Book Review: Last Call (Bridges and Bitters) by Lainey Davis

Last Call by Lainey Davis is the forth book in the Bridges and Bitters series. I had not read the previous books, and while it was obvious that there were related books by the cast of characters and their apparent history, I was able to enjoy this book on its own. 

It was just supposed to be a marriage on paper. Koa needed a path to citizenship and I needed the money to open Bridges and Bitters. All I've ever wanted is to take care of my sisters and run my own bar, my way. What did I care if I had a technical husband? A husband with too many dimples and more charm than he should have. So when he rolled into town after five years to deal with some paperwork, he's turned everything upside-down. Sure, Koa is charismatic and fun, but he's also a nomad. I don't have time for vacations and I don't know how to play games.  I'm not sure how I ended up hitched to a smoking hot rugby coach without a plan, but I need to sort this all out. Fast. If I can't figure out a way to slice through all this red tape, it could mean last call for Bridges and Bitters.

Last Call is a fast and entertaining read. I liked the characters, and thought their inner dialogue was very well done. I was glad to get both points of view, as it really helped me see both characters a little deeper and understand their fears and motivations. Parts of the book moved very quickly, but I liked that the pair get to know each other over time and do not go full on insta love. I thought it read fairly realistically and I lover that the author put in the time to make sure the cultures touched on in the book are done with accuracy and respect rather than just slapping a title on a character and calling the book diverse.  I loved the secondary characters and the friend group that Esther had. It makes me want to go back and read the previous books so I can get to know them all better. This was a fast read- a one day read for me- and I enjoyed it very much. 

Book Review: I Do (Not) by Anni Lee

I Do (Not) by Anni Lee is a contemporary romance that had me guessing throughout the entire read. Jacob Conner is never getting married. Not now, not “someday,” and certainly not when he’s black-out drunk at his sister’s wedding in Las Vegas. The whole “waking up in an unfamiliar hotel room with a ring on his finger” thing was probably just a coincidence. Definitely. He doesn’t have much time to dwell on it anyway, as Aaron Craig, his boss, assigns him to be the glorified baby sitter for his older brother for the week. Trevor Craig is as obnoxious as he is handsome, immediately pushing all of Jacob’s buttons and all of his boundaries. With one brother trying his patience, and the other acting unusually friendly, Jacob’s starting to wonder if he’s going to survive his work life long enough to find who put that ring on his finger.

I Do (Not) is a romance that broke many molds. I have read quite a few marriage mistake romances, but this one is very different because of the more complicated aspects about who Jake marries- and who he might want to be with. The story is just as much about these three guys figuring out what they want from life and how to get there as it is finding their happy ever after. I thought all three have dynamic personalities and interactions that were realistic and occasionally troubling. I ended up feeling bad for all parties during the read, and sad for the situations and misunderstandings that had become rooted in their relationships. I was completely engaged in the read as I got to know three very different characters, and while some of the read was very emotional and painful to read, I found it satisfying and very well done. 

I Do (Not) is a bit different from most of the romances that I have been reading lately, on several levels. This is not a bad thing, in fact the fact that it struck such a different chord is why I found it so engaging.

Book Review: The Right Kind of Rogue (Playful Brides) by Valerie Bowman

The Right Kind of Rogue is the eight book in the Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman. I have not read the previous books, but while I could tell some characters carried over, it is not necessary to read these books are a series or in order. Although, I would think that those who do will greatly enjoy seeing past characters make appearances and have some prior knowledge to the featured characters which makes for a more engaging read.

Viscount Hart Highgate has decided to put his rakish ways behind him and finally get married. He may adore a good brandy or a high-speed carriage race, but he takes his duties as heir to the earldom seriously. Now all he has to do is find the right kind of woman to be his bride—ideally, one who’s also well-connected and well-funded and not like his scheming mother. Meg Timmons has loved Hart, the brother of her best friend, ever since she was an awkward, blushing schoolgirl. If only she had a large dowry—or anything to her name at all. Instead, she’s from a family that’s been locked in a bitter feud with Hart’s for years. And now she’s approaching her third London season, Meg’s chances with him are slim to none, but she has to try.

The Right Kind of Rogue might be deep into a series, and I can clearly see some of the interconnected characters that makes it clear, but it has not fallen into the traps that make it hard for newcomers to join in and pick up just about anywhere. There were a couple mentions of things that happened in previous books, but at no point was I left behind because of not having read the prior books. I loved Meg's character, while practical and pragmatic she is still a romantic and is hoping for her chance with Hart- even though she thinks her chances are slim to none. I like that she is shy on some levels, but willing to stand up for her friends and do everything she can to protect them and herself. I liked her honesty and openness, and Hart's desire to find someone just like her even when he had no idea what he wanted.  I enjoyed the slow realization on Hart's part, and that even when everything seemed to be falling apart and he behaves badly, he is still protecting those he cares about. I just enjoyed this read from beginning to end, and while there were a few occasions when pride and stubbornness made me want to kick a character, they still stayed consistent and highly entertaining. In fact, I liked the book so much that I just downloaded another book in the series to see if they are all as entertaining.

The Right Kind of Rogue is a fully engaging historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found the characters and the situations they find themselves in to be very well put together. My only disappointment is that it took me this long to find this series.