Rookie Season by Katie Bailey and Leah Brunner review

 Title: Rookie Season 

Author: Katie Bailey and Leah Brunner 

Ch: 43 plus epilogue 

Pg: 330

Series: 3b 

Genre: Rom com, Hockey Rom Com 

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: indie 

 

Grumpy sunshine has always been one of my favorite tropes and I love it even more when paired with hockey. Noah’s in his rookie season and is determined to not let anything distract him. Allegra or Ally is looking to start over. After watching Noah grow up a bit in the DC Eagles series 

 and meeting Ally in the Donovan family series I new that I needed to read about them as adults. I have to say I loved grumpy Noah. But even more so protective Noah. And  of course my heart broke for Ally. And just like both authors’ previous books I love that found family is so important in the one. The friendship between Fisher, Noah and Penn was like the friendship between the eagle’s teammates in the DC Eagles series.

And who can forget Harry Styles, the third who is indeed a typical cat. 

 

And while this one is the first of a new series, I would recommend reading both the DC Eagles series by Leah and  Katie’s books to get both Noah’s and Ally’s backstory as well as not be spoiled. But the book can easily be read on its own. One of my favorite scenes happened towards the end of the book and to me sums up Noah in a nutshell across two series. 

 

For those that have read Leah before this one has more language than previous books and is indeed more fade to black than earlier books. But it’s still a good read. I also recommend having tissues handy for some parts. 

I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

You and Me, For Real by Hayley Elliot review

 Title: You and Me, For Real

Author:  Hayley Elliott 

Ch: 42 plus epilogue 

Pg: 368

Series: Hollywood Hills series book 1 

Genre:  Rom Com 

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: Indie 

You and Me, For Real is the debut novel by Hayley Elliott and I loved it. I'm normally not a fan of the celebrity troupe in rom com but with this one the troupe worked. I loved Ashton from the start, I mean what's not to love about someone who wants to start an animal rescue. I wasn't a huge fan of Griffin at first but I quickly fell for him when he rescued a dog.  My heart broke for Ashton after learning the past she was running from. I loved the banter between Ashton and Griffin and of course the doggie side kicks. And secondary characters are great some of which I would love to see a book about them. This debut novel is indeed a sweet closed door rom com. I can't wait to see what Hayley gives readers next. 

Relasees August 14th 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the author a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

A Fierce Devotion by Laura Frantz Review

 

Title:  A Fierce Devotion

Author: Laura Frantz

Ch: 33 plus epilogue

Pg: 221

Series:

Genre: Christian Historical, Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: story Architect

Bleu Galant

Brielle Farrow



I'm not going to lie. I have wanted Bleu's story since I finished The Seamstress of Acadie, he was only a secondary character in that one but I could tell he needed a story. And with A Fierce Devotion we get his story. And it was indeed worth the wait. I loved seeing Bleu's growth from the end of The Seamstress of Acadie and this one.  Without giving anything away Bleu became a favorite  hero because of a heroic choice he makes early in the novel. I have to say that Bleu might just be Laura's most Boaz-like character yet.   Brielle despite what she's lost she holds tight to her faith. Now Brielle gets a chance at a future she never thought possible and Bleu is also considering a different future than he once thought. Their adventure will take them from the Shenandoah Valley, to Virginia's Rivanna River and to France. Both Bleu's and Brielle's faith will be tested as the journey has the ability to change both their futures.



 Bleu and Brielle's story may be my favorite love story that Laura wrote. I love a good slow burn romance not something found often in historical romance and even more so when he falls first one.    This one touched my heart in ways that only a Laura Frantz novel can. I always know Laura's novels will make me cry and this one was no different. At least I wasn't crying by the end of the first line this time. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Perfectly Grumpy by Grace Worthington review

Title: Perfectly Grumpy

Author: Grace Worthington

Genre: Hockey Romance

Publisher/Indie: Indie

Publication Date: June 17

 

I think Tate may be my favorite Carolina Crushers player. Apparently, I have a thing for fictional nerdy hockey players. But I have to say that Lauren was the character I related to the most. I could relate to her grief. I loved seeing the other crusher players. And Perfectly Grumpy was the perfect read for this time of year. A summer hockey rom com. 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

Stick to me by Marion De Re reivew

 

Title: Stick to me 

Author: Marion De Re

Ch: 36 plus epilogue 

Pg: 322

Series: New York Raptors book 1 

Genre:  Rom com hockey rom com 

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: indie 

Aaron Miles 

Marissa Martin 

Not going to lie friends to more hasn’t been a favorite troupe in the past. But Aaron and Marissa changed that. And the fact that it includes hockey made it even more enjoyable.  The reasons the two had for just staying friends made perfect sense and actually enhanced the story.  The only thing more dramatic in a hockey romance than teammates sister is coach’s daughter. And I’m a sucker for a bookish hockey player. And after Stick to me I think also like fictional hockey defenseman. Can’t wait for the next one in this series. 

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys  @marionderewrites  or #gifted @bookedwiththeemilys  @marionderewrites

Synopsis: 

Have you ever heard of a guy who’s nice, funny, cooks like a chef, boasts a six-pack, and is the best player in the NHL?

Well, let me introduce you to Aaron Miles—aka the biggest test of my self-control.

Aaron and I have been friends since sixth grade, sharing everything from school and vacation to helping me start my business. But one thing I did on my own: falling in love with him.

It’s hopeless. He’s already rejected me once, and besides, as the coach’s daughter, I’m off-limits to everyone on the team, especially Aaron, who has a father-son relationship with my dad.

Yet, the more I try to suppress my feelings, the deeper my attraction grows. It’s hard to resist when he plans the best surprise birthdays and drops everything to be there for me. Oh, and did I mention we’re roommates? And that he loves parading around the apartment with his abs on display?

Yeah, I’m doomed.

I’m trying to get over him—trust me—but lately, there’s something in his eyes I’ve never seen before. An intense glint that mirrors the fire inside me. Surely, it means nothing, right?

It’s my heart playing tricks on me. As a romance reader, I’m prone to jumping to conclusions.

And if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that the Friends to Lovers trope is the less realistic of them all.

There’s way too much at stake. 

What You’ll Find:

Hockey Romance

Friends to Lovers

Roommates

Coach's daughter

Body Positivity

Secret Dating

Closed Door/Kisses Only

Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner review

Title:  Secret or Shutout 

Author: Leah Brunner 

Ch: 42 plus epilogue 

Pg: 338 

Series: DC Eagles 

Genre:  Rom Com Hockey Rom com 

Rating:  5 stars 

Publisher: indie 

I thought Wes and Mel’s story was sweet, Mitch tugged out my heartstrings. Colby made me swoon. Ford melted my heart. But Bruce, well Bruce stole my heart. And at the beginning of the series, I didn’t see the goalie being my favorite or that he’d still my heart. Bruce was easy to see as the friend but not the love interest. However Secret or Shutout changed that.  I started falling for Bruce in the first chapter when I realized that my high school French hadn’t little me down and I knew what he was calling her. And that tidbit a lone made me realize there’s more to Bruce than meets the eye. The dual chapters make the story so much better. As you get to see them get to the same page. And watching Bruce fall was so sweet. Though Bruce did break a big hockey rule when it comes to teammate’s sister. 

 

Now I knew Farrah was going to be my favorite heroine when I meet her in Betrothal or Breakaway. But it was in Secret and Shutout that I saw how much I related to her. Farrah was the first time I’ve seen a heroine with PCOS on the page. And as someone with PCOs I loved seeing a heroine with the condition in a rom com. There was plenty of times in this one where my heart broke for Farrah. But there’s literally a moment in the book that Bruce not only starts healing Farrah’s heart and starts her trusting but I think a fictional hero started mending mine. And it’s this quote, “Farrah, I don’t want to build a life with you because of what you can give me someday. I don’t cherish you for your ability to have children or not. And I don’t love you based on any conditions.”  All I can say is where’s the real-life Bruce’s at?  

 

Bruce and his old truck remind me of something my grandma use to say if a man drives an old truck he knows how to stay when things get tough because he’s got patience and he’s stubborn. Which I think sums up Bruce perfectly. 

 

I loved that even though it’s Farrah and Bruce’s story we still get closure for the DC Eagles.

 

I will say Leah’s books on the steamy side of clean as there is some language, innuendo  and a fade to black scene with married couple. 

 

#secretorshutout #dceagles #hockeyromance #closeddoorromance #pcosrep #booktour

#bookedwiththeemilys

@bookedwiththeemilys @leah.brunner.writes

 

I received a copy of this book from the author  as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

Tropes:

Hockey romance

Teammate’s sister

Reverse age gap

NHL goalie

Curvy heroine

My Vigilante Valentine by Jess Mastorakos review

 

Title:  My Vigilante Valentine 

Author: Jess Mastorakos 

Ch: 26

Pg: 334

Series:  Shadows and Sparks book 1

Genre:  Rom Com 

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: Indie 

 Not going to lie Jax Thorne gave me Bucky Barnes vibes. Not the Avengers movies Bucky but the Bucky that we see in The Falcon and Winter Soldier, And I was there for it. And I loved Luna’s spunk. And of course the marvel and DC references as well as other pop culture references adding to the slight superhero vibes. 

 

And what can I say I enjoyed this superhero rom com. As well as the crime fighting duo even if one’s a little bit grumpy but then I love grumpy heroes.  I want more Luna and Jax. And I was happy to learn that My Vigilante Valentine is becoming a series. 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the author  as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

The Dreams we Knew by Rachel Scott McDaniel Review

Title: The Dreams We Knew 

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel 

Ch: 31 plus epilogue 

Pg: 320

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: Kregel

No one writes 1920s like Rachel Scott McDaniel and it just gets better with each book. I loved DelvinaI mean what’s not to love about a socialite turned private investigator in New York City. Ans of course Kent who you first meet in Walking on Hidden wings. 

Not only I am I  a sucker for 1920s set novels I’m a sucker for a good mystery and romance full of banter which The Dreams we knew has in spades along with a second chance romance.  I finished this one in one day because I had to know what happened and I loved every minute McDaniel is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor review

Title:  When Alec Met Evie 

Author: Jenny Proctor 

Ch: 30 plus epilogue 

Pg: 331

Series: Appies 6 

Genre:Rom Com, Hockey Rom Com 

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: Indie 

Never thought a hockey rom com would make me cry but When Alec Met Evie but did. I didn’t think any Appie could replace Felix as my favorite, but Alec did. I mean what’s not to love about a hockey defenseman captain who’s a cinnamon roll off the ice and loves his family. And apparently I’m a sucker for a hockey player holding a baby. 

Alec has always seen Evie as his little sisters best friend until new in town and needed a place for her and her infant daughter to stay. Alec offers up his house and ends up falling hard.  

This one made me laugh and cry because both Alec and Evie are at a crossroads with choice that will change their future. I mean I got teary eyed throughout but it was chapter 29 that had me bawling. 

Alec and Evie’s story was sweet and this was one a great end to the Appies series.  The Appies aren’t just teammates their brothers. 

Runaway Bride and Prejudice by Emma St. Clair review

Title:  Runaway Bride and Prejudice

Author: Emma St Clair

Chapters:30 Plus epilogue

Series: Appies # 5

Pages: 418

Genre: Hockey Rom Com, Rom Com, Sports Rom Com

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Indie

There’s only one rule that hockey players are smart enough not to break don’t date the coach’s daughter unfortunately Van’s not that smart. Van ends up being the get away driver for Amelia the runaway bride and coach’s daughter. He might be the bad boy of the Appies but there’s more to him than meets the eye.  And in Runaway Bride and Prejudice you get to peel back the layers and find Robbie not Van. I have to say he’s replaced Felix as my favorite Appie

Cornered by Lynnette Eason, Lynn Blackburn and Natalie Walters review

Title: Cornered 

Author: Lynette Eason, Lynn Blackburn, Natalie Walters 
Pg: 368
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Rating: 5 stars
Publisher: Revell


Title: In the Dark
Author: Lynette Eason
Ch: 24
Rating: 4 Star

While I didn't love this one a much as I did the rest of the book in the Lake City Heroes. I did enjoy this novella that serves as a gap between book 2 and book and 3 and gives us  the story of Step Cross James Cross's sister and Detective Tate Cooper James's coworker. I loved the suspense aspect of this one not so much the romance. 

Title: DownFall
Author: Lynn Blackburn
Ch: 16 plus epilogue
Rating: 4.5stars

I loved this novella in the Gossamer falls series and this one fits in nicely between book one and book two. As much as I loved Cassie and Donovan's story. It's easy to see why this couple's story wouldn't have worked as a novel but was perfect as a novella. 

Title: Perilous Obsession

Author: Natalie Walters

Ch: 24

Rating: 5 stars

I will read anything Natalie Walters writes. It's hard to say what series is my favorite. Though because I love each series for different reasons. Though Better Watch out is currently my favorite full length novel because I'm a sucker for a Christmas Rom Com that's not cheesy and having the hero be Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent. But I have to say Briggs Turner is giving Nicholas  Garcia a run for his money as my favorite SNAP agency hero. And of course Lahela is just how I pictured a certain cryptologist sister to be. Not to mention this book has my favorite line Natalie's ever written okay my two favorite lines. The first one being. "‘knight in Wrangler armor."  But the one that takes the cake is "BOOTS. Some guys liked a woman in heels, but for Briggs, it was always boots." And as a woman who prefers boots to heels where can I find a real life Briggs?   

 

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Most wonderful Crime of the year by Ally Carter

I've been a fan of Ally Carter's sense her Gallagher Girl Serie days. That I discovered shortly after I high school  And when I saw that she had written a Christmas rom com mystery combo that was describe as Knives out with Christmas I knew I had to check it out. Especially since she write the screenplay for my favorite Christmas movie A Castle for Christmas, and I also loved her novel for adults The Blonde Identify.  And I loved this, and quite frankly it would make an awesome movie, a Christmas movie that I would willingly watch. Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt are both writers who write for the same publishing house. They are work place rivals.  They jump at the chance to visit a favorite writer's English estate over Christmas when they find themselves in locked room mystery straight out of Christie.

This one was the perfect blend of mystery and rom com. I loved the banter between Maggie and Wyatt, and I loved finding out that there was to Ethan than meets the eye. Character's that are more than meets the eye are what Ally started with the Gallagher Girl Series and while her target audience has changed her knack for writing a great story with action, banter and heroes and heroines that butt heads has not.  

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Wing Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski

 I've enjoyed everything that I've read by J'nell Ciesielski and The Wing Tiara is no different. She writes historical fiction that makes you feel like your there. Jasper Truitt is a jewel thief with a a heart of gold, Esme Fox is a rival jewel who also happens to be Jasper's estranged wife. He married on whim at the end of the great war. Now they are looking for fabled Valkyrie tiara.  However for both of them there's more at stake than he tiara.  I have to say that this one gave me slight Mr and Mrs. Smith vibes though without the assassin’s for hire. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Deadly Christmas Inheritance by Jessica Patch review

Title: Deadly Christmas Inheritance
Author: Jessica Patch
Ch: 15
Pg: 228
Series: Texas Crime Scene Cleaners
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Rating: 5 stars
Publisher: Love Inspired

Deadly Christmas Inheritance is the third book in the Texas Christmas scene cleaner’s series by Jessica Patch and I have to say that it is my favorite of the series. Mainly because I'd wanted Rhode Spencer's story since the first book. But I also loved learning more about Teegan as well. While I do love a Christmas story from time to time. My favorite Christmas stories tend to be those of the romantic suspense variety and unfortunately for me those tend to be few. But with these one based on experience with the authors previous books I was going to get  page turning story with the right balance of suspense and romance and I was not disappointed. 

 

I loved that Rhode was going to do whatever it took to protect Teegan and her twins even though its a shock. I was glad to get more of his back story after getting bits and pieces of it in the first two books.  While the suspense kept me turning pages the love story and the possibility of a Christmas romance was also intriguing and I had to find out how the story between Teegan and Rhode was going to end.  

 

I received a copy of this book from the author  as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn review

Title: Tea with Elephants

Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Ch: 23

Pg: 304

Series: Suitcase Sisters

Genre: Contemporary Christian fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

Ever since I first picked up the author’s books as a teenager, each time I’ve read a book by heart they’ve touch my heart. And Tea with Elephants was no different. It’s the first book in the Suitcase sisters. And it’s set in Africa when two friends Fern and Lily get gifted the trip of a lifetime.

I was hooked from page one and loved every many of it. And I have to say I was happy to discover what happened to a beloved character after their book had ended. Fern was the one I related to the most. And while Danny was a secondary character I also related a bit to him especially with what he has to face. As at least to me it’s one of the hardest things a child has to face even as an adult.

The faith thread throughout the book not only weaves Lily and Ferns story it also weaves the bigger story of God’s plan. And just like I’ve been since I was a teenager I feel blessed by the story and scripture. And so glad the author’s writing fiction again. And can’t wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.