Early Book Review: How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2024. When Cassandra Camberwell returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmother’s ramshackle old house, the last thing she expects is Seth Brubaker on her doorstep. Her former best friend was responsible for the worst moment of her high school life, and she can’t imagine he wants to do anything but torment her all over again. Until she unearths the real reason this annoyingly gorgeous beast of a man keeps hanging around: he’s an actual werewolf, who’s certain she’s the witch that will ease his suffering. But Cassie just isn’t sure if she can trust him again. So Seth offers a pact: he’ll teach her all about her undiscovered magic, and she will brew the potions he needs. No feelings, no funny business, just a witch and a werewolf striking a deal. Totally doable. Until they get hit with a do-or-die mating bond. And now the heat is rising, in between fights with formers bullies and encounters with talking raccoons. They just have to not give in. Unless giving in just might be the very thing they never knew they always wanted.

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf is a romance with a nice dose of paranormal and humor. I liked so much about this book. I liked the set up and the sense of humor that was woven through the entire story. I liked the world building that was done on the magic in the world- and frankly I want more about this world and the characters in it. I liked Cassandra and Seth for the most part- and I got a kick out of some of their interactions. I thought the danger elements were well done, and it all came together well. I just kind of wanted more- of everything. I think the author had so many great ideas that they wanted to get everything in, which I completely understand because there were a lot of great things here. However, I think if they had save a couple elements for a later books and expanded on some of the other pieces instead it would have worked better. I felt a bit like a got a glance at so many aspects of this world and these characters I want to explore further- but we had to keep moving on to the next thing because there was more to uncover. That being said, I did enjoy the read- and if the author has this many great ideas I am looking forward to what they do next and how they grow in the industry.

 

Book Review: Rebel at Heart (Kincaid Brothers) by Zoe York

Rebel at Heart by Zoe York is the final novel in the Kincaid Brothers. I have read some, but not all of the previous books, and I think they all stand fine on their own, but returning readers will get a kick out of seeing old favorites pop up.

Monica Fischer needs to make things right with the man who was her husband for two short, beautiful weeks. Before she lied and told him it was a mistake. But making things right means crossing the continent to find him and tell him that actually, no, her father’s high-priced attorneys didn’t successfully get them an annulment, and now they need a divorce. Josh Kincaid left his heart and his patience in California, three years ago. Now he’s trying to make a living as a small town mechanic. The last person he expects to show up on his doorstep is his wife. Ex-wife. Whatever. But demanding she leaves—immediately, without speaking to anyone in his hometown—doesn’t work. A spring snowstorm traps them together, and forces them to confront their lingering resentment, inconvenient longing, and some painful truths.

Rebel at Heart is a second chance romance that skirts around the things in that sub genre that usually don't work for me. We got to see the entire relationship with flashback that work well in the story, rather than feeling jarring which sometimes happens. I liked both Monica and Josh as characters and was glad to see Josh get his happy ending. The book hit a nice balance between them getting to know each other again and handling feelings, although I would have liked it if they spoke about the issues more, and earlier, rather than just stewing in their own hurt and fear. But, if they did that the book would have been much shorter. I enjoyed the tiny slice of small town you get in the story, but I feel like there was much less of that in this book than in the previous books in the series. I also liked the family and support system that was hinted at, but again that was less evident to those that might have not read the other books and know how much the brothers support each other. 

Rebel at Heart is an engaging and entertaining read. A must read for fans of the author and series, and enjoyable for everyone. 

Audiobook Review: Make a Wish (Spark House) by Helena Hunting, Narrated by Jason Clarke; Stella Bloom

Make a Wish by Helena Hunting is the third book in the Spark House series and is narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom. I did not read the previous books, but was able to enjoy the story fully despite that. Returning readers will have a better grasp on the main character's sisters and some backstory. 

Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again. Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can’t help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu. Add to that a spontaneous hives breakout, and it’s clear she’s not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago. Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmoil. So much so that he suggests they get together for lunch. For Peyton’s sake, of course. It’s the perfect opportunity to heal old wounds. Or it could just reopen them. This is one of those times Harley wishes she could see the future.

Make a Wish is a solid romance with a single parent, a kind of second chance romance, a smart kid, and plenty of emotion. Lets start with the narration, because honestly that can make or break an audiobook. I greatly enjoyed the dual narrators and think that Jason Clarke and Stella Bloom did a great job bringing these characters- and all of those emotions- to life. They did well conveying grief and stress as needed in the story, and I think I would have been less invested in the story if I had read it instead of listening to it. In the story itself I liked the characters, and think the struggles they faced were very realistic and well portrayed. Harley is dealing with huge changes at work and in her roles and dynamic there with no concrete solutions in sight, adding in the relationship with Gavin and Peyton made everything even more high stakes. Gavin is still struggling with loss, grief, and facing his own emotions making things harder for everyone, but especially himself. I thought the trauma and grief was handled very well, and it felt real as I was listening. As did Harley's frustration and uncertainty about work. I have to say that the biggest downfall of the book for me was Harley herself. I completely understand and commiserate with where she stands and how she rarely asserts herself- but aside for one moment in the book she is almost too perfect, too understanding, too empathetic and it bothered me. She never seemed to even have negative thoughts about people seemed a bit off to me, and she just seemed too perfect to be real. However, I am still glad I read the book, and it was overall an enjoyable read. 

Make a Wish is a good romance, and fans of the author and series will not want to miss it. 

Book Review: There's Something About Merry (Mistletoe Romance) by Codi Hall

There's Something About Merry is the second book in the Mistletoe Romance series by Codi Hall. While returning readers will have a better understanding of the town and its cast of characters, new comers to the series can fully enjoy the story as well. This is a contemporary second chance love story featuring a guarded single dad and a woman scared to love. Clark Griffin and Merry Winters are determined to be friends and nothing more. But they've been anonymously flirting with each other online, and with a little Christmas magic and the help of a precocious kid, these two might just get their one wish this year.

There's Something About Merry is a fun and entertaining read. Clark is a bit wary of romance, since his only serious relationship crashed and burned hard, and he has his son's welfare to consider. Merry does not trust herself, since she seems to always pick the wrong guy. A rekindled acquaintance and a twist of internet dating fate start these two on a path to something.  I liked the premise, but I have to be honest that there was way too much going on here. I loved the secondary characters and some of the really great moments, but I felt like there were just too many of them. It felt like the author had a list of great ideas, and worked hard to fit them in one book instead of saving some for later. There were great family moments, great budding friendship moments, great kid moments, awkward moments, and so on. It was all well written, but not all necessary in a single book- some could have been save for the next book in the series. I did feel like Clark and Merry were meant to be, and that the family tree farm and being a single dad along with their individual issues could have been more than enough to make this book complete without some of the additional complications that arise, no matter how well they were handled.

There's Something About Merry is an engaging and entertaining read.

Book Review: The Christmas Sneak (Hope's Turn Holidays) by Marie Harte

The Christmas Sneak is the second book in the Hope's Turn Holidays series by Marie Harte. While returning readers will be far more invest in the characters, both primary and secondary, those new to the series will be able to catch up quickly and enjoy the story. 

Ex-NFL star Deacon Flashman had the perfect woman in the palm of his hands, and dropped the ball. Considering Deacon’s past performances, that isn’t news. An injury cut short his football career, and then he got taken for millions by a greedy ex-wife. But Deacon’s luck has changed. He’s got a great job, and he’s recently become an uncle again. With the holidays close, he’s getting a second chance. Nora Nielson, the woman who got away, is back. Now he needs to figure out a way to get into her good graces. A relationship with Nora is everything he wants, and everything that scares him. But to let the past go, he’ll have to go big or go home. And the stakes have never been higher

The Christmas Sneak is a fun read with good characters. I liked both Deacon and Nora. I liked their dynamic, their give and take of snark and sweet. I loved the secondary characters and the story of the bigger picture of family and friends around them. I just could not love the read, as much as I wanted to. I remember when I first read this author, I was heavily invested in every series, because she does the community, family, and town connections so very well. All of that was on point here as well. I just felt like the main couple had things a little too perfect. Yes, they each had issues to work out, and they had to get better at communication, but Deacon seem to be way too perfect- his issues kind of stemmed in part from being too nice a guy- and he just kept rolling in that direction. Their individual issues seemed to line up too well, and it felt like some never really got handle, just acknowledge as a reason for certain reactions or behaviors and then the moved it on along. Honestly, I did enjoy the book as I was reading it, there was just so much potential for it to be even better that I felt was missed.

The Christmas Sneak is a good romance, with good characters. It just did not grab me the way the first books I read from this author.  

Early Book Review: The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon is the third book in The Boyfriend Project series, but can be enjoyed on its own as well. It is currently scheduled for release on August 2 2022. Successful pediatric surgeon London Kelley just needs to find some balance and de-stress. According to her friends Samiah and Taylor, what London really needs is a casual hookup. A night of fun with no strings. But no one—least of all London—expected it to go down at her high school reunion with Drew Sullivan, millionaire, owner of delicious abs, and oh yes, her archnemesis. Now London is certain the road to hell is paved with good sex. Because she’s found out the real reason Drew’s back in Austin: to decide whether her beloved hospital remains open. Worse, Drew is doing everything he can to show her that he’s a decent guy who actually cares. But London’s not falling for it. Because while sleeping with the enemy is one thing, falling for him is definitely not part of the plan.

The Hookup Plan is a great read with characters that feel very real. They each have their issues and hangups, but they also have self awareness and do their best to communicate and be good people even when it is hard. London is at a cross roads, trying to better balance her life to be healthy while dealing with layers of stress and big decision making. Drew is thrilled at a chance to develop a relationship with London, but has his own challenges to face at the same time. I loved the communication and honesty that is such a huge part of their story, and their lives in general. I was glad to get both of their perspectives, to see how they chose to share with each other and getting a glimpse at their concerns and struggles made them even more real to me as a reader. This was such a great journey and I loved this book, and the whole series. 

The Hookup Plan is a wonderful wrap up to this trilogy. I am looking forward to reading whatever Rochon writes next!

Early Book Review: Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher

Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher is currently scheduled for release on February 8 2022. Magic-less witch Violet Maxwell wants nothing to do with alpha wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne, the man who broke her teenage heart. But when the two of them are forced by arcane Supernatural Laws to find mates, Violet and Lincoln agree to fake-date their way to a fake-mating in order to conjure themselves some time. When old feelings make a reappearance—along with Violet’s magic—they both realize there’s nothing fake about their feelings. But there are old secrets and looming threats that could snatch away their happily ever after, again. One thing’s for sure: magic doesn’t make dating and love any easier.

Not the Witch You Wed is a book that very much reels like the start of a series with a good blend of romance and paranormal politics.Violet and Thorne are the stars of this story. I liked the combination of second chance and fake dating  tropes, and thought the conflicts and groundwork laid for future books was well done. I really liked getting to understand the dynamic between Violet and her sisters, and the connection they have with their grandmother. I thought the balance of characters devoted to happiness and greater good versus power and prestige was on point and fairly realistic. There were points when I got frustrated with the characters or saw something coming well before it happened. However, there were also moments when I was pleasantly surprised by an action or reaction and found myself grinning. I think the balance of this read was well done, and I will keep up with the series if I see it on Netgalley or in the wild. 

Not the Witch You Wed is a second chance romance with a magic twist. 

Book Review: Not a Love Song by Veronica Albright

Not a Love Song by Veronica Albright is a contemporary, second chance romance. It is the debut novel from Veronica Albright, a pseudonym of Jess Michaels.

International pop star Bree Lane needs a break. After a wildly successful album release and a year of grieving, she just wants to spend the holiday by herself in a friend’s swanky penthouse in New York. But a blow up at a morning show brings up old pains and a topic no one can ever seem to leave alone: her actor ex-boyfriend, Colin Gabriel. Her angry reaction sends the internet wild and her into hiding. When Colin sees the interview, he can’t resist coming to check on Bree, telling himself it’s just about her welfare. But the results are explosive, passionate and utterly unexpected after hearing her talk about how little the relationship meant for the last eight years. But he’s never been able to resist her and he isn’t about to start now. Reunited lovers, exploring every desire together as they hide away in a secret world…only there are undercurrents of emotion that are always waiting to change everything…including their future together.

Not a Love Song is a solid romance, with a good set up. The characters are good, even if Colin seems a little too perfect at times. I love that consent, birth control, and if tastes have changed are brought up and discussed at several points. I find checking to and that kind of respect to be very sexy and something that should be the norm rather than something of note. The amount of caring between Bree and Colin, even when they wont admit it is nice and well written. I thought the emotional conflict and resolution as well done as well, and I liked the way it all come together. However, for some reason I just never connected with the characters and became invested. I cannot point to anything wring with the writing, it could very well be it just was not the right book at the right time for me. I think fans of honest, high heat romance will really enjoy this read. Particularly is second chances is a favorite trope. 

Not a Love Song is a sweet second chance romance with a nice balance of heat and emotion.

Book Review: Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard

Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard is a follow up to The Princess Stakes, but there is no series title that I could find, and think it stands well on its own.

Born to a life of privilege, Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She's refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals, but running away—even if brash and foolhardy—is the only option left to secure her independence.Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashton, was driven from England at the behest of his cruel stepmother. Scorned and shunned, he swore never to return to the land of his birth. But when a twist of bad luck throws a rebellious heiress into his arms, at the very moment he finds out he's the new Duke, marriage is the only alternative to massive scandal. Both are quick to deny it, but a wedding might be the only way out for both of them. And the attraction that burns between them makes Ravenna and Courtland wonder if it'll truly only be a marriage of convenience after all. 

Rules for Heiresses is a romance with a great deal going on. I liked Ravenna, and thought she faced a great deal of growth in recognizing her own privilege and wanting to understand and grow. Courtland did not grow quite as much, but the couple was fun to watch as they tried to figure out what they each wanted, and how to achieve it. I liked the mystery and danger aspects of the story. I did feel like there were moments that moved way too fast, skipping weeks here and there to get right back to the action. I am not sure what I would have like to see done differently but since the couple knew each other already there way a great deal of the normal get to know each other stuff that was just kind of skipped and that might be part of what I was hoping to see. I think race and prejudice was handled fairly well, and I liked that Ravenna making the effort to grow and learn was part of the journey.  I rather wanted to see more of some of the secondary characters. I thought Rawley was a great start to a fascinating character- I would have loved to have seen more interaction with him and Courtland as well as Ravenna. If he is such a trusted person, and has such an important role in just about everything then he should have had more of a chance to have his say. I feel like he could have straightened everything out much quicker and more efficiently. That being said, I did enjoy the read, but had a few moments that I would have liked to see go a bit differently and follow a slightly different path after an extremely strong start. 

Rules for Heiresses is a solid historical romance. 

Early Book Review: Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley

Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on May 25 2021. Kara Sullivan’s life is full of love—albeit fictional. As a bestselling romance novelist and influential bookstagrammer, she’s fine with getting her happily-ever-after fix between the covers of a book. But right now? Not only is Kara’s best friend getting married next week—which means big wedding stress—but the deadline for her next novel is looming, and she hasn’t written a single word. The last thing she needs is for her infuriating first love, Ryan Thompson, to suddenly appear in the wedding party. But Ryan’s unexpected arrival sparks a creative awakening in Kara that inspires the steamy historical romance she desperately needs to deliver. With her wedding duties intensifying, her deadline getting closer by the second and her bills not paying themselves, Kara knows there’s only one way for her to finish her book and to give her characters the ever-after they deserve. But can she embrace the unlikely, ruggedly handsome muse—who pushes every one of her buttons—to save the wedding, her career and, just maybe, write her own happy ending?

Talk Bookish to Me was a book that shook me out of a reading slump. I loved the fact that Kara and Ryan were both imperfect and accepted that about themselves and were generally comfortable in their own skin. They each had their own issues and awkward moments, and certainly each made their share of mistakes. I really enjoyed that they felt real, and owned their awkward moments and rolled with it. I am typically not a fan of second chance romance, but there is so much of them getting to know each other again and messing things up again that I did not get the feeling I missed something somewhere that I often get with them. I just enjoyed the characters so much- in their perfect imperfections. Even when I disagreed with their action, or lack there of, I could completely understand the choice and empathize with them. I would love to have people like Kara and Ryan- and the secondary characters that make up their friend group- in my life. Even better, with the realistic why they are written I fully expect that I could run into them if I were lucky enough to be in the right neighborhood. 

Talk Bookish to Me is a second chance romance that struck all the right chords with me. Humor and heart are well balanced and will keep the reader engaged.

Book Review: Feel the Fire (Hotshots) by Annabeth Albert

 Feel the Fire is the third book in the Hotshots series by Annabeth Albert. While characters do carry over from the previous installments of the series, this can be fully enjoyed as a stand alone. 

Fire behavior specialist Luis Riviera goes where his job takes him. But when he’s assigned to an arson investigation in Central Oregon—the place he left his broken heart twenty years ago—he’s afraid of being burned all over again. Tucker Ryland had planned to join his first love, Luis, in LA after high school graduation, but life got in the way. Now a fire management expert and a divorced father of teen twins, Tucker’s thrown for a loop when he finds himself working side by side with his Luis, now all grown up and more intriguing than ever. Though consumed by a grueling fire season and family responsibilities, the two men discover their bond has never truly broken. Tentative kisses turn to passionate nights. But smoking sheets aside, old hurts and new truths stand in the way of this time being the start of forever.

Feel the Fire is a solid addition to this series, even as it can stand up on its own. I am not usually a fan of second chance romance, but here it really worked for me, and to be honest I think I will read everything in this series regardless of trope. I liked both Luis and Tucker, they are both smart and try to think about others before themselves. Both have grown up since their high school days and lived different lives. I liked that the connection was still there, but that they had real conversations and cared enough to get to know each other again rather than trying to ignore their feelings and attraction. I really liked the community and how important family and real communication was to the story, particularly in some hard conversations about choices and the future. I also liked that Albert did not wrap everything up in a neat little bow, because life rarely works like that. While the relationships were solid at the end, there are still tough spots, decisions, and more that will come about in the future- and that is not ignored here. I really want to see Tucker's boys find their way, and so many of the secondary characters from this series to be honest. I look forward to reading whatever comes next.

Feel the Fire is what I did not know I wanted for this series. Another must read for fans, and a great read even for newcomers to the author.

Early Book Review: Stroke of Luck by Opal Carew

Stroke of Luck by Opal Carew is a MMF, second chance romance currently scheduled for release on October 27 2020. April Smith’s luxurious Las Vegas wedding crashed and burned when her wealthy fiance cheated on her and left her with a hotel bill that costs more than she makes in a year. Even more humiliating, her college ex-boyfriend Quinn Taylor has come to her rescue and bailed her out. They didn’t part on the best of terms and never expected to see one another again. For Quinn, April was the one who got away and despite the heartache she caused him, he’s never gotten over her. Not wanting to be in his debt, April makes Quinn a tempting offer: she’ll spend the next month with him during his Vegas vacation, fulfilling his fantasies. Being with April has always been Quinn’s number one fantasy, and next on the list is sharing a woman with his best friend and business partner, Austin Wright. Since he can see an undeniable attraction between April and Austin, he makes that a condition of their deal, too. Enjoying the attention and affection from two hot and handsome men, April gives in to her desires to be with both of them. But with those desires comes a growing love that she fears may force her to choose between Quinn and Austin—or lose them both.

Stroke of Luck had some very good moments, and some that just made me reread passages wondering if I missed something. I liked the character development and how Austin and Quinn were best friends that balanced each other out. I liked April's personality and her desire to stand on her own two feet and deal with her problems. I thought the chance meeting, personalities, and different fears they all carried through most of the book were well handled. I thought the sex scenes were reasonably well done, but there were some overly repetitive words and some issues. I like that Quinn and April discussed terms and condoms before anything happened. However, they did not discuss pregnancy, only being clean, which left me a little confused. There were more then one sexy moment interrupted by me having to go back and reread to see if they moved or shifted position because I could not see something working or being comfortable- and worst of all was when in one scene there was no lube or prepping before anal while standing became an option- especially with limited experience being part of the story. I have read a few triad books before, and it just seemed like some important steps were skipped at important intervals, which brought down my enjoyment of the book.

Stroke of Luck was a mixed bag of good characters, hot scenes, and huh? for me. 

Audio Book Review: Playing To Win (Ice Kings) by Stacey Lynn, Narrated by Liam DiCosimo, Stella Hunter

 Playing To Win is the first book in the Ice Kings series written by Stacey Lynn and narrated by Liam DiCosimo and Stella Hunter. It was a three-week fling. Nothing more than a couple of college kids having some fun, but then I did the stupid thing and fell for Jude Taylor quicker than he can score a goal on the ice. And after one beautiful night together, he left for the pros before I could make my first cup of coffee. I thought I’d put him behind me. I thought I’d moved on. Then he hobbles into my physical therapy office and I realize how absolutely wrong I’ve been - there’s no getting over Jude Taylor. But now things are complicated. Jude lives half a country away and his career is in direct opposition to my need for stability. Most of all, getting involved with him could mean losing my job and everything I’ve worked so hard for. Jude doesn’t seem to mind one bit and he’s all in. He might be a patient in my office, but he’s no longer the patient guy I remember.

Playing To Win is the third or fourth book I have read (or listened to) from this author. I rarely listen to romance, usually choosing to read rather than listen, but the narrators might have made me a bit more willing to listen, at least with my headphones though maybe not in my car. I enjoyed the voice work and thought the tension and emotions were well done, and I really enjoyed the effect of dual narrators. I liked the characters, and the build up of their story. Second chance romances are not my favorite trope, but when done well they are fantastic and this story does it well. Jude is a good guy that just happens to be a hockey player. He fell hard for Kate, but just when he had his chance with her he made it pro in hockey and it never had a chance to grow. Now they have another chance, but her career may be on the line and fears about his injury bringing his career to an end way too early are huge obstacles that need to be faced.  I really enjoyed them finding their way back to each other, and I liked the secondary characters. I felt like there was plenty of room left for this series to continue with more books. My biggest complaint was not finding out why two of the secondary characters seem to dislike others with no explanation, and why a couple I am sure will have their own book soon are clinging so hard to just being friends. I fully expect to keep following this series just to see if I get those answers.

Playing To Win is an entertaining and engaging romance novel, fans of second chance romance and sports romance will particularly enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: Trade Deadline (Hat Trick) by Avon Gale; Piper Vaughn

Trade Deadline is the third book in the Hat Trick series by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn. It is currently scheduled for release on August 17 2020. While it is part of a series, and returning readers will enjoy their previous knowledge and seeing past characters, new readers will be able to fully enjoy the read. 

Daniel “Bellzie” Bellamy should be on top of the world—a Stanley Cup is the perfect topper to his fourteen-year NHL career. But despite the post-win high, something’s missing. When the chance to play for his hometown team, the Miami Thunder, comes along, he’s open to it. And when he runs into an old friend from his past soon after he makes the move, he wonders if it might be kismet. Micah Kelly never thought he’d see his childhood crush—and first kiss—again. Danny Bellamy moved on to bigger and better things when they were teenagers, and the idea that Micah’s relationship with the professional hockey player could be anything more than one-sided Instagram thirst seems too good to be true. Maybe too good to be true is the new reality, though. As the season goes on, Micah teaches Daniel to surf, and Daniel introduces Micah to his lovable pack of rescue dogs and the world of being a hockey boyfriend. Life is good. But when things on the ice don’t go as planned, they’ll have to decide if their rediscovered romance is built to last.

Trade Deadline is a story I have been hoping for, since I have been eager to see the Venom crew find their happy endings. This book did not disappoint, but did introduce me to more characters that I want to see grow and find happiness. Daniel and Micah are both well adjusted and open minded guys that just so happened to be each other's first kiss, and first guy crush. I loved seeing them find each other again- and that friendship was just as important to them as the more physical aspects of their relationship once that began. The open communication, and way consent and talking about what is bothering them- even when it is something completely outside their control and unsolvable in the moment- models healthy relationships in a way that makes me want to shout "read this!" to people that need instruction on the matter. This is firmly a friends to more, with plenty of heart and complications that keep things moving and tension high. I think fans of this author team will be very happy, and get just what they were hoping for from this read.

Trade Deadline is another solid romance with emotional stakes and great communication.

Book Review: Savage Hunger (Savage) by Lisa Renee Jones

Savage Hunger is the first book in the Savage trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones. Rick Savage, but they call him Savage and for a reason. He can make you laugh and then rip your heart out. No one knows that more than me, Candace Marks, the woman he left bleeding from the heart. I loved him. Lord help me, I’ve never stopped loving him. Now, I’m engaged to another man, a brutal man I’m trapped into marrying, when to my shock, Savage returns home. Savage who I haven't heard from in years. I want to hate him. I have ever reason to hate him, but I can’t. I still love him and I fear he will save me just to leave me bleeding one last time. He stirs my desires, a dark, delicious, and dangerous man destined to hurt me and leave me. This time I’m not sure I'll survive.

Savage Hunger is a book that started off checking off all the right boxes. The characters were are multidimensional and the second chance aspect and danger were well played. I liked the secondary characters, which fans of the author will recognize from the Walker series. The chemistry level was high, and there was a good balance of sweet and intrigue. However, I was not aware going in that this was not going to be the start of the story. I felt like just when things were starting to click into place and I was really rooting for our couple, and considering finding the other series because I like the secondary characters, the book ended. Not at a happy for now kind of spot, but at the start of an action scene! If the description had warned me, or maybe if I had read the related series, I might have been prepared, but I was not. So, I highly recommend that you pick up the whole series and have the next ready to go if you are going to read this. Now, you have been given the warning I was not. It rather ruined some of my good feeling toward the book and left me a bit frustrated. 

Savage Hunger is a book with plenty of angst, but it is just the start of this couple's story. Be prepared with the following books, or the need to find them.

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. 

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.

Early Book Review: The Bewildered Bride (Advertisements for Love) by Vanessa Riley

The Bewildered Bride is the fourth book in the Advertisements for Love series by Vanessa Riley. I have not read any of the previous books, but believe that they can all be enjoyed as stand alone reads. This book is currently scheduled for release on August 12 2019.

Ruth Croome, a Blackamoor heiress, was supposed to get married in a gorgeous wedding gown, made from her father’s exquisite fabrics. Instead, they eloped to Gretna Green and upon returning, their carriage was beset by highwaymen and she witnessed the murder of her new husband. Now, four years later, with a child, she wants to move on with her life. A marriage of convenience will do. Ruth already had a love for the ages. Adam Wilky is really the heir to the Wycliff barony—which he never told Ruth. Too much danger. So many secrets. When he was nearly beaten to death and sold into impressment, he thought Ruth had died, too. Ready for revenge, he finally returns and discovers Ruth alive—with a son who could only be his—and she is furious to discover he lied to her. Now it’ll take more than remembered passion if he hopes to win his reluctant wife back.

The Bewildered Bride is a book that takes an honest look at the racism in England's past, and adds so much emotion, corruption, and danger that there is rarely a page that did not have me wondering who would make the next misstep. Ruth has been through hell, and no one seems to believe her. So she deals with the remarks and just strives to make the best life for her son. Adam is finally making things right after the betrayal of family and thinking Ruth dead for four years. The journey of them finding their way together again, despite the danger and deceptions is harrowing but extremely well written. I have to say that I really enjoyed the realism of the family dynamics and especially the final confrontation. I thought the sensitive subjects in the story (rape, abuse) were very well handled and I liked the support and hope that it offers readers through its handling.

The Bewildered Bride is an emotional ride, well worth the read.