Early Book Review: Just a Boyfriend (End of the Line) by Sariah Wilson

Just a Boyfriend is the second book in the End of the Line series of new adult romances by Sariah Wilson. It is currently scheduled for release on January 7 2020. Each book can stand on its own, but there is character crossover than make the read more satisfying for returning readers.

Ian “Bash” Sebastian and Ember Carlson were high school sweethearts, until their single parents got married. With one thorny twist of fate, a secret young crush went from on fire to off-limits. What could a new stepbrother do but bail? Now, after almost four years, Bash has returned to Seattle, and he’s back in Ember’s orbit at End of the Line. EOL is the go-to college for second-chance scholarships. But what about love? Sure, the old hurts are there. So is the attraction—and it’s more magnetic than ever. Still, they’re adults now, levelheaded and just fine with the friend thing. If only to make family dinners less awkward. But when they agree to start dating other people, moving on threatens to bring them closer together than ever. Is it time to admit their past to their parents? Even trickier, their hope for the future? Because Ember and Bash deserve a love story of their own. With all their defenses down, can they make it a happy ever after?

Just a Boyfriend is a solid second chance romance with plenty of issues that must be dealt with by the major players. Ember is still not sure how she drove Bash away, but is sure it must be something wrong with her. Both Bash and Ember are so busy trying to be perfect and please other people that they alway seem to put their own happiness last. I loved seeing this two face their problems and find their way back together. I think the family and friends that make up their support systems play such an awesome role in this book, and even though that circle does not always say or do the 'right' thing- that love and support hit me right in the feels. If everyone had type of support system then issues that people have could be handled much more effectively. I think the personal problems like depression were handled well, with an honesty that is so often missing. I do generally like my romance with more heat, but I think that for the characters and the obstacles they faced the book might have hit the right level for realism's sake. 

Just a Boyfriend is a good new adult romance that will appeal to many readers.

Book Review: This Is Love (Harmony Pointe) by Melissa Foster

This Is Love is the second book in the Harmony Pointe series by Melissa Foster. While this is the second book in a series, and related to previous series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone. Although, long time Foster readers will get more out of the references and cameos to those from prior books. 

Actress Remi Divine is sick of bodyguards, sick of stalkers, and sick of feeling like she is always under a microscope. But this movie star isn’t helpless by any means. She’s got a rebellious streak, and she knows how to use it. First order of business: getting rid of the overbearing bodyguards who are sticking to her like glue. Mason Swift has made protecting others his life, and when Remi ditches his two best men, he takes over and gives it everything he has. Having grown up in the foster-care system, and as a former special operative, he knows all the tricks. Nothing gets by him, especially not gorgeous, sneaky Remi. He thinks she’s a diva. She thinks he’s arrogant. But when sparks turn to flames and their walls come down, their true hearts are revealed, and their connection is unstoppable. And when tragedy strikes, Remi realizes that being protected isn’t the worst thing in the world—but losing Mason just might be.

This Is Love is a slow burn romance with misunderstanding, misassumptions, and honor slowing the couple's connection. I loved getting to know Remi and Mason as they got to know each other. The mystery and suspense elements regarding the stalker were very well done. I felt like the experiences and emotions involved were very realistically portrayed, and while at one point I was practically holding my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop I was still surprised by the details. The amount of heart and character development is amazing, but will come to no surprise to returning readers. I enjoy that every character, even secondary characters, clearly have a story. They are not fillers or placeholders to keep things moving but rather built up to be just as real as the main players. I also enjoyed seeing characters from previous series pop up in conversation and get an understanding of how their live continued even after their books ended.

This Is Love is another great story from Foster, with complex characters that stay with readers long after the book has ended. It is a must read for fans.

Early Book Review: Make Your Move (Gamer Girls) by Laura Heffernan

Make Your Move is the third book in the Gamer Girls series by Laura Heffernan. I have read the second book in the series, but not the first. All of the books seem to stand up well on their own. There is significant character overlap so returning readers will get some bonuses from that aspect, but new readers will still be able to fully enjoy the story. This book is currently scheduled for release on December 17 2019.

At twenty-eight, Shannon has yet to fall in love. Which is fine, since she’d rather spend her evenings creating games than swiping right or going on awkward blind dates. Right now though, she has two little problems. First, she’s stuck for a new game idea. Second, the only candidate in her roommate search is Tyler, the gaming buddy who’s long had an unrequited crush on her. It should be awkward. But when Tyler moves in, the situation doesn’t go at all the way Shannon expected. Between helping her deal with coworkers and fixing the bugs in her latest game, Tyler’s proving to be damn near perfect. Except for the fact that he’s falling for someone else. Maybe Shannon has already forfeited her turn. Maybe she’s playing for nothing but heartache. But the best games have endings you can never predict.

Make Your Move is a romance that handles the friends to more trope beautifully and treats the spectrum of sexuality with honesty and respect. I really enjoyed getting to see Shannon's character as she struggled with so much all at once. The back stabbing and issues at work were sadly very realistic, and there were a couple times I had to walk away from the book for a minute because it was stressing me out. Similarly there were a couple moments that made me want to kick Tyler. Even though he is an extremely well written character, and one I would like to have in my circle of friends, there were moments that he really made me angry. Both characters were very concistand in their personalities, and their actions were on point throughout the story. I think my liking for both characters made the conflicts of the story that much harder to bear. I was completely engaged in the story right from the start, and really enjoy the group of characters that this series follows. I can think of a few secondary characters that I would love to read about next, and I will continue to read Hefferman's books. 

Make Your Move is a fantastic read that had me emotional enough that I had to close the book a few times. 

Early Book Review: Weekend Fling (Crazy Love) by Stacey Lynn

Weekend Fling is the fourth book in the Crazy Love series by Stacey Lynn. Each book can be enjoyed on its own, but characters from the previous books do make appearances and are secondary characters. It is currently scheduled for release on November 26 2019. 

Fresh out of a long-term relationship, Willow Parks is working two jobs and caring for her mother, whose husband left her with nothing but a pile of bills. That’s why Willow made a vow: no men until she figures out her own life. But while she may not need a man, she could use a break. And a weekend away at a California beach to clear her head? That’s appealing. Even if the offer comes from Trey Collins, the irresistible tech-mogul millionaire who visits her coffee shop every morning like clockwork—and needs a date for his best friend’s wedding. With an adorable, occasional stutter, he refuses to take no for an answer. Once the weekend begins, Trey is intent on proving how good they can be together. Willow’s even feeling tempted to break her vow—until reality rudely interrupts her well-deserved getaway. There’s no way she and Trey have a future, not with the colossal amount of baggage Willow has to offer. But Trey is used to getting what he wants. He just has his work cut out for him convincing her that they want the same thing.

Weekend Fling is a story that offers heart, heat, and laughs. Willow is going through some major life changes. She is more than a little overwhelmed- and a weekend of fun with an attractive guy by the beach seems like the perfect weekend vacation, at least until one more crisis comes her way. While I have never been in Willow's position- I could completely understand her reluctance and desire to maintain emotional distance. She was well written, and was a relatable and sympathetic character that was willing to own up to her own mistakes. Trey is almost too perfect for me- he is rich, attractive, a hard worker, and honestly a good guy with a great circle of friends. He gives Willow the space she asks for, and stays a friend while not lying about wanting more. I even loved his wacky parents, who offered up some of the best laughs in the book.  Even with all that fun stuff, I like that the mental health aspects of the story are well done, not overwhelming but offering an honest look at how one family can be affected by it and see it all so differently. While this was not my favorite book in this series, it was still a great read with solid characters.

Weekend Fling is another fun romance that has some depth to it. I cannot wait to see what the author writes next.

Book Review: Dark 'N' Deadly (Federal K-9) by Tee O'Fallon

Dark 'N' Deadly is the third book in the Federal K-9 series by Tee O'Fallon. I have not read the previous books, and while some of the characters and situations from previous books do carry over I was able to enjoy this story on its own. However, I think that those that have read the previous books will get more from this read than newcomers like myself. 

ATF Special Agent Eric Miller and his explosives detecting K-9, Tiger, pull over a truck, the contents of which are explosive. Literally. More shocking, the driver is the kid brother of a woman he left behind. One who still haunts his days and his nights. They’d never so much as kissed, but Tess McTavish never forgot the handsome, dangerous agent who vanished in a shroud of mystery. Now the last thing she needs is an ATF agent with his own agenda. Doesn’t matter that Tess and her brother are innocent. If Eric learns the truth of their past, they’ll never be free. Eric’s drive for revenge against the man who targeted him and his colleagues in a deadly explosion still burns hot inside him. Another bomb is about to be detonated and he’s sure there’s a connection between that man…and Tess’s family. But Eric and Tiger will do everything they can to protect the woman he’s falling for from what’s coming.

Dark 'N' Deadly is a strong contemporary romance that had a nice slow burn element, and some serious tension. There were a few times that I delayed getting back to the book because of that tension. I liked the character building. I thought that Eric and Tess were well crafted characters- with complicated and painful pasts. They each dealt with their trauma in consistent and reasonable ways, even when it made the situation harder on themselves later. I liked that the secondary characters, like Jesse and Dayne were well fleshed out, and just as realistic and consistent as the main players. I did have a couple moments when I groaned about the lack of following law enforcement procedure- because those are the kind of things that get the bad guys acquitted in the long run- and I was left think about how much evidence would actually be submittable in court. But, this is fiction and while I think I know some of this stuff, I have not done all the research so I could be wrong. In general, I enjoyed the read and thought the characters were well written. However, I did not fall in love with the series.   So much of this book worked really well- and the danger and tension were high and carried throughout the story, but it somehow missed the sweet spot for me and I could not even point out the moment or aspect of the story that I just did not connect with.

Dark 'N' Deadly is a must read for fans of the series, since you have met these characters in the previous books. It was a solid read, but somehow ran hot and cold for me. 

Book Review: Happy For You (Love & Family) by Anyta Sunday

Happy For You is the third book in the Love & Family series by Anyta Sunday. While I recommend reading all of the books in this series because I really enjoyed them, each can stand up fine on their own. 

Mort wants his de facto family back, he knows he doesn’t deserve them. Not without making up for leaving them in their time of need. But it’s not easy to make amends. Mort must show how much he wants the Rochester family back in his life. When his best friend’s younger brother, Felix, has his license suspended, Mort jumps at the chance to play chauffeur and to win back the family he desperately wants to call his own. Repairing his broken relationships—with all five Rochester siblings—becomes Mort’s personal mission. Especially with Felix. Felix, who used to follow him everywhere. Felix, who idolized him. Felix, whom Mort has not stopped thinking about. Felix is just trying to keep it together,  with a perma-smile as his armor, he’s determined to make his family happy. Determined to be a positive role model to his three younger sisters, while their mum struggles with depression after her kidney transplant. Unfortunately, no amount of smiling can save his license when he gets pulled over for the umpteenth time, and he still needs to get his sisters to school, soccer, and dance classes. The solution to his problem emerges in the return of their prodigal neighbor, Mort. Mort, who left their lives without a word. Mort, who was in love with Felix’s older brother.  Mort, who is the last guy Felix wants charging back into their lives. 

Happy For You is a story that is about the two characters and their lives as it is about them finding their way together. Mort knows he has made mistakes, but wants nothing more than to reconnect with the family he depended on for years. Felix and his family have missed Mort, but have been affected by his absence- and things that lead up to it- in different ways. The honest and love in this story is heart warming and heart breaking in turns, and having read all of Sunday's full length novels I expected nothing less. I enjoyed seeing glimpses of characters from previous books, and how some had prior interaction with the characters here. The rebuilding of bridges is hard, made more difficult and complicated when feelings grow and change.  Sunday did a wonderful job of showing the slow build up and growth of the connection between Mort and Felix, and how the rest of the family made things easier or more challenging in their own ways. It is the honesty about people, in all their imperfect glory, that make the characters and their interactions feel so real. I could understand all of the fears and concerns of Mort, Felix, and the rest Rochester clan even though I have never been in similar situations. My only complaint is that I did not want the story to end, I want more about all of Sunday's characters and am greatly looking forward to whatever they write next.

Happy For You is yet another winner from Sunday. The realistic characters and their growth as individuals and as a couple stays with the reader long after the book is finished.

Book Review: No Experience Required by Kimberly Cooper Griffin

No Experience Required by Kimberly Cooper Griffin is a contemporary romance. Izzy Treadway has a reputation as a love guru. She knows exactly what ignites the spark for others, but she has no desire to find love herself. You see, Izzy’s bipolar and not only fears being seen as damaged goods but is terrified that if anything goes wrong, it might just send her back to the hospital. Nevertheless, her best friend decides Izzy’s the perfect person to write The Idiot’s Guide to Love. While researching and writing the book, Izzy finds herself falling for Jane Mendoza, the new intern at work. Everything’s perfect until Izzy tells her she’s bipolar and Jane leaves her, claiming the dreaded “It’s not you, it’s me." Izzy’s devastated, but heartbreak teaches her she’s stronger than she gives herself credit for. As Izzy and Jane learn their pasts don’t define their future, they’ll need to get out of their own way to discover love can overcome any obstacle.

No Experience Required is full of realistic, multidimensional characters. Izzy is dealing with her disorder the best way she knows how, which includes keeping herself at least partly walled off from others. Jane has her own issues, and I found their connection and path towards each other to be very organic and believable. I found both characters to be likable and relatable in their own way. I liked the honest and straightforward way that bipolar disorder was discussed, and I feel like I understand how those with the disorder feel a little bit more than I had before. I think that so much of this book is relatable to readers in different ways, and can help us all stop and think about others and the bigger picture a bit more. Even if readers do not know anyone with bipolar disorder, or are not in a same sex relationship, the matters at the heart of the story are universal. I liked the framing of the story between sections if the book Izzy was writing, and found that it brought everything together, and had me anticipating some of the upcoming issues that they would need to address. I also thought that the advice she was writing was on point, and what I would try to encourage others to take to heart. It was also nice to see slightly older main characters, which I could relate to more on the life experience level. 

No Experience Required is a well written and engaging book. I thought the issues of dating advice and mental health were very well handled, and I honestly would love to see more from all the characters in the book. I will be reading more from the author.

Book Review: Fake Date (Dating) by Monica Murphy

Fake Date is the second book in the Dating series by Monica Murphy. I did read the first book, however I found that each book can stand up fine on its own. 

Working at Bliss Lingerie, Sarah Harrison deals with all sorts of—interesting clientele. Yet no one sparks her interest more than Jared Gaines, the ultra-rich, ultra-sexy businessman who frequents her shop, buying delicate little “gifts” for the women in his life. But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. Then another—and another. So when Sarah walks into his office demanding to know why he can't stop sending her gifts, he makes her an offer she somehow can’t refuse: be his fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party. Next thing Sarah knows, she’s in San Francisco, pretending to be in love with Jared. Not that it’s a hardship. Once you get the man away from the office, he’s much more relaxed. Sweet. Funny. Even…thoughtful? Oh, and sexier than ever, of course. Their pretend relationship feels very real, very quickly. Soon Sarah’s in over her head. Could what she and Jared share turn into something real? Or is it all actually…fake?

Fake Date is a good enemy to friends style romance, with plenty of humor along the way. I liked the characters, and that Sarah was able to stand up for herself and no willing to be treated badly. I like that she called Jared out on his behavior, for the most part. I found the back story for both characters to be well done, and I really loved Sarah's support system. I wish I had a circle of friends as tight as hers. I will admit that I was a little irked that the story took the turn of a guy that needs to be fixed by a woman in love. However, Sarah stood up for herself and made it clear that Jared needed to change for himself before things got too heavy and did not stand for bad behavior and just stick around because of love. I found the actions, reactions, and conversations to be in line with the characters- and enjoyed watching them on the journey towards happy ever after. I really like that it was clear that life was not magically perfect because of love, rather communication and effort were part of the process. I would not have minded seeing more of them figuring things out, because I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions.  I am looking forward to what comes next from Murphy.

Fake Date is an engaging read that had me reluctant to step away from the book to do things like sleep, and eager to get back to the story.

Book Review: No More Bad Dates (High Tea) by Kate O'Keeffe

No More Bad Dates is the first book in the High Tea series by Kate O'Keeffe, but it is clear that at least some of the characters were secondary characters in previous series by the author. It still works as a stand alone, but fans of the author might have  a more engaging read.

Twenty-five-year-old Sophie McCarthy’s career is virtually nonexistent, her family expects her to “do something important” with her life, and she’s totally sick of dating the wrong guys: the self-absorbed, the arrogant, the borderline criminally insane. After she’s unceremoniously dumped during the vows at her boss’s wedding, she and her two equally disappointed-in-love best friends agree to help each other find decent guys to date. Together, they form the No More Bad Dates Pact: stop dating the wrong guys and start dating the right ones—weirdos and jerks need not apply. When Sophie’s roommate Jason Christie—a.k.a. doctor-in-training and serial nurse-dater—joins the pact, he vows to weed out the bad ones for her. But with his rejection of every guy Sophie meets, she begins to wonder if he’s got an ulterior motive. And anyway, why does she always have so much more fun with Jason than with the guys she’s actually trying to date? While desperately seeking her “happy for now,” could Sophie stumble into her “happily ever after?”

No More Bad Dates is a story that focuses more on the journey than the destination. Sophie is sick of bad dates, tired of being talked down to by her siblings, and just wants to figure out what she wants. She loves her job, and her friends, but thinks that she should want more- mostly because other people keep expecting her to. Jason is her roomate, friend, and a serial dater. I like that they are real friends from the start, not friends because they want more- but real friends. I loved the secondary characters- the friends and extended family are great and really keep the story moving and entertaining. The bad dates were terrifying and funny in their own way- and also realistic in terms of some of the people that are out there. I found the story to be more about Sophie figuring out what she wants from life- and figuring out how to get there than about her relationship with Jason. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and will appeal to a variety of readers, it just was not what I was expecting. I would have liked to have seen some of the story from Jason's point of view, even though I know many readers are not as fond of that as I am. I just like knowing what is going from both sides- especially when feeling as in question. I enjoyed the read, and think it will appeal to a wide range of new adult and adult romance readers. 

No More Bad Dates is fun and sweet with plenty of humor and feels. 

Early Book Review: Stealing Her (Covet) by Rachel Van Dyken

Stealing Her is the first book in the Covet series by Rachel Van Dyken. It is currently scheduled for release on November 5 2019. It is listed as a young adult novel on Netgalley, but I think it is better suited for he new adult and adult markets based on the age and lives of the characters. 

My estranged twin brother, Julian, was always the wonder boy—and soon-to-be CEO of our ruthless father’s corporation. My mother and me? Left behind. Now, years after tearing our family apart, my father dares to ask me for a favor? Pretend to be Julian while he fights to survive a tragic accident. It can save the company. Nobody will be the wiser. It’ll be our secret. I can play Dad’s favorite. I’ll do it for Julian. And for my mother, who’ll want for nothing. But this double life comes with a beauty of a hitch: my very real feelings for Julian’s fiancée, Isobel. Not only am I betraying Julian, I’m deceiving a woman I love. She doesn’t suspect a thing. As lies compound, lines are crossed and loyalties tested, all I can ask myself is…what have I done? Because sooner or later something’s got to give. There’s no way I’m giving up Isobel. But once the truth is exposed, it might not be my choice at all.

Stealing Her is a book with all the feels. Bridge resents his father, and worries about his twin even though they have not spoken in years. When tragedy strikes their father's manipulation ramps up to epic proportions and suddenly everything is on the line. Trying to protect his mother and brother Bridge does the unthinkable and pretends to e his brother to everyone, including Julian's fiance Isobel. Watching Bridge and Isobel dance around each other and all the lies and past hurts was very well written- and left me holding my breath on a regular basis. I was always worries about when the other shoe was going to drop- because I knew there was more damage for the twin's father to cause. I enjoyed all the twists and turns- some took me completely by surprise, and others I almost anticipated on some level. The pacing and feels were perfectly paced- and I was left really caring about most of the characters and how they were feeling by the end of the book. I am very eager to see what happens in the next book of the series and hope to see Julian find his own happy ending. 

Stealing Her is a contemporary romance with so many feels, twists, and moments that had me holding my breath. Van Dyken is becoming one of my favorite authors. I cannot wait to read what happens next!

Book Review: The Bad Twin by Avery Scott

The Bad Twin by Avery Scott is a stand alone contemporary romance. Being the good twin isn't all it's cracked up to be. Abby Levesque knows that better than anyone. While her sister drifts through life carefree, Abby's left to clean up her messes. The latest mess? Hudson Quinn— the hot, angry billionaire on her doorstep demanding she accompany him to Paris. He's obviously mistaken her for her twin, Gabby, who happens to be his assistant. Too bad Gabby is nowhere to be found. If Abby wants to fix her sister's latest blunder, she'll have to pretend to be someone else for two weeks—preferably someone who isn't wildly attracted to her mercurial boss. As far as Hudson's concerned, his sexy-but-flaky new personal assistant is just another in a long line of terrible decisions and failures in his life. But he's working on the deal of a lifetime—a deal that could change everything for him—and he needs her help to close it. The last thing he ever expected was to connect with her on a soul-deep level. Falling in love wasn't part of the job, and when Hudson finds out who she really is, Abby's terrified he'll never forgive her. With a billion-dollar deal—and both their hearts—on the line, can Abby convince Hudson she's the right twin for him? 

The Bad Twin has some great points, and some things that just did not work for me. I liked Abby for the most part. She is hanging on by a thread and doing everything she can to keep herself- and her twin- in the house the love, fed, and with electricity. Her sister is no help, and causes more problems that aiding in solutions. I can understand the desperation of pretending to be Gabby and getting herself in the difficult situation. I can even understand Hudson not noticing- because he is so focused and driven on the business side that I suspect subtle differences are sometimes unnoticed. I liked the get to know you between the characters, and the slow build between them. I think the big reveal that Abby was not Gabby could have come sooner- and it would have worked better for me. I felt like the book was almost over at the point and the final coming together was more of an afterthought rather than the big climax of the story. I would have like some more 'coming to terms'  time for the couple together. I also had some issues with the fact that the smart twin never thought to have the artwork in her house appraised. Just for insurance purposes that would have been the responsible thing to do- but when you are scrounging to get utilities turned back on I would think the idea of selling at least the art you do not like would have been considered. I also was a little bothered by the sudden personality change of Gabby toward the end- I liked the idea, and the majority of the writing but the last few chapters just fell flat for me.

The Bad Twin is a love story with a great premise and good characters. It was an enjoyable read but it did not grab me the way I was hoping it would. 

Book Review: The Sheikh's Instant Family (Safar Sheikhs) by Leslie North

The Sheikh's Instant Family is the second book in the Safar Sheikhs series by Leslie North.  You do not need to read the books in order, or as series to fully enjoy each one. However returning readers will understand the family drama and secondary characters a little more than new readers.

Sheikh Amad has always gone with his gut, which is why his ventures abroad have multiplied his tribe’s wealth and business connections. But with his 30th birthday approaching—and with expectations that he be married by then—he’s got to go home soon...That means leaving his life in Las Vegas, and Vanessa, the sexy waitress he’s falling for, behind. Vanessa Hammerman has had to work for everything she’s ever had, left by every man from her father on up. Sheikh Amad has been fun, but she’s not thinking of a long-term commitment with a Middle Eastern prince. She’d rather keep it fun…until the pregnancy test comes back positive. Now she’s out on the biggest limb of her life: Will this man run from her, too? Or will he be the one to stay? It seems like fate when Vanessa tells Amad he’s going to be a father, and his marriage proposal is instantaneous. It’s the perfect solution for fulfilling his duty while at the same time satisfying his heart. But when he brings her home to his tribe, he realizes his independent, Western bride might not work so well in the traditional structure of the Middle East. Vanessa has put everything on the line for this: her heart, her career, and her life. So when she refuses to fall in line with Amad’s expectations, they begin to doubt if they can make it work. But if they take the chance, love could become the biggest win of their lives. 

The Sheikh's Instant Family is a book that I had more trouble connecting to than the first in the series. I found the set up and Vanessa's character to be well done. Vanessa is a strong woman that wants to be different than her scheming mother and needs to be busy and useful. I liked her reluctance to accept extravagant gifts and her eagerness to pitch in an contribute. I like that she sometimes wavered, but stood up for herself when it mattered most. I had trouble with Amad. I know he needed room to grow in the story- but his general attitude about women in the workplace and whatnot rubbed me the wrong way very early on. I saw what the conflict was going to be quickly- and while I wanted Vanessa to have her happy ever after, I was not necessarily rooting for Amad.  The story worked, and there were moments that I enjoyed. However, I did not connect with this story. Others might not have the strong reaction I did to Amad, and they are likely to enjoy the read much more than I did. 

The Sheikh's Instant Family is a story with good characters. I did not connect with it was much as I had hoped, but it was still a solid story.

Book Review: Goalie Interference (Hat Trick) by Avon Gale; Piper Vaughn

Goalie Interference is the second book in the Hat Trick series by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn. I did not read the first book in the series, and think that newcomers to the series will be able to fully enjoy the read on its own. 

Ryu Mori has had a stellar season as goalie for the Atlanta Venom. So when he’s called into management’s office, he’s expecting to hear he’s the new starting goalie for the team, not that some new guy—an incredibly hot, annoyingly bratty rookie—is here to compete for his spot. Not everyone gets to play in the best league in the world. Emmitt Armstrong knows that, and he’s not about to waste the opportunity after grinding his way from the bottom to the top. If the Venom are looking for a meek, mild-mannered pushover, they’ve got the wrong guy. Ryu doesn’t want to admit the other goalie’s smart mouth turns him on. Beating Armstrong at practice feels good, sure, but there are other, more fun ways to shut his rival up. In this league, it’s winner takes all. But there’s more to life than winning, and if Emmitt and Ryu can get past their egos and competitive natures, they might just discover they work better as partners than they ever imagined possible.

Goalie Interference is so much more than a m/m or sports romance. Ryu and Emmitt both have family that love and support them, but that might not all offer the kind of pride and overt recognition that they sometimes crave. They both have friends or family they can rely on, and develop support systems, and still have issues that they need to face. Their problems are unique- because of who they are- but they read like real people with real problems. Sometimes it is nice to connect with a character going through problems that are realistic and relatable rather than horrific things that make me sad or angry. Yes, I have no clue what it is like competing for the goalie spot on an NHL team- but I do know what it is like to struggle with feeling accepted or wanting my parents to be proud. 

I enjoyed seeing Emmitt and Ryu dance around each other as they came to terms with their feelings- and finding their way to each other. More importantly- they needed to figure out how to face the inevitable professional struggles they will face. I loved some of their bickering- and some of the frank discussions about love, lust, and attraction in the book. Sometimes when this many sensitive topics arise in a single book it feels manufactured or like it is being done to be trendy or tick off boxes. Here it felt completely organic- the conversations about racism, sexuality, and family all felt natural and organic to the story. I greatly enjoyed the read- and would honestly love to hang out with the characters in real life- they just were that real to me as I read.

Goalie Interference is a solid romance that touches on a wide range of emotional issues. I loved getting to know these characters and will be keeping an eye of for more from the authors.

Book Review: The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement (Safar Sheikhs) by Leslie North

The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement is the first book in the Safar Sheikhs series by Leslie North. Ancient law dictates that Sheikh Fatim Safar has to marry or be disinherited by his 30th birthday. Fatim isn’t worried—he married years earlier and had two children with his wife before she died. But there’s a catch: the law states he must be married at age 30. Two weeks from his 30th birthday, there’s no time to change it or fight it. Calla Clark is out to prove her parents wrong.Calla is in the Middle East to prove her design prowess., and what better way to do that then becoming seamstress for the royal family and getting to drape fabric over the sexy Sheikh’s rock-hard body. She can’t act on her temptations, of course. She’s got goals to crush. Still, when she watches the way the Sheikh commands his tribe, and cares for his kids, she can’t help but feel an undeniable attraction. Fatim has taken a liking to Calla, too. She’s smart, thoughtful, and good with his children. With his birthday right around the corner, Fatim offers her the position as his wife. It’s only temporary, and in return for marrying him and helping with his children, he’ll give her everything she needs for the upcoming Fashion Week. Calla agrees, so long as he helps keep her dream alive. With so many differences between them, Fatim and Calla’s powerful pairing could raise the tribe up to modern heights, or send it to the bin like last season’s cast-offs. 

The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement is a romance that works because of the complex characters. Yes, a marriage of convenience turned to love is not a new trope, but it totally works here. Calla is a strong woman that wants to prove herself, to show her skill in clothes design. She cares about others, and her biggest issue is that she has trouble saying no outright and tends to over extend herself. Fatim shares the trait of often overtaxing himself, but in his case it is because he wants everything to be as good as it can for his people. Both are trying to do too much, and prove themselves to be worthy of the trust others place in them and their own skills. There is a good amount of heat, a solid emotional crisis and solution, and some funny moments as well. I like that both characters had their own growth and concerns outside the relationship- even though they did affect it. They did not lose their other goals as soon as they fell in love, instead it brought their own issues to light and forced them to face them on their own. Calla had to figure out how to relate to the other women in the country, Fatim had to figure out how to rule balancing tradition and modern ideas as well as love. 

The Sheikh's Wife Arrangement is va good example of North's writing, and I think fans will want to start off this series right away. It has well written characters and emotional conflict. I liked it so much that I already downloaded the next title in the series.

Early Book Review: Against the Rules (Gamer Girls) by Laura Heffernan

Against the Rules is the second book in the Gamer Girls series by Laura Heffernan and is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2019. I did not read the first book in the series, and while it is about a circle of friends I was able to fully enjoy the book without having read the first.

Holly has taken herself out of the dating game since breaking up with her cheating, thieving ex. She barely notices Marc, who comes into the game store every week, hoping to get her attention. Her friends insist it’s time to take on a new role, to leave Quiet Holly behind and embrace her inner flirt. And on paper, Marc’s great: cute, funny, and a hardcore gamer just like Holly is. Then there’s Nathan. He’s everything twenty-eight-year-old Holly wants, except he’s also her friend’s father. Absolutely off-limits. But as she and Nathan playtest a new legacy game together, they’re growing closer. The game is complex and intriguing, and there’s no way to know how choices will pan out. What seems like a good idea could lead to disaster or sweet victory. But in gaming, as in love, sometimes you have to roll the dice and take your chance.

Against the Rules worked really well on some levels, and fell flat for me in others. I really liked Holly, she has had some serious challenges in life lately and is doing her best to keep moving forward in life. She is a little oblivious sometimes, but in ways many of us are. I liked her intelligence and spirit, and found her insecurities to be realistic and relatable. Nathan seemed like a smart, good guy with issues of his own. I felt like I did not get to know him all that well, since we only saw him through Holly's eyes- I would really have liked to have seen the world through his eyes once and awhile o see his take on Holly. Yes, he was open with her about his feeling once things started happening- but a better look at the attraction and his worries would have brought the whole story together more for me. I liked them together, and understood the worries and hesitancy about becoming involved, and the complications it would create. I did like the glimpses of the horrors on online dating and the real lives of gamers. I found these bits of the story to be well done and realistic, as anyone that has been involved in either can attest. 

Against the Rules is a good contemporary romance that had some fabulous moments, but did not wow me. I am glad I picked it up, but am not sure I will be going back to read the first in the series.

Book Review: Hold On to Me (Return to Haven) by Jules Bennett

Hold On to Me is the third book in the Return to Haven series by Jules Bennett. While I have not read the previous books, I think that I can safely say that each can stand on its on, however this will be a must read for fans of the series since the main couple are the last singles in this particular group of friends. 

Jade McKenzie left her high-society family’s expectations behind when she came back to cozy Haven, and she’s never been happier. But what’s supposed to be a quick trip to Nashville for a cousin’s wedding turns into a disaster when one of the airport’s pilots offers to fly her there. One crash landing and a shared room later, and tattooed, bearded Cash Miller is standing in as her gorgeously unsuitable plus-one—and turning her on in ways she can’t deny. But a relationship? A real one? That’s definitely in the no-fly zone.  Vincent “Cash” Miller doesn’t have much in the world, but he does have pride—and a strict policy not to let anyone trash-talk his friends, not even their mothers. Standing up for sexy, headstrong Jade comes naturally—but so does the bone-deep itch for her he’s always wanted to scratch. Giving in to attraction is one thing, but commitment is another. So why does it feel like together, love might take them to breathtaking heights? 

Hold On to Me is a friends to more romance that rounds out a series of contemporary romances. I loved Jade's balance of spunk and vulnerability. She is a smart business woman, willing to fight for herself and her friends, but is not all that confident or experienced when it comes to relationships. Cah likes to go it alone, his past has taught him not to put his faith in others- and even when those closest to him would be happy to lend a hand he is too stubborn to ask for help. This pair shares the same circle of friends and engage in a battle of wits and wills at almost every turn. It was great fun to see these to take that spark and turn it into something so much more, and to see them each grow so much emotionally through the book. They each have so many fears and vulnerability- but are so busy trying not to show it that the read was a roller coaster. I liked them each individually- and their circle of friends were great. I enjoyed watching the relationship play out- and thought that their hangups and reactions were very realistic. There were a few moments when I wanted to face palm, not because the reaction was not organic, but because I knew it would other cause more trouble or issues along the road.

Hold On to Me is a romance with plenty of heart and heart and a nice touch of humor to keep everything balanced.