Tag: Kindle Unlimited (Page 2 of 7)

BOOK REVIEW: How The Grump Saved Christmas by Claire Kingsley

December 29, 2023 / Jen / 1 Comment

How The Grump Saved Christmas by Claire Kingsley
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Hardworking Isabelle Cook has a serious problem. Her family farm, site of Tilikum’s Christmas Village, is in trouble. Big trouble. And worst of all? The man trying to buy it is none other than the grumpiest, grinchiest man of them all—Elias Stoneheart.

That’s a big nope. She’s not letting him get involved. Not with his heart made of coal.

Elias Stoneheart is in the business of making money, not friends. Especially when his boss is promising a long-awaited promotion. All he has to do is convince one struggling family to sell their farm.

The problem? It’s Cook Family Farm. And Isabelle Cook is his ex.

He might have history with Isabelle, but this is just business. A Christmas-loving farm girl is not going to come between him and his ambition.

And Christmas? He hates it. Christmas Village needs to go.

But as Elias spends time in the small town, holiday spirit—and Isabelle—get under his skin. And she might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.

Author’s Note: a sassy farm girl takes on a grumpy businessman in this stand-alone small-town Christmas romance. Saucy banter, a guard donkey, plenty of holiday cheer, and a heartwarming happily ever after that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas.

Review:

How the Grump Saved Christmas was a second chance, grumpy sunshine adult romance that was a lot of fun! With a Christmas tree farm, snow, hot cocoa with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles and lots of holiday cheer, this romance book was the perfect book to read in December!

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…
No, I wasn’t. I was dreaming of a cup of dark roast— the coffee here was exceptional— and the shot of Irish whiskey I was going to add to it that were going to get me through the rest of this nightmare of an afternoon.

Elias was such a cynic and a complete grump. In that first chapter alone he showed us what a jerk he could be. Especially when he took on the job to convince his ex’s family to sell their land so his company could build a data center. Not only would he get a promotion if the sale went through, but that ex wasn’t just any old ex. She was the woman he had wanted to marry. So I tried to find little clues here and there that he had a heart. You could see them if you looked closely….like when he threatened Damien that he would kill him if he bothered his assistant again haha. So when he came face to face with Isabelle again, I loved how she affected him. And how she slowly started to change him too!

My heart tried to do something. Start beating again, maybe. Whatever it was, it hurt and I did not like it.
Straightening my shoulders, I swallowed back the sensation. Forced it behind a wall of ice where it wouldn’t get in the way.
When she turned to face me, her eyes widening with surprise, I didn’t even flinch.
Despite the fact that she was still the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.

This story alternated between the two of them and I adored Isabelle! She had a strong work ethic, loved her family, and adored the tiny town she lived in. Yet her parents’ farm was struggling. They were in so much debt, and while selling financially made sense, it hurt Isabelle’s heart to think about it. But thankfully she was surrounded by a strong community and the most amazing best friends. And an ex that was starting to remind her why she fell in love with him years ago in the first place.

There was no slow-motion retreat filled with angst. His cold eyes left mine and he turned around and walked away.

When we got to hear Elais’ backstory, oh my Santa, I hurt for his 11 year old self. I understood how he turned into what he was. But I still wanted to see him become the man I knew he could be! So I was elated that we still had so many moments of happiness with Elias. I was screaming during some of the moments with Isabelle’s parents. This story was so much fun while also touching on the emotional side!

“How do I look at her?”
She wiggled her eyebrows. “Like you want to jingle her bells.”
I groaned.

Small town romance, friendship and love made this Christmas story shine brightly! While there was steam on the pages, it wasn’t detailed. And the side characters could have easily held their own book. Cole was a farmhand who was such a good friend! And I adored Alice and her daughter Maddie! Their endings made me shed happy tears! I also Isabelle’s parents too! So with moments that will not only warm your heart but make you laugh out loud too, this book was a blast! This is my first book by Claire Kingsley, and I am looking forward to discovering more of her backlist books!

BOOK REVIEW: Christmas Cupid by Ilsa Madden-Mills

November 6, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Christmas Cupid by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Dear Sneaky Santa,

I’d like to have a word about your sense of humor. Was it really necessary to stick me, a professional hockey player nursing an injury and avoiding the media, in an isolated cabin with a bratty, boot-designing princess who seems to have made it her mission to despise me? I mean, come on, what did I ever do to you?

And let’s talk about our first encounter. Was it your intention for her to barge in on me while I was enjoying a soak in the tub? It wasn’t exactly my finest moment, and I’m sure she didn’t appreciate the view of my massive body floundering around as I tried to grab a towel.

Now, I’m stuck with her, thanks to a mutual acquaintance, in the middle of a snow blizzard, navigating through bear attacks, sketchy neighbors, and whole lot of tension. I had plans, Santa, plans to escape to Cabo and forget about the world, not to be trapped with a woman who thinks I’m unworthy of her time just because she can’t stand hockey players.

Oh, and speaking of our delightful Iris, she’s stingier with her food than Scrooge was with his pennies! I’m not asking for a feast, but a guy’s got to eat! And could you possibly turn her yippy dog into a reindeer or something? It would certainly add to the Christmas spirit and save my eardrums.

I’m trying to rediscover the meaning of Christmas, and you throw me into this chaos? Is this some kind of test, or are you just having a jolly laugh up there in the North Pole?

So here’s my Christmas wish, Santa: sprinkle a bit of your magic and either get me out of here or be a Cupid and ignite a fiery, undeniable passion between us, because right now, this scenario is frostier than a snowman.

Slapshotting Through the Snow, Kyler Blanchette

Review:

Christmas Cupid was a forced proximity, heartwarming Christmas story. With snow falling, enemies to lovers and an adorable dog, this book was so easy to read in one sitting!

I pop a piece in my mouth as I lean against the island. “Come on, sweetheart. I’m too pretty to throw out like dirty dish water.”
She hoots. She actually hoots. “Hockey boys and their egos. You are pathetic.”
“Like water off a duck. And you are a bratty princess. Tell me, did those boots slide in the snow? Did you bring any real shoes?”
“I can shove this boot up your ass.”
I smile widely. Damn, I do like her spirit.

Iris’ brother was a hockey legend who let her have the cabin he had rented, so she could find some peace and Christmas joy. A year ago, the boyfriend she thought would be proposing on Christmas ended up dumping her and marrying somewhere else. And Iris had been struggling and moping around for the last year. I adored Iris right away. I loved her thoughts and that she talked to her little dog too! There were a few times I questioned her being a good dog mommy, but I still couldn’t help but like her. Especially when Iris’ alone cabin time was ruined when she walked in on Kyler taking a bath in the cabin that was supposed to be empty. Her reaction was so fabulous!

I’m not making the mistake of coming on to my teammate’s little sister, but damn if her lips don’t look so sweet…
Dragging my hands down my face, I take a deep breath. It’s cabin fever, driving me insane. That’s all.

Kyler played hockey with Iris’ brother and was offered the cabin too. He also was in desperate need of a break from his life. With a pinched nerve and surgery on the table, he was looking at being off the ice for the rest of the season. And that was eating him alive. So while my heart hurt for Kyler, I couldn’t help loving him the most. The way Kyler messed with Iris had me laughing out loud every single time he got a rise from her. Add in that he was beyond sexy without even trying, especially when he always seemed to be in some form of naked haha, and it was impossible not to fall for him. When Iris and Kyler got stuck at the cabin, because of a blizzard, I couldn’t wait to see their banter chemistry turn into more!

He’s everything I’ve sworn to avoid: my brother’s best friend, a hockey player, and definitely not my type. Yet there’s something about him that makes me feel like I’m having fun for the first time in ages.

With spice, holiday cheer, and banter, this book was so easy to devour! I loved how Kyler and Iris truly communicated and talked things out. And Rob/Puck stole the show time and again! If you’re looking for a quick read that will get you in the holiday spirit, and ends with a happily for now, this one may just do the trick!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Lone Wolf (Exiled Omegas #1) by Tessa Kane

October 25, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

Lone Wolf (Exiled Omegas #1)
by Tessa Kane
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
No good deed goes unpunished.

After being exiled by my pack at seventeen, I've spent the last four years constantly on the move trying to avoid all ties to the shifter world.

Unfortunately, I can’t outrun fate.

When I step in to break up a fight, the shifters involved realize I’m a rare male omega. Not only does that revelation put me in the crosshairs of competing packs that would do anything to control me, it also leads me to cross paths with an Alpha who claims to be my fated mate.

Past experiences have left scars—both literal and figurative—and, fated mate or not, permanently binding myself to an Alpha is the last thing I want.

But Julien might be exactly what I need.

As my life erupts into chaos and new threats emerge from the secrets of my past, I realize this Alpha is different and placing my trust in him could finally allow me to have the one thing I've always wanted.

A home.

Lone Wolf is a fast-paced MM fated mates shifter romance set in an A/B/O world with mpreg. It features a cynical omega who’s a little skeptical of this whole fated mates thing and the cinnamon roll Alpha who refuses to let him go. This book was previously published in serial format on Kindle Vella under the same title. This version has been edited and expanded.

Review:

Lone Wolf was a MM shifter romance that was impossible to put down. With an addictively quick pace, entertaining storyline, and fabulous characters, this book was such a huge hit! If you love shifters, paranormal stories, or MM romance, definitely put this one on your tbr!

Dawn is creeping along the edges of the sky before I can pull myself together enough to shift into my wolf. I grab the bag Luke left for me in my mouth and run as quickly as my still healing legs can manage.
I don’t look back.

The prologue pulls you right into Keir’s life. He was an omega shifter, which was looked down upon within his pack. After his cousin Luke helped him escape being beaten to death, Keir spent the last four years on the run. He was utterly alone and my heart hurt for him. Chicago had been the longest he had stayed anywhere, and even that amounted to just a couple of months. Yet when Keir stepped in to protect someone, it put him in the middle of a huge push and pull. Other packs wanted to control Keir because of what he was. A male omega was extremely rare. Yet through it all he met Julien, who was Keir’s fated mate. The path to their happily ever after was filled with obstacles at every single turn. Making this book impossible to put down.

Nothing good can come from associating with Alphas, no matter how nice they seem— or how loudly my wolf is whining about not wanting to leave Julien’s side.

I absolutely loved Keir. He was resourceful, quick witted, and had the kindest heart. The life he had been dealt was challenging, and his past will tug at your heart. Yet Keir had been in the dark for so much. So I loved that we learned things right along with him. For what he truly was. What that meant. The possibilities for his future. We felt what Keir did, right along with him. And from the moment he met Julien, there was a war within himself. He was pulled to his mate, yet he was scared. The past hadn’t been kind to him and others seemed to want him for different nefarious reasons. So I kept my fingers crossed that Keir would follow his instincts, and trust Julien whole heartedly.

I guess— I halfway expect to him to just rip my clothes off and claim me right here.
But that’s not what happens.
He simply holds me close, breathing me in as he runs his hands up and down my arms.

I was obsessed with Julien and wanted him for myself. Julien was sexy, his intentions were breathtaking, and he was someone you can easily swoon over. We also got a few chapters in his POV, which had me cheering with joy! So when Julien stepped in to save Keir from a precarious situation, my heart beat faster. Not only did he recognize him as his fated mate, but his level of protection was through the roof hot. Julien was brave, fierce, and completely seductive.

“Promise me you’ll be fine,” he says, taking hold of my hand and giving it a squeeze.
“I promise.” I lean down and rub my cheek over the top of his head. “I won’t let anything take me away from you, especially not Stevens.”

Keir and Julien together were like an explosion. From that first day, things escalated quickly and even their kissing was hot. And their moments together were steamy and sensual. Yet there was also a connection between them that grew and I loved watching that friendship and trust flourish. Around them were side characters who I absolutely adored, Luke I’m looking at you! And others who I was counting down until they met their death! Especially when there was a flashback that showed grooming of a minor, I was hoping his death would be the worst! On top of that were politics that were fascinating, and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.

I chuckle, the sound barely more than a puff of breath. “You and me against the world?”
“If that’s what it takes, then yes. Always.”

Lone Wolf was a deeply romantic MM shifter romance that was so easy to devour. With political intrigue, life and death situations, and plans in play, this mesmerizing tale will sweep you away! The epilogue will leave a smile on your face for Keir and Julien. And you’ll also be left so excited for the next book, which is Luke’s story. I can’t wait to be back in this world, see what happens next, and follow Luke who I fell so easily for!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Gratest Ever After by Carissa May

October 25, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Gratest Ever After by Carissa May
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Maddie Williams had big plans to spend her life writing happily ever afters, but after an abusive relationship left her physically and emotionally scarred, she no longer believes in them.

That is, until she finds herself living under the same roof as her best friend's older brother...

Nate West has always been there for Maddie; now is no exception. It's been two years since they last spoke, but when Maddie needs a place to stay Nate welcomes her into his home with no questions asked. Sparks fly between them as Maddie starts to write her own story.

Now it's up to her to create her own ending.

But can Maddie trust Nate with her heart, or will she stand in the way of her own happily ever after?

Review:

Gratest Ever After was filled with an emotional richness and depth that will tug on readers hearts. This forced proximity, slow burn, spicy read was so easy to love. With characters that felt real and a storyline that brimmed with a heartbreaking journey, this book was impossible to put down. Especially since Gratest Ever After was also filled with all the hope. Hope for healing. Hope for love. Hope for friendship. And hope that happily ever afters exist.

“It’s okay, Maddie. I’m here. You’re safe. You’re always safe with me, remember?”
Everything went quiet again and I tried focusing on my breathing, but the silence was suffocating.

Maddie took us on an emotional journey. Her anxiety was overwhelming and caused her to have panic attacks, so I started out with so many questions. What happened in the past with Griffin, why hadn’t she seen her best friend in two years, why her relationship with her dad felt the way it did, and so many more. So as Maddie slowly started to let us in, my heart broke for her. For what her past had become. How that affected her in the present. And it left me desperately wanting her to get the happily ever after she deserved. When Maddie found herself living with her best friend’s older brother, I couldn’t help the hope that bloomed in my heart. Yes she was attracted to Nate, and it seemed like sometimes he felt the same way, but being at Nate’s house allowed Maddie to continue her path to healing. And writing her story.

He pressed his palms into his eyes and rested his head back. “I want to help you and I don’t know how.”
I took a deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. Biting down on my lip, I tried to think of what part of me I was comfortable sharing with him now. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to talk about everything yet, but I wanted to give him something.

Even when Maddie was closed off and secretive, she was so easy to love. And there was this fragility about her that made us want to protect her. Nate felt the same way. So I loved that she let us know exactly how much she wanted Nate. And how her feelings towards him had changed…. he went from being her best friend’s overprotective brother, to someone she desperately wanted. Yet Maddie was filled with so much self-doubt and little self-worth. As the story progressed, we got to read chapters of the book she was writing. That book was her past, and it was horrific and heartbreaking. It made us understand everything about Maddie, including how she went down that rabbit hole, and how it so adversely affected her now. I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug. Thankfully Nate was there to do just that.

Nate: How’s the porn?
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to stop my cheesy smile from spreading across my face.
Me: It’s called smut, not porn. If you’re going to call me out on it, at least get it right.
Nate: My apologies.
Nate: Is it even legal to read that stuff in public?
Me: That’s the beauty of cute cartoon covers. No one knows.
Nate: Your secret is safe with me 😉

Nate was the most fabulous cinnamon roll book boyfriend! He tried his best to be kind, thoughtful, patient, and caring to Maddie. He also tried his best to get answers about her past, so he could figure out how to help her. So as he did little things to make her smile, the bookmarks made my heart burst with joy, we got to fall even more in love with Nate. He was swoon worthy! Add in the fact that he was a chef?! Not only did he make me want all the grilled cheese, but Nate was the total package that you will easily fall head over heels in love with! He also had a cat named Tuna, who was beyond fabulous and you will adore!

“Why don’t you write a romance? It can center around new beginnings, small-towns, old friends… old friend’s brothers…” Olivia said, wiggling her eyebrows at me.
I gasped, choking yet again on my coffee. Oh god, was it coming out of my nose? I reached across to the table next to us and fumbled for a wad of napkins, holding it to my face.

This beautifully emotional book will slowly seep into your heart and consume you. I loved watching Maddie find happiness in even the littlest of things. I loved watching friendships rekindle. I loved watching Maddie heal and even those moments where she was brave and stepped outside of her comfort zone. And underneath the healing was a heartwarming romance story. One that was spicy hot and also included emotional scenes that were touching and done brilliantly. There’s so much more I want to say here but just know that with grey sweatpants for the win, charm bracelet’s that mean everything, and adorably cheesy goodness, this book was so easy to love. Gratest Ever After did a wonderful job of portraying all of the different sides of mental health and Carissa May has definitively created a fan for life. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

“What are you doing here?”
“Dinglehopper,” I whispered, knowing that by saying that one word it was equivalent to saying a thousand.

PS Dinglehopper ♥

I sucked in a shaky breath as he gently brushed away the tear with the pad of his thumb, exhaling softly as his eyes dropped to my mouth.

PPS I loved every single scene that revolved around the bathroom lol, they were beyond amazing!

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Total Knockout (Southern U O’Brien Brothers) by Cookie O’Gorman

October 9, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

The Total Knockout by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Maisie Hawthorne doesn't do boyfriends.

Or girlfriends. Or relationships. Burned in the past, the scrappy bartender knows better than to trust a pretty face. Dex O'Brien is gorgeous (with or without the scar). Pierced, tatted, annoyingly attractive. She knew he was trouble even before she saw him fight. Her mind told her to stay away—but her heart wouldn't listen.

Dex O'Brien doesn't do love.

Not the romantic kind anyway. Sure, he loves his family, would defend them with his dying breath. And yeah, he loves baseball and fighting too. But falling in love? No thanks. Too messy. Dex couldn't care less, especially about the bookish bartender with the smart mouth and beautiful eyes.

She needs money to pay the bills. He needs a tutor to keep playing ball—even if he'll never admit it.

When the Southern U Wolves recruit Maisie to tutor Dex, tempers flare and sparks fly.

This new adult sports romance features two scarred souls, one hot-and-hilarious case of enemies-to-lovers, and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

The #1 lesson they'll both learn?

Love is the total knockout you never see coming.

Review:

The Total Knockout was a sports romance that was impossible to put down! This story was laugh out loud hilarious, will pull on your emotions and make you fall in love. With a fun and flirty vibe, this book was so entertaining! If you love romance that is sweet with a little bit of spice, a dash of enemies to lovers, and a story line that will have you smiling from that first page to the last, then you need this book in your life! You definitely don’t have to read the previous ones in this series to enjoy The Total Knockout, but I can’t recommend the rest of this series about the O’Brien brothers enough!

“If you’re trying to book-shame me,” she said, “it won’t work. I read what I like. Doesn’t matter what you or anyone else has to say about it.”
“No shame,” I said. “If I was gonna waste my time reading, I’d probably reach for the R-rated book porn too.”
Her jaw dropped.

Dex O’Brien was struggling in college and was at risk of being pulled from the baseball team because of his grades. When his coach told him that he had no choice about seeing a tutor, that tutor ended up being Maisie Hawthorne. From the beginning they had a rocky start. Dex thought he could scare her off and Maisie needed the money so she wasn’t going anywhere. It was impossible not to laugh and smile when they were together! So when you add Dex’s siblings Finn and Emmy into the mix, who adored Maisie, whelp it was a ton of fun!

“So, are you going to keep staring or teach me something?”
Maisie blinked then looked down, a flush of embarrassment rising to her cheeks.
“Right,” she said, “sorry, I just didn’t know you could do that.”
“Do what?” I asked.
“Smile.”

I absolutely loved Maisie and wanted to be friends with her! She was kind, patient, thoughtful and such a hard worker. She was putting herself through college while working at a bar, tutoring, and she did other jobs on the side. From the beginning we got to see how much she loved and cared for her younger sister, Lola. And I loved when Lola was around, because it felt like she would help pull Dex and Maisie closer together. Yet there seemed to be something going on with her past, since Maisie was jaded and swore off relationships. But even with her no relationship policy she couldn’t help be attracted to Dex. He was a pierced, tatted, bad boy who lived and breathed baseball and secretly had a heart of gold.

I raised a brow. “How do I look at her?”
“Like you just saw something you desperately want but can’t have.”
I swallowed.

Dex’s way with words had me falling head over heels in love with him. He was definitely cocky and didn’t shy away from saying what he thought. From the beginning he told Maisie that he thought she was pretty. Yet Dex didn’t want anything more than just fun. He didn’t do relationship either and didn’t believe that love was for him. I wondered if maybe his overconfidence was to cover his struggles in school and the comments people made about him physically? I don’t know. But regardless, there were times I had tears in my eyes for Dex. And as we spent more time with him, your heart will melt. The confessions he said. The way he made for sure that Maisie was safe and protected her without a second thought. To even how there was a little bit of jealousy in there at times too, sigh. Dex was the most fabulous of book boyfriends!

Dex scoffed. “Better lower those expectations, Hawthorne.”
“Never.”
“Why not?”
“Because I believe in you, O’Brien,” I said.
“You do?” he said.
“Yeah— but I also believe in ghosts, faeries, and shape shifters, so you shouldn’t feel too special.”
He chuckled at that then gestured to the bar.

This story alternated between Maisie and Dex, and I loved both of their thoughts! This is one of those books where it’s impossible to pick your favorite moment, because there were so many of them. Emmy throwing Maisie under the bus? I was dying laughing. The mirror scene? That was so hot! And so many more I don’t want to mention for fear of spoilers. On top of countless memorable scenes, Dex’s siblings, Emmy and Finn, were the best! If you are adore family in a story, you’re going to love this one! The way they messed with Dex was perfect! But back to Maisie and Dex….as they worked together and time passed, it was smile inducing watching their hate for one another fade. And it almost seemed like a friendship was forming between them. They showed up for one another. They cheered each other on in their own ways. And they realized that not only were they both scarred physically, but emotionally too. Through every moment though, there was always sparks and banter flying. And those sparks seemed to arc higher and higher the more time they spent together. It was one of those stories where I couldn’t wait to see where their explosion took them!

“There’s a lot of things I want,” he said then reached up to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. “What about you, Hawthorne? Anything you want right this second?”
I hesitated then shook my head.
“Liar,” he said quietly.

Romance lovers will fall passionately in love with The Total Knockout! If you love sports, new adult or a story that keeps you smiling and laughing then you need to put this one on your tbr! Now I’ll be patiently waiting for Cookie’s next release, her books always make me oh so happy every single time. And each one becomes an instant favorite!

Once the door closed, I looked back and found Rose smiling.
“I think that went well,” she said. “Definitely our most eventful book club meeting so far.”
“I second that,” June said. “So much drama.”
“And tension,” Rose added. “This air was practically vibrating.”
My brow furrowed. “What are you guys talking about?”
“Nothing,” they said in unison.
Finn shook his head, staring after his brother.

PS Is Emmy next or will it be Finn? I’m thinking Emmy after what happened in this book, eeps! I am so excited for more in this world!

As I kissed her all I could think was, this. This was it. This was what makes life worth living.

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