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BOOK REVIEW: Underdog (In Vino Veritas #4) by L.A. Witt

September 21, 2022 / Arielle / 0 Comments

Underdog (In Vino Veritas #4)
by L.A. Witt
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Life in foster care wasn’t easy. Life after prison? Unforgiving. But I’m determined to stay out of trouble, and I’m gaining a foothold on the closest I’ve ever known to normal.

Then, thanks to a pair of escape artist dogs from the sanctuary where I’ve found work, I cross paths with my boss’s neighbor, Ty Adams. He’s a horse trainer, and winter is his quiet season. It’s also the season when he gets restless and lonely—two things I know all about. He’s not interested in love or romance. I’m just happy someone’s interested in me at all, even if emotions are strictly forbidden.

When we’re not together, I’m thinking about him. When we are together… Well, I’m definitely thinking about what he does to me and what I want to do with him.

As we keep each other warm through the Vermont winter, this feels a lot more than physical. Somehow he soothes my pain, and I wonder if I’m touching something deep inside him too. But Ty won’t let himself love anyone. I never had a chance. And now, with my past closing in, I could lose the one man I hoped I could count on. The one I thought might be different.

When his present and my history collide, is it too much to hope he’ll choose me?

CW: Sick horse and a minor accident involving a horse—no animal deaths or serious injuries/illnesses.

Review

Ahhhhh I feel terrible that it took me so long to review this but I felt like death last week/ this weekend and just…couldn’t.

Anyway, I was so excited to get Ty and Landon’s story after we got a few little tidbits here and there from Luke meeting and texting with Landon during Unmanageable. Gosh I am just such a sucker for these series that interconnect even if you don’t HAVE to read all of the books in order. I was immediately drawn in by the animals in this book. Blain and Houdini really stole the show for me hehe those little trouble making escape artists. Also!!! The horses! As a Millennial I’m pretty sure I can speak for most of my generation when I say that it was impossible to grow up and not be a horse girl for at least a small chunk of time. I read all of the horse books I could get my hands on and wanted one for myself until I was able to ride one at a local county fair and it actually scared the hell out of me, LOLLL but I digress. The animals were a special part of this book and I really, really enjoyed that element.

On to the characters and relationship. ONCE AGAIN, the immediate chemistry that Ty and Landon had was off the charts. I’m not sure how this has happened so consistently in every book this series has given us so far but I am a huge fan. Ty lived and breathed horse training and boarding and competitions. That was his family’s whole world and he continued on the legacy after his parents decided to retire. Because that was such a demanding and time consuming lifestyle, he has always tried to keep relationships low key and simple. Landon on the other hand has recently gotten out of almost a decades worth of time in jail/prison. He didn’t have an easy or stable childhood which led to him getting into a lot of bad situations that he just couldn’t seem to get himself out of. That has all changed though. This time around he is determined to live life the “right” way and stay as far away from trouble as he possibly can. Through a work rehabilitation program, he was hired by Brent and Jon (MCs of Aftermath in the Vino and Veritas series) to work for Second Chances Animal Sanctuary and eventually started working for Ty at Lost Acres Farm after Ty learned he had experience with horses and was good with animals.

As you might expect this book deals a lot with the aftermath of Landon being a released prisoner and how other people perceive him because of that. Oof my heart. The BEST part of this how this specific theme played out in this book was how, for the most part anyway, Ty trusted Landon with his whole gut and gave him so many more opportunities than most people would. That’s all it takes sometimes. People who have spent time imprisoned can’t hope to reintegrate with society if they don’t have people at their back, encouraging them and actually helping them live a normal life again. This book definitely brought up a lot of things I never would have thought about before and I know I will be keeping them in mind for the future….On the opposite end of that there are also parts of this book that feature many people mistrusting Landon and even trying their best to get him to screw up because they assume that’s all he’s capable of. That hurt to read. L.A. Witt is definitely a pro at tugging on heartstrings in a very real way, let me tell you.

Seriously this is one you aren’t going to want to miss!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!♥

BOOK REVIEW: Stealing Infinity (Stolen Beauty #1) by Alyson Noel

September 18, 2022 / Jen / 0 Comments

Stealing Infinity (Stolen Beauty #1)
by Alyson Noel
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
These days, I’ve been killing it when it comes to letting people down. Now I’ve been kicked out of high school, arrested, and accepted into a remote, off-the-grid school owned and operated by an inscrutable billionaire tech guru.

Gray Wolf Academy is looking for a certain kind of student. Ones that no one will miss. Like me.

Then there’s Braxton. The beautiful, oddly anachronistic guy who showed up right when the trouble started. And he’s a total enigma―which means that I definitely can’t trust him, even if there’s something about him that makes me want to.

They all tell me I have a gift. A very rare gift. And Gray Wolf Academy wants me to learn it. To use it. Because if what they say is true, I have all the time in the world.

And that makes me the most dangerous high school student you’ll never know…

Review:

When you can’t go back, the only choice left is to move forward.

Stealing Infinity was a unique fantasy that kept me guessing! With a premise of traveling into the past, and an academy setting, this book completely intrigued me. If you love young adult, academy or time traveling, then you’ll want this one on your tbr!

“What the hell is happening?”
Last thing I remember, before I black out, is the feel of Braxton’s arms breaking my fall.
“Oh darling,” he says. “I’m afraid you’re about to find out.”

Natasha seemed to be struggling to get by. Not only in life, but financially and with her mother too. Her dad disappeared when she was younger and her one constant was her fabulous friend, Mason. She also had Elodie as a friend, but she seemed to have ‘bad friend choice’ written all over her lol. Elodie was flashy, people were obsessed with her and she took Natasha on adventures instead of being in school, where she belonged. After being arrested and kicked out of school, Natasha was shipped off to a remote school where her entire world completely changed.

“You’ve been accepted into Gray Wolf Academy.” He waits, like he’s expecting me to be grateful or something.
“Yeah, no thanks.” I stab another forkful of buttermilk pancake and lift it to my mouth. Taking great satisfaction in the way Braxton stares at me in shock.

I liked Natasha right away. I loved how confident she could be. She was so sure of herself, even when she faltered. So as we slowly started to learn about this new world, it was right along with Natasha. Not all was what it seemed, and I wanted to scream at her to be suspicious. Yes she was given weird answers at times, but she was smart and cunning. So I was thankful when she started to put stuff together. Add in that we got to see memories from her past and it completely rounded out this story. Those memories were like clues leading to her future. And I couldn’t wait to see how it all went together.

On my waist, I can feel the ghost of his hand.
There’s a place on my neck where his lips continue to haunt.
And I have no idea what to do with any of that.

Braxton, hmmm. I wasn’t exactly sure what to think of him. Could he be trusted? I loved how he got flustered around Natasha and that he made Natasha feel cared for. But he could also be hot and cold with her. So there were many moments I desperately wished we knew his thoughts. I understood why she liked him, but call me a skeptic….I hesitated with him. So when Killian stepped onto the pages, he garnered all of my attention. Yes he intrigued me too, but there was just something about him that so easily captured my attention. He was brave, heroic, took chances and caused all of the butterflies. I don’t think I’ve ever said this before, but I’m hoping for a love triangle because goodbye Braxton and hello Killian. Please? Pretty please?

The pieces of the puzzle are coming together, but I’ve got a terrible feeling about the image they’re forming.

Stealing Infinity was a ton of fun and I’m looking forward to reading that next book! With so many other characters in the pages, I had some strong opinions and I can’t wait to see if I’m right down the road. And I loved that this book started in the past, her father gave us a glimpse that was filled with so much knowledge. So after finishing this story, I went back and read that prologue and eeps, soooo many things clicked into place! I highly recommend doing that too! Finishing that last page we were left at a good stopping point but also left us wanting more! Come on next book!

With my back against the wall, I crouch low in the shadows, head bent in submission, hands pressed together as though praying for redemption.
Whoever it is, they’re in for a surprise.
I am not the broken girl they’re expecting to find.

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

BOOK REVIEW: House of Beating Wings (The Kingdom of Crows #1) by Olivia Wildenstein

September 14, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

House of Beating Wings (The Kingdom of Crows #1)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
FREE THE CROWS, FALLON, AND THEY WILL MAKE YOU QUEEN.

Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I'd never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well . . . by all but one.

Dante Regio, prince of Luce, had owned my heart since he gave me my first kiss. If gathering a slew of iron relics could help me overthrow the current monarch and crown his brother to rule at my side, then treasure hunting I'd go.

If only the oracle had warned me what winged demon I was releasing into the world.

And that I'd become this demon's obsession.

Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Mary E. Pearson will devour this epic fantasy romance full of deceit, betrayal, and false loves that could swallow a person whole.

Review:

House of Beating Wings completely consumed me. This magical world filled with fae grabbed a hold of my heart and refused to let go. There was peril and heart stopping moments within the pages! Truces were made with consequences attached to them. And the characters and story-line leaped from the pages! Fans of fantasy won’t be able to put this story down!

Antoni squeezes my waist. “One day soon, there’ll be peace.”
I frown because I hadn’t realized we were at war.

Fallon was a magicless halfling who was given a prophecy, free the crows and they will make you queen. Being loathed by the full blooded fae, Fallon was intrigued to go above her station. Especially since she saw a chance with having a future with her friend, Dante. Who was brother to the crown. Fallon’s world was changed forever when she started her quest to free the crows!

I’ve stolen a mythical, murderous creature. I shudder as the depth of what I’ve done folds over me like dark water.

I loved Fallon! She was brave, head strong, honest, had a good heart and loved her friends. Because of her rounded ears, she was discriminated against and it hurt my heart. Yet there was so much more to Fallon than meets the eye. She could supposedly charm the beasts that lived in their waters. And one of them captured my heart, I was just as nervous for his fate and I was for Fallon’s. I was also so nervous for Fallon because she seemed to have all of her faith and trust in Dante. And as her Grandma reminded her, they could never be. Yet the key to her future revolved around releasing the crows, so we jumped head first into a spellbinding adventure with Fallon!

“Don’t betray me and I won’t betray you.”

The romance in this book will keep you on your toes! It was brilliant how it all unfolded. I found myself vacillating between Antoni and Dante. I didn’t know which one would be the right choice for Fallon and I liked them both for different reasons. But hold on, because a few somethings happened and my mind was reeling. The story took me somewhere that had my pulse pounding, I beyond ecstatic and it was absolutely genius! Fans of slow burn romance are going to love it!

“You’re such an ass.”The chuckle that resounds between my temples widens my eyes. “Did you just . . . laugh, Morrgot?”
A charmless ass like myself laugh? You must be hearing things.

The crows, oh there is so much I want to say but my lips are zipped except for a few things. Dark sarcasm, it was phenomenal! The lengths that were went to to protect, oh my heart there was nothing that was off limits. And the way Fallon was led, there were so many secrets and twists within the pages. I loved watching the little pieces of the puzzle come together. Looking back some of my guesses were correct! Others I didn’t even see coming. I don’t even know how many times I gasped out loud or was muttering omg again and again to myself. This story blew my mind!

I’m not defective.
My lids burn. My chest hurts from how chaotically my heart beats.
I’m not defective.

With a richly imagined world, a dark and luscious story and characters that were brilliantly done, House of Beating Wings was a phenomenal start to a new series! This story kept me glued to the pages and consumed my every waking thought. The ending left us at the perfect stopping spot but I’m anxiously dying for that next book, I have to know what happens next. Fans of fantasy should definitely have this book on their tbr!

I won’t fail you, I whisper through the bond.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Unmanageable (In Vino Veritas #3) by Leslie McAdam

September 13, 2022 / Arielle / 0 Comments

Unmanageable (In Vino Veritas #3)
by Leslie McAdam
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
I’ve never been romantic. Just ask my ex-wife.

Since she broke up with me, I get my needs met any time I want, without putting my heart on the line. Exactly how I like it.

But when she is called overseas and leaves me with our child, my bachelor lifestyle ends faster than you can say, “Daddy, I want a pony.”

I need help.

Problem is, help’s come in the form of an incredibly hot nanny.

My employee.

Who is much younger than me.

And also … a guy.

I watch Scott care for my kid and can’t help feeling like he clicks into place in her life.

When he looks at me, though … I get an entirely different feeling. One that makes me long for things I can’t have.

Like him.

Unmanageable is a contemporary m/m age gap romance about a starry-eyed nanny who wants hot-air balloon
rides and singing telegrams and a grumpy single dad who most definitely does not.

Review

This one sunk its claws into me IMMEDIATELY. I’m not sure if it was because Scott was just so damn likeable or if it’s because the instant chemistry that he shared with Luke was so appealing. Either way, I flew through this one!

The way that Scott immediately meshed so well with Addi and ingrained himself into her and Luke’s every day life so easily, almost like he had always been there, made my heart so happy. Even though Luke was Addi’s father and still saw her when he could, I can’t imagine how overwhelming it would have been for him to suddenly be thrust into the world of being a full time parent after never having been one. That’s….a lot. With all that in mind I really loved the scene when Luke joined the book club and the book they had read dealt with a similar family dynamic so through the discussion about the book we as readers, and even Scott, learned more about how Luke’s specific situation made him feel. I think that was definitely a turning point in the sense that Scott better understood why Luke felt the way that he did about relationships and honestly I think the act of Luke speaking those words out loud was just as important for himself.

Overall I loved how this was wrapped up and that Scott got his very romantic happily-ever-after, just like he deserved!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!♥

BOOK REVIEW: The Sweetest Game (Southern U O’Brien Brothers #3) by Cookie O’Gorman

September 11, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

The Sweetest Game by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Hopelessly in love with my best friend's brother.

That's what it will say on my tombstone. Here lies Junior "June" Dorsey. Tomboy. Car lover. Bookworm. She suffered from a severe case of unrequited love syndrome.

It's not like I haven't tried liking other guys. I have. It's just none of them measure up to him.

Baylor O'Brien. Beautiful. Cocky. Talented (on the field and in the bedroom—or so I've heard).

And completely oblivious to my love for him.

When Bay asks for my help, I can't say no. He needs my PR expertise to revamp his reputation and up his chances of being scouted after one scout—the one he really wants—dismisses him as nothing more than a party-loving playboy.

When he asks me to be his fake girlfriend, I accept his proposal.

But how am I supposed to act like I'm in love without revealing the truth? And why is Baylor so good at pretending?

One thing I know that's true:

All's fair in love and baseball.

Wish me luck,

June

This new adult sports romance features two friends destined to become lovers, one sizzling fake romance, and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

Review:

This laugh out loud romance was an instant favorite! With characters that were so easy to love, a story line that was absolutely adorable and an ending that will make your heart soar, this book was such a huge win! If you love the fake dating trope, you so need this book in your life! The Sweetest Game was heartwarming, swoon worthy and a beautiful love story!

The O’Brien brothers were off-limits.
At least to me.
Too bad my heart didn’t get the memo.
That rule had been broken the moment I met him.

I had already fallen for June and Baylor in the previous books. And while this one could easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend them enough. June had been in love with her best friend’s older brother, Baylor, since forever. Baylor saw June as just a really good friend. When Baylor’s pro-baseball dreams started to go up in smoke, he desperately needed to change his act. Enter June. Not only could she help fix his social media presence, but by being his fake girlfriend she could fix his image too. What’s a little fake dating to be able to reach ones dreams?

“Please don’t hate me for this.”
Before I could say I could never hate him, not in a million years, before I could ask what he meant or utter a sound, Baylor’s lips met mine……
and my world ignited.
His kiss set me on fire.

I absolutely loved June! She was sweet, heartfelt, such a good friend and a hard worker. She lived with her dad to save money while going to college. And she worked for him in the auto shop he owned. I adored the relationship she had with her dad! Plus the relationship she had with Emmy, Baylor’s sister. They loved and cared for one another so deeply! But doubt could be June’s worst enemy. She had no problem playing the part of Baylor’s girlfriend, but she didn’t think Baylor could be feeling what she was. There was no way!

It was all fake. I knew that— but then why did she keep breaking into my thoughts?

Baylor was someone you will fall hard for. He had so many layers to him and we got to see all of his different sides as the story progressed. Baylor was a player and loved baseball. He was destined to go pro, but had his sights set on only one team. When that team snubbed him, Baylor was desperate to do whatever to get in their good graces. Having June be his fake girlfriend? Of course! The things he did for June, to help her or just out of the kindness of his heart was swoon worthy. Baylor was kind, thoughtful and caring. But he wasn’t kind to himself. He didn’t think he was worthy of love or anything good besides baseball and having sex with random people. My heart ached for Baylor and I kept hoping he would see himself as June saw him!

Leaning in, he put his lips against my ear and said…
“I know this is supposed to be pretend, but I wish it was real.”
My breath caught in my throat.
“Then I could just kiss you whenever I want.”
He paused.
“Which is basically every time you open your mouth.”
Turning to him, I noticed he’d put on a playful grin.
“If this was real,” I breathed, “I’d let you.”
His grin slipped, and I couldn’t seem to stop staring—until someone cleared their throat.

Together June and Baylor were absolutely perfect. The chemistry between them was intense and sexy. And when they toed the line of friendship *fans face*, it was soooo hot! But mistakes were made along the way. Baylor was blind to June’s love and while he thought he knew June, I loved that she stunned him again and again. So watching their friendship turn deeper gave me all of the feels! Rounding out the story were side characters I adored! I loved Baylor’s relationship with his siblings and mom. They had such a strong bond, it made my heart so happy! And I loved how they could see beyond his cluelessness. Also keep those tissues nearby because there was a scene in this book that got me right in the feels and I cried ALL the tears!

She shook her head. “You told them I was off limits.”
“Yeah.”
“And what made you think you had the right to do that?”
“I had every right,” I said.
“Oh really, why?”
“Because you were mine.”
I took a step closer, watching her eyes flare.
“You are mine,” I said.

The Sweetest Game was sexy, hilarious and absolutely adorable! From that first page to the last, this book was smile inducing! The banter was a ton of fun and the characters captured my heart. If you love new adult romance, the fake dating trope, friends to lovers or sports romance you should definitely pick this book up!

“Want to know something, Sunshine?” he asked, his breath hitting the side of my neck.
I nodded.
“I’m mad at you too.”
My lips parted, and my breath caught as he nipped my earlobe.

PS I have a guess for the next book….. Masie and Dex??

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