Greek mythology meets Beauty and the Beast.
The minotaurs have been cursed by Zeus, and so they live in a magically concealed small town in the middle of nowhere USA. As a result the magical beings with them are also affected by the curse and beings are losing their powers. But there was a prophecy about the woman who will come and break the curse. This is the fated mating of the human woman, Molly, and minotaur, Leonidas. The journey towards mating is not simple and that is the whole fun of the book.
This was a fun world that developed around Leo and Molly, with a whole heap of other characters that we got a peek in on. I really am hoping that this will become a series, because I have so many questions.
Anyone with a passing interest in ancient Greek myths will likely find it enjoyable, but if you're into precise detail from myth to story, this might be a harder one to swallow as the world built does not follow the Greek myths strictly.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Outback Mate is the third book in the contemporary omegaverse series Aussie Alphas, by Bridget Blake. While this book can be read as a standalone, I dOutback Mate is the third book in the contemporary omegaverse series Aussie Alphas, by Bridget Blake. While this book can be read as a standalone, I definitely think that there is benefit in having read the series in order, more for the atmosphere and really getting to know some of the background characters. It's based around the premise of an older omega female working to bring in omega females to match with some of the lonely alphas in the outbaack town Bodella. In this world unmated alphas and omegas face suffering a potentially harmful illness as they continue to remain unmated.
I love this series because as an Aussie, I love being able read Aussie stories written with some of the Australian tone (but not enough to confuse overseas readers). I find it amusing that as I was reading I would differentiate the tone of "mate" depending the context used.
This is an instalove omegaverse romance with an MF coupling. There is a good dose of fighting the mating bond and forced proximity. If you've not really dived into omegaverse novels before, this series (and book) is a good place to start. Also good for those that prefer non-shifter omegaverse.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Don't Tell Anyone I Read Romance is a standalone contemporary romance by Annilee Nelson and is the third book in the Hatfield Falls (Don't Tell) serieDon't Tell Anyone I Read Romance is a standalone contemporary romance by Annilee Nelson and is the third book in the Hatfield Falls (Don't Tell) series. This is the first book I've read by the author, therefore, I've not read the other books in the series. However, we are given more than enough context that I can't actually decide if there is much overall story overlap other than the characters.
This is a fun, sweet and cute romance, which centres around editor Edmund Bennett and romance author Ava Johnston. They live in a fairly conservative town, where Eddie's father is pastor and Ava's family are fairly devoted churchgoers. Their meet cute is that Eddie is Ava's new editor. However, her life as a romance author is a closely guarded secret, especially with some conservative busybodies in town. Ava dreams of a HEA, while Eddie doesn't believe in them.
I did enjoy this story, however, there were a number of times where Ava annoyed me. I guess I felt that she was sometimes unnecessarily antagonistic, especially with their third act drama. But shenanigans aside, I did like Ava's character development as she put down her shields around Eddie. The suggestions of Jane Austen, particularly Pride and Prejudice, were also fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
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