Emma Slate: Lavender Lake

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236908474-lavender-lake

Book Blurb:

One night. All passion. No names.

I’ll never see him again.

But when I get on a plane home to Huckleberry Hill for a family emergency, my one-night stand sits down next to me.

Cas Bowman.

Famous bull rider.

And my future brother-in-law’s best friend.

No one can know we hooked up—not even my sister. And I vow never to let it happen again.

But then I remember the feel of him against me and the taste of him on my lips . . .

Suddenly, a thousand-acre ranch is too small to contain our lust, and it takes only a spark before we fall into bed again.

A future together is impossible. My life is back in New York and he’s destined to return to the rodeo circuit.

Then the stick turns pink . . .

Cas is a famous bull rider—but now he’s in for the wildest ride of his life.

Tropes:

*Darkstar Romance ALC  *Cowboy romance *Smalltown Romance  *Strangers --> more

*Twin (FMC) *Forced Proximity *Surprise Pregnancy *He Falls First 

*State Challenge (Idaho repeat)  *Long term grief  *Bull rider MMC *Cinnamon roll MMC

*Spice *Age Gap *secrets 

Thoughts:

Salem (FMC) Is on her way home for two reasons... and only 2 reasons to be by her father's side as he recovers from an accident, and to be there for her twin sister as she walks down the aisle to marry the man she loves.  She is leaving back to her life in the big city (New York) ASAP and does not need any unexpected delays.

Cas (MMC) is an unexpected delay Salem didn't see coming, meeting en route to home she has what she thinks will be a one night thing with a handsome stranger... only to find herself seated on the plane next to him... what?  Turns out this is Cas, her future brother-in-laws best man and he's going to be staying in the same house as her... in the room right next to hers.

To start with I wasn't a big fan of Salem's she seemed pretty young and she is she's in her early 20's but life keeps throwing additional wrenches she doesn't see coming so when she finds out her father has a girlfriend... and everyone knows about it but didn't bother to tell her because they were worried how she would react she gets pretty upset about it.  

Throughout the story the general theme is that Salem is a bit of a hot head and doesn't take things well, she even gets in a bar fight with her high school nemesis.  But I think that people don't give her enough credit even though she is a bit of a hot head at times she also loves deeply and is highly protective over family and friends those who she considers part of her family... I don't think that others give her enough credit that she can handle harder news and because of that they avoid talking about it with her leading to some of these issues that come up when a simple conversation (sooner) could have solved the problem.

Salem has been avoiding coming home because it reminds her of her mom (who she lost when she was younger), it's hard to return to the home she grew up in knowing that person she wants to see the most won't be there.  

This story had many emotional moments and it was really sweet seeing Cas just be there for Salem when she needed him most, she didn't have to say anything he just knew what she needed... someone who started as a one night stand is becoming so much more and quickly... but he's a professional bull rider and still very much involved with that lifestyle does he even want a girlfriend? --> more?  Her home is across the country she never planned on staying but the idea of leaving is feeling harder and harder.

Cas is so sweet he's down to earth, he's supportive, he's handsome and he's just what our girl Salem needs to keep her grounded when she's feeling a bit out of control they completed each other like a missing piece to a puzzle. 

As I said before I wasn't a big fan of Salem's at the beginning but as her story unfolds you can truly see she's a sweet girl with a big heart just trying to do the right thing... even when she's keeping secrets it's coming from a good place.  

This book did feel a bit like a repeat of the first one at times but over all I enjoyed this book and I plan to read the next in the series soon.  

The narrators did an amazing job bringing this story to life and I thank the author and DarkStar Romance for this ALC!  If you enjoy audio books and this book is on your TBR get the audio book! 

If you've read this one what did you think?  

Elysia Wages: Fall Wherever They May

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221031918-fall-wherever-they-may

Book Blurb:

After a phone call, secrets about Aspen’s life are unveiled. Between the discovery of her past and the complications that arise in her small Oklahoma hometown, the single mom finds herself suddenly moving to New York to start a new career and a new life with her ten-year-old son.

Callan is the center iceman for The New York Blaze. He’s focused on one thing and one thing his professional hockey career. After his life was upended, he wants no complications, no distractions.

A series of chance encounters between Aspen and Callan force them together and turns their world upside down.

This is the first installment in The Blaze Hockey Series.

This book is a standalone and ends with a happily ever after.

Tropes:

*High Gravity ALC  *Hockey Romance  *broody MMC  *Single parent (FMC) 

*banter *emotional read *grief  *Slow burn *Neighbors  *Boss x employee 

*spice *workplace romance  *Enemies --> friends --> more  *found family

 *State Challenge New York (repeat)  **Check trigger warnings 

Thoughts:

First of all Thank you to the author and High Gravity Productions for this Audiobook!  I'm a huge hockey romance fan and I was excited to start this one! I've read at least 60 Hockey romance books and this one didn't disappoint.

Callan (MMC) is a broody NHL star who has been going thru the motions of life but not really living for several years, we as the reader know it has something to do with his past but don't find out more of the story until later in the book.  He has been on his current New York team after being traded and the contract ends at the end of this season so he has some big choices to make. 

Aspen (FMC) is a single mom who has recently moved across country to New York to start her new job taking over for her father who recently passed away (not expected).  Aspen has big shoes to fill as she's not only starting this new role... she's the boss/owner of a professional hockey team... talk about big life changes.  She never met her father and is now upset with her mom for keeping so many things from her.

Callan and Aspen have a less than ideal initial meeting in the way of a fender bender where they both exchange less than pleasant words... turns out they will be seeing a lot of each other since they live across the street from each other and Callan is one of Aspen's star players.  

I really enjoyed watching Callan and Aspen go from sharing barbs to finally settling on a truce and becoming friends... but underneath all that there is a buzzing chemistry they both like each other but are holding back due to their past history.  Will they be able to let their guards down enough to let each other in and be more than friends?  

But Aspen also has her son to worry about because Tucker (son) loves Callan and what if they they try something more and it ends badly... Tucker would be crushed!  on the other side of the coin what if everything comes together and they could help heal each other, what if they are each others missing half.  

Aspen's doesn't have a good history with men in her mind men in her life are no show's or they leave as evidenced by her own father and her son's father who isn't in the picture.  

Callan has a truly heartbreaking back story and there must have been someone chopping onions in the room when he finally willing to open up and share his story.  

This was a slow burn and I appreciated that they truly were friends by the point that they decided they were ready for more it made it feel more believable. 

Some Things that were off for me: 

1) I didn't really understand the whole situation with Aspen's father staying away from her in order to "protect" her... I think that since he was such a family man I think her parents would have found some way for him to be in her life without her getting put in the public eye. 

2) once the spice was introduced it just didn't feel like what they were doing would have been for them... seemed like it was more tossed in to make the book a bit more naughty (?)... just felt awkward for this couple. 

3) sometimes the dialog felt like it was meant for younger characters, it was heavier on slang and curse words 

4) towards the end some information comes out and I felt by that point Aspen would/should have been more understanding and allowed Callan to at least explain himself but instead she shut him down and needed space, I just didn't feel that she would have done that since she had been open to communication and even demanded it prior to this event.  

5) sometimes it felt like the scenes were really pushing for setting up the couple for the next story but I was still trying to stay more with the couple from this book.  

Overall I truly enjoyed this story and the narrators did a great job bringing these characters to life, this was a heartfelt story about 2 broken souls coming together and building their own family.  If you are a hockey romance fan like me add this one to your list!   I'm looking forward to getting to the next book in the series.

Have you read this book?  what did you think? 

Heather C. Myers: Exes and Goals

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34208007-exes-and-goals

Book Blurb:

Most people have no regrets. She has one.

Harper Crawford is a big fan of the Newport Beach Seagulls, despite their abysmal previous season. It's been a year since Ken Brown's murder and Seraphina Hanson, Ken's youngest granddaughter, just survived her first year as the new owner and manager of the national hockey team. Barely. The last year was dismal to the point where Seraphina is making drastic changes. Like hiring Harper as their official blogger. Harper gets to travel with the team, write character pieces, critiques, game summaries, and the like. It's her dream job.

Another change? Putting together practically a new team, including Zachary Ryan, first line center. At six foot four and two hundred and twenty pounds, he is tall, dark blond, and solid muscle. He's arrogant and direct and the minute he sees Harper at Taboo nightclub during a team bonding session dressed in a plaid shirt and converse sneakers, he has to get to know her better.

Except there's a problem from her past that won't go away. Harper has an ex that won't stay in her past - where he belongs. He starts showing up at her place, reminding her of all the wrong choices she made, bringing up things she wants nothing more than to forget. When Zachary gets involved, things get heated and his notorious temper flares.

Harper doesn't want to get involved with a hockey player - especially with an overzealous ex who won't leave her alone - but Zachary plans to change her mind. No matter what the cost.

Tropes:

*Hockey Romance *Work place romance *Hockey Player x Journalist/blogger *toxic ex

 *spice *protective MMC  *State Challenge:  California (Repeat) 

*trigger warnings -DV 

Thoughts:

This is the second time I've read this book and this time I read it as part of a group challenge I'm in this book was one of the options on a bingo board, I already had this one in my kindle and haven't read it in a few years so thought I would give it a re-read to help our group! 

To start with we have Harper a sports blogger who is a fan of the local hockey team the seagulls... unfortunately in recent years due to a series of unfortunate and tragic events (namely the owner's death) and a losing team most of the better players of the team requested trades leaving to the new owner (the grand daughter) having to put together a team from scratch.  

With efforts to change things and in need of some good publicity Seraphina (new owner) decides to hire Harper to work for the team as their personal blogger she's happy for the opportunity this is a dream come true.  Another change for the team is aquiring Zach Ryan (MMC) from another team who wanted him to go after a scandal of sorts involving a team mates wife... while he hasn't openly shared his side of the story he hasn't done anything to settle the rumors either... Harper has a big task here making this team look good.

Harper's job with the team puts her closer together with many of the players including Zach and she just can't believe that any of the rumors she's heard are true he is nothing like what the gossip says... although he may be dangerous to her heart, especially since she her last relationship was a dumpster fire.  

In comes the Ex, Harper wants nothing to do with this guy but since the restraining order ended and she forgot to refile he's coming around again... trying to get close and thinks he has a say in her life and who she dates... newsflash he does not.

This was a shorter book and even though it's a "hockey" romance the hockey is in the way back as like a side story, they spend more time at the club, hotel, or her apartment and I would have liked a little bit more of the sport to be in the story, or even portions of some of the articles she was writing about the team, when mentioned it usually was brief and that she "turned it in" to her boss.  

I enjoyed the relationship Harper has with her grandmother and I did like seeing both of our leads let down their walls and fall for each other... even though it did feel like it happened super quick.  I appreciated how protective Zach was over Harper. 

Harper and the ex... she should have immediately gone to see if she could get a new restraining order against the guy as soon as he started coming around again... he was bad news and I don't think that she should have been around him at all let alone meet him willingly even though she had her reasons.  There were a few issues with the time line as well at one point the relationship with her ex had been over for like 8 months and another point in the book it was a few years.  The other thing that bothered me at one point was that she was so sick she had to call out of work yet the MMC comes over to bring her soup and then they end up in bed together... not sleeping...I'm sorry but if she's that sick let that girl eat her soup and sleep she's not well enough to do all that.  

There were a few other issues with the plot but I over looked some things I know it's fiction and enjoyed the story enough to be willing to read it for a 2nd time and plan to continue the series.  Amazon labels this as an enemies to lovers trope... I didn't get those vibes.  

Have you read this one?  What did you think?  

Jill Shalvis: Falling into You

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243125028-falling-into-you

Book Blurb:

Some love stories don’t stay buried, no matter how far you run.

Hazel Pierce has three goals for coming back to Star Falls:
1. Help her estranged dad.
2. Keep things strictly temporary.
3. Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for Tucker Colburn again.

That plan dies a dramatic, soggy death when a rogue wasp sting sends Hazel swerving off the road and into the river—only to be hauled out, half-drowned and furious, by the Star Falls Fire Department’s finest. Unfortunately, “finest” is ex–best friend, ex–one-night mistake, and the man she’s been avoiding for a decade.

Tucker’s always had a way of getting into her head. And now between a family that thrives on gossip and a town that’s way too small for all this chemistry, Hazel’s running out of ways to avoid the truth. As sparks turn into late-night confessions and slow, toe-curling kisses, Hazel has to decide if she’s done running—from her past, from this town, and from the only man who’s ever made her feel like home. And Tucker has to prove that this time, he’s not just her safe place to crash—he’s her always.

Tropes:

*Hambright PR ARC/ALC  *Small town romance  *Second chance romance 

*friends-enemies-more *firefighter MMC  *construction workers (both) *cozy read

*Secrets revealed *banter *meddling family *childhood sweethearts *girl next door

*Slow burn *Spice *family gossip *long term grief *Golden retriever MMC *workplace drama

Thoughts: 

I requested this book through Hambright PR, I just saw the tropes and the blurb and felt it was up my alley and it didn't disappoint, this was a really sweet story of two people once teenagers in love coming to find that even after being estranged from each other for years some feelings never change.  While this is the third book in the series and I hadn't read the first two I didn't feel lost jumping in to Tucker and Hazel's story. 

Hazel left their small town in the dust as soon as she could she once expected Tucker to come with her but when he didn't show up for her she kept going and didn't look back... until many years later when she receives word from her father that his health is declining and he needs help, since she hasn't been back in years and they left on bad terms things are just as you would expect awkward... along with his poor health he's also got another surprise in the form of him dating her horrible high school math teacher oh no!  

Tucker is everything I love in an MMC handsome, caring, tough but gentle for her and he's a real life hero as a firefighter.  When Hazel makes a less than steller entrance into town where she gets stung by a wasp and ends up in the river who shows up to help but the last person she wanted to see again... Tucker... could this day get worse?

Naturally Hazel and Tucker continue to run into each other frequently since they are next door neighbors he bought his childhood home and she is staying (kind of) with her father next door while she helps keep him on track to improve his health.

Tucker is a hard worker and is truly doing too much not only does he work a full time schedule for his families construction business... he also works full time hours for the fire department and he's studying for test that could possibly promote him at the fire department... he has a lot going on so naturally Hazel returning has thrown a wrench into his plans with her sassy attitude and yet even when she's mad at him he can't stay away from her.

I really enjoyed Tucker and Hazel finding their way back to each other it's clear to everyone (but them) that they were meant to be together... even the stars agree.  Tucker and Hazel were once so close could they be together again?  throughout the book we get to know more of their back story and both of them have a lot of issues to discuss... it's just a matter of them both sitting down to actually discuss things.

Hazel is fierce and independant to a fault she struggles to open up to anyone/let anyone in and it causes friction especially when it comes to her believing that maybe she doesn't deserve to be loved the way Tucker wants to love her... it was frustrating that Hazel appeared to have one foot out the door before she even fully came inside most of the book leaving me to feel terrible for Tucker who was all in and wanted her to stay but didn't want to cage her free spirit and from his own past history didn't feel that he was worthy of her staying for him since she already left him once. 

There is a miscommunication/no communication element to the story since Hazel has been guarding some pretty big secrets and doesn't want to rock the boat since they are actually getting a long again... but delaying the news will only make things worse in the long run when the news does finally come out.

I really enjoyed this story it was heartfelt, there was drama, there were complex emotions and a lot of time had passed since they had been together so nothing was an overnight fix so once they finally were together it felt like they both worked for it.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series!  

Have you read this series?  What did you think?  

Marissa Meyer: Heartless

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18584855-heartless

Book Blurb:

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland—the infamous Queen of Hearts—she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Tropes: 

*Fantasy *Young Adult *Romance *Fairytale Retelling *prequel  *heartbreaker

*Betrayal  *Villain origin story *secret mission *insta love *angst *tension *forbidden love

Thoughts:

I am currently on a team doing a book challenge and saw this book on the bingo board for this week saw the blurb and chose this one to help our group complete the board for this week. I actually hadn't heard of this before (or if I had I forgot about it)... but considering it has almost 300,000 ratings on goodreads I must be in the minority.

To start with we have Catherine she is a sweet girl with big dreams she loves to bake and her wish is to one day open a bakery with her best friend Maryanne.  Even though Cath comes from a wealthy family this dream is very much just that a dream and as far away as it can possibly be from her reach... She comes from a noble family and her family would never just approve for her to start a business... with one of their maids... not on their watch.  

Cath has caught the eye of the King but she hasn't caught her eyes... in fact she really would rather he not talk to her at all she wants to open her bakery and he is giving her mother big ideas like one day she might be the queen.  Her mother is obnoxious and snooty she frequently talks down to Cath and is quite insulting.  

The King is a timid (irritating) man who just wants peace in order to get it he often turns away from real problems and his form of a solution is having a party... like that will solve the real issue here. 

While Cath was not searching for love... love found her in the way of the court Joker (Jest MMC) who is handsome, charming, mysterious, stealthy and everything that Cath felt she would want if she were to fall in love... but totally unsuitable according to her parents and everyone else around her but she is intrigued by him from the moment she lays eyes on him.

Cath says yes to the kings courtship... not because she wants to but because she is voluntold and the only highlight to being with this man is that she'll get to continue to see Jest and he meets with her in secret they grow closer together and Cath continues to dream of a life where she can control what happens where she will say no if the king actually proposes marriage, one where she will be able to open her bakery and one where she can be with the one man she is growing to love Jest.

The romantic in me wanted for her to be able to have her happy ending with Jest and open up her bakery as she wanted to with her friend but over the course of the book it's clear that the fates have other plans for everyone involved, but could Cath have it all? There has to be another way.   

When a creature from nightmares emerge and everyone is afraid who will there be anyone to rescue them?  

I did at times feel that the pacing was a bit off there were many slower scenes which led to the ending feeling more rushed.  Cath was sweet and naive to the point of me feeling like shouting... no girl don't do that you've been warned. I also was frustrated with her for not setting her foot down long before the end... I get that she felt trapped in an impossible position when the king started courting her but if she didn't want to go thru with it and was in love with another man she seriously could have run away and opened a bakery in another whimsical place... she kept wanting to make her parents proud but her mom was terrible (in my opinion) and her dad just backed her mom.

The ending... seriously crushing... if you are a HEA person... don't start this book.  

Over all I really enjoyed this story it was an easy read and it flowed well, I loved how the characters we know from fairy tales and Alice in Wonderland came together the story felt whimsical and magical and we see from the beginning how the Queen of Hearts got to where she is now when time, fate and choices get in the way.  

Elisabeth Aimee Brown: What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215353471-what-comes-of-attending-the-commoners-ball

Book Blurb:

Hester Flanders went to the ball for the food. She didn’t expect a prince to follow her home.

If there’s one rule Hester learned during her country upbringing, it’s never accept a gift; that’s how the Folk get you. Although she’s left her farm behind, she can’t leave her superstitions, even if no one else in the capital city seems to care. Hardworking but hungry, she’s looking for loopholes, and the king’s annual Commoners Ball seems like the perfect way to get a free meal that’s not technically a gift—and it would have been, too, except a pesky prince took a shine to her.

Inglebert Lucas Chesingwick isn’t just the crown prince; he’s also practical, responsible, and very annoyed to see his younger brother causing a scene by flirting with a peasant at the ball. He can separate them for one night, but his mischievous brother is determined to see the poor girl again. And again. And for some reason, Lucas keeps running into her, too. If only there was some way he could help her.

The princes might mean well, but Hester knows better than to accept favors from anyone, even royalty—even if it’s cheese—and even if saying no breaks her heart. After all, just because the Folk have never been seen in the city doesn’t mean they’re not around.

Cinderella meets Howl’s Moving Castle in this cozy fantasy romance from debut author Elisabeth Aimee Brown. Whirl away into a whimsical story of glittering gaslamps, frisky Folk, and huggable hogs.

Tropes:

*Netgalley ALC  *Historical Romance  *Fairy tale retelling *Strangers to more  *Fantasy 

*Superstitions  *Hardworking FMC  *Prince MMC  *Cozy read/listen  *just kissses (no spice)

*Dual Narration *forbidden relationship  *Protective MMC *Funny

Thoughts:

Hester (FMC) is a hard working woman who has left the country for the big city and once she hears that the Commoners Ball is happening she decides to go, she is a commoner after all... even though her friend advises her that it's not really what they meant and she doesn't have an invitation she shows up anyway about to be turned away by staff of the palace for not having an invitation... an invitation shows up just in time.

Lucas (MMC, Prince) is and always has been responsible he does what is expected of him but he truly is kind and cares about the people, he also feels its his job as the older brother to keep his younger brother out of trouble (which he often gets into).  The night of the commoners ball his brother is up to his old tricks and decides that he's going to find someone to fall in love with... when he sees Hester he narrows in on her and invites her in to enjoy the festivities.

While Hester has a wonderful time and enjoys spending time at the Palace with the princes (the older one more so than the younger)... she knows thats what it is one night of fun, it's back to work the next day... only the younger prince isn't done with his shenanigans and keeps bursting into her life in unexpected ways... leading to Lucas attempting to help clear up his younger brothers unhelpful actions by actually helping Hester and getting closer to her along the way.  

Hester continues to struggle with accepting favors from anyone as she believes in "Folk" and "changelings" she is very adament about keeping her special wards to keep them away and knows that people in the city don't believe... but she does and if she can't repay a thoughtful action she can't accept it with the help of her friends she grows to see that true friends want to help not for what they can get in return but because there are genuinely kind people out there. 

Our girl Hester is just doing her best... but can be tempted with cheese.  Even when down she picks herself back up and moves forward and even helped our serious Lucas have fun from time to time as they both deal with Hugh (the younger brother) while he feels he's being helpful but really just does what he wants without a care for the fall out.  

I received this ALC through Netgalley and I really enjoyed this one!  it was a cute cozy listen with fantasy elements blended with a Cinderella (ish) retelling.  The leads were very sweet and easy to love and it was so cute seeing Hester and Lucas find that even though he is a prince and she is a commoner some things are worth breaking the rules for... Love and even though they knew they couldn't/shouldn't be together they couldn't help just seeing each other one more time.  

I enjoyed how everything weaved together at the end this book was a light funny easy read.  

If you read it go in knowing its over the top quirky at times and reads as more of a YA romance!  Have you read this one? What did you think?  

Piper Rayne: The Troublemaker

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242504370-the-troublemaker

Book Blurb:

A fake marriage deal was never in my life’s plan.

Especially not to Easton Bailey.

Chicago Colts flashy shortstop.
The kind of man built for a good time and allergic to forever.
And the one who just slid a ring on my finger… on paper.

It’s supposed to be simple.
A mutually beneficial arrangement.
I play nanny to his son. He plays husband to my family.

No emotions. No complications. And absolutely no falling for each other.

Turns out pretending to be a family is the fastest way to break every rule we set.

Because he watches me like it was never just a deal.
Because he trusts me with the person who matters most.
Because the more we pretend, the less fake it feels.

And now the man who was never supposed to stay is the one I can't lose.

Tropes:

*Hambright PR ARC/ALC  *Sports Romance (Baseball) *Marriage of convenience

*Former playboy *Single father *Surprise Baby *Nanny (kind of) *friends with benefits

*Found family *Forced proximity *State Challenge Illinois (Repeat)

Thoughts:

Easton Bailey is a single hot baseball star and he's used to all the perks that go along with that including all the women.  He doesn't do long term relationships he's more of a one and done unless you include a friends with benefits situation he's had with Hadley... he's happy with how things are going and doesn't forsee anything changing in the future... until a baby gets dropped off with a note saying that it's his baby... only now his playboy lifestyle is seeming not as great as it did yesterday because he doesn't even know who the mom could be... he doesn't know how to care for a child what is he going to do the season is starting soon!

Hadley comes from a wealthy family, her mom and sister are cold her brother while supportive has his own family, she has been living a care free lifestyle traveling all over the world going on adventures and never setting down roots anywhere... when she comes home for her grandmother's funeral and reading of the will the only thing she really would like is the bookstore that holds countless memories she's honored that her grandmother would give her the store... until she finds out there is a stipulation.

In order for Hadley to keep the store she needs to be married for at least a year... how is she supposed to do that?  She doesn't even have a boyfriend.  The only one she can think of is her long time friend with benefits Easton... only when she reaches out to him she finds out that he has a surprise of his own a baby.

Easton needs a stable nanny for his son, Hadley needs to be married... win/win for both of them they marry long enough to fit the stipulations of the will then after that time he can find out other arrangements for the baby and they can go to their separate ways, no big deal! 

I loved watching Easton and Hadley's feelings grow over time since they already had a friendship they settled into their new relationship dynamics with ease... the only problem was not developing further feelings and keeping things separate. 

Easton receives a little (or big) push towards getting closer to Hadley in the way of his family coming to town unexpectedly now he is having to share his room and his bed with Hadley... how is he going to keep his hands off of her?  

Hadley begins to help Easton with his search for the mother of his baby, deals with her new found life in the public eye, family drama and trying to help a friend thru a difficult time all while figuring out how to take care of a baby and navigate her growing feelings towards not only Easton but also his son Tanner leading to feeling torn how is she ever going to let both of them go at the end of the year?  Could something more be possible?  

I received an ARC and ALC and once I started listening to the ALC the story really was so much better I loved the full cast narration and thank the author and Hambright PR for allowing me an early listen copy! 

Have you read this book/Series?  How did you like it?  What other books by this author would you recommend?  

R.A. Smyth: Stick It

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240929102-stick-it

Book Blurb:

In a game built for men, I came to make history.

As the only girl on an all-male Division I hockey team, I’m not a novelty—I’m a threat. A spark in a powder keg of testosterone. But I didn’t come to play nice. I came to dominate.

I didn’t expect them…

The golden boy captain who carries the team on his shoulders.
The brooding guardian with a darkness that calls to me.
The hot and cold viper who kisses me breathless in dark corners—then acts like it never happened.
And the quiet bruiser who speaks my language in video games.

I live with them. Train with them. Compete against them.
They’re temptation wrapped in danger—
And the first ones to ever look at me like I belong.

But this game has enemies off the ice too.
And someone wants to break me for good.

Let them try.

Because I’m not just here to play.
I’m here to rewrite the rules and claim my legacy.

Tropes: 

*Netgalley ALC  *Enemies to Lovers *College Romance  *Hockey romance 

*Reverse Harem *Darker elements check your trigger warnings  *Team mates

*Fierce FMC  *Why Choose  *team Drama  *death of parent (FMC Father prior to story starting)  *Spice  *Protective MMC's  *Touch her and 💀 *State Challenge Vermont 

*Found family *mental health  *Multiple POV's *over 600 pages 

Thoughts:

I'm going to start this a bit differently because I have read and enjoyed a lot of hockey romance books and there were elements of this book I enjoyed I loved the idea of a fierce FMC (Dylan) not only putting herself out there and playing in a male dominated sport... but also competing with the men and skating circles around them while she's at it!  yes please!

Our girl Dylan has had a really rough time since she's come to college she was on a different All Male D1 Hockey team (the rivals to her current team) but after the death of her father (who was an NHL superstar and passed away tragically) her life felt like it was going off the rails... she got into a relationship with her former teams sleezy captain only for him to blind side her and betray her needing a fresh start with the help of a family friend (the Coach of her new team) she was able to not only land a spot but proved her worth and landed a spot on the first line... this causes a problem with the team mate she pushed out of his spot Kyle.

Dylan can't even get away from Kyle during practice and games since he is one of her room mates... along with a few other team mates, this is going to go well.  What first starts as a strained relationship with all of her team mates, especially since it doesn't help that team captain/room mate Ethan has decided to deal with the situation by having the whole team ignore her... yep that's going to help.  Thankfully she meets a friend and occasionally stays with her throughout different times in the book to get away from the chaos that is her life.

So on to the males in her life now and listening to the book it was at times hard to figure out/remember who had the POV I think this audio could have done with a bigger cast for narration (maybe it would have helped) but several of the voices were similar/the same especially for the male narrator the female narrator did a great job.  The guys had varying degrees of the same personality, other than Dylan we don't get much background information on any of the other characters which is surprising for such a long book.

Ethan --> captain, he was getting closer to Dylan throughout the book but also trying to keep his distance because he knew it was wrong to want her. (room mate)

Jax- likes to play video games, troubled child hood, strong silent, broody type (room mate)

Griffin:  takes an automatic liking to Dylan and probably has the best relationship with her out of all the guys (not one of her room mates), goalie

Finn: this guy was confusing to me as his name was so close to Griffin but he's a hottie with a rockin body and likes to take advantage of the "puck bunnies" that hang around the team... until Dylan comes along.  He has been best friends with Kyle since they were kids... and often feels torn throughout due to the fact that he knows Kyle and Dylan are having big beef.

Once all the guys stop being so hard headed and realize that Dylan isn't trying to ruin their chances for the championship and is a really great team mate they all begin to get closer to Dylan in their own ways often having their own spicy encounters with her as Dylan struggles with what she's even doing with all of them... and she has other things to worry about as well.  

Dylan continues throughout the book to receive threats from known and unknown subject(s), she has a few run ins with her evil ex from her old team, continues to deal with long term grief r/t her father's passing (which her guys eventually help her thru) and her complicated relationship with her mother it's a lot for anyone to have to deal with... all while continuing to want her dream of making it to the NHL.

I did feel for Dylan and her past history and wanted to see her be happy but there was a lot going on in this one.  I'm sure that plenty of people will like this book... and I did like Dylan's friend (I think the next book is about her and I might check it out... if it isn't so long).  

Negatives: 

I have to say this one was not my favorite I probably enjoyed the hockey related sections more than her relationship with the guys to be honest.

Out of her relationships with all the guys I truly only felt that Griffin was worth her time... the rest of the guys spent too much time not being on her side/actively working against her... it reminded me of the things that she said happened on her old team that she left and yet she let them do this to her again... history repeating itself.  

At any instance of drama... her guys (minus Griffin) are all on the "don't believe" her bus without even having a conversation... are you with her or not?  Are you willing to hear her side of the story or not?  

The guys were hard to tell apart and don't get equal time throughout the story with our girl... it was almost like all the main character energy went into a few characters and the others kind of were dimmer in comparison/not as noticeable... story could have maybe benefitted by not having as many male love interests since it felt like the story became more muddy with all the relationships that weren't even all that serious in my opinion the majority of the book she was in a situationship with 1-4 of them at any given time, while she becomes jealous of "her guys" being near other women.

I feel this book could have benefitted by being about 2-300 pages shorter, there was a lot of filler chapters where nothing much was happening to move the story forward and it was just a repetitive inner monologue or the same things were happening

This book had the feeling of too much going on but nothing going on at the same time making it feel like a slog to get through at times.  

For a college romance... did these kids ever go to class?  there wasn't much homework going on either... they had a lot of time after practice or games to hang out at a bar or play video games.  

I had a hard time imagining that even if they were to allow a female on the previously "all male" team that they would have her share a locker room with them.

I could go on with some more things... but I think I'll just end it here, this one was just ok for me, I do enjoy hockey romance but at over 650 pages I think I could have been ok skipping this one.  

 

Megan Crane: The Reconing

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240402427-the-reckoning

Book Blurb: 

Life among the pack isn’t easy for a rebellious woman fated to be the wolf king’s mate in an apocalyptically thrilling paranormal romance from USA Today bestselling author Megan Crane.

On a full-moon night, fate takes what it wants. That’s you, Maddox Hemming.

It was known before I was born what destiny had in store. It’s in my blood. I am the fated mate of Ty Ceridwen. The alpha and king of the Western Wolves. The bane of my existence. And whether in skin or fur, the love of my life.

He wants the ritual that will bind us forever. All I want is more time—but unfortunately that’s running out. Ty needs me in line for what’s coming.

The Wolf Moon is rising, and if the gruesome sacrifices in the woods are any indication, an ancient foe has Vinča, the goddess of filth and death, who is driven to wipe out the world as we know it.

Not to mention my mated destiny with Ty.

Defeating Vinča would certainly make for a happy ending…if we can just survive long enough to see it come true.

Tropes:

*Netgalley ALC 12/12  *Romantasy  *Fated mates *Shifter Romance  *age gap *spice

*strong willed Independant FMC  *Touch her and 💀 *State Challenge Oregon (repeat)

*large cast of paranormal characters (wolf shifters, vampires, oracle, trolls/goblins etc..)

*Magical world *Mystery *Betrayal

Thoughts:

To start with I didn't realize this was the second book in this series, I didn't read the first in the series but was able to catch up fairly quickly to what happened in the first book as they went over some of the things during this second book.

Maddox (FMC) is a strong willed woman who is the fated mate to the Wolf king Ty (king of the Western Wolves) even though she knows it is her fate (haha) to be with Ty and she can't stay away from him she also month after month during the full moon doesn't let him claim her like he needs to to complete their bond.  

I'm going to be honest here... I almost DNF this book a few times in the beginning because the first 5 or 6 chapters seemed to be the FMC complaining about her lot in life about how things needed to move forward to being more modern and she didn't want to just roll over and "Do her job" of giving birth to the kings offspring... I get it and that stinks that you feel that you're in that position but he seemed to be pretty leniant for a king over 100 years old he was open minded and treated her as his equal so the one that was being stubborn at this point about any changes was her... it was getting pretty repetitive.

Maddox lives seperately from her pack in a cottage nearby and has made friends with a few different people a human Oracle (who is with a Vampire king), a fae, and a sorceress, they have interactions throughout the book but we never get to know any of them all that well.

There are a few main plot points throughout this book times are changing and the wolf kings and their packs are coming for a gathering... if Maddox doesn't finish the ritual soon it will be seen badly in their culture and that could cause more threats to head their way... but she still has time (the girl thinks she has all the time in the world... she doesn't).

Second plot point is that from the first book there was an ancient goddess that was sealed away... only there are indications that maybe she wasn't sealed away as well as they thought... could she have gotten out so soon?  And if so are they strong enough to take care of this threat for good?  Someone close to them is betraying them and leaving creepy messages/offerings but who?  

I liked Ty he had been waiting for his fated mate to be his queen for a very long time, even though Maddox was brought to him when she was younger he allowed her the time away from him to grow, find herself and go to college (per her request) with the promise that she would come to him when she was ready... he's really been quite patient with this whole process.

While I appreciated that Maddox wanted to move the packs way of thinking into the future instead of staying in the male rules everything past... I feel this took up so much of the storyline that some things that should have had more time to grow and some things ended feeling more rushed.

In this second book we are told that what happened in the first book ended with the humans being in "safe zones" and everyone else (vampires, wolves, trolls, fae etc...) are out living life more freely so at some point I might go back and read the first book to see what happened to lead to that, but might wait awhile since I got the cliffs notes of what happened in this second book.  

I'm glad I ended up staying with the book as I began to enjoy it more as it went on and think the narrator did a good job with the storyline.  Thank you to the author and netgalley for this ALC