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

July 30, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The final installment of the Multi-Award-Winning series.

The days of hiding are over.
The battle for supremacy is here.
The fate of the rebels is at hand.

Ava heads to South Korea to bring down the facility that manufactures the CODE army. But she can't do it alone. She'll have to trust fellow conspirators and put her life on the line.

When the South rebel leader searches for missing team members, she's captured and taken to the Korean ISAN base. There, she discovers a secret that could change the course of the war in their favor.

After the rebel mountain base is threatened, Ava has no choice but to comply with Korean ISAN demands—or end up killing everyone she loves.

Review:

AVA was a wonderful conclusion to the International Sensory Assassin Network Series! Those we love got the happily ever after we had been hoping for, but it was such a challenging journey. And I closed the book smiling with that fabulous conclusion. If you love dystopian, sci-fi, action, found family, and romance then definitely check this series out!

She had always put her people first and had promised herself never to fall in love. But the thing about love… there’s no reasoning or predicting when and why it happens. Sometimes love happens when you least expect it.

Rhett and Ava will always be my favorite! But there were other romances within this series, and we got to see where some of them led! On top of the romances, I loved watching how trust played such an important part in this story. With double agents, and those they weren’t sure they could trust, they had to learn to work together for the greater good. It was nerve wracking, yet so fun seeing how it all would unfold!

Renegades forever.

Sacrifice was another important element in this series. The threats that were forced upon them. And the situations they were put in were gut wrenching. Yet those with pure hearts and bravery in their veins stood up and did all they could to protect those that they loved and cared for. Those that they realized had become their family. It was such a powerful recurring theme within this book that I loved!

We would make a difference.

Also, we were introduced to new characters, from the Korean ISAN. Quite a few of the chapters were narrated by Hae Jin, who reminded me of Ava in certain ways. She had a boyfriend, a found family, and was desperate to get out of the clutches of ISAN. But I was never able to find that connection to her, or her team members. Regardless, she was so easy to like and I loved her fearless ways!

Sometimes wishes do come true when you blow on a dandelion.

With different teams working together for the greater good, life and death situations, and love gracing the pages, this was such a fabulous wrap up to this series. Yet, there were still things that needed to be done in the world. Other countries where ISAN needed to be brought to their knees. So, Ting skillfully set up this series to have spinoffs, which I’m sure fans will adore.

*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

BOOK REVIEWS: Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1), Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2), Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

July 24, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering. Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70's honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first…

Each book in the Gamble Brothers series is STANDALONE:
* Tempting the Best Man
* Tempting the Player
* Tempting the Bodyguard

Review:

Tempting the Best Man was a brother’s best friend, adult romance that was effortless to listen to and get lost in! Maddie and Chase made me laugh so much! Chase was trying to be the good guy and not go after his best friend’s little sister. And Maddie didn’t think that Chase ever saw her that way, even though she had wanted him forever. When they were forced together, during her brother’s wedding, the tension between them was delicious! While Chase could be his own worst enemy, Maddie just desperately wanted Chase to want her. To love her. This was a super steamy romance. Their friends and family added so much heart to this story and it was set in a beautiful winery location.

There was a delicious possessiveness in the way he kissed her, as if he were staking his claim at the same time he was burning away the memories of anyone else for her. And he did. In an instant, there was nobody but him.

Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers #2)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that's the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad's manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn't just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn't easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together…or in love.

Review:

Tempting the Player was a sports romance, fake dating that started out super steamy and hot! But when they ran into each other down the road, I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. This story will make you run the gamut of emotions. And the HEA at the end was absolutely beautiful! I couldn’t stop smiling from that first page to the last and it was even steamier than Tempting the Best Man. I listened to the audio of this book and had so much fun!

He lifted his head, and the look in his eyes did more than sear her. It caught her on fire. His hand found hers, lightly wrapping around her fingers. “I want you. I’m not going to even fuck around. I need you. Now.”

Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, J. Lynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don't protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he's caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she's at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose...

Review:

Tempting the Bodyguard was an adult romance laced with elements of suspense and had the most fabulous re-meet cute! This book was scorching hot and I didn’t want to it down! It was impossible not to fall for Chandler when he was protective. This was a he falls first story, and it had the perfect ending to the Gamble Brothers Trilogy. I loved that we also got to see the previous couples and their happily ever afters too!

He shook his head, and a moment passed before he answered, “No. We don’t protect anyone we want to fuck.”

BOOK REVIEW: The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots #2) by Tessa Bailey

July 23, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Au Pair Affair (Big Shots #2)
by Tessa Bailey
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Tallulah is smart, vivacious, and studying to be a marine biologist. She’s also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween.

Her tween charge isn’t the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to…well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the “right” thing—breaks her own heart and walks away.

Though Burgess knows it’s for the best—he’s too jaded, with too much baggage—a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah.

Review:

The Au Pair Affair was a single dad, forced proximity, age gap, adult romance. My favorite thing about this book was watching Burgess slowly start to win Tallulah over. From being his nanny, to friend, to more. I loved watching the progression of their relationship. This was a feel-good book that made me so happy!

God, this woman ruled his dick and she had absolutely no idea. Maybe allowing her to move in was unethical.

Burgess was a professional hockey player, who was definitely starting to feel his age. So, while he could be burly on the ice, he was thoughtful and sensitive when it came to his daughter and new nanny, Tallulah. His honesty and intensity were two of the things that I loved most about him. Like when he would state physically what he wanted from her eeps!

“You could say I’m old-fashioned, sure.”
“It’s very mean Daddy of you,” she whispered.
Burgess’s eyebrows shot to his hairline. It’s what?”
“Ooh.” She winced. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

Tallulah was a much-needed light in Burgess’s life. The way she interacted with his daughter and helped Burgess and her talk warmed my heart. Yet, Tallulah guarded her heart. Her past was heartbreaking and I understood why she wanted to do her thing. And not be tied down in a relationship. Yet spending more and more time around Burgess, it was impossible for her not to fall for him.

“Give me a chance to show you that you’re safe with me.”

He was her boss. She was his nanny. Yet they both wanted each other desperately. So, Burgess and Tallulah had heart quickening chemistry! The tension between them simmered and when they crossed the line into more, it was scorching hot. Also, I adored the found family within these pages. Their best friends and his hockey team, also Chloe, added so much to this story! It made me laugh when they would offer advice, I was dying!

“Is she giving you any signs?”
“She gave me a massage last night in the kitchen.”
“Then I’d say you’ve got a fucking chance, my man. Especially if it was a dick massage.”
“It was a back massage, shithead. Jesus.”

If you’re looking for a beach read or a book to get lost in, I can’t recommend giving the Big Shot Series enough of a chance. I loved the first book, about Burgess and Tallulah’s best friends. And their own story was so much fun too. I can’t wait to see whose story is next, I have a guess and my fingers are crossed!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1) by Tessa Bailey

July 23, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Fangirl Down (Big Shots #1)
by Tessa Bailey
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?

Review:

Fangirl Down was a book that was so effortless to enjoy! This grumpy sunshine, adult, steamy, sports romance was a ton of fun! With moments that were laugh out loud hilarious and you just can’t stop smiling, mixed in with cheering on your favorite characters and hiding from embarrassment, this book had it all! I absolutely adored this story!

Her honesty was oxygen.
But breathing it? That part was terrifying.

I loved being in Josephine Doyle’s head, she was such a ray of happiness. It didn’t matter how much Wells Whitaker was being gruff and grumpy, Josephine was there to cheer him on every step of the way. And have his back. When she started to prove herself, I was clapping out loud! I was so proud of Josephine! The amount that she and Whitaker grew, from that first page to the last, was so entertaining!

“I have a new caddie,” Wells settled on, attempting to banish the thought of kissing the spirited redhead. “Something about the way she speaks about golf, my game in general, that makes me think . . . she could . . .” Make me love it again. “Make a difference.”

Wells Whitaker didn’t trust, let alone seem to like anyone. Yet it was impossible for him to keep Josephine from wiggling into his world. I loved getting to watch him trust her and listen to the wisdom she passed along. And his thoughts were everything! Whitaker could be such a marshmallow inside for Josephine, and such a fabulous dirty talker too!

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t alone. He had a . . . friend.

Josephine and Whitaker together had the most pulse pounding chemistry. And their banter was so entertaining. So, when they crossed the line, it was scorching hot and so steamy *fans face*. Yet Josephine wanted to prove herself, and their struggle just added to the heart of this story. While there was a lot of fun in the pages, there were also emotional moments too. I couldn’t help but cry when Whitaker asked Josephine’s dad how to help her with something, sigh.

“I was very happy being alone until you showed up. You’ve ruined me.”
Her heart galloped in her chest. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. I love being ruined by you. Bring it the fuck on.”
He kissed Josephine hard, slanting his mouth across hers and licking deep, his fingers sliding up into her hair and fisting.

Within Fangirl Down, there were so many favorite moments, such as the fireworks, the piggyback ride, matching outfits, the kicked door and good girl. And then that epilogue was everything! I am so happy to have gotten to read this book and can’t recommend it enough!

BOOK REVIEW: Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

July 22, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When professional—and self-taught—violinist Gwen Jackson plays, she disappears into the peaks and valleys of each song, a quiet passion that never quite explodes into pure emotion. Xander Thorne is the exact opposite. A cellist and a rock star, he’s all about big emotion, but not even his six-foot-four frame can contain his skill, his genius . . . and an attitude that borders on jerkitude.

Not only did it take Xander a year to notice that he and Gwen both play in the Manhattan Pops, but he also always seems to have the perfect cutting criticism about her technique. When Gwen is offered the role of first chair of the orchestra, something Xander has secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. Yet, despite her best efforts, Gwen can’t ignore the sizzling chemistry between them.

Forced to work more closely with each other, they can’t help exploring their attraction. As they begin to compose and play songs together, it’s clear that their powerful connection could make for a performance that would blow everyone’s minds. Suddenly, they’re box office dynamite, and the fragile romance growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt.

Review:

Not Another Love Song was an adult romance with an enemies to lovers vibe. I wasn’t ever able to connect to any of the characters, and that always affects my enjoyment of stories. Yet so many other people have loved this book. If you’re looking for a story that is heavily steeped in music and has a lot of push and pull, then add this one to your tbr!

“You’ve been watching me?” he whispered, the hint of a smirk in the corner of his mouth.
She swallowed, and he tracked the movement of her throat while his teeth ran across his bottom lip.

Right from the beginning, Xander Thorne could be so rude and condescending to Gwen Jackson. Yet I loved Gwen’s tenacity and her ability to try and rise above the situation. And as the story unraveled, we saw that Xander could be a nice guy…. when he wanted to be. He had so many different sides. He not only seemed to have a lot going on under the surface, but secrets too. I was definitely intrigued by him, and Gwen couldn’t help but be too.

“Look, I don’t know what you want from me, but-”
“Anything.” Black eyes looked down on her, and he took a shaking breath. “Everything.”

Not Another Love Song had so many moments that surrounded us with music. Those scenes when Gwen and Xander would play together? The tension between them felt electric. And that was explosive when they took their working relationship to more. Xander and Gwen could be so steamy, and the reader got all the details. This love story wrapped up looking a year into the future, which will leave those wanting a HEA so happy! But for me, I felt like an outsider never being able to connect to any person or scene unfortunately. Here’s hoping you’re able to make that connection!

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