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Taming Beckett (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 1) by G.K. Brady – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Taming Beckett (The Playmakers, #1)Taming Beckett by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beckett is stumbling downward into a life he is unfamiliar with. A once high ranking hockey player finds himself broke and lacking many friends. In the sale of one of his many properties, he reconnects with
Paige, a former college acquaintance. Paige has always crushed on Beckett but he’s always been out of her reach for the relationship she wants in life. When they reconnect, Paige is suffering from her own battles of a broken marriage and leans on Beckett to support her through.
Most of the book is set with their friendship which is very nice to see a deeper connection for the characters. We are given years of history for these two characters which makes the developing romance seem plausible. Through friendship, support, humor and honesty, can these two from the lasting bond we all want for them? This was a great read and loved the flow of the then and now for our main characters.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story! Ginny left Buckeye Falls in a rush for her dream job and left Max broken hearted his dream diner. She returns home for an extended visit during Christmas to help her dad through a surgery and hopes to not run into Max or get brought into the small town gossip that is Buckeye Falls. Fortunately for us, the two meet up rather quickly upon her return and with the unwanted help of the locals, Max and Ginny begin to mend what was broken. This was such a cute book with plenty of fantastic characters. The author was able to give us so many emotions and made me want to get to know the town and all its people. Perfect read for the Christmas season!

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I did enjoy the overall romance of the two main characters, Teagan and Tenley, I just felt completely underwhelmed by entire story. It was good, but I couldn’t engage in the story as I normally do. I read this because Hawaii during Christmas sounds amazing, but where was the Christmas at in this book? They may state it a few times but we don’t get a strong holiday feel if this is what you are looking for. Also the random chapters of the supporting characters threw me off and further lost my interest in the main romance blooming between Teagan and Tenley. I like the differing chapter perspectives normally, but we were given only a chapter per sub character and these chapters didn’t add much to the story. The best part of this book was the character of Teagan. He is simply a lovely person and I admire anyone who has that level of kindness.

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Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance Series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance #2)Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the story of Brad and Mary. They were both so likable and relatable. I like how the author wove the storyline, inserting moments from the past into the present situation. Although it is a short read, you will not fall short on finding the emotion in the story. I was only going to begin the book but ended up reading it in one sitting . A very sweet story about finding love in second chances.

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Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked the match up of Connor and Sienna. Both had something to offer the other in a relationship no one saw coming. Sienna was hoping for a break but her mother cancels her vacation and demands more training for the Paralympics. Reluctant, she attends a semi private training session at a vacant hotel and meets former Motocross bad boy, Connor, who lost his own leg in a crash. The two shouldn’t have commonalities, but the more time they get alone, the more the attraction develops. The Paralympic angle is nice and shines an eye on a sport we don’t often talk about. Nice and quick read that gives you a feel good ending.

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The Rom Com Movie Club (The Rom Com Movie Club Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Bethany Rollins

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The Rom Com Movie Club - Book OneThe Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lisa, Mindy, Tina and Ruby are the Rom Com Movie Club and informal family. Lisa, unlike the other girls, grew up in foster care and never attended college. The girls are only a handful of people that have never walked away and forgotten about her. Upon Tina’s wedding, Lisa meets the grooms brother, Ryan. These two have instant chemistry but this is seen as a threat to Tina, wanting all focus on her wedding day. What ensues is love story in the making all while attempting to maintain peace within the friendship group. There were so many great things about this story and the author nicely intertwined Lisa’s childhood and finding her own family. While I did enjoy the story of Lisa and Ryan, I was more drawn to the friendship aspect of the book, especially the one on one moments between Ruby and Lisa. I’m excited to continue the characters storylines in the remaining books of this series.

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #1)Faultless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teddy, on probation, is heading home to ride out his terms of release. Teddy lost a lot of time, but always dreamed of reconnecting with Robyn, the one his heart belongs to. As soon as Teddy and Robyn reacquaint, we know this is who they are meant to be with. Trouble unfortunately follows these two and we are taken on a journey for redemption for both Teddy and Robyn.

Teddy is such a strong character for all he has been through. The injustice in his sentencing and him being the example set forth by an incredibly flawed judge was written nicely and got me angry a couple of times. The strong pull of the family and the support they offer kept me on the happy side of reading though, so I did go through a few emotions with the story. I liked all the supporting characters and can’t wait to read their futures as this series continues. This book is well written and focuses on Teddy’s character growth and struggles he encounters along his path to full freedom and finding redemption from the love Robyn provides.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book and now we finally have the storyline surrounding Marissa’s death and how she related to the other girls, Lilianna, Sofia, and Emiliana. We have been introduced to Marissa throughout the series by second hand storylines but this is the events leading up to her murder. It was nice to get a peak into the girls lives before their already tumultuous world shattered and how the relationships developed between their future romantic interactions. I absolutely adore this series!

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The Protector (The Freemasons Book 4) by Nicole Flockton – Review by Bethany Rollins

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The Protector (The Freemasons #4)The Protector by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I didn’t read the other books in this series, The Protector is easy to read as a standalone and gives us a bit of insight into the former books couplings. The subject matter may be a bit triggering to some readers, but it was well written and not graphic details. The character of Renee is so heartbreaking and stronger than she is willing to allow herself to feel. Declan is her rock and the only one she wants to open up to full heartedly. This story takes us into a form of intimacy that stems from trauma and helping each other heal in the most horrible of circumstances. I really liked the pairing of Declan and Renee and how they both had to conquer a relationship built first on trust and lack of physical touch.

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Fighting Chance by Toni Denise – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Fighting ChanceFighting Chance by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kendall is a sports writer with an inside knowledge of the fighting world thanks to her dads boxing career. Her dad is training Chad and invites Kendall to an MMA fight for help her find a story to save her career. In meeting Chad, more than her job is on the line when she begins to fall for this man who is more than he appears to be. This was a super fast read. I only meant to read a couple chapters but could not stop reading. It was a relatively clean romance read with touches of innuendo. I’m always a sucker for a feel good ending and this one did not disappoint.

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Defying Ella (True Platinum Series Book 4) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Defying EllaDefying Ella by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

They began as lovers but quickly changed to enemy’s as Ella is faced with Jared’s true nature while on tour with his band as a babysitter. At the first chance, Ella escapes early to a cabin but unfortunate events and an approaching snow storm have her trapped there with Jared. As the two try to figure out their balance and understanding of one another, they quickly realize that they do have feelings for each other. We are faced with the question if these two former lovers can reignite the spark and make it last in the real world. I really enjoyed this story and would highly recommend to anyone who likes the enemy to lover trope.

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I felt this was a decent read but not anything spectacular. I kept trying to grasp the plot but it fell a bit flat for me and read slower than I had anticipated. The characters were well written but I felt a disconnect from them and the relationship felt struggled and ingenuine. I love enemies to lovers plus the added bonus of dogs and cats but something failed to click. I found myself drifting off and just skimming the story in certain sections as it got longwinded and repetitive, especially the conversations between Cookie and Oliver. I wanted to love it based on the description and other’s reviews but I guess it just wasn’t for me.

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Mafia Elite Box Set: Volume TwoMafia Elite Box Set: Volume Two by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series and I find it difficult to choose a favorite. Each series follows the path of two main characters/love interests. The author is brilliant at introducing sub-characters and later developing their main storyline throughout the series. Even after we are given each characters main plot, later books still give us more to their storylines and furthers the couplings character development. This is incredibly helpful if one couple is a favorite and you just want to know more. I also enjoy reading how the Five Families work and how each member has a specific role and function they bring to the groups dynamics. The strong family unit in a world of violence is a great addition and makes me adore all the characters even more. This is a great series by an even greater author that I will always recommend.

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Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Into the LightInto the Light by Kate McWilliams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved this book and the dynamic between Raf and Ellie. They begin as friends, both secretly wanting the other but factors such as Raf’s past and Ellie’s brother are standing in their way. But even with the speed bumps, when they finally connect we are given a steamy romance that just keeps getting better. I didn’t realize this was a third book in the series and I loved getting to know the characters of Moon Harbor and will have to read about their stories now. I did enjoy the added suspense the author unraveled but it was a bit of an easy mystery to resolve with little fanfare surrounding it. Great read!

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A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Bethany Rollins

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A Love Restrained (Philly Heat series, #1)A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Love Restrained is a romantic suspense surrounding the lives of Kylee, a Philadelphia police officer, and Jayson, a man on the wrong side of the law and the boy she had a childhood crush on. Although the two are on opposing sides, the attraction and need for each other overtakes them and love begins to bloom. Both battling their own demons, we are taken along their journey as secrets unfold and challenges are met.
This author is fabulous at weaving a suspenseful tale and keeping us engaged with twists and turns. I loved how I was debating the outcome even towards the end of the story. The characters were well written and had great development. The author does jump between third and first POV so it began slow for me, but by part two I was immersed and couldn’t put it down.

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My Bronc Riding Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series Book 6) by Brooke May – Review by Bethany Rollins

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My Bronc Riding CowgirlMy Bronc Riding Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Bronc Riding Cowgirl gives us the story of Cord, an up and coming rider in the rodeo world, and Tori, a fiercely independent women setting her sights on her own bronc riding dream and to follow in her father’s footsteps. Cord comes to stay with the family and is immediately drawn to Tori. She, however, is not swayed by his charm and only has her mind set on shocking her family and home town crowd in her debut in bronc riding. Cord slowly begins to break through Tori’s strong-willed barrier and the two ignite under the rodeo lights. This was a great read and a setting I don’t often get to experience in books. The characters were lovely and fun to get to know. I loved that Cord was comfortable with a strong female and that Tori was able to relax and show a softer side with Cord. Although this is part of a series, this can definitely be read as a standalone.

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the blind date premise of this storyline and the chemistry between Jake and Lauren. Jake is tired of women only looking at his money over his true self while Lauren never wants to be seen as someone who uses others for money. These two are set up through a blind date service and immediately, they feel connected. This was an entertaining read with great characters, romance and drama.

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Tropical Date (Postscript Island Book 3) by R.S. Jonesee – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Tropical Date (Postscript Island, #2)Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was only going to ‘just start’ this book yesterday, but a couple hours went by and I was finished. This book allows the reader to escape to a beautiful island filled with incredible characters. We follow self made billionaire, Weston, as he returns home to Postscript Island and has a no so warm welcome from his former love Marissa. Although Marissa does her best to avoid Weston, mysterious offers to buy the local businesses has her seeking his help as his arrival was to help his mom’s similar offer. I loved the chemistry between the main characters, but my favorite character was by far Marissa’s dad. I appreciate that the author gives each character a personality for the reader to grasp onto. Good book, couldn’t put it down and definitely recommend.

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I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Bethany Rollins

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I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I generally enjoy second chance romances, something was lacking for me with the characters in this story. We meet Josh and Mavis, high school sweethearts with future plans until Mavis unexpectedly leaves to protect Josh’s future. In her years away, she reconnects with Josh’s twin, Austin where these two form a relationship. Mavis eventually returns home to mend ways with Josh, Austin and her brother which leads to emotional breakthroughs. I found myself drawn more towards the storyline of Mitch and Lauren. While the storyline is enjoyable, my intrigue for the main characters was just not there and I found Mavis selfish in her decisions.

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I do enjoy a good, spicy book, I wanted more than just sexual chemistry between the two main characters. Yes, they have a history of friendship but I felt that we were only given snippets of this part of their relationship and the author focused only on the sexual chemistry of Callie and Noah. I just wanted to know them better because they are both great characters, although Noah frustrated me with his male ego at times. I found myself skimming the juicy scenes because I was too involved in the dangers that follow the couple and how it would all play out. Good plot and characters but I just was not fully invested as I wanted to be.

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Rivals, the 7th book in the Mafia Elite series. In this mafia romance, we meet Mia, a prisoner of her own home at the hands of her father and step brother, members of the New York Mafia. Mia escapes with the hopes to take down her family and runs to the only hope she can think of, Nico, part of the Chicago Five Families. They enter into a marriage agreement for protection and we get entangled in their chemistry as they takedown Mia’s family. As also, these books are great and I love all the characters of the Five Families. While I did enjoy the story of Mia and Nico, I felt the chemistry was not as strong after the previous couplings from this series but still a fantastic read.

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The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Bethany Rollins

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The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a book that will hook you into the plot from the first chapter and keep your emotions on edge. Angie is faced with a series of traumas that knock her silent and scared. Brenda is sent to by the FBI to be her victim advocate and requests the assistance of Jake and his K-9 trained companion, Cody. With the help of this trio, Angie is able to break her silence and seek revenge on the man that killed her friends. I loved how the storyline unraveled and all the twists and turns kept me turning the page. While I loved the book, the ending left me wanting more closure for some of the characters.

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Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Key To His HeartKey To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Key to His Heart was an absolutely engaging story. From the quaint town of Golden Crest as the setting, to the characters we get to meet in this town, I was fully in love with this story. Pregnant and divorce, Katrina is drawn to the small town and start life over. She doesn’t know a soul, but her own soul tells her she must be in this town.
TJ has returned home after his retirement from the NFL. He loves his close knit family and his job as Coach and teacher at the local high school. The only thing missing his the desire to fall in love and create a family.
TJ and Katrina meet in an unexpected way and moments keeps springing up for these two. Katrina has envisioned so many of these moments and knows she is here for a reason. These two realize that they are intertwined in more than just a physical attraction and realize that true love and soulmates may be real.
This story isn’t only about finding your soulmate. It is finding your family and who you are meant to become. I love how the storyline flowed and I was pulled into the hopes, dreams and desires of all the characters. Lovely story!

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Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Paige and the Reluctant ArtistPaige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adored this story! Paige is an art curator who is sent to Montana to procure Mark, a rancher and rescuer of horses who’s artistic skills have captured her attention. Upon meeting, both have an undeniable attraction but past relationships for both parties creates tensions and questions for them and a possible future. This is a fast read that is filled with love, amazing characters, friendships, and second chances. We also get to meet Storm Cloud who is simply an amazing horse! I will absolutely read this authors future writings.

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Bethany Rollins

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The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author and I was hopeful for a little mystery and trying to discover the lie in the blurb we are given. The truth comes way too fast and then I got bored. The overall message to the YA audience this book was written for is a great one. The overall topic(no spoilers!) of the secret and lies of the main character is one that should be discussed more with our youth. I highly liked that this book gave a message and used a subject matter that I don’t read often enough about. However, the path to get to this message was exhausting to my brain. I felt I read the same inner dialogue of each character multiple times throughout the story and it led me to disengage. I’ve read so many great reviews about this author so I will be reading another story soon and hope I can fully appreciate what so many others are saying.

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Bethany Rollins

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Mastermind is a good read but it didn’t have a big pull to draw me completely into the story. I always enjoy a brother’s best friend and millionaire love story but somehow the connection of Remi and Audri fell a bit flat for me. They were a bit cheesy in a lot of the dialogue and at times their intimacy felt forced. I did enjoy the suspense the author gave us and the twists and turns we took to get the full mystery unraveled. I recommend because it did give me the happy ending I look for when reading this style I just failed with the character connection.

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Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie Bethany Rollins

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LeviLevi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Levi is a quick romantic suspense that kept me engaged throughout the story. We meet Bella, a witness set to testify against her devious ex, is sent to a ranch for protection. Levi, an ex-Navy Seal, is her protector who bares his own demons. These two characters have immediate chemistry, whether either of them wants the undeniable attraction. The characters we meet at the ranch are all fantastic and I cannot wait for more of this family’s story to unfold.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Bethany Rollins

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Finding Starlight from the beginning. We start with the scene of Ellawyn escaping her abuser and running from all she’s known in hopes of a safer existence. She lands in Quimby Grove and soon discovers Starlight Books. The owner, Benji, and his grandson, Beckett, become a family to Ellawyn and allow her to become herself again. Unfortunately, Ellawyn soon attracts a stalker and she and Beckett work to keep her safe. This book covers many topics such as abuse, cancer, and death. I was not expecting so many tear jerking moments from this read. I’m excited for book 2 in the series.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Bethany Rollins

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Close to Perfect is good story that’s easy to follow along with but I could not connect with the main characters. I felt Bree was too focused on her past to see a future and Nate was incredibly tense for a leading male. I was hoping for more personality from both, but it never shined through. They were likable enough to enjoy the story, but the supporting characters were the ones I would have rather focused on. Overall, a good read just not one that fully grasped my attention.

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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4) by Olivia Sherwood Bethany Rollins

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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4)Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read all books in the Parker Lake series and I’m happy to finally get Karen’s story. She has always been the mysterious character and now we finally get the story of who she is how she came to Parker, Oklahoma. Karen is a math teacher and friend of Breckin who’s brother, Brody, has finally returned home after years away. Karen, not wanting to get close to anyone, cannot resist her attraction to Brody and soon begins to open up to him after years of internal turmoil. Brody is at a crossroads in life trying to decide if New York is truly where he belongs or if the love of Karen is worth leaving his career and what he’s known for years behind. I love this book series and the way they make me happy. The only character I am getting strongly annoyed with is Griff’s grandma. I began liking her but her antics are just getting too much and no one wants to take a stand against her. Other than that, this book and series is worth the read!

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