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BOOK REVIEW: The Stocking Was Hung (The Holidays #1) by Tara Sivec

December 13, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

The Stocking Was Hung (The Holidays #1)
by Tara Sivec
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
What happens when your life goes to crap the week of Christmas? You invite a hot Marine you met in an airport bar to come home with you for the holidays, to distract your crazy family from the truth.

With a handsy aunt, a meddling mother, and a father concerned for the wellbeing of his daughter's eggnog, there's no chance Sam and Noel will have time to fall in love...or will they?

The Stocking Was Hung is the first of three books about The Holiday family. It's a full-length Christmas novel that will make you laugh, make you HOT, and maybe even make you say, "Awwwww" a few times.

Review:

I had so much fun reading Christmas Cliche, so I had to try another book by Tara Sivec. The Stocking Was Hung was over the top, laugh out loud hilarious. While I adored the main characters, Sam and Noel, the rest of the characters didn’t mesh so well with me. So I won’t be continuing on with this series, but I’ll still be picking up another book by Tara Sivec down the road.

I’m happy for the first time in a long time, and something about that scares the shit out of me. How could a guy I just met make me feel this way?

When Noel’s boyfriend proposed to her, she bolted. Afraid to tell her parents she “failed” at something else, she ended up bringing another guy home for the holidays. Noel and Sam met at the airport and there was definitely an instant attraction. When she suggested for him to pretend to be her ex, and to come home with her for the holidays, I was addicted. The chemistry between them was smile inducing and I was so giddy that Sam went along with Noel’s crazy plans.

He smile, her laugh, her smell, her skin…I need her. Just her. I realize how crazy that sounds when we haven’t even known each other for twenty-four hours, but I don’t give a fuck. This woman has turned me inside out in less than a day and I just. Don’t. Give. A. Fuck.

Noel was so down to earth and easy to connect with. And Sam was the sweetest guy ever. And while he agreed to pretend to be Noel’s ex, the man was not altruistic lol. He definitely had an end game of hooking up with Nicole. Their moments together had me glued to the pages and the chemistry between them was scorching hot! But the more time they spent around each other, they both started to see that there was so much more than just a physical attraction between them. I loved watching how kind Sam was to Noel, he defended and helped her. And Noel gave Sam the possibility of a true family, something he never had.

“Mom, do you have pot hanging from the ceiling?” Noel asks.
“You know your father needs it for his arthritis,” her mother sighs. “Pot—mistletoe, potato—potahto. It’s green and it’s festive, and you have to kiss under it.”

My hiccup with this story was Noel’s family. Her mom would say things so seriously it horrified me. Telling her daughter that her father doesn’t believe in oral before breakfast, that’s a little tmi for even me lol. And her dad’s analogy with milk and his daughter was just a little too awkward. So when you throw in her Aunt Bobbie’s comments, drinking and drug use, plus groping Sam…I’m sad to say I struggled. Her family was way too much for me.

I want to tell him to never leave. I want to tell him this stupid charade stopped being a charade the moment he kissed me under the pot mistletoe. I want to ask him if he’ll be my boyfriend for real and not for a fake show for my family.

But here’s the thing, Tara Sivec writes characters that are so vividly real and the story flows so seamlessly that it’s all so easy to devour. And again we got an over the top story with an adorable romance, crazy side characters and a happy ending that made me smile. It pains me that I struggled with her family, especially since I adored the main characters so much. I’m hoping the next book I pick up by her will be a much better fit.

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart #1) by Stephanie Garber

December 12, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart #1)
by Stephanie Garber
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Once Upon a Broken Heart marks the launch of a new series from beloved author Stephanie Garber about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after

For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings…until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game ― and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy...

Review:

Once Upon a Broken Heart was a magically, unique story. The world was phenomenal and came alive from the pages. Everything captured your attention and you were left not sure what was true or not. Yet it was all beautiful and breathtaking. I would love to live in this world! The characters completely fascinated me and I fell in love. But beware because darkness was hidden here and there, but it didn’t even matter because this story will creep up on you and own every part of you!

“I believe there are far more possibilities than happily ever after or tragedy. Every story has the potential for infinite endings.”

That first chapter pulled me in. I loved Evangeline Fox and her broken heart. She thought her true love was cursed and she would do anything to stop the wedding. He was marrying her step sister and it was breaking her heart. Beyond desperate, Evangeline went to the chapel of the Prince of Hearts. Jacks. She made a deal with a Fate to stop the wedding. Yet the outcome and everything afterwards was nothing Evangeline could ever fathom. And it set her on a path she didn’t even realize she couldn’t control.

He gave her a real smile, revealing a pair of dimples that briefly made him look more angel than devil. But she imagined even angels would need to beware of him. She could picture him flashing those deceptive dimples as he tricked an angel into losing its wings just so he could play with the feathers.

Evangeline was someone I instantly liked! Her shattered heart reached out to me and I felt her pain. And as we watched her, I loved her tenacity, her strength and her ability to see the goodness in others. Her heart was pure and she always tried her best. But most of all, I loved her cleverness. I wanted Evangeline to find happiness. Especially since she felt so alone. After making the deal with Jacks, I was beyond curious where it would lead Evangeline!

“Do you stare at everyone like that, or just me?” Jacks looked up. Vivid blue eyes met hers.
It shouldn’t have made her blood rush the way that it did.

Jacks was hilarious without even trying. His humor gripped me and I laughed at the most inappropriate times. It made me fall for him even harder. Yet Jacks was someone I’m still trying to understand. Yes he had his goals. He seemed to know what he wanted. But I would catch glimmers of hope and moments where Evangeline would make him pause. He didn’t seem to expect much from his future, but it felt like Evangeline made him see himself as more. So my heart cried for Jacks. I just wanted goodness in his life and for that goodness to be Evangeline!

He held on to her as if she were a grudge, his body rigid and tense, as if he really didn’t want her there, and yet his arms were tight around her waist as though he had no intention of ever letting her go.

Jacks and Evangeline together were everything. I loved that Jacks would go and mess with Evangeline, that he seemed to change the tune of their story. I was all for it. But I would also question why he did certain things. At times he cut me. And I would have died to know his thoughts. But then in that next moment he would go above and beyond. Jacks was a mystery. Whose looks set me on fire. And who melted my heart every time he called Evangeline, Little Fox.

“Jacks, what did you do?” she whispered. “It’s not what I did, Little Fox. It’s what you’ve done. And tomorrow night, you get to do even more.”

I questioned so much, practically everything. I trusted no one except Evangeline. While I desperately wanted to trust Jacks, I kept reminding myself that wouldn’t be wise. No matter how much I was falling for him. And even when he told us the truth, I questioned what was he keeping from us. This book had so many twists and mysteries and they kept me on my toes! So many of the side characters shined brightly too. One of my favorites was Lala. She fascinated me to no end. And even the Prince did too.

Evangeline didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry.
She knew what Jacks was. She hadn’t been foolish enough to believe that she was different or special and that he wouldn’t destroy her. But maybe she’d believed it a little.

Prophecies, truths, and fairy-tales all swirled together and made Once Upon a Broken Heart feel so magical. With characters that were easy to love and a beautiful story, this book will sweep you away! This world will always be one of my most favorites! And that ending, oh how tricky this story was. Make for sure you have the next book, because you’ll desperately need it!

BOOK REVIEW: The Duke in Question (Daring Dukes #3) by Amalie Howard

December 9, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

The Duke in Question (Daring Dukes #3)
by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This lady is not at all a paragon of society…

Lady Bronwyn Chase leaves London on her brother's passenger liner bound for America with a packet of secret letters that could get her into trouble. Serious trouble―the kind a duke's sister shouldn't be in; the kind that puts spymaster Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, on her trail. But as the duke gets closer to Bronwyn and the secrets she's keeping, he'll have to decide between the mysterious woman who calls to him, or his allegiance to the Crown.

Review:

The Duke in Question was a quick paced book that will keep you on your toes! But as the story unfolded, there were so many moments between the characters that stole my heart. It was impossible not to fall in love with this writing. Weave that with a brothers best friend trope and an opposites attract, and this book ended up being so much fun!

He was her brother’s friend! And a former British undercover agent. A man who would put her in handcuffs without blinking. A different scenario involving restraints— a much naughtier one with rather less clothing— crept into her mind, and she felt her face flame. Did he carry handcuffs?
Stop it, stop it, stop it.

Bronwyn was so effortless to adore in the previous book, Rules for Heiresses. While you could easily read this book as a standalone, there were some bigger plot ideas that tie back into the second book. Bronwyn was clever, kind and jumped right in to help others. With her latest task, Bronwyn landed on her brother’s passenger liner with hidden documents traveling to America. Lord Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury and retired agent of the Crown, was on that ship too. He was trying to find Kestral, a spy who was in fact Bronwyn. What unfolded were moments that were mischievousness, heart racing and sexy.

He ground his jaw and cursed under his breath.
He’d underestimated her… again.

Bronwyn was so clever and her thoughts were addictive. She acted and played the part as someone who was shallow. It allowed her to distract Valentine with what she was truly doing. She messed with him in the best of ways and it was laugh worthy since he bought her act so easily. I loved how she knew she had the upper hand. And I loved even more that she teased him seductively. Valentine would get so aggravated and irritated by Bronwyn, it was hilarious! Their banter was addictive and steamy at the same time. Yet I kept waiting for that moment that he would see through her act and I was a little nervous for Bronwyn since she was playing with fire.

What would his lips taste like? Coated in whisky? Like sin and stupidity.

As the story unfolded, Bronwyn wanted to trust Thornbury, but she knew his allegiance was to the crown. They had a delicious push and pull. And when it came to more, I was shocked that she was a virgin because the things she did oh wow! Their moments were hot and filled with so much passion! Yet they were the ultimate of opposites attract. Bronwyn was so joyous and happy, and Thornbury was such a grump lol. But with rescuing, saving lives and putting the pieces together, this story constantly kept me curious with what would happen next!

It didn’t matter that they were in a race for their lives or what was at stake. All she could think of was the firm press of his lips, the delicious scrape of his stubble on her chin, and that dark, sinful flavor that was all his.

Historical romance fans of bold and brave women, men who will dive head first into danger to protect those they care for and witty dialogue will adore The Duke in Question. There were also side characters that were fleshed out wonderfully and added so much to this story. And those seeking a happily ever after, will love the fabulous epilogue we were given! This is my second book by Amalie Howard and I look forward to reading so many more!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Two Wrongs Make a Right (The Wilmot Sisters #1) by Chloe Liese

November 29, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

Two Wrongs Make a Right (The Wilmot Sisters #1)
by Chloe Liese
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Opposites become allies to fool their matchmaking friends in this swoony reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

Jamie Westenberg and Bea Wilmot have nothing in common except a meet-disaster and the mutual understanding that they couldn't be more wrong for each other. But when the people closest to them play Cupid and trick them into going on a date, Jamie and Bea realize they have something else in common after all—an undeniable need for revenge.

Soon their plan is in place: Fake date obnoxiously and convince the meddlers they’re madly in love. Then, break up spectacularly and dash everyone's hopes, putting an end to the matchmaking madness once and for all.

To convince everyone that they’ve fallen for each other, Jamie and Bea will have to nail the performance of their lives. But as their final act nears and playing lovers becomes easier than not, they begin to wonder: What if Cupid’s arrow wasn’t so off the mark? And what if two wrongs do make a right?

Review:

It’s a text. Just a text.
But it feels like so much more.

With humor, romance and heart, Two Wrongs Make a Right was so easy to love! Enemies to lovers was mixed with fake dating, and it played out beautifully! The characters were vivid and ones that you will be rooting for, the story-line was so much fun and I left this book knowing I had to read all of Chloe Liese’s books!

He grins. A crooked, soft Jamie grin that once again fills my heart to a shimmering, golden pop. “I have a feeling you’re going to be a bad influence, Beatrice.”
“Ah, James,” I tell him through the buttercream sweetness lighting up my tongue. “Now you’re catching on.”

Beatrice Wilmot aka Bea and Jamie Westenberg didn’t get off on the right foot. They rubbed each other the wrong way and Bea had no problem slaying Jamie with her words. It didn’t matter that something was there and that the chemistry could be felt. That first impression did them in. But when their friends wouldn’t give up and set them up on a blind date, that was when they realized they could finally agree on something. Revenge. So what’s a little fake dating to trick their friends into thinking they did what was best, and then breaking up once their friends were truly invested. It was a solid plan, yet feelings don’t always seem to go the way you want them to.

Holding me close. He turns his face so slightly, until his mouth brushes the shell of my ear.
And for a moment, I forget why this is happening.

I adored Bea! I loved listening to her thoughts and watching how she saw the world. She was an artist who had a twin sister and a wonderful group of friends. She claimed they were her sister’s friends, but you could tell they loved her just as much too! And I loved how much fire Bea had in her! Her words and even her flying carrots had me cracking up! Ohhhh and her second hand embarrassment was all of mine too.

Being in a fake relationship isn’t supposed to be complicated. Kissing isn’t supposed to make me think foolish, ridiculous thoughts about Bea actually wanting me when she kissed me, too. This situation is terrifyingly beyond me.

Through Bea’s eyes, Jamie came off as so cold. But we also got chapters in his voice and Jamie was definitely one of the good guys! He could be so thoughtful and sensitive, it was heart melting. As we spent more time with him, you realize that there was a whole lot more going on with Jamie then meets the eye. Anxiety clung to him at times. That representation was so relatable to me, so Jamie was so easy to click with and love.

You’re the best thing in my life, I want to tell her. You’re safe and real and perfectly imperfect . We started as a lie, and now we’re the truest thing I’ve ever known.
But I don’t say it, don’t speak those fragile words into the delicate space between us.

Bea and Jamie fought and bantered so fabulously! Yet they both had a lot more in common than they thought. They had been burned in the past and hearts will hurt listening to their stories. So they both lied to themselves for how felt towards the other, even though they wanted each other! I loved watching how they both surprised one other with kindness, insight, understanding, and generosity. It was impossible for them not to become friends with the path they were going down. Especially when you have to tell each other personal stuff. True boyfriends and girlfriends would talk about that right?! *smirks* Eeps, their fake dating was a ton of fun. And when emotions got involved it was difficult not to be giddy!

“My fake boyfriend isn’t supposed to ruin me for everyone else,” I whisper.
Jamie’s eyes fall shut as he drops his forehead to mine. “Sometimes, Beatrice, I want to ruin you for everyone else.”

With friendships that were strong and beautiful, self-doubt, pushing the line and fabulous date nights, this book was so much fun! There were sentimental moments that made tears gather in my eyes, and steamy moments that fit so well together. And even watching wrong choices being made, I was cheering them on! Two Wrongs Make a Right was lovable, entertaining and such a fabulous mix of enemies to lovers and fake dating!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Caribbean Competitors (Simona Island #2) by Poppy Minnix

November 23, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

Caribbean Competitors (Simona Island #2)
by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Xiamara Nivar and Apollo Fischer had the perfect childhood friendship, leading her to believe they’d transition to soulmate-status seamlessly. She couldn’t have been more wrong. When it came to a more-than-friends relationship, they were super cringe. No wonder Xia didn’t believe him when he promised to come back for her the night before he left for college. But still, she waited.

After seven years of foolishly hoping he’d keep his word, Xia has put all that behind her. She’s got a career, a cast of colorful comrades, and a competitive streak bigger than the Caribbean Ocean. Winning this year's Moss Monster Meet will be a cinch—until Apollo returns to the small island of Simona.

Not only is she a stumbling, stuttering, shipwreck of a human whenever he’s present, but the unthinkable has happened. Apollo plans to compete in the race, threatening the three-year winning streak that will earn her the coveted title of Moss Boss.

When they are thrust together, Xia can’t maintain her composure—and Apollo knows it. He isn’t above using it against her, either. With the finish line in sight, Xia has one burning question: is it the race Apollo wants to win, or her heart?

Review:

“I’ve always got you.”

Caribbean Competitors was steamy, smile inducing and so much fun! This book is at the very top of my favorite contemporaries this year, sitting right in-between The Hating Game and The Love Hypothesis! This book was pure gold and had it all! Spicy romance? Check! Laugh out loud moments? Check! Characters that will become a part of your soul? Do I even need to say check?! This truly had it all. If you want a book that is impossible to put down and will feel as though one of your favorite movies or shows is playing out in the pages of a book, then you need this story in your life! This is one I’ll definitely be re-reading again and again!

I exhale and shake my head. Moss Monster Meet. Training. Work. This is my life.

I truly don’t know who I loved more, Xiamara or Apollo. Xiamara lived on Simona Island where she had family, friends and a job she loved. Apollo’s family and friends were there too, but he had been in New York for the last 7 years. They were bestest of friends in their younger years, but when they tried to move their friendship to more, it didn’t work. Apollo promised to come back to Xiamara when he left, but never did. So when Xiamara saw Apollo back on the island, and joining in the Moss Monster Meet that was her blood, sweat and tears, oh my heart I felt for her. But fate has a funny way of working out, and Xiamara and Apollo’s paths were filled with lots of fun and heat!

He dips his head until his lips brush my ear. “You’ve changed.” His statement is a rugged rasp that’s deep enough to penetrate my spine and send a purr through each cell of my body.

Xiamara, aka Xia, was hilarious and someone that you could easily see yourself being best friends with. Her thoughts were so much fun, her feelings become my own and I loved how she could be a tiny bit dramatic at times. Hiding out and sneaking around, just try and not smile lol. I also loved how passionate she was with her job, and it was so easy to fall in love with the gorgeous small community she lived in. Yet that community provided no privacy. And Xia was a little nervous about what other people thought with Apollo being back. They all knew their history. So when rules chandged and it pushed Xia and Apollo back together, I was so giddy and excited. The chemistry and tension between them was delicious and I couldn’t get enough of it!

“Where do you go, Xia?” His lips twist, boyishness gone, curious adult gaze in full scrutiny. “When you look at me like that?”
Biting my lip, I pull the rings from my fingers. “Nowhere.”

I wanted to be unsure of Apollo, but that was beyond impossible. He had so much charisma, that he easily swept me under his spell. He was charming, seductive, thoughtful, funny and seemed definitely interested in Xia. His little comments like it’s a date, for meeting up to train for the Moss Monster Meet had me squealing in excitement! I loved how he played her little games and how they both messed with the other. But most of all I loved how Apollo made Xia nervous. Xia was always so put together and Apollo emotionally and physically made her stumble. His presence alone impacted her time and again. As the story unfolded, he showed us his protective side, and there was no way to not be obsessed with Apollo!

One of his last posts is a picture out the airplane window with the caption, “I’ll miss you, New York, but I miss her so much more.”
My heart thrums a wicked beat as I stare at his words. Who is this her? A tiny, hopeful voice says, “Could be you,” but I smash that hope to dust because the notion is ludicrous.

As Xia and Apollo continued to train, there was so much sexual tension. And even when Apollo seemed to be giving Xia all the signs he was interested, she didn’t grasp it. He was leaving in a bit, right? She didn’t want to get attached and hurt. Again. So we listened as Xia tried to lie to herself she didn’t want Apollo. But it was impossible since so many of their moments together felt like more. Laced with longing and scorching hot looks or touches, Xia and Apollo were explosive together. Their dancing scene, oh my gosh *fans face*. And when they did cross the line to more, it was erotic, intoxicating and sensual. Yet mistakes were made, by both of them. And there was healing that needed to be done too.

There’s no future for us, so why is he torturing me with touches that no one else has ever come close to replicating?

I was beyond excited to see characters from the previous book, Holiday Hotel, but you don’t have to read that one first. Although I can’t recommend it enough! Caribbean Competitors can easily be read as a standalone! Between the training for the upcoming event, the side characters that are heartwarming, and the main characters, I couldn’t stop smiling! With setups, secrets and emotions on the line, this book was so entertaining! Truths came out and I loved how the story unfolded! If you’re a fan of adult romance that is steamy and heartfelt, you definitely need this book on your tbr!

Apollo Fischer kisses me down to my soul.

PS I loved the chapter titles and serenity now reference lol!

He cups my face, studying me. I may just die of warm, gooey overload right here, right now.
He stays still as if asking a thousand questions I don’t have answers to, and my heart pangs, my eyes burn, and I spiral into a serious emotional overload.
“Don’t stop kissing me.” My voice is a thready, weak wisp.

PPS I can’t wait for the next book about Roxanne and Ziggy *fingers crossed*!

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