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BOOK REVIEW: Hat Trick Heart (Thunderclap #1) by Ella Market

August 30, 2022 / Arielle / 0 Comments

Hat Trick Heart (Thunderclap #1)
by Ella Market
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When your agent calls and tells you that your publisher wants “something new," you do the only thing you can do:
Draw from real life experience.

Successful romance writer Macey Veronica’s life has revolved around hockey for as long as she can remember. When a blast from the past is forced in to her life again, six year old secrets are uncovered, and Macey V finds herself wondering how to fit feelings for three alpha hockey players into her one heart.

Max, Rafe, and Andy were the closest that three people could be without sharing blood while playing hockey together in college. Macey was their center, their grounding point, and they would have given her the world if asked. One fateful graduation party forced a rift between two that irrevocably changed everything…. Until years later when they find themselves all playing for the Tampa Thunder.

Macey loves them all, and always has. But is that enough to get them through this next chapter? Or will their pride prove to be too much to overcome?
---
Hat Trick Heart is a standalone reverse harem romance where the main character gets a guaranteed HEA with multiple love interests. It is intended for audiences 18+ for explicit language and sexual content, including MM, MMF, and MMFM scenes.

Review

*Quotes come from an uncorrected eARC and could change*

Sometimes, I think constant chaos is my baseline.

YOU GUYSSSSS. My friend. She did it. She WROTE. A. BOOK. And even more so??? A damn good one at that. Literally any one person who has been friends with me on Goodreads for the last seven years (I went back and checked when I first read The Deal, LOL) should know that I am obsessed with hockey romances. I have read so many at this point that I have lost count and it became SUCH an interest to me that two of my good friends and I each picked two hockey teams and watched their entire last NHL season together, updating each other daily on games, players, trades—you name it. I feel like a true fan now let me tell you, lol. One of those friends just so happens to be Ms. Ella Market herself. That leads me to reason #1 why you know this book and all ensuing books in this series are going to be amazing: Market is passionate about hockey.

Without her knowing, she became my everything, and only in my dreams could I hope that she felt the same about me.

While I’m here reviewing HTH, I might as well dive into how I met Ella Market and how we became friends. It started the way so many online friendships do these days. Shared bookish interests and obsessions. We both love the same YA/NA/ Adult Fantasy fandoms and many of the same books in the romance genre as well. She asked me to join a dark romance book club on Insta where I also met Cam, the third in our hockey obsessed triangle, and the rest is history. Reason #2 why you should know the relationships and spice in this book and all ensuing books in this series are going to be amazing: Market is passionate about romance (and honestly has read more romance in more subgenres than anyone else I have ever known and can probably give you a rec for literally anything you’re looking for).

“. . . there are team superstitions. The traditional shoulder check line or locker room song.” He pauses, and I force myself to look up at him, his blue eyes piercing me in a way that makes me squirm in my seat. “You, Macey, are a team superstition.”

But all that is beside the point. I’m here to talk about her DEBUT book, Hat Trick Heart, which is the first in a reverse harem style hockey romance series. Before this I actually hadn’t read many reverse harem romances and wasn’t fully convinced that I could go ALL IN in that sort of dynamic. If you’re on the fence about whether or not this is something you’d like/ like to try, I would say this is a great place to start. Macey, Max, Andy, and Rafe all make such perfect sense together. Macey and Maxy boy grew up together in Toronto before moving to the States for school where they met Andy and Rafe as all three men played on U of M’s hockey team together. Macey immediately formed a special connection with Rafe because of their shared Filipino heritage and with Andy because he’s an all-around 11/10 great guy (anddddd if I had to chooooose, WHICH YOU DON’T, he would be my favorite). Fast forward six years and Macey, Max, and Andy are living in Tampa. Macey has fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a romance author and the other two play together for the Tampa Thunder. Because Fate is a cruel (or maybe actually VERY VERY KIND???) mistress, Rafe gets traded to Tampa, too, and the entire group is thrown into a state of chaos after the missing piece of their group returns to them after six long years of no communication.

Now I don’t want to spoil anything further but I will say this book really has it all. Second chance romance, friends to lovers, a great supporting cast, the perfect amount of drama, and men groveling, lollll. This might be Ella Market’s first book but if THIS is her baseline for quality writing, I honestly can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. I am finally led to reason #3 why you know this book and all ensuing books in this series are going to be amazing: Market is passionate about writing and is damn good at it, too.

Our future is built on the chaos of today. And I can’t freaking wait.

Huge thanks to Ella Market for allowing me to read a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review!♥

BOOK REVIEW: Dissent: A Charity Romance (Prove It by Lauren Stewart)

August 29, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Dissent: A Charity Romance (Prove It by Lauren Stewart) by Lauren Stewart
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
DISSENT is a charity romance anthology with NEW, never before published content from over 150 authors of all romance genres. All proceeds from the eBook and paperbacks will be donated to organizations benefiting reproductive rights in the United States, particularly in areas where people need them more than ever.

Dissent will only be available for a very limited time, so grab your copy today!

**We are not affilited nor endorsed by any of these charities. We are simply a community bound by a single cause: protecting the basic human right of body autonomy.**

AUTHORS INCLUDE: Brighton Walsh, Nicole French, Kennedy Fox, A.M. Roark, A.R. Hall, Aarti V Raman, Aidy Award, Alexis Anne, Amanda Richardson, Amelia Wilde, Amie Knight, Amy Quinton, Anna Michael, Aria Wyatt, Ashley Lane, Autumn Jones Lake, B. Celeste, Blair Babylon, Brenda St John Brown, Brenna Aubrey, Bri Blackwood, Cara Dee, Carmen Jenner, C.L. Matthews, Cassie Graham, Celia Kyle, Charity Ferrell, Claire Wilder, Claudia Burgoa, Dakota Willink, Dani René, Daniela Romero, Dee Garcia, Dee Lagasse, Deidre-Ann Anderson, Donna Grant, Echo Grayce, Elena Aitken, Elle Thorpe, Ellis Leigh, Emily Colin, Emily Goodwin, Erica Alexander, Erin Parisien, Eva Charles, Eva Moore, Evelyn Adams, Glenna Maynard, H.D. Carlton, Haley Jenner, Heidi McLaughlin, Holly Mortimer, Hope Jones, Ines Johnson, Iris Morland, J. Saman, J. Sterling, J.H. Croix, J.L. Beck & C. Hallman, J.M. Walker, Jane Blythe, Janet Berry, Jasmin Miller, JD HOLLYFIELD, Jen Stevens, Jenika Snow, Jenna Hartley, Jenna Lynn, Jennifer Sucevic, Jessica Florence, Jillian Liota, Julia Kent, Kait Nolan, Kat Latham, Kat Savage, Kate Canterbary, Kate King and Jessa Wilder, Kate Meader, Kathy Coopmans, K.B. Cinder, K.D. Proctor, Kelly Maher, Kim Loraine, Kym Grosso, Lainey Davis, Laramie Briscoe, Laura Hall, Laura Lee, Lauren Stewart, Lea Coll, Len Webster, Lili Valente, Linnea May, Lisa Shelby, Lissanne Jones, Lucy Lennox, Mary Ann Marlowe, Max Henry, Megan Ryder, Melissa Andrea, Melissa Marino, Melonie Johnson, Mia Harlan, Mignon Mykel, Molly O’Hare, Monica Corwin, Morgan Jane Mitchell, N.A. Moore, Natasha Raulerson, Nicole Blanchard, Nina Levine, Pamela DuMond, Patricia D. Eddy, Persephone Autumn, R.L. Kenderson, Rachel Brookes, Raven James, Rebecca Paula, Rebecca Yarros, Regina Kyle, R. Castro, Roxie Noir, S. Cinders, Sade Rena, Saffron A. Kent, Samantha Lind, Sarah M. Cradit, Scarlett Cole, S.E. Rose, Shaw Hart, Sydney St. James, S.J. Sylvis, Skye Alder, Stephanie Anne, Suzanne Baltsar, Sylvie Stewart, T.K. Leigh, Tabatha Vargo, Tamara Lush, Taryn Quinn, Tawna Fenske, T. Gephart, Toni Aleo, Tracy Krimmer, Tricia Lynne, Trish Milburn, V.F. Mason, V.L. Souders, Vanessa Booke, Vivian Wood, Zoe Ashwood, and Zoe York

Review:

Prove It was a steamy addition to Dissent: A Charity Romance Anthology! From those first few pages I was hooked. I absolutely loved Rachel. She had no problem speaking her mind. And her interactions with a man in a bar who was sexy, mysterious and knew how to take control had me finishing this story in one sitting. Rachel wasn’t able to see him, but she could feel him and the whole situation was erotic *fans face*. I had to know what happened next. I loved how he was controlling in the most perfect of ways and that he also realized there could be a limit. Together they were so much fun!

“Just say the word, and I’ll leave you alone, understood?”
I pressed my lips together and tightened my grip around him.
He groaned. “Did you hear me?”
I nodded. “I just didn’t know which word would make you leave me alone, so I didn’t want to risk using any of them.”

Oh Adam *sighs out loud*. He was magnificent. I loved his back story and how he got to where he was. And I loved even more that we got some of the chapters in his voice. His moments with Rachel were seductive and steamy. And while this book was beyond scorching hot, there was also a beautiful romance story in there too. One that left me rooting for them and their HEAs. So by the time we got to that final page, my heart was so happy! If you’re looking for a steamy, quick read that will leave you smiling then I can’t recommend Prove It enough! I would have gladly read this as a full size novel. There was so much within the story that could have led it there, but it also worked perfectly for a short story. Definitely don’t miss out on this story within this anthology!

I didn’t regret a second of it, and I prayed she didn’t either.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4) by Jennie Marts

August 25, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Fans of Carolyn Brown, Maisey Yates, and Jennifer Ryan will fall head over cowboy boots for this second-chance romance from USA Today bestseller Jennie Marts.

Single mom Jillian Bennett barely has a moment to herself between raising her ten-year old son, volunteering at the horse rescue ranch, and working her new job as head librarian of Creedence, Colorado. She doesn't have time for romance either, even though she and the cute deputy, Ethan Rayburn, have been doing a lot of flirting the last few weeks. But when he also forms a bond with her son, Milo, Jillian falls hard, and Ethan soon realizes he would do anything for the feisty librarian who's won his heart.

Review:

Never Enough Cowboy was heartwarming, touching, and an instant favorite! This book had me constantly laughing and I loved being back in this world. It truly felt like coming home. But keep those tissues nearby, because this one pulled on my heart more times than I can count. If you love small town romances, or country romances, definitely make for sure this book is on your tbr!

“It’s okay for you to fall,” he said, his voice a husky whisper. “I promise I’ll catch you.”

Jillian Bennett was new to town, a librarian, and a single mom. She was quirky and I loved her for it, especially her ridiculous underwear lol! Through mutual acquaintances, Jillian found herself running into Ethan Rayburn time and again. He was a deputy and was completely smitten by Jillian. Yet, Jillian was focused and had a lot on her plate. She didn’t feel as though she had time to date, even if Ethan clicked so easily with her son, Milo. Ethan was determined to knock down Jillian’s walls and find a way into her heart. And his path to that was beyond adorable and steamy too!

Tilting her face up to his, she looked into his gorgeous blue eyes and saw such tenderness there, it hurt her chest. Emotion burned the back of her throat, and she feared she might start crying again. “I could really fall for you, you know?”
His lips curved into a roguish grin. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

I absolutely loved Ethan! I loved that he knew what he wanted in life and went after it. From the first moment he met Jillian, he just knew she was for him. And that man did not have a subtle bone in his body about wanting Jillian lol! Ethan was kind, patient, sexy, romantic, hilarious and so sweet. Yet he could also be tough as nails and a force to be reckoned with. So I loved his softer moments with Jillian and her son. He was so thoughtful and I loved the lengths he went to, to try and win Jillian over. But I was so nervous for him. Would Jillian open up and let him in?

“I’ll just look around then, maybe check out a book or two, while I wait.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice further. “Got any recommendations for books about romance? I’m kind of interested in this woman, and I feel like I need to up my game with her.”
She pressed her lips together to keep a giggle from escaping.

Jillian and Ethan had such an emotional path. Their old fears and pasts crept in. Mistakes were made. And there were scenes that pulled at my heart and made me cry all the tears. Not only for Jillian and Ethan, but for the animals too as we watched them work towards their HEAs also. But don’t worry because there was lots of joy, and I had so many happy tears too! So many of our favorites are back, humans and animals. I loved Otis the goat and Aunt Sassy and her meddling. I laughed so hard, I don’t even know how many times, that I had tears streaming down my face and was gasping for breath! And watching Ethan and Jillian’s son Milo together made my heart burst with joy! Ohh plus this book had a surprise that I’m not saying a word about other then I LOVED how it affected the story!

“Darlin’, haven’t you figured out by now that it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing my hat, your superhero undies, a down parka, or nothing at all, I am completely at your mercy.”

Why is this series not a tv show?!?! I would binge it again and again, just like I still do with Friends! Never Enough Cowboy was fun, flirty and heartwarming! With friendship and love, this story was so much fun! I was completely swept away and I think romance lovers will feel the same way too! And now I’m dying to know, are Knox and Carly the next book? *fingers crossed!*

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

COVER REVEAL: The Sweetest Game by Cookie O’Gorman

August 22, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

I am SO excited for The Sweetest Game! I just know that this sports romance, along with the fake boyfriend/girlfriend trope, is going to be beyond addictive. PLUS this is supposed to be steamier than Cookie’s previous books and I’m ALL for that lol! You can check out what The Sweetest Game is about below and add this one to your TBR! Enjoy ♥

The Sweetest Game
Cookie O’Gorman
Publication date: September 2022
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Sports

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.

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, and CUPCAKE are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances, The Best Mistake and The Perfect Play. Her newest release FAUXMANCE is coming on April 28, 2022!

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BOOK REVIEW: Much Ado About Dukes (Never a Wallflower #2) by Eva Devon

August 21, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Much Ado About Dukes (Never a Wallflower #2)
by Eva Devon
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Shakespeare meets Bridgerton in this witty and lively marriage-of-inconvenience romance.

As far as William Easton―the Duke of Blackheath―is concerned, love can go to the devil. Why would a man need passion when he has wealth, a stately home, and work to occupy his mind? But no one warned him that a fiery and frustratingly strong-willed activist like Lady Beatrice Haven could find a way to get under his skin...and that he might enjoy it.

Lady Beatrice is determined to never marry. Ever. She would much rather fight for the rights of women and provoke the darkly handsome Duke of Blackheath, even if he does claim to be forward-thinking. After all, dukes―even gorgeous ones―are the enemy. So why does she feel such enjoyment from their heated exchanges?

But everything changes when Beatrice finds herself suddenly without fortune, a husband, or even a home. Now her future depends on the very man who sets her blood boiling. Because in order to protect his esteemed rival, the Duke of Blackheath has asked for Beatrice’s hand, inviting his once-enemy into his home...and his bed.

Each book in the Never a Wallflower series is STANDALONE:
* The Spinster and the Rake
* Much Ado About Dukes
* The Duke's Secret Cinderella

Review:

Much Ado About Dukes was romantic, charming and impossible to put down! With characters that were full of life, a story-line that kept me turning the pages faster and an ending I adored, this book was everything! If you love historical romance or adult romance, you definitely need this book in your life!

His head lowered ever so slightly. “Are you blackmailing me?” And then he smiled, a beautiful, teasing, devastating sort of smile. “Are you going to make every family dinner a complete catastrophe until I agree?”
She cocked her head to the side. “Possibly.”

Beatrice was convinced that love was never in her future. Being raised by her Uncle, and having her cousin as a best friend, she was happily living her life and speaking out about women’s rights. But when her fortune disappeared, she found herself in trouble and complete disarray. To the rescue came Will. William Easton, the Duke of Blackhearth, was the man she wrote to about women’s rights and never heard back from. He was a formidable presence and she was convinced he was the enemy. But when he proposed they marry and that they would both avoid the pitfalls of love, Beatrice paused to consider and I was already addicted!

“Perhaps we have more in common than we thought,” he said softly.
“The horror,” she teased before she inclined her head. “Who’d have thought it?”

Beatrice made a name for herself and she seemed so put together, driven and I loved that she would never settle for less when it came to love. She had seen how much her parents truly loved one another, before they died, and she only wanted that. She was perfectly content remaining single and I loved the relationship she had with her cousin, Margaret. They truly loved and cared for one another. Yet, Beatrice felt so lonely. Except when Will was in her vicinity, her life felt less lonely and fierier during those moments!

There was only one word for her.
Magnificent.
He did not know what he had expected, but this was not it. She was a positive force of a woman, and he was… stunned.

I am officially obsessed with William Easton, the Duke of Blackheath! To a stranger he could come across as focused on his work and maybe closed off, but getting to see the side of him with his brothers….ohhhh there was so much to Will! He was such a good guy *cries because I want to steal him from the pages!*. I loved the interactions he had with his brothers but I loved even more all of Will’s thoughts that we got to hear as we alternated between him and Beatrice. He proved again and again why he was trustworthy and good. He apologized. He stood up. He surprised Beatrice time and again. But best of all he could joke and tease her, and those moments made my heart beat faster! Will was considerate, thoughtful, kind and extremely sexy.

“Beatrice, we shall make London quake underneath our polished boots, for you and I can make the world sit up and take notice. Nothing will ever be the same.”
How right he surely was.

Much Ado About Dukes made me laugh out loud and smile! The banter between Beatrice and Will was so much fun and I loved how it showed their other sides! From the moment they met, there was chemistry and the tension between them that was electrifying. But they were both weary of love. So the moments they caused each other to faulter was exciting and left me hoping for more! And as they spent more time around each other, they helped each other see who they truly were and open their eyes to the ways of the world. I loved that they brought out the best from each other. When their moment together led to more, this book was sensually seductive!

Will smiled down at her.
She met that smile with one of her own. A smile full of determination to succeed.
Yes, this was the beginning of something beautiful, and he would not let them fail.

Much Ado About Dukes was romantically addictive! I loved the way this book unfolded, I loved the moments that tugged at my heart and I also love that it made me scream out loud for how something played out. This book constantly pulled on my emotions! And fyi, you definitely don’t have to read the first book in this series to enjoy this one! I just have to say one more thing…. I absolutely loved Ben, Will’s brother. He needs his own book please!

She beamed at him. “Together?” she whispered. “How can we lose?”

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