Thursday, 8 September 2022

[Review] 50 WAYS TO WIN BACK YOUR LOVER (Bower Boys, #1) by Kelly Siskind

Source: Received an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Montlake
Release Date:September 6, 2022
Number of Pages: 332 (Paperback)

DESCRIPTION

From Kelly Siskind comes a slow-burn romantic comedy about one man’s creative attempt to win back his high school sweetheart after a change in fortune gives them a second chance at love.

Growing up, I had it all—my art, close friends, a gorgeous girlfriend who owned my heart—but then my life exploded.

Turns out my father was laundering money, and my whole family got shoved into witness protection. No notice. No chance to explain. I was ripped away from beautiful, blue-eyed Delilah Moon, shattering both our worlds.

A decade later, fate has given us a second chance.

The cartel my father worked for has been wiped out. I’ve returned to my hometown, determined to win back the love of my life. But Delilah is engaged.

Or . . . is she?

I’m almost positive she’s lying about her fiancé to protect her heart. Which means I need to up my game.

I’ve made a list of fifty ways to prove we’re meant to be. Except Delilah’s barely looking at me, never mind swooning. I have a feeling my disappearance scarred her more than she’s admitting, and no one in town will tell me what happened . . .

REVIEW

I first came across Kelly Siskind's books with her Showmen series, and I've thoroughly loved the ones that I've read, so as soon as I heard about her upcoming Bower Boys series, and about 50 WAYS TO WIN BACK YOUR LOVER, I was sold! I read the adorable prequel, 5 TRICKS TO SEDUCING YOUR ENEMY (shared in her newsletter), and was eagerly waiting for E and Delilah's story! It was everything that I hoped it would be and I absolutely LOVED it!

E and Delilah were lovely characters, they were so fantastic together, and I loved getting to know them and thought that their second chance love story was so wonderful! Their history was beautiful...and also heartwrenching. I especially loved the chemistry between them--it was steamy, but also felt incredibly realistic, and their banter and inside jokes made their relationship even more lovely! I was constantly laughing, smiling, and tearing up, and I didn't want to put it down.

Storywise, I thought the premise was so interesting and couldn't wait to see how everything with witness protection and E's return to Windfall would unfold...and it was done so well! I adored the town of Windfall, and the cast of amazing side characters! I'm extremely glad that we'll get to see more of them all, and am especially curious about E's brothers...the other Bower boys...and about what's going to happen in Windfall next!

Overall, I absolutely loved 50 WAYS TO WIN BACK YOUR LOVER—it was hilarious, packed full of amazing banter, and kept me riveted! I loved the romance, the writing, and I really loved the characters! I'm so excited to see where this series goes next! I'm a sucker for small town romances, and I don't tend to gravitate towards second chance romances very often, but this was, without a doubt, one of my fave second chance romances, and I highly recommend it to contemporary romance fans, especially if you're also a fan of steamy, heartwarming, and funny stories! Extra special bonus points for their being an adorable dog in the story, too. ;)

Star Rating: ★★★★★

 
What do you think?
 
Does 50 WAYS TO WIN BACK YOUR LOVER sound like a book you'd like?
Have you read any of Kelly Siskind's books yet?

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Thursday, 1 September 2022

[Review + Release Day] BITTER SWEET HEART (Lies, Hearts, and Truths, #2) by Helena Hunting


Source: Received an egalley to participate in blog tour. 
Also purchased a Kindle copy.
Release Date: September 1, 2022
Number of Pages: 446 (ebook)

DESCRIPTION

From the outside looking in, I live a charmed life: hockey legend for a father, my own promising future in the league, a great family, awesome friends. It’s not untrue, but it’s not quite that simple either.

My dad’s advice has always been to make hockey my number-one priority—at least until I make it to the pros. So, going into my senior year of college, I have a plan. I’ll put in the effort required to pass my classes, play hockey like my life depends on it, and avoid relationships. All I have to do is stay focused on the end game, and I’ll walk away with a degree and into a career in the NHL.

It should be easy.

But when a woman literally floats into my dock, just before summer ends and my senior year begins, I can’t resist one last hookup. What harm could a one-night stand do? It’s not like we even exchanged numbers.

Everything is fine until I run into her on campus.

It’s a big school. I should be able to avoid her.

Except she happens to be in my class.

And she’s not a student.

She’s my professor.
 
Download your copy today, exclusively on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon | Amazon Worldwide | Amazon Paperback
HelenaHuntingAbout Helena Hunting

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Helena Hunting, writing as H. Hunting, lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She started her writing career with new adult angsty romance and branched out in sports romance and romantic comedies that will make you laugh and swoon. But sometimes she likes to serve up a little heartache on the way to the happily ever after.
Connect with Helena:

REVIEW

I absolutely loved BITTER SWEET HEART! I've been eager for Maverick's story ever since we got to see bits and pieces of him in LITTLE LIES! I loved his humour, and I loveeeeed his relationship with his sister, Lavender...so I was extremely excited when Helena Hunting first announced that Mav's book would be next in the series...and let me tell you, he did not disappoint!

Maverick was just as wonderful as I hoped he'd be! I loved his humour, his heart, and it was wonderful seeing him front and center...and it was a pleasure seeing him find love! Clover was wonderful, too! I knew a tiny bit about her because of teasers that Helena posted, but it was lovely getting to know her and I loved how she and Mav complemented one another! Their chemistry was absolutely on fire, too...definitely on the very, very steamy side...and I have to admit that I loved that about it! ;) Along with their chemistry, the banter and communication between Mav and Clover was something that I really appreciated. They were so honest with their feelings and the conversations they had throughout the book made me so happy. It was phenomenal to get to see them grow together!!! I also loved seeing so many of my fave characters from the Pucked, All In, and Lies, Hearts and Truths series!!! I already can't wait for future books...particularly BJ's! ;)

Overall, I loved BITTER SWEET HEART! It was steamy, and packed full of heart! It made me laugh, cry, swoon, and I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend both it and the first book (which takes place concurrently with this one), LITTLE LIES! If you're looking for a fantastic contemporary romance that features wonderful characters, a phenomenal and passionate romance, and a story that will keep you on your toes, then I think this is the perfect book for you! I'm even happy to share my new book boyfriend, Maverick, with you! ;)

Star Rating:

★★★★★


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Does BITTER SWEET HEART sound like something you'd like?

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Tuesday, 12 July 2022

[Review + Release Day] LOVE LESSONS (Brooklyn #7; Brooklyn Bruisers #10) by Sarina Bowen

Source: Received an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: July 12, 2022
Cover Design: Hang Le
Cover Photo: Wander Aguiar Photography


DESCRIPTION

He needs an image makeover, she needs a mojo upgrade. A new lessons-in-seduction hockey romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

After I’m arrested for throwing a raucous party, my hockey team says I have an image problem. And I need to fix it, stat.

Charity work? Check. Haircut? Sure. But I draw the line at hiring my neighbor to style me. In the first place “style” shouldn’t be a verb. And I’m tired of people who’d judge me on appearances.

Vera and I don’t see eye to eye on anything. She wants me to try on clothes, while I just want to remove hers. She's distractingly pretty, with soulful eyes and a sinful mouth that likes to argue with me.

But when management threatens my summer vacation, I grudgingly agree to Vera’s unusual proposal: she’ll give me an image makeover. But in return, she wants lessons in the art of seduction.

It sounds a little nutty, but I know a good opening when I hear it. Besides, it’s not like I’ll ever fall for her…

G E T   Y O U R   C O P Y   N O W !

REVIEW

 I find myself loving the Brooklyn/Brooklyn Bruisers more and more with each book, and I was so happy to see Vera and Ian in this one! Their chemistry was absolutely phenomenal and I loved seeing how they fit in with the couples that we already love! I also love that we really are getting so much of both the Bruisers and the Bombshells in these books!

In terms of story, I thought LOVE LESSONS was so much fun! I'm always a fan of romances that start out as flings or "lessons" and this one was so well done! Both Vera and Ian had some baggage that kept them from being open to love...but they really couldn't resist each other and I was so here for it! I also just loved them both as characters--Vera's passion for fashion and making people confident in themselves was really lovely, and I loved Ian's drive, his humour, and how determined he was to overcome obstacles and help others! As a couple, they were wonderful, too! Their banter, playful arguing, and the sheer tension between them was so palpable and I loved every single moment they were on the page together! I'm already excited to see them in future books...even if it's just in snippets!

Overall, I thought that LOVE LESSONS was absolutely wonderful and loved it so, so much! It was steamy, funny, and so enjoyable! I didn't want to put it down, and it was such a lovely addition to the Brooklyn/Brooklyn Bruisers series! I love how these books work well as standalones, but are also enjoyable to read in order because you truly do get to know the character so well...and it's so fantastic to keep seeing them appear in future books! I really hope Sarina Bowen continues with this series for a very long time because I'm nowhere near done with these characters yet! I also love the balance of sports to romance that she adds--it's just enough to be sporty, but wouldn't deter anyone who doesn't actually like sports...perfectly well done! If you're looking for a sports romance or a lovely contemporary romance, I would highly recommend both LOVE LESSONS and the Brooklyn/Brooklyn Bruisers series! 

Star Rating:

★★★★★

 TEASERS







 

What do you think?
Does LOVE LESSONS sound like a book you'd enjoy?
Have you read any of Sarina Bowen's books yet?

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Tuesday, 31 May 2022

[Review + Release Day] OFFSIDE WITH #55 (Hockey Hotties, #6) by Piper Rayne

 Source: Received an egalley to participate in the blog tour,
and also pre-ordered a Kindle version.
Release Date: May 31, 2022

DESCRIPTION

The last thing any professional hockey player wants is to be the old man in the game. The guy who doesn’t know when it’s time to retire. Still, I can’t bear the thought of leaving the game.

This past year I’ve reflected on all my regrets, and I told myself that once I retire it’ll be the time to find the right woman. But this is where it gets tricky.

I think I’ve found her—although she’ll deny our connection to anyone who asks. We’ve been sleeping together casually and since I’m still playing hockey, I’ve let her get what she wants—me—whenever she wants.

After being told my career as a player is over, the owner of Florida Fury grants me a shot to stay in the game. A coaching position I didn’t know I wanted until it was offered. The catch? He’s also passing the family business down to his daughter.

Who’s his daughter?

The woman who’s been in and out of my bed for the past year. Which means the woman I intend to make mine is now my new boss.

 

P U R C H A S E    L I N K S:

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z5AKhk
Apple Books: https://apple.co/37ZiHND
Nook: https://bit.ly/3j1JO0W
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3z1sdMl
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3mgNmyp
Audible: Coming Soon!

REVIEW

I’m a bit sad to see Piper and Rayne’s Hockey Hotties series wrapping up with OFFSIDE WITH #55. It’s been lovely getting to know all of the players and their significant others, and I’ve absolutely loved all of the team dynamics and friendships that have grown throughout the series! As a whole, the series was wonderful and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!

Kane and Jana have been teased for a while now, and we’ve seen some snippets of them in the previous books, so I was looking forward to seeing their story in OFFSIDE WITH #55. I did love them, but while I found the previous book a bit too dramatic for me, I did find that this one felt a bit too flat because we’d seen so much of Kane and Jana’s drama in the previous books. I did love their chemistry and their banter was fantastic, but I was left wanting more after finishing this one. I still enjoyed it, but wish we’d gotten some of their earlier moments saved for their actual story.

Overall, I thought that OFFSIDE WITH #55 was a great addition to the series and a wonderful way to tie everything together. It was fantastic to get to know both Kane and Jana deeper and to see them open up to love. It was sweet, steamy, and fits right in with the other books in the series! I definitely have to say that I’d love to get more of the Florida Fury because I’m not ready for their stories to be finished, but I did think that it left in a lovely place. I will recommend to anyone finishing this book to get yourself Piper and Rayne’s bonus scene for it though because that was what I really needed to feel content with the series coming to an end. I’d recommend OFFSIDE WITH #55 to readers who love sweet, yet steamy romances that feature lovely friend groups. Now, I’m just going to sit here and hope we get a Tweetie and Tedi novella or book someday. ;)

Star Rating: ★★★.5 to ★★★★

Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne are a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write "heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle" about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

Connect with Piper Rayne:
Amazon | Twitter | TikTok | Etsy Shop | Verve


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Tuesday, 19 April 2022

[Review + Release Day] SECOND SHOT WITH #76 (Hockey Hotties, #5) by Piper Rayne


 Source: Received an egalley to participate in the blog tour,
and also pre-ordered a Kindle version.
Release Date: April 19, 2022

DESCRIPTION

My mom always said you don’t get a second shot at making a first impression. I’ve remembered that my entire career. Especially since I’m one of the few black men who play professional hockey.

I’m calculated and respectful in the way I speak to my coaches, the owners, and the media. I’ve never taken a risk… until her.

I could blame it on the fact that for once I pushed away the pressure of my career for the ocean waves, the sand, and good times with my new teammates. But those are excuses because the minute I saw her at the airport, something lit up inside me and the best week of my life was spent with her in my bed.

After our week in paradise, we said goodbye, exchanged phone numbers and both assumed that unless one of us was flying through the other’s city on the opposite side of the country, our vacation fling was over.

Then one night after practice I see her. She’s here. In my city. Telling me she moved here for a job. If that’s not fate tell me what is.

I’ve never wanted a second shot more than I do this time, but she’s determined to leave what we were on the island we left behind.

 

P U R C H A S E    L I N K S:

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/2W7UguO
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3sDw9An
Nook: https://bit.ly/3z1lOQZ
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3D37IBi
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2UygK7X
Audible: Coming Soon!

REVIEW

I'm really enjoying Piper and Rayne's Hockey Hotties series, and I love the dynamics that all of the new characters have been bringing to the series! I finally went back and read the novella that came out after the first three books, so I went into SECOND SHOT WITH #76 super excited for what came next...and eager to see what was going to happen between Cory and Ande!

I absolutely loved the romance part of SECOND SHOT WITH #76--Ande and Cory had amazing chemistry and I loved their banter and dynamics! I really liked Cory, and loved learning about his family, and it was great to see that the fact that he was one of the few Black players in the NHL was addressed in the storyline and I liked that the fact that Cory and Ande are a biracial couple (just like Cory's own parents are) was addressed in the story, too! As for Ande, I also enjoyed her as a character, and really loved how we saw her open up to the other hockey ladies and her friendship with her boss, Trevor, too. :)
 
 So, all in all, I loved the romance in this one, but I have to admit that I wasn't a big fan of one of the major plot points in the drama part of the romance. It was just a bit too much for me, and went on for a little too long. I was glad that it didn't drag out too long once the big dramatic moment happened though. Other than disliking the major drama, I did really enjoy it though, and I'm very excited to see more of Cory and Ande in future books!
 
Overall, I thought that SECOND SHOT WITH #76 was great! Cory and Ande were wonderful characters and it was a pleasure to see them find love, and to see how they fit into the Florida Fury family. I loved their banter and definitely enjoyed the steam, too! It's not my fave, but is definitely a welcome addition to the Hockey Hotties series! Super excited for Kane and Jana's story next! ;)

Star Rating: ★★★.5 to ★★★★

Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne are a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write "heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle" about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

Connect with Piper Rayne:
Amazon | Twitter | TikTok | Etsy Shop | Verve


Join our newsletter and get 2 FREE BOOKS!
 - http://bit.ly/2tsNcpP 


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