To Trust a Cowboy by Sasha Summers 3rd book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas series. Harlequin Heartwarming. Can be read as a stand-alone. Fake relatiTo Trust a Cowboy by Sasha Summers 3rd book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas series. Harlequin Heartwarming. Can be read as a stand-alone. Fake relationship troupe. Hattie and Forrest have been friends forever. When Hattie’s brother tells her he’s engaged to Hattie’s high school nemesis, she feels sick. Forrest will do anything to stop Hattie from crying. If that means he holds her hand at dinner and tells people that they are dating, it’s the least he can do. And she’ll support him when his brother commits himself to the armed forces. Support turns to caring.
Emotional, sweet, heartwarming and sigh worthy. This couple has a beautiful friendship that blooms. Of course, there are stumbles. That’s part of life. Mooney-eyed. That’s what I am. Mooney-eyed over this author, series and romance.
Merged review:
To Trust a Cowboy by Sasha Summers 3rd book in the Cowboys of Garrison, Texas series. Harlequin Heartwarming. Can be read as a stand-alone. Fake relationship troupe. Hattie and Forrest have been friends forever. When Hattie’s brother tells her he’s engaged to Hattie’s high school nemesis, she feels sick. Forrest will do anything to stop Hattie from crying. If that means he holds her hand at dinner and tells people that they are dating, it’s the least he can do. And she’ll support him when his brother commits himself to the armed forces. Support turns to caring.
Emotional, sweet, heartwarming and sigh worthy. This couple has a beautiful friendship that blooms. Of course, there are stumbles. That’s part of life. Mooney-eyed. That’s what I am. Mooney-eyed over this author, series and romance....more
Action packed romantic suspense. 1st in the Verona Bay series. Keeps you guessing and on the edge through the end. I’m lookiDark Memento by Katie Reus
Action packed romantic suspense. 1st in the Verona Bay series. Keeps you guessing and on the edge through the end. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
For the second time, a serial killer is after Serenity. The killer is hiding in plain sight and threatening Serenity’s closest friends. The FBI and Lucas keep Serenity protected but those closest could be in deadly danger. Serenity is hesitant to let Lucas become more than a friend. He is willing to wait until she’s ready. So sweet.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.
Merged review:
Dark Memento by Katie Reus
Action packed romantic suspense. 1st in the Verona Bay series. Keeps you guessing and on the edge through the end. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
For the second time, a serial killer is after Serenity. The killer is hiding in plain sight and threatening Serenity’s closest friends. The FBI and Lucas keep Serenity protected but those closest could be in deadly danger. Serenity is hesitant to let Lucas become more than a friend. He is willing to wait until she’s ready. So sweet.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep....more
Tempted by Her Neighbor by Katie Reus Contemporary romance, Novela. Stand alone.
Kyran O’Callaghan grew up in Hudson Creek with an abusive father and liTempted by Her Neighbor by Katie Reus Contemporary romance, Novela. Stand alone.
Kyran O’Callaghan grew up in Hudson Creek with an abusive father and little supervision. Knowing his options were limited, and his habits were leading him down the wrong path, Kyran went into the military to leave his troubled pass behind him. Eight years later and back in town, he’s built a successful auto repair business and bought a home on Hudson Lake. The only downside of his successful business is that the sheriffs son is in competition with Kyran and the sheriff blames and hassles Kyran when his son complains about slow business. When Kyran’s neighbor gives him an alibi one night, he is surprised. Maybe now he’ll have the courage to actually talk to Lucie. Until now, he could only lamely wave occasionally. He’s tongue tied whenever he tries to talk to her.
Lucie Miller has been watching her sexy next-door, neighbor Kyran since he moved in. She brought him a plate of cookies, but he seems to be avoiding her since then. It’s almost like he’s afraid to talk to her for some reason. When the sheriff starts hustling Kyran, Lucie is all to happy to shut him down. She saw Kyran finish his run and then spend the next few hours doing pull-ups, then sit-ups, then push-ups. She knows he’s not causing trouble somewhere else and she’s not afraid to tell the sheriff that. She’s not sure why Kyran is surprised she spoke up but now they are actually talking and she’s very happy to further their relationship.
Small town romance with all the feels. Kyran and Lucie are both losing their hearts to each other. Low angst, big hearts. ...more
Wild Irish Fortune by Tricia O’Malley The Enchanted Highlands series #6. Paranormal Scottish romance. Alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone butWild Irish Fortune by Tricia O’Malley The Enchanted Highlands series #6. Paranormal Scottish romance. Alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone but best read in series order as The Order expands. Orla Clarke is a master builder working on the newest distillery in Loren Brea. She also sees ghosts and that’s why she’s been called to the town. Having grown up in an orphanage, she has learned to rely only on herself. The ghosts may be plentiful but they always want something and she can’t always help. Finlay Thompson is the director of the distillery project. He loves the old stone building and believes it’s the perfect place for making the gin. Betrayed by family and past relationships, he’s not interested in any new relationships. But with strange things happening around the town of Loren Brae and Orla somehow in the middle of it, he’s intrigued with her and can’t help getting closer.
Schmoozed by the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee Orcs Unbound series by multiple authors. This book part of the Eastshore Isle world. Paranormal OrcSchmoozed by the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee Orcs Unbound series by multiple authors. This book part of the Eastshore Isle world. Paranormal Orc romance. Alternating first person POV. Ashlyn Anderson has no love for her step-father. He treats her with disdain and as a gopher in his company. She is working for him only until she gets her inheritance from her mother’s estate at the age of thirty which is only a month away. Ashlyn is sent to Eastshore Isle to sell a piece of land on his behalf. She doesn’t want to go but he insists she goes and signs the documents and dangles a promotion as incentive. Ashlyn travels to Eastshore and is charmed by the small town and friendly people. She is smitten with Thebes, the Orc that is assigned to show her around town and try to convince her that the town doesn’t need or want the proposed hotels that will go on the land. Thebes is smooth, friendly and super sexy. And he doesn’t make a big deal out of her dyslexia. He just helps with reading the menu or pointing out what the local landmarks are being used for. She’s had a crush on him from his social media channel and meeting him in person is so much hotter. Can he convince her to stop the sale?
Instalove and romance plus sexy orc playtime makes this one hot and steamy story! Plus the evil stepfather is outwitted! A total win. Don’t miss this newest Eastshore Orc romance. I’m ready for the next one!...more
Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom Paranormal witch romance. The Merriweather women identify as witches. What they lack in magic, they make up in belief,Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom Paranormal witch romance. The Merriweather women identify as witches. What they lack in magic, they make up in belief, support and family protectiveness. Rumor has it that they have been hexed so they can’t access their magic. Delia Merriweather doesn’t believe in magic or the hex. First, the so called magic book recipes have ridiculous ingredients. Second, if witches were real, wouldn’t their status be worthy of some benefits? When Delia unwittingly breaks the hex the family has been under, everyone is surprised including the family. Max Halifax has been keeping an eye on the Merriweather’s since it was his family’s doing that they live without magic. He’s been ordered to rehex the Merriweather women but that would require a blood sacrifice which isn’t legal anymore. Nor is it fair to anyone and the community is taking notice. Change is coming.
Wagered to the Orc by Veronika Kane and Carolyn Lee Stolen Harlets series #3. Paranormal historical romance novella with erotica elements. Can be read Wagered to the Orc by Veronika Kane and Carolyn Lee Stolen Harlets series #3. Paranormal historical romance novella with erotica elements. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. 1st person alternating POV. Effie and her two cousins were betrayed by one of the guards and kidnapped by Orcs. The bargain was for Sorcha alone but all three were taken, then split up to avoid being followed back to their village behind the hidden veil to their lands. Effie is terrified as she’s being held too tightly and then traded as spoils of war. But the scarred green Orc she’s now dependent on is careful with her, patient, and kind. From the servant class, Effie is not naive and knows how to use men for protection when necessary. It’s never pleasant but better to manage expectations. She joins in and helps with all tasks and learns everything from gardening, to caring for the horses, cooking, and even helping with the washing. Of the Orc. It’s not unpleasant.
Korvak never expected to come home with a tiny human but seeing her suffering under the hands of the Orc that claimed her doesn’t sit well with him. He claims her for himself and they end up together in his secluded cabin for two weeks to avoid being followed. He’s shocked when she offers herself to him in payment. Is that what her world has been? Trading herself for protection from others? He’ll show her kindness and a better world. And maybe eventually some pleasure as it’s clear she doesn’t expect that from any man.
A quick and steamy forced relationship turns to love and respect. They can’t resist each other. These Orcs are such gentleman and kissable at the same time. Yum. 4.5...more
Hers for the Weekend by Helena Greer Cardigan’s Christmasland series #3. Contemporary sapphic romance. Fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a standHers for the Weekend by Helena Greer Cardigan’s Christmasland series #3. Contemporary sapphic romance. Fake relationship troupe. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series since couples from the previous books are secondary characters in this book. No-nonsense lawyer Tara Sloane Chadwick has been invited to her ex’s wedding. At Carrigan’s Christmasland. It’s not just a polite invite. They want her to attend. In a moment of panic, she commits to attending but tells them she’s bringing her new girlfriend. Now she just needs to find one. Holly Delaney is a waitress and baker and is being pressure to go home to Iowa for Christmas where her family is as well as her ex-wife. When Tara asks Holly to be her fake plus one at holiday wedding at Carrigan’s Christmasland, she jumps on the excuse to not go home. Plus, she’s got a major crush on Tara so it’s the perfect opportunity to have a fun fling and then walk away. A perfect setup in her mind. Tara and Holly agree to a temporary arrangement but feelings soon get in the way as well of their jobs and lifestyles. They will have to decide if they stick to the breakup plan or take a chance on more.
Both women have a past that’s getting in their way of a future. It will take their friends and a lot of self analysis to move forward. Neither wants to change their life. Plenty of angst, more sizzling steam between all the couples, and lots of cutesy Jewish Christmasland and wedding traditions. Reconnect took too long on the calendar IMO but I know the in depth heart searching couldn’t have been easy. It was fun to have the previous characters integrated into this story which I assume is the last in the series. Holiday romance. Holiday magic.
The Love Shack by Lori Foster Indiana Summer series #3. Contemporary romance. Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven in Cemetery, Indiana. SheThe Love Shack by Lori Foster Indiana Summer series #3. Contemporary romance. Berkley Carr opened The Love Shack Animal Haven in Cemetery, Indiana. She’s known for a long time she wanted to save hurt, abused, or lost animals to a forever perfect match and she’s doing that now with the Love Shack. Sure, she may be hiding a bit from a past scandal but she’s also receiving as much love from the animals she’s caring for as she’s giving so feels good about her life now. Lawson Salder has always been embarrassed by his childhood poverty. Living and owning a popular store in Cemetery proves he has risen above old issues but with Berkeley just past his back yard from Berkeley is bringing back memories. A dog that falls in love with Lawson, and a cat that keeps stealing clothing items from his house has Lawson forgetting his past and appreciating Berkeley for several things including her joy in her work. When the town busybodies start pushing them together, Lawson isn’t exactly upset.
Full cast of unique town characters including a mannequin that the town dresses and moves around to different places. And several pets that add a lot of antics and love into the Indiana small town. Add in a second couple flirting and it’s a story with friendships, support, love and found family. ...more
The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen Historical fiction, multi-time line. A child disappears in 1968 and the city is captivated, worrying about their own childThe Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen Historical fiction, multi-time line. A child disappears in 1968 and the city is captivated, worrying about their own children’s safety. Liz Haughton is a reporter wasting her skills assigned to Obituaries. Tired of being treated as if she has no skills, Liz follows a friend and police officer to Dorset. They find a history of missing children and Liz is plunged into personal memories and a compelling need to find answers about the ruins of the village of Tydeham.
An intriguing mystery investigation without the benefit of today’s technological advances. It’s also many years into the past and finding the right questions and people to talk to could be like a drop in a bucket of water. Maybe it’s small town or sheer luck, but she finds the first answer which makes her keep following any connections she can find. Luck or skill? You’ll know the answers before Liz does, but the story is still skillfully crafted and worth reading....more
What She’s Having by Laura Moher Big Love from Galway series #2. Contemporary second-chance romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters from tWhat She’s Having by Laura Moher Big Love from Galway series #2. Contemporary second-chance romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but characters from the first book are present in this second book and could be considered a spoiler. First person, present tense. Alternating POV. Multi-timeline via sequential letters. Joe Anderson moves back to Galway, North Carolina after twenty years hoping to reconnect with his one true love. He only recently learned that all the letters he wrote to her, were never delivered. He wants a second chance. He’s never stopped loving her. July Tate is a powerhouse in the town of Galway. She cooks and runs a popular and busy restaurant, helps and supports a group of veterans every week, plays on the town softball league and gets involved in other community improvements. What she doesn’t do, is involve her heart. The devastation left behind when she lost the love of her life is simply too much to bear a second time. When Joe shows up back in town with a pile of undelivered letters addressed to her, she’s unwilling to soften her heart. She simply can’t go a loss like that again.
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord Contemporary romance. Second chance, friends to lovers, and fake relationship troupes. Trigger warnings of off page and The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord Contemporary romance. Second chance, friends to lovers, and fake relationship troupes. Trigger warnings of off page and prior to story loss of a sibling. June and Levi were childhood friends. He moved to New York for a job and they soon lost touch. Ten years later, after both experience a viral public breakup, they find themselves together again at her boardwalk tea shop, tentatively renewing their friendship. The come up with a scheme to fake date after a second viral moment and the slowly realize they want their old relationship back and perhaps to make it real this time.
My Spirited Texan by Dakota Lacoy The Bradford Brothers of Honky Tonk, Texas series #6. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Ben BradforMy Spirited Texan by Dakota Lacoy The Bradford Brothers of Honky Tonk, Texas series #6. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Ben Bradford has never been ready to settle down. He’s popular with the women around town but has always made it clear he’s temporary. One night he meets a childhood friend at the local bar where she admits she wants a baby and is actively looking for a permanent relationship. Her announcement surprises Ben and he realizes he is ready as well. They make a wager to see who will get to the alter first. Games ensue when they realize they need to take their search out of town and maybe there are feelings between the two of them after all.
A bit of humor with the family and dating situations. Ben gets jealous but his love and leave ‘em habits are coming back to bite him. Thank goodness for frank speaking brothers. It’s an hea but Ben never actually won me over.
Carnage from the Cursed Crown by Deb Marlowe The Kier and Levett Mystery series #5. Historical mystery with a small amount of romance. Closed door, sloCarnage from the Cursed Crown by Deb Marlowe The Kier and Levett Mystery series #5. Historical mystery with a small amount of romance. Closed door, slow burn. Can be read as a stand-alone, but better as part of the series in order. Niall Kier’s life is changing in unexpected ways. Along with his new title, Duke of Sedgwick, he has also inherited an estate at Tallenford Priory in East Lothian, Scotland. The property has been empty for a long time, but he’s confident that he and his fiancee, Miss Kara Levett, will make it into a home in no time. In the meantime, he has created a piece of art for his neighbor, Lord Balstone, a local archeologist. Unfortunately, temporary payment for the art comes in the form of an ancient cursed crown and a body at the site of the excavation. Kara and Niall have declared themselves out of the business of investigating crimes, yet when the procurator fiscal is hurt and unable to travel or take statements from witnesses, they are back at it. They follow clues and ask questions with the danger mounting as they find thieves, lies and schemes, all in trying to find a killer.
A wonderful mystery and unraveling. Poor Harold, getting stuck in the middle of the power struggle. But never fear. Kara and Niall are not amateurs any longer. Loved then ending and the hints of more to come from the witchy inn keeper. I always learn new, or rather, old vocabulary from these books. Costermonger: a person who sells goods, especially fruit and vegetables from a handcart in the street.
My Orc Roommate With Benefits by Veronika Kane Eastshore Island series #3. Paranormal erotica romance. First person alternating POV. Can be read as a sMy Orc Roommate With Benefits by Veronika Kane Eastshore Island series #3. Paranormal erotica romance. First person alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series for background. Zoe is studying for her second Masters degree to become a librarian while also waitressing at the local diner. She moves into Luxor’s house, renting one of his spare bedrooms. She’s been lusting after the hunky orc for a long time and now they are in the same location, they can scratch that itch. The plan is just once, but wowza, it’s such an explosive experience, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Plus, he’s such a nice guy, always goofing off, laughing and rescuing puppies, who could resist him? Once she receives her degree, she’ll have to go off island to find a job. But that’s later. Right now, they need to prepare for an incoming hurricane and keep each other busy. Lux is so happy to have Zoe move in. He doesn’t understand why he needs to be close to her all the time but as long as she’s there now, the future is a worry for another day. Right?
Whew! Lots of steamy pages and fun times. Lux is such a teddy bear. Everyone loves him. Zoe is super smart but is hiding it for some reason. No matter. Just have more sex. ...more
2nd book in the Verona Bay series. Spinoff from Redemption Harbor. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Autumn isDeadly Past by Katie Reus
2nd book in the Verona Bay series. Spinoff from Redemption Harbor. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Autumn is in witness protection and still has a active threat after her. Lincoln is the sheriff, her next door neighbor, and lover. When danger gets closer, Lincoln and her friends will protector her. She’s found a home in Verona Bay and wants to stay.
Immediately gripping and action packed. Multiple storylines and twists makes this a fast and engaging read. With Autumn and Lincoln moving their relationship from neighbors to lovers and friends, it includes some hot and steamy pages too. Romantic suspense with all the feels.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.
Merged review:
Deadly Past by Katie Reus
2nd book in the Verona Bay series. Spinoff from Redemption Harbor. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Autumn is in witness protection and still has a active threat after her. Lincoln is the sheriff, her next door neighbor, and lover. When danger gets closer, Lincoln and her friends will protector her. She’s found a home in Verona Bay and wants to stay.
Immediately gripping and action packed. Multiple storylines and twists makes this a fast and engaging read. With Autumn and Lincoln moving their relationship from neighbors to lovers and friends, it includes some hot and steamy pages too. Romantic suspense with all the feels.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep....more
Falling for Nola by Katie Reus Contemporary romance novella. Firefighter hero. Stand-alone, closed door. Nola Cartier is woken for the third night in a Falling for Nola by Katie Reus Contemporary romance novella. Firefighter hero. Stand-alone, closed door. Nola Cartier is woken for the third night in a row by her neighbor coming home on his loud motorcycle. Out of patience, she throws on a robe and storms over to his driveway and proceeds to yell at him on behalf of the neighbors. When they meet again at a community party, he apologizes again, as does she, and they agree to go on a motorcycle ride together to get to know each other. Sparks fly. They lust after each other but take it slow. She’s afraid if they have a fling and it ends, it would be uncomfortable living next to each other. He thinks “why does it have to end?”
A short escape (pages) into a New Orleans romance, through a year of holidays and events, family and neighbors, with plenty of lusty longing (but no more) as they get to know each other. He listens to books on his motorcycle. He fixes her steps by the front door and replaces a lightbulb. He’s a hero. Sweet and adorable with a promising ending.
The Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown Contemporary closed door romance. Tired of city living, Libby O’Dell agrees to a six month temporary job in SawmThe Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown Contemporary closed door romance. Tired of city living, Libby O’Dell agrees to a six month temporary job in Sawmill, Texas, population 4. She has applicable experience from her grandmother’s antique store and has no qualms of organizing cabinets with dozens of years of documents and clearing out the plethora of spiders and small rodents. Her new boss, Benny Taylor is a handsome charmer who travels with his three-legged dog to various sale and auction sites buying resalable furniture, dishes and other household items. Surrogate grandmothers Minilee and Opal live across from the antique store and convince Libby to join their book club with homemade treats, gossip, and book talk. Their goal seems to be finding a wife for Benny but Libby doesn’t know where she is going to be in six months let alone with who. Plus unresolved anger at her grandmother is going to take a bit of work so she will commits to friendship but nothing else. But the longer they work together, the more she realizes how well they mesh. Maybe more would be ok?
There is a secondary story of Libby’s grandmother dying in deep debt and having lost all of Libby’s college funds. When the book starts, Libby is angry. This storyline takes an unexpected turn with more info and adds some angst but it stays surface level.
It’s a slow burn, charming romance. Two dogs add “cuteness” while a visiting female adds a villain element. Family, nightmares, desserts and a good friend add more sentimentality than I expected through the second half, improving my feelings for the story in whole. Happy tears will always improve my rating.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley....more
Cake and Punishment by Marymee Bell aka Tonya Kappes A Southern Cake Baker Mystery series, #1. Cozy style mystery. Sophia Cummings is temporarily back Cake and Punishment by Marymee Bell aka Tonya Kappes A Southern Cake Baker Mystery series, #1. Cozy style mystery. Sophia Cummings is temporarily back home in Rumford, Kentucky. She’s a pastry chef by profession and has agreed to make the wedding cake a high school friend. She has permission to use the kitchen at the Rumford Country Club where unfortunately, Chef Emile is discovered murdered. There is a new cast iron skillet near the body and Sophia knows that any southern chef would have only seasoned skillets. Sophia shares this knowledge with Sheriff Carter and the club manager and continues to follow clues helping to find who killed the peppery Chef.
Entertaining cozy style where Sophia continues to ask questions while the Sheriff tells her over and over to stop putting herself in danger. But Sophia is in her element, working in the kitchen at the club and reconnecting with friends. She knows the questions to ask and the rhythm of how a kitchen should work, so she’s the mostly likely to find the killer.
Print copy includes a half dozen southern dessert recipes that are mentioned in the story. Entertaining and charming. Bless your heart. ...more
One Big Happy Family by Jamie Waters Mystery, suspense thriller. The Precipice is a family owned hotel on the Rocky coast of Maine. With their father dOne Big Happy Family by Jamie Waters Mystery, suspense thriller. The Precipice is a family owned hotel on the Rocky coast of Maine. With their father dying, the Bishop sisters have returned to the hotel for the reading of the will. They each want their piece of the estate regardless of the secrets that should have kept them away. Charley Kelley just wants to keep her chambermaid job. She doesn’t care who the new owner is. Her concern is making enough money to pay for her Grandmother’s care and if that means letting someone stay at the hotel and paying her to keep quiet, why not? She’s not hurting anyone. Family arrives, the lawyer reads the will and suddenly someone is dead. No one can leave because the Hurricane is getting close. Can you trust the person sitting next to you? Can you feel safe sleeping in a hotel where the secrets outnumber the guests?
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