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BOOK REVIEW: Wake My Heart (Jasper Falls #1) by Lydia Michaels

January 17, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

Wake My Heart (Jasper Falls #1)
by Lydia Michaels
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From bestselling and award winning author, Lydia Michaels, comes a small town romance readers will want to visit again and again!

Ryan Clooney moves to the outskirts of his small town and the last thing he expects to find is love, but once he meets Maggie, the beautiful, young widow next door, his plans change.

Maggie O’Malley is not looking for romance. Since losing her husband, she has withdrawn from small-town life and prefers to be left alone. But her new neighbor doesn’t seem to understand personal privacy, and the more he intrudes on her solitary world, the less control she has over her heart.

Determined to charm Maggie, Ryan pulls out all the stops. But once real emotion gets involved, things go too far and Maggie has a difficult decision to make.

Review:

Wake My Heart was an emotional tale of loss, hope, friendship and love. This adult romance was an emotional powerhouse set in a heartwarming small town setting. This was my first book by Lydia Michaels, and once I finished that last page I went and added her other books to my tbr! She’s an author who I’m looking forward to reading more of in the future!

Everyone was so concerned about her progress and closure, as if it were that easy.
Didn’t they know her heart had been ripped to shreds? Sometimes things were too messy to simply close.

Maggie O’Malley had lost her husband in a car accident two years ago. And was still drowning in her grief. She visited his grave-site every morning, tried her best to push those she loved away, and was struggling to survive each day that she was still alive. The sorrow that seeped out of her was so intense and I kept my fingers crossed she would get some counseling or help. Because she desperately needed it. So when she met her new neighbor, Ryan Clooney, she was cold and short with him. He was just trying to help her, but she wanted no part of it. Yet there was something special about Ryan, and his arrival marked the beginning of Maggie’s life starting to change.

“But I’m not. When Nash died, I died with him.”
“That’s not true.”
“You don’t know me enough to argue otherwise.”
She was right, but Nash was dead and she was very much still alive.

Maggie was such a multi-faceted character. Her depression was consuming. Her life choices made me want to shake her throughout this story. Yet even though I struggled with her a lot, I loved Maggie. I wanted her to find happiness. I wanted her to be able to live again. Because she definitely wasn’t living. And I hoped Ryan would be the goodness that she needed to make her see that she desperately needed to make changes in her life. I was grateful that she had a kind boss and a loving sister who tried again and again to connect with her. So when Maggie started to make a few decisions that were for the better, I was cheering her on every step of the way!

“Where did you come from?” she whispered, her thoughts jumbled and lost somewhere between her memories and reality, between here and outer space.
“I just got here.” His stare held hers like a hug, warming her from the inside out.

I absolutely loved Ryan! He was my favorite character. He was helpful, sexy, kind *his offer to walk with her, cries* and I loved his huge family. But that man had no game when he ran into Maggie at her job lol! He made me smile, laugh and fall so hard for him. He tried countless times with Maggie, whether it was to help or be friendly, even though she would shut him down so many times. Thankfully he was persistent and had a kind heart. So he didn’t give up easily. So when he got Maggie to have fun or even smile, I felt Ryan’s joy flying from the pages!

“…. Not all emotions hurt, Maggie.”

The beginning of this story started out a little slow as we got to know both Maggie and Ryan, along with their town and families. And getting that solid foundation, wow, that led to an extremely powerful effect. It felt like we knew them and their world inside and out. That they were a part of us. So their emotions bled through the pages with an intensity that was consuming. As the story progressed and Maggie and Ryan had friendly moments together, oh my heart it was breathtaking and emotional. I still felt like they were walking on eggshells. But it was all part of the process. There was still so much healing that had to take place. And I hoped Ryan would continue to have all the patience in the world for Maggie, because she needed it!

“I have this fear that you’ll erase him.”
“What?”
Her brow pinched with regret. “The more time we spend together, the less I think of him.”
“Maggie, you can’t put that on me.”
“I know. But it’s what’s happening. I like this. But I feel like I’m losing pieces of myself the more we do this.”

This book was rounded out with so many fabulous side characters. Ryan’s family and extended family was humongous! And I realized that a lot of his relatives were in a completed series, The McCullough Mountain Series! So of course I went and added that first book, Almost Priest, to my tbr! Those people were heartwarming, boisterous, hilarious and I loved how much they loved each other but were also completely in each other’s business ha! That’s a series I’m looking to dive into!

When she pulled away, she looked up at him and whispered, “If you keep rescuing me like this, I’m going to forget how to save myself.”
“Who said you have to do it alone?”

Wake My Heart was filled with being brave, making amends, fresh starts, jealousy, friendship and love, this book was so fabulous! I loved the emotional side and it was impossible not to shed tears. I loved the laughter the large family brought. And I adored the small town this story was set in. I picked this book up because Lydia Michaels will be attending Apolllycon this year and I’m so happy I did. I can’t wait to meet her in person and read so many more of her 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 Unhoneymooners (Unhoneymooners #1) by Christina Lauren

January 16, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

The Unhoneymooners (Unhoneymooners #1)
by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Olive Torres is used to being the unlucky twin: from inexplicable mishaps to a recent layoff, her life seems to be almost comically jinxed. By contrast, her sister Ami is an eternal champion...she even managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a slew of contests. Unfortunately for Olive, the only thing worse than constant bad luck is having to spend the wedding day with the best man (and her nemesis), Ethan Thomas.

Olive braces herself for wedding hell, determined to put on a brave face, but when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. Suddenly there’s a free honeymoon up for grabs, and Olive will be damned if Ethan gets to enjoy paradise solo.

Agreeing to a temporary truce, the pair head for Maui. After all, ten days of bliss is worth having to assume the role of loving newlyweds, right? But the weird thing is...Olive doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, the more she pretends to be the luckiest woman alive, the more it feels like she might be.

Review:

The Unhoneymooners was a fun enemy to lovers that was so easy to binge. It was laugh worthy, smile worthy and the majority of the story took place in a beautiful tropical destination. This book would make the perfect beach read!

Ethan slides his gaze to me, clearly unconvinced. “I’m not going to kiss you again, just in case that’s what you were thinking this would lead to.”
Whowhatnow? The jackass. Gaping at him, I whisper-hiss, “I would honestly rather lick the bottom of my shoe than have your mouth on mine again.”

Olive constantly believed she had bad luck. Yet all of that changed on her twin’s wedding day. Olive and her nemesis, who was her future brother-in-law’s brother, were the only ones who weren’t violently ill from the wedding buffet. With an all-expense paid vacation to Maui, Ethan and Olive found themselves jetting off on their sibling’s honeymoon. Together.

“Look.” I nod to the horizon. “We aren’t lost at sea.”
He lets out a quiet “Wow.” And there, for a single breath, we give in to a really lovely moment of enjoying something together. Until Ethan decides to ruin it: “I hope you don’t drown out there.”
I smile down at him. “If I do, the husband is always a suspect.”

I have to talk about Ethan, because I was obsessed with him! Yes even Olive could acknowledge he was gorgeous. But there had always been this hate vibe going on between the two of them. It started from the first moment they met. Yet from the moment he pretended they were married on their vacation and kissed her forehead…. swoon. So when extenuating circumstances led them to continue the charade, I loved every minute of it. Pretending that they didn’t hate each other?! Yes please! Olive herself couldn’t even stop from swooning when Ethan turned on the charm. And in those moments, my heart was so happy when they would click at times. Especially since we would get to see how well he paid attention to her. But behind closed doors….ohhhh their bickering was addictive! They could be so hilarious without even trying!

“I can hear you thinking about that one word and reading more into it than I intended. You look great.” Once inside, he presses the button for the lobby and adds, “You always do.”
These three final words bound around my cranium before they absorb. I always look great? To who? Ethan?

I loved watching Olive go from hating Ethan to second guessing him, when they got along. Their relationship progressed in a way that left the reader more than invested and having to know what happened next. We got this story in just Olive’s voice and I loved watching her change from the beginning of the story to the end. She always seemed to think the worst of everything and I loved how distance from her life, the vacation and even Ethan allowed her to grow and made me so proud of her! Olive had a lot of obstacles on her way to happiness, but I loved how she became her biggest champion and her large family always had her back every step of the way.

Squinting, he says, “You’re a real seductress.”
“I hear that a lot.”
He coughs, and I swear I see Ethan Thomas battling a genuine smile.
And I get it. As much as I hate him… I think I’m starting to like us.

With paintball fights, sexy massages, boat trips, and the beautiful scenery, The Unhoneymooners was a blast and absolutely hilarious! Between their charade, banter and deals made, I constantly found myself laughing every few pages. It was a book that will put a smile on your face, while also having deeper, emotional moments too. But the emotional side of it, ugh it wrecked me. So while this was easily five stars for the majority of the book, I struggled deeply with the conflict. It’s a personal preference and I have an extremely hard time when it happens within books. So hence the four star rating. But I loved the ending! With a grand gesture and an epilogue that gave us a look into the future, this book ended wonderfully.

Ethan and I are starting to build more of these good moments than bad; it sends the balance swinging into an unfamiliar direction.
And I think I really like it.
Which makes me incredibly uneasy.
“I still hate you,” I tell him, pushing a dark curl of hair off his forehead.
He nods. “I know you do.”

BOOK REVIEW: The Bromance Book Club (Bromance Book Club #1) by Lyssa Kay Adams

December 31, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

The Bromance Book Club (Bromance Book Club #1)
by Lyssa Kay Adams
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The first rule of book club: You don't talk about book club.

Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it'll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.

Review:

The Bromance Book Club was absolutely genius, I was addicted from that first page and finished this book in a day! And while I devour second chance romances, those stories where they’re already married with kids and struggling? Nope, I always pass on those books. But The Bromance Book Club completely changed my mind! I have been so wrong to not read this type of book before! This story was laced with heart, jealousy, friendship, love and second chances. If you love romance that is emotional, laugh out loud funny and easy to fall in love then you definitely need this book on your tbr!

“Good. First rule of book club?”
They finished in unison. “You don’t talk about book club.”
What. The. Fuck.

Gavin Scott was a professional baseball player and had a whirlwind romance with his now wife. They got pregnant early in their relationship, married, and loved one another with their whole heart. Yet a few years into their marriage, Gavin discovered his wife had been faking it. The whole time. Yes they had other issues, but with his heart hurt and wounded he moved out at his wife’s request. I actually felt bad for Gavin the more time we spent with him. He loved his family, but somewhere along the way he lost his spark with them. Especially his wife. So when Gavin got pulled into a book club, and the men tried their best to help him fix his marriage since he was beyond clueless, I couldn’t stop laughing!

Read some books and, voilà? Thea would take him back with open arms? Was he really that desperate?
He pictured life without Thea.
Yes, he was really that desperate.

Gavin was determined to win his wife back and be with his twin daughters again. So he tried so hard in everything that he did. Gavin was sexy and beyond seductive. He made me fall in love with him and was a true book boyfriend we could obsess over! I loved his moments with his friends and those in the book club. They were so good at helping him piece things together and coming up with ideas for helping him salvage his marriage. So I loved watching him try to win his wife back and be the man and best friend she needed him to be. And when he would lay things out, like his rules, I was screaming with joy. He used moments with Thea to show her why they were so good together. That they still had passion and sparks. And why they should stay together. I loved every minute of it!

“Please, Thea. Just give me a chance.”
“To do what?” she blurted, throwing her hands wide in an exasperated gesture.
“To prove how much I love you.”
Her lips parted again. She stared at him for a moment that lasted forever.

It took me quite some time to warm up to Thea. She kept her husband at arm’s length and the problem was, I had already fallen in love with Gavin. I wanted to push her back into his arms. So the moments she would cave or give in to him, ohhhhhhh I was smiling with joy! The more we got to spend around Thea, and see her past, that pain cut so deep. I understand why she acted the way she did. It was disheartening that she didn’t share any of that with her husband before, but thank goodness from his book club he realized they had to work through that too. So Gavin tried everything to win Thea back and get her to open up about her past. I was cheering for them every step of the way to get the HEA they deserved!

They started walking again, but they hadn’t taken more than a few steps when Amelia asked. “What are you afraid of, Daddy?”
Losing you and your mom, he thought, his throat thickening.

The side characters added so much to this story! The book club meetings were always a favorite and the lengths they would go to help Gavin, just wow lol! Del and Mack were my absolute favorites. And with Mack, just try and not laugh at his actions. Thea’s sister Liv was her biggest champion. Yet she didn’t know the whole story behind Gavin and Thea’s issues. And I just wanted to whisper to her all the details so she would help them get back together. And then there were Gavin and Thea’s twins. Their emotions were strong, overwhelming and so real. They caused me to have tears in my eyes at time. I just wanted them to be a happy family again!

Dammit! Why, dear God, WHY did she have to be married to a man whose job literally depended on him being in peak physical shape?

The Bromance Book Club was laugh out loud hilarious and effortless to love! With so much emotion, fabulous characters and a story-line that was devoured way too quickly, it easily became a favorite! The scenes between Gavin and Thea were steamy hot! And the mixture of heart, laughter and sadness was done perfectly. This adult, second chance romance is a must read!

PS Poor Gavin getting spoilers lol

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

December 27, 2022 / Jen / 6 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which I won’t. Not ever.

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOOK REVIEW: Under One Roof (The STEMinist Novellas #1) by Ali Hazelwood

December 22, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Under One Roof (The STEMinist Novellas #1)
by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A scientist should never cohabitate with her annoyingly hot nemesis—it leads to combustion.

Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn…

As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else’s food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she’s the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his aunt’s house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable mouth just sitting there on the couch tempting respectable scientists to the dark side…but Helena was her mentor and Mara’s not about to move out and give up her inheritance without a fight.

The problem is, living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out about Liam, the harder it is to loathe him…and the easier it is to love him.

Review:

In his sleep. I swear I’m going to kill him in his damn sleep. When he least expects it. And then I’ll celebrate by throwing empty bottles of creamer at his corpse.

Under One Roof was an enemies to lovers with a fabulous forced proximity! While they were both mesmerized by each other at first sight, once they knew who the other was Liam’s walls went up ridiculously high. You see, Liam didn’t want Mara in the house they were now supposed to share. And while he tried to buy her out multiple times, Mara was determined to keep her portion of the house she had inherited from an old professor. She loved it there! Even if Liam was the worst, sexiest roommate ever!

“And I guess I could lay off with the Disney soundtracks?”
“Could you?”
“Yeah.”
“Even The Little Mermaid?”
“Yes.”
“What about Moana?”
“Liam, I’m really trying, here. If you could please—” I am ready to storm out of the kitchen when I realize that he’s actually smiling. Well, sort of. With his eyes. Oh my God, was that a joke? He jokes? “You’re not as funny as you think.”

Liam was the king at being cold towards Mara. He was also talented at antagonizing and messing with her too. I felt guilty laughing at some of the scenes, but I just couldn’t help it lol. Plus I adored Liam! So when push came to shove, Mara got her hands dirty too. Their banter and fighting was so much fun! And I loved that they had quirky moments of peace watching The Bachlorette.

He is going to ruin me for anyone else. He is going to destroy me in each and every possible way.
“Please,” he murmurs.
I don’t really have a choice: I want to say yes, so I nod. Whatever you want, you can have, Liam.

From their first meeting I was constantly searching for clues that Liam liked Mara. Especially since we got the story only in her point of view. Yes their work was oceans apart, yes they had a strong hate vibe going on but there was also so much more simmering between them too! And when things got steamy, my heart was so happy! I would have loved to read a full length novel with these characters though. We got little snippets here, and other moments in time as the weeks go by, but I wanted to be able to see all the moments and more of their lives! Under One Roof was still a ton of fun, and I can’t wait to read the next two novellas!