I’m not ready to be a single dad… I had my life all figured out. Hockey. A revolving door of women. No strings. No worries. Until my sister runs off with a man she’s just met and leaves my nine-year-old niece in my living room with nothing but a backpack, a stuffed snake named Leo, and a broken heart. I need help. Elle Hurst was only supposed to be in my life for one night–a curvy distraction with a big heart and a wicked sense of humor. But she’s volunteered to watch Chloe while she’s in town, and I have no choice but to let her. It can’t last. She has an expiration date, a life to get back to in Savannah, and I don’t do relationships. I know people don’t stick around no matter how much you want them to–it’s a lesson I’ve been taught my whole life. I won’t risk losing my heart…or will I?
RELEASE DATE: August 26, 2021
NEW to me author and books. I’ve had a crazy year this year so I did not remember if I requested this ARC but it showed up either way, so I gave it a try. I am glad I did, I fell in love with both the Hero & Heroine.
Tag is a single-dad but in a little bit of a different way. He is a hockey star and well his life isn’t as easy as one would think. I fell in love with the hero from the start, I can appreciate why he had his walls up because of his past but he stood no chance with Chloe. She was just so adorable, sweet, beautiful and real. Their chemistry was not only physical but just an over all, and I loved watching them dance around one another and when we got to the beautiful moment, I was swooning and blushing in the same.
Very sweet story, love the sport romance vibe & the characters.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: Standalone/Series: Book 2 in Series Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
The first time I meet Madison Shore, I’m greeted by her knickers. She’s upside down and trying to untangle herself from my chair at a wedding. I get to see a whole lot more of her later that night. The second time I meet Madison Shore is in my London office. Turns out she’s a journalist writing an article about me. To keep control of my company, I need to convince people I’m more serious about business than my playboy reputation suggests. Madison holds my future in her hands. Now I just need to convince the woman I took to bed on Saturday night that I’m not the player everyone thinks I am.
RELEASE DATE: July 27, 2021
Not my first read by the author, she is still a little new author to me so I am getting the hang of things. What I do love about Louise is her writing style so far, interesting characters and great stories!
Madison and Nathan meet during a wedding. Their connection is non-mistaken, I mean the kind you read and FEEL it. After spending time talking to one another, they spend time talking to one another in the horizontal way 😉 all night and boy was it hot! That’s it right? You would think after a one night stand or a quick fling you’d never have to see each other again. Wrong, the heroine get’s a work assignment that includes not only seeing the hero again but following him closely to be able to write the pieces asked for. She really does want to make it permanently in the company so her hands were tied in the fact that she will have to spend a lot of time now around the hero. The hero is a Billionaire CEO that agrees to the PR even knowing that this piece is more of his personal life. After all they both connected well, what can go wrong! Famous last words of anyone! I really enjoyed this book because it contained humor, yes it did have a few spots where personally I could have lived without for my personal taste but they were quick enough I was able to move on from. Their chemistry in instant again, and it made a fun fast read!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA – Personal Standalone/Series: Standalone / interconnected Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
When it comes to life’s fun and games, always know: The rules. What’s at stake. When to quit. Wise words from…well…my fortune cookie. But wise words, nonetheless. I just wish the Fortune Cookie People had considered how hard the whole “knowing when to quit” would be to carry out when a woman like me is gambling with her feelings. Heart-palpitating, vageen-tingling, butterflies-in-my-belly feelings for a noncommittal, hot-as-sin player by the name of Jude Winslow. After a crazy night where we were both pretending to be someone else, I’ve found myself immersed in the fun of the fling. The thrill. The irresistible charm. The pleasure of being with a man like him. Problem is, I’m positive he’s the exact opposite of husband material, and that is a serious issue for someone who is fixated on finding her happily ever after. I know the rules and I know the stakes, oh wise Fortune Cookie. Now I’d just like to know how close to self-destruction I have to get before I find the will to quit Jude Winslow.
Goodness knows, when your heart is on the line, you can’t ante up your bet with an IOU.
RELEASE DATE: July 17, 2021
“To the Girl Scouts: We’re sorry. To orgasms: Holy moly, you showed up for this book. Not even Savannah Cummings (IYKYK) knows what to do with this many of you.”
Not my first read by the author but they are a fairly still new to me author I am figuring out the tone of.
Jude and Sophie couldn’t be more different. Where the hero is a laid back love living life and Sophie is more the I need a plan and organization type, it was so much fun to watch them come together. I think the hero here really tries to show the heroine how to live a little but in the process gets cough up in all that is Sophie. Let’s not forget that this may have be a lighter read and fun, it was full of deep emotion. The side characters were a great addition to the story and I will be reading more in this series for sure! p.s. this is not a warning but it THESE TWO STEAM UP your glasses if you know what I mean! Be warned 😉
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 1 in Series Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑
I’m spitting mad when my I get a call from my old landlord saying I owe back rent because my ex stopped paying when I moved out. Wanting to remove him from my life, I had deleted his number completely from my phone. So imagine my surprise when the text I send giving him a piece of my mind is accidentally sent to the wrong number. When my phone rings, I hear a voice on the other end of the line sounding absolutely nothing like my ex. It’s deep, sexy and, the best part, he’s a lawyer who wants to help my cause. Sebastian is handsome, witty and loyal, which is everything my ex wasn’t. Our relationship goes much further than business. I think I’ve met the man of my dreams, but when an ex of his comes back with baby news, all future plans come to a screeching halt. He wants to be a dad, and he wants me too. I want to be there for him, but when I uncover a secret that could ruin it all I don’t know how to tell him that everything he’s excited about might not be what it seems. Sebastian is the man of my dreams so how can I be the one to smash his?
RELEASE DATE: July 25, 2021
NOT my first read by the ladies and I also have read some of the previous books in this series.
This one has me all up in every emotion. In the beginning I was really SWOONING off my feet and then the ex and baby news hit and it was a little uncomfortable because I knew where the heroine was coming from but then I don’t know my hopeless romantic heart was super sad about what had happened during that time. That said, I will also say that the baby-mama was a mystery to me, at first I was okay with it because of what the hero had said and then the heroine met her and I was instantly like “what just happened” but then it went back so her, yeah I am not so sure about her during the whole book. This one contains some secrets and mystery I didn’t see coming but once it occurred I was not sure how I felt about it.
The hero and heroine meet when Amy texted Sebastian thinking it her was ex. I was really into both of them at the beginning I mean I was SWOONED off my feet yes, and I had a feeling set. When the whole ex who’s now a baby-mama came into play, things shifted with my own feelings as well as the H & H. I was on the edge the whole time waiting for the shoe to drop, and boy was I not ready. Although their romance was sweet and rapid, I was most definitely on the edge the whole book. I loved to see the whole dynamic, the side characters, the drama, the heartbreak and love. Loyal lawyer really stood up to his name!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Interconnected Series Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑
Jett Olsson isn’t looking for anything serious and she’s not looking for anything at all, so why does it seem so hard to keep it professional? I love my life—the thrill of being on the ice as part of the Arizona Vengeance, the rush of winning, the adoration of the fans. And if that adoration means I don’t have to spend the night alone, well even better. I’m content being single and always ready to mingle. But the day Emory Holland walks into a Vengeance team meeting my attention is caught like never before. I can tell right away she’s full of smarts and sass, and the fact that she’s hot as hell sure doesn’t hurt either. She immediately shuts down my advances, so I opt for the road less traveled—straight to the friend zone. My approach works like a charm, and when she invites me into her bed for a no-strings, friends-with-benefits arrangement, I vow to give her everything I have. She’s been hurt before, and if I’m able to help her heal while giving her a spectacularly satisfying time *pats self on back*,then I’ll be happy. Or at least that’s the lie I keep telling myself as the time ticks down on the final buzzer of our “relationship”. Now the real question is, can I score the winning goal in a game neither of us realized we were playing?
RELEASE DATE: July 20, 2021
Not my first read by the author, I’ve been a long time fan and have read a lot of the books in the series already!
This was a very sweet one from the start. This book contains a lot of heart, truth, parenting, love and trust. The heroine is a single-mom with a shaky past because of her ex husband. The hero is a single and loving it hockey star, not a playboy per say but also not a choir boy. There is no OW involved which I was happy about. They both meet because of work and when The Hero tries to score a date with the heroine, he gets shot down. But the hero doesn’t give up and I am so glad he didn’t. In this i can definitely say I loved the hero the most and the heroines little daughter, and maybe her sister also. The heroine was a bit here and there, understandably of course, but she was too sweet in all and so strong after what she went through with the ex. When a hockey star who is loving his life being single meets the single-mom who also doesn’t want complicated but then love doesn’t always work in order. Loved watching these two together and the main reason it got a 4.5 stars is the NO EPILOGUE just a personal thing for me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 10 in Series Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑
Before I even met Donovan Decker, I knew his shoe size. You see, I’d gone away for a few days, and in my haste to get out of the airport, I’d grabbed the wrong suitcase. After checking out the expensive footwear and tailored clothes, I dialed the number on the luggage tag hoping maybe Mister Big Spender might have my bag. A deep, velvety voice answered, and as luck would have it, he had my suitcase, too. Donovan and I met at a coffee shop to do the exchange. Turned out, it wasn’t just his voice that was sexy. The man holding my luggage was absolutely gorgeous, and we had an immediate spark. He got me to admit that I’d snooped in his bag and then convinced me to make it up to him by letting him buy me coffee. Coffee led to dinner, dinner led to dessert, and dessert led to spending an entire weekend together. Donovan wasn’t just handsome with a panty-dropping voice. He was also funny, smart, and surprisingly down to earth for a man who wore seven-hundred-dollar shoes. Did I mention he also did my laundry while I slept? Definitely too good to be true. So what did I do to repay him for his kindness? I waited until he was in the shower, then ghosted him. My life was too complicated for such a great guy. In the months that passed, I thought about Donovan often. But New York City had eight million people, so what were the chances I’d run into him? Then again, what were the chances I’d run into him a year later…when I’d just started dating his boss?
RELEASE DATE: July 12, 2021
Not my first read by the author and well I have read enough to know her style and also have been pre-warned about my ‘personal dislikes’ which I always appreciate so I am prepared and ready. This one was as always just love the H&H in everything Vi writes, somehow they just seem so real, honest and just real! So this one was a cute one when the heroine grabs the wrong luggage and the person holding hers in none other than a handsome man that well, things progressed rather fast as well as the exit.
Autumn is very closed off for reasons but she was very 50/50 to me because of it, I didn’t feel the “love” if you will from her for a long time. It felt more that Donovan was the one chasing a hopeless chase if that makes any sense. It took me a little to get warmed up to it all but deep down this had a deeper meaning and it was beautiful. Donovan I want to say is a favorite hero because he really was caring, loving, sweet, sexy and hard-working! This is a long time friendship turn love and even though it contained my dislikes as in the heroine really dating but not wanting a relationship but not wanting to date Donovan but at the same time wanting to be with him because of what she feels. It was hard for me to get over that part but once I did it turned beautiful. The sweetest HEA!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: Personal (H or H dating other character) Standalone/Series: Standalone Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
CHAPTER 1 Autumn I’m definitely getting too old for this. I tossed a pile of mail on the couch and plopped down beside it. It was barely six o’clock, and I wouldn’t have minded climbing into bed and calling it a day. I needed a vacation from my four-day mini vacation. Thank goodness I’d scheduled myself a weekend to recover. My girls’ trip/early bachelorette party in Vegas for my friend Anna—the one where we were all going to relax by the pool and get spa treatments—had turned into all-night clubbing and almost missing my flight home earlier today because I’d overslept. It had definitely been a while since I drank more than two glasses of wine in the span of a week, and I was feeling my ripe old age of twenty-eight before the sun had even set this Friday night. Thank God I didn’t have to work tomorrow. I briefly considered going the hair-of-the-dog route and sucking back a vodka cran while zoning out on Netflix, but then my phone rang, crashing me back to reality. Ugh… Dad flashed on the screen. I should’ve just gotten it over with and spoken to him, but I didn’t have the energy. Nonetheless, allowing myself to avoid the stress speaking to my father would inevitably cause reminded me of the other thing I needed to do that I’d been avoiding all afternoon. Laundry. One of my least-favorite tasks—mostly because it required me to sit downstairs in my building’s dingy basement laundry room. Up until a few months ago, I would start my laundry and come back forty-five minutes later to make the switch to the dryer. But that practice had come to a halt after one of my loads went missing—an entire load of wet bras and underwear. Who the hell stole wet clothes? At least nab dry ones. Nevertheless, it was an expensive lesson, and now I didn’t leave the basement until my clothes were washed and dried. Sighing, I begrudgingly went to the bedroom, where my suitcase still sat on the bed, and unzipped it. I’d packed a linen skirt on top that I hadn’t wound up wearing, and I figured I’d hang it in the bathroom and hope the wrinkles worked themselves out over the course of a couple of steamy showers. I hated ironing almost as much as I hated doing laundry downstairs. But when I flipped open the top of the suitcase, my linen skirt wasn’t on top. At first I thought my bag must’ve been selected for search, and things hadn’t been put back in order… Though the wingtip shoe I lifted was most definitely not mine. Shit. I rummaged through the suitcase in a panic. Slacks, running clothes, a men’s dress shirt… A sickening feeling washed over me, and I scrambled to look at the luggage tag. I’d never filled out the identification card inside, but the leather had my initials embossed on the outside. And this one…had no initials. Crap. Crap. Crap. I’d grabbed the wrong bag off the luggage carousel. I started to sweat. All of my makeup was in that bag! Not to mention a week’s worth of my best outfits and shoes. I needed to get it back. Rushing to the kitchen, I grabbed my cell from the charger on the counter and Googled the number for the airline. After wading through a half-dozen prompts, I reached a recording. “Thank you for calling American Airlines. Due to unprecedented call volume, your estimated wait time is approximately forty-one minutes.” Forty-one minutes! I blew out a rush of air. Great. Just great. In the meantime, while I waited on hold on speakerphone, listening to staticky music, it hit me that whoever’s luggage I had might very well have mine. I hadn’t even checked the luggage tag to see if, unlike mine, the identification information was filled in. I zipped back down the hall to my bedroom. Bingo! Donovan Decker—kind of a cool name. And he lived here in the city! Thankfully, Donovan even had his phone number listed. It couldn’t be that easy, could it? I doubted it, but considering I still had forty minutes before I could speak to someone at the airline, I wasn’t losing much for trying. So I swiped to end my call. I started to punch in the numbers on the tag, and then decided to hit *67 first to make my number private. With my luck, the guy wouldn’t have my luggage, but he’d be a total creeper. I was caught off guard when a man’s deep voice answered on the first ring. I hadn’t yet figured out what I was going to say. “Uhhh. Hi. My name is Autumn, and I think I might have your luggage.” “That was quick. I just hung up with you guys two minutes ago.” He must’ve thought I was calling from the airline. “Oh, no. I don’t work for American. I traveled home this morning and must’ve grabbed the wrong bag at JFK.” “What are your initials?” “My initials?” “Yeah, you know, the first letter of your first name and the first letter of your last name.” I rolled my eyes. “I know what initials are. I just don’t understand why you would ask—Oh! Does that mean you have my luggage? I have my initials embossed on the luggage tag.” “That depends on what your initials are, Autumn. The first letter matches.” “My initials are AW.” “Well, then it seems you are indeed the thief who clipped my luggage.” Sure, I hadn’t checked my luggage tag, but it offended me that he was calling me a thief. “Wouldn’t we both be thieves? Since you’re in possession of my luggage?” “I only took yours because it was the last one left rotating around the carousel. You see, unlike you, I checked the luggage tag the first time it passed, and when I saw it wasn’t mine, I left it for the rightful owner to claim. But the line at baggage customer service was twenty deep, and I had a meeting I was already late for. So I took the one I have hostage until the airline could sort it out.” My shoulders slumped. “Oh. Sorry.” “It’s fine. Are you here in the City?” “I am. Could we possibly meet to swap bags?” “Sure. When and where? I’m out now, but I’ll be back in an hour or two.” The tag had an address on the Upper East Side, but I lived on the West Side, farther downtown. “Could we meet at the Starbucks on 80th and Lex?” That was closer to him, but at least I’d only have to drag the suitcase onto one subway. “I can’t think of any excuse not to. What time?” That was sort of a weird way to phrase a yes, and the way he emphasized the word excuse seemed odd. But hey, I was getting my bag back. So what if he turned out to be a little strange? At least I’d hidden my phone number, and we were meeting in a public place. “How about eight?” “I’ll see you then.” It sounded like he was about to hang up. “Wait…” I said. “How will I know it’s you?” “I’ll be the one holding your luggage, Autumn W.” I chuckled. “Oh, yeah. Sorry…long week in Vegas.” I bent and lifted the shoe from the top of the bag. Ferragamo. Expensive. And big, too. A quick peek revealed it was a size thirteen. The inner teenager in me couldn’t help but think big feet, big…. Plus, the guy had a deep, sexy voice. I would definitely be exploring more of the dude’s luggage after we hung up. “I’ll meet you at eight,” he said. “See you then.” I was just about to swipe my phone off when something hit me. Oh God! “Hello? Wait…are you still there?” It took a heartbeat or two, but the sexy voice came back on the line. “What’s up?” “Ummm… Did you…open my bag?” “I unzipped it at the airport to make sure it wasn’t mine when I noticed the luggage tag initials.” “Did you…see anything?” “There was a pink thong on top, so that pretty much sealed the deal that it didn’t belong to me. But I didn’t rummage through, if that’s what you’re asking.” I forgot I’d shoved that thong in at the last minute. It had been at the back of a drawer when I’d checked the hotel room one last time on my way out. But I’d take him seeing my underwear over the other stuff inside my bag. I blew out a sigh of relief. “Okay, that’s great. Thank you. I’ll see you at eight at Starbucks.” “Whoa. Hang on a second—not so fast. You sounded pretty nervous that I might’ve gone through your bag. Are you hiding something sinister in there? I’m not going to be walking around with a suitcase full of drugs or something, am I?” I cracked a smile. “No, definitely not. I just…I’d prefer if you didn’t go through it.” “Did you rummage through mine?” I glanced at the shoe in my hand. Taking out one measly piece of footwear wouldn’t be considered rummaging, right? Nah. “No, I didn’t.” “Are you planning on it?” he asked. I had no idea what the man looked like, yet I could tell by his voice that he was smiling now. “Nope,” I lied. “Alright. Then we have a deal. I won’t go through your bag, and you won’t go through mine.” “Okay. Thank you.” “Do I have your word on that, Autumn W? I might have some things I’d prefer you didn’t see in there.” “Like what?” He chuckled. “See you at eight.” After we hung up, I tossed the shoe back into the suitcase and bent to close it. But as I reached for the zipper, my curiosity got the best of me. Was he just screwing with me, or did he really have something in here he didn’t want me to see? Of course, I knew what I had in mine, which made me extra curious. I shook my head and started to pull the zipper closed. About halfway, I laughed out loud. Who was I kidding? Now that I didn’t have laundry to do, I had almost a full two hours to kill before I met Mr. Bigfoot. This suitcase would taunt me all that time. I’d most certainly give in eventually, so why not put myself out of that misery and just take a little look-see inside now? Then I’d be able to relax. He’d never know I hadn’t lived up to my end of the bargain. Not to mention, for all I knew, he was elbow deep in my suitcase right now. In that case, it would only be fair that I got to go through his, right? I nibbled my lip for a few seconds as a wave of guilt washed over me. But I quickly forced that out of my mind. Of course I’m right. Feeling justified now, I unzipped the suitcase and took a minute to mentally note how everything was packed: a white dress shirt was folded on top, and two shoes were set on either side, heels facing up. I carefully unpacked those and placed them on the bed next to the suitcase in the same order. The next layer had more folded clothes: two expensive dress shirts, a pair of sweats, boxer briefs, and a few T-shirts, one of which had something emblazoned on the front—familiar lettering that began HA—so I unfolded it to see what it said. Harvard Law. Ugh. One of those. No wonder he could afford Ferragamo shoes. Underneath the pile of clothes was a white laundry bag—the kind a hotel gives you to put your dry cleaning in, but most people used it to separate their dirty clothes. With no desire to sort through smelly socks, I started to fold the clothes back into the suitcase, feeling a twinge of disappointment. But when I smoothed out the layers of the pile, I felt something lumpy and hard underneath in the plastic laundry bag. So I took the clothes back out and looked inside, hoping to find…I’m not sure what. Though what I found was definitely not what I expected. The bag was filled with at least twenty or thirty of those little shampoo bottles hotels give out. Actually, a closer inspection revealed some were conditioner and a few were moisturizer. Buried on the very bottom were also three little sewing kits and half-a-dozen toothbrushes wrapped in plastic—the kind you could get at the front desk of a hotel when you forgot yours. What the heck had Mr. Bigfoot done? Rob a housekeeping cart? This kind of stuff, though a lesser quantity, is what you’d usually find in my suitcase since I was broke all the time. But it wasn’t the type of thing you’d expect in the suitcase of a man who had gone to Harvard and wore seven-hundred-dollar dress shoes. Now I was even more curious to meet Donovan Decker.
***
I arrived at Starbucks almost twenty minutes early, so I went online to treat myself to a flat white with honey almond milk. Even ordering it had me salivating, thinking about the sweet, creamy drink. Expensive coffee was my indulgence, but it didn’t happen too often with the five-dollar price tag and my skimpy budget. I stood at the end of the counter, waiting for my drink and mindlessly scrolling on my phone, when a man walking through the front door caught my attention. Oh, wow. Now that was one good-looking man. Describing him as merely tall, dark, and handsome didn’t cut it, not by a mile. Jet-black hair framed a magnificent face with a chiseled, masculine bone structure, full lips, and a Romanesque nose. I wasn’t the only one to notice, either. I watched as the Adonis took a step back outside to hold the door open for a woman exiting the store, and the poor lady caught one glimpse of him and literally tripped over her own feet. Seemingly oblivious that he’d caused the incident, he extended a hand to help her up, flashed a killer smile, and strolled inside. His bright blue eyes scanned the room, stopping right on my ogling ones. Embarrassed at being caught, I quickly diverted my attention back to my phone. A few seconds later, I was still pretending to be enraptured by my screen when footsteps came to a halt in front of me. I glanced up and blinked a few times. The guy from the door flashed a crooked smile. “Were you able to control yourself?” My forehead wrinkled. “Excuse me?” His eyes danced with mirth, and his voice lowered. “I bet you couldn’t.” I stared at him for an awkward moment before finally shaking my head. “What on Earth are you talking about?” The man’s brows furrowed. “We made a deal, remember? I wouldn’t go through yours, if you didn’t touch mine?” I’d watched the man walk in, stood right in front of him staring for at least a solid minute, and it took until now for me to notice he had something in his hand. “Oh my God. You have my suitcase!” He laughed but still looked perplexed. “What did you think I was talking about?” “I…I don’t know. I was thoroughly confused.” “I thought you saw me walk in.” I did. But I hadn’t made it past your face. “No, I hadn’t noticed. Sorry. I guess I was just zoning out.” The barista behind the counter yelled my name. I was glad for an excuse to put some distance between this guy and me. I needed a moment to gather my wits. Though when I returned, I still felt a little off-kilter. “Thank you for meeting me to swap suitcases,” I said. “I’m really sorry I took the wrong one.” “No problem.” I rolled his case forward and released the handle. But the Adonis didn’t do the same. In fact, he pulled my bag closer to his side. “Before we switch…” He tilted his head and studied my face. “I’m curious to know if you kept your word.” I mimicked his pose and tilted my head. “What if I say I didn’t?” “Well, then you’d have to pay a penalty for violating the terms of our deal.” I raised a brow, intrigued. “A penalty?” He nodded. “That’s right. There’s a penalty.” I laughed as I lifted my coffee for a sip. “I just got back from a girls’ weekend in Vegas. Pretty sure this overpriced drink just used up the last five dollars in my bank account.” “I wasn’t referring to a monetary penalty.” “What kind of a penalty, then?” He stroked the stubble on his chin for a moment. “You’d have to have coffee with me.” Did this guy really think that would be a hardship? I debated how to answer. If I told the truth, it would be embarrassing. I mean, I went through the man’s personal belongings. But the flipside was I’d get to check him out some more over coffee. Then again, I’d be agreeing to spend time with a complete stranger. Though…whenever I met a guy online, I usually met him at a coffeehouse, and I probably knew more about this guy after going through his suitcase than I would from an online chat. Not to mention, none of my online dates had looked like Donovan Decker lately. In fact, none had made it further than coffee in a while. Adonis had been watching my face as I debated my answer. His smirk made me think he already knew I’d checked out his bag. So, what the hell? I stood tall and met his stare. “Was the lady from housekeeping harmed in the robbery?” His eyes narrowed for a heartbeat, but then a giant smile spread across his face. He held his hand out toward the seating area. “After you, Autumn W.”
Jasper The kitchen: it’s my domain, where I create the best burgers in the Midwest. I’m the man behind the grill at Burgers and Brew, the restaurant and bar I co-own with my best friends. Every night, we’re packed, the demand has never been this high. It’s the only way I want it, thriving and pushing myself to be the very best. Then she started her new business across the street from mine. The one woman who always got under my skin, who pushed me to be better. Lyndee was my biggest rival in school and my biggest regret. Now, she’s in town, and as much as I try, I just can’t stay away. I want her. Lyndee A new start: that’s what Stewart Grove means for me and my brother. He’s the one who pushed me to take the chance on opening my own bakery. I am ready for the long hours, the grueling schedule, and the hard work it will take to be successful. I wasn’t at all prepared to come face-to-face with the man across the street. An almost kiss in college with the world’s most infuriating man has haunted me for the last decade. Now Jasper’s here, and I don’t think I can resist him. Things are about to heat up in and out of the kitchen. I just pray I don’t get burned.
RELEASE DATE: June 29, 2021
Not my first read by the author and I have read a lot of her books including Book 1 in this series. Now Jasper & Lyndee I was kind of prepared for. In book one I kind of got an idea about Jasper and I was nervous. I was right to be nervous a bit because even though Book 1 made it on my TOP 2021 must read list, this one would have had it not contained a personal dislike I absolutely dislike in a enemy-to hero being the play boy type. I really could have lived without Bimbo Barbie in the beginning, even thought thankfully that ended on a good note. It kind of made me cautious throughout the rest of the book. That’s about the only hang up I had with this book. And again this is just a personal dislike and feeling, I really loved Book 1 and was actually excited for more in the series. Now the rest of them, well that will be a question not going to lie because one is hung up on a woman that strings him along and no good for him and the other is a play boy with a capital P! So it will be interesting to see how the rest of the series plays out. I also want to thank GIVEMEBOOKS PR for being amazing and still handing me a ARC after signing up so late! (Yes, my stupid do-do head must have missed the sign up while I was away in Europe for almost a month.
Jasper is the typical play boy, broody, rough and an asshole. But for a reason, he is really working hard at keeping this business he built with his buddies the best it can be. He may be a rough Chef but an excellent one at that…eeeeven if his employees keep quitting at times and stay away from him because of his attitude. All in good conscious really, I thought he was just very hard working. His love life consists of sharing a night with a woman and that being it, like I said typical playboy. Never promises anything but also doesn’t lead on. Now the heroine Lyndee is really sweet and well just super sweet. She was dealt a bad hand in life but makes the best out of it. With a brother with special needs who isn’t such a little brother anymore at the age of 28 she moves with him to peruse her life dream. Owning a bakery, that happens to be right across from Jasper’s Bar. Not knowing who even owns is Jasper storms in to demand what her plan is, yes these two indeed know each other but it’s been a decade and from culinary school Jasper thinks Lyn hasn’t changed much just got more beautiful. But these two budded heads and I believe that was their foreplay haha the fun part was when Jasper kept getting more broody. When the dust settles if you will, they truly do have an amazing chemistry and it was so much fun to watch them come together. You get glimpses of Book 1 hero and heroine and the other characters that are getting their books.
Everything flowed so well, and again minus my hang-up I really enjoyed the story and was so happy to get a happy ending for this broody AF hero that got taken down by a tiny pixy woman who bakes her heart out!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 2 in Series Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
This is the story of a man falling in love with a woman. A man that was supposed to be a role model, and a woman that was just barely twenty-one. A man who should’ve known better, and a woman that didn’t know that she was destroying his career word by word, innocent touch by innocent touch, smile by smile, until it had already imploded. The world collapses around Absinthe ‘Sin’ Solomon, and the only thing he can do is try not to take her down with him. The moment the inevitable happens, and the gavel bangs signaling that he will spend the next nine years in prison for attempted murder, Sin tries to let go. But Blaise Mackenzie has never, not ever, been one to give up without a fight. Her military career might be over, but her career as a prison guard is just about to get started. And her favorite prisoner? A pissed-off older man, a drill sergeant dishonorably discharged from the Army that tells himself daily that the new ‘Kitty Kitty’ female prison guard is not for him. After following him around for years, watching over him from afar in any way she can, Sin is released early. And the first person that he’s going to see? A stubborn little blonde-headed female that should’ve known better than to trust a man like him.
RELEASE DATE: June 29, 2021
Not my first read by the author and I have read all the books in the series. And unfort this one was not my taste. It was still a great read because I love the uniqueness that Lani brings to books and the characters but just wasn’t fully for me. But that does not mean it’s not for you!
This series alone if you’ve read any of them is unique and fun! It revolves around the hero’s doing time, different reasons and so forth. This one was unique because it involved a hero that actually rescued the heroine but paid the price. But not without having to always see her. Yes that’s where the fun really begins. To be honest I would too if I had someone rescue me from what had almost occurred. They truly did have a bond that neither could explain but it was beautiful and sweet and very real! They encounter a few hick up’s and some surprises but after all end up only getting stronger…that’s until another incident that shakes them both almost breaks it all apart! Again if this is your first read, it’s worth the full read and I enjoyed the whole process, characters, story line and actions! This is more on the action side of what happens rather than romance, there is heat in there but it’s more raw and real and fast! I am looking forward to the next!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 5 Series Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑
There’s a reason they name storms after people. Liam’s sister calls, begging him to come home. He hasn’t been home in six years, but with things starting to unravel, he feels he has no choice but to face his demons. Missing his connecting flight, a hurricane raging, and the hotels full, he’s stuck at the airport. Taking a woman’s offer to share a hotel room is the least of his problems, or so he thinks. Sometimes, the right person shows up, only to leave. Liam never understood the thrill of chasing storms, until he found one in Emma. Despite him wanting to go after her, the only way to save his future is to fix his past. Will he catch up to her before his past does?
RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2021
BRAND NEW to me author. He reached out regarding a honest review and after reviewing the blurb and asking a few questions I was very interested in reading. So glad I gave this a chance, it was something different for me and my normal reads but in a good way.
It is more of a suspense-romance which are my favorite and this contained a good amount and more. Liam Marone the hero is a very interesting but normal guy, he works, he has friends, does all the normal things a man would….but somehow he is very interesting, like the fact that he keeps a gun next to his bed and his paranoia is in the high percentage. When he gets a call from his twin-sister, he is on the first flight out back to LA to help with their mother. Emma Christine Baker the heroine is a event-planner and flying home for her brother’s wedding and happens to be in the same airport at the same time. I was a little 50/50 on Emma and Liam’s meeting and attraction, Emma was not his type, even though he was physically attracted still to her, not sure how I felt about all that part. That said, when Liam misses his flight and there is a huge upcoming storm, Liam is stranded and runs into Emma again…that’s when things get interesting because she offers to share her hotel room (there were none available anymore) and they spend 3 days holed in the room. They really get to know each other and more, but on the 4th day Liam wakes up alone with just a note from Emma. But the questions is, is Liam ready to go after her? Ready to peruse anything with a woman? That’s where you find out and more.
This was a very well written book, I say that because not many times can I click with the writing style no matter how good the story is. This kept me engaged and transitions were very smooth so I enjoyed just reading, simple as that. The characters are complex enough to where you want to know more about them. The chemistry between h&h is different but good, and their adventure together is equally to their own lives that you get a glimpse of. Again, I am glad I gave this a chance and it also so happens to be my first male author (in a very very long time) that I have read and enjoyed. Thank you Nathan!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Standalone Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑
One night changed an entire town. And it wrecked my life. It was built with secrets. Secrets I kept from nearly everyone. Things no one would expect from the sweet, smiling girl with a flower shop. Besides my family, there wasn’t a person in this town that knew what I’d been hiding. I’d kept it locked away safely since the fire. I never expected to be faced with my shame, to have my darkness exposed in the light of day. I never thought Colt, the man who invaded too many of my thoughts, would be the one to bring it crashing down. He asked too many questions and saw straight through me, down to my soul. He unravelled me with one smoldering look. That’s all it took for my carefully guarded world to begin to crumble. When everything begins spinning into chaos, Colt promises to be there. I want to believe him. I want to get lost in his strong embrace, but I know I don’t deserve him. And he deserves more than all my fractured pieces. I should have known all along that keeping secrets would burn down my entire world.
RELEASE DATE: April 27, 2021
Not my first time reading the author. I have read about all of her books and I have been invested in this series, very seriously hehe. So I was a little skeptical of this one because I knew who the heroine is and well, sadly it just did not click with me. I don’t know what it was exactly about the heroine but over-all I just could not connect with her. As you know if you’ve read any of my reviews, I am a emotional reader and I really invest myself into the characters and even though this story broke me, I think it was the lingering of the past that really just didn’t sit with me. At one point I understand and at another to me it was prolonged too long and the H&H’s relationship status for a while (that broke me most because to me it seemed like the hero was begging the heroine and she just couldn’t make up her mind). This is a very emotional story on both the heroine and hero, so grab some tissue it will sting the heart a bit! The reason this book for a 4.5 instead of a 4 is because I love Emma’s writing and I have read every book in this series and loved them, so I know this was just more my personal preferences.
A little about the book: Makenna Clarke is now a woman that has a LONG and painful past. Not one just many, and so far she has been able to live under the radar all until one afternoon when Colt the hero shows up at her door with someone. It all changes from there, Colt knows part of her secret but there is more. Colt is a man that himself has a difficult past because he also lost something close to his heart. His flying under radar was a lot easier but still painful to live with on a daily base. Living in a small town, having the same friends group, after all Colt is Kenna’s best friends older brother and they could never go there, can they? With all of the secrets threatening to come out, difunctional family problems and the secret relationship…H&H we not ready when it all hit the fan. But the real question is, will Kenna let herself love and will Colt want to hang on until?
I won’t get into too much because there is a lot of parts to this book, a lot of secrets, threats, messed up family, tears, pain, laughter, friendship, sexy as sin police officers that are there for you no matter what. I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED the hero Colt, I mean he was everything I would want from a man even half broken. So SWOONY!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 4 in Series Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
Charity I’m in trouble. Big trouble. Not that I should be surprised. My entire life has been one huge misfortune. I have nothing and no one. But then . . . Finn comes along. Gorgeous, stubborn, and infuriating. And he can’t seem to leave me alone. Finn Life hasn’t been a picnic. But finally, I had it all figured out. But then . . . Charity comes crashing into my life. Beautiful, unwavering, and aggravating. And I can’t let her go.
RELEASE DATE: April 22, 2021
NEW to me author and books.
This was rather quiet emotional, I was not expecting that. Charity was an amazing heroine, and I loved everything about her. The hero Finn was equally loved but what I enjoyed the most is them together. Two broken people coming together, and it was very beautiful…a hard road but beautiful. The story goes from the heroine needing help, to the hero not being sure what to do with her, to the hero being very protective over the heroine. And they take a adventure that’s filled with angst, romance, sweet, beautiful and hard moments!
I am so glad I gave this a chance, will be reading more by the author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Standalone Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑
When chef Abby de Messiéres returns to Silver Island with her sister to get their late mother’s affairs in order, she expected to inherit her mother’s bistro along with their childhood home, not to discover a half sister they never knew existed, and a handsome vacationer camped out on her mother’s patio. Workaholic Aiden Aldridge has been sent to Silver Island on a work-free vacation, armed with a “Let Loose List,” and ordered to get a life by the much-younger sister he raised after the death of their parents. After years of focusing on his sister’s well-being, he’s blindsided by his intense attraction to the gorgeous, free-spirited Abby. Aiden might not know much about chilling out, but he’s excellent at striking deals. He helps Abby with the restaurant in exchange for her help in tackling the items on his list. Sparks fly as Aiden and Abby work, and play, side by side. Intimate conversations lead to steamy kisses and undeniable passion. But there’s more to Aiden then Abby knows, and when the truth comes out, their new romance is put to the test, as the two find out if true love really can conquer all.
RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2021
My heart is racing. I nearly kissed a man I barely know– and I wish I had kissed him because now it’ll be all I’ll think about.
-Abby
MF is one of my TOP authors (I’ve read her first and before all the hoopla, she is a top FAV) So to say when I saw this beauty in the mail of a paperback I about screamed! I couldn’t wait to dive into something NEW from Melissa! This something NEW happens to be interacted and well if you remember Remi from THIS IS LOVE well this book is Aiden’s story, the brother! And the heroine Abby comes from a mention in TEMPTED BY LOVE she and her sister and mother were mentioned there. So NEW but also familiar since you do get the characters you’ve heard of and love.
To me this book was a little more Woman’s Fiction okay it’s on the boarder, I don’t mind it it’s not my favorite to read but with that said this does come with a heavy doze of details which picturing it in your head is magical, but it did linger on for too long on certain areas which caused me to read a little faster to pass it. That said, that’s my only hang up with this book the rest of it I enjoyed because Aiden was the perfect hero and Abby even though she was the sweet, positive woman she had spunk to her. Their story flowed so naturally and beautifully, the side characters that are presented are there very much (I say that because this is also where it starts feeling a little more woman’s fiction reads) but it was beautiful in the end, I am glad that Aiden got his happy ending I know I always wondered if he would get a book after reading his sister’s. There were a lot of characters presented and I am looking forward to seeing who is next to get their story in this NEW series!
A little about the book: Aiden is a man that works hard and works harder. Having come from the past and losing his parents so young, taking care of his sister, he is in the professional aiden mode and doesn’t know he needs to get out of it. His sister Remi decides to pick a place for him to take a month off and make him a list of things to do WITH proof, yes to send photos to her that he in deed is doing them. But there is a twist, even though Aiden is on vacation he can’t seem to help and let the professional one peak out. Abby took a run one day after a frustrating meeting and encounter with her sister, only to run into a man who was sitting at her mother’s place, just eating breakfast in his fancy outfit, watching the beach. She is confused as to why anyone would be there since the place is closed down, after all she is there with her sister because their mother passed and they needed to figure out what to do with everything. Their encounter is sweet, funny, romantic and cute! These two strike up a convo and it all goes from there.
Aiden and Abby are truly a magical H&H I loved everything about them together, their dates, their kisses, their love making…it was all so natural and fit so well together. I won’t spoil too much but will say that sometimes things aren’t as they seem and when push comes to shove you really need to remember the good times. If you are looking for some fun in the sand, romance, swooning through the roof and passion…this is for you!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 1 in Series Type: All Tags on top of this page! Recommended: ☑
Finding a good roommate through a classified ad isn’t as easy as it sounds. I was starting to lose hope. Until a knock at my door came and God answered my prayers. Except…uh…wrong prayer, God. I’d definitely requested the big guy find me a drop-dead gorgeous man on more than one occasion…just not as my roommate. Declan Tate talked me into interviewing him anyway. While he was amusing and charismatic, I wouldn’t have been comfortable living with a man, so I regretfully declined. Then cupcakes showed up at my door—freshly baked by Declan and just as sinfully delicious as he was. You could say he was persistent. I eventually folded. It wasn’t like I had another viable candidate anyway. Plus, I was interested in someone else. And Declan was into another woman. So it wasn’t like anything would happen romantically. After he moved in, the two of us became the best of friends. We even started to give each other advice on getting our crushes to notice us. Eventually, Declan concocted an idea: we should pretend to be a couple to make our love interests jealous. I was hesitant, but went along with it anyway. To my utter shock, his crazy plan worked. Now I was dating the supposed man of my dreams, and my best friend had the woman of his. But there was one problem. I couldn’t stop thinking about Declan. Those feelings we were trying to fake? Yeah…I wasn’t pretending anymore.
RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2021
Not my first read by the ladies, and YES I have read all of their books and by now I think everyone knows these ladies only do standalones. I will start off by saying that just because THIS ONE wasn’t fully my jam doesn’t and won’t stop me from reading more by them. As everyone knows not every book is for everyone. That said, I will say that the reason it wasn’t so much for me is for my personal triggers and style I like. I am not a fan of the H or H kissing/dating/sleeping/or being in love with another character…it’s a turn off for me and just how it is. This book did kill me in the end, my emotions were played well and even though there were hick up’s on my end, I really LOVED these two together. Once it was all there, I just fell more and more in love with them. Be prepared and have tissue handy, as always we get an EMOTIONAL ride from these ladies, part of why I love their books. And one big thing I can always appreciate from the ladies is quality words and writing!
Little about book: Declan and Molly are in a forced proximity, not that Molly minds but Declan has his eyes on her co-worker, not even knowing what he is missing is the real deal. These two go through a rough road to get to the same. Molly decided if being in his life was the only way but to help him, so be it. And Declan day by day stars to realize that maybe what he wants and needs are two different things. It’s emotional, sizzling slow burn, build up, chemistry, fun and heartbreaking!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥 Triggers: Personal Standalone/Series: Standalone Type: All Tags at bottom of this page! Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
EXCERPT
CHAPTER 1
Molly
“So, what do you do for a living?” The woman drummed her fingers on her thigh. “I’m a musician.” I glanced down at the renter’s application in my hand. Lyric Chords was the name listed at the top. I bit my tongue and tried to keep an open mind. This was the twelfth woman I’d interviewed as a prospective roommate. Just because she had a few safety pins in her eyebrow and what looked like a dog collar around her neck didn’t mean I should rule her out. “Oh. That’s nice. Are you a singer?” Lyric shook her head. “Drummer. Do you know the dimensions of the bedroom I’ll be sleeping in? I have two sets of drums I need to fit.” “Umm… I think it’s fourteen by fourteen. But you don’t practice at home, right? I wrote in my ad that I’m looking for a quiet roommate because I work nights.” “I do. But no worries. I’ll practice in my room.” My bedroom and my potential roommate’s bedroom shared a wall, so that was the end of interview number twelve. I sighed and forced a smile. “Thank you for coming. I have a few other people left to meet with before I decide. I’ll let you know.” “Great.” The woman stood. “Also, I know your ad said two months’ rent up front, but I’m running a little short right now. Would one be okay?” I smiled. “Sure, no problem.” Since you’re not going to be living here. After Drummergirl, I interviewed two more candidates. One wanted her boyfriend to move into the room with her, even though my ad had specified I was only looking for a single. And the other arrived twenty minutes late, reeked of alcohol, and slurred her words…at three thirty in the afternoon. Why in the hell was it so difficult to find a roommate in a city of almost three-million people? I needed my last interview of the day to be a miracle, or I was going to have to shell out money for another ad and start the entire process all over. And I definitely didn’t have the time or the funds for that. Rent was due in two weeks. If I got stuck paying the full amount on this place myself again, I’d be eating cat food for a month. When my last appointment knocked right on time, I took a deep breath, looked up at the ceiling, and asked the big guy in the sky for a little assistance. Opening the door, I blinked a few times. Uhhh.I think you answered the wrong prayer, God. A man stood in my hallway—and not just any man, an absolutely gorgeous one with a perfect, straight nose, cheekbones to die for, a masculine, square jaw, full lips, tanned skin, and the sexiest chocolate brown, almond-shaped eyes I’d ever seen in my life.
“Uh. Can I help you?” He flashed a killer smile, one that I immediately suspected had made countless women remove their panties. “Hi. I have a four-thirty appointment with Molly Corrigan.” “You do?” I had the last application in my hand and looked down at the name on the top. “I don’t think so. My appointment is with a D. Tate?” He extended a hand. “That’s me. Declan Tate.” “But…you’re…not a woman.” He smiled again. “You’re correct. Very observant. I am most definitely not a woman. But my last roommate told me I should’ve been because I use moisturizer at night and cried at the end of Marley and Me. And if I’m being honest, I also got a little watery at the end of Toy Story, so maybe I’m a bit of a wuss. Either way, I think you should consider those my positive feminine qualities.” I was thoroughly confused. “Umm… I’m sorry. You must’ve missed that my ad said female only.” “Actually, I didn’t. But if you’ll give me just five minutes, I think I can convince you I would be a better roommate than a woman.” I chuckled. “Let me get this straight… You hid your first name—what did you say it was again?” “Declan.” “Right. Declan. Anyway, you applied to an ad for a female roommate, intentionally deceiving the person who is going to decide if you get the room by leaving your first name off. And your strategy is to convince me I don’t really know what I want in less than five minutes? Do I have that right?” He flashed that boyish charm again. “You sure do.” I debated how to handle the situation. On one hand, he was going to waste my time, and I had done enough of that today. But on the other, my curiosity was definitely piqued. Something about his grin told me this could be amusing. Screw it. I had nothing better to do anyway. I opened the door wider and stepped aside, holding my hand out for him to enter. “I’m setting the timer on my phone, and I’m getting a glass of wine before you start. I like a drink while I’m being entertained.” Declan smirked and strolled into my apartment. I motioned to the couch. “Have a seat. I’ll just be a minute.” When I got to the kitchen, he called after me, “Hey, Mollz?” I turned back. “Yes?” “How about you make that two glasses of wine?” I chuckled. “Sure. Why not, Decs.” I poured a couple of glasses of pinot grigio and returned to the living room. “Here you go. Hope you like white.” “You see? We’re perfect together already. I prefer white over red.” I brought my wine to my lips. “Yes, perfect. A match made in heaven. I think we might even be soul mates.” Declan showed me his pearly whites once again. He really did have a great smile, nice teeth, too. Too bad he also had a penis. I knocked back half the contents of my glass and placed it on the coffee table. Picking up my cell, I swiped to the timer app and set it for five minutes. I showed him the screen. “You ready?” “I’m always ready.” I pressed start, placed the phone face up on the coffee table between us, and folded my hands. “Go.” “Okay. Well…what’s your favorite color?” “My favorite color?” Declan pointed to the timer. “Time’s a ticking, Molly. I’m going to need you to not repeat questions.” I laughed. “Fine. My favorite color is pink.” Declan reached into one of his pant pockets and pulled out a set of keys. The keychain had a bunch of pink beads with white letters between each one. The letters spelled out his name. “Mine too.” I arched a brow. “Did you make that yourself?” “No. My niece, Arianna, made it for me.” “So how do I know that isn’t just Arianna’s favorite color?” “Good point. Let’s move on. Your ad said you work nights.” “That’s right. I’m a nurse. I work the night shift on the maternity ward.” “So you sleep during the day, then?” “I get off at seven, and I try to get to sleep as soon as I get home.” He held his hand to his chest. “I work days. I leave for the gym by six and usually don’t get home until after seven at night. So the apartment will be quiet when you need it to be.” I nodded. “Okay. I’ll give you that that would make you a good roommate. But most people work days, so it’s not really something that makes you too special.” “Do you cook?” he said. “Does macaroni and cheese count?” “I grew up in a multigenerational Italian home. My nonna taught me how to make sauce from scratch.” “So you’re going to cook for me?” “If that’s what it takes to get this apartment, yes.” “As tempting as that might be, there’s an Italian restaurant around the corner that makes great food. Funny enough, it’s called Nonna’s Place, and an actual nonna makes most of my meals. Not a knockoff.” Declan took an exaggerated breath and blew it out. He glanced at the cell on the table. “Three minutes and thirty-eight seconds. I can see you’re not going to make this easy. How about you tell me why you can’t have a male roommate so I can address that head-on. Is it because of the toilet-seat thing? Because I have four older sisters, so I’m appropriately trained. When I was eight, I made the mistake of leaving it up once, and my sister sat down where I’d accidentally left a little pee. She dunked my head in the toilet bowl before she flushed. That was the last time I left the seat up.” He held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor. It won’t be an issue.” I smiled. “It’s not because of the toilet thing.” “Alright. So why don’t you want a male roommate, then?” I’d actually never given much thought to why my roommate had to be female. It just seemed natural to have another woman sharing the apartment. “Well…I don’t really have a specific reason. I would just be more comfortable living with another woman. For example, I sleep in a T-shirt and underwear. When I get up to start the coffee, I don’t get dressed. It would be weird to do that in front of a man.” “Why?” “Why would it be weird to walk around with my ass cheeks on display in front of a man and not a woman?” “Yes.” I shrugged. “I don’t know. It just would. I guess because the women I’ve lived with aren’t attracted to other women, so it doesn’t feel sexual in any way.” “Ah. Now we’re getting to the crux of your issue. So you’re afraid of some sexual tension going on between you and me? Is it because I’m so handsome?” “What? No! And aren’t you full of yourself, assuming I think you’re handsome, and I’m worried I won’t be able to control myself.” “Just keeping it real, Mollz. You’re only giving me five minutes, so I’m trying to get to the heart of the reason.” “I guess I just don’t want to feel like I have to cover up to come out of my bedroom. When I dry my hair, I wear a towel or a bra and underwear—that type of thing.” “Would you feel you had to cover up if I told you I was gay?” That question gave me pause. Would I? I wasn’t sure. “Are you?” “Fuck, no. I was just trying to pinpoint your issue. Is it the fact that I’m a man, or the fact that I might admire your ass if it were on display? Sounds like it’s the latter. So let me put your mind at ease: I won’t.” I felt oddly offended. “What’s wrong with my ass?” He chuckled. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t looked. You know why?” “Why?” “Because I’m in love with someone else.” As insane as it was, I felt a pang of jealousy. “Oh. Well, why aren’t you moving in with her?” “Because she doesn’t return the feelings…yet. So basically, if your concern about having a guy for a roommate is that he’s going to be checking you out, you have nothing to worry about with me. I’m a one-woman man. If you want, I can give you the numbers of some of my exes for references. I’m no cheater.” Hmmm… “I don’t know…” Declan looked down at the clock. Thirty-one seconds were left. “We’re running out of time, so we need to speed things up. How about if I just give you the facts you need to know?” “That would be good.” “I’m twenty-eight years old. I make six figures. My credit score is eight hundred and ten, and I have references from previous landlords. I’m neat and clean up after myself. I’m not home a lot, but when I am, I’m pretty quiet. I’m also damn good with a hammer.” He glanced around my apartment and pointed at a hole I’d accidentally made in the wall when I flung the closet door open too hard. “I can spackle that and put on a door stopper so it won’t happen again.” He pointed to the kitchen. “And those cabinets are pretty tall. I’m six foot one. No more having to stand on a chair to reach something on the top shelf. And—” The timer on the stopwatch buzzed. “Can I just say one last thing?” “Sure. Why not?” “I’ll share my Hulu and Netflix passwords. I have the premium Hulu account.” I laughed. “Well, those are some pretty enticing qualities for a roommate.” He smiled. “So I’m in?” I sighed. “I’m sorry. While I appreciate your tenacity, unfortunately, you’re not. Though I interviewed fourteen other people today, and I have to say, you do seem like you’ll make some other lucky person a fantastic roomie.” Declan frowned, but nodded. “I figured it was worth a shot. This is a great building, and I work right around the corner. It’s hard to find an apartment where it’s only a six-month commitment.” “My lease is up then, and I haven’t decided if I’m going to extend or not.” “See? That’s another reason I’d be perfect. I’m only in town for six more months.” “I’m sorry. This is definitely a case of it’s meandnot you.” He picked up his wine and guzzled it down before standing and extending his hand. “I appreciate you giving me your time. And thanks for the pinot.” We shook. “It was nice to meet you, Declan.” After I walked him out, I shut the door and leaned back against it. What a shame; he really seemed like a nice guy and the best candidate I’d met by a mile. I was just about to go wallow in another glass of alcohol when there was a knock at my door. Checking the peephole before opening, I found Declan standing there. “I forgot something important,” he said. “Oh? What’s that?” He took out his wallet and produced a photo of a nun. “This is my sister Catherine, and it’s not a costume from Halloween. She’s a legit nun. How bad can a person be if his sister is a nun?” I laughed. “Is this the sister who dunked your head in the toilet?” He grinned. “It is, actually.” “Well, I’m not sure there’s a direct correlation between your sister deciding to dedicate her life to the church and you being a good person. Though, even if I take your word for it, it still doesn’t change my answer.” Declan’s shoulders drooped. “Had to try. She tells me her being a nun won’t get me into heaven. Thought maybe it was good for something.” “Goodbye, Declan.” “Later, Mollz.”
***
“So…how’s the roommate search going?” Emma poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the small table in our break room. I sighed. “Why is it so hard to find a normal person these days? I’ve interviewed more than a dozen people, and not one suitable candidate.” “Did you post an ad on the employee bulletin board, like I suggested?” I shook my head. “I don’t want another nurse or tech. It makes it weird at work if things don’t work out.” “Maybe Dr. Dandy will apply.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I heard he’s sleeping on Dr. Cohen’s couch until he finds a place.” That information certainly perked me up. “Really? Will and whatshername broke up?” “Yup. Lisa in X-ray told me Dr. Cohen told her he’s staying with him. Apparently he and the wannabe actress are finito.” “Wow.” Emma smiled. “Yup. And fair warning, my friend… I’m allowing a ten-day grace period for him to grieve the end of a year-long relationship. But after that, I’m going to be up your butt making sure you let the man know you’re interested. He’s not going to be on the market for long, and you missed your opportunity last time he was single. You can’t keep pining for the guy.” Of course she was right. And while I felt elated that Will was back on the market, the thought of coming clean to him about my feelings made me want to throw up. Will Daniels—or as Emma called him, Dr. Dandy, because of his last name and uncanny resemblance to a male model named David Gandy—and I had been good friends for four years now. We’d started on the very same day at the hospital and had gone through orientation together. I’d had a boyfriend back then, and he’d been seeing a girl from med school at the time, so even though I’d always thought he was insanely handsome, things didn’t bloom until two years ago. And most of the time since then, he’d been seeing one woman or another. Emma was right that the man never seemed to stay single for long. “He’s going to be at happy hour this Friday night,” I said. “A few of the crew from CCU are meeting up over at McBride’s. I’m curious to hear what he says about the breakup.” “Does he know you’re looking for a roommate?” “I don’t think so.” “Well, he needs a place to sleep, and you need a roomie.” Emma shrugged. “Timing is everything. Maybe it’s fate and he’ll move in and take care of two of your needs.” “I think your imagination might be getting ahead of itself. Why don’t we start by seeing if things are really over with him and whatshername? They’ve split up a few times, but he always winds up going back.” “Okay. But I have a good feeling about you two.” “Could you possibly have a good feeling about me finding a roommate instead? I just had to pay for another damn ad.” Emma shook her head. “I can’t believe you didn’t find one decent candidate.” Remembering my last interview, I said, “Actually there was one who would’ve been perfect—great credit score, neat, cooks, leaves early in the morning, and works long days.” “So why didn’t you take her?” “Because she was a he.”
Being ripped from her mundane life by a swarm of police officers is not what Rae Chapin expected when she woke up this morning. Accused of a series of murders she didn’t commit, Rae doesn’t have anyone to rely on. Except him. Alec Bronson, the popular boy who broke her heart all those years ago—now a smoking hot man—is her only hope of proving her innocence and finding the person eager to kill everyone she loves. It’s been two decades since Texas Ranger Alec Bronson last saw Rae. He shouldn’t get involved, but with one look at his childhood friend behind the steel bars and her proclamations of innocence, he’s convinced to take the case. The battle to keep his renewed feelings for the curvaceous woman hidden becomes impossible when the true killer emerges once again, targeting the only woman he’s ever loved. Life-altering secrets are revealed as the evidence mounts, pointing toward the killer who’s determined to make Rae pay for her past. When confronted with the truth, Rae is forced to make a decision. His life or hers. If you love a little darkness, murder, and possessive alpha heroes with the need for control mixed into your suspense then this series is for you. Please note this book is for mature readers due to detailed sexual content, foul language, discussion of abuse, and a killer who will stop at nothing.
RELEASE DATE: April 19, 2021
Not my first read by the author and yes I have read the other’s in the series! I will say that I can’t wait for Charlie’s story (he is the best bud of this hero) and really an interesting character on his own.
That said, let’s get right into it. First off the reason this got a 4.5 and not 5 star is because of the heroine. I just really wanted to overly love her like the hero but just couldn’t. And I’ll warn you right now, I won’t be able to say much because it is a mystery book and well I really rather not spoil it for you, and trust me…you’ll want to dive into this without any spoilers. Here is a little about the book.
Rae and Alec have history. They were high school sweethearts and very much in love. Under unfortunate circumstances, forward 2 decades later and one phone call. That phone call took everything out of Rae to make but she had no other choice. Alec of course drops everything to her aid but is shocked to find her in the place she was. Not to mention how much she has grown up into a gorgeous woman, full of curves and the same smile. Rea is embarrassed to be reunited with her ex boyfriend who she never got over, but the boy did just up and leave her after making promises. They both had to focus on the task, events involving death were occurring again, a decade later and Rae doesn’t know why. She’s been living under a rock, secluded, no family, no friends, no relationships, so why again. She has a BIG SECRET she is keeping herself, not to mention more secrets that come out.
Texas Ranger Alex is confused to what Rae has gotten herself into and what secrets she is keeping. Secrets he knows she will not tell, but as time goes maybe will trust him enough again. He does his best to be there for her but all she does is push him away…little does he know it’s for his own good. These two are in a fight for their life, in every sense. The killer is out there, targeting close to home, toying with them…questions is, will Alec let him get close enough to hurt Rae or is he in danger himself?
Okay, I have to say that this is a heavy doze of mystery and suspense…the best kind. I love this series because of it. These two really have an adventure, a dangerous one that is. I don’t want to dwell too much on my dislikes because they are just personal preferences and nothing like a trigger involving. I just had a little bit of a hard time with their back and forth, something happens and BAM it’s pulled out from you back to the beginning, and of course the hardest was connecting with the heroine. I’ll give you a little hint but the ending, wasn’t what I expected and I can’t say what without giving it away but that also played a big part of my rating. Again, all personal preferences. I can’t wait for me and reading this makes me want to re read book 1 and 2!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Book 3 in Series Type: All Tags on top of this page! Recommended: ☑
A daring and decadent romantic suspense that whirls the reader around the globe and back. “I wasn’t supposed to touch her this way. To have her this way. She wasn’t ever supposed to be mine.” Violet Bannerwas under-aged and off-limits when she and Dawson Langleyfirst met. It didn’t stop him from leaving a brand on her heart that followed her to college. Five years later, she’s come home to find him living under the same roof, and it feels like nothing has changed. Except for the science lab she’s built in the garage and the secrets he’s keeping. After years of fighting off the tantalizing connection between them, Dawson isn’t sure he’ll be able to restrain himself once grown-up Violet lands back in his world. Even the nearly deadly mistakes of their past and the three separate lives he’s leading might not be enough to prevent him from touching her. When the clandestine activity surrounding his international boat race tangles Violet in its grasp, she can’t help wondering if Dawson is the villain of the story. Only one thing is certain: there’s nothing he won’t do to keep her safe…even if it means making her his. Inspired by Daughtry’s “What About Now,” comes a determined scientist and a broody bad-boy-turned-hero who just might leave their mark on you in this adventurous, standalone, slow burn from award-winning author, LJ Evans. Don’t miss Violet and Dawson as the younger siblings in the interconnected standalone, AVENGED BY LOVE. ♬ “Where music & stories collide.” ♬
RELEASE DATE: April 5, 2021
Not my first read by the author and I have read a couple of books by her. This one the cover alone is just so beautiful!
I will say that this was a WILD ADVENTURE I was very pleased with the characters, trope and events! Violet the heroine is the sweetest, best outlook on life is nothing like the rest. She is beautiful to no bounds but doesn’t even know it. Lets also talk about how much I PERSONALLY love a SMART Heroine! Dawson the hero was different, I’ll start with that. Different in a emotional you’ll hurt for him way. I wasn’t too sure about him for the longest time but then he came through. This author is excellent at bringing you into the book, the houses, the streets, locations, side characters…THE EVENTS. That’s what I loved the most.
Thank you to the author for my ARC again I appreciate it and am looking forward to more from you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Romance: ♡♡♡ Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥 Triggers: NA Standalone/Series: Standalone Type: All Tags on top of this page! Recommended: ☑
