Author: Piper Rayne

BOOK REVIEW: Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne

December 4, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Two strangers who couldn’t be more opposite find themselves on an unexpected cross-country road trip days before Christmas where whatever can go wrong, does.

He’s an Army Ranger.
She’s a baker.

He’s organized and ridged.
She’s messy and carefree.

He doesn’t do relationships.
She’s following her heart.

His family chat blows up his phone.
She just buried her last living relative.

The holiday season doesn’t seem so jolly as they venture from one mode of transportation to the next. But, they have to become friends and rely on each other if they’re going to survive all the obstacles thrown their way.

As the miles grow shorter, vulnerabilities are shared, and by the time they reach their destination, neither one of them is sure what they really want for Christmas anymore.

Review:

Claus and Effect was a grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, Christmas story that easily became one of my top favorites! With a road trip, characters that had a strong dislike going on, and found family, I absolutely loved this story! I listened to the audio, which was duet narration and my favorite!, so it’s one I’ll definitely be re-reading down the road!

Within those first few chapters you’ll find yourself smiling and laughing. Tessa was so easy to love and from that first moment we met Tre I couldn’t help but be intrigued! Their meet cute and the foreseeable running into each other had me so giddy! Yes there was instant chemistry, but there was also some rudeness and messing with one another too. I was screaming with laughter over multiple moments on the plane, and from there a road trip unraveled that made this book impossible to put down!

I wasn’t so sure what to think of Tess first off. I mean, she was listening to a psychic after her world had fallen apart. But listening to that psychic landed her in Tre’s crosshairs and I was all for it! Her thoughts were so fun to listen to, her detours were epic, and time and again she had me rolling with laughter. She could be such a bowl full of joy and I loved her playful nature!

Oh Tre. He easily became a favorite book boyfriend! He was in the military and headed home for the holidays. He was so serious and put together, but at the same time he could play dirty and was absolutely hilarious! I loved that he was kind, caring, and thoughtful. And I especially loved how he was able to read Tessa!

Their road trip was over the top and so much fun! With gingerbread, eggnog, snow, dressing up, and so much more, I love the path this story took. But then there was a plot twist I never saw coming and I was literally screaming NOOOOOO!!! I’m sure all my neighbors could hear me, eeps. When you throw that in with Tre’s past, oh my heart, this story took an emotional turn that hurt. And I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes multiple times.

Claus and Effect wrapped up with the most wonderful look into the future. And the happily ever after made me cry all the tears of joy! I can’t recommend this book enough! I’ve read three holiday books by Piper Rayne, and I’ve loved each of them so much. If you want to read them in order of how you meet the characters, then start with Single and Ready to Jingle, then this one, then finish up with Merry Kissmas. If you’re looking for a Christmas romance that will have you laughing and smiling, this is it!

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 REVIEW: False Start & You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsman Football Stars #0.5 & #1) by Piper Rayne

December 27, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: False Start & You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsman Football Stars #0.5 & #1) by Piper Rayne False Start (Kingsman Football Stars #0.5)
by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The start of Lee Burrows and I was a college girl’s biggest fantasy.

Campus’ most popular guy, the starting quarterback, the same guy I’ve crushed on forever, notices me—the quiet introvert.

Although, he never would’ve noticed me if he didn’t need my help passing our biology class. I didn’t think I had a chance with him until he started flirting with me and asking me questions like, “Who was the guy you were talking to?” and “Do you have a boyfriend?”

It took a few tutoring sessions before we ditched the library to “study” at Lee’s apartment.

It was a fantasy come true until I found out the truth and vowed that Lee Burrows would never get another chance with me again.

NOTE: This the prequel to the Kingsmen Football Starts series. You do not have to read it to enjoy, You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows.

Review:

False Start was a wonderful introduction to the characters from You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows! This was their backstory and it showed how something that started beautiful went all kinds of wrong. Shayna was to help tutor Lee, so he wouldn’t get kicked off their college’s football team. During those moments together, they clicked. And saw so much more in the other. Watching their friendship form was smile inducing. And when it turned to more, my heart raced. It felt like first love and meant to be. Until it wasn’t. So while that ending left us grasping for more, I definitely recommend reading False Start before jumping into You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows! Their backstory added so much depth and emotions to their story. And then when we jumped eight years into the future in You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows, awww it made it that much more fun!

“Sometimes once something is broken, you can’t fix it. Even if you glue all the pieces together, it’ll never be the same as it once was.” She inhales deeply, and tears gather again in her eyes. “You’re not the person I thought you were, Lee. I’ll never look at you the same way.”

BOOK REVIEW: False Start & You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsman Football Stars #0.5 & #1) by Piper Rayne You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows (Kingsman Football Stars #1)
by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Lee f’ing Burrows
The Kingsmen’s star quarterback.
Legendary throwing arm.
Six-pack abs.
Kissable lips.

Oh, but don’t forget, he’s also a lying, heartless egomaniac who broke my heart in college.

It took me years to build myself back up after his deceit, and now I have the dream opportunity to prove myself working as a sports therapist for a professional team.

The hurdle? Or mountain to be more accurate…
The job is with the San Francisco Kingsmen.

Back when I was a naïve college girl, I felt lucky that he even noticed me. Now eight years later, he’d be lucky if I gave him the time of day.

Which I won’t. Not ever.

Some people don’t deserve a second chance and Lee Burrows is one of them.

Now if someone could only tell him that because he’s hell-bent on scoring the winning touchdown and won’t accept that it’s game over for us.

Review:

You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows was a charming and sexy romance that was so much fun! This is my third book from this writing duo and their romances are heartwarming and so easy to devour. With an epilogue that gave us a peak into a happily forever and who the next book would be about, this sports romance was just what I needed!

I realize I’ve been keeping him at arm’s length because deep down, Lee might just be the guy I fell in love with in college. He might be that good guy who did a very stupid thing. But how do I ever trust him with my heart again?

Lee Burrows was America’s top quarterback. And his ex Shayna ended up on his team as their sports therapist. I just have to say that if you haven’t read their backstory in False Start, I can’t recommend reading that novella enough! You don’t have to read it first, but watching them fall in love and then seeing what ultimately separated them was a fabulous introduction to these characters! Back together again eight years later, they were both attracted to each other. And I loved that Lee was jealous while Shayna tried her best guard her heart. He had broken it and we could feel her pain and struggle with being near him again. Yet, the chemistry was still strong between them all these years later!

He smiles. “We do make a good team.”
I should let that comment go, although I agree, so I bring my glass to my lips and sip. “That’s good wine.”

I adored Lee! I got that he did her wrong in the past. But he was young, made not the best decisions and should have just been honest with her. The man that Lee grew up to be was exactly what Shayna needed now. He was open and honest. And I loved how he told Shayna how he felt and what he wanted from her. He held nothing back and it was swoon worthy! So when he acted jealous or even a little bit territorial, it was impossible not to smile! It was the perfect mix of not being too much while also being just the right amount. I was cheering for them every step of the way!

Relying on this man for my happiness will only lead to heartbreak.
With that thought, I unwind my hands from his hair and push against his chest.

When a situation pushed them even closer together, it was impossible to ignore the chemistry between them! Or how well they worked together. So when that led to more, oh my goodness this book was extremely seductive and sexy! The struggle between Lee and Shayne was done so fabulously. There wasn’t a lot of angst and the way they communicated made my heart so happy. Rounding out this story were some wonderful friends you can’t help but love. I adored Shayna’s friend Bryce. I kept my fingers crossed that she wouldn’t do her wrong since she was a reporter. I loved how Bryce pulled Shayna out and about and always had her back! And I adored Lee’s friends too and I’m so excited that we will be getting some future books with them as the lead!

I pull back for a moment and look him square in the eyes. “This changes nothing.”
“I know.” Then his lips crash against mine again and his arm wraps around my waist, pulling me flush to his body.

You Had Your Chance Lee Burrows was a heartwarming second chance romance. Brimming with sports, friendship, struggles and healing, readers will fall hard for this book! The characters were flawed and relatable and the story-line was so easy to read in a few sittings! This story left my heart feeling happy and I’m so thankful I got to read Lee and Shanya’s story!

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