Category Archives: ARC
Audio Review: Courage by Kristen Proby
Courage
Kristen Proby
Stephen Dexter
Heroes of Big Sky Series, Book 2
Natasha Mills feels like she’s loved firefighter Sam Waters her entire life. Since she first met him during middle school, she’s harbored a secret crush on her best friend’s big brother. It’s just something she lives with every day—too bad he doesn’t notice her. To Sam, Tash is his little sister’s best friend and that’s it.
Disaster strikes the Waters family, leaving Sam’s sister and her husband dead, and their young children in the hands of Sam and Natasha. Suddenly, these two are navigating the loss of people they loved, while trying to figure out parenthood together. The grief is devastating, and raising twins is harder than either of them bargained for. But in working together, and leaning on each other, Sam and Tash learn that family comes in all different shapes and sizes.
The more time he spends with Natasha though, the more Sam realizes just how sweet and sexy she really is. He finds himself slowly but surely falling for her. But when the time comes for him to let her go—will he be able to walk away from the family he’s helped build?
Emotional and heartwarming.
Suffering the loss of a loved one is hard enough as it is but then having parenthood rusted into your hands it’s a bit more than anyone could possibly ask for. Finding a delicate way to balance your emotions while raising twins is almost impossible. Natasha and Sam are doing all the can to support, help and get this co parenting thing down. Both have had secret feelings for the other for years, the time spent together and all the emotions broke a barrier and they both gave in. As they navigate the waters and start to become a family parts of life that were put on hold leave a choice lingering.
Courage is an emotional ride of a story that leaves you feeling so good at the end. I got choked up so many times while listening. The amount of emotions that come through the words of the story are unbelievable. Natasha and Sam I have a unique situation that they try to make the best of. Feelings that they’ve had for one another for years come to the surface which is only natural considering the situation that they are now in. They came together as a family, And made a new family of their own. I have to give amazing credit to the narrators. Their talent through the audio narration of this book truly gives another layer of emotion to this Hit you hard in the heart story.
Review: Faking It With My Billionaire Boss by Melissa Schroeder
Faking It With My Billionaire Boss
Melissa Schroeder
Faking It Series,
Part of the Melissa Schroeder Instalove Collection: Same World. Any Order. Individual Love.
I’ve been infatuated with Silas Prescott for the longest time.
Sure, he doesn’t know I’m alive as he walks past me without looking up from his phone. But, it’s not like I ever thought he would notice me, or anyone else for that matter. All he cares about is work.
That is, until he needs a date and his sister insists I should play his fake girlfriend. And not just for a date, but a whole weekend, staying in the same room, lying to all of their friends and family. But I’m desperately in need of money and I can handle a weekend pretending to be a billionaire’s plaything.
Only…it’s hard to remember it’s only fake when he acts like a possessive jerk, or when he tells me I’m beautiful, or when I’m in his arms.
But I have to remember it’s not real because falling for my fake boyfriend would be a mistake. There is only one thing Silas Prescott cares about and that’s work.
Author Note: This relationship might start out fake, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. Along the way there’s a dressing room incident, dancing, and a Momzilla who wants nothing more than to have her kids happily married. Don’t worry, our hero and heroine get their happily ever after.
4 Stars
Melissa Schroeder never fails to give the readers a story that they can enjoy. Faking It With My Billionaire Boss is a fun and quick read that really is nothing fake about.
Georgie is a good Woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Drowning in medical bills from her mother and just trying to keep afloat with not one but two jobs. When an opportunity knocks that allows her to clear out the medical debt and have a little fun, the temptation pushes her onward.
Silas has dedicated himself to work. Twenty eight years old and a workaholic with a meddling mother that wants nothing more for him to be happy and to get some grandbabies. When his loving sister hatches a great plan of a fake relationship Silas agrees to the plan but when the woman chosen is revealed, fake just went out the window.
Faking It With My Billionaire Boss is fun, sweet and sexy. I loved the unexpected side of Silas. Georgie is just too sweet for words. Together they are perfect. Their personalities complement each other well and I love how they interact with one another. And not to mention their chemistry in true Melissa Schroeder fashion is off the charts. This is one of those quick reads that will definitely have you with a smile on your face at the end.
Treasured by Lexi Blake
Treasured
Lexi Blake
Masters and Mercenaries Series, Book 22.5
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…
David Hawthorne has a great life. His job as a professor at a prestigious Dallas college is everything he hoped for. Now that his brother is back from the Navy, life seems to be settling down. All he needs to do is finish the book he’s working on and his tenure will be assured. When he gets invited to interview a reclusive expert, he knows he’s gotten lucky. But being the stepson of Sean Taggart comes with its drawbacks, including an overprotective mom who sends a security detail to keep him safe. He doesn’t need a bodyguard, but when Tessa Santiago shows up on his doorstep, the idea of her giving him close cover doesn’t seem so bad.
Tessa has always excelled at most anything she tried, except romance. The whole relationship thing just didn’t work out for her. She’s not looking for love, and she’s certainly not looking for it with an academic who happens to be connected to her boss’s family. The last thing she wants is to escort an overly pampered pretentious man-child around South America to ensure he doesn’t get into trouble. Still, there’s something about David that calls to her. In addition to watching his back, she will have to avoid falling into the trap of soulful eyes and a deep voice that gets her heart racing.
But when the seemingly simple mission turns into a treacherous race for a hidden artifact, David and Tess know this assignment could cost them far more than their jobs. If they can overcome the odds, the lost treasure might not be their most valuable reward.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
4 Stars
Lexi Blake does it once again.
Treasured finds us with our sexy nerd alert radar going off at full force. David Hawthorne is a hot professor who has a bad ass for a step father and a few kinky secrets. And we also have Tessa Santiago. A woman who excels at her job at McKay-Taggart but her life is not so together having recently broken off an engagement. A chance meeting has sparks flying but as soon as Tessa realizes who this handsome hottie is she’s gone like the wind. Fate steps in and gives these two a big push when Tessa is assigned to be David’s bodyguard for a trip to a private island.
Oh my God the chemistry between these two. Tessa has some alpha tendencies that I absolutely adored in her. I love how she got protective of her professor. David’s laid-back way of being a Dom was quite a surprise. With a Mystery at hand and chemistry so hot it could set the world on fire. I love how they interact with each other and it was only a matter of time until fate would win and David and Tessa saw what they needed to in each other.
Lexi Blake never fails to give her readers a story they can get lost in and fall in love with the characters. For a long time reader she gives a few little treats of upcoming possibilities in future stories and there’s nothing like getting to spend time with McKay-Taggert crew.
Review: Rebel’s Karma by Rebecca Zanetti
Rebel’s Karma
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 11
For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .
Or desire . . .
Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger…
| 4 Stars
If there was a demon-vampire hybrid that would be the life of the party, it would be Benny. As serious as his life is, this alpha protector knows you have to live. Benny has so much to him. A fun and a bit crazy side yet is so sweet at times he will make your heart go pitter patter. Karma is so brave and an incredibly strong Woman. She’s endured so much but yet she keeps fighting. Losing her mate just as they were beginning their time together, to never be able to meet again, to being put into a situation beyond her control. Her femininity it’s a beautiful touch to her personality. It’s who she is and she lets that part of her self shine. For someone who does their best to blend in she definitely stands out. Rebecca Zanetti is definitely turning it up in Rebels Karma. There are some many levels of intensity to the story and it just gets better along the way. Benny and Karma are beautiful together. Benny’s caring nature helps Karma on the path of finding her true self. They complement each other beautifully and their passion is so deep. The situation is getting heated and everyone is willing to do what it takes to keep everyone safe or to get to their ultimate goal. Rebecca Zanetti is definitely keeping us on our toes. |
Review: Wild Love by Melissa Schroeder
Wild Love
Melissa Schroeder
Juniper Springs Series, Book 1
Then I met him.
Quinn is a big bear of a man, with massive hands and amazing…staying power. Like all night long and the next morning kind of staying power. So when he asks me to spend the next day with him, I do. The only reason I give him my number is because he makes me laugh. And, okay, so I might have met up with him once or twice.
That doesn’t mean I need him. Because I am Everly Freaking Spencer, and I don’t need anyone (other than my bestie), and definitely not a man.
Only…
He shows up by chance at my store, which totally freaks me out. Finding out he’s my favorite author doesn’t help either.
And the surprise that’s dropped in our laps later that day?
Major. Freak. Out.
But, like I said, I don’t need anyone.
Right?
If I keep repeating that, I might just believe it.
Author warning: Get ready for a trip into the hippiest little town in Texas. There’s gossipy little old ladies (LOLs), an app that every teenager hates, trips to Denver and Cali, a woman who is convinced true love doesn’t exist, and man who aims to prove her wrong by doing things to her that should embarrass the author. And she was. (Not really). Along the way readers get to spend time with the gorgeous Hawthorne brothers and gay ducks. SERIOUSLY. GAY. DUCKS. Just get the book already because you know you want to know about them. Also, there’s a happily ever after fit for a woman with commitment issues and man who just doesn’t know when to give up.
Review: Seduced by the Spy by Shayla Black
Seduced by the Spy
Shayla Black
Forbidden Confessions Series, Book 6
Expected publication: June 1st 2021 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
What will she surrender to him for his protection?
I’m Vanessa.
Someone has broken into my place…but taken nothing.
I’m terrified.
And alone.
My work crush appears unexpectedly and offers to keep me safe.
At what price?
We have a past Rush doesn’t remember…
So I offer him a night he won’t forget.
But he already knows everything about me—my ambitions, habits, and forbidden desires.
And that’s not the only secret he’s been keeping…
A single kiss leaves more than a lasting impression. A longing with wants for years to come.
Vanessa brazenly kissed Rush on a prom night years ago and has been the man of her thoughts for years to follow. When Rush turns up in her present day life, working in the same building Vanessa’s dreams of what could be reawaken. Yet she wonders, does he even remember.
Rush lives a very dangerous life and holds many dark secrets. His mission- protect the bosses daughter. Protect the one woman he’s wanted more than anything in his life. He remembers Vanessa. Remembers her feel and taste. As painstaking as it is, Rush keeps his hands to himself until danger falls upon Vanessa and Comfort is what she needs. By God he’s going to be the one to give it to her.
Seduced By the Spy is my favorite story of Shayla Black’s Forbidden Confessions series. Vanessa is a strong woman with goals. Rush has had his hands in the dirtiness of the world. Him feeling like he’s not good enough for her and she thinking he doesn’t even see her. They are absolutely perfect together. Rush and Vanessa take reader on a ride of emotions, action , laughter and super hot sexy time. Ms. Black packs a punch with this forbidden confession.
Review: Fake by Kylie Scott
Fake
Kylie Scott
West Hollywood Series, Book 1
When a scandal tarnishes the reputation of hot as hell A-lister, Patrick Walsh, he needs a reputation rescue, pronto.
Enter waitress Norah Peers–a nobody who’s average with a capital A. She’s available, dependable, and has sworn off men for the rest of her natural born life. In other words: the perfect match for a no-strings fake romance.
For the right amount of money, she can avoid waitressing and play the part of his dependable down-to-earth girlfriend. What she can’t avoid–dammit–is the growing steam between them.
But being hounded by the paparazzi and having your life dissected on social media is a panic attack in the making. And while Patrick might be a charming rogue on screen, in real life he’s a six-foot-two confusing, gorgeous, brooding grump, who keeps her at a distance . . . but also makes her feel like this bond between them might be more than just an act.
Being dumped on cue should be no big deal. Except being fake with Patrick is the realist relationship Norah has ever had. What’s a girl to do, but flip the script, and ask for a rematch made in Hollywood?
Review: Dark Alpha’s Obsession by Donna Grant
Dark Alpha’s Obsession
Donna Grant
Reapers Series, Book 11
When Erith directs me to infiltrate the enemy and topple them from within, I immediately accept the challenge. I figure it’ll be easy until a stunning warrior goddess crosses my path and diverts my attention. The problem? She’s in league with those I was sent to take down. However, I soon discover there is more to her than meets the eye and quickly find my mission divided: disband this new group of Fae Others and save the gorgeous Light from her family—and herself. All it takes is one look, one conversation to know that she’s mine, and I will chance Death’s displeasure to make it so. But the risks are great. Because when you fall in love with the enemy, more than your heart is on the line.
Review: A Hex for Danger by Esme Addison
A Hex for Danger
Esme Addison
An Enchanted Bay Mystery Series, Book 2
The small town of Bellamy Bay has its share of skeletons in its closet, but it isn’t used to bodies turning up in the local history museum. After all, this coastal North Carolina town is much like any other…except, of course, for the mermaids.
Helping to run the family business, an herbal apothecary while keeping her supernatural secret hidden is no easy feat for water witch Aleksandra Daniels. But somehow she’s still found time to help her friend Celeste, who has her own Caribbean mermaid heritage plan the annual Mermaid Festival. As fun-seekers throng the beaches, Alex gets to know and is intrigued by renowned artist Neve Ryland, who’s in town to decorate the local park with a mermaid-themed mural. Celeste, however, is less enamored with the artist, as Neve has been spending entirely too much one-on-one time with her boyfriend Jasper, director of Bellamy Bay’s history museum. Then, a reception for Neve ends abruptly when the artist is found dead in his office.
The police investigation nets Celeste who asks Alex to find the true culprit. With the help of her magically-inclined aunt and cousins, Alex dives in to clear her friends name. But there was more to Neve Ryland than met the eye…and Alex fears she may be in way too deep. Will she catch the crook or be next on the hook?
If you are a paranormal cozy mystery fan this is definitely a book for you. Creative and captivating, A Hex for Danger is an entertaining and well written cozy.
Welcome back to the mysterious Bellamy Bay. It’s Mermaid Festival time and there is more on the tide than some crazy waves. When a local artist is found murdered, Alex is on it again to clear a family member’s name of murder. With magic in the air, the descents of mermaids are on the case in this twisted mystery. A fantastic mix of mythology, lore and legend with a keep the reader on their toes kind of mystery. Alex will not only weave you through the mystery she will take you on an adventure too.
A Hex for Danger is a fantastic and creative cozy mystery. Author Esme Addison has done her research and it shows. Adding her creativity to bring a new light to watery lore. An Enchanted Bay Mystery series now has two solid mysteries to its series.
Review: Deadly Ever After by Eva Gates
Deadly Ever After
Eva Gates
Lighthouse Library Mystery Series, Book 8
Librarian Lucy’s wedding is at stake when a murder interrupts her engagement celebrations. To make it down the aisle, she’ll have to find the killer to save the date in the 8th book in the Lighthouse Library mysteries.
They’re getting married! Lucy Richardson and Connor McNeil have announced their engagement. Their friends throw a party for the couple at Coquina Beach, close to Lucy’s beloved Bodie Island Lighthouse Library.
As they’re packing up the presents and the (few) leftovers from Josie’s Cozy Bakery, who should arrive, but Richard Eric Lewiston III, Lucy’s former almost-fiancé and his overbearing mother Evangeline. Push comes to love when Evangeline makes no secret of why she’s here: to get Lucy and Ricky back together.
Lucy isn’t temped in the least, and Ricky is nothing but embarrassed at his mother’s desperate ploy. Before returning to Boston Evangeline throws a dinner party at Jake’s Seafood Bar for a reluctant Lucy and her family. Lucy hopes to get the dinner over with and see Evangeline and Ricky returning to Boson. But when a body is found at the restaurant’s kitchen door, Lucy is again forced to unwillingly put on her detective’s hat and do what she can to save her family and her engagement. Meanwhile, the classic novel reading club is reading The Hound of the Baskervilles, and open war breaks out in the Lighthouse Library when Lucy agrees to temporarily take care of a dog named Fluffy, but Charles the library cat has other ideas.
4 Stars
Just when Lucy starts to feel a calmness coming into her life, everything starts to hit the fan.
Deadly Ever After is a fun and entertaining edition to the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series
Lucy and Connor are happily Celebrating their engagement with family and friends when out of the blue the ex and his mother show up, uninvited, to join in the festivities. When the intentions of the visit are unveiled, Lucy wants no part of this plan whatsoever. Agreeing to what should be a farewell dinner ends up having Lucy stumble upon a dead body that hits a little too close to home. And the icing on the cake is when Charles is not happy, to put it mildly, about the visitor release he brings home has his tail on edge.
I absolutely adore The Lighthouse Library Mysteries. Deadly Ever After is fun and entertaining. The atmosphere in which the book takes place is breathtaking and somewhat calming. Even with all the chaos that goes on within the story. Eva Gates does extremely well keeping her readers attention with an interesting and well plotted mystery and characters I have come to love over several books. She is able to keep us guessing and second-guessing with the turn of a page. I love that Lucy and Connor are finally getting together and I look forward to see what their future brings.
