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BOOK REVIEW: Off to the Races (Gold Rush Ranch #1) by Elsie Silver

November 26, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Off to the Races (Gold Rush Ranch #1)
by Elsie Silver
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He's never had a problem keeping things professional with his employees…until she waltzed onto his property.

Vaughn Harding heads from the city to small-town Ruby Creek, intent on revitalizing his family's ranch and the scandal attached to its name in the wake of his grandfather's unexpected passing. He needs a win, and when he hires Billie Black to train his best but most stubborn racehorse, he hopes she can deliver.

Billie is talented. Whip-smart. Sassy. And so damn tempting. She and Vaughn clash from the moment they meet, but he can't stop thinking about her. And in a small town, on an even smaller farm, it's hard to keep their distance. Even harder to keep their friction from turning into fire.

With every smart-mouthed comment, every game they play, Vaughn ends up wanting more. Her lips. Her trust. Her heart. Billie Black is the whole package, and possibly the only one who can save Vaughn's business―and him.

Vaughn wants it all. But at what cost?

Because for the first time, he doesn't just want to win races…he wants to win the girl.

Review:

Off to the Races was a grumpy sunshine, workplace romance that I quickly devoured! This steamy and heartwarming adult romance was impossible to put down! With a storyline that was fun and easy to read, characters that were seamless to click with, this book became an instant favorite. I can’t wait to read the rest of Elsie Silver’s books!

“No, Billie,” his voice is dangerously low as he angles his head so close to my ear that I can feel his breath fan across my throat, “women usually go out of their way to endear themselves to me. Not piss me off.”
Time to teach this prick a lesson.

I absolutely loved Billie and Vaughn’s meet cute! It was jaw dropping horrible and one you’ll remember years down the road. There was definitely a dislike vibe going on between them, and I was here for it! It created this fabulous electricity between them that was laced with all the sexual tension. Since we also got this story in Vaughn’s POV, I quickly liked both characters. Especially since Vaughn’s overactive imagination cracked me up! His dirty thoughts were everything.

We were a head on collision that neither one of us saw coming.

Billie will always be one of my favorites! I loved how confident and sassy she could be. And her love for horses. She was so passionate and filled with all the compassion and patience. Her path with DD, a horse, had me crying all the tears. I loved when she stood up for him! And I loved it when she protected him! DD is one of my favorite horses and you’ll find yourself cheering and falling for him too!

Good girl.

Yet, Vaughn was always around since he was Billie’s boss. And anytime the two of them were together, their chemistry was so steamy. With the tension thick and impossible to ignore, you just wanted to push them together. Against a wall, a bed, or the floor ha! So, when they finally did cross that line, the moments between them were explicit and so steamy! With Vaughn’s phenomenal dirty talked mixed into it too!

When he finally pulls back a bit, he holds me close and rests his forehead against mine. We’re both a little breathless as he looks me in the eye and promises, “I’ll always choose you, Billie.”
And I smile.
Because I believe him.

While Vaughn and Billie definitely had their struggles, I loved how it played out so naturally. Especially the way the grand gesture unfolded. It was one of the best, I cried all the happy tears! This book also ended with an epilogue that had a incredible happily ever after! Off to the Races was all the stars and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

BOOK REVIEW: The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt

November 25, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
They say love and construction don't mix. By that logic, hate and construction may as well be condemned.

LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds had one short and contentious summer fling when they were teens―certainly nothing to build a foundation on. But a decade later, when their grandmothers have left them with shared ownership of their dilapidated Santa Cruz building, they're thrust back together and have to figure out how to brace up the pieces.

LaRynn has the money, but in order to access her trust, she has to be married. Deacon has the construction expertise, but lacks the funds. A deal is struck: Marry for however long it takes to fix up the property, collect a profit, and cut ties.

Thrust into a home without walls, LaRynn and Deacon quickly learn that it's easy to hide behind emotional ones, even in a marriage. But with all the exposure and pitfalls that come with living with the opposite sex (and none of the perks, much to their growing mutual frustration) they'll also have to learn what it means to truly cooperate as a team.

Filled with crackling tension, The Co-op is a steamy second chance romance about restoration and renovation, and uncovering all the things that build character within ourselves. It's about the never-ending construction project that partnership is, and finding enjoyment at every stage.

Review:

The Co-Op was a second chance adult romance, mixed with marriage of convenience and forced proximity. The characters stood out and were easy to love, the story took us through an emotional path in a slow and steady way, and the ending was fabulous! If you’re looking for an adult romance to spend your time with, add this one to your tbr.

Maybe if I show her she can count on me to have her back, she’ll open up and have mine, too. Maybe I’m an absolute sucker and I’ll get left at the end of this a lot more broken.

I adored LaRynn from the prologue. She shared the most mortifying moments of her life with us, including ones I’m terrified of, and it made me click with her right away. Headed back to her grandma’s house, LaRynn was going to help restore it with a man that made her heart pound for many reasons. There was so much hurt and resentment between the two of them. And they had so much work through, emotionally and physically.

I wish he smelled like stale beer or something that’d make my lip curl. Instead, he smells like some sort of whiskey. Smoke from a campfire with something sweet and dark and him. Intoxicating on his own.
“I’m sorry,” he says, his voice a low, grating rumble that tugs at something deep inside me. Fuck him for that, too. For having so much pull over me, for making me feel so out of control.

Deacon was my favorite. From the reason why he called her Larry, to his ability to work through his thoughts, I loved him. Especially since he seemed to have all the patience in the world for her. While I adored LaRynn, she kept her walls up higher. Was so protective of her thoughts. So, I was thankful for moments when Deacon could vocalize things she couldn’t. And stated that they needed to talk. LaRynn just had to get there, and so while the miscommunication trope went on for longer in this book then I thought it would, I was so happy when they finally let it all out.

I told him I wouldn’t need anything. I promised, in fact.
But I like him. I like him so much it hurts.

Mixed in this story were moments from their past. I loved how seamlessly it was woven into the present. And those times allowed us to see a bigger picture of the two of them. But past and present, there was always a lot of sexual tension between them. Those times caused moments that will leave you smiling, laughing or sighing out loud. It was impossible not to feel everything they felt.

“It meant something,” grinds deeply out of him, sending shivers up my arms and heat to my ears.

With jealousy, messing with each other, embarrassment, hurt, friendship and love laced through the pages, this story was written so beautifully. It was so quotable too and I highlighted a couple hundred passages and lines lol. I especially loved the my wife moments, sigh. This was my second book by Tara DeWitt and I can’t wait to read the rest of them!

The more it looks like a completed house, the more I realize how much we’ve been making it our home this entire time. With our messes and our music. All the memories from our past with our grandmothers, and the ones we’ve made together.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Anger Bang by Avery Flynn & The Half King by Melissa Landers

November 23, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Anger Bang by Avery Flynn
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Sometimes the only answer is to just bang it out.

Like today, for example. I’m in actual hell at my sister’s over-the-top reality TV wedding and up until now, I’ve been able to handle it all. The horrible bridesmaids. My relentless mother. Even the awful eighties fashion to fit the retro theme. But when my sister nonchalantly mentioned that she never even wanted me at the wedding—the producers insisted—ouch doesn’t fully express how much it hurts.

So for the first time I don’t think. I just do. And as a shy paleontologist who plans everything, I probably should have taken a moment.
But here we are.

I’ve just asked the best man, who my sister absolutely loathes and who can’t stand her right back, if he’s up for a little naked revenge with me. The cameras are filming every horrifying second, and the whispers have begun. (Did I mention that the music happened to stop just as I asked him?)

But then his mouth quirks up, and he does the last thing I expect.

Review:

Anger Bang was an adult romcom that was so much fun! With moments that made me laugh out loud and others that had me gasping or smiling so huge, I adored this book. The narrator made this story play out like I was watching a movie! The characters were easy to click with, the storyline was a blast, there were deeper moments I adored, and the steamy scenes were so hot! I loved the dirty talk! Plus, it ended with an epilogue that looked 3 years into the future! If you’re looking for a spicy adult contemporary romance to listen to, definitely add this one to your tbr!

The Half King by Melissa Landers
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A king by day. Shadow by night…

The Great Betrayal changed everything for the Allied Realm. Long ago, the kingdom’s noble houses rose up against the goddess... and for their treachery, the firstborn of each noble family was cursed.

One with perilous beauty.
One with destructive knowledge.
One with insatiable bloodlust.

But the royal house Mortara received the worst affliction of all. For while the king exists during the day, he fades into nothingness at night...until his twenty-first birthday, when he will be lost to the shadows forever.

Now an acolyte has arrived at court. Like all the second-born children of the Allied Realm, she’s destined to serve the goddess and become a Seer...only Cerise Solon has no gift of foretelling. In fact, she has no magical gift at all.

Instead, she’s surrounded by courtiers and priests―smiling sycophants whose hearts are filled with secrets and lies. And at the center of it all sits His Majesty Kian Hannibal Mortara, with his haunting eyes, sharp tongue, and an unerring ability to send her pulse skittering at the worst possible moments.

Falling for him is unthinkable. Because the king is the last of his line, and as the specter of his twenty-first birthday―and the full force of his curse―approaches, the kingdom holds its breath.

But there’s only one way to save a dying king... and it lies with the one person who’s hiding the biggest secret of all. Cerise.

Review:

The Half King was a new adult romantasy set in a fascinating world. With a shadow daddy, a fierce heroine, and lots of adventure, this book was so easy to devour. Each of the characters stood out, and I was interested in learning how their world worked. And trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. There was a twist I didn’t see coming that played so interesting into the story. Especially with what we learned in the epilogue! But unfortunately, I was never able to connect to any of the characters. And that greatly affects my enjoyment of a book. So, if you adore romantasy with some spice, here’s hoping you end up loving this book more than me!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Merry Kissmas by Piper Rayne

November 21, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Merry Kissmas by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Six years ago, he was her one-night stand, and now they’re sharing a villa for the holidays.

I thought I was over him. That his good looks and British accent couldn’t affect me anymore. But the minute our eyes lock across the elevator, all those feelings come roaring back to life.

Then I find out we’re competing for the same job.

Next comes the realization that we have to spend a week together on a ski vacation because of some six-degree-of-separation nonsense.

The real kicker is when I find out the two of us have to share a villa. A very small, very cozy villa.

Needless to say, this Christmas getaway is starting off rockier than the mountains we’ll be skiing down.

I’ve stayed away for years, what’s one week? But I forgot how much easier it is to ignore him with an ocean separating us—especially when he’s determined to win me back.

Review:

Merry Kissmas was a second chance, holiday romance was filled with all the Christmas cheer! With forced proximity, a beautiful found family, and a fun competition set at a gorgeous resort, I fell madly in love with this book! I laughed, cried, and closed the book feeling so happy!

How many times do you get a second chance to right a wrong?

Brynn met Pierce six years ago overseas. It was a steamy one-night stand and years later she found herself competing for a job against him. Their meet cute now had me laughing and clapping my hands, they were so awkward and at the same time I loved the tension between them. And when they figured out that they were going to spend the holidays together, I was screaming and couldn’t stop laughing! What unfolded was a fun, steamy, heartfelt, beautiful story!

He leans forward before I can stop him, his lips to my cheek. “Merry Christmas, Brynn. I hope Santa brings you whatever you asked for.”
Then he’s gone.
Lost in the throng of people.
But I can still feel the ghost of his lips on my cheek.

I already adored Brynn in Claus and Effect, and was so excited that she was getting her own story. She told it like it was, and I loved her sassy ways! And Pierce was so much more than meets the eye. Yes, he was sweet and caring, but learning about his past cracked my heart and I just wanted to reach into this book and give him a hug. These two had all the chemistry and sizzled on the pages anytime they were near each other!

“We’re stuck on this holiday together, so let’s just keep our distance from each other.”
“And if I don’t want to?” He arches an eyebrow.
A sound of excitement comes across the aisle, and I look over to see Kenzie staring directly at us. Great, we have an audience.

One of my favorite things was how vocal they were with one another. They shared their feelings and talked about their issues from the past. About how they were hurt, or how a situation made them feel. I love, love, love that they handled their issues in a way that resonated with me. There was no miscommunication or beating around the bush, I loved it! Add to the fact that Pierce seemed set to try and win Brynn back…ohhh I was so excited!

She tipped her head back and closed her eyes, letting the droplets rain down on her face.
At that moment, I knew she was one of those people who might come in and out of my life but would never truly leave me. That I’d remember that moment until my dying breath.

This story took us back in time, a few moments here and there, and we got to see Brynn and Pierce six years ago. From that first moment they met, to their first kiss, to their steamy night together, I loved every minute of it. It added to their depth. And in the present, yes there was an emotional aspect to it all. But at the same time, the Christmas competitions added so much playfulness to this story! From their Christmas tree, to on the slopes, to Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, and mistletoe, I adored how festive this book was! And when their moments together turned steamy, this book truly had it all!

“We both know you aren’t satisfied with your vibrator. The sex between us was something I’ve never experienced before or since. I bet it’s been the same for you. So, I’ll give you a little bit of space, but I have an entire week to prove to you that we belong together. Get ready.”
My chest tightens, and I let out a sarcastic laugh to play off how much his words affect me. “Ready for what?”
“For you to fall in love with me.”

The side characters leapt from the pages! From Kenzie’s obsession with them at the beginning, that had me cackling with laughter. To Andrew and Tre melting me by taking care of the new littles in their lives. To the parents that made me feel like I was home. To even the sparring that took place between the siblings…I loved it all! So, while this can definitely be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend Piper Rayne’s previous holiday books enough! You’ll see favorites in this story, and I loved being back with all of them and seeing their updates on life. If you want to binge them all, then start with Single and Ready to Jingle, then Claus and Effect, then this book. Keeping my fingers crossed for Carter to get his story now.

“I remember how much you liked it last time.” I laugh.
“You do not.”
“Are you testing my memory?” he asks, his cocky smirk turning into a wicked grin.

Merry Kissmas was festive and fun, while also being heartwarming and emotional. It was impossible to not cry tears or laugh out loud. This book easily got added to my favorites list and I can’t wait to see what Piper Rayne writes next!

Talk about Christmas magic, there was something in the air that night.

PS I’m right there with Brynn, snowboarding is where it’s at ♥!

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

BOOK REVIEWS: The Royals Next Door & Lovewrecked by Karina Halle

November 7, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
>b>An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them, from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle.

Piper Evans: elementary school teacher by day--avid romance reader and anonymous podcaster by night. She has a quiet, reclusive life, taking care of her mother, who lives with mental illness, avoiding her regrettable ex, who bartends in town, and trying to make inroads in the tight-knit island community that still sees her, five years in, as an outsider.
And she's happy with how things are--really--until British royals rent the property next to hers and their brooding bodyguard decides she's a security threat. Piper quickly realizes that one person's fairy tale is an ordinary woman's nightmare as a media frenzy takes over the island and each run-in with Harrison Cole is hotter and more confusing than the last. But beneath Harrison's no-nonsense exterior lies a soft heart, one that could tempt a woman who's sworn off attachments into believing in white knights.

But when Piper finds herself smack in the middle of a royal scandal that rocks the island she'll need more than Harrison's strong arms to shield her--she'll have to do a little rescuing herself. With careers, hearts, and friendships on the line, Piper and Harrison will have to decide what they're willing to give up for a chance at their own happily ever after.

Review:

The Royals Next Door was a hilarious and steamy adult romance that was so much fun to listen to! If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, smile, and fall in love, definitely add this one to your tbr! I love how Karina writes such a vast array of characters and stories. Each time I pick up one of her books, I know that I’ll fall for her stories and characters every single time.

From the beginning, I adored Piper. She was funny and so relatable. Piper was a teacher whose day was going sideways, and she just wanted to go home. One her way there, she had the most fabulous run in with a sexy bodyguard, Harrison. Whom she had read dirty fan fiction about. She cracked me up time and again! Their interactions started off a little antagonistic, but I loved watching that relationship evolve!

Harrison was a hard one to read, yet I couldn’t help but love him. He could be a man of few words, and he was a fun one to figure out. He took his job very seriously, and I love how he didn’t give a second thought when it came to protecting Piper. With a little bit of forced proximity at times, I was always counting down till that next time they ran into each other! Because I knew I would either be laughing, sighing, or something explosive would happen.

The Royals Next Door was a romcom that played out like a movie in my head. The cake scene, Costco samples, the laundry room, and so many more moments were memorable. And when Harrison and Piper were alone, they could be so steamy and hot! I also loved that this story included heavier topics that were weaved beautifully into this story. And the epilogue at the end was beyond fabulous! Can’t recommend this one enough!

Lovewrecked by Karina Halle
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A grumpy groomsman. A surprise shipwreck. Stuck on a deserted island together? Worst maid-of-honor gig ever. From the NYT bestselling author of A Nordic King comes a standalone romantic comedy.

Daisy Lewis is experiencing a relentless string of bad luck.

Fortunately, Daisy has her sister’s destination wedding coming up. A week of sand, sea, and sun in the South Pacific as the maid-of-honor is exactly what Daisy needs to forget her upturned life and focus on the positive.

That is until Daisy meets the best man.

If you take tall, dark, and handsome, and add a dash of rugged, a pinch of brooding, and a whole lot of sexy, you’ve got Tai Wakefield. Unfortunately he’s also a major grump, total alpha, and seemingly out to antagonize Daisy at every turn.

As if being part of the wedding party with Tai wasn’t bad enough, Daisy’s bad luck soon resurfaces when she ends up on a cramped sailboat with Tai and the newlyweds.

Which then shipwrecks on a deserted island near Fiji.

Okay, so they aren’t completely alone. There’s an oddball research scientist who has been isolated for far too long, they have rundown bungalows as shelter, stores of water and canned food, plus a feral goat named Wilson.It’s Lost…without the smoke monster.

But with rescue weeks away, Tai and Daisy realize the only way they’re going to get through this mess is to stop fighting and start working together.

And with their guards down, they get closer.

A lot closer.

Soon, Daisy realizes that the only thing worse than being stuck on a deserted island, is being stuck on a deserted island with a man she hates to love and loves to hate.

A man that can break her heart.

Review:

Lovewrecked was an enemies to lovers, steamy adult romance that I devoured. The characters were unique, the storyline flowed quickly, and I loved the happily ever after at the end of this story! If you love assholeish guys, girls that can be judgy and high maintenance, but you can’t help but love, and side characters who get their happily ever after too, then add this one to your tbr! The vibrator, spare comment and dream had me screaming with laughter. And the second half of this book was my favorite part! I listened to the audiobook of this story and enjoyed both of the narrators; they made the story so effortless to listen to.