Janice Whiteaker: Untamed

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237471577-untamed

Book Blurb:

I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in my life.
Showing up on Tucker Bradshaw’s doorstep claiming we share a daughter is not one of them.
The youngest Bradshaw brother’s reputation is well known in Willow Bend and I plan to use it against him.
I thought he’d simply throw money at the problem, hoping to make us go away.
But Tucker doesn’t see my daughter and me as a problem.
He sees us as a solution.
So, instead of getting to take the money and run, I find myself being moved into his mansion. Driving one of his cars. Spending time with his family.
But I draw the line at sleeping in his bed. That’s never going to happen.
Except Tucker isn’t at all the man I expected him to be. He’s funny and kind. Selfless and humble.
When he reads my daughter bedtime stories, my resolve forms a crack.
When he builds her a princess bed, complete with a tower, that crack widens.
And when he pulls me close one night, telling me what a good mother I am, it crumbles completely.
And that’s a problem.
Because while Tucker’s presence is keeping my daughter and me safe, mine is putting him in danger.

Tropes:

*Hambright PR ARC  *Forced Proximity *Fake Dating *single parent (FMC) *Strangers to more

*spice *close family *Found family *He falls first *Reformed playboy *Small Town

*State Challenge Wyoming *Schemers to More *long term grief  *guarded hearts

*3rd book in series but can be read as a stand alone *Protective MMC *Slow Burn

Thoughts:

Untamed is the first book in this series that I have read and I think while it can be read as a stand alone anyone reading this would benefit from reading the books in order as a lot of characters are introduced and I struggled at first to keep track of who was who, basically our guy Tucker has a big family they are all close and they are all in and out of each others lives/homes.

Ruth (FMC) is a single mother of an adorable toddler Birdie.  Due to her daughters father who wanted nothing to do with their child making threats Ruth feels like she has no other options but to move out of state and start a new life across the country... only she has limited resources, funds and no support system (Since her mother passed away) but she needs to keep herself and her daughter safe so she comes up with a plan to go to the town playboy Tucker... thinking that he won't want anything to do with her and will possibly give her money to go away she shows up on his doorstep... with not much of a plan really.

Tucker (MMC) is known as a ladies man and for many years he has been, he still doesn't want  to settle down any time soon but is wanting to get away from his mother's match making ideas feels that Ruth has magically shown up to his home just in time... so he makes her a deal that she really can't turn down because she needs the money she just needs to pretend to be dating him in front of his family... it will only be for a few weeks then she will make her move and have the money to do so what could go wrong?  

This book took me a bit to get into and while I appreciated the toddler was an actual main character too and not a side character always taking a nap, there were sections that were a bit repetitive when it came to talking about the child's potty time... I could have done with less of that (could just be a me thing, it is relateable for anyone who has had a toddler).

At first our couple is just playing their part keeping their distance from each other in private and getting closer in front of others but soon it becomes hard to keep their hands to themselves even in private... but he doesn't do relationships he's a one night stand kind of guy right?  And she's moving across the country to start her new life, that's what she's been working towards and she still wants that?  

Even though the reason for the fake relationship to me felt a bit more forced I did begin to enjoy this story more once we got past toddler messes and more into our couple growing closer together and it was truly sweet to see a well known playboy who no one thought could be a one lady man go from one night to all in with the right person and he was so caring, protective, and supportive not only of just Ruth but her daughter as well.  Tucker is a sweetheart he is just holding a past tragedy so closely that he can't see around it to the future he could have if he let himself have what he wants. 

Ruth we see is a strong woman who is willing to do anything to protect her daughter and even though their relationship didn't start out in the usual way our couple got to know each other better and grew closer together naturally, they are able to help each other with tougher times which helps with our couple letting their walls down easier... and they didn't even realize it at first.  

Tucker's family is amazing and anyone who has a family like this cherish them!  There are some funny moments throughout with his big lovable family group.

There is a side story that flows over from the first few books and I do plan to eventually go back and read the first two books in this series and I'm looking forward to the next book as well!  

Once I got into this book I was invested this was a sweet small town romance where you knew from the start that the fake part of the dating wouldn't last but the journey to get there was worth the wait.  

Have you read this one?  What did you think?  

Kate Pelczar: No Pants Required

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251498994-no-pants-required

Book Blurb:

Tabby has to find a job.  she wants a place she can call home.  She needs to find Solid Ground again.

Little does she know taking an evening walk at the beach with her dog will lead to the beginning of a brand new adventure.

Despite her dad complaining about Nymeria destroying his avocado trees, finding ways to kick her when she's already down, or her past is finding ways to complicate her present, Tabby is determined to land on top.  First, She's got to figure out how to get out on her own, follow her passions and possibly find love along the way.

Tropes:

*High Gravity ALC  *Indie Author *Strangers to More *guarded hearts  *Barrista FMC 

*Green Flag book boyfriend  *State Challenge California (Repeat) *Cute animal side kick

*pop culture references *Curvy FMC

Trigger warnings:  Toxic family (DV mentioned ) 

Thoughts:

Tabby (FMC) has to leave Colorado to return to California after the sudden end of her relationship. Arriving back home to live with her parents she truly feels she has reached rock bottom... or at least she hopes this is the lowest times can get for her... thankfully she has her best friend Nymeria (her dog).

Tabby's parents are less than understanding about... well everything.  Shortly after arriving she manages to find a job right away (and she's a very hard worker) her father finds things to gripe about... mainly her dog destroying his property... She needs her own place like yesterday, but she also needs some time to save money.

Trying to get out of the house... because who needs that kind of negativity in their lives she finds herself at a renaissance fair where she falls for a handsome stranger... well her shoe was stuck and he caught her while she was falling, that counts right?  

Tony (MMC) is a green flag book boyfriend seriously he is a true sweetheart caring, stable, wealthy, he likes her for herself flaws and all even though she is at a low point in her life and he is there for her to help boost her spirit and encourage her to follow her dreams... doesn't hurt that he is bilingual and super handsome, he also is a girls dad (older daughters).

We go through Tabby's journey as she navigates working long hours at the coffee shop, working on herself and finding out who she is as a person and what she wants in life... does that include a man so soon after her last relationship imploded? ... what she does know is she needs a place of her own ASAP!  

Tabby's home life after returning to live with her parents is less than ideal and brings up childhood issues where her father becomes increasingly verbally agressive towards her and she worries that her mother is dealing with even worse treatment, she is talked down to by her father, her sister and quite frankly she has had enough... she's tired of walking on eggshells to be supportive of her father's immature and quite frankly appalling behavior towards everyone around him.

Tabby and Tony grow closer together over the course of this book and it's sweet to see them together opening up and letting down their walls.  The narrator did a great job with the characters and this was a truly cute and cozy story.  My heart went out to Tabby having to deal with her toxic family I truly wouldn't blame her for not wanting to deal with them again.

I did find a few situations could have been handled differently during the course of the book (but it could have just been a me thing) one of them being that Tony had given her no reasons not to trust him but she immediately thought the worst case scenario and didn't even want to let him speak... come on girl this guy is amazing at least hear him out before you jump to conclusions.

I also would have appreciated an epilogue to finish things out (this also could possibly be a me thing) it felt like a few plot points could have been wrapped up better.  This book leaves our leads in a happily for now situation.  

Thank you to the author and High Gravity for this ALC! 

Have you read this one?  What did you think?  

Lauren Blakely: I've Got A Crush On You

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232477298-i-ve-got-a-crush-on-you

Book Blurb:

My secret workplace romance starts innocently enough at a birthday party.

But when a rowdy partier knocks me into a lake and a sexy stranger comes to my rescue – my night becomes one to remember.

A night so steamy I almost forget why I’ve sworn off men after a failed workplace romance.

Trouble is, the brand new doggy daycare in Darling Springs that I’ve contracted with is owned by none other than my sexy stranger. Thanks, fate.

Sawyer turns out to be a total grump in a tailored suit, no matter how sunshine-y I am. Even when he squeezes that hard body past me as I bring donuts to work. Or when he pretends he’s not roaming his dark eyes over me as I teach Fido to sit, stay and come.

But I’m focusing on my shiny new future—my dog-training business is suddenly the hottest thing in town, thanks to a new actress client. And when I’m roped into a charity dance number, I smell an opportunity, especially when I learn my hot landlord has an alter ego and a fandom.

Turns out Mr. Serious Boss is up for dance lessons.

Then the entire Dirty Dancing experience.

Giving into our chemistry once won’t hurt. Two might be pushing it. By the seventh, it’s undeniable–I’ve got a crush on him too.

Tropes:

*Hambright PR ALC *One Night Stand *Workplace Romance *Small town romance

*Forbidden Romance *Grumpy/Sunshine *Forced Proximity *Strangers --> more

*Spice *cute/cozy read *Guarded hearts *Rom-Com *State Challenge California (Repeat)

*Cute pet side kicks

Thoughts:

I picked up this ALC from Hambright PR and would first like to thank them and Lauren Blakely for this early listen copy! 

Chloe (FMC) is released from her job due to a series of unfortunate events caused by her ex-husband (who also worked at the company) sadly her boss is her ex father-in-law.  Even though this is a set back for her she will get thru it she still has her side job as a dog trainer... maybe she can turn that into a more full time gig.

Sawyer (MMC) has a single focus of growing his business (pet day care and grooming) he now has multiple locations and seriously he has no time for women... especially after his ex fiance did him dirty.  When he runs into Chloe at a party his sister has invited him to they hit it off why not have a bit of fun... it will be a one and done thing.

Sawyer rocks Chloe's world in all the best ways then she leaves never to see each other again... so naturally when she gets to the location of her new dog training business where she is renting a space inside a day care she's surprised to see Sawyer again as the new owner... what!! Oh no she already made the mistake of mixing business with pleasure before and look how that turned out, he's still hot but she didn't realize he was so grumpy.

This was a cute story about two people with broken hearts and walls up that try to avoid each other but just can't keep away and I loved watching them learn to trust each other and work together even though they had been hurt in the past.  The Narrators Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais did a great job bringing this story to life! 

Sawyer was all business during the day but had some secrets and he would rather they didn't get out... when Chloe finds out even though she teases him and uses it to her advantage she doesn't let the secret slip to their co-workers.

Was the plot a bit ridiculous at times --> yes,  Did I mind --> nope.  If you enjoy a cute, cozy rom-com with small town vibes, lead characters that you root for and loveable side characters you might enjoy this one.

Have you read this one?  What did you think? 

Mysti Graves: Divine Sin The Dark Awakening Book One

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252588113-divine-sin

Book Blurb:

Divine Sin: The Dark Awakening is a dark fantasy romance filled with dangerous revelations,
infernal politics, and supernatural intrigue, where Hell is not the end, but the beginning.

Darcelle’s tragic death was not her end,
but her beginning.

Awakening in Hell,
she’s forced to face a terrifying truth:
She is no ordinary soul,
and Hell has been waiting for her.

Bound by a contract she never agreed to,
Darcelle has one year to choose a demon to soulbond with.

A shapeshifting Yōkai that feels too human for Hell.
A Djinn prince unwilling to grant her wishes.
An Incubus whose fascination grows more obsessive by the day.
And…
An ice Elemental who would rather spill her blood than protect it.

Darcelle must navigate a world of seductive bargains,
complex politics, and powers she barely understands.

Powers that have Hell itself on edge.

Tropes:

*Indie Author  *Fantasy *Dark Romance *Hell  *Life after Death *Powerful beings

*Demons/Angels *Fantasy *magic *cliffhanger *Slow burn  *Drama *politics *Daddy issues

Thoughts:

First off this is not my usual type of book I usually go for lighter romance/rom com type books but I have been pushing my boundaries and trying new things in the reading world and I love to help support indie authors and this accomplished both!  

Darcelle (FMC) is a beautiful young woman she had her whole life ahead of her but it was cut tragically short in her early 20's.  She saw her body as an outsider looking and following it to her own funeral she's not sure what's next for her is this some kind of limbo?  

Darcelle ends up getting picked up by a silent driver but since he's the only one who can seem to see her she goes with it and ends up outside the perimeters of a large building... with so many questions and no one to answer any of them her driver leave but in comes 4 demons, they are hot as sin and inform her that they are her escorts while she navigates her new life in the underworld... oh and by the way she needs to choose one of them to be soul bound with in a years time per a contract she didn't make but her father (Lucifer... yes that one) did. 

As Darcelle learns she is the princess of the underworld, feels her new powers blossom within her and attempts to learn how to trust her guides? Husbands to be? against her better judgement since she had been told her whole mortal life you can't trust a demon but now she's in a whole world full of them... and where is her father to help her?  He has a lot of explaining to do when she sees him.

This book is the first of the series (which should be read in order) and has beautiful world building and getting to know you moments as we learn Darcelle's new normal right along with her and her handsome guys.  I appreciated learning more about the different layers and rulers of the underworld and my first name popped up as a queen in one of the circles (which I loved coming from the kid that never found their name on any key chain/or any other item growing up).  

Karv: Incubus --> to me I felt like he was building the best relationship with Darcelle

Ank: Djinn --> leader of the school that Darcelle is currently living in and her other guys are all instructors at.

Haruki --> shape shifting Yokai who we learn later has a better relationship with our girl than we originally expect.

Z --> Ice Elemental, doesn't feel Darcelle belongs in his world and goes out of his way to make her and everyone around her uncomfortable... I don't forsee her choosing him when the year is up but we'll see I think under all this brooding/grumpyness is someone hurt from his past experiences. 

Darcelle attempts to show none of them favoritism because she's not sure of herself in this new life yet or what she wants and she doesn't want to make a wrong choice... also she feels that maybe she doesn't have to choose at all? 

We learn more about Darcelle's past as the guys do and from this see why she would be more guarded of her heart and emotions.  

I am so glad I went out of my comfort zone and grabbed this one there were some slower moments and this is a super slow burn but I really loved learning more about everyone in this world and the way it ended... I need the next book right now!  

have you read this one?  What did you think?  

Dana Swift: When Dealing with Dragons

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216815886-when-dealing-with-dragons

Book Blurb:

Bonding with dragons gave humans magic to craft metal―now, two school rivals have to work together to protect a priceless secret, all while fighting their growing attraction to each other, from Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight.

Copper-crafter Farren Walsh is set on following in her father's footsteps to become a dragon veterinarian. The only thing more powerful than her love for these magnificent creatures is her hate for those who exploit them for their precious metal. That includes her classmate, an arrogant dragon racer named James Murphy, whose silver-crafting family represents the worst of human greed and dragon abuse―plus, he's the biggest competition for the college scholarship she desperately needs.

When James strongarms his way into interning at her family's dragon sanctuary for the summer, it puts everything at risk. Farren isn't just the plain copper-crafter she seems. She's hiding a secret that could not only change her life, but their society as a whole. And James, trying to find refuge from his controlling father, harbors his own secret, years-long crush on Farren. Hating James might be harder than she thought, but Farren can't risk getting too close: the fate of an endangered species is at stake.

Tropes:

*Netgalley ALC  *Young Adult *magical world *Dragons *teenage romance *dual POV *Fantasy

*drama  *Family drama  *Enemies to more *pining *Forced proxmity *school rivals *first love

Trigger warnings: *DV, Animal cruelty, Death, classist society

Thoughts:

In a world with dragons humans have learned how to bond with these beautiful creatures and through this process bonded humans have gained the magical ability to craft different metals.  Unfortuantely in this process it has become a situation where more sought after metals (like Silver) and those who can craft the metals from these dragons don't feel that they should mix with other classes of metals leading to a culture where higher class metals are wealthy and many of them look down on the lower classes.  

Farren Walsh (FMC) lives with her family on a dragon preserve and has helped her father (a dragon veterinarian) for several years while she is still in school she is looking forward to going to veterinarian college like her father but in order to get in she needs the scholarship... while she thinks she's got a good chance she has competition in the way of her school nemesis Dragon Rider James he's handsome, popular and wealthy... he has everything he needs why does he want this scholarship too?

James (MMC) has some secrets first being he has been secretly crushing on Farren for years, to be honest it's been since the day he met her when they were 12... years later he still can't get her out of his head he just wishes he wasn't so awkward when it came to her he always seems to fumble what he says around her and his fellow dragon riders notice this is definately a weak spot for him leaving him to say some less than pleasant things in the past about the FMC.  His home life isn't what it appears to be, and he actually wants to be a dragon Veterinarian... so when he finds out that Farren's family needs help for the summer he talks his mom into helping get this spot.

Farren can't believe this is happening its bad enough that she has to see James at school and at the dragon races... now he's going to be at her sanctuary too.  She has to keep him at arms length if he finds out what she and her family have been hiding there could be a lot of damage... and not just for her it could put her precious dragons at risk and she must protect them at all costs.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for this ALC.  This was a cute quick listen, there wasn't too much world building but it had an interesting magic system and I loved that the dragons once trained if they were happy in their environment were just like loveable puppies/dogs.  

There is some dragon riding and danger in this book especially once (as we all figured would happen) the secret gets uncovered and it becomes a matter of life and death.  

There is a lot of internal monologue of  does he/she like me or not?  Lets pretend to still not like each other so people don't know we actually like each other now... wish there was less of this and more world building but I do recognize it is for a younger audience.

Farren's family is so sweet and welcoming to James, complete opposite of his own home life (which is a heart breaking situation).  

The ending of the book... had my anxiety up! 

Over all this was an enjoyable young adult fantasy with drama, action, a sweet teenage love story and a strong sense of right and wrong with how others should be treated (including our dragon friends).  

Have you read this one?  What did you think?

.

Katherine Lyons: The Truth Serum

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240499038-the-truth-serum

book blurb: 

Lady Rebecca has spent ten years trying to forget the boy who stole her heart—and destroyed her family. Now Lord Nathaniel is back, still recklessly charming and absolutely forbidden. A man who cares for nothing but his own pleasure.

Or so it seems. Beneath Nate’s carefully crafted façade are secrets that could tip the war against Napoleon. Nate is a spy, and he desperately needs Rebecca's help. But can she trust a feckless rake in defiance of their family feud and her brother’s mysterious plans?

When a marriage contract could bind her to a traitor, Rebecca turns to the most dangerous weapon of all—a mysterious truth serum that reveals not just lies, but the most inconvenient desires of the heart. And when the serum goes awry, half-dressed barons and ballroom scandals are the least of Rebecca’s problems.

In a world where trust leads to betrayal, can two childhood sweethearts overcome a decade of deception to save regency England—and each other?

Tropes:

*High Gravity ALC *Historical Romance  *2nd chance for Romance *Enemies --> more

*Forbidden Romance *hidden secrets *Spy/Espionage *Family Feud/Opposing Loyalties

*Scandal *Magical Potion (truth Serum)

Trigger Warnings: Gaslighting, animal Cruelty (mentioned not on page), DV --> some other things check your triggers 

Thoughts:

This story picks up where book one ended, while it can be read as a stand alone read them in order to get an idea of what happened prior to these events (not a problem if you don't it's not hard to catch up).

Lady Rebecca is considered "past her prime" being in her later 20's many of her friends have been married for years and have children... while she's been stuck in the country taking care of her ailing mother or her season has been cut short because her eldest brother is a hermit and doesn't want to leave his home for London and her 2nd eldest brother Fletcher is all about one person's needs... his own he can't be bothered to cart her about to different society functions he has manly things to do.  

When Lady Rebecca arrives to London this time for the season she is determined to at least have a full season before settling on someone she doesn't want to jump into anything she's been burned before and it cost her a lot.

Nate and Rebecca used to spend summers together in secret their family were rivals it started out as a friendship, then young love as they were both teenagers... only things came crashing down badly when Rebecca's father caught them in the hay loft the shock of it led to his early demise... or that's what her family like to tell her that her actions caused this tragedy.  Sadly since this event 10 years prior her family has been treating her as the help and she's tired of it... if only she could get access to the property that is in her dowry and the funds as well then she can live on her own away from everyone and be her own person.

Naturally her older brother Fletcher has other ideas as he introduces her to an odious man with less than proper intentions... now Rebecca just needs to find out what these intentions are, hearing about a shop that provided a love potion that caused the match of a duke his lovely bride to be... Rebecca needs to know what's going on if a love potion can work why not a truth serum?

Nate has been living with the Duke while recovering from an attack and when he finds that Rebecca is visiting with Kynthea (FMC from book 1) he can't help himself he has to see her again he knows that things ended on bad terms but he's always cared for her and he would marry her today if she would have him... upon seeing him she makes it clear that she does not feel the same way.

Rebecca and Nate continue to run into each other at different events and while out in town, it's easy to see early on that both still have feelings for the other but after so many years and all that has happened is it possible to forgive and move on?  Especially when her family would never approve of this match? 

Nate has a reputation as a care free rake but he's more than what people think of him... it's too bad that Rebecca can't see that too.

Once Rebecca uses the truth serum on her target it leads to some big truths the too good to be true man that her brother wants her to pair with is a womanizing brute... but this does make for a funny scene in the garden where the Baron begins to shed his clothes to discuss how impressive he is (he is not)... how can her brother expect her to marry this guy seriously he's the worst.  

This story has truly unlikeable characters that had me rooting for our lead characters to be together and have their happily ever after once and for all... since it was lost to them years ago this is a true second chance. 

There is a mystery as well of who is smuggling items to the enemies... they are at war and this is treason.  Nate who we know works for the government as a spy was already involved but Rebecca soon becomes closer than she ever thought she would be to danger... will they both be able to find who is behind these crimes?  

Both now older and wiser have lived and learned and Rebecca is no longer just willingly going to fall for Nate's charm... he really has to work for it (as he should).  This leads to a push/pull, will they or won't they that lasts a majority of the book especially since we know that her family is against this relationship even years later over some old family feud.

I listened to this as an ALC and the narrators did a beautiful job bringing this story to life!  Looking forward to the next in the series. 

Have you read this one?  what did you think? 

Meghan Quinn: Till Summer Do Us Part

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227081370-till-summer-do-us-part

Book Blurb

I got what I wanted. I became buddy-buddy with my boss in an instant. But the cost will be hefty . . . finding a husband by tomorrow.

Scottie Price just started a new job, and it's a real sausage fest. She's the only woman on a team filled with Brads and Chads. Expecting a bachelor pad atmosphere, she is quickly corrected when she finds out everyone is happily married.

In an effort to impress her boss, Scottie mentions her non-existent husband in a company meeting. But eagle-eyed Chad points out her lack of wedding ring. Panicked, Scottie creates a story about her unhappy marriage. Unfortunately for Scottie, her boss has a solution - a one-on-one session with the best marriage counsellor in the Northeast, who happens to be her boss's husband.

With no way out of her lie, Scottie agrees to see him. Frantic, she calls in help from her best friend who sets her up with his brother, an improv-obsessed millionaire.

Enter Wilder Wells. More than happy to take on the job, he teaches Scottie the main rule of always say yes. But the rule backfires during the session when Wilder signs them up for an eight-day summer marriage camp with all of Scottie's co-workers where she'll have to share a cabin with her way-too-handsome fake husband.

Tropes:

*Rom-Com *Fake Relationship *Best Friend's Brother *Strangers --> More

*Camp Vibes *Marriage counseling *Work trip *Cute Nickname *Forced proximity *one bed

*Spice  *Divorced FMC *Wealthy MMC *Pierced 👇 MMC *Summer Romance

*Spice *State Challenge New York (Repeat) *emotional baggage from prior relationship

*Golden retriever MMC *Reverse age gap

Thoughts:

Scottie (FMC) has started her life over in NYC after moving across the country, newly divorced and finding it hard to fit in at her new job with a bunch of adult frat bro's but... what's worse is that they all are all happily married.  Feeling bad about her failed relationship and looking to grasp onto anything when everyone is talking about what they are doing in their world of love... she brings up that she will also be doing "Coupleish" things with her husband.

Thinking that people will just drop it after it's said... she ends up in a bad situation after she doubles down on her lie and says that she's not wearing her ring because her and her husband have been having a rocky time,  next thing she knows her boss is pulling her into the office and saying that she's in luck her husband is sought after to help marriages in trouble... and he can fit her and the hubs in the next day.

Now Scottie needs to just find a husband... a real live guy to go with her to this appointment.  In comes her best friend to the rescue he happens to have a single, hot, wealthy younger brother who has been looking for "experiences" and just might be the guy for the job since he has been taking improv acting classes and looking to enhance his skills.

So next thing Scottie is meeting Wilder... why didn't her friend tell her how hot his brother was?... and then he goes totally off script at their "counseling appointment" next thing she knows he has them signed up for an 8 day counseling session retreat, which apparently her whole office is going to... why didn't her friend mention how his brother is unhinged?  

This is terrible how are they going to hold it together for 8 days pretending to be married when they just met 2 minutes ago... this is going to be a disaster.

Was this book over the top ridiculous?  Yes and there were some definite unethical things happening at this counselor's camp.... But as our couple continues to get into situations and learn more about each other as a "couple" you truly see them begin to develop feelings for each other based on trust, honesty and understanding... well honest with each other anyways.

Scottie has a lot of emotional baggage from her toxic relationship with her ex and Wilder is a fun and free spirit that helps her come out of her shell and shows her throughout the whole book how she should have always been treated in a relationship.  Scottie has been through it she deserves a sweetheart like Wilder.

I really enjoyed this book it had me laughing so hard.  I switched back and forth between reading and the audio book but I truly enjoyed the narrators and they did a great job with the humor and heart of this book.  

I enjoyed this book but have put together some Negatives from other peoples reviews:

*too much cringey spice

*no chemistry between the main characters

*MMC is immature, FMC is too uptight

*Too many tropes, trying too hard to be funny --> feels forced

*Whole Marriage counseling trip was an HR nightmare

Elysia Wages: Fall To Me

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233994011-fall-to-me

Book Blurb:

River

Carter Graham has been after me for a year now; leaving my favorite coffee on my desk every morning, showing up when I think I’ve successfully avoided him. I don’t want to find him attractive. God, I really don’t. Every time he pierces me with those glacier-blue eyes, it feels like he sees right down to the depths of my soul. I become confused, my pulse races, my cheeks warm, and tingles spread throughout my body. It literally feels like the ground shifts under my feet. Usually, that’s when I run. Running is something I’ve become very good at.

Carter

River Hendrix. Man, I’ve had it bad for that woman since the day I laid eyes on her. She took my breath away. But it wasn’t only her beauty that shook me, it was how she looked at me like I was an idiot when I held out my hand to shake hers. Since then, that girl has lit me up and torn me down in the same breath. Chasing her is a high that makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt in my life. Every glance, every time she brushes me off, or pops off with one of her smart remarks, only makes me crave her more. The more she turns me down; the more determined I become. I’m not one to give up easily. I don’t quit . . . ever. Mark my words. One day, she will be mine.

After a painful divorce, River is still piecing herself back together, wary of letting anyone in. Carter is relentless, determined to win her heart. When a wild night in Vegas ends in an accidental marriage, they’re forced to confront what they truly want. Will River’s past destroy their chance at happiness?

Or will Carter prove he’s worth the risk?

Tropes:

*High Gravity ALC  *Hockey Romance *Workplace Romance *Forced Proximity

*Slow Burn *spice *Accidental Marriage *Drama *Green Flag MMC *Fierce FMC

*Protective MMC *humor *Golden Retriever MMC *mental health representation

*Found family  *State Challenge New York (Repeat) 

Trigger Warnings: *Toxic Ex *DV  *Check for other triggers 

Thoughts:

I received this ALC from High Gravity and was really excited to start this one after finishing up the first book especially since the ending of the first book set us up for the 2nd book.

Carter (MMC) is hot (he knows it, we know it) he's a Hockey superstar, wealthy and has charm for days he can get any woman he wants... or at least he thought he could until he ran into River (FMC) but he knows they were meant to be and he'll wear her down eventually he just needs to be patient.

River has a bad history with men since getting away from her awful ex it will be a long, long time before she wants anything to do with men... especially Carter, he's handsome (yes) but he's also got a temper which she's seen on the ice... she can't deal with that again.

Carter and River are in Vegas for their best friends wedding and when they get thrown together for the night to do a pre-wedding game, maybe have a few too many drinks and wake up the next day with a rotten hangover and evidence that their night might have been a bit too much... of everything since now they are married and it will be a bigger PR nightmare to get this annulled... I guess they are doing this.

Carter was surprising to me in all the best ways in the first book I saw how sweet he was towards River... but just when I thought he was just a hot, goofy party boy hockey player... he shows up and steps up as the man River always should have had he's caring, supportive, protective, he's truly kind, he even teaches her self defense techniques, he's everything that she didn't even know she was missing with a man in her life.  

River is unsure of herself after the end of her last relationship and still trying to figure out who she is now by herself without adding another person to the mix... but Carter is so easy to love. 

Their love is not over night it happens slowly and I appreciated that it was a slower progression and not an instant situation especially since River had been fighting any feelings she might have towards him for the last year.  The longer they were together the harder time she had staying away from him and the closer they became throughout the book the harder time she had wondering why she was putting up so much fight against him... he is nothing like her ex and showed her day after day that he was one of the good ones. 

Just when things are going so well between our couple a wrench gets thrown in the middle... will they ever be able to have a happy ending or will her past keep coming back to haunt them?

When this ALC popped up I downloaded it immediately and I wasn't disappointed it has a full-cast of amazing narrators: Teddy Hamilton, Andi Eloise, Corvin King, Stella Hunter, Aaron Shedlock, Lauren Beck, Brandon Francis, Leanne Blade, and Audrey Obeyn.  

I was drawn in from the first chapter and truly felt like I was going on an emotional journey with our couple if you enjoy a hockey romance with humor, a green flag protective book boyfriend, a fierce FMC (and like I said some more emotional/harder moments too) add this one to your list... and do yourself a favor if you are an audio book lover and get the audio version too!  

Have you read this one?  What did you think?

Katherine Lyons: The Love Potion

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231432999-the-love-potion

Book Blurb:

One splash changed everything!

Poor relation Kynthea Petrelli never dreamed she’d have a Season, but she is getting one…even if only as a companion to her younger, wayward cousin Zoe. Though Kynthea loves the girl, keeping up with her wild ideas is difficult, especially when Zoe sets her cap for England’s most eligible bachelor, and decides a love potion is the way to win his heart.

Unfortunately, it isn’t Zoe who trips and spills the potion on the oh-so-perfect Duke of Harle, but Kynthea. And before long, she finds herself the center of a scandal—and unexpectedly, the object of his desire.

As Kynthea’s reputation unravels, the duke can’t resist acting as her unlikely champion. But society expects him to marry for advantage and his mother is demanding a proper alliance. Yet the duke finds himself increasingly bewitched by the one woman he's forbidden to pursue.

It’s an impossible situation. But then, love potions aren’t for the faint of heart….

Tropes:

*High Gravity Productions ALC  *Historical Romance *Duke MMC  *Cozy read

*Companion to cousin FMC *slow burn *Spice *forbidden romance *Protective MMC

*Green Flag MMC 

Thoughts:

I saw this ALC pop up through High Gravity Productions and I jumped on it, I'm a big historical romance fan and this one did not disappoint! 

To start with we have Kynthia (FMC) she is smart, beautiful, mature and kind but due to her current lot in life after her parents passed away and her father left her in a great amount of debt she had no other choice but to ask for help from a relative, thankfully her uncle was willing to take her in as a companion to his daughter (her cousin) Zoe as she comes out in society.

The goal is for Zoe to marry by the end of the season both of her parents are older and want to see her settled... the sooner the better.  The biggest problem being that she is on the younger side of coming out to the ton at 16 and still prone to big dreams and bigger schemes.  She loves horses and is very knowledgeable when it comes to raising them and she knows that the Duke of Harle will fit her needs well he's a lot older... but he has beautiful horses and she knows with her help his stable can be the best in all of England.

Zoe getting an idea from her mother that she can gain Ras's (the Duke's) attention the best way by having a love potion created for him but finds when she goes to have the potion made it's going to be more difficult than she originally thought... no worries she'll come up with something. 

Only the plan gets of track when Kynthea ends up spilling the potion on the Duke instead of Zoe... then quickly ends up in a scandal when the local gossip newspaper prints about Kynthea and the Duke's encounter... What is she going to do now?  This could ruin not just herself but Zoe's chances at a match.

Ras is all about fair play and doesn't like that a gossip column can have such an effect on a bright young lady... in a sea of sharks (the ton) he protects Kynthea and her cousin Zoe from the worst of it but to do that he needs to continue to be seen with both of them.

There is a side story with something going on with Ras's friend (which I beleive will be picked up more in the next book and I'm looking forward to it). 

Zoe is immature (as expected for a 16 year old) and the Duke is fully against any kind of match with her he is far too old for her... and he doesn't want to wed for the size of his stables.  Kynthea while at first focused on helping her cousin get the guy she wants... finds that harder and harder to do once she gets to know Ras and the more she gets to know him she doesn't think she'd be able to handle them being together because she is falling for him.

This story was a sweet romance which starts with our leads building a friendship and it growing towards more, While Kynthea believes that there could only be one way for them to be together Ras knows that will never do and he's a Duke after all shouldn't he be able to have more of a say in who he marries?  

This was a great start to this new series it was funny and heartfelt I'm looking forward to the next in the series and I'm hoping that there is a story for Zoe.  If you enjoy Historical romances like I do don't miss out on this one! 

I was able to receive the ALC for this and narrators Persephone Lee & Christopher Tester did a beautiful job bringing this story to life!  

A.L. Richards: Blocked & Bewitched

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/254455293-blocked-bewitched

Blurb:

The moment Lachlan Fraser walked into her shop, Calla Brighton knew he was going to be a problem.

Calla liked her life predictable. Her herbs are organized, her wards are maintained, and her emotional entanglements are kept to an absolute minimum.

Then a cursed hockey goalie walks into her shop.

As the starting goalie for the Victoria Seawolves, Lachlan "Lock" Fraser is used to pressure. He's even gotten used to the bad luck that's followed him for years. What he isn't prepared for it discovering that his bad luck isn't bad luck at all.

It's a curse.

When a magical accident binds Calla and Lock together, staying apart isn't an option. Distance tears at the magic. Closeness keeps it stable. But, while proximity buys them time, it does nothing to stop the curse from escalating.

As the danger grows, so does the connection between them.

The longer they remain bound together, the harder it becomes to ignore what's growing between them - and the more there is to lose if they curse wins.

Because this time, the curse isn't just threatening Lock.

It's coming for both of them.

Blocked & Bewitched is a paranormal hockey romance featuring a cursed goalie, a sarcastic witch, forced proximity, found family, magic, humor, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Tropes:

*ARC Read 2026 *Hockey Romance  *Goalie MMC *Reverse Grumpy x sunshine

*Black cat FMC with a black cat familiar  *curses *magic *strangers --> more

*Golden Retriever MMC *Witch FMC *found family *Slow burn *spice *Sassy FMC

*paranormal elements *Banter *Forced proximity *opposites attract *Mystery 

Thoughts:

You could say that Lachlan Fraser (MMC) leads a charmed life he's living many peoples dreams as a starting hockey goalie on the Victoria Seawolves and he's a pretty happy guy usually but lately things have been more off than usual and it's making his job to catch these fast flying pucks harder when he's losing focus and there have been disturbances around him.  Being superstitious as any other hockey player he decides to go into a local shop for something to help with this issue... maybe a potion?  Or a charm? 

Calla (FMC) has been living a very ordered life, everything has its proper place and she likes her guards up... around everything especially her heart... she's a bit on the broody side and when Lock stumbles into her shop she knows it will lead to trouble... she's just going to help him and hopefully he won't come back(?)

Only Lock keeps coming back he needs her help especially since she straight up told him he is cursed... what can he do about it?  Lock by accident messes with an object not meant for him... Calla was trying to strengthen her bond between herself and her Cat familiar "Hex"... but the second he touches it their worlds collide and now they are bound together.

What happens when a closed off broody witch and a Sunshine hockey goalie are bound together?  Actually it's straight up magic.  Lock is a big personality on ice and he storms into her life, forces her to get out and socialize and see that she can still be orderly and let her hair down from time to time, she on the other hand shows him that love can be shown in many ways like comfort and support even when his job has him on the road a lot of nights.

As our couple that started out as strangers learn to work together as they are now both dealing with being tied to Lock's curse they quickly find themselves falling for each other... but will they ever get to the bottom of the curse?  What did he even do and how can they fight the unknown?  

Things that were a bit off for me involved the time line I was never sure at any given time how much time had passed, and I think that a lot of things maybe happened off page and just told to us later.  I also wish there might have been a better explanation of the magical system there was a lot of speak of "Magical" wards/barriers, tugging/straining on magical lines but without further explaining what Calla knew about her magic and curses it was hard for me to follow, there is a bit more explanation later on in the book though so that helped to clarify things a bit but until then I kind of just felt it was magical filler words without much background knowledge, that could be a me thing though.

Calla's brought into the WAG group and forms fast friends with most of the other ladies but this was part of what I feel was more off page as they only met up a few times and had a group chat but we were more told than shown how close they were.

Overall this was a cute cozy read and I enjoyed it.  This is a fun take on a hockey romance with a bit of a paranormal element thrown in I loved seeing Lock and Calla go from strangers to inseperable and Lock's team mates and their girlfriends made for a fun found family addition to this story.  I'm looking forward to the next in this series.

have you read this one?  What did you think?