Tag: Adult (Page 32 of 51)

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty and the Baller (Strangers in Love #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty and the Baller  (Strangers in Love #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Beauty and the Baller was such a wonderful story! Check out my 4.5 Star Review below, enjoy ♥!

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty and the Baller  (Strangers in Love #1) by Ilsa Madden-MillsBeauty and the Baller (Strangers in Love #1)
by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

An NFL quarterback turned small-town coach gets sacked by a Texas beauty queen in this swoony, passionate romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills.

Gorgeous, talented, and brilliant, NFL quarterback Ronan Smith has the world in his hands. But after losing his career and his fiancée in a car accident, he falls into a pit of grief and bad choices. When a mysterious girl shows up to his party, he feels drawn to her and makes her his…for one night.

Former beauty queen Nova Morgan is on a mission. Scantily clad as a princess from a galaxy far, far away, she sneaks into a high-profile party to capture the attention of her favorite quarterback. But her hopes crash after an awful one-night stand.

Fast-forward two years. Broke and desperate, Nova returns home to Blue Belle, Texas, where, by a cosmic twist of fate, her broody neighbor is none other than Ronan, the shiny new football coach everyone adores. But he has no idea who she is.

The booster club keeps shoving women at Ronan to keep him in town. His solution? He proposes fake dating to Nova. But things heat up for real under these Friday-night lights when he realizes she’s the one who slipped away.

Has this jaded beauty found her forever baller, or will his past keep them apart?

Review:

I want to touch the stars, even if I get burned.

Beauty and the Baller was a sexy, swoony, angsty read!  With a spunky cat, a lovable heroine and a sexy hero, this book was a lot of fun.  Add in fake dating, small town charm and a wonderful HEA and this book was such a beautiful love story.  If you like sexy, adult romance then you definitely need to check this one out!

“I like seeing you squirm,” she murmurs.
“Why?”
“Payback.” A slow blush works up from her neck to her face as she mutters something under her  breath.
“What was that?”
She clears her throat. “Just . . . life has a funny sense of humor.”

Ronan Smith had a tragic past.  His fiancé was killed in the car wreck that also killed his professional football career.  While still struggling a year later, Ronan found himself having a one night stand with someone he actually felt a connection to.  Too bad for Ronan, Nova Morgan saw it as a horrible and left before he woke up.  I just want to say I screamed noooooo out loud over something that went down, so I got why Nova bailed afterwards….you’ll see lol.  Two years later, fate had them both living in the same small town, neighbors and unable to escape one another at every turn.

I’m Ronan Smith and . . . I pause as clarity runs through my head. I want my life back, no matter what that may be.
Closing my eyes, I touch the ring around my neck.
Today is when everything changes.

Ronan was in Blue Belle Texas coaching their high school football team.  With the small town scared that they could lose their coach, they went to unimaginable lengths to keep him.  Especially their attempts to set him up with every single female.  So when Nova re-entered his life, he didn’t remember her.  He just knew that she wanted nothing to do with him, unlike everyone else.  So when he proposed that they fake date, to solve both of their problems, I was so happy when she said yes!  Yes Ronan had some growing to do, but I absolutely loved him.  Jaded characters always sneak so easily into my heart.  And when Ronan started to show us little bits of himself, I just knew he was so much more than meets the eye.

“Everything will be fine. We’re different flowers from the same garden, but we’re perfect together. Mama always said so.”

Nova was completely unique.  She was someone who knew what she wanted and went after it, like dressing up in the past as a Star Wars character to win over Ronan for their one night stand.  She loved telling us about the outfits she was wearing.  She had so much sass.  But her life completely flipped upside down when she gained custody of her high school aged sister, since her mother passed away.  While trying her best to raise Sabine, Nova definitely had her hands full.  This story was an emotional journey for Nova too, and Ronan helped play a big part of that.  But Nova had no problems pushing Ronan’s buttons.  And telling him when he was being a jerk, I actually clapped out loud in one scene lol.

I literally have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into. On the outside, I’m cool, but on the inside, I’m quivering with uncertainty.

The way the fake dating played out was so much fun!  The touching.  The kissing.  Showing the town that they were together.  And time and again they crossed that line of what was real and what was fake.  Because Ronan and Nova definitely wanted to rip each other’s clothes off.  The passion between them was so intense.  And when things did develop between them, it was extremely sexy and hot!  But Ronan was terrified to feel and he didn’t want to love.  His past still haunted him.  Except when he was around Nova, it was impossible not to feel.  And for Nova, each time Ronan showed a true piece of himself to her, it was hard to keep him away from her heart.  It didn’t matter that they didn’t want anything to happen, there was no stopping it!

My head tells me to keep the walls up around us, but the other side of me—my stupid, weak heart—clamors to tell him things.

This story was rounded out so well with some fabulous side characters.  I’m looking at you Skeeter, Sabine and Sonia!  And I loved the feel of the small town charm that was laced throughout this story.  Plus not only did Nova and Ronan’s love story cause me to laugh so much, but I even shed a tear.  Beauty and the Baller was a wonderful, adult romance that many will fall hard for!

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

About Ilsa Madden-Mills:

Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Amazon I Instagram I Mailing List I Goodreads I Bookbub I Book+Main I Website

Join her Unicorn Girls Group on FB, the best way to keep up here.

Sign up for phone alert for book releases (max of 4) Text ROMANCE to 21000
*Text message rates apply*

BOOK REVIEW: Tough Justice (K-9 Special Ops #1) by Tee O’Fallon

BOOK REVIEW: Tough Justice (K-9 Special Ops #1) by Tee O’FallonTough Justice (K-9 Special Ops #1)
by Tee O'Fallon
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

It should have been a routine investigation. Instead, DEA K-9 agent Adam “Deck” Decker watches in horror as one Denver hospital seems to be Ground Zero for overdoses of a new drug. Now Deck can only hope a certain icy, green-eyed ER doctor will help him and his canine partner track down the deadly source.

Dr. Tori Sampson has her reasons for not trusting federal agents, especially ones working for the DEA. But the rash of overdoses―including a heartbreaking case involving a teen―is alarmingly high. And the new opioid is not only extremely dangerous, it defies all the usual medical treatments. So Tori has a choice: work with the big, brawny, and annoyingly hot DEA agent…or watch more innocent people die.

Tori’s the only person who can help Deck break the case, and they’ll need to trust each other, no matter how high the tension and attraction sizzling between them runs. But with every question answered, they realize there’s something more behind these typical teen overdoses. There’s a pattern here, and a pattern can only suggest one thing. There’s a killer on the loose.

Review:

With an enemies to lovers vibe and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Tough Justice became an instant favorite!  The story line grabbed me, the characters leaped from the pages and this book was a page turner.  If you’re a fan of adult romance or romantic suspense, then you need this story in your life!

Annoying though it was to admit, since meeting him, she’d done more things outside her box than in her entire life, and she was, dare she say, enjoying it. Why was that?

I don’t typically read romantic suspense, but I’m so glad I picked this one up because the story was phenomenal, the romance was a slow burn that became steamy and it made me feel every emotion under the sun!  Victoria Sampson, aka Tori, was a doctor in a hospital that became ground zero for overdoses of a new drug in Colorado.  Adam Decker, aka Deck, was a DEA K-9 agent who watched his co-worker and good friend almost die from that same drug while on a routine drug investigation.  Teaming up was the only way they were going to solve the case and save others from dying.

“Be careful ,” Tori said, freezing him in his seat for half a second. He could swear there was genuine concern in her voice, and he liked it.
“Always.” He grabbed his rifle and was out the door, hitting the fob button to release Thor.

My first impression of Tori was that while she was passionate about her job, she seemed to have no problem being cold or short to Deck in the ER.  Regardless though, she was brilliant, calm, wicked smart and saved his friend from dying.  So I was shocked when it didn’t take me long to warm up and absolutely love Tori.  I got her anger towards Deck.  It wasn’t truly him, but her past was tainted by the DEA.  Ironically, they both didn’t trust the other ones profession.  And it fueled their enemies to lovers relationship beautifully!

“Don’t you get it?” he asked hoarsely. “I care about what happens to you. I couldn’t take it if anything did.”
Gently, he kissed her one last time on the forehead then backed away. The expression on her face mimicked the way he felt. Shell shocked.

Deck was sigh worthy.  He was thoughtful, quick witted, patient, smart and had such a huge heart.  Even if his presence could be intimidating, just watching him interact with his K9 Thor melted me.  And Thor, a Belgian Malinois, oh I loved him so much!  Thor’s personality shined so brightly and I loved seeing how he reacted to things!  But when it came to Deck, there was also this whole other side of him.  His backstory was tragic and it hurt to hear how haunted and jaded he was.  Deck was definitely a tortured hero I fell hard for!

Whatever this was between them, she didn’t want it to end.

Deck and Tori despised each other’s fields of work, but they couldn’t ignore the attraction that simmered between them.  Watching their slow progression was smile inducing!  And the further we got into this story….it was hot *fans face*!  Tough Justice was the perfect mixture of sexy, emotional and suspenseful.  Because as the story unfolded, the emotions overwhelmed me.  This story could be dark and intense.  My breath got snagged and I was terrified anytime I thought Deck or even Thor was in danger.  I cried.  Multiple times.  I screamed out loud.  And I also fell deeply in love too.

She’d been given a ringside seat to what being part of his life would entail, and she was too much of a coward, even to hold on to something she so desperately wanted. Him.

Tough Justice was an action packed, emotional ride!  I loved watching the pieces of the puzzle come together.  I loved watching Deck and Tori grow.  I loved the romance, friendship, and the dogs too!  This book was such a huge win!  I will definitely be reading the rest of O’Fallon’s back list and whatever future books she releases!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker

BOOK REVIEW: Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie WalkerLucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Up-and-coming screenwriter Cara Kennedy has the biggest meeting of her career in two days―but for now, she's on vacation. Her short trip to Ireland is all planned out:

1. See the sites around Dublin
2. Don't think about her jerk of an ex she was supposed to spend this trip with
3. Relax with some Irish whiskey
4. Propose to a sexy Irish musician on Leap Day
5. Wake up married

Wait, those last two things weren't on her list...

A whirlwind trip to Ireland is supposed to end with a suitcase full of wool sweaters and souvenir pint glasses―not a husband you only just met!

After one-too-many whiskeys, fledgling screenwriter Cara Kennedy takes a page out of someone else's script when she gets caught up in the Irish tradition of women proposing on Leap Day. She wakes the next morning with a hot guy in her bed and a tin foil ring on her finger. Her flight is in four hours, and she has the most important meeting of her career in exactly two days―nothing she can do except take her new husband (and his adorable dog) back to LA with her and try to untangle the mess she's made of her life...

Perfect for fans of:

Friends to lovers romance
Sexy Irish brogue
Sensual, slow burn romance
When everything goes wrong, but it's so right

Review:

Lucky Leap Day was an adorable story that was low on the angst and lots of fun!  It was so easy to fly through and the characters were charming.  If you’re in need of a quick, lighthearted read, then definitely check out this book!

“It’s just… we don’t really know all that much about each other, do we?” It was the understatement of the century. Cara didn’t even know the most basic facts about Finn.
He chuckled. “Enough to want to get married.”

This story whisked us away to Ireland and then California.  Cara was traveling to Ireland alone.  She was supposed to go with her ex, but after they broke up she thought why not and braved the trip solo.  It ended up leading her to meet Finn, who seemed to be a jack of all trades.  But after a drunken night together, Cara woke up in Finn’s bed, with both of them wearing tin foil wedding rings.

“You’re a right feek,” Finn said.
Cara froze because that one she knew from one of the websites she’d read before her trip. Gorgeous girl. But it wasn’t the compliment that stopped her in her tracks. It was the way Finn said it. Like she was the only woman who mattered in the world.

 Cara and Finn were both so likeable!  Finn was not only a sweetheart, but he was charming too.  And Cara had such a huge heart and an adventurous spirit.  Together they instantly had sparks and I loved where fate led them. If you’re a fan of forced proximity and the one bed trope, this played out so fabulously. Of course I was rooting for their happily ever after!   On top of Cara and Finn, there were side characters that were memorable and an exuberant dog too ♥.

“Besides, it’s not like I married you because of your career.” He winked. “I just needed a mother for Oscar.”
At the sound of his name, the dog lifted his head from where he’d been sleeping on the couch and gave a small bark.
“See, he agrees.”
“Glad he approves,” Cara said as they shared a laugh.

 Lucky Leap Day was smile inducing and oh so cute.  I devoured this book in two sittings and it left a smile on my face.  Plus the epilogue?! It was absolutely delightful and unique, I’ve never read one quite like it.  This was my first book by Ann Marie Walker and when I’m wanting a sweet, lighthearted read I’ll definitely be checking out her other books!

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

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

BOOK REVIEW: The Love Hypothesis by Ali HazelwoodThe Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman's carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding...six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.


Review:

The Love Hypothesis snuck up on me and captured my heart.  It was addicting, sexy, angsty and thoroughly intoxicating!  I’m sure a huge fan of the fake dating trope and it not only made this book a ton of fun but it had a lot of emotional power too.  With a broody male, a quirky girl and a story filled with science, contemporary romance lovers will fall head over heels in love with this book!

“Have you considered getting a real girlfriend?”
His eyebrow lifted. “Have you considered getting a real date?”
“Touché.”

The prologue quickly pulled me in.  Not only was the meet cute beyond adorable and memorable, but it was laced with emotion too.  When we jumped two years and eleven months into the future in chapter one, we found Olive fake kissing some random guy.  I was like what is even going on?!   But it was because she hoped that her best friend would see her liking someone else and would then start dating her ex, who she never had feelings for. So to prove to her bestie that she had moved on, she kissed the first guy she saw. And it was Adam Carlsen who was a professor at her school and a complete jerk. It led to them fake dating and there’s so much more to the story then this but eeps I loved every minute of it!

“People who date, they—they talk. A lot. More than just greetings in the  hallway. They know each other’s favorite colors, and where they were  born, and they . . . they hold hands. They kiss.”
Adam pressed his lips  together as if to suppress a smile. “We could never do that.”
A fresh  wave of mortification crashed into Olive. “I am sorry about the kiss. I  really didn’t think, and—”
He shook his head. “It’s fine.”

Olive was a brilliant scientist in grad school, but she was a little unsure of herself at times.  It took me a little while to warm up to her, and I wanted to shake her a time or two about her lying.  I wanted her to be upfront and honest but as the story unfolded and we learned the whys behind her actions it was impossible not to love her.  Her past and present helped mold who she was nowadays and we get to know every part of Olive.  So during moments like when she explained why she was so passionate about her research, I got tears in my eyes.  I loved her determination and dedication! And when she found her voice and the courage to say and do what she wanted, I was so proud of how far Olive grew from that first page till the last!

Olive laughed, and the way he looked at her, kind and curious and  patient . . . she must be hallucinating it. Her head was not right. She  should have brought a sun hat.

Adam Carlsen was such an unknown besides his reputation as an arrogant asshole. Yet each time we learned a little something more about Adam, I kept falling harder and harder.  Adam knew how to take control and be in charge of a situation.  Yes it sometimes made him come across as a complete and total jerk but other times it came across so hot *fans face*.  He left me feeling beyond happy, giddy and counting down till his next interaction with Olive!  But with Adam, I loved how he commanded attention from others without even trying. I also loved how his humor was so subtle and effortless; each time he made me laugh out loud he snagged another piece of my heart. Adam was caring, strong, beautiful, someone so easy to become obsessed with and the moments he was thoughtful made my heart exploded. I was absolutely obsessed with this broody man who oh so easily got added to my book boyfriend list!

“We are friends, right?”
His frown deepened. “Friends?”
“Yes. You and I.”
He studied for a long moment. Something new passed through his face,  stark and a little sad. Too fleeting to interpret. “Yes, Olive.”

Olive and Adam’s moments together created even more speculation and gossip of what was truly happening between them.  So it easily led to them fake dating. They both had reasons behind wanting to do that. So each time they were together, I desperately wanted them never to part. I was obsessed with their coffee dates or when they ran into each other. Because even the most simplistic moments between them, like listening to a presentation or a school picnic, made me have butterflies in my stomach. The chemistry between them was through the roof hot. And while I guessed how quite a few things would play out, it never once took away from my love of this story.  But one thing I didn’t guess correctly was how unbelievably sexy this book was.  Pages upon pages of scenes had me melting into a pile on the floor.  Together they were sigh worthy!

He took a deep breath. His shoulders rose and fell in time with the  thudding of her heart. “I wish you could see yourself the way I see  you.”

The Love Hypothesis was a mixture of steamy and adorable, and landed right on my favorites list! It was impossible not to cry tears or stop the smiles that constantly appeared on my face. Ohhh plus it was so cute that Olive kept thinking of them as a book trope, like the fake boyfriend, possible one bed, her wearing his shirt and he’s speechless.  It truly didn’t even matter that I’ve read so many of these tropes countless times, Olive and Adam made it feel unique on every single page. Now I now can’t wait to read whatever else Ali Hazelwood releases!

He tilted his head. “Standard protocol?”
“Yup.”
“How many times have you  done this?”
“Zero. But I am familiar with the trope.”
“The . . . what?” He  blinked at her, confused.

“It was good, wasn’t it?” Olive asked, with a small, wistful smile. She  wasn’t herself sure what she was referring to. Maybe his arms around  her. Maybe this last kiss. Maybe everything else. The sunscreen, his  ridiculous answers on his favorite color, the quiet conversations late  at night . . . all of it had been so very good.
“It was.” Adam’s voice  sounded too deep to be his own. When he pressed his lips against her  forehead one last time, she felt her love for him swell fuller than a  river in flood. 

BOOK REVIEW: A Brush with Love by Mazey Eddings

BOOK REVIEW: A Brush with Love by Mazey EddingsA Brush with Love by Mazey Eddings
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Nine out of ten dentists agree, Mazey Eddings's rom-com A Brush with Love makes your smile brighter!*

*not scientifically proven

Harper is anxiously awaiting placement into a top oral surgery residency program when she crashes (literally) into Dan. Harper would rather endure a Novocaine-free root canal than face any distractions, even one this adorable. A first-year dental student with a family legacy to contend with, Dan doesn’t have the same passion for pulling teeth that Harper does. Though he finds himself falling for her, he is willing to play by Harper’s rules. So with the greatest of intentions and the poorest of follow-throughs, the two set out to be “just friends.” But as they get to know each other better, Harper fears that trading fillings for feelings may make her lose control and can't risk her carefully ordered life coming undone, no matter how drool-worthy Dan is.

Blood, gore, and extra-long roots? No problem. The idea of falling in love? Torture.


Review:

A Brush with Love was an emotional and adorable love story.  With characters that leaped from the pages and an easy to devour story line, I flew through this book in no time.  If you’re looking for a slow burn romance that has an anxiety rep, you need to check out this book!

Dan tamped down the pang of disappointment.  He could be patient.  He’d wait however long it took for her to let him in, brick by brick.

Harper was in her last year of dental school and leaving in five months to do her residency.    And right from the start we got to see her in the most captivating meet cute, I found myself laughing and cringing at the same time.  Harper and Dan had an instant connection, yet they both had so much going on in their lives at the same time.  Their love story was not always easy, but with the most patient book boyfriend ever and a group of friends that tried their best to push them together, this story was definitely intriguing.

Rules were her life preserver in the choppy storm of anxiety and she clung to them with white knuckles.

While I struggled connecting with Harper, she was kind, dedicated and such a hard worker.  And it hurt as we watched anxiety getting the best of her at times.  While Harper was laser focused on her schooling, she didn’t even think that a life with dating was an option.  Plus she rationalized that she was leaving in a few months, so why get attached to anyone.  But Dan was persistent in the best of ways!  He knew what he wanted and that was Harper.

“I’m going to be the best friend you’ve ever had.” He gently pinched her chin and brought her eyes to meet his.  They were filled with hunger and conflict.

Dan was the shining star in this story for me!  He was warm, friendly, endearing and helped push Harper out of her comfort zone.  I loved how patient, caring and thoughtful he was.  He was truly everything that is good in the world!  Dan always seemed to be there for Harper.  And while I was screaming at Harper just to give him a chance, she would still shut him out at times.  I completely understood why, but it hurt to watch Dan’s heart get crushed.

Holy shit did she want to tell him.  Tell him she knew she’d fucked up.  She knew she was fucked up.
But fear gripped her, the inevitability of rejection paralyzing her.  Because, really, who could love someone like her?

One of the things that intrigued me about this story was the feelings that swirl around meeting someone that almost feels like fate.  Or destiny.  And it doesn’t matter that you don’t want to be in a relationship or that it isn’t a good time.  Or that you’re still fixing yourself.  This person came into your life that fits you so well.  But at the same time, they shake everything up and all around.  That was Harper and Dan.  But I will say that it felt like Dan was more into Harper.  He put forth so much effort and heart time and again, and I wanted Harper to do the same.  By the very end of the book I was happy that Harper was finally the one to make that effort, but I would have loved for their relationship to not be so one sided.

“I constantly want to touch you.  Hold you.  Smother you in kisses.  I dream about you.  Think about you – it’s just you.  Twenty-four seven.  Only you.”

So if you’re looking for a story that is not only cute, but packs a lot of feelings into the pages, then you may adore A Brush With Love!  The story was absolutely unique in regards to being in a dental school setting.  And the anxiety rep was so real that in a few of the scenes it took my breath away.  While Harper and I didn’t connect, I still adored Dan and their friends.  This was my first book by Mazey Eddings, and I’m definitely looking forward to her next story!

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

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