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BOOK REVIEW: Slapshot (Moo U #2) by Rebecca Jenshak

BOOK REVIEW: Slapshot (Moo U #2) by Rebecca JenshakSlapshot (Moo U #2)
by Rebecca Jenshak
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

I’m banished to Vermont for a scandal that wasn’t my fault, and broke because my famous father cut me off. And did I mention my roommate stole my boyfriend? Yeah, I’m loving my Moo U experience.

Now I need a job, because this gel manicure won’t upkeep itself. The only available option is the last one I’d ever want--a job as the hockey team’s equipment manager. My plan is to do the bare minimum, get paid, and find my way back into my father’s good graces.

I will not get involved with a hockey player, no matter how hot. They’re cocky. And obnoxious. I know their type, and I’m not willing to risk getting hurt again. Until Lex Vonne glides into my life looking like sin on a stick.

He thinks I’m a spoiled brat.
I think he’s using me to get ahead.
But the fire I feel when we’re together is like a slapshot to my heart…

Review

I knew it from the first few times that he was mentioned in Blindsided and it was so good to have it confirmed: Lex Vonne is one of my all-time favorite male leads in a romance. First of all he’s the perfect opposite to Kaitlyn. He’s calm, he’s steady, he’s focused on hockey. For someone like Kaitlyn who has had trust issues her ENTIRE life, he is everything she needs (even if she thinks he’s got to be playing some kind of game).

Kaitlyn. Man…it has been a while now since I had read Heartland but initially after I realized who she was I thought “oh right, Kaitlyn, mean-ish roommate who had been dating Dylan that I didn’t like” but…man I’m annoyed at myself for thinking that. That’s the problem with the first person narrative though. We see what one character sees and what they feel, and their story and their truths aren’t always the full picture. I got a big reminder of that in this book.

While I couldn’t personally put myself in Kaitlyn’s shoes, I understood. I got why she had done what she did with Dylan and her mindset made sense. My heart still hurt for her, but it made sense. The fact then, that she had those complex feelings about hockey and ended up having to work as the team’s equipment manager was *chef kiss*. The perfect kind of plot device to help move her story forward. Especially with Lex (:. Ahh, to be a young, cocky hockey player used to being hot shit and getting his way. I love when those types of men are put in their place by women, lol. Don’t get me wrong, Lex isn’t your typical alpha jock that you only enjoy reading about in books, but he still has that natural confidence.

I loved their dynamic together from start to finish. Love that she helped him on the ice and that he broke down her walls so that she began to trust in him. Of course there was a little bit of tension to stir things up towards the end but you know, sometimes you just need that little bit of angst to really drive things home at the end.

Huge thanks to HeartEyes Press and Sarina Bowen for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!♥

BOOK REVIEW: Blindsided (Moo U #1) by Victoria Denault

BOOK REVIEW: Blindsided (Moo U #1) by Victoria DenaultBlindsided (Moo U #1)
by Victoria Denault
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

What if Romeo wore hockey skates, and Juliet was raised on a farm next door?

As a life-long Vermonter, there are three beliefs I’ve always held true:
1. Our family farm is everything
2. Hockey is a close second
3. The Todds next door are our sworn enemies

But this season will test everything I stand for.

I have an illicit side job that could cost me my hockey scholarship. And now Maggie Todd knows my secret. She’s waiting for the right moment to use it against me. But every time I face off against her, I learn things I shouldn’t want to know. Like how deeply her competitive streak runs, and how sexy that is. And how easy it is to make her blush… everywhere.

An Adler and a Todd cannot be lovers. Breaking that rule is like pulling a pin on a grenade--everything in my life could blow up. Can we surrender to these feelings… or will our families’ feud make us its next casualty?

Review

How can books about a sport I know nothing about be so comforting to me? I have no idea but here we are all the same. It felt like it had been a while now since I had read any book about college hockey players and when I was presented the opportunity to request some eARCs for the Moo U series in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North, I jumped for joy. Not only that but this in particular had hockey AND Vermont farmers. What more could I want?

Maggie Todd and Tate Adler’s families have been at it for YEARS. No one remembers why the feud started and no one is interesting in ending it. THAT IS…..until these two are forced to work together and find out that fierce dislike can easily morph into burning passion if they’re not careful (spoiler alert, they’re not). I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two and the push and pull that never ceased, even after they form a tentative truce that evolves into a whole lot more.

As family dramas tend to, this one unsurprisingly featured some twists and turns and secrets to be uncovered that kept me on my feet until the very end (though I had my suspicions, I did NOT figure things out correctly). I personally have never experienced that level of family chaos and am so thankful for it.

Overall I thought this was a solid start to the Moo U series and a great introduction to certain characters that I’m sure we will see in future books!

Huge thanks to HeartEyes Press and Sarina Bowen for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!♥

GIVEAWAY & COVER REVEAL: Code by Mary Ting

I’m so excited that I get to help share the cover for CODE by Mary Ting!  This series has been an explosion of action and emotion and I have loved every single moment of it!  If you’re a fan of dystopian, characters that leap off of the pages and a story line that keeps you saying just one more chapter then this series is for you!  You’ll definitely want to check out the latest cover below and enter a wonderful giveaway!  Enjoy!

 

Code
Mary Ting
(Isan, #4)
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: April 20th 2021
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Behind enemy lines, new soldiers will emerge, and unexpected heroes will rise.

Ava is a prisoner. And she is not the only rebel held hostage at ISAN’s secret compound. As she plans an escape, the lives of the rebel prisoners are in her hands, along with those she thought were dead.

Rhett and his team desperately search for Ava while one of the Remnant Council joins forces with another network looking for the creator of the Helix serum. And time is running out. Mr. Novak has been secretly creating an army called CODE, and what he plans for Ava will mean a permanent end to the rebels–and her.

Add to Goodreads

 

About Mary Ting:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

Bookbub / News Update / Facebook Group / Facebook Page / Instagram / Twitter / Website

 

 

Giveaway:


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BOOK REVIEW: The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1) by Eva Devon

BOOK REVIEW: The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1) by Eva DevonThe Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1)
by Eva Devon
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The marriage game is afoot in this clever blend of My Fair Lady meets Pride and Prejudice with a twist!

Edward Stanhope, the icy Duke of Thornfield, likes his life in a certain order. Give him a strong drink, a good book, and his dog for company, and he’s content. But when he goes to his library and finds a woman sitting in his chair, petting his dog, what starts as a request for her to leave quickly turns to a fiery battle of wits, leading to a steamy kiss that could ruin them both if they were caught.

So of course, damn it all, that’s when Edward’s aunt walks in, and thereafter announces Miss Georgiana Bly is the future Duchess of Thornfield.

Georgiana was content to be a spinster, spending her days reading and working to keep her family out of debt. But now her days are spent locked away with a growly duke, learning how to be the perfect duchess, and her nights spent fighting the undeniable attraction to a man who was never meant for her.

As their wedding day approaches, the attraction between them burns hot and fierce, but is it enough to melt the duke’s chilly facade?

Review:

The Spinster and the Rake was a delightful romance that left me with a smile on my face.  If you’re a fan of historical romance and opposites attracts, then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

Georgiana knew she had to simply accept the fact that she was marrying a man who would likely never love her. Who might not even know how to. Still, it was…hard.

Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Thornfield, always had women trying to snare him.  Even though he had a cold, icy exterior. So when Edward went into his library, to get away from life for a moment, there was a woman sitting in his chair who refused to leave.  After a verbal sparring and a passionate kiss, which unfortunately had an audience, he was left with the tough decision to make Georgiana the future Duchess of Thornfield.

Vindication coursed through her veins. At long last, she had shaken him and nothing could have felt better in this moment. Not even his kiss.

I loved Georgiana!  She was honest, brave and had a strong head on her shoulders.  I was delighted how vocal Georgiana could be and that she had no filter when it came to talking with Edward.  She definitely kept the Duke on his toes!  But I felt awful for her.  She did not want to be a duchess and people would talk.  Why would a Duke even become engaged to someone like her?  It wasn’t feasible.  But fate has a funny way of intervening in our lives.

“I am not a dog, Your Grace.”
“My dog is obedient and causes me a great deal of happiness. So we can agree on that point. You, Miss Bly, are not a dog.”
She gasped.

Edward was such a mystery to me, and we got to be in his head too.  He seemed judgey and to assume the worst at times.  His walls were built up so high making him a challenge to get to know.  But while he was regal, I loved how Georgiana made him falter and pause at times.  I enjoyed that she was capable of making him see things in other ways, especially in regards to his behavior.  So while it took us a while to get to know him inside and out, it was worth the wait.  As Edward started to come out of his shell to Georgiana, you guys I melted.  There was this other side of him that wanted to make her happy and please her.  Every single tiny gesture or thought Edward did for Georgiana lit up my entire world!

This.
This was what would bring them together, even when everything else was tearing them apart. Of that he was certain.
Her lips parted as she gasped against him.

When Georgiana and Edward were together, they were fire and ice.  I loved watching how they butted heads, but they had to get to know each other.  And it wasn’t a quick process.  They both had so much to learn about not only each other, but what their new future would be like too.  Georgiana would no longer be spending her life as a spinster and Edward wouldn’t be living his life in solitude anymore.  While there was common ground here and there, they had to work to make their relationship grow.  And all the while, the passion between them burned brightly.

Edward wished her to be happy…
Much to his amazement, he wished it with all his heart. But most of all, he hoped they could find happiness together.

The Spinster and the Rake was an entertaining story that romance lovers will enjoy.  And if you love HEAs, you’re going to love the epilogue in this book! It was fabulous!  While Eva Devon is a new to me author, I’ll definitely be checking out her other books!

PS Their game of bowls…..oh my heart that was the moment that gave me so much hope and love in my heart.  They both give a little, have fun and I’m falling in love with them 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: Blue Skies by T.L. Martin

BOOK REVIEW: Blue Skies by T.L. MartinBlue Skies by T.L. Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

All Blue Everest wants is the wide open sky above her head and the soft earth beneath her feet. And maybe to spread a little love where she can. When she gets the opportunity to live with a father she’s never met and to enroll in public school for the first time, she brings her optimistic and free-spirited nature with her.

But it’s not long before she meets her polar opposite, Joshua Hunt, whose hard edges resist every smile she sends his way . . .

Hunt’s never met a girl who smiles so easily. It can’t be normal. Combine that with the flowers in her hair, constant daydreaming, and a knack for sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong—and he wants nothing to do with Blue Everest. He’s got enough going on without her distractions, and everything, everyone, he cares about is depending on him to stay focused.

Blue’s ready to go wherever the wind takes her, and Hunt’s determined to steer his own ship. But sometimes the wind changes course, pulling two people into a rough and devastating storm that can crush the strongest of hearts. And sometimes, it takes more than you ever thought you were capable of to get back to blue skies.

CONTENT WARNING: contains sex, profanity, and sensitive subject matter, including addiction and suicide.

Review:

Blue Skies was a story filled with hope, love, family, secrets, hurt and trust.  The writing had this calming effect, even though you were taken on a sea of emotions.  So if you’re a fan of opposites attract and YA books that are seductive and hot, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

So often we don’t see—let alone feel—the magic in the moments we’re making until we’re old enough to pause and view them as memories.

Blue was going to be staying with her dad, who she had never met or even knew existed until now.  I was beyond nervous for Blue and had no clue what to expect, just like her.  Not only was she meeting her dad for the first time, but his wife and stepdaughter too.  And to top it all off, she was going to public school where she knew no one.  What unfolded was a beautifully slow, methodical tale of family, love and the journeys we face.

I don’t know how so much intensity could be locked inside one person—the kind of intensity that sucks the oxygen from my lungs. He’s like the night sky just before a tornado hits: heavy and quiet all at once, whispering secret, dangerous promises and threatening to erupt at any moment.
But I don’t want to stop it.

I adored Blue!  She was a hippy girl who was kindhearted and saw the world for all of its sunshine and happiness.  She had so much hope and love in her heart.  And I loved that Blue took journeys in the most optimistic of ways.  She was a breath of fresh air in YA, and someone that could help others find the good in their lives.  So Blue was carefree, yet thoughtful of those around her.  But right from the start, she saw a boy out her new bedroom window.  And he was one that was going to completely change her world.

He’s so certain the universe has sewn him together with dark, misshapen parts. But I’m looking, I’m always looking, and these aren’t the actions of a sick or corrupted soul.
His scare tactics won’t work on me.

Joshua Hunt lived in the guesthouse of her father’s home, and we also got to hear the story from his pov. I loved Joshua.  He was all rugged, thunderclouds and seemed to have a wealth of secrets.  He was haunted by his past and present, so Joshua had this cold exterior and kept everyone at arms length away.  And while he was attracted to Blue. he needed to keep his focus on school.  He didn’t want to be bothered with distractions.  But Blue had this way of pulling him out of his shell.  So as he started to share little pieces of his life with her, oh my heart.  Even though it wasn’t much, it felt like the world to me.

“What are you doing?” I breathe even though his body tells me everything. I want to hear it in his voice.
A muscle twitches in his jaw, and his strong grip clutches the back of my neck. “Something I’ve wanted to do for too damn long,” he rasps, his lips almost brushing mine. But then he stops. Shuts his eyes. “Tell me it’s okay, Blue. Tell me to kiss you.”
My heart thumps. My knees sway.
“Kiss me.”

I loved watching Blue and Joshua in and out of school.  Being the new girl, and different at that, my heart hurt watching her be bullied.  But then there was Joshua, silently watching everything unfold.  And when he was protective or thoughtful of her?!  Sigh. I’m a huge sucker for those types of moments.  And later on when things became physical, you guyyyysssss, it was deliciously seductive and oh so hot *fans face*!

He tears his lips from mine, dragging them down my throat, “So . . .”—my collarbone—“fucking . . .”—my shoulder—“perfect.” Then he returns to my mouth.
A deep shiver chases my spine.

Blue Skies was an emotional tale about first love and family.  While I wanted to rush or fast forward a few things in the latter half of this story, I understand that that was not how Blue and Joshua worked. And looking back, there are so many things I didn’t even touch upon.  One being how we got to watch the relationship between Blue and her father, Tim, develop. Tim was one of my favorite characters in this book, besides Blue and Joshua. So I loved that this book was also about family, and watching how one grows and blends together. With first love and opposites attract, I really enjoyed this book!  I’ll definitely be looking into Martin’s other books!

For every jagged edge he gives me, I give him some of my softness in return. He nips my lower lip, and I gently lick his. He fists my hair, and I glide my fingertips down his tense back.
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