Book Review – Promise

Tags

Book Review, Promise, RJ Scott, Single Dads series

It’s a first for me – an audiobook – but I loved Single & Today so I had to make sure I got to enjoy Promise as well.

*****

Promise

Single Dads #3

by RJ Scott

Narrated By: Sean Crisden

Length: 4hrs 42mins

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Blurb:

Leo Byrne is a cop, Jason Banks is an ex-con. Even after one stolen kiss, something has to give before Leo can convince Jason that falling in love is even an option.

Adopted at a young age, Leo is part of the sprawling Byrnes family. With his dog Cap, three siblings and a whole mess of nieces and nephews, he is never lonely, and his life is full. Love is the last item on his to-do list, but seeing his best friends Sean and Eric happy and making new families makes him want things he doesn’t think is possible. Kissing Jason at an event to honor his bravery was one thing, but anything other than that is off limits. Until Jason has no one left to turn to, and it’s Leo who helps him at his lowest. Taking Jason and his daughter into his home is one thing, but falling for the ex-con is something else altogether.

Jason made a deal to keep his daughter safe and spent years behind bars as a result. Volunteering as a convict firefighter was as much about helping the community as saving his sanity, but now that he’s out, he doesn’t even have that. He’s lost his future, his self-respect, and has no friends or a place to call home. Worst of all, even after rescuing his daughter he still can’t keep her safe from the man who wants to use her as a bargaining chip for money. Meeting Leo might give Jason a way to keep Daisy safe, but falling for the stubborn cop means the truth has to be revealed, and he could lose everything all over again.

Buy Links: Audible US | Audible UK 

Single Dads Series

Single (Book #1) – Audible US | Audible UK

Today (Book #2) – Audible US | Audible UK

*****

Review:

This is my first audiobook review and I’m not really sure how to cover it 🙂

For the audiobook side, I really liked the narrator’s voice. He does a good job of giving each of the male characters a distinctive sound so you could tell which character was which. (His little girl voice was pretty … interesting, but I think I can forgive that one. I can’t imagine that was very easy for a grown man to do.) I did have a little issue with his pacing at times. It seemed like it was a little too fast and he blended sentences & paragraphs together. I did get used to his rhythm after a while and it stopped having an impact on my enjoyment of the story.

I chose to do this audiobook review because I somehow managed to miss this one in book form when it came out and I loved the rest of the series so much that I couldn’t pass it up. Leo was pretty awesome, like I knew he should be, and I really liked getting to know Jason a bit more. I think I expected a little bit more action out of a story with a cop and an ex-con on the run, but I will say that Scott delivered a satisfying story once again. Most of the story is Leo and Jason getting closer, with Leo trying everything he can to get Jason to open up to him so he can provide him the help he needs … and keeping him from bolting. There’s a lot of angst, secrecy, and a doubt, but eventually Leo wins Jason over and Scott gives us one of the sweetest epilogues yet.

*****

Author Info:

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below:

Email RJ rj@rjscott.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Instagram | Pinterest

*****

Giveaway:

Audio of either Single/Today/Promise

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3e0e9a43761/

*****

 

Review – The Summer Deal

Tags

Book Review, Jill Shalvis, The Summer Deal, Wildstone series

I always know I can trust Jill Shalvis to give me something good to read.

*****

The Summer Deal

Wildstone #5

by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.

And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She’s fierce, tough, and she’s keeping more than one bombshell of a secret from Brynn — her long-time frenemy.

But then Brynn runs into Kinsey’s best friend, Eli, renewing her childhood crush. The good news: he’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell.

The bad news: when he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have real connections, possibly love, and a future—if she can only learn to let go of the past.

As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.

Amazon

IndieBound

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

Bookshop.org

iBooks

GooglePlay

*****

Excerpt:

Brynn Turner had always wanted to be the girl who had her life together, but so far her talents hadn’t led her in that direction—although not for lack of trying.

Mentally recapping the week she’d just endured, she let out a stuttered breath. Okay, so her life skills needed some serious work, but as far as she was concerned, that was Future Brynn’s problem. Present Brynn had other things on her mind.

Like surviving the rest of the day.

With that goal in mind, she kept her eyes on the road, and three hours and two 7-Eleven hot dogs after leaving Long Beach in her rearview mirror, she pulled into Wildstone. The place that reinvented itself many times over since it’d been an 1800s California wild, wild West town complete with wooden sidewalks, saloons, haunted silver mines, and a brothel. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and green rolling hills filled with wineries and ranches, Wildstone had once been her favorite place on earth.

Parking in the driveway of her childhood home, she took a minute. It’d been a decade since she’d lived here. She’d gone off to attend college and to conquer the world, though only one of those things had happened. She’d been back for visits, but even that had been a while. Six months, in fact. She’d stood in this very spot and had asked both of her well-meaning moms to butt out of her life, saying that she knew what she was doing.

She’d had no idea what she was doing.

Note to self: You still don’t.

With a sigh, she pulled down her visor and glanced in the mirror, hoping that a miracle had occurred and she’d see the reflection of someone who had their shit together. Her hair was knotted on top of her head with the string tie from her hoodie because she’d lost her scrunchie. She was wearing her old glasses because she’d lost her newer pair. Her face was pale and her eyes were puffy and red from a bad combo of crying and not sleeping. She wore yoga pants that hadn’t seen a yoga class since . . . well, ever, and in spite of being nearly thirty, she had a big, fat zit on her chin.

In short, she looked about as far away from having her shit together as she was from solving world hunger.

Knowing her moms—sweet and loving and nosy as hell—were going to see right through her, she pawed through her purse for a miracle. She found some lip gloss that she also dabbed on each cheek for badly needed color. As a bonus, she found two peanut M&Ms. Couldn’t waste those, could she? She shook her purse looking for more, but nope, she was out of luck.

The theme of her life.

With a sigh, she once again met her own gaze in the mirror. “Okay, here’s the drill. You’re okay. You’re good. You’re happy to be home. You’re absolutely not crawling back with your tail between your legs to admit to your moms that they were right about Asshole Ashton.”

Swallowing hard, she got out of her hunk-o-junk and grabbed her duffel bag and purse. She’d barely made it to the porch before the front door was flung open and there stood her moms in the doorway, some deep maternal instinct letting them know their sole offspring was within smothering distance.

Both in their mid-fifties, their similarities stopped there. Olive was pragmatic and stoic, and God help the person who tried to get anything by her. She was perfectly coifed as always, hair cut in a chic bob, pants and blazer fitted, giving her the look of someone who’d just walked out of a Wall Street meeting. In sharp comparison, Raina’s sundress was loose and flowery and flowing, and she wore beads around her neck and wrists that made her jingle pleasantly. She was soft and loving, and quite possibly the kindest soul on earth. And where Olive was economical with her movements, Raina was in constant motion.

Opposites attract . . .

But actually, her moms did have something in common beyond their age—their warm, loving smiles, both directed at Brynn. It was her own personal miracle that they loved her madly, no matter how many times she’d messed up and driven them crazy with worry.

And there’d been a lot of times. Too many to count.

“Sweetheart,” Raina said, jingling as always, bringing forth welcome memories: growing vegetables in the back garden, taking long walks on the beach to chase seagulls, and late-night snuggles. Raina opened her arms and Brynn walked right into them, smiling when Olive embraced her from behind.

The three of them stood there for a long beat, wrapped up in each other. Catherine the Great Cat showed up, her appearance forewarned by the bell around her neck. She might be twelve and seemingly frail and delicate, but as with Brynn’s moms, looks were deceiving. Just beneath Cat’s skin lived the soul of an ancient prized hunter—hence the bell. No one blamed her for her instinctual drive to do this, but Raina did object to Cat dropping “presents” at her feet in the form of cricket heads and various other pieces of dead insects. Which made Cat the most adorable murderer who ever lived. She rubbed her furry face against Brynn’s ankles. Once. Twice.

And then bit.

“Ouch!”

“You know her rules,” Olive said. “A little love, a little hate. It’s how she is. Now tell us why you’re home unannounced, looking like something not even Catherine would’ve dragged inside.”

“I think she looks wonderful,” Raina said.

Olive’s eyes never left Brynn. “She hasn’t been sleeping or eating.”

“Trust me, Mom, I’ve been eating plenty.”

“Okay, then you aren’t sleeping enough or eating the right food. You’re as pale as . . . well, me.”

Olive indeed had the pale skin of her English ancestry. In contrast, Raina was Puerto Rican, and golden brown. Being a product of Raina’s egg and an unknown sperm donor, Brynn’s skin was a few shades lighter than Raina’s. Unless she was trying not to hyperventilate, of course. Like now. In which case she was probably even whiter than Olive.

“We can fix the eating right and sleeping, for a start,” Raina said with determination. She slipped her hand into Brynn’s, and as she’d been doing for as long as Brynn could remember, she took over. She settled Brynn onto the couch with one of her handmade throws, and in less than five minutes had a tray on Brynn’s lap with her famous vegan chickpea noodle soup and steaming gingerroot tea.

“Truth serum?” Brynn asked, only half joking. Raina was magic in the kitchen—and at getting people to spill their guts.

“I don’t need truth serum.” Raina sat next to her. “You’re going to tell me everything.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I made almond-butter cups for dessert and you love almond-butter cups.”

“You’d withhold dessert from your only child?”

“She wouldn’t, she’s far too kind,” Olive said. “But I would. In a heartbeat.” She sat on the coffee table facing Brynn. “Talk.”

From THE SUMMER DEAL by Jill Shalvis, published by William Morrow. Copyright © 2020 by Jill Shalvis. Reprinted courtesy of HarperCollinsPublishers 

*****

Review:

Dealing with the good and the bad is what family is all about and Shalvis shows that well once again. This motley group might have managed to make a unit for themselves despite of their differences and troubles, but they aren’t perfect and definitely have some growing to do. With the support of each other they slowly start to figure out how to be good people and better partners, how to own up to their mistakes and learn to do things differently.

Eli is awesome – a stand-up guy, dedicated friend, loving and understanding. He’s just not overly dynamic for a hero. Instead he’s that steadfast force that both Kinsey and Brynn need in their lives. Both girls need a dependable partner to help keep them on the right path.

Brynn has a habit of either avoiding or running from her problems when things get rough, pretty much all her life. It’s time that she finally learn to face things that matter heads on and thanks to Kinsey and Eli she’s going to have to do that.

Kinsey is not the most cuddly of people – prickly is more like it. But under her spikes, she has a big heart but is afraid to get hurt or hurt other people. By pushing people away she thinks she’s doing the right thing. Luckily for her, it doesn’t always work.

Like a lot of people, Deck is one of my favorite people. He’s the big-hearted alpha that a lot of authors are giving us these days. (I love those guys but sometimes you need an Eli too.) He’s willing to put up with Kinsey’s BS and love her anyway. He sees the person underneath and quietly, and sometimes not so quietly, gives her the support that she needs at that time.

Eli’s brother, Max, provides a little bit of fun to their group and I’m thinking that he’ll make an interesting hero in his own book down the road. He seems to have the fewest issues but I’m sure there are one or two just waiting to be explored.

Throw all of these people together, with their past issues, and you are bound to have some difficulties. It takes a bit for Brynn to let go of her feelings for Kinsey and for Kinsey to let her in. And along the way, there are tons of opportunities for misunderstandings and hurt feelings. They all definitely need to figure out how to be a little more upfront and honest with each other, to learn that hiding things is rarely helpful but that turning your back on loves ones that screw up is rarely the right choice. It’s not an easy journey for them, but it does make for good summer reading for us 🙂

(This is part of a series but I’m pretty sure that’s in name only. All the stories are set in the same California town but that’s about it for how they are related.)

*****

Author Info:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website, www.jillshalvis.com, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Website: http://jillshalvis.com/

Facebook: @JillShalvis

Twitter: @JillShalvis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillshalvis/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jillshalvis/

Tumblr: http://jillshalvis.tumblr.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22370.Jill_Shalvis?from_search=true

*****

Review – Accidentally Family

Tags

Accidentally Family, Book Review, Sasha Summers

Family drama? Teen angst? Finding love again? Summers delivers it all and has you coming back for more.

*****

Accidentally Family

by Sasha Summers

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Welcome to Pecan Valley, where the town may be small but the townspeople will always lend a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on. Where good times, good humor, and good people will always lead to happily ever after.

Life for Felicity, and her teen children, is finally back on track. After her divorce, she wasn’t sure if her sweet family would ever be the same. But things are good––right up until her ex’s spirited toddler lands on Felicity’s doorstep. If the universe is going to throw lemons at her, thank God she has her best friend, Graham, to help her make lemonade out of them. How did she never notice how kind and sexy he is?

Graham is still recovering from his wife’s death years ago and trying to help his teen daughter get her life together. Who is he kidding? His daughter hates him. Forget lemons––he’s got the entire lemon tree. So when Felicity suggests they join forces and help each other, he’s all in. And suddenly he can’t stop thinking about her as more than just a friend. Too bad their timing couldn’t be worse…

Because life rarely goes as planned. Luckily there are many different kinds of family to hold you together and lift you up…plus maybe even a little love between friends.

Get Your Copy Now!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Target | Walmart

*****

Review:

This is going to sound like I didn’t enjoy the book, which is not true, so make sure you read everything before you make up your mind 🙂 And I will say that this book is getting A LOT of 5 star reviews on Goodreads so this may be just an issue with my expectations vs what the author intended to deliver.

I went into Accidentally Family thinking I was getting a romance between Felicity and Graham. And I did, to a certain extent, but it is also about their miscellaneous family members and all of the troubles that everyone is experiencing. We get a decent amount of time with Felicity and Graham as they reconnect, with Graham’s issues with his daughter (although that isn’t totally resolved by book’s end), and with Felicity’s family dealing with the new baby.

However, a good portion was also spent with Felicty’s sister and Felicity’s daughter, Honor. Both of them are handling upheaval in their lives and potential romances. I’m somewhat used to these ensemble women’s fiction type stories but usually we get a resolution if a lot of time was spent on the character. And that’s not what happens here. It’s like Summers is setting up books for both of them and spending a pretty decent number of pages doing it. I didn’t mind but it left things open ended for both of them and somewhat short-changed Felicity & Graham. Their romance was almost an afterthought to the development of all the different characters. I think if it had all been wrapped up by the last page I might not have felt a little cheated.

The characters are well-developed, though, with complicated family issues that they handle in the best way they can. It’s sweet, emotional, and complex. I like them all and can’t wait to see where things are going for them next … I just wish I’d started it with a different mindset.

*****

Author Info:

Sasha Summers grew up surrounded by books. Her passions have always been storytelling, romance and travel–passions she uses when writing. Now a best-selling and award winning-author, Sasha continues to fall a little in love with each hero she writes. From easy-on-the-eyes cowboy, sexy alpha-male werewolves, to heroes of truly mythic proportions, she believes that everyone should have their happy ending–in fiction and real life.

Sasha lives in the suburbs of the Texas Hill country with her amazing and supportive family and her beloved grumpy cat, Gerard, The Feline Overlord. She looks forward to hearing from fans and hopes you’ll visit her online. Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: http://www.sashasummers.com

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website

*****

Book Review – Wylde

Tags

Arizona Vengeance series, Book Review, Sawyer Bennett, Wylde

Who’s ready to get a little … all right, a lot … Wylde  😉

*****

Wylde

Arizona Vengeance, Book #7

by Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: May 12, 2020

Blurb:

There’s a reason they call me Wylde and it’s not just because it’s my last name.

I might be one of the newest players on the Arizona Vengeance team, but I’m no stranger to the celebrity that goes along with being a professional hockey player. Whether it’s a fan seeking an autograph or a puck bunny looking for more, I’ve grown used to the attention. I not only thrive on it; I use it to my advantage. Let’s just say my bed is rarely empty.

When a quirky redhead at the local bookstore stops me dead in my tracks, I decide to pop in and turn on the trusty Wylde magic. As smart and strong-willed as she is beautiful, Clarke Webber isn’t swayed by my witty banter or charming good looks. And when she realizes who I am and the fame that comes along with it, she likes me even less. Thankfully, I’m always up for a challenge. The more I get to know about her, the more I know my playboy days are behind me.

If I’m going to capture Clarke’s heart, it’s time to be a lot less Wylde, and a lot more Aaron.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZnaAI7

Nook: http://bit.ly/31XoQFe

Apple: https://apple.co/2kJedGd

Google: http://bit.ly/2UnShj3

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2zbvr2u

Print: https://amzn.to/3bau9qk

Audible (narrated by Teddy Hamilton & CJ Bloom): https://adbl.co/2Kh5gN6

*****

Review:

I really enjoyed Bennett’s newest – it’s straight-forward, sweet, and relatable. Some of the others in the series may have had more drama or action or heartbreak but I have to say that the one thing they all have in common is the author’s ability to deliver a satisfying read every time. And this time is NO different.

I like Clarke. She’s normal, spunky, and willing to move out of her comfort zone here and there. Nothing can really prepare her for Aaron Wylde, and she makes him work for dates, but he’s charming (doesn’t he know it) and manages to wrangle a few outings out of her … she’s a goner after that.

While Wylde has been living up to his name, I think that life was telling him that it was time for something more by putting Clarke into his path. No one is going to make a relationship work if they aren’t ready for it and it is obvious pretty quickly that Aaron’s wild days are over. Bennett probably could have made it harder for him, especially with his childhood, but the family that he’s making with the Vengeance has done a good job of showing him what it is all about. He’s had awesome examples of coupledom and he steps up like a pro when he needs to.

It’s pretty obvious from the start that Clarke’s issues are going to play a roll in the story but once Aaron wriggles his way into her life she does try pretty darn hard to get over her past. And I appreciate that Bennett doesn’t make it into too much of a dramafest. Instead she gives us an charming story of two people getting to know each other, falling in love, and working through a rough patch, which they handle like adults.

While returning readers will enjoy seeing past couples again, Wylde can easily stand on its own. (Although new readers might want to make space on their bookshelf for the backlist …)

*****

Author Info:

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even better, both.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

Facebook: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_FB 

Reader group: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_NEP  

Twitter: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_TW       

Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG

Book+Main Bites: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BM

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR  

Amazon: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_AMZ

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BN

BookBub: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BB

Newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup

Master Blogger List: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_Bloggers

*****

Book Review – The Play of His Life

Tags

Amy Aislin, Book Review, The Play of His Life

Ready to spice things up?!?

*****

The Play Of His Life

by Amy Aislin

Blurb:

The last person Christian wants to run into on a visit home to spend time with his mom over the holidays is his former best friend-turned-lover-turned-ex. But there Riley is, in all his tall, chiseled, blondness. The same guy who walked out on him six years ago, breaking his heart in the process. Who knew he’s still in love with the jerk?

Two years ago, Riley was injured out of the NHL, but he’s got his own bakery now and a quiet life selling quiches and cupcakes to his customers. Then Christian unexpectedly walks back into his life, forcing Riley to question his choices. Especially that one choice he made six years ago that walked him out of Christian’s life. Now if only he had the courage to tell a boy how he really feels about him…

Universal Link

Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

When Riley screwed up an order because he was busy thinking about trying not to think about Christian, he pretended this day was the same as any other and that Christian was still in Vancouver and went about his business.

Christian’s gruff laughter from the back shot that plan to hell.

It was almost an hour later that the line disappeared, though a few people remained at the tables.

“Is it just me, or was that busier than normal?” his other part-timer, Henry, asked. Henry was a seventy-year-old retired army vet who only worked Tuesdays and Fridays because those were the days his wife hosted her knitting club and it was either get the hell out of the house or listen to them talk about the misadventures of their various grandkids.

“Everything’s crazier at the holidays,” Riley replied, wiping down the drinks counter.

Henry started wiping down the small counter that held the condiments. “Should’ve seen the fight that broke out over a parking spot at the Toys “R” Us yesterday. Thought I was going to have to use my army general’s voice.”

Riley had heard Henry’s army general voice. It was terrifying.

Speaking of terrifying voices, where was Christian? Not that his voice was terrifying, but his grumpiness had been known to scare a kid or two.

Riley turned and there Christian was, standing in the doorway to the kitchen, hands on his hips. He wore one of Warm Glow’s green aprons over jeans and a dark blue T-shirt. Just the sight of him made Riley’s heart flip.

Christian had always been a big guy, but Riley had forgotten just how imposing he could be when he scowled that way. And what was with his pouf hairstyle? A pompadour, was it? Riley had seen hairstyles like that on guys before and thought those men should be on the cover of cheesy romance novels. But Christian pulled it off, probably because he could scowl anybody into liking anything.

“Is it my turn to order now?” Christian asked.

It made Riley laugh and the tension drained from his shoulders. “Sure, what do you want?”

“What’s good?”

“Seriously? You’re asking me that in my own bakery? Everything’s good. The salad—”

“What guy likes salad?” Christian interrupted. He said “salad” like “peas”—which Riley knew Christian hated more than any food ever.

“I like salad,” Riley said, slightly offended. Warm Glow’s salads were good, damn it!

“Me, too,” Henry said, coming around the counter to grab a wet cloth. “Know why?”

“Because you’re turning over a new leaf?” Christian suggested.

Riley just looked at him.

“What?” Christian said. “That was funny.”

“That was as lame as ever.”

“I thought it was funny,” Henry said.

“Me, too,” piped in a customer adding milk to his coffee.

Christian raised an eyebrow at Riley like, see?

“Awww,” Riley gushed. “You have fans.”

That got Christian scowling again.

*****

Review:

Aislin brings her readers quite the steamy little read! Because it is a second chance romance a lot of the get to know you back and forth is missing, which allows them to pretty much slide back into a relationship (of sorts). And it is quite the steamy relationship too so make sure you have an icy drink to help cool things down.

Chritian and Riley have been friends forever and that is very obvious in the connection that allows them to basically pick up where they left off years ago. While there are no getting to know you moments, a lot of their issues have stemmed from their poor communication skills … and those really haven’t gotten any better with age. A lot of their troubles could have been avoided with a few heart to heart conversations, but then we wouldn’t have much of a story, would we? But while miscommunication is definitely a thrid party to their relationship, Aislin does a good job of making sure that their issues don’t move too far into the overly dramatic.

Sweet, real, hawt, and frustrating at times, The Play of His Life is the perfect read for those that are looking for a good down-home love story.

 

*****

Author Info:

Amy’s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group, Amy Aislin’s Readers, to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her newsletter.

Connect with Amy:
Facebook | Amy Aislin’s Readers Facebook Group
Twitter | Instagram
Website | Newsletter
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the re-release of The Play Of His Life, Amy is giving away a $20 Amazon Voucher!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c8c1c64111/

*****

Review – Scoring Off the Ice

Tags

Book Review, Ice Kings series, Scoring Off the Ice, Stacey Lynn

Moving on from cowboys … to hockey players so I think that’s an OK trade.

*****

Scoring Off the Ice

Ice King series

by Stacey Lynn

Blurb:

Sometimes scoring off the ice leads to the greatest rewards.

I’ve had only one goal in life since I first strapped on a pair of skates—make America’s pro hockey league.

I left Denmark. I made it to the top. Now, I’m determined to be the best. No distractions. I eat, sleep, and breathe hockey.

Until my birthday when my teammates convince me to live a little.

But living a little takes on a whole new meaning when less than a year later I’m confronted with a crying baby on my doorstep, drooling on a note that declares he’s mine.

Suddenly, I’m a single dad in way over my head.

There is no playbook for situations like this.

Luckily, I have Paisley.

My gorgeous neighbor, my long-time crush, and now—my savior.

She’s there any time I need her.

Helping. Guiding. Gazing at me with those green eyes that make me feel capable of this after all.

With her at my side, I’m quickly learning there’s more to life than winning a hockey game.

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*****

Excerpt:

“Who are you?” I don’t like calling her the woman. I’ve wondered her name for months since she started appearing in that doorway so close to mine.

She turns to me and in her arms is the baby. She’s holding a bottle and the baby is drinking. Quiet little sounds come from it and she grins down at the baby in her arms before tilting her head at me.

“What?”

“You. What is your name?”

“Paisley. Are you Mikah?”

She must want money if she knows my name. Perhaps she’s a fan. A puck bunny—that’s what my teammates call the girls who follow players and only want one thing from them.

“How did you know?” I wish she wasn’t so pretty. Sometimes it hurts to talk when all I want to do is look at her.

She points to an envelope on the table. The note.

“It’s on the outside. I didn’t know if it was your name or the baby’s, so I took a guess. Are you… are you okay?”

“A stranger shows up at my door with a baby in her arms, saying it’s mine. How okay am I supposed to be?” I wander to the table while I ask.

I’m surprised by her gentle laugh.

“I suppose this isn’t your typical Friday night.”

She is funny. If I didn’t think I might throw up, I might laugh. No. This is not my typical Friday night. Mine are for resting. Not life-changing drama.

I say nothing and grab the envelope. I stare at it for a moment. Perhaps if I do not open it, I can pretend this didn’t happen. My fingers shake as I tear it open.

The envelope is larger than normal and thick and I’m careful as I pull out several folded papers.

The top one is the most important though as I instantly see my name, written in scrolling black ink.

MIKAH,

His name is Angelo.

*****

Review:

Scoring Off the Ice is a sweet, slow-build romance about a couple of strangers (who have been long-distance lusting after each other) getting thrown into sending time with each other thanks to an unexpected bundle of joy. Time spent with baby Angelo allows Mikah and Paisley to get to know each other and to finally figure out if their attraction to each other can turn into something more.

I didn’t realize that when I chose this one that it falls into the New Adult category. I don’t usually read these – I’m a woman of a certain age (*snicker*) and I tend to just not connect with the characters or their situation. And while this one was better than some I’ve read, I did feel like the ending was a little rushed and handled poorly by the characters.

You knew going in that there was definitely going to have to be some baby-mama drama, and there was, but Mikah handled it very poorly and I felt that Paisley forgave him a little too easily. It was in the last 10% of the book, so since it happened at the end that’s what I left with instead of the many enjoyable pages of Mikah learning to be a dad and Paisley & Mikah getting to know each other … but I do think maybe a little more attention should have been given to the issue.

This one is getting a lot of positive reviews so just because NA is not my cup of tea doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good read. Lynn is a strong writer and her storylines are solid with interesting characters. I enjoyed getting to know both Paisley & Mikah and I’m definitely intrigued by some of Mikah’s older teammates so I’ll be giving other books in this series a go.

*****

Author Info:

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/379Te19

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Website: http://bit.ly/2uyDibF

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*****

Review – Cowboy for Hire

Tags

Book Review, Cowboy for Hire, Victoria James, Wishing River series

I think I just found my new book boyfriend!

*****

Cowboy for Hire

Wishing River #2

by Victoria James

Publication Date: March 31, 2020

Genres: Adult, Entangled: Amara, Contemporary, Cowboys, Overcoming Odds, Romance

Blurb:

When a shy woman inherits a ranch, she’ll have to find an inner strength to succeed—and open herself up to love—in this heartwarming novel from New York Times bestselling author Victoria James.

Sarah Turner has led a very sheltered life. So when her parents pass away tragically, suddenly she’s left in charge of the family ranch with little know-how but plenty of will to keep it afloat. Determined not to lose her parents’ legacy or her newfound independence, she needs a hero fast—not to save her, but to show her how to save herself. But she’s unprepared for the ruggedly handsome cowboy who answers her ad.

“Cowboy for Hire,” the ad said, and Cade Walker is quick to respond. Betrayed as ranch manager by his former boss, he’s looking for a new place to put down roots—without the pressure to prove himself again. Except when he meets his new boss, it’s clear he’s not only there to run a ranch but to also teach Miss Independent how to run it. But as they struggle to make the ranch flourish, they’ll both need courage if they hope to find a family…together.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/39ni9j3

Mass Market Paperback: https://amzn.to/3dJkl7Y

iTunes: https://apple.co/33S6sjd

B&N: https://bit.ly/3bwxteB

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3dDia5U

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/39noQl2

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/39qdpJr

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2xwm3bW

*****

Excerpt:

“You’re really lucky I’m not prone to violence, Cade.”

He almost laughed, but she was looking even more pissed, and her face was turning red. “You wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Y-You should at least be sitting at attention or something when someone walks toward you with their hands fisted,” she sputtered.

He crossed one ankle on the other and tried not to let his gaze wander over her, because he hadn’t touched her in all of two minutes, and he was already longing for her, not just for the moment or the night, and that was why he linked his hands behind his head and took on the role he’d once been most known for—troublemaker. Her gorgeous mouth curled into a half smile, and damn if he actually physically responded to the sight. Except she ruined the moment by picking up one of the decorative pillows he’d already removed from the bed. 

There was a dangerous gleam in her eyes as she approached him slowly.

“Hell, Sarah, put down the damn pillow. We already went down that road with the dangers of upholstered fabrics in here. No need to get crazy,” he choked out, scrambling into a sitting position.

She laughed. At him. And raised her arm with the filthy pillow.

“You wouldn’t.”

She raised her eyebrow, an adorable—if not slightly evil—smirk on her lips. “People think I’m boring and I don’t take risks.”

He swallowed hard, his gaze darting from the pillow to her dancing eyes. “You don’t have friends, remember? No one knows if you’re boring or not. I don’t think you’re boring. You’re very dangerous, you take lots of risks, and you’re the scariest person I know.”

She laughed.

He took no chances. He grabbed her wrist and she half screamed, half laughed as he pulled her onto the bed, but she still managed to hold on to that damn pillow. They were laughing as he tackled her gently and rolled until he was on top of her. She kept her arm raised, the pillow dangling off the bed. He didn’t think he’d ever laughed so hard in his life, certainly not as an adult. He was still laughing when he lowered his head to kiss her.

Wait. Hell, what was he doing?

*****

Review:

Cowboy for Hire is a sweet, awkward romance involving a couple of sweet, awkward characters. There’re a lot of issues between these two, but I think that they work well here. Cade is caring and supporting, exactly what Sarah needs in her life. She’s spent a lot of years being repressed and she’s ready to stand on her own two feet. She’s a little like a newborn colt, all gangly legs and clumsiness, but she’s determined to stand on her own and finally do what makes her happy.

Cade has spent all of his life trying to show that he’s useful, as his childhood taught him that if he wasn’t then he wouldn’t be kept around. It’s hard for him to believe that someone, anyone, would want him around just for himself and not what he can do for them. He’s made a lot of progress in the last few years, finally finding friends that treat him like family, but he’s still not quite there.

This definitely causes moments of conflict between the two – his need to solve problems and her need to be involved. But together, with a little help from those who love them, they might figure out how to make things work.

While there are a lot of awesome moments with these two, Cade’s struggling with his feelings and Sarah sometimes being bold then other times uncertain does create a very push/pull type of relationship that readers have to be OK with. It’s handled realistically, between two characters who are trying their best to handle their hangups and a growing attraction, but some may be looking for something a little more straightforward.

I really enjoyed getting to know Cade and Sarah. They are good people and, while life hasn’t always treated them well, they’ve managed to come out of it stronger (with a little baggage). It’s sweet, complicated, and heartwarming, perfect for readers looking for a book with a little slower of a pace and not very much heat.

(Note: James starts the story with a humorous little mix-up that totally set a tone that didn’t play out throughout, which I think throws readers off a little. It’s something that she could have played throughout the book but unfortunately it’s kind of a throw away after the first handful of pages. And while the book technically can stand on its own, there’s a lot of references to things I didn’t understand and I wonder if I would have had an idea about Cade’s character, and an affection for him, coming into this story.)

*****

Author Info:

Victoria James is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Victoria always knew she wanted to be a writer and in grade five, she penned her first story, bound it (with staples and a cardboard cover) and did all the illustrations herself. Luckily, this book will never see the light of day again.

In high school she fell in love with historical romance and then contemporary romance. After graduating University with an English Literature degree, Victoria pursued a degree in Interior Design and then opened her own business. After her first child, Victoria knew it was time to fulfill her dream of writing romantic fiction.

Victoria is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after’s for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she’s quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.

Sign up for Victoria’s Newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming releases and exclusive giveaways, follow her blog for daily antics and insight into her daily life, and get to know her on twitter and Facebook. She loves hearing from readers!

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a3541851/

*****

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Book Review – The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma

Tags

Book Review, Patricia Davids, The Amish Teacher's Dilemma

*****

The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma

by Patricia Davids

Blurb:

Taking a schoolteacher position in another district is just the change Amish spinster Eva Coblentz needs. And with her new neighbor, blacksmith Willis Gingrich, struggling to raise his three orphaned siblings, Eva is determined to help them heal. But when her relatives insist she come home, Eva must choose between the life she left…and the one she’s growing to love.

*****

Excerpt:

Willis thought he had enough time to fix the new teacher’s chair, put four shoes on Jesse Crump’s buggy horse and get supper on the table by six o’clock. It was seven-thirty by the time he came in to find his family gathered around the kitchen table with a scowl on every face. Thankfully, he couldn’t see Bubble but he was sure she was scowling, too.

“I know I’m late. One of Jesse’s horses had a problem hoof and I had to make special shoes for him. I’ll fix us something to eat right away.”

He went to the refrigerator and opened the door. There wasn’t much to see. “I meant to set some hamburger out of the freezer to thaw this morning but forgot to do it.”

“You should leave yourself a note,” Harley said. He was paging through a magazine about horses. He was always reading. Willis fought down the stab of envy.

If Willis could write a note, then he’d be able to read one. He couldn’t do either. The most he could manage was to write his name. No one in New Covenant knew his shameful secret. Children as young as Maddie learned to read every day but he couldn’t. No matter how hard he’d tried. There was something wrong with him.

He hid his deficiency from everyone although it wasn’t easy. He’d been made a laughingstock by the one person he’d confided in years ago. He’d never been able to trust another person with his secret. The bitter memory wormed its way to the front of his mind.

He’d been twenty at the time and hopelessly in love with a non-Amish girl. She was the only person he had told that he couldn’t read. He hadn’t wanted to keep secrets from her. She claimed to love him, too. He had trusted her.

Later, when they were out with a bunch of her friends, she told everyone. They all laughed. He laughed, too, and pretended it didn’t matter but the hurt and shame had gone bone deep. He didn’t think anything could hurt worse than Dalene’s betrayal, but he’d been wrong. She and her friends had much more humiliation in store for him.

He pushed those memories back into the dark corner of his mind where they belonged. He had to find something to feed the children gathered at his table. “I guess I can scramble us some eggs.”

“Again?” Otto wrinkled his nose.

“Bubble says to be thankful we have chickens.” Maddie beamed a bright smile at Otto.

“Bubble can’t say anything because she isn’t real, stupid.” Otto pushed his plate away.

Willis rounded on him. “Never call your sister or anyone else stupid, Otto. You know better than that. Apologize or go to bed without supper.”

“Sorry,” Otto murmured. He didn’t sound apologetic.

A knock at the door stopped Willis from continuing the conversation. Who needed a blacksmith at this hour? He pulled open the door and took a step back. Eva Coblentz stood on his porch with a large basket over her arm.

She flashed a nervous grin. “I’m used to cooking for more than just myself and I made too much tonight. I thought perhaps you could make use of it for lunch tomorrow. It’s only chicken and dumplings.”

Willis was speechless. Maddie came to stand beside him. “Teacher, how nice to see you.”

Eva smiled at Maddie. “It’s nice to see you again, too. How is Bubble?”

Maddie stuck her tongue out at Otto. “She’s fine but kinda hungry. We haven’t had our supper yet. Willis had to give Jesse Crump special shoes so he was going to make scrambled eggs again, but Otto isn’t thankful for our chickens.”

Eva blinked her lovely green eyes. “I see.”

“Do you?” Willis couldn’t help smiling at her perplexed expression. “Then you’re ahead of me most of the time.”

Harley came to the door. “Let me help you with that.” He took the basket from her and carried it to the table. He began setting out the contents.

Otto pulled his plate back in front of him. “That smells great.”

Harley dished up his own and then passed the plastic bowls along. Willis thought his siblings were acting like starving animals. He could hardly blame them. He was going to have to learn to cook for more than himself. Normally, he didn’t care what he ate or when he ate it. That had changed when the children arrived, and change was something he didn’t handle well.

Eva folded her arms across her middle. “I will be going so you can enjoy your meal in peace. Have a wonderful night, everyone.”

He didn’t want her to go. He stepped out onto the porch and closed the door from the prying eyes of his family. “How’s your head?”

She touched it gingerly. “Better.”

“I fixed the chair. You won’t have to worry about tipping over again.”

“I appreciate that.” She turned to go.

“The school board hired me to supply and install the hardware in the new building. I’ll get the rest of the coat hooks, cabinets and drawer pulls installed tomorrow. Have you had your supper? You are welcome to join us.”

“I have eaten. Danki. Don’t forget to feed Bubble. She’s much too thin.”

Willis raked a hand through his hair. “I don’t know why Maddie makes things up.”

She gave him a soft, kind smile. “Don’t worry about it. A lot of children have imaginary friends.”

“Really?” He wanted to believe her. When she smiled he forgot his worries and his ignorance.

“Absolutely. She will outgrow her invisible friend someday soon. Until then, enjoy her imagination.”

“I reckon you have seen a lot of things like this in your teaching career.” It made him feel better to know Maddie wasn’t the only child who had a pretend companion.

“This will be my first year as a teacher. I was actually surprised that the position didn’t go to someone with more experience. Perhaps my enthusiasm won the school board over.”

“I think you were the only applicant.”

She laughed and clasped a hand over her heart. “You have returned my ego to its normal size. How can I ever thank you?”

He smiled along with her. “We are blessed to have you.”

She leaned toward him slightly. “We will have to wait until we have Bubble’s assessment of my teaching skills before jumping to any conclusions. Guten nacht, Willis Gingrich.”

“Good night, Teacher.”

She walked away into the darkness. He watched until he saw her enter her house across the way. There was something attractive about Eva Coblentz that had nothing to do with her face or her figure. She was the first woman in a long time who made him want to smile.

He went back inside the house. The children were still eating. He took his place at the head of the table, bowed his head for a silent prayer, then reached for a bread roll. It was still warm. He looked at Maddie. “What did you say to your teacher that made her bring food here tonight?”

Maddie shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”

“You must have said something.” He took a bite of his roll.

Maddie had a whispered conversation with the empty chair next to her. She looked up and grinned at him. “Bubble says that she told teacher you need a wife who is a good cook.”

He started coughing. Otto pounded on his back while Harley rushed to give him a glass of water. When he could catch his breath, Willis stared at Maddie in shock. “Eva thinks I’m looking for a wife?”

Maddie nodded.

Willis hung his head. Nothing could be further from the truth. There was no way he could keep his secret from a wife. Even if he found the courage to reveal his handicap to a woman again, there was still one pressing reason he had to remain single.

Amish ministers and bishops were chosen by lot from the married men of the congregation. At baptism every Amish fellow vowed to accept the responsibility of becoming a minister of the faith if he should be chosen. What kind of preacher would he make if he couldn’t read the Word of God? The humiliation didn’t bear thinking about. He would remain a single fellow his entire life. That was God’s plan for him.

He turned his attention back to Maddie. “You were wrong to tell your teacher that I’m looking for a wife. I’m not. Now what am I supposed to do?”

Maddie lifted both hands. “Just tell her you don’t want a wife. How hard can that be?”

*****

Review:

I’ll be honest, I know very little about the real lives of today’s Amish people but I absolutely LOVE reading these romances. There’s something so sweet and true about them – the community unit they create, the way they support each other, and the honest way they face life. They have their troubles too and with The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma they can’t escape some very modern issues.

I really enjoyed Willis as a character – he’s strong (in mind and body), responsible, and truly loves his siblings. But he’s been hiding a secret and it’s definitely affected the way that he interacts with others. It’s not one that is easy to admit to and it has impacted how he sees himself & what future he can have. I admire that it doesn’t stop him from being a good man and stepping up to create a family for his orphaned brothers & sister.

Eva’s role in the community and her family is very different than one I can imagine. She’s only allowed certain responsibilities and they have been dictated for so long by her older brother. This is the first time she’s had a chance to do something that she wants and I admire her for it. Moving somewhere new, doing something new, isn’t easy but she takes it on with gusto … but for how long?

These two together are a great match and I enjoyed their banter as they get to know one another, learn how to support each other, and begin to have deepening feelings. Their lives may not be something that I’ve experienced but their troubles, and how they handle them, are all too real and understandable. Davids does an awesome job of bringing them to life on the page.

*****

Author Info:

USA TODAY best-selling author Patricia Davids was born and raised in Kansas. After forty years as an NICU nurse, Pat switched careers to become an inspirational writer. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and grandchildren, traveling and playing with her dogs, who think fetch should be a twenty-four hour a day game. When not on the road or throwing a ball, Pat is happily dreaming up new stories.

*****

Book Review – Dominik

Tags

Arizona Vengeance series, Book Review, Dominik, Sawyer Bennett

Dominik

Arizona Vengeance, Book #6

by Sawyer Bennett

I built myself up from nothing. A product of the foster care system, I learned early on how to fight hard to get what I want. Whether it was starting my first company in college, earning my first billion, or buying my first professional sports team, I know how to get what I want, when I want it.

Until now.

Willow Monahan is fierce, independent, and hot as hell. She also takes great pleasure in shutting down my advances. The younger sister of one of my star players, Willow intrigues me to my very core. And while she may have willingly given me her body, she is hesitant to offer up more. Now I’m on a mission to find out why.

I’ve decided to approach my desire for Willow like I’ve approached much of my life; with persistence, determination, and a whole lot of that Dominik Carlson alpha charm. Buying a hockey expansion team, building the Arizona Vengeance from the ground up, and bringing home a championship may prove to be an easier feat than winning Willow’s heart.

But I’ve never been a quitter.

Willow Monahan… I’m coming for you.

(*WARNING: REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS*)

I’m not a fan of romances that involve commitment-phobic characters but I think that Bennett does a decent job with both Dominik and Willow. With Dominik’s past in foster care you can understand his difficulty in making a connection with others. (Although, I was a little turned off with the way the story begins since he is actively pursuing Willow but sleeping with other women … I mean I get that they both have the whole “it’s just sex” mentality buuuut that’s a bit of a turn-off in a romance for me, which may be why I have problems with these kinds of books.) While Willow’s issues seem a bit more everyday, that doesn’t make them any less real for her. No one likes to be hurt and she’s still young, with a busy life, so a relationship probably isn’t high on her list regardless.

Even though it may have taken me a bit of time to get into their relationship (since early on, it revolves around “just” sex – albeit HAWT sex), once they start to actually get to know each other a little more and make that deeper connection, it definitely picks up for me. I enjoy Dominik as a dominant but caring person. He may be a bit Alpha but it works for him and he tempers it with moments of giving, of himself and his power/money. Willow is a little more prickly, and may be a little off-putting for some, but once you accept that about her all the decisions she makes works for her character.

Not my favorite of the Vengeance stories, but definitely one that should be read (and based on the reviews, will appeal to many). I especially enjoyed the opportunity to see more of the guys, their SOs, and how they are become a family not just a team.

Book Review – The Sweet Spot

Tags

Book Review, Cassie Cross, Love is ... series, The Sweet Spot

Who’s looking for a little taste of sweetness to get them thru the weekend?

*****

The Sweet Spot

Love Is … Book 1

by Cassie Cross

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Lexie James spent years dreaming about opening her own bakery. She’s invested every penny she’s ever saved—and some other peoples’ pennies too—into making that dream come true. The Sweet Spot is thriving thanks to her dedication and penchant for perfection, but she’s lonely and Hunter, the gorgeous guy who owns the gym across the street, is a nice distraction.

Hunter Elliott is Lexie’s high school crush. The timing’s never been right for the two of them, but when he notices that all work and no play makes Lexie a stressed-out overworked mess, he stages an intervention. He’s determined to show her that she can be successful and have a life.

First, he needs to help her find that sweet spot between business and pleasure…

Get Your Copy Today!

*****

Review:

While there aren’t a lot of pages, I felt like Cross did a pretty good job of giving her readers a couple of interesting characters and a satisfying story. Lexie is too involved in her business for her own good, sacrificing the rest of her life – friendship, family, and romance. It’s going to take something pretty drastic (and a kind, caring hottie) to get her to change … luckily that’s just what she gets.

I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed The Sweet Spot. For being so short, there was still a decent amount of time spent getting to know the characters and having them develop their relationship. It helped that Lexie’d known Hunter forever but it still flowed very well from our meet cute moment with him to the happy every after ending. And while there were a couple of times that I just knew were going to turn into a big drama party, Cross kept everything real instead, with just a minimal amount of (believable) trouble coming Lexie’s way. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this new-to-me author.

*****

Author Info:

Cassie Cross is a Maryland native and a romantic at heart, who lives outside of Baltimore with her two dogs and a closet full of shoes. Cassie’s fondness for swoon-worthy men and strong women are the inspiration for most of her stories, and when she’s not busy writing a book, you’ll probably find her eating takeout and indulging in her love of 80’s sitcoms.

Connect with Cassie:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrossWrites

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassiecrosswrites/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassiecrosswrites

*****