Showing posts with label Romantic Comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romantic Comedy. Show all posts

Reviews // Last Night + Cluelessly Yours

March 05, 2024

Last Night by Luanne Rice


A fierce blizzard is burying the eastern seaboard, but on the icy Rhode Island shore renowned artist Maddie Morrison finds warm sanctuary from a contentious divorce at the legendary Ocean House. Hours later, her body is found buried under a blanket of snow and her little daughter, CeCe, has disappeared without a trace.

For Detective Conor Reid; his brother, Tom, a coast guard commander; and Maddie’s grieving sister, Hadley, the posh hotel becomes ground zero for an investigation. Trapped by the blizzard, they must hunker down and determine who in the young mother’s life could have possibly wanted her dead. There are stories of a twisted romantic past. Of old jealousies and resentments that still cut to the bone. And a history of greed, rage, and revenge that created the perfect storm for murder. A storm that has just begun.

I picked this one up as a Prime First Read and I have no regrets. Last Night was more of a murder mystery than a thriller, imo, and I can honestly say that I didn't immediately figure out who the doer was, which is always a bonus for me. It took a while to even guess who might be involved and I couldn't begin to understand the many moving parts to this plot. The author did a great job of feeding me misleading clues and I loved that. From the cop who was out of his jurisdiction, the seemingly bumbling cops who took over the scene, the grieving sister, and the cop's girlfriend who was an amateur sleuth, I was entertained. I'd definitely be down to read another mystery from this author.

3.5 stars



Cluelessly Yours by Max Monroe


The bad news? Getting hit by a cab can officially get crossed off my bucket list.

The worse news? While I’ve woken up from my coma, the man I’m in love with hasn’t stirred from his.

And the most terrible news of all? A pregnant woman is at his bedside, holding his hand, and saying that he’s the father of her baby.

Sammy Baker is a divorced, single mom trying to find her way again. With two boys and an absent ex-husband, she’s got the world on her shoulders and Legos under her feet.

Amid the chaos lives the dream of, one day, finding love again.

Though, she didn’t think that would land her smack-dab in the middle of two men.

Will Sammy choose the successful businessman who doesn’t hesitate to tell her he’s interested? Or will she go for the eligible bachelor doctor with a constant influx of women vying for his attention?

The smart choice and what the heart wants are two different things. And sometimes, fate has a way of making it so the choice isn’t ours at all.

Thanks to Deanna at A Novel Glimpse, I picked this one up in KU because I was looking for a good laugh. And while I didn't laugh, AT ALL, I did enjoy myself for the most part.

Sammy went from being a single mom, fresh from an awful marriage and divorce, with zero romantic prospects... to a single mom with two gorgeous men at her fingertips. Who to choose, who to choose? I would have went with the doctor, but I'm not her and I had to watch her go through the motions of figuring out her best move.

Whatever this story was trying to give, I missed it. I didn't really like Sammy, I really liked Noah (and thought he deserved better than Sammy's MANY assumptions), and I was amused by the twist of events the authors created. I don't know about anyone else, but I was more invested in Sammy's sister's story than this one. I'm thinking I'd probably prefer it.

3 stars


Series Review // The Legal Briefs by Emma Chase

December 04, 2023


Today's flashback is The Legal Briefs series by Emma Chase. These books are romantic comedies with a legal backdrop, but it's the friendships and families that make these stories so enjoyable. Ranging from 4 and 5-star reads, I think if you love romance and laughter, then you need to read these books.

I read this series many years ago and wouldn't mind doing a re-read. Have you ever read these books? Are you interested in giving them a try?


Overruled


As a DC defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don’t call him the Jury Charmer for nothing – with his southern drawl, disarming smile and captivating green eyes – he’s a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him and women want to be thoroughly cross examined by him.

Stanton’s a man with a plan. And for a while, life was going according to that plan.

Until the day he receives an invitation to the wedding of his high school sweetheart and mother of his beloved ten-year old daughter. Jenny is getting married — to someone who isn’t him.

That's definitely not part of the plan.
***

Sofia Santos is a city raised, no-nonsense litigator who plans to become the most revered criminal defense attorney in the country. She doesn’t have time for relationships or distractions.

But when Stanton, her "friend with mind-blowing benefits" begs for help, she finds herself out of her element, out of her depth, and obviously out of her mind. Because she agrees to go with him – to The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Mississippi – to do all she can to help Stanton win back the woman he loves.

Her head tells her she's crazy...and her heart says something else entirely.
***

What happens when you mix a one stop-light town, two professional arguers, a homecoming queen, four big brothers, some Jimmy Dean sausage and a gun-toting Nana?

The Bourbon flows, passions rise and even the best laid plans get overruled by the desires of the heart.

Rating - ★★★★

Loved seeing my sexy man Drew again... Even briefly.

Overall a great book, but I expect nothing less than great from Emma Chase!

Stanton was lost, immature and delusional.... But I loved him anyway. My heart went out to Sofia and I wanted him to work harder for her. The ending didn't completely heal my broken heart. I think I just needed more from the epilogue.


Sustained


When you’re a defense attorney in Washington, DC, you see firsthand how hard life can be, and that sometimes the only way to survive is to be harder. I, Jake Becker, have a reputation for being cold, callous, and intimidating—and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.

Complications don’t work for me—I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will turn you on. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming—and I don’t pretend to be.

Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I'm going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room, and arguing cases in the principal's office.

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, defend her…and the kids.

And that — that, I know how to do.

Rating - ★★★★★

Another winner for Emma Chase. I cannot get enough of her books and her writing style.

I laughed so much during this book. Each character added their own variation of humour to each scene. And the kids? Priceless!!

I am anxiously awaiting Brent's story because his character is amazing. I want to learn more about his accident and how he triumphs despite his disability. His attitude and personality is one we could only hope to emulate under the same circumstances.


Appealed


When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate - and prized - parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Christian Louboutins.

Brent has never let the loss of his leg in a childhood accident affect his ability to lead a fulfilling life. He sets high goals–and then he reaches them.

And now he has his sights set on Kennedy.
**
When Kennedy looks at Brent Mason, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue-worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell.

She’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore - she’s a DC prosecutor with a long winning streak behind her. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case and she thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out that way.

Because every fiery exchange has her wondering if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. Each argument and objection only makes him want her more. In the end, Brent and Kennedy may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

Rating - ★★★★★

Another phenomenal hit from Emma Chase (not that I doubted it)!! I swear... this author and her Midas hands. I can never go wrong with one of her books.

I fell in love with Brent earlier in this series and I eagerly anticipated his book. This read was definitely worth the wait.

This was a second chance romance, which can follow the same old predictable plot, however, the author found a way to not only make this story fresh and unique, but to also make it relevant.

It tackled issues such as insecurity, loss, fear, bullying, heartbreak, healing, closure, and love.

Brent by himself was a magnificent character, just as I knew he would be. I always admired his strength, perseverance, and determination, and these traits shone brightly in this book. Add Kennedy to the mix and this couple were a force to be reckoned with.

My favourite parts of this book were:

* them running away from a marriage proposal
* imagining Brian singing "I Can't Feel My Face When I'm With You"
* the rich history between Brent and Kennedy
* the interactions they had with their friends and families
* their banter
* the extended epilogue (how freaking cute was that?!)
* EVERY COMIC BOOK REFERENCE!! I'm a huge comic collector and this made me connect HUGE with Brent.

I see there's a book with Jake and Chelsea and all of the kids so I'm off to start that. I hope that if you haven't tried this series yet, my reviews have at least piqued your interest.


Sidebarred


There was a time when Jake Becker had it all together. He was controlled, driven, ruthless—in and out of the courtroom.

Then, six irresistible orphans and their heartbreakingly beautiful aunt crashed into his perfectly ordered life. They changed everything. They changed him. Now he’s a husband, an upstanding member of society, a father figure—a family man. And he’s pretty damn good at it.

Sure, he has to referee sibling smackdowns, re-learn algebra, ensure his clients stay out of jail, and keep his wife happy—but it finally feels like he’s got it together again....

So, of course something has to screw it all up. It’s huge. Life-changing. Kind of terrifying.

And it will be the most amazing, perfect thing he’ll ever do.

Rating - ★★★★★

Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh! OH MY GOSH!!

This book... getting this book... reading this book... it was like Christmas came early.

Jake has been a favourite of mine in this series. Who doesn't love a reformed bad boy? I swear he was the hottest male lead (not that they all weren't hot because they most certainly were). Add in the McQuaid children and you've got the recipe for hysterical genius.

To say that I loved this would be an understatement. I'm so grateful that the author thought to gift us with this little addition. It gave me everything I love about this series: the laughs, the insanity, the crises, the family, the friends, and the love.

I would say I'm sorry to see all of these characters go, but that epilogue was absolutely brilliant. It was the best send-off I could ever imagine for them. So while I laughed my a** off and then almost cried (my eyes definitely felt some stinging action), I was able to cheerfully bid them "adieu".

Review // Perfection by R.L. Mathewson

November 07, 2023


He already decided she was marrying him no matter what.
Informing her that they were getting married was just a courtesy.


Perfection by R.L. Mathewson


Rating - ★★★★★
Standalone - Neighbor From Hell #2
Release - August 26, 2011
Genre and Trope - Romantic Comedy / friends to lovers
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - several explicit scenes
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 314 pages

Trevor Bradford knew exactly what he wanted and it wasn’t his plump little tenant who was driving him out of his mind, but with every touch, kiss, and caress, it was becoming more difficult to walk away.

He never should have said those words, but once they were out…

Trevor would have done anything to take them back, but the damage was already done. Hoping to make it up to Zoe, Trevor offers to help her, hoping that it would be enough. The last thing that he expected was to find himself thinking about her. Hoping to put an end to this hold that she had over him, he offers her something more, only...

It wasn’t enough.

Just once, Zoe wished that something in her life would go right, but that’s not usually how things went. At least, not for her. So, when her life suddenly takes an unexpected turn and the man who’d never looked at her twice offers to help her, she realizes that she has nothing left to lose.

Except for her heart.

My Two Cents

Seriously, these Bradfords are HILARIOUS!! It seems until they take their heads out of their asses, they're extremely obtuse. Trevor was terrible. He treated Zoe poorly, viewed life in general poorly, and honestly, it was more a reflection of how he viewed himself more than anything when he acted horribly.

Zoe was a doormat, but not really. She knew how to stand up for herself and I cheered her every time she did. They say opposites attract and I think that's very true for this couple.
Where Trevor was a slob, Zoe was neat.
He could eat a horse (or five) and Zoe was trying to diet.
He was one of the hottest people in the world and Zoe thought being called plain and chubby was fair.
They were absolutely perfect for each other and I enjoyed my time witnessing how they helplessly fell in love.

I laughed SO HARD so many times and this isn't my first time reading this book. I'm so grateful it was so amazing the second time around!


I also read two of the books from the Honeymoon From Hell part of the series:


With Jason and Haley's novella (which I gave 5 stars), I laughed so much I actually snorted my Coke through my nose. Anyone who has ever done something like this with soda, you know my pain. Jason kidnapped Haley (again) to get her to the altar at the courthouse and wanted to give her the honeymoon of her dreams. Good intentions and all, things only went from bad to worse. But the love these two had for each other made every mishap, obstacle, and bit of pain absolutely worth it. I freaking love these characters and their ridiculousness so much!!

With Trevor and Zoe's novella (which I gave 4 stars), I giggled like a loon. He also kidnapped her to the altar and thought to give her the honeymoon she never knew to ask for. Knowing she'd never taken a vacation before, he wanted to make things perfect. Right off the bat, things took a turn to the absurd and I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm in love with the way these characters love each other.

Previous Book in the Series:


The Author

New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.

Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.

Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.

Visit https://rlmathewson.com for more information

Review // Royally In Trouble by Meghan Quinn

July 15, 2023

Royally In Trouble by Meghan Quinn

I always want her eyes on me.
I always want to be her man.

Royally In Trouble by Meghan Quinn

Royally in Trouble by Meghan Quinn


My Rating - ★★★★★
Release - June 6, 2023
Part of a Duet - Royal #2
Genre/Trope - RomCom / royal / grumpy hero / forced proximity
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit with several scenes
Source - borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 518 pages

I have two responsibilities as the new heir to the throne:

1. Get married.
2. Have babies.

Sure, becoming queen one day is part of those new responsibilities, but as long as King Theo is in charge, I don't have to add a coronation to my list.

That's why I find myself in the throes of wedding planning, pre-wedding classes with my broody, over-protective fiancé, and counting down the days until we can finally say I do.

But with every day we grow closer to our wedding, we seem to grow apart.

Our commonalities are tested.
Our faith in each other is questioned.
And our safety is threatened.
The only thing working? The command he has over me in the bedroom.

I keep telling myself, it’ll all work out. We just need to make it to the wedding day. Except, when the day finally comes, everything falls apart.

We might have made it through the last few months together, but now I'm not sure we're going to make it out of this alive.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

Well this book was unexpected.
I thought it would be more inline with what I read in Royally Not Ready, and while it had a lot in common with it, Royally in Trouble had many more moving parts.

There was intrigue, suspense, wedding planning, abstinence, hot sex, and so much more!

Honestly, if I wasn't already in love with this duet, I would have fallen with this book!

Keller and Lilly are getting married. There's a lot of planning, counselling, meet-and-greets, and tons of tension.
Keller's insecurities are drowning him. Lilly's insecurities leave her doubting the one person she should be sure of.
Both of them are feeling the distance and are unsure of how to cross it.

Throw in a plot to overthrow the crown and this story is set to keep you on your toes.

Did I want to shake some sense into these characters sometimes? Sure.
Did I laugh A LOT during my reading? No doubt.
Did I wish there was more when I got to the end? Absolutey.

Seriously, if you haven't read the bonus ending, get on it. And if you haven't read this duet yet, start at the beginning and join in the fun.

The Author


#1 Amazon and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Visit authormeghanquinn.com for more information

Review // Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

Nothing is going to get between us, and nothing is going to hurt us.
It's you and me, together in this world.
— Lilly to Keller


Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn


My Rating - ★★★★★
Release - August 9, 2022
Part of a Duet - Royal #1
Genre/Trope - RomCom / royal / grumpy hero / forced proximity
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit with several scenes
Source - borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 438 pages

So there I was selling bikinis out of my truck in South Beach Miami, getting ready to kick off a wet t-shirt contest when the world’s biggest grouch approached me - Keller Fitzwilliam.

The man had the sultriest British accent I've ever heard. And he looked like he just walked off a Viking boat and into a suit tailored specifically for his impressively muscular frame. Only problem is, he had the warmth of an ice pick and he kept telling me he was here to take me back to his home country.

Of course, I didn't follow him. I might be up for a good time, but I'm also educated enough to know leaving with a stranger isn't smart. Well, that's until he mentioned my mom's name. My mom who passed away several years ago.

So after some serious fact-checking, my bikini-clad bum went with him to a sub-arctic country I had never heard of just north of the British Isles, where I found out my grandpa was the king of said freezing country, and I was the one and only heir.

Desperate to learn more about my mom, I decided to give this princess thing a chance.

Good idea, right? Wrong.

Because Mr. Ice Pick was put to the task of training me and he’s not just cold as ice, he’s pompous, aggravating, and possessive. And did I mention we have to share a bathroom in a tiny castle?

We are oil and water every single day and even though he’s training me to be queen, I have this simmering desire to kneel before him.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

After my not so great feelings after the last story I read from this author (I'm looking at you A Not So Meet Cute)... I went into this book with a bit of trepidation. Would I like it? Would this be the end, at least for awhile, of my relationship with this author?

Let me tell you what I quickly realized...


Within the first few chapters, I knew I was gonna love this book.
I was already giggling and swoonig and there was so much more to read.
I lived for every grumpy moment with Keller.
I anticipated every inappropriate thought and word from Lilly.
I couldn't get enough!
By the time I got to the end, I was extremely grateful that I didn't have to wait to read the next book because IT'S ALREADY OUT!!

There are so many muscles on the man that my nipples aren't sure if they should be hard, or just dislodge from my body and join his.

Lilly is the long lost heir to a scandinavian kingdom and she was soooo not ready.
Keller was determined to shape her into someone worthy of the title of future queen.
Everything that happened in between, such as the humor and the heat and the banter and the... well, just EVERYTHING... made this a must-read for me.
I knew that it was going to get all of the stars.
It was like reading what I know to expect from MQ and so much more.

So I'm off to get my hands on Royally In Trouble, which I'm hoping is just as amazing (if not more than) this was!

The Author


#1 Amazon and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Visit authormeghanquinn.com for more information

Review // Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson

September 03, 2022

Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson

Normally, when a woman tried to cuddle, he felt cornered. With Haley, he felt comfortable, relaxed, and even happy. She felt like she belonged with him. He wasn't about to look too far into that at the moment.

────── ♔ ──────


Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson

Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson


Standalone - Neighbor from Hell #1
Release - April 29, 2011
Genre - Romantic Comedy / enemies to lovers / forced proximity
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat - 4 out of 5 / several scenes which ranged from descriptive to explicit
Format/Source - ebook purchase from Amazon
Length - 287 pages
Publisher - Rerum Carta industries, Inc.

Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to change starting with the aggravating neighbor who has too much charm and not enough restraint. What she didn't expect was to be sucked into his world, but Haley has a game plan and she won't let herself forget just what the bad boy next door is capable of.

The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but that notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only thing left is to convince her that this is anything but a game.

My Two Cents

5 "Even better the second time around" stars

Reading this story again was like reading it for the first time. I loved it years ago and I've realized I love it even more now!

Haley and Jason were amazing together. Hilarious, sweet, sexy, and fun, they were a joy to read.

He was a neighbor from Hell before he became the best friend Haley could ever ask for. And then... he became so much more. He was reluctant to love, but when he did, he did it well. I loved the way these characters loved each other.

As he was gasping for air he realized something. He was in deep sh*t.
Haley was his life now. His woman. His heart.
He was so screwed.

The drama Haley created was expected. I didn't like it but it did give me a heck of a lot of laughs. Jason was just as stubborn as she was and knew they belonged together. And when he gave up the fight and she took up the battle, I swooned. I love when the both characters can make me into a sappy mess.

All jokes about the food and Jason's never-ending stomach aside, this story was super sexy and sweet. I've already read so much of this series and I can't wait to read them again!

About the Author

New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.

Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.

Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.

Visit https://rlmathewson.com for more information

Royally Screwed by Emma Chase // Review

April 26, 2021

Royally Screwed by Emma Chase

I can't remember wanting anything as much as I want this — as much as I want her.


Royally Screwed by Emma Chase

Royally Screwed by Emma Chase


Standalone - Royally #1
Release - Octobe 16, 2016
Genre - Romantic Comedy
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5/a few explicit scenes
Format/Source - Amazon Kindle purchase
Length - 272 pages
Publisher - Emma Chase, LLC

Nicholas Arthur Frederick Edward Pembrook, Crowned Prince of Wessco, aka His Royal Hotness, is wickedly charming, devastatingly handsome, and unabashedly arrogant; hard not to be when people are constantly bowing down to you.

Then, one snowy night in Manhattan, the prince meets a dark haired beauty who doesn't bow down. Instead, she throws a pie in his face.

Nicholas wants to find out if she tastes as good as her pie, and this heir apparent is used to getting what he wants.

Dating a prince isn't what waitress Olivia Hammond ever imagined it would be.

There's a disapproving queen, a wildly inappropriate spare heir, relentless paparazzi, and brutal public scrutiny. While they've traded in horse drawn carriages for Rolls Royces, and haven't chopped anyone's head off lately, the royals are far from accepting of this commoner.

But to Olivia, Nicholas is worth it.

Nicholas grew up with the whole world watching, and now Marriage Watch is in full force. In the end, Nicholas has to decide who he is and, more importantly, who he wants to be: a King... or the man who gets to love Olivia forever.

This story had me swooning so hard that I thought there might be a problem. Seriously, there was almost too much to love about this book!!

Nicholas was the crowned prince, next in line to rule the made up country of Wessco. Olivia was a broke, barely holding it together waitress in her family's failing coffee shop. There should have been no reason for these two to meet, however, one stormy winter's night... You already know how that goes.

So they meet and it's instant sparks.

From her:

He’s wearing a tuxedo, the black tie hanging haphazardly around his neck, and the top two buttons of his pristine white shirt are open, teasing a glimpse of bronze chest. The tux hugs him in a way that says there are hard, rippling muscles and taut, heated skin beneath it. His jaw is chiseled—fucking chiseled—like it’s made of warm marble. His chin is strong, beneath the planes of prominent cheekbones that a GQ cover model would kill for. His nose is straight, his mouth full and perfectly made to whisper dark, dirty things. Masculine eyebrows sit above gray-green eyes—the color of sea glass in the sun—framed by sooty, long lashes. His hair is dark and thick—a few strands fall over his forehead, giving him an effortless, edgy, I-don’t-give-a-fuck kind of look.


From him:

Delicate midnight tendrils frame a face that belongs in a museum — with stunning dark sapphire eyes that should be commemorated in vibrant oils and soft watercolors. If Helen launched a thousand ships, this girl could raise a thousand hard-ons.

She's prettily made, the top of her head coming only to my chin, but fantastically curvy. Great full tits that strain the buttons of a wrinkled white blouse, shapely hips in a black skirt tapering to a tiny waist I could wrap my hands around and toned legs encased in sheer black tights finish off the whole package very nicely.


It's lust at first sight. And yet, within moments, they both know that what they could share, what they would share, was far more than a physical connection. He's showing her everything a man should be, introducing her to a world that would have forever remained unknown to her, while she's given him something no one else ever has — the freedom to be himself.

Going in, we already know the conflict Nicholas and Olivia will face. He's destined to be king, she's a commoner, and never the two shall meet. They can't have forever. They can't last. Or can they? I loved that although they both felt their time together was finite, the author had them throwing themselves all in to make the most of the experience. It was passionate and sexy. It was hilarious and tender. It was beautiful and bittersweet.
I want the world for Olivia.
I want to show her every corner of it, explore it while holding her hand. I want the stars for her — and the moon and the heavens — and everything in between.
And for a moment, I truly thought I could give them to her. I believed there was a way.

It has been far too long since I've read from Emma Chase, but this story has reaffirmed my faith in her stories and I will definitely be coming back for more. I spied a little something being teased for Nicholas's brother, Henry, and a bookishly awkward Lady that had me eager to find out if they would be getting their own tale. And they are! I'm off to get my hands on Royally Matched and I'm hoping to see Nicholas and Olivia again!

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emma Chase writes contemporary romance filled with humor, heat, and heart. Her stories are known for their clever banter, hilariously authentic male POVs and sexy, swoon-worthy moments. Emma’s novels have been translated into over twenty languages around the world.

Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and two misbehaving dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

For more about this author and her AMAZING books, visit her website: https://authoremmachase.com/

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid // Review + Excerpt

March 02, 2021


I had an odd thought just then, that I should only ever whisper her name, and that she should always be close enough to hear it.


Truth or Beard by Penny Reid


Standalone - Winston Brothers #1
Release - July 21, 2015
Genre - RomCom
Dual POV - 1st person/Duane Winston & Jessica James
Heat Level - 3 out of 5/pretty plain & vague
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 392 pages
Publisher - Cipher-Naught

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level-headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.

His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.

Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dYewG7
Nook: https://bit.ly/3bOwyrE
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/truth-or-beard
iBooks: https://apple.co/3bQlY3m



I can't get enough of the Winstons and after reading this series out of order, I always knew I was going to make my way to the beginning. I'm so glad I did! Loving Duane Winston is easy. He's a broody, charming, honorable, gorgeous mess of a man and I thoroughly enjoyed knowing him. He had loved Jessica James for most of his life and when he finally gets the chance to claim her, he wastes no time.

There's only one problem... Jessica believes that it's his twin, Beau, who has a chance of winning her heart. Duane was the her constant tormentor, the one person she argued with the most, her prank buddy, someone who didn't even like her very much. When she realizes his true feelings (and her own), she's quick to jump in with both feet and it was wonderful to watch.

I loved these two together for the most part. This story was hilarious! Honestly, I wasn't a fan of the beginning or the end, but everything in between was incredible.
I was going to kiss her.

But first I was going to strangle her.

“Duane…” She said my name again in that breathless way, making my neck itch and my throat tight.

Jessica was looking at me expectantly. Her big amber eyes on mine like I was the center of her world. I liked it too much. It was also irritating because I didn’t know what it meant, what she was thinking. She hadn’t said a damn word to me on our walk back from the lake. She hadn’t called me. We hadn’t spoken since Friday.

Five days. Five days without touching or tasting her.

I was going to kiss her while I strangled her.

“Yeah?” I said, the edge of my irritation clear. I wasn’t trying to hide it, there was no need. One way or the other we were coming to an agreement that involved definites, not definitely maybes. Better she knew I wasn’t planning on rolling over unless it involved her beneath me.

Jessica blinked at me, likely because of my tone, and I watched her shake herself a little like I’d startled her.

“Uh, so… the truck.” She cleared her throat, her eyes sliding to the side and away from me.

“What about the truck?”

“You towed it.”

“Yes I did.” I allowed myself a moment to look at her body. She was wearing a pink shirt with buttons down the front, thin fabric with a white, lacy tank top under. It was tucked into a tan skirt that ended at her knees. She was also wearing brown high heeled boots, the kind that don’t make sense.

Boots are for working, for walking through wet mud, for keeping feet from getting shredded by broken glass and falling machine parts. Boots with spiked heels were just as practical as sandals with steel toes.

Still not looking at me, she asked, “So, you want to buy it?” Her voice was different, higher pitched.

“That’s what I just said.” Again, my irritation was clear.

Her eyes cut to mine, throwing me splinters of frustration. “Well there’s no need to be rude, Duane.”

“I’m sorry, was I being rude?” I couldn’t help myself, I took a full step forward, forcing her to lift her chin to keep eye contact. “Should I have called?”

“Yes.” She ground out, “You can’t just tow other peoples’ cars without asking.”

“Excuse me, princess. But Mike McClure called me and asked me if I minded moving the truck here. I figured he was calling on your behalf.”

“No he wasn’t calling on my behalf. If I wanted to call you, I would have just called you.”

I felt those words in my stomach, just under my ribs, a quick slice. I’m sure I winced because her expression changed, but before she could explain away her meaning, I cut her off.

“Fine, I get you, loud and clear.”

“Duane-”

I lifted my hands to keep her from talking. She was so lovely, even her voice was pretty. But suddenly I couldn’t wait for her to leave and put me out of this misery of being with her when she wasn’t interested in being mine.

“We want to buy the truck and I’m willing to offer you a fair amount.”

“Would you just hold on a sec-” Jessica took my hand between hers, her grip surprisingly strong, her skin against mine sending a shock up my arm. I ignored it and ground my teeth.

“You can use the money for a new car, something smaller that gets better mileage.”

Paying no heed, Jessica took a half step forward catching me unawares. One second she was glaring at me, the next she was lifting to her tip toes and brushing her lips against mine.

And that was it, I was done for.

Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

For more about Penny Reid and her books, check out her website: http://pennyreid.ninja/

Ball Peen Hammer by Lauren Rowe // Review + Excerpt

January 28, 2021

Ball Peen Hammer by Lauren Rowe

Maddy's off-limits. Plus, she's not even my type. At all. I like hot girls and they like me back. I don't go for sweet girl-next-door types. And I definitely don't go for smart girls. Hell no.

Ball Peen Hammer by Lauren Rowe

Ball Peen Hammer by Lauren Rowe


Standalone - Morgan Brothers #3
Release - July 25, 2016
Genre - Romantic Comedy/friends-to-lovers
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - ebook borrowed through KU
Length - 384 pages
Publisher - SoCoRo Publishing

Keane Morgan wouldn’t return any of my calls or texts, and I was pissed as hell about it. I didn’t want to drive from Seattle to L.A. with the guy any more than he wanted to drive with me, but I had no frickin’ choice in the matter--at least, not if I wanted to use his brother Dax’s coveted parking spot at UCLA.

Okay, so it turned out Keane was objectively gorgeous, and, fine, pretty funny, too. But did he have to be so damned in love with himself? I mean, jeez, the cocky way he flashed those dimples was just so orchestrated. And, honestly, what kind of guy uses the phrase “baby doll” with a straight face? Oh, that’s right: the kind of guy who’s a male stripper.

Yup, the cocky jerk turned out to be Seattle’s answer to Magic Mike, a stripper known as “Ball Peen Hammer”--which meant Keane Morgan was emphatically not the kind of guy I’d ever fall for.

Not. At. All.

No freakin’ way.

Well, until Keane convinced me to fall for him, that is.

Which I did.

Hard.

I went into this story with some pretty high expectations. I was prepared to laugh and laugh and laugh until my belly hurt... and that's exactly what I got! Keane Morgan is ridonkulous!! His ways, his attitude, his wit, his charm, his looks, his everything made me giggle, snort and swoon.

Maddie is starting over in a new city. Moving in with her sister is going to help her accomplish all of her goals. She just has to survive the road trip with Keane to get there. As hilarious as Keane was, I loved how, for the most part, Maddie was able to keep up with his antics. They were able to click so fast (thanks to the author for that) and there was barely any wasted moments.

The romance was a slow build but I think it was better for it. The author did a wonderful job of developing the characters and their connection to each other. I do wish more time was spent on these two as a couple, but I can't always get what I want. There were times that the hilarity overshadowed what was being created, but I was so busy chuckling that all was forgiven.
"... my left ovary just popped out an egg, and I'm not even mid-cycle."
Ball Peen Hammer is a hysterically funny romance featuring a beautiful, oblivious girl and a gorgeous, arrogant, class clown of a boy. He's hilarious, she's adorbsicles. He's not her type. She's not his. Or so they think. One shared road trip later... If you love to laugh really hard (and a lot) while falling in love with amazing characters - can I be an honorary member of the Morgan family? - this book... no this series... is for you!

Available on Amazon and FREE with Kindle Unlimited - https://amzn.to/3qXQwq6


As they exchange information, I make my way to the end of my aisle and loop into theirs, not taking my eyes off Baby Face the whole time. Shit. This dude’s hunting Maddy so hard, it’s making my blood boil. Jesus, he’s going full-throttle rifle on Maddy’s ass right now, completely foregoing his crossbow altogether.
When I reach the two of them in the middle of their aisle, I shuffle past the dude and stand next to Maddy, shoulder to shoulder, and then, on a sudden impulse, put my arm around her shoulders and squeeze her tight, making her wobble in place at the unexpected jolt to her balance. “Hey, sis,” I say, squeezing her like a rag doll. “You totally fell down on your candy-acquiring duties.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” She subtly wiggles out of my grasp. “Brian and I got into this hilarious argument about the best candy bar of all- time, and—”
“And I’m totally right,” Brian says, cutting her off, and they both chuckle at some inside joke.
“No, I’m totally right,” Maddy corrects.
Brian smiles at her. “I’ll actually be down in L.A. in a month. How ’bout I call you then?”
“Great.”
“Nice to meet you, man,” Brian says, looking at me. He nods but doesn’t put out his hand.
I nod back.
Brian strolls away, buys a Snickers bar and a can of Red Bull, and leaves with a little wave to Maddy.
The minute he’s out the door, Maddy takes a giant step away from me, her face etched with annoyance. “What was that?” she asks.
“What?”
“That weird thing you just did?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Maddy puts on an exaggerated scowl, like she’s Hulk Hogan eying an opponent. “’Hey, Brian,’” she says in a low voice, clearly intending to imitate me but sounding more like Arnold Schwarzenegger imitating Maddy imitating me. “’I’m Maddy Milliken’s bodyguard and I’m going to beat you the hell up now,’” she adds.
“What are you talking about?” I say, chuckling.
Maddy pauses, assessing me, and finally shrugs. “Nothing. I guess I imagined it.”
“Imaged what?”
“Your weird… I dunno… vibe.”
“Oh, well, yeah. I was worried about you.”
“Worried about me? I was standing in a minimart, buying candy. Pretty low-risk activity, I’d say.”
“Uh, you absolutely were not standing in a minimart, buying candy—you totally fell down on that job, dude. You were standing in a minimart, getting picked up by a douche. And second of all—”
“What?”
Shit. What the fuck am I doing? I’ve got to stop this shit right now. “Don’t get riled up, baby doll,” I say in my most soothing voice. “All I’m saying is you took so damned long in here, I started thinking maybe the store was getting robbed or you’d fallen into the toilet or something.”
Maddy twists her mouth. “Brian didn’t seem the least bit douchey to me.”
I shrug.“What gave you the impression he’s a douche?”
“Just a figure of speech. So are you gonna do the job I hired you to do or not?” I motion to the candy rack. “‘Cause based on your performance thus far, you’re totally fired.”
“And I wasn’t getting ‘picked up,’” Maddy says, her tone full of indignation. “Brian’s brother goes to UCLA. Can’t I talk to a helpful, nice guy without it being some sort of a sleazy pick-up?”
“Sure you can. However, in this instance, you were talking to a helpful, nice guy who was picking you up so he can bone the living fuck outta ya.”
“Keane.” Maddy’s cheeks burst with color. “Don’t say that. Oh my god. You’re insane. Brian was just being helpful, that’s all.”
“Yeah, so he can bone the living fuck outta ya.”
“Stop saying that. Please. It’s offensive and absolutely not true. This topic of conversation is officially over.”

USA Today and Internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, trains her new puppy, Ruthie and spends time with her wonderful family, and narrates audiobooks.

Find out all about Lauren and her books on her website: https://www.laurenrowebooks.com/

Captain by Lauren Rowe // Review

January 15, 2021

Captain by Lauren Rowe

I genuinely don't know what the hell "acting naturally" would be around someone as glorious as Ryan Asshole Morgan."


Captain by Lauren Rowe

Captain by Lauren Rowe


Standalone - Morgan Brothers #2
Release - May 14, 2017
Genre - RomCom/enemies-to-lovers
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5/several scenes
Format/Source - ebook borrowed from KU
Length - 360 pages
Publisher - SoCoRo Publishing

It wasn’t the way this kind of story was supposed to go . . .
Insta-love isn’t supposed to turn into insta-hate.

But that’s exactly what happened when the hot-as-hell dreamboat I met in a bar turned out to be a lying, cheating scumbag-player-douche looking for nothing but a little side action. Jerk.

And he has the nerve to call me a liar and a “sociopath”? Assh*le.

And now, three months later, through a mind-blowing series of events I couldn’t have predicted in a million years, it turns out my boss is marrying his sister in Hawaii and I’ve got to play nice with him for an entire freaking week.

Okay, sure, I’ll put on a happy face this week and act like I’ve never even met the jerk before--did I mention his sister is marrying my boss?--but that doesn’t mean I’ll like it. And it certainly doesn’t mean I’ll stop secretly hating the cocky bastard’s guts.

Because I do.
I hate him.
I really do.

I just wish my brain would explain the situation to my body . . . because every time he flashes that panty-melting smile at me, it takes all my self-restraint not to jump the bastard’s hot-as-f*ck bones.

I'm about to become Captain Ahab and this beautiful woman my whale.

After falling in love with Colby in Hero and then Zander in Mister Bodyguard, I knew that I had to get to know all of this characters as soon as possible. They were just too special to miss. Too awesome to be passed over. Too incredibly funny not to enjoy more and more laughs with.

Honestly, I thought that this story would be a no-brainer. Five stars like the rest of them and on to the next. And it would have been if it was about Ryan, the rest of the amazing Morgan family, and their equally phenomenal friends and family. However, I had to endure Tessa and she was a hard pill to swallow.

Burned by love, Tessa didn't need much to push her into believing that Ryan was pretty much like every other lying, cheating, scumbag of a man. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary... despite the many people who loved and respected him... despite how he carried himself... despite how obvious it was that he was a great man... she treated him like garbage. She was disrespectful, mean, and ugly to him. She went above and beyond to treat him like dirt while continuing to sleep with him.

Thankfully there were plenty of high points to this story to enjoy. Every moment with the Morgans was a delight and a half. The family (oh Peenie), the friends, the sweet and hilarious conversations and hijinks made this story amazingly entertaining. I loved Ryan so much and I look forward to seeing him again as I continue to read about his brothers.

Find your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/38KlhZc
FREE to read with Kindle Unlimited


USA Today and Internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, trains her new puppy, Ruthie and spends time with her wonderful family, and narrates audiobooks.

Find out all about Lauren and her books on her website: https://www.laurenrowebooks.com/

Truth, Lies and Second Dates by MaryJanice Davidson

September 05, 2020


Truth, Lies, and Second Dates is a sweet and sassy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson.

King's Redemption by Grace Risata

August 27, 2020

As long as Nora keeps on fighting, stands her ground without caving in, and refuses to wallow, she'll be just fine.