Category: Review (Page 70 of 276)

BOOK REVIEW: Overtime (Moo U #5) by Kat Mizera

BOOK REVIEW: Overtime (Moo U #5) by Kat MizeraOvertime (Moo U #5)
by Kat Mizera
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hotshot hockey star Patrick Graham has been groomed for the pros since before he could walk. Fast forward to his junior year of college, and he’s having the time of his life. What could be better than pucks, partying, and having his pick of campus women? But if Patrick doesn’t buckle down and get his grades up, he could find himself benched for the championships. Could a beautiful brainiac be the solution to his problems?

Nineteen-year-old Master’s student Ellie McGinn could do so many things with her biology degree, but her mother is pushing her toward a future she doesn't want. Tutoring a hockey hottie seems like the perfect opportunity to start making her own choices and living life on her own terms.

When learning turns to yearning, will they be ready to face the heat and heartache that love can bring?

Review

She reminded me of old-fashioned ice cream sundaes and drive-in movies, which made no fucking sense, but that’s what came to mind when I looked at her.

This specific trope is one that, if done poorly, I find so incredibly unrealistic. Kat Mizera though–she hit it out of the park. Sometimes authors just capture that one specific moment where the two main love interests have a single interaction and you can FEEL their spark. The energy. The connection. That’s how I felt with Patrick and Ellie. I honestly don’t even know how to explain it other than I knew it was going to be a good book even just based on this one interaction.

I was especially nervous because Paxton’s book wasn’t my favorite and Patrick was kind of a dick in that one and that one just wasn’t my favorite in general. Unsurprisingly we saw a totally different Patrick in this story. I loved how straight up smitten he was with Ellie–so cute. I also loved watching her being able to experience life. I can’t even image what it would have been like to go to college at that young of an age all the while have that much of an overbearing mother. It was clear that she loved Ellie and wanted the best for her but…sometimes parents want very different things for their children than what they actually need. The fact that Ellie eventually just took charge and made some big decisions for herself was great. (Also loved the support she got from the WAGs from the Vegas team).

I was also so relieved that the twins finally cut their asshole dad off at the end. My heart hurt for them SO BADLY. Good riddance.

Overall, great addition to the Moo U series!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion! ♥

BOOK REVIEW: Gametime (Moo U #4) by Jami Davenport

BOOK REVIEW: Gametime (Moo U #4) by Jami DavenportGametime (Moo U #4)
by Jami Davenport
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

One drunken night and one case of mistaken identity turns a friendship inside out...

You’ve seen the hockey twins around campus--they look identical, but you can tell them apart by their actions. Patrick is the one who’s busy charming women. Paxton is the one in the library.

Until one night when Paxton parties a little harder than usual. Next thing he knows, he’s waking up naked next to Naomi, the girl of his dreams. He bares his heart before an awful realization sets in. He’s not the twin she thought he was...

Naomi is the only child of a hockey legend. Partying hard is the best way she knows how to rebel against her controlling father. After a particularly crazy night, she realizes her big mistake. Her hookup isn’t the guy she’s been crushing on. It’s Paxton, her friend, the guy who gets her, who she can always count on. The guy she’d never want to hurt. And yet, the sex was good. Better than good.

Now she’s wondering if the wrong twin might be the right one after all . . .

Review

Ugh it really pains me to rate this a three but I couldn’t in good conscience give it anything higher. I honestly think it was a case of the “It’s not you, it’s me” for the trope. That or I’m just getting older and now that I’m not actually in college and haven’t been in some time I can’t handle as much of the hot shot sports swagger/ college party and hookup scenes like I used to. Mainly though, I couldn’t get over the fact that Naomi slept with the wrong twin (WHO WAS ONE OF HER BEST FRIENDS) and didn’t know it until she woke up and licked her way down to his tattoo that was obviously Paxton’s hockey number and not Patrick’s and the two got to live in that awkward moment together. From then on I was like nope–no thanks, lol. I really think most people will like this one. I still obviously loved seeing Paxton’s journey coming out of Patrick’s shadow and his work with Garf (lol love that guy) to become the best player he can be and prepare for the pros. I loved seeing grumpy ass Kaitlyn, sweet, loyal Lex, and the rest of the team, too. I just really couldn’t be convinced by Paxton x Naomi.

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

BOOK REVIEW: The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson

BOOK REVIEW: The Seat Filler by Sariah WilsonThe Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The movie star and the dog groomer are one kiss away from the perfect love story. That’s the hiccup in a warm and witty romance by the bestselling author of Roommaid.

The meet-cute award goes to dog groomer Juliet Nolan. It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest nights when she volunteers as a seat filler and winds up next to movie heartthrob Noah freaking Douglas. Tongue tied and toes curling in her pink Converse, she pretends that she doesn’t have a clue who he is. It’s the only way to keep from swooning.

She’s pretty and unpretentious, loves his dog, and is not a worshipping fan. No way Noah’s giving up on her, even if his affectionate pursuit comes with a bump: Juliet has a pathological fear of kissing and the disappointments that follow. What odds does romance have without that momentous, stupendous, once-in-a-lifetime first smooch? Patient, empathetic, and carrying personal burdens of his own, Noah suggests a remedy: they rehearse.

The lessons begin. The guards come down. But there’s another hitch they weren’t betting on. As for that cue-the-orchestra-and-roll-credits happy ending? It might take more than practice to make it perfect.

Review:

The Seat Filler was a delightful romance that kept a smile on my face!  If you’re looking for a story that will make your heart happy, have a fabulous romance and the most wonderful happily ever after then this is your book!  This was my first time reading anything by Sariah Wilson, and I’m definitely looking forward to devouring her backlist!

Noah still wore his smirk and he was just…staring at me. Like he was trying to memorize my facial features for the police report he probably planned on filing.

The first chapter alone was so much fun, I was hooked right away!  Juliet Nolan was helping her best friend, Shelby, be a seat filler at an awards show.  And who was Juliet placed next to?  None other than the Noah Douglas.  Noah was a movie star who she had followed and been obsessed with since she was a kid.  But their first interactions went a little off kilter, so Juliet pretended to have no clue who Noah was.  With the banter between them so seamless, this book had one of the most hilarious meet cutes I’ve ever read!

I actually pressed my phone to my chest, squealed, and spun around. I never thought this would happen to me, and not even in my wildest daydreams did I ever imagine that it would be with Noah Douglas.

Juliet was someone I wanted to be friends with!  She was absolutely hilarious and I loved her thoughts!  Whether it was her interactions with Noah, to her friendship with Shelby, to even her passion working as a dog groomer, there was so much to love about Juliet!  And once we got a little further into the story, we got to see her struggles.  I’ve never heard about someone who was extremely fearful of being kissed, but her description of the panic afterwards reminded me so much of my own panic attacks during certain medical procedures.  My heart felt a kinship and hurt for her.  So I was keeping my fingers crossed that Noah and Juliet would work out.  Because while there was definitely a spark between them, could a dog groomer and a movie star truly work?

“You are one dirty boy,” I told him.
“I am,” Noah agreed as he brushed some soil off his pants.
My cheeks flushed and I said, “I was talking to your dog.”
“I know.” Then he winked at me and all the blood drained from my brain.

Noah Douglas was charming, sweet, caring and swoon worthy!  I loved that he was down to earth, hardworking, and such a good man.  He snagged me from that very first chapter and the more we got to learn about Noah, the harder I fell for him.  Even though he was Hollywood royalty, I loved how much he loved his dog, wasn’t superficial and had such a good heart.  And when Noah learned about Juliet’s kissing phobia, the care he took towards that situation, he continued to melt my heart!  Plus I loved every moment he was around Juliet, especially since you could feel the chemistry.  But happily ever afters aren’t always easy, so I kept my fingers crossed that they would eventually get theirs.  It was so deserved!

He wrapped his long fingers around my wrist and pulled my hand to his chest, placing it over his heart. It was beating fast. “You’re not the only one affected.”

Romance lovers will enjoy how easy it is to devour The Seat Filler!  I laughed and smiled through the beginning, my heart got pulled in different ways through the middle and the end had the most wonderful happily ever afters!  If you’re a fan of adult romance that is sweet and fun, then definitely add this one to your list!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary TingCode (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

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.


Review:

CODE was a heart pounding addition to the ISAN series!  With a gritty and rugged story-line, that held a lot of heart, this book was impossible to put down!  If you’re a fan of YA or dystopian, then you definitely need to add this series to your tbr!

 “You are worth every gamble I took to find you.”

The story started off right where GENE ended, with Eva and Rhett separated and so many lives at stake.  I know this isn’t how I normally write my reviews but I have to talk about the twists first!  They were brilliant!  There was so much at play, the story played out ingeniously and my mind was blown.  I gasped out loud multiple times, screamed and kept whispering to myself this isn’t how the story was supposed to go.  I didn’t see multiple things coming. But looking back, ohhhhhh the clues were there, I just put the pieces of the puzzle together wrong. So hold on, because this story will take you on a wild and crazy ride!

Sometimes when one person couldn’t see the light, another had to carry the torch. I would carry that torch and make it brighter for the both of us. – Ava

CODE was told in multiple POVs again and we got to spend the majority of our time with Ava and Rhett. They have a forever place in my heart. I love how they’re both smart, brave, caring, fearless and would do anything for each other.  And watching their love grow stronger and deeper in each book?! My happiness soars when they can breathe for a moment and are together. They are the ultimate power couple! In CODE both of their emotions were put through the wringer but they each had the same end goal. To take Novak and ISAN down. I loved how Ava continually looked for Novak and Gene’s weak points and was defiant to their plans. With a psychopath for a brother and monster for a father, my heart continually bled for Ava. I longed for her to be back together with Rhett, for him to help her feel his love.

Too late. Too late. Too late. The words echoed with devastating finality. – Mitch

We also got to hear parts of the story from Mitch.  Oh how he has grown on me.  If you asked me in ISAN if I liked Mitch….oh wow, I would have laughed out loud and told you no.  He was such an arrogant jerk.  But there was more than meets the eye.  Mitch was cunning and smart.  He felt things deeply.  And in CODE he made friends and so much I can’t talk about other then I loved, loved, loved it! It was more than I ever could have hoped for.  I’m just as invested in Mitch’s life and happiness, as Ava and Rhett. And that terrifies me.  The position Mitch is in is beyond dangerous and I never know if this current moment will be his last.

Justine couldn’t believe her fate. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn’t.
How do I do the right thing when I’m so scared, Mitch?

Justine was another who we got to spend some time with. I hated her. And to put all of my cards on the table, I hated her for even a good portion of this book too haha.  But getting to hear a few chapters in Justine’s head?!  Oh you guys.  She wiggled her way into my heart. Curse her lol.  Justine even made me cry tears that couldn’t be stopped.  Sigh.  So good luck trying to ignore all of the feelings she’ll pull from you, because for me it was impossible to ignore.

We would fight for justice.
We would fight for peace.
We would bring the rest of ISAN down.

In addition, we got to spend a few chapters with Chancellor Josephine Chang who was beyond fascinating.  Her ties and connections.  What she did when she was not around Rhett, Ava, Zen or the public eye, WOW. There’s not much I can say other then I enjoyed the little time we got to spend with Chancellor Chang and I’m hoping for something to happen in her future, fingers crossed!

Something crunched under Rhett’s feet. He looked down to see … bones. Human bones?
“Is that…?” Zeke gasped.
Cleo’s eyes rounded and her lips parted to scream.

CODE had it all! Horrific plans were made, traps were set, people switched sides, impossible decisions were made and there was even sacrifice.  I had sweaty palms in multiple situations.  And new enemies we meet…..one of them is what nightmares are made of *shudders*. At the end of the day, I was terrified because I cared for too many people.  But I smiled so much and loved being back with these people that feel like family to me.  They are the ultimate squad that I want to be a part of! Rhett, Ava, Mitch, Brooke, Ozzie, Reyna, Momo and a few others, I kept hoping they would all survive!

We girls should lift each other up, support each other. We should ignite each other’s beautiful souls and not douse them in darkness. And that was the kind of friendship I had with some of the girls at the rebel base. – Ava

Coursing with adrenaline, CODE was impossible to put down!  And with love and friendship winding throughout the pages, it evened this book out perfectly.  So with a richly imagined world, characters that leapt off the pages and a story that kept you turning just one more page, this book easily became an instant favorite! Plus it ended at the perfect stopping and breathing point.  But I’ll definitely be counting down until that next book comes out, I can’t wait!

Two other quotes that I loved…

I took another step toward him and another as something hot bubbled inside me. “I felt a lot of pain the second I found out you were my brother. It’s like being told the devil shares your blood. Do you even know what that feels like? Do you have any feelings at all?”- Ava
 
“Why me?” Mitch frowned.
Russ offered a sly grin. “You’re good at scheming and deceiving. That’s what you do well.”
Mitch chuckled. “Did you just give me a compliment? Are we getting along?”
Russ cackled and tapped the screen to close. “I think it’s a start of a beautiful friendship. But seriously , we’re here so think fast.”

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

Reading Order:
Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


ISAN (International Sensory Assassin Network #1)
Review:
Jen

HELIX (International Sensory Assassin Network #2)
Review:
Jen

GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
Review:
Jen

CODE (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
Review:
Jen

AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
Review:
Jen

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.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / News update

BOOK REVIEW: When a Cowboy Loves a Woman (Creedence Horse Rescue #2) by Jennie Marts

BOOK REVIEW: When a Cowboy Loves a Woman (Creedence Horse Rescue #2) by Jennie MartsWhen a Cowboy Loves a Woman (Creedence Horse Rescue #2)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

They both know the pain of loss and how to protect their hearts...but fate has a way of stepping in...

Her perfectly controlled life falls apart when a kitchen fire lands young widow Elle Brooks in the muscled arms of handsome rancher and veterinarian Brody Tate. The fire forces Elle to move in with her friend Bryn and her motley collection of rescue horses and other animals on the Heaven Can Wait Horse Rescue ranch, where she volunteers. Spending time with the hunky cowboy and his spunky 10-year-old daughter, Mandy, as they rehabilitate the beautiful horses, reminds Elle of all she lost in a car crash years ago. She can't deny the feelings that being close to Brody is stirring in her.

As a widower himself, Brody puts all he has into being a good dad for his spirited daughter. He hasn't let women and romance even enter his mind, until he meets Elle. And now, this woman is all he thinks about. Spending time with her is shaking up the calm stasis he had worked so hard to achieve, but he can't seem to stay away.

Brody and Elle both know the pain of losing someone they loved, and neither planned ever to let themselves fall in love again. But fate has a way of stepping in, and what started with a small fire now burns hotter than either one could have imagined. Can these two wounded souls take a chance on each other and risk their hearts again?


Review:

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman was an emotional tale of hope, friendship, love and second chances. From that first page, this story started off with a bang and then led us down a heartfelt path. It was beautiful how laughter and tears were mixed together.  It was impossible not to fall hard for these two broken souls and their journey to healing and love.  If you love adult romance and happily ever afters, then definitely add this one to your list!

The kind of loss they had both experienced couldn’t be repaired or replaced. The ones they lost were gone forever. He swallowed back the sudden ache in his throat.

Elle Brooks kitchen caught fire and thankfully Brody Tate happened to be across the street, visiting a friend, and was able to help rescue her.  From their first interaction in this story, you could tell there was something there.  It was like fireworks went off when they were near each other.  But confession time, I had already fallen for them in A Cowboy State of Mind. While you don’t have to read that story to enjoy this one, I l recommend it also!  Elle ended up staying with her bestie, Bryn, while her house was undergoing repairs.  And everywhere Elle turned, Brody seemed to be there too.

She fit so easily into their lives, like she already belonged.

I loved Elle!  She was strong, resilient, yet she was broken from her past.  She had suffered so much loss, but had admiringly started to try and live her life again.  She became friends with Bryn, volunteered at Bryn’s horse rescue and I loved watching her find joy in life again.  While Elle didn’t think love would appear one more time, she couldn’t deny her attraction to Brody.  There were sparks between them and they connected so effortlessly.

Mandy threw her arms around Elle and pressed her face into her shoulder. “Why do the people we love have to die? It’s not fair.”
Grief ripped through Elle as she folded the girl into her arms and whispered, “No, it’s not fair, sweet girl. It’s not fair at all.”

Brody was swoon worthy!  He was a single dad to Mandy, was a veterinarian and helped with the animals at the horse rescue at times.  And while you could tell he definitely felt something towards Elle, and had so much fun with her, he was also cautious.  It was not just him he had to think about.  He didn’t want his daughter to be heartbroken if it didn’t work out.  Even though he could see how much Elle adored and cared for Mandy, he was still so hesitant.

He leaned toward her until his forehead touched hers. “I can’t seem to breathe when I’m around you.”
She nodded, fighting her own battle to breathe. “I know,” she whispered.

Both Elle and Brody were healing from the grief of losing their spouses in the past.  While there were emotional moments, there were so many happy and heartfelt ones too.  The banter between them was smile inducing and their steamy moments, oh wow, *fans face*.  I also loved how seamless they fit together.  And that included Mandy too, whether they were helping out with the animals or anything else, Elle, Brody and Mandy felt like they could become a family so easily.  But they didn’t have the easiest rode and I had tears quite a few times for the three of them.

Elle lowered her voice and tried not to smile. “Has anyone ever told you that you have a dirty mind?”
Sassy shrugged and waved away her admonishment with an exaggerated wink. “You say dirty, I say flirty.”

There was also a cast of animals and people that I fell for too.  Shamus the adorable mini-horse, Otis the trouble making goat, Tiny the pig and quite a few of the dogs!  And I have to mention there was an animal part I struggled with BUT have faith.  Jenny wouldn’t do us wrong like that is all I’m saying.  Ohhhhh and we got to see Bryn and her fiancé, Zane.  AND Aunt Sassy who I fell in love with in the Cowboy of Creedence Series!  Plus I loved, loved, loved Mandee, Body’s daughter!

Could she feel how hard his heart was beating? He blew out a sigh. He was trusting her, even though he wasn’t sure he could trust himself. All he wanted to do was give in, to let himself fall.

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman was a beautiful and emotional tale.  The love story, the healing and the friendships, awww I loved it all.  It also touched on bullying that Mandy went through, and that was so well done.  Happy tears, sad tears, broken tears fell from my eyes while reading this story and I can’t recommend it enough!

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

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
***Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.***


A Cowboy State of Mind #1
Reviews:

Jen

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman #2
Reviews:

Jen

How to Cowboy #3
Reviews:

Jen
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