Category: Review (Page 1 of 271)

BOOK REVIEWS: Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1), Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2), Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

July 24, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering. Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70's honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first…

Each book in the Gamble Brothers series is STANDALONE:
* Tempting the Best Man
* Tempting the Player
* Tempting the Bodyguard

Review:

Tempting the Best Man was a brother’s best friend, adult romance that was effortless to listen to and get lost in! Maddie and Chase made me laugh so much! Chase was trying to be the good guy and not go after his best friend’s little sister. And Maddie didn’t think that Chase ever saw her that way, even though she had wanted him forever. When they were forced together, during her brother’s wedding, the tension between them was delicious! While Chase could be his own worst enemy, Maddie just desperately wanted Chase to want her. To love her. This was a super steamy romance. Their friends and family added so much heart to this story and it was set in a beautiful winery location.

There was a delicious possessiveness in the way he kissed her, as if he were staking his claim at the same time he was burning away the memories of anyone else for her. And he did. In an instant, there was nobody but him.

Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that's the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad's manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn't just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn't easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together…or in love.

Review:

Tempting the Player was a sports romance, fake dating that started out super steamy and hot! But when they ran into each other down the road, I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. This story will make you run the gamut of emotions. And the HEA at the end was absolutely beautiful! I couldn’t stop smiling from that first page to the last and it was even steamier than Tempting the Best Man. I listened to the audio of this book and had so much fun!

He lifted his head, and the look in his eyes did more than sear her. It caught her on fire. His hand found hers, lightly wrapping around her fingers. “I want you. I’m not going to even fuck around. I need you. Now.”

Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don't protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he's caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she's at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose...

Review:

Tempting the Bodyguard was an adult romance laced with elements of suspense and had the most fabulous re-meet cute! This book was scorching hot and I didn’t want to it down! It was impossible not to fall for Chandler when he was protective. This was a he falls first story, and it had the perfect ending to the Gamble Brothers Trilogy. I loved that we also got to see the previous couples and their happily ever afters too!

He shook his head, and a moment passed before he answered, “No. We don’t protect anyone we want to fuck.”

BOOK REVIEW: The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots #2) by Tessa Bailey

July 23, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots #2)
by Tessa Bailey
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Tallulah is smart, vivacious, and studying to be a marine biologist. She’s also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween.

Her tween charge isn’t the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to…well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the “right” thing—breaks her own heart and walks away.

Though Burgess knows it’s for the best—he’s too jaded, with too much baggage—a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah.

Review:

The Au Pair Affair was a single dad, forced proximity, age gap, adult romance. My favorite thing about this book was watching Burgess slowly start to win Tallulah over. From being his nanny, to friend, to more. I loved watching the progression of their relationship. This was a feel-good book that made me so happy!

God, this woman ruled his dick and she had absolutely no idea. Maybe allowing her to move in was unethical.

Burgess was a professional hockey player, who was definitely starting to feel his age. So, while he could be burly on the ice, he was thoughtful and sensitive when it came to his daughter and new nanny, Tallulah. His honesty and intensity were two of the things that I loved most about him. Like when he would state physically what he wanted from her eeps!

“You could say I’m old-fashioned, sure.”
“It’s very mean Daddy of you,” she whispered.
Burgess’s eyebrows shot to his hairline. It’s what?”
“Ooh.” She winced. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

Tallulah was a much-needed light in Burgess’s life. The way she interacted with his daughter and helped Burgess and her talk warmed my heart. Yet, Tallulah guarded her heart. Her past was heartbreaking and I understood why she wanted to do her thing. And not be tied down in a relationship. Yet spending more and more time around Burgess, it was impossible for her not to fall for him.

“Give me a chance to show you that you’re safe with me.”

He was her boss. She was his nanny. Yet they both wanted each other desperately. So, Burgess and Tallulah had heart quickening chemistry! The tension between them simmered and when they crossed the line into more, it was scorching hot. Also, I adored the found family within these pages. Their best friends and his hockey team, also Chloe, added so much to this story! It made me laugh when they would offer advice, I was dying!

“Is she giving you any signs?”
“She gave me a massage last night in the kitchen.”
“Then I’d say you’ve got a fucking chance, my man. Especially if it was a dick massage.”
“It was a back massage, shithead. Jesus.”

If you’re looking for a beach read or a book to get lost in, I can’t recommend giving the Big Shot Series enough of a chance. I loved the first book, about Burgess and Tallulah’s best friends. And their own story was so much fun too. I can’t wait to see whose story is next, I have a guess and my fingers are crossed!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1) by Tessa Bailey

July 23, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1)
by Tessa Bailey
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?

Review:

Fangirl Down was a book that was so effortless to enjoy! This grumpy sunshine, adult, steamy, sports romance was a ton of fun! With moments that were laugh out loud hilarious and you just can’t stop smiling, mixed in with cheering on your favorite characters and hiding from embarrassment, this book had it all! I absolutely adored this story!

Her honesty was oxygen.
But breathing it? That part was terrifying.

I loved being in Josephine Doyle’s head, she was such a ray of happiness. It didn’t matter how much Wells Whitaker was being gruff and grumpy, Josephine was there to cheer him on every step of the way. And have his back. When she started to prove herself, I was clapping out loud! I was so proud of Josephine! The amount that she and Whitaker grew, from that first page to the last, was so entertaining!

“I have a new caddie,” Wells settled on, attempting to banish the thought of kissing the spirited redhead. “Something about the way she speaks about golf, my game in general, that makes me think . . . she could . . .” Make me love it again. “Make a difference.”

Wells Whitaker didn’t trust, let alone seem to like anyone. Yet it was impossible for him to keep Josephine from wiggling into his world. I loved getting to watch him trust her and listen to the wisdom she passed along. And his thoughts were everything! Whitaker could be such a marshmallow inside for Josephine, and such a fabulous dirty talker too!

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t alone. He had a . . . friend.

Josephine and Whitaker together had the most pulse pounding chemistry. And their banter was so entertaining. So, when they crossed the line, it was scorching hot and so steamy *fans face*. Yet Josephine wanted to prove herself, and their struggle just added to the heart of this story. While there was a lot of fun in the pages, there were also emotional moments too. I couldn’t help but cry when Whitaker asked Josephine’s dad how to help her with something, sigh.

“I was very happy being alone until you showed up. You’ve ruined me.”
Her heart galloped in her chest. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. I love being ruined by you. Bring it the fuck on.”
He kissed Josephine hard, slanting his mouth across hers and licking deep, his fingers sliding up into her hair and fisting.

Within Fangirl Down, there were so many favorite moments, such as the fireworks, the piggyback ride, matching outfits, the kicked door and good girl. And then that epilogue was everything! I am so happy to have gotten to read this book and can’t recommend it enough!

BOOK REVIEW: Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

July 22, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When professional—and self-taught—violinist Gwen Jackson plays, she disappears into the peaks and valleys of each song, a quiet passion that never quite explodes into pure emotion. Xander Thorne is the exact opposite. A cellist and a rock star, he’s all about big emotion, but not even his six-foot-four frame can contain his skill, his genius . . . and an attitude that borders on jerkitude.

Not only did it take Xander a year to notice that he and Gwen both play in the Manhattan Pops, but he also always seems to have the perfect cutting criticism about her technique. When Gwen is offered the role of first chair of the orchestra, something Xander has secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. Yet, despite her best efforts, Gwen can’t ignore the sizzling chemistry between them.

Forced to work more closely with each other, they can’t help exploring their attraction. As they begin to compose and play songs together, it’s clear that their powerful connection could make for a performance that would blow everyone’s minds. Suddenly, they’re box office dynamite, and the fragile romance growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt.

Review:

Not Another Love Song was an adult romance with an enemies to lovers vibe. I wasn’t ever able to connect to any of the characters, and that always affects my enjoyment of stories. Yet so many other people have loved this book. If you’re looking for a story that is heavily steeped in music and has a lot of push and pull, then add this one to your tbr!

“You’ve been watching me?” he whispered, the hint of a smirk in the corner of his mouth.
She swallowed, and he tracked the movement of her throat while his teeth ran across his bottom lip.

Right from the beginning, Xander Thorne could be so rude and condescending to Gwen Jackson. Yet I loved Gwen’s tenacity and her ability to try and rise above the situation. And as the story unraveled, we saw that Xander could be a nice guy…. when he wanted to be. He had so many different sides. He not only seemed to have a lot going on under the surface, but secrets too. I was definitely intrigued by him, and Gwen couldn’t help but be too.

“Look, I don’t know what you want from me, but-”
“Anything.” Black eyes looked down on her, and he took a shaking breath. “Everything.”

Not Another Love Song had so many moments that surrounded us with music. Those scenes when Gwen and Xander would play together? The tension between them felt electric. And that was explosive when they took their working relationship to more. Xander and Gwen could be so steamy, and the reader got all the details. This love story wrapped up looking a year into the future, which will leave those wanting a HEA so happy! But for me, I felt like an outsider never being able to connect to any person or scene unfortunately. Here’s hoping you’re able to make that connection!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: House of Shifting Tides (The Kingdom of Crows #4) by Olivia Wildenstein

July 14, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

House of Shifting Tides (The Kingdom of Crows #4)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Dive into the first standalone spin-off of the bestselling series and Booktok sensation, The Kingdom of Crows. Cathal's story takes place right after the events of House of Striking Oaths and should be read in order.

TWICE UPON A TIME, A PRINCESS FELL IN LOVE WITH A BEAST.

I was reborn with no memory of my previous life and no powers, save for transforming into an aberration most wish eliminated. Among the few who don't wish me dead are the Shabbin Queen, Fallon and her mate Lorcan, and Cathal Báeinach-Fallon's father and my self-appointed sentry.

Despite my best efforts, I cannot understand why the Crow King's boorish general has decided to guard me, a woman he can barely stand to look at. I may lack education and be physically unpleasing, but do I deserve such scorn? More importantly, though, if he's repulsed by me, then why stay?

When I suggest he leave, he reminds me that he's one of the most lethal males in the realm. And while he may be that, he's also one of the most infuriating. A male who makes my blood run hot with equal measure irritation and lust.

Why must I be drawn to the brute who loathes me?

And why, when I forge a magical mind link to another male, must I keep hungering for the Crow who-finally-left?

House of Shifting Tides is a spellbinding tale of destiny, found family, and second chance romance, where blood isn't always thicker than water and where fated love consumes all.

Review:

House of Shifting Tides was an emotional and beautiful addition to the The Kingdom of Crows Series. Those we loved and cared for got the HEA we desperately wanted, it was impossible not to cry tears of joy. Yet, there are still other stories that need to be told, including ones who we have yet to meet. I absolutely love this world and can’t wait to see what is in store for it down the road! If you adore found family, second chances, and romantasy, this book is a must read!

I cant my head. “Where I belong, Dádhi Cathal?”
He blinks. Then blinks again. And then he grimaces. “Dádhi?”
“Isn’t that name?”

When House of Striking Oaths ended, we were left in a precarious position. Everything was up in the air. Zendaya was a shifter unlike those that had ever been seen before, and she had no memories of her life. Starting out, we found ourselves just as lost and in the dark as Zendaya. Not only was she trying to figure out her body, but she was struggling to even understand those around her. While there were moments of frustration, we slowly got to watch Zendaya grow. And I loved watching her understand the world around her. Especially when those moments led to me laughing out loud. And that had solely to do with a beautiful crow shifter named Cathal.

I may always belong to her, but in this lifetime, she doesn’t belong to me.

Cathal had already captured my heart in the previous books. So, to watch him get accidentally called Daddy Crow and deal with Zendaya and her lack of memories, it was impossible not to feel the gamut of emotions. My heart bled for Cathal and what he lost. And while moments between them felt scorching hot, it was challenging since Zendaya didn’t understand what her actions were doing to Cathal. I loved that we got a few chapters here and there in his POV. Especially since Cathal was protective, loyal, loving, brave and a book boyfriend you can’t help but love!

Why do I feel so…so…restless? Why do my lids burn and my heart ache? Because I’ve lost my grip on the past, or because I fear the future?

From the moment Zendaya started thinking of Cathal as her crow, I was elated. Yet they had an insurmountable road in front of them. Not only with each other, but because of the world and turmoil around them. With politics in play, characters you can’t help but hate, and motives unknown, there was a lot going on in this story. But we also got to see so many of our favorites, and those we love! Plus, I loved some of the twists that took place! It made this story impossible to put down. And I have a new favorite side character, but their name won’t be mentioned because of spoilers…. page 284 hugging is your clue if you’ve read this book!

His rough hand cups my cheek with the utmost tenderness. “Zendaya of Shabbe, you are and will always be my one and only.”
My chest heats. At first, I think it’s because I must’ve struck another bargain, but when the heat spreads, I realize it doesn’t stem from magic but from how powerfully my heart beats for Cathal.

House of Shifting Tide was laced with betrayal, love, bargains, visions, sacrifice, friendship, and some fabulous twists and turns! I couldn’t help but feel everything the characters felt. From frustration, to love, to even crying tears of joy and relief with them later on. This book took us on a wild ride and I’m so thankful Zendaya and Cathal’s story was told! I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Jen	Chelsea
Arielle	Cassie

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Arielle	Cassie

Category: Review (Page 1 of 271)

BOOK REVIEWS: Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1), Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2), Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

Synopsis:

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BOOK REVIEW: The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots #2) by Tessa Bailey

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BOOK REVIEW: Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1) by Tessa Bailey

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BOOK REVIEW: Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

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BOOK REVIEW: House of Shifting Tides (The Kingdom of Crows #4) by Olivia Wildenstein

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BOOK REVIEWS: Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1), Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2), Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

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BOOK REVIEW: The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots #2) by Tessa Bailey

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BOOK REVIEW: Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1) by Tessa Bailey

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BOOK REVIEW: Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

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BOOK REVIEW: House of Shifting Tides (The Kingdom of Crows #4) by Olivia Wildenstein

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