Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Review Round Up ~ June 7




New(er) Releases:




My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

Just for Me is a novella length entry in the Escape to New Zealand series featuring Luke and Hayden. Both are secondary characters we’ve met previously.

Ms James has a knack for giving us stories where the featured couples face a struggle or hard circumstances and this is no exception. In this case we have two men facing the complications that their sexuality introduces into their personal and professional lives.
The issue was handled with honesty and grace. I appreciated the fact that the secondary cast helped navigate some of the trickier aspects of revealing oneself and a long-distance relationship.

Loyal fans of the series will be glad to see familiar faces appear in the secondary roles and you will see a few updates to where they are now, but this is a complete standalone entry. Having read some of the more recent Escape to New Zealand stories will provide context, but is not necessary.

Pride Not Prejudice: A Romantic Charity Collection Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ Community $9.99


TBR Reads:

Unraveled (The Henry Brothers, #1)Unraveled by Amy Knupp

3.5 stars - Worth a Reader's Time

This is a book I picked up for free in an author newsletter swap and I am glad I gave it a chance.
Chloe and Holden are life long friends living about an hour from eash other in Tennessee. He is in their hometown helping run the family business while she is out of Nashville and has avoided the town for 16 years.

This is a friends to lovers/Marriage of convience story. I'm not going to retell the story, but I will say that the marriage piece was a little too convienient for me - I bought that these two were life long friends, but I'm a bit surprised more people in the secondary cast weren't questioning the wedding. (That's the missing 1/2 star for me).

I enjoyed Chloe and Holden and the overall way their story played out. Both characters had evolutions that made the story sweeter and more entertaining. This is by frst book by Ms Knupp, but I hope it won;t be the last. I am curious to get to know Holden's brothers and some of the other towns people of Dragonfly Lake better.









 *Buy links belong to E-Reading After Midnight and we may be compensated if you choose to make a purchase. 

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Steals and Deals ~ June 6 - 10



Steals:



Crave (Off-Limits Book 1) by Piper Lawson






Deals:





Southern Heart (4 book series) by Kaylee Ryan $.99 - $3.99


Sweet Trouble (The Bakery Sisters) by Susan Mallery $1.99


Spellbound by Nora Roberts $2.99




She Loves Me (Harmony Pointe Book 3) by Melissa Foster $2.49


Stephanie Plum (30 book series) by Janet Evanovich - Many books are $2.99


Other Fun Stuff:










*Prices are accurate at the time of posting, please double-check before one-clicking. All links belong to E-Reading After Midnight and we may be compensated. 

Hendrix ~ Sawyer Bennett ~ New Release

Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel Sawyer Bennett Release Date: June 6, 2023

Synopsis:

Hen drix Bateman is one of The Lucky Three, a trio of players who were not on the Titan ’ s team plane the night it crashed. Feeling as if he ’ s been given a second chance, Hendrix is determined to make the most out of his life, but that doesn ’ t mean he ’ s not suffering from scars that can ’ t be seen. When I lost my Titan brothers in the crash, it was a mixed bag of emotions. I was devastated and grief stricken, but I was also grateful to be alive. Yeah, that might cause a little — okay, a lot of — gu ilt, but now I ’ m determined to live each day as if it ’ s my last. A night out with friends puts me in the crosshairs of Stevie Kisner — the devastatingly beautiful bar owner with a sharp tongue and a fire in her eyes that lets me know she has zero tolerance for guys like me. I ’ ve never been one to back away from a challenge, so I ’ m not dissuaded by Stevie ’ s tough as nails attitude or her big biker dad who looks like he wants to kill me. Fueled by too many shots and the raucous urging of my teammates, I set ou t to show Stevie I ’ ve got game both on and off the ice. While I shouldn ’ t be looking for anything more than a good time, I can ’ t help but be captivated by Stevie. She ’ s cool as hell and we burn hot together. But the more I get to know her, the more I can tell she ’ s holding something in reserve, and let ’ s just say I ’ ve got some trust issues after my last disastrous attempt at a relationship. Now I need to decide if I ’ m going to let my past dictate my future or if I am willing to put my heart on the line to find out if Stevie is exactly what I think she is — my everything.

Get Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel in digital, signed paperback and audio (narrated by Tor Thom and CJ Bloom) direct from Sawyer:

SHOP the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore

Download Hendrix: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel at the following retailers:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

PLEASE NOTE: ������ Ebooks purchased from the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore will be delivered via BookFunnel and can be sent to the e - reader of your choice. ������ Audio will be available exclusively on the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore for approximately 90 days before releasing at all retailers and libraries (excluding Audible). Hendrix is narrated by Tor Thom and CJ Bloom. Audio purchase from the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore must be enjoyed within the BookFunnel app (which is VERY user friendly and FREE!).    

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array o f readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women ’ s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full - time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs. If you ’ d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com /signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram Goodreads | BookBub | Join Sawyer's Newsletter

     

Monday, June 5, 2023

Forbidden Hearts ~Corinne Michaels ~ New Release & Review

Forbidden Hearts by Corinne Michaels is now live!

First rule of being a nanny? Don’t fall for the single dad, even if he is smoking hot.

But that’s exactly what happens when grumpy small-town sheriff Asher Whitlock reluctantly hires me to take care of his daughter for the summer. Neither of us is thrilled with the arrangement, but he’s desperate for help, and I need the money for grad school this fall.

All we need to do is keep our distance and remain professional . . . turns out, that’s easier said than done.

Instead of focusing on my future, all I see is the strong jawline, crystal-blue eyes, and rock-hard body right in front of me. We try to resist each other, but we end up crossing every line until I’m in his bed.

I tell myself it’s just this once.

Okay, twice.

All right, every night.

But it’s got to end–he’s fourteen years older than me, with a kid and a stressful job. Have I mentioned my dad is his boss? Then there’s the past I’m trying to forget. Secrets aren’t easy to keep and mine are getting too big to hide.

Walking away is never simple but when I do, I can’t look back.

Even if it means leaving behind the man I was never meant to love.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://geni.us/FH_Amazon

Paperback: https://geni.us/FH_PB

 

Available June 10th

Audio: https://geni.us/FHAudible

Narrated by Zachary Webber & Desiree Ketchum

 

Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/FH_GR

 

 

Meet Corinne


Corinne Michaels is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of romance novels. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love, and she enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak before finding a way to heal them through their struggles.

Corinne is a former Navy wife and happily married to the man of her dreams. She began her writing career after spending months away from her husband while he was deployed--reading and writing were her escapes from the loneliness. Corinne now lives in Virginia with her husband and is the emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children.

Connect with Corinne

Website: http://corinnemichaels.com

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2N1H2Gb

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NVZmhv

Facebook: https://bit.ly/1iwLh6y

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/corinnemichaelsbooks/

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2L1Vzo6

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corinne.michaels

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2yc6rss

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2m7MkEL

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/corinnemichaels

CMBOOKS TO 77948


Elizabeth's Review

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend


Review Copy Provided by Author


Are you ready for a new family of heartbreakers in Sugarloaf? Ms Michaels brings us back to the community we got to know with the Arrowwood family and it was fun to come back with a new cast of characters.
 
Now we get to know the Whitlocks, starting with the oldest Asher. He is paired with Phoebe who comes screaming into his life when neither of them were looking. I truly enjoyed these two characters! I have to admit that they both had their share of rough edges in the beginning, but seeing them evolve and grow tugged at the heartstrings, especially when seeing them interact with Asher's daughter, Olivia.
 
This is Corinne Michael's book, so we know that things aren't going to be easy for our couple. The deck is stacked against them from the beginning and one of the things I appreciated about this story is how they both endeavored to do what they thought the right thing was. Asher and Phoebe's journey pulled me in and didn't let go. Their individual story was engaging, and I am intrigued by the rest of the Whitlock family. Loyal readers will be glad to see a few familiar faces in the supporting cast, so I am looking forward to seeing where this new series will go!

View all my reviews

Before We Fall ~ Aurora Rose Reynolds ~ Cover Reveal

 Release Date: July 7


Tucker Beckett and I likely never would have met if our spouses weren’t having an affair.

Newly divorced with a young son to raise Tucker Beckett is the last man Miranda Owens should be itching to figure out, to make smile, and hear laugh. Still there is something about the detective with haunted blue eyes and a dirty mouth that draws her in from the moment they meet. 

If only life were so simple.

As Tucker and Miranda begin to navigate their new relationship, Tucker is tasked with solving the murder of a young woman, while their ex’s begin to play games in an attempt to split the two of them up.

Before they fall, these two will need to figure out if the only thing tying them together is the circumstances that brought them together in the first place or if it’s something more. 

Love isn’t complicated but sometimes life is.

Pre-Order Your Copy Here
Will be exclusive to KU on release day!
Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Aurora Rose Reynolds


Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground King, Shooting Stars, Fluke My Life and How to Catch an Alpha series. 


Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.


To learn more about Aurora and her books, visit here


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Saturday, June 3, 2023

Review Round Up ~ June 3




New(er) Releases:


My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

I'm Snow Into You introduces us to the community of Sven's Beard, a grumpy police chief, and a fish-out-of-water newspaper owner. Avon shows up in town to collect an inheritance she didn't expect and finds way more than she bargained for. Ryan Grady is the police chief and he is prepared to keep his distance from the red-haired tourist. Ms. Rothert gave us a great, heartwarming read with these two.

Both Avon and Grady have wounds that appear to have healed but have definitely left scars. Their interactions are fun and it was entertaining to see them evolve from slightly antagonistic to friends and potentially more. Add in personal growth, an intrigue element, and a fantastic secondary cast amongst the town of Sven's Beard and you really have a book that was a joy to spend time with.

This was a well-written read and I really hope we get to see more of this community soon!

Amazon   


The Man She Loves to Hate (Texas Cattleman's Club: The Wedding, #6)The Man She Loves to Hate by Jessica Lemmon

3.5 stars - Worth a Reader's Time

Review Copy Provided by Author

The Man She Loves to Hate was a fun read but was not what I expected based on the title and blurb. I was expecting more of an enemies-to-lovers story and while there is a definite conflict element early on - it does not go as far as “enemies”

Rylee and Trick are the entertaining main characters in this connected stand-alone (the other books are by other authors). I enjoyed their adventures as he encouraged her to loosen up and she showed him that plans are okay too. The conflict in the story flowed naturally as it was personality based.

There is a large secondary cast here since this is part of a series. These supporting players help move the story along, but the reader doesn’t feel lost for having not read the other books.

If I enjoyed the book, why only 3.5 stars? It’s a personal preference thing, but it’s the setting of the book. The book supposedly takes place in Texas, but several times Ms Lemmon references “mountains” in the background. The only part of Texas where you would get mountains in the background is not conducive to the wealthy environment of the TCC or Rylee’s upbringing. I get that I am being picky and that fiction allows for creative license, but this little bit of being unrealistic bothered me and pulled me from the story when it came up.

Amazon


Unscripted With MilaUnscripted With Mila by Melanie Moreland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would recommend to a Friend

Review Copy Provided by Author

Unscripted with Mila brings the BAM/ABC world to a conclusion with the story of Mila (the adopted daughter of Van and Liv) and Nick. Mila is a character that we saw some of in previous books, but haven't really gotten to know until now. As we get to know her, we see her leave her comfort zone for work and meet the movie star she's had a crush on.

I found myself liking Mila and Nick. Both characters have struggles that are not obvious given the privileges that their lifestyles afford them. The fact that these issues aren't obvious doesn't make them less real, but it does add a relateable-ness to their lives as they work to figure things out. One of the things I appreciated about this couple is that while their relationship started quickly (a classic Moreland move) they helped each other grow and explore the strengths they didn't even know they had.

Since this book is part of the BAM/ABC world, there is a large secondary cast. The active portion of this group is fairly small and helps push the story forward. Nick is slightly different from some of Ms Moreland's previous leading male characters as he has a unique vulnerability. This plays into some of the interactions with secondary characters and influences the story. It was nice to see "flawed" characters succeed in life and find the potential happy ending of a good partner.

I'm sorry to see this series end, but maybe, just maybe Ms Moreland will let us see this crew pop up in other places in the future.


 *Buy links belong to E-Reading After Midnight and we may be compensated if you choose to make a purchase. 

Friday, June 2, 2023

Flaunt ~ Adriana Locke ~ New Release & Review

 

FLAUNT BY ADRIANA LOCKE

Release Date: June 2nd Genre/Tropes: Roommate-to-Lovers / Blue Collar / Small-Town Romance

FLAUNT IS AVAILABLE NOW!!

Flaunt by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke is NOW LIVE! Make sure to grab this roommate-to-lovers romance TODAY! https://geni.us/VE8XNT2 Add to Goodreads

https://geni.us/FlauntGR

        Blurb:   Looking for a Fake FiancĂ© Have you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it? It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to say it is what counts. Hi. It’s me. I’m that person. The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and should “lower my expectations”. Didn’t he realize I lowered them the moment I met him for dinner? Obviously not. Am I petty? Maybe. Annoyed? Of course. Determined? Definitely. I need someone to help me flaunt my new engagement—my fiancĂ© couldn’t wait to pop the question because I’m that amazing—in his face. The problem? I don’t have a boyfriend, let alone a husband-to-be. Which brings us to you. Are you handsome? Successful? A smooth talker extraordinaire? Are you willing to do all the things that someone madly in love would do? Putting your hand on the small of my back. Forehead kissing. Acting like I’m a treasure you can’t live without. I need you to be prepared to do all those things … and maybe more. What do you get out of this? I’m willing to negotiate terms—especially if they include a job and a place to stay. It’s a long story. One night. One event. Let’s put on one heck of a show. From USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author comes a “hot and hilarious!” fake-dating tale between two frenemies that turn into roommates, coworkers, and, ultimately, lovers. Fans of close proximity, one-bed trope, and blue-collar, small-town heroes will fall madly in love with this story.   
        
  About the Author: USA Today Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor.   She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.   Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty-five years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.   Learn more at adrianalocke.co
m.  



Elizabeth's Review

My rating: 4 of 5 stars - Would Recommend to a Friend


Review Copy Provided by Author


The Carmichael boys are back! This time Banks takes center stage with Sara (a friend of Ashley in a previous book). These two are oil and water, but we see just how delicious that combination is when mixed just right.

Banks is a character that has been a key secondary character throughout the whole series, so it was fun to get to know him better here. He is definitely much deeper and sweeter than some of his previous antics would lead someone to believe. Sara is a harder nut to crack, but the more time we spent with her the more I liked her and found myself rooting for her.

As much as this is a romance, it's also a story of family, love, and how strong you can be when someone shows up to support you. We come in knowing Banks' back story (and reading this series in order is helpful), but I loved seeing him begin to show Sara just how special she really is.

The Carmichael family is hugely present in this story, but they don't overwhelm. If you have been following the series, you will be glad to see glimpses of what prior leading characters are up to. We also see more of the oldest sibling, Foxx, than we have in previous books. I am curious to see what Ms Locke has in store for this enigma.

View all my reviews