Early Book Review: Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher

Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on April 14 2020. State attorney Bridget Nolan is successful in all aspects of her life—except romance. After breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, she's been slow to reenter the dating scene. To be honest, she has more important things to do like putting bad guys behind bars. But with her brother's wedding right around the corner, she suddenly needs a date and fast. Lucky for Bridget, the legal intern is almost done with his program. Matt Kido is dumbstruck by Bridget—total love at first sight—but there's one problem. She's totally off-limits while she's his boss. But the moment he no longer reports to her, Matt decides to take a chance. An impulsive decision takes them to Las Vegas where, as the saying goes, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Unless you put a ring on it.

Not That Kind of Guy had a great balance to it. I loved the humor and real, emotional issues that were dealt with. Bridget is so used to having to be in control and trying to be perfect that when she lets go things get a little out of control. Matt has gotten tired of doing what he should and the possibility of being used. Neither is overly trusting, even of themselves. I loved watching them forge a friendship and more. I was glad to get both of their points of view, seeing how both of them worried about their own value in the relationship help me understand the choices they made, even when I dd not agree with them. I thought that the family dynamic for both of them were key to the story, and explored in a way that explained a great deal about the characters without sidetracking the story. I also liked the thought that was put into the secondary characters and background story. However, I also felt like the author was trying to get all the tropes in the book. There was the workplace/forbidden romance, the age gap, the wealth gap, the real slash fake relationship, the jealous ex's, and so on. I felt a little like the author had all the possible twists and trops on a check list and tried to get as many in as possible. I liked the characters, and the story for the most part, but some of it just felt forced. 

Not That Kind of Guy is a contemporary romance with a good balances of heat and sweet.

Early Book Review: Seduced by a Steele (Forged of Steele) by Brenda Jackson

Seduced by a Steele is the twelfth book in the Forged of Steele series by Brenda Jackson, I have not read the previous books but this one can stand up well on its own. It is currently scheduled for release on April 7 2020. 

Will a damsel in distress be his redemption? A notorious heartbreaker is about to meet his match. When the “thief” caught driving his stolen vintage car turns out to be a stunning runaway heiress, Mercury Steele is conflicted. On the one hand, Sloan Donahue, penniless and on the run from her tyrannical family, triggers the billionaire playboy’s protective instincts. But she also triggers red-hot desire. Mercury refuses to think his simple seduction is becoming something deeper, especially when Sloan is keeping secrets. 

Seduced by a Steele is a quick read with a nice dose of heat. Sloan wants no part of an arranged marriage that comes with a mistress, unfortunately escape means getting away from controlling parents with no funds of her own Mercury has no interest in settling down, but the attraction and desire to help Sloan are undeniable. I liked Sloan's desire for independence and wanting to work things out on her own, but I felt like she really never gained that agency in more than inconsequential ways. Mercury wanted to help, his money and connections were helpful but because of his ability to 'fix' just about everything I did not see Sloan get to do much more than say no to her ex and her father. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the read and liked the major characters and how they interacted, but I just felt like it came together almost too easily. I was waiting for a kidnapping attempt, or attack, or something big and dramatic other than verbal sparring and half truths being revealed. 

Seduced by a Steele is a fast and enjoyable read, good for reading in a single sitting on a cold or rainy weekend afternoon.

Early Book Review: Sexy Beast (Billion $ Bastards) by Jackie Ashenden

Sexy Beast by Jackie Ashenden is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2020. Commanding billionaire Everett Calhoun reveals his sexy dark side to his girl-next-door best friend in the second installment of the Billion $ Bastards trilogy. I was born bad. Maintaining tight control—in business and in the bedroom—is the only way to keep my darkness in check. So when my girl-next-door best friend, Freya, comes to me for a sexual favor, I don’t see the harm in giving her what she needs. After all, I’ve always kept her firmly in the friend zone. But after showing her that there’s nothing wrong with her ability to orgasm, it’s all I can do to walk away. Unleashing my inner beast on the person who matters most to me is not an option. She wants me but is she prepared to follow my every command, to submit to my will and let me take her to the ultimate heights of pleasure? Getting Freya on her knees should make me feel like the monster I am, but being with her leaves me more vulnerable, more human, than ever. I need to reclaim the friendship we had before I lose control completely, or will she have me on my knees?

Sexy Beast is part of the Harlequin Dare line, which means it is heavy on the heat, if the description of the book does not give that away. This is also the second book in a trilogy, but can stand well on its own. I have not read the previous book but know from context the other two books in the series must center on Everett's business partners. There is some Dom/Sub play and a lot of bearing of souls as well as bodies. Everett and Freya are best friends, and have been since they were children. Each have some childhoods trauma and significant lingering issues because of it. I love that they work hard to help each other while also forcing each other to face the truth. Seeing them each come to terms with their feelings and the implications was painful, but in the best way. Confidence and control issues are some of the most common, and seeing them handled with such care, with the underlying levels of trust and honest caring was wonderful. While the heat level was high, it in no way overpowered the emotional character arc, the trust and friendship they shared was the key to the entire story. Sometimes the biggest obstacles to a happy  ever after lie in the minds and pride of the people involved, and that was certainly the case here. I found the fears, frustrations, and care for each other to be very realistic and engaging to read and think that fans of contemporary romance with high heat levels will agree.

Sexy Beast is a romance that is emotionally charged and full of heat.

Early Book Review: Shameless With Him (Less Than) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Shameless With Him is the third book in the Less Than series by Carrie Ann Ryan. It is currently scheduled for release on March 24 2020 and can stand on its own or enjoyed as part of the series.

Caleb Carr might have once been ready for commitment, but when the unexpected slams into him with the force of a two-ton truck, he knows he has to run away from anything that might be important. Zoey might well be his final temptation, but to keep her whole, he’ll walk away. Zoey Wager has loved Caleb since they were eight. And has had her heart broken from afar repeatedly ever since. It doesn’t help that every time she sees him—even when she’s running away halfway across the world—he’s with another woman. She’s watched him fall in lust her entire life. Now, she’s ready to watch him fall in love. With her.

Shameless With Him is a romance that pulls on the childhood crush trope. Zoey has loved Caleb for ever, and when they kind of fall together she is very cautious about going all in, because his relationships never seem to last long. Caleb is dealing with some issues that he is reluctant to share with his family, never mind the girl he counts as a friend and has wanted for years. Neither wants to blow their chance, but both are dealing with doubts, fear, and helping pull of the wedding of a lifetime for Zoey's baby sister. There is a good does of heart, some heat, and moments when readers will want to throttle one or more of the characters. The story works, and the cast of characters are well written. Maybe I just picked this book up at the wrong time. It was a good, solid romance but I never got fully invested or engaged with the characters and story. I love the author in general, so I think this might have been more of a me thing than anything about the book.

Shameless With Him is a good romance, and I think fans of the author and second chance, or childhood crush, romances will particularly enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: Not According to Plan by A.M. Madden

Not According to Plan by A.M. Madden is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on March 23 2020. For one night of my life, I dared to do something reckless. My birthday. A bar. Karaoke. And a man so hot he could melt the sun. Sparks flew. Lust took over. For one night of my life, I felt alive. Then I was back to my “boring” life. Career-driven. Goal-oriented. Always planning ahead. But nothing could have prepared me for the positive pregnancy test. We weren’t that reckless.  There goes my “boring” life. And what happens when I tell the father?

Not According to Plan is a contemporary romance with plenty of complications, but recalled condoms seem to be the root of most. A one night stand resulting in a pregnancy is rough, add in split residency and another baby on the way and things are complicated right from the start. I liked Jade a lot, I could understand and connect with her desire to rock her job even when it did not meet her expectations, and actually agreed with her take on most of the issues in the story. Max was a nice guy, with way too much on his plate. I liked that he wanted to do right be everyone in his life, and understood how that might burn him out. I liked the extended family and friends for both characters, and thought that for the most part they offered support and advice that was heartfelt- and I thought that the naysayers were realistic and well done even when they made my heart hurt. I was not thrilled with the conclusion, they way they worked things out, but I cannot agree with everyone's choices even in fiction. I was hoping that a different solution would be found, even though I could not come up with a logical one either so what do I know. Overall I enjoyed the read, and it had some fantastic moments, but I was not wowed by it as a whole.

Not According to Plan is a romance with plenty of twists on the way to a happy ever after.

Early Book Review: American Sweethearts (Dreamers) by Adriana Herrera

American Sweethearts is the fourth book in the Dreamers series by Adriana Herrera, and is currently scheduled for release on March 30 2020. I have not read the previous books in the series, but it stood well on its own.

Juan Pablo Campos doesn’t do regrets. He’s living the dream as a physical therapist for his beloved New York Yankees. He has the best friends and family in the world and simply no time to dwell on what could’ve been. Except when it comes to Priscilla, the childhood friend he’s loved for what seems like forever. New York City police detective Priscilla Gutierrez has never been afraid to go after what she wants. Second-guessing herself isn’t a thing she does. But lately, the once-clear vision she had for herself—her career, her relationships, her life—is no longer what she wants. What she especially doesn’t want is to be stuck on a private jet to the Dominican Republic with JuanPa, the one person who knows her better than anyone else. By the end of a single week in paradise, the love/hate thing JuanPa and Pris have been doing for sixteen years has risen to epic proportions. No one can argue their connection is still there. And they can both finally admit—if only to themselves—they’ve always been a perfect match. The future they dreamed of together is still within reach, if they can just accept each other as they are.

American Sweethearts is a wonderful romance. I am not big into second chance stories, it is just not my favorite trope, but this book might have changed my mind. I loved that Juan and Priscilla know each other as well as they do from the start of the story. They come together with good and bad history and are both working hard to get what they need from life. Their love story is as much about coming to terms while what they each really want as it is about making it work together. Their honesty with each other, even when it comes down to knowing when the other is not ready for a conversation was extremely well done, and the open discussions of sex and what they want is something that should be a relationship goal for most couples. Even when things went sideways I could understand both sides, and it was all so real that I was completely lost in the story from page one.  I absolutely loved the cast of secondary characters, they were very well written, and I enjoyed getting a good look at the friendships and family bonds that shaped the characters so much.  I look forward to reading more, in fact I plan on going back to read the first three books in the series as soon as I get a bit further ahead in my reviews, because I have a feeling there will be some binge reading involved. 

American Sweethearts is a fabulous read. Fans of the author will need this book, and newcomers like me might just be adding a new name to their must buy list. 

Book Review: Chaser by Rick R. Reed

Chaser by Rick R. Reed is a contemporary romance. Caden DeSarro is what they call a chubby chaser. He likes his guys with a few extra pounds on them. So when he meets Kevin Dodge in a bar bathroom, he can’t help but stare. As far as Caden is concerned, Kevin is physically perfect: a stocky bearded blond. But Caden gets tongue-tied and misses his chance. When Caden runs into Kevin on the train, he figures it’s fate offering him a second shot. Caden manages to get invited back to Kevin’s place for a one-night stand that turns into the kind of relationship he’s dreamed about. But the course of true love never runs smoothly—Kevin and Caden’s romance is no exception. When Caden returns from a few weeks away on business, Kevin surprises him with a new and “improved” body—one that fits Caden’s shallow friend Bobby’s ideal, but not Caden’s. Caden doesn’t know what to do, and his hesitation is just the opportunity Bobby was looking for.

Chaser is a romance that has characters with realistic and relatable issues and problems. I like that the characters all have their insecurities, because as much as people like to hide it I believe we all have them. Caden has doubts about his own desirability, and about who he is attracted to. I really like that he is aware of his issues and taking steps to make himself a better person for his own sake, rather than for someone else. Similarly, Kevin has insecurities and takes a completely different, yet still healthy, path to try and better himself. Like Caden I thought he was physically just fine in the beginning of the story, but getting healthier and being aware of your personal coping methods is not a bad idea. I have to admit that the tension of the story in the second half really got to me. I wanted to throw things as things went sideways, and while I love a good crisis and villian in a story I was way too tense to really enjoy this level of conflict. I think it was extremely well done, and too believable, which is probably why I found it so difficult to read at times. I read to escape the madness of the real world, and my escape was thwarted. Those that enjoy realistic crisis, betrayals, and so one will enjoy this much more than I. This comes from personal preference in reading rather than anything wrong with the writing or story- in fact, I think the fact that I found it as disturbing as I did goes to show how realistic the characters and story were.

Chaser is a realistic and well written romance. 

Book Review: Cold Hearted Bastard (Bastard Series) by Jennifer Dawson

Cold Hearted Bastard is the first book in the Bastard Series by Jennifer Dawson. Meet Jackson McKay. There's only one thing you need to know about me. I'm a cold hearted bastard that will never love you the way you deserve. And I'm sorry to say, bastard beats nice guy, every time. I never lie. Never deceive. I lay out exactly what will happen. My only promise is that I'm a one-night stand. That this is will be our first and last time together. Then I stand back and let them walk. But they never do. Because they all want to believe they will be the one to change me. And, Gwen Johnson, the woman that will be his demise. There's only one thing you need to know about me. What I want, I get. End of story. I didn't come to own one of the best restaurants in the city of Chicago before the age of thirty by taking no for an answer. And what I want is for this cold hearted bastard, and culinary genius, to work for me. I don't care how difficult he is. I'm going to figure out what makes him tick, what he needs most, and then I'm going to go in for the kill. The way I see it, you either own it, or it owns you.

Cold Hearted Bastard is a contemporary romance that focuses on two successful adults that know what they want, and will not be sidetracked- at least not until they see each other. Everything has always come easy come easy for Jackson, and when he retreated to his hometown he still received offers to come work his magic for them. Gwen has worked hard and gotten to the point where most things come easy for her as well. When the two mean there are fireworks, verbally and physically. I like that they are honest with each other about the attraction and what they can offer each other, well for the most part. There was plenty of heat, but I like that they talked and did other things as they got to know each other. Jackson's big secret, as well as the fears and insecurities the two have, are well done and I was curious to see how they would come together. I really liked how honest they were with each other about how they felt, except for when they weren't because of the conflicts. There were moments that I wanted to kick one or both of them but while I disagreed with then or thought they were missing the big picture, the reactions in question were always in line with the character. I also liked the variety of secondary characters, some of which fans of the author will recognize from previous books. 

Cold Hearted Bastard is a romance that I think many contemporary romance fans with a love for stubborn characters will enjoy. 

Early Book Review: Finding Him (Covet) by Rachel Van Dyken

Finding Him is the second book in the Covet series by Rachel Van Dyken and it currently scheduled for release on February 25 2020. . I think each book does stand fine on its own, however those that read the series in order will get more from the larger story arc than those reading them separately. 

Coming out of a coma was one hell of a wake-up call. While I was in the dark, my estranged twin brother, Bridge, had replaced me in the company I owned and swept up my fiancée in the takeover. With my ruthless reputation, can I blame them for falling in love? I have to look long and hard at where I’ve been and where I’m headed. Alone time? The universe has other plans. Our family’s secluded Vermont cabin comes with a gorgeous—if at first, unwelcoming—surprise. She’s renter Keaton Westbrook, a social media superstar struggling with her own private grief. As a winter storm bears down, we’ve found something to keep us warm—an intimacy neither of us expected and both of us need. After we say goodbye, what happens then? Keaton and I are longing to reconcile with our painful pasts. I can’t bear to do it without her. Is it too much to ask of fate to give us a second chance at life and love?

Finding Him is a contemporary romance with two emotionally wounded souls finding each other, and healing in the process. Julian is coming to terms with his own mistakes and trying to find a new normal after waking up from a coma and then losing his mother. Forced to take a vacation he is not thrilled to find someone else in the cabin where he expected to find solitude. Some entertaining conversation and attraction aside neither is really looking for intimacy, a relationship, or anything else. However, their wounded edges seem to fit together perfectly- and they find healing while dealing with their individual scars. While some of the trauma they face may seem a little over the top (comas, twins, and paparazzi) I think the individual characters and their pain is thought out and well written. The over the top nature just made the one on one conversations and realizations more poignant and meaningful to me as a reader. It was a great weekend read to escape the real world but still suffer from some serious feels.

Finding Him is a roller coaster ride of feels, and is worth the ride.

Early Book Review: Wrong Bed, Right Man (Accidental Love) by Rebecca Brooks

Wrong Bed, Right Man is the third book in the Accidental Love series by Rebecca Brooks and is currently scheduled for release on February 17 2020. I have not read the previous books, and think each must be able to stand on its own. 

Rose Campbell is determined to get her stuff from her cheating ex-fiancé’s apartment. There’s just one problem. A sexy stranger is sleeping in her bed. Work boots and scruff so aren’t her type––except when they’re on furniture maker Owen Crowley, who is funny, kind, and speaks his mind. The prim and proper Rose isn't the kind of woman Owen is usually interested in. But the more he gets to know her, the more intrigued he becomes. There’s passion underneath those stiff suits of hers that he can’t wait to explore. There’s no reason these two opposites can’t have some sexy fun, except that one thing. Rose works for the very people trying to destroy Owen’s business.

Wrong Bed, Right Man is a sweet contemporary romance with a few good twists and turns. Rose is doing her best to get on with life after years of conditioning to be the quiet good girl and never raise a fuss. However, after catching her fiance in the act of cheating she just wants to get through each day and get her furniture back. This leads to all sorts of adventures with Owen, who is trying to keep his business afloat and not take advantage of the innocent Rose. I really liked Owen, he is a guy with integrity and an intense work ethic but very little filter. I liked his father even more. Rose I liked to an extent, but was a little frustrated with her on occasion. I did not mind the prim and proper, but found her inability to stand up for herself to more bothersome to me than Owen's ability to ignore slights to her. She  has a great, supportive group of friends but so little self esteem that it really took some of the fun out of the story for me. I did enjoy the resolution, and think parts of the story were brilliant, but was annoyed with Rose more often than not. 

Wrong Bed, Right Man is a fun and steamy read. 

Early Book Review: Dekoboko Sugar Days by TOKYOPOP, Yusen Atsuko

Dekoboko Sugar Days by Yusen Atsuko and Tokyopop is currently scheduled for release on February 18 2020.  Yuujirou Matsukaze has been close friends with Rui Hanamine since the two of them were children, and at that time, Yuujirou was the one who stood up for and took care of his adorable, soft-hearted friend. But as it turns out, Yuujirou's childhood dreams end up growing a little too big to handle - or, rather, too tall! At over six feet in height, the cheerful and happy-go-lucky Rui towers over his would-be protector, and still has no idea Yuujirou's had a crush on him since they were kids!

Dekoboko Sugar Days is an enjoyable graphic novel that show two fairly clueless high school guys finding their way from friends to more. They each have to figure out their own feelings and then gather the courage to share that information with each other. I like that it showed their continued struggles with communication- which often gets left out of the story. Insecurities and figuring things out is more than half the struggle particularly for young and new adults that are still trying to figure out what they want, never mind how to talk about it with they person you care most about. The assumptions of those around them, and the doubts they each had felt the most real in the story. I liked the artwork, although I do have to admit that there were a couple of moments that I confused a couple of characters and it took me a minute to figure it out. I liked the occasional breaks in the fourth wall, and the amount of humor that was sprinkled through the story. I had a few issues with continuity or flowing storyline, particularly the moment of their first time together. I felt like a couple pages were missing, as they went from insanely awkward to french kissing to clarifying that Rui was still good to be bottom. I missed any conversation about that, and I went back to make sure I had not accidentally flipped pages to quick or something. So I did enjoy the story, I did see many tropes and stereotypes, but for the most part I was happy with the read.

Dekoboko Sugar Days is a read that hit some good points, and a few head scratching moments. However, overall I enjoyed the read. 

Early Book Review: Her Twin Baby Secret by Therese Beharrie

Her Twin Baby Secret by Therese Beharrie is currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020.  Alexa Moore is the definition of independent. She runs her own successful business and she’s decided to start a longed-for family—by herself! But after business rival Benjamin Foster comes to her rescue and pretends to be her boyfriend for a night, their earth-shattering kiss sparks Alexa’s desire to share much more with him. But having Benjamin in her life means she must confide in him—she’s pregnant with twins!

Her Twin Baby Secret is an enemy to lover romance with much more emotional depth than I usually expect from the trope. Alexa's family is less than loving, while Benjamin's is very caring but has their own struggles. The family issues have affected the way both of them relate to others and deal with conflict- which is true of us all. I loved getting to know both of the characters, and could relate to Alexis's need to do everything herself and fear of getting hurt by those she might let in. Ben's protective nature was not unexpected, but I loved how sweet and caring he was. Each of them coming to terms with their own failings was perfectly paced and timed for the overall story, and it was just so well done.I also enjoyed that the secondary characters were so multidimensional, even those that could have been completely bad or oblivious had a moment or two when they were clearly more.  I so want to see more of some of them, and plan on getting my hands on more books from Beharrie as soon as possible.

Her Twin Baby Secret is a wonderful romance. I cannot wait to explore the author's other books. 

Early Book Review: Teach Me (Filthy Rich Billionaires) by Caitlin Crews

Teach Me is the first book in the Filthy Rich Billionaires by Caitlin Crews. It is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2020. Socialite Erika Vanderberg has been planning for this night for months. Years. All so she can finally gain entrance to Berlin’s most exclusive sex club. Erika is here for one person: Dorian Alexander, her brother’s best friend and her secret childhood crush. Only, now her childish crush has been replaced by something hungry, raw and oh-so-wickedly adult. And the moment Erika sees Dorian—his dark eyes intent and focused, that hard body—everything comes crashing into place. Yes, she’s submissive. And yes, she desperately wants to surrender to Dorian over and over again. But Erika has spent her life pretending to be a spoiled little socialite who pushes everyone away. Submitting to this delicious man and all his heady power won’t change who she is—will it? After one taste, there is already a dark hunger between them, one that threatens to unleash who Erika really is.

Teach Me is from the Harlequin Dare line, which means that the heat level is much higher than what some people might expect, if the mention of the sex club did not already warn you about this. So, if BDSM and related themes are no goes for you then I suggest moving along. However, I have to say that I liked the way the dynamics of the lifestyle are laid out and explained, how a healthy and safe relationship is all about communication and honesty. I think those are things everyone can improve on in their relationship no matter what form it takes. Now, this is about so much more than the sex and lifestyle. The emotion aspects of the relationship are tied to the lifestyle, but have their own part to play as well. Both Erika and Dorian have family trauma that shaped them and changed them over the years, affecting their values and how they see themselves. Erika's character arch is sometimes painful to watch, but so important to the story. I liked that we got both Dorian and Erika's points of view in the story, but I would have liked to see more of a struggle on Dorain's part- if felt a bit one sided in the character growth and while there were a few introductions to secondary characters there was not much outside Erika's personal story arch to the book.

Teach Me is a book that ran hot and cold for me. I liked the honest and realistic look at the lifestyle and what shaped the characters, but it was a little to 'big guy saves lost girl' to make me completely happy.

Early Book Review: Kissing Game by Marie Harte

Kissing Game by Marie Harte does not come labeled as part of any series, but does tie into several of the previous contemporary romance series from Harte. If you are already a fan or these you will be thrilled to see Rena and Axel finally get their book. If you are new to Harte's writing then you will still be able to enjoy this story, but will miss out on some connections and inside stories. It is currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020.

Rena Jackson is ready. She's worked her tail off to open up her own hair salon, and she's almost ready to quit her job at the dive bar. Rena's also a diehard romantic, and she's had her eye on bar regular Axel Heller for a while. He's got that tall-dark-and-handsome thing going big time. Problem is, he's got that buttoned-up Germanic ice man thing going as well. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Rena's about ready to give up on Axel and find her own Mr. Right. At six foot six, Axel knows he intimidates most people. He's been crushing on the gorgeous waitress for months. But the muscled mechanic is no romantic, and his heart is buried so deep, he has no idea how to show Rena what he feels. He knows he's way out of his depth and she's slipping away. So, he makes one crazy, desperate play.

Kissing Game is a fun and heart felt read made even better because fans of Harte will see that it ties in characters from three of her series. I loved seeing how well some of the couples are doing and how much has happened in their lives.  I loved Axel's character, and have wanted to read more about him for awhile, and this book hit all the right notes. Axel is a good man with some deep wounds and a hard time letting go. Rena is a romantic that wants a happy ever after but is not sure that it will ever happen for her. These two have been dancing around each other for what seems like forever, and it was so much fun watching Axel trying to be romantic. The gifts he uses to try and woo Rena are hysterically bad, and his attempts to be everything he thinks he should be rather than himself were sad and hard for me to read. I loved what a softy he really is, despite his size and fighting reputation. I think the book hit a good blend of humor and deep feels, and I that all fans of the author are going to want to pict this one up. 

Kissing Game is a must read for fans, but still a great weekend reads for romance fans that love to read about a growly hero that is a marshmallow just below the surface. 

Early Book Review: The Perils of Intimacy by Rick R. Reed

The Perils of Intimacy by Rick R. Reed is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on January 27 2020. Mark believes he’s meeting Jimmy for the first time in the diner where he works, but he’s wrong. Mark has no recollection of their original encounter because the wholesome Jimmy of today couldn’t be more different than he was two years ago. Back then, Jimmy sported multiple piercings and facial hair. He was painfully skinny—and a meth addict. The drug transformed him into a lying, conniving thief. Mark doesn’t associate the memory of a hookup gone wrong with this fresh-faced twenty-something… but Jimmy knows. Can Mark see Jimmy for the man he is now and not the addict he was? The answers depend on whether true love holds enough light to shine through the darkness of past mistakes.

The Perils of Intimacy is a heartfelt romance that looks deeper. I was glad to see the straightforward and honest way drug use, and the difficult path of recovery, is handled. I found the way the damage drug use has on the user and those around them was handled with empathy and understanding. I think many people should read the book just for a better understanding of how powerful addiction is, and how hard it can be to get and stay clean.Jimmy had me rooting for him right for the start, and I really liked the author's voice and writing style. Getting the dual points of view helped me really become engaged in the story and the overall health of the major characters.  I also liked that while Marc had a better start in life, he also had real and relatable emotional issues that while different than Jimmy's problems were not pushed off to the side or ignored just because they were not more immediately problematic. I think this was a great show of the author's understanding that everyone has their issues, and they can all have an impact on our relationships and life in general.  I also enjoy that there was another layer of the story, about recovery and the help people give each other while working toward staying clean. There were a couple moments were I was braced for things to go really wrong, and at one point I worried that there was another twist around the corner. I am so glad I read this book, the love story was great but the better understanding it brought me people struggling with addiction made it even more valuable.

The Perils of Intimacy is a realistic and highly engaging read. There are some very vivid descriptions about intravenous drug use and the highs that drug use cause. Those that might not be ready or able to deal with reading that might want to skip reading the book for now. 

Early Book Review: A Favor for a Favor (All In) by Helena Hunting

A Favor for a Favor is the second book in the All In series by Helena Hunting. While there are carry over characters, you can enjoy each book on its own as well. It is currently scheduled for release on January 28 2020.

When I joined Seattle’s NHL expansion team, I thought it was the start of something great. But nothing ever goes the way you expect. Take my introduction to my new neighbor. She came rolling in on the hot mess express at midnight, making a racket while she tried to get into my team captain’s apartment. Did I mention that he’s married to a woman who definitely was not her? Imagine my surprise when I end up with an injury that has me out of the game for weeks, and she’s the one to offer to help me. I should probably add that she’s not the captain’s mistress. She’s his sexy, pastel-haired younger sister. So we come up with an arrangement: she rehabs me so that I can get back on the ice sooner, and she can add a professional athlete that isn’t her brother to her client list. Seems simple enough. As long as I can keep my hands to myself and my hormones in check.

A Favor for a Favor has everything I love in a romance. Stevie and Bishop are honestly good people with snark and a fair amount of emotional baggage. I love that they both own their issues and are doing everything they can to make themselves and their lives better. Misunderstandings, emotional wounds, and injuries keep the verbal banter at a high level- and I enjoyed it. I loved watching the paor get to know each other and fall in love when they convince themselves that PT is all they are doing. The secondary characters are just as well built and complex as the main characters, and I enjoyed seeing returning characters as their stories continued and getting to know more of the players in Hunting's book universe. I honestly just enjoy the writing style and find myself thinking about the characters after I finish the book. They feel real, like I could run into them if I ventured into their neighborhood, and I would enjoy every minute of it. 

A Favor for a Favor is a wonderful slow burn romance with heart and humor. It is a must read for fans of Hunting.

Early Book Review: The Best Man Problem (Mile High Happiness) by Mariah Ankenman

The Best Man Problem is the second book in the Mile High Happiness series by Mariah Ankenman. While the characters are very connected, newcomers can still fully enjoy the read on its own. It is currently scheduled for release on January 20 2020. 

Lilly Walsh is used to keeping things buttoned-up and aboveboard. After all, the last time she hooked up with someone in a wedding party, it nearly cost her her wedding planning business. Thankfully, those rules don’t apply when she meets a handsome stranger in a hotel bar. One bad pirate joke leads to the best night of her life, but come morning, she’s got a wedding to plan. Lincoln Reid never imagined he’d see the woman who rocked his world last night and then ran out on him ever again. But there she is, planning his best friend’s wedding with the same passion and drive that brought him to his knees. She’s adamant that wedding planner and best man can never mix, but that just means he’s got four weeks to make her see him as more than just a one-night guy. Because he’s itching for more than one night...or five, or ten…

The Best Man Problem is a nice return to the Mile High Happiness wedding planning business. Lilly and Lincoln each have their share of history and baggage, and neither are particularly good at opening up. This need to keep feelings lock down is something I could relate to, and was the majority of my connection to Lilly. I liked the story, and I think the conflict, heat, and resolution were all well done. I liked the secondary characters and their stories almost more than the main story. Marie and Kenneth's love story really caught my attention and I wanted more of them. I also cannot wait to see more of Mo. However, for some reason I just could not fully engage in the read. It could very well be because of my headspace when reading more than anything else, but I did enjoy the read over all and will be continuing the series. 

The Best Man Problem is a fun read with feels and moments of heat. I think fans of the author will enjoy it but I will admit that I thought the first book in the series was better. This will not stop me from reading the series, because now I need to see Mo find her HEA. 

Early Book Review: Tough Guy (Game Changers) by Rachel Reid

Tough Guy is the third book in the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid. It is currently scheduled for release on January 13 2020. You do not need to read the books in order or as a series, however those that do will enjoy seeing mentions and appearances by some of the characters from previous books. 

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah. Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified. Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

Tough Guy is a great romance that takes body issues and mental health head on, and I appreciated it. I love that Ryan and Fabian actually talk about the problems that Ryan has because of his medication, and the frank and honest way his body issues are handled up front. So often we read about women that are insecure about the way they look, even though we know there are men with similar thoughts. While I wish everyone could be comfortable and confident in their own skin it was refreshing to see a man no one would expect to be insecure go through similar doubts. The connection between Fabian and Ryan was wonderful to watch as it grew, and as they faced the difference that they each tried to ignore or avoid talking about. I think Reid did a great job of showing how good communication can make relationships work, but even that does not make it foolproof. I really enjoyed watching the pair find their way, and Ryan figure himself out even more. I was thoroughly engaged through the entire read, and had a hard time putting it down to do little things like cook dinner or perform in a concert that I had been in rehearsals for all year. 

Tough Guy is another winner from Reid. I love the characters and story, and cannot wait for more.