Book Review: The Family We Make by Dan Wingreen

The Family We Make by Dan Wingreen is a contemporary romance. Spencer Kent gave up on love a long time ago. As a twenty-eight-year-old single father with a fourteen-year-old son, Connor, he knows his appeal to the average gay man is limited, and when you factor in his low self-esteem and tendencies towards rudeness and sarcasm, it might as well be nonexistent. But that’s okay. A man is the last thing Spencer needs or wants.Tim Ellis’s life is falling apart around him. After four years of hard work at college, he finds himself blacklisted from the career of his dreams by the professor he refused to sleep with and abandoned by the boyfriend he thought he was going to marry. Even though he was lucky enough to land a job at a bakery, he still feels like a failure.Tim and Spencer’s first meeting is filled with turbulent misunderstanding, but Tim makes a connection with Connor through a Big Brother/Big Sister program, and both men put aside their mutual dislike for his sake. By letting go, they may help each other find their way into a life they never could have imagined.

The Family We Make is a sweet romance that spends as much time on character development as it does the romance. I enjoyed how well developed the major and secondary characters were. I also thought knowing the inner insecurities and anxieties of both Time and Spencer made their relationship and interactions even sweeter.  This book ticked all the boxes for what I enjoy in a slow burn, friends to lovers romance, and a single father romance. I loved getting to know the characters, and thought everything was very well done. However, I have to admit that for some reason I just never connected with the story. At about the halfway point I started to get bored. I kept reading, because I did want to see how it all played out and I wanted to see the HEA- but I caught myself skimming descriptions and Spencer's latest worries until the end. I am not sure if I just was not in the mood for the book or style because I could find nothing actually wrong with the book. It just left me a little uninterested by the end.

The Family We Make is an emotional romance that hits several great tropes, and has very well developed characters. 

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: 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: 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.

Book Review: One Christmas Eve (Cedar Street) by Shannon Stacey

One Christmas Eve is the second book in the Cedar Street series by Shannon Stacey. You do not have to read the series in order, but I do recommend it only because I am a fan of the author.  

Zoe Randall is busy living her life as she damn well pleases. She’s back in her favorite town, her divorce in her rearview mirror, and living out her childhood dream of running a bookstore with her cousin. She has no interest in the uptight nerd who opened his boring-ass business next to her shop, until he complains about one of her sexy window displays. Preston Wheeler knows he takes life a little too seriously. But when the saucy bookseller next door starts pushing his buttons, he can feel that changing. Beautiful, vivacious Zoe challenges him in all the best ways, and soon he’s pushing her buttons right back: teasing and flirting all the way through the holiday season. As Preston loosens up and Zoe is treated to the man behind the suit (particularly his forearms), she realizes she’s more interested than she cares to admit. And Preston comes to see the beauty—the absolute delight—in adding Zoe’s bright splashes of color to his once very black-and-white existence.

One Christmas Eve is a lovely addition to the Sedar Street series, although it can be enjoyed on its own. Zoe is a smart and energetic woman with a great heart. After leaving a judgemental marriage she worries about her heart and making the same mistakes again. Preston is a planner, and while he is intrigued by Zoe, he worries that he will not be able to hold her interest. I loved their banter, and the slow glide from enemies, to friends, to more. The worries and doubts Zoe and Preston had were very realistic. I found their inner dialogues and banter to be relatable, and sometimes highly entertaining. The secondary characters were well fleshed out as well- including those from the previous book and those I expect to get their own book in the future. I found everything to be well written, and feel like I could go vacation in this little town, but only in the off peak season.

One Christmas Eve is a wonderful contemporary romances with a nice combination of realistic fears and sassy humor. I enjoyed the read and will continue reading everything 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: 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.