Posts

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Cassi Rogers

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sugar and Spice by Phoebe Alexander is the first book in the Spicetopia series. This was an excellent, easy to read book and I enjoyed every minute of it from start to finish. The characters were very well developed and lovable. Cy Sweet is going undercover in his family’s children theme park to get the inside scoop on a situation that the Sweets are hoping to prevent from progressing. He is thrown off balance by the beautiful, single mom, Jolie Cox dressed to the T in the Red Velvet Queen costume. The two have a great and sparkling connection although there are many untold truths that lie between them. I loved reading about both Cy and Jolie’s life and watching their personalities come into the light. This is a brilliant book that contains an entertaining plot. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Tracy Manderson

The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian

5 out of 5 stars

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase, is the first book in The Holmby Hills series by Allyson Simonian it was also my first read by this author. It is a short story- and made for a quick and easy read. This was a good story it had some drama, a little mystery and some secrets. The characters are well written, and the plot was amazing.

Chase McDaniel is an actor and is Selfish, Self-centered, Arrogant. He also has money he ever needs; he finds a different woman to keep him company whenever he wants, and he seems happy. When a story pops up that Chase was with a minor, he denies it. The club he went to was a twenty-one and over club. The girl must’ve had a fake Id. Now Chase is worries about his image.

Carries is a high school teacher and she is taking the summer to filling in for Susan over in wardrobe and then she is going back to Texas. But fate has different plans for her when she starts seeing Chase when their relationship is on the fast track to marriage. Its not all rainbows and rose they have trouble in their marriage it seems like they can’t connect is it because they are from different worlds?

Can they move past their differences? Will Carrie for give him when the truth comes out? Will they have a happily ever after or go their separate ways?

I highly recommend this story and can’t wait to read Aiden…

By
Tracy

@tracym

View all my reviews

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Kerry Carr

The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story about Chase. Hes an actor and a player. He can have any women he wants and he normally does.

Until one day Carrie walks into his life and turns it upside down. After a couple of weeks Chase decides to give up his celebrity life and settle down with Carrie.

However things arent as rosy as they both thought it would be. Chase is selfish and only thinks of himself and what he wants, Carrie is feeling lost and alone.

Can they rebuild the relationship they had at the beginning or is Chase to selfish to change his ways.

View all my reviews

Hennessey on the Rocks by Monica DeSimone

 ~  ~  ~  ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Hennessey on the Rocks by Monica DeSimone

Buy Now – https://amzn.to/2qdmnca

#momwritessmut #ladybugreaders #doingitmyway #doingitforme

Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

Genre – Contemporary Romance

Page Count – 191 pages

Cover Designer – Jessica Hildreth

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48379330-hennessey-on-the-rocks

Renowned Chef Charlie Hennessey needs a break. Tired of the noise of Manhattan and afraid the big city and its cynical outlook has jaded her thoroughly, she packs up her babies and returns home to Camden, Maine. The quiet coastal town holds memories of loved ones, offers space for her children to roam, and is the only place she longs to be. Here she hopes to recharge and reacquaint herself with who she is, what she wants, and how to love again.

Award-winning author Jonathan Hennessey has roamed the world several times over in the attempt to outrun the ghosts of his past. The last thing he ever wanted was to return to Camden, Maine, until he finds himself not only there but on the doorstep of the only woman he has ever loved… and ultimately destroyed. But how could he look his only friend and lover in the eye and admit his sins when he can’t even look at himself?

As the keeper of most of Jonathan’s secrets, Charlie now holds one of her own. One that can and will destroy them. But some secrets aren’t meant to be kept, and for the man who spins tale after tale of murder, mystery, and love, this is a twist even his devilish mind could never conjure up.

~ AMAZON ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON AU ~ BARNES AND NOBLE ~ KOBO ~ ITUNES ~ BOOKBUB ~

You can find this video on our YouTube Channel

Visit us at https://www.youtube.com/c/ItsyBitsyBookBits

Monica lives in northern New Jersey with her three dogs; Sam, Reilly, and Steeler. Raised by a football coach in tube heart of Texas, football is a passion that is deeply rooted. Introduced to Nora Roberts by her mother at the age of thirteen, she spawned a lifetime love affair with books, all things romance, and happily ever afters. Outside of writing, you will find Monica in her backyard enjoying time with her “boys”, family, friends, and a really good Dirty Martini.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH MONICA DESIMONE

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER ~ WEBSITE ~

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP

 

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Mirela Ruiz

The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian was quick romantic read. I would rate this book a four out of five stars. I loved Carrie’s point of view, it was relevant and added to the plot. Carrie was a beautiful romantic character and I instantly loved her. Chase was arrogant, self centered, and selfish. Chase was beautifully written, I instantly felt like he was not worthy.

View all my reviews

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Michelle Austin

The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Men of Holmby HIlls: Chase was a good 4 star read and book one in The Holmby Hills series. This is a quick read about Chase and Carrie.

Chase is a popular actor and is known as a playboy. While on set he meets Carrie and he is drawn in by her. Carrie is a teacher and is surprised when Chase asks her out.. One date turns into more and things move forward very well for them.

They end of getting married, eventually things start to feel a little off between them. Carrie is starting to feel like marriage may have been a mistake. This isn’t her world.

Things take a big twist when some secrets are revealed. Will Chase and Carrie be able to get past their issues and have a HEA?

We get dual POV which I enjoy. All of the secondary characters were great. I was happy with how things ended and I can’t wait to read more from this series.

Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian is a contemporary romance story with very short chapters making it a quick read. But I suspect because of this we were not given enough time to find the history behind these characters and their world. Whilst I liked the story, it did not grab me, and I felt the characters were not fully realised. It was hard to relate to and invest myself in the characters. The story frustrated me because the lead male was a self-absorbed womanising ahole. I believe the story would be great if it were longer in its telling and more details were given making the characters and their world more relatable.

Chase is an actor; whose childish and wanton ways threaten his job and off puts the people around him. When a new girl turns up, he finds he can’t stop thinking about her. Things move fast, he marries her but his ahole ways and lies and secrets threaten their very foundation. I really, really wanted to smack some sense into him.

Carrie is a very sweet woman who can’t believe this sexy man has any interest in her, one she has had a crush on since her teenage years. One minute she has run away from one relationship only to jump in to another one. Unfortunately, her new life is nothing like she envisioned, and all hell breaks loose.

It will be interesting to what happens in future books.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Madison Degraffenreid

The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian

4-Stars

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian was a light and fun romance. The story easily pulls the reader in with the introduction of Chase the movie star and Carrie the teacher from Texas working in wardrobe for the summer. The two had great chemistry and it was fun to see how quickly things escalated between the two. The storyline was easy to follow and seemed to easily flow from page to page. The characters were fun and several were witty. I found myself laughing out loud at several times. This book is the first book of this series and the first book I have read by this author. I am curious to see what this series has in store next.

View all my reviews

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Michelle Austin

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sugar & Spice was a great 5 star read.
Once I started I couldn’t put it down, I was pulled right in.

Jolie is a single mom who works as the Red Velvet Queen at Sweetopia and Cy who is known as the black sheep bad boy in his family works in the Cotton Candy Castle bakery.

Cy has been sent to work undercover by his family. When he sees Jolie he was instantly pulled in by her, you could feel the sparks coming off the pages. Jolie is a very hard worker, with two jobs to support her family. When she finds out who Cy is will everything change? What will happen if her secrets come out?

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I really got the undercover boss vibe in this read, which I really enjoyed. All of the characters added a great element to the story and I can’t wait to read more from this series to see what’s coming next. Phoebe Alexander has done a great job once again. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide – Review by Michelle King

Falling For His BadassFalling For His Badass by Jessika Klide
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Falling For His Badass is a quick, fun insta-love story! Lizzy is tired of falling for the wrong men. She’s down on herself and needs to make some changes if she’s ever going to find the right man…just like her friend Tara has! They decide to go away for the weekend and Lizzy is determined to just go out, dance the night away, and just enjoy HERSELF. When she meets B.A., she knows nothing about him other than she is instantly attracted to him. Is it true love, or just a fun weekend romp? And who is B.A. really? Enjoy reading this quick steamy story to find out!

Reviewed by @chellek44

View all my reviews

Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas (The Hills of Texas Book 4) by Kadie Scott – Review by Heather Lovelace

Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas (Hills of Texas #4)Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas by Kadie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scott provides yet another lovely tale in this series. This time we are celebrating Christmas with a side of Texas fun. I really enjoy Scott’s writing style. I found the characters immediately relatable and the story flowed quickly. I found I had finished without realizing I was nearing the end. A fun fast paced tale that I truly enjoyed.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
View all my reviews

The Hazed Series Boxed Set by Brittany Tarkington – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Hazed Series Box SetThe Hazed Series Box Set by Brittany Tarkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed each of these books from the first to the last. This author created a series that takes obession and addiction, mixes them together to create a dangerous love or is it really love? The characters pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me engaged. Hayze and Taylor have great chemistry and bring the story to life. They bring drama and secrets that kept me turning pages. What will happen when said secrets are revealed? Is there a HEA in their future? I highly recommend this book.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

The Hazed Series Boxed Set by Brittany Tarkington

 ~  ~  ~  ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The Hazed Series Boxed Set by Brittany Tarkington

Buy Now – https://amzn.to/2IFdIp1

#TheHazedSeries #BoxSet #ContemporaryRomance

Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

Genre – Contemporary and New Adult Romance

Page Count – 658 pages

Cover Designer – Mayhem Cover Creations

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44572741-the-hazed-series?from_search=true

Book One:

After Taylor Thompson receives an acceptance letter to a university an hour away, she can taste freedom. Her life is controlled by a small town and a strict father. When Taylor finds a local bar that’s hiring a waitress she applies and gets the position. However, one bartender leaves her questioning the acceptance of her new job.Hayze Clark, the bartender that keeps customers coming back. His dark eyes pierce through your soul, drawing you near. The tattoos bellowing down his arms and the scar lining his left eyebrow keep you at a safe distance; his carefree attitude lures Taylor in. At first she’s excited for the new, perfect distractions to pull herself from misery.The closer she gets, the more secrets are revealed, lies are told, and tears are shed. Their relationship falters and Taylor is left unsure if she’s willing to pick up the pieces of this broken guy.

Book Two:

After spending winter break away from Hayze, Taylor is certain she’s over him. The first day of spring semester starts and suddenly he’s everywhere. But he’s different, his temper is leveled, and he doesn’t spend his nights in bars.

With Hayze, not everything is so black and white. He still has secrets, and it doesn’t help that his friend mysteriously disappeared. With accusations pointing at him, odd things start happening, and Taylor is offered the chance of a lifetime.

Over the last year, she’s fought for him. She thought he could change, but the more time they spend together, she sees he still has the same tendencies. Whether it be with Hayze, or on her own, Taylor decides it’s time to put the past completely behind her and move forward.

Book Three:

He was addicted to her, and he wasn’t sure how dangerous that might be.

She could wreck him, but he had the power to take something so pure and twist it into darkness.

Hayze Clark has accepted the universe loathed him long ago. He was accustomed to covering his past and constantly anxious mind, with girls, drugs, and alcohol.

When Taylor Thompson comes stumbling into a bar, his core is shaken. For the first time in his life, he begins to question if what he is doing is right. He begins to develop feelings for her, and It appears she’s into him as well.

The problem is, she can’t know anything about his past. Instead of showing her how he really cares, he begins to lash out. Afraid someone will tell her the truth, he’s constantly on edge. With his odd behavior, and constant need to keep her at arm’s length, she begins to connect the dots, just as the unthinkable happens. When the truth comes to life, Taylor is left unsure that she, nor anyone else, can help him.

~ AMAZON ~

You can find this video on our YouTube Channel

Visit us at https://www.youtube.com/c/ItsyBitsyBookBits

Hi! I’m Brittany! I’m from East Texas where I live with my husband, son, and two dogs. I have a degree in Criminal Justice, and I used to work as a legal assistant for a criminal defense firm. These days I’m a writer and co-owner of Magnolia and Pine. I have a love-hate relationship with both CrossFit and wine. I have my days and nights mixed up, and I spend most of my time doing everything I can to avoid being productive.

    I’ve always had a crazy imagination and I love writing. So, I started writing Forever Careless at the age of 21 to see if I had it in me. It was too much fluff for me, however my friends loved it. So, I wrote another; this time I pushed to boundaries of fluff.

        One day, while in a very bad mood, I thought of a story without a happy ending. One with real problems and real people. A story that was very close to my heart. It nagged me constantly. Months later, I sat down and started Hazed. At first, he was going to be apart of the Forever Series. Just come in and wreck their lives. Instead, I went another route. Only weeks later, Hazed was finished. I was obsessed with it.

       It took me over a year to finish my first novel and weeks to finish this one. I knew what that meant. I liked to write about bad people who do bad things. I like to get inside their minds and feel their crazy. So, if you’re looking for hearts and flowers, you won’t find them here. My stories are real and they aren’t pretty.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH BRITTANY TARKINGTON

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ WEBSITE ~

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP

 

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide – Review by Maura Harper

Falling For His BadassFalling For His Badass by Jessika Klide
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

FALLING FOR HIS BAD@$$ is a quick and dirty read. It has humor and a meet cute. It has instalove and friendship, healing and “love” in an elevator.

I did skim the sex scenes a little.

I love how this story us a standalone novella but ties into Siri’s world just a little bit.

I enjoy reading this author and was not disappointed by Brody and Lizzy.

Review by @mauraharper

View all my reviews

Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas (The Hills of Texas Book 4) by Kadie Scott – Review by Chantelle Smith

Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas (Hills of Texas #4)Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas by Kadie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What another brilliant addition to the Hills of Texas Series by Kadie Scott. Each read I have read by Kadie Scott continues to prove me wrong on how much better each one can get, and once again I was totally captivated and entranced by this read from the very start until the end! Each time we get another book from this author she always manages to create characters that are real, relatable and lovable, and a storyline that flows effortlessly. You connect with the characters on another level that makes you thoroughly enjoy following their journey through their ups and downs and hoping that they get their HEA. This is another book you should not miss, I can’t wait to see what else Kadie Scott brings us!

Reviewed By @tillytillzz

View all my reviews

Protecting His Heart: a Lawson Family Novel (Lawson Family Series Book 2) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Robin Rankin

Protecting His Heart (Lawson Family, #2)Protecting His Heart by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Protecting His Heart by Tracey Cramer-Kelly is the second book in the Lawson Family series.

I enjoyed catching up with Jamie and Kira as well as getting to know Ian and Rachel. This family gives me the warm fuzzies and makes me wish my family was more like them.

Ian has been Jamie’s best friend since they were kids and grew up more like brothers then friends, especially after that horrible night when Ian was twelve. Ian has a lot of anger with some guilt mixed in from his childhood and he needs to learn to let it go.

Rachel’s story is unfortunately not a rare one. Maybe one day it will be. She allowed her dreams to be put on hold for this guy and kept giving him chance after chance. I found myself questioning her and why she kept going back though I know he tore her down time and time again so she felt she deserved it.

Though the subject of domestic violence is a tough one, I think it was handled well in this book.

I’m really looking forward to the next chapter in this series.

View all my reviews

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Carrie Reed

Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Book 1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book was so sweet and also very spicy at the same time. The story line was perfect and the characters are very well written.

Cy and Jolie’s relationship happens pretty quickly, but I do think that Cy falls in love pretty hard and realizes the way he had been living his life until this point needed to change. Jolie is a strong, independent, beautiful, hard working and devoted mother. The fact that she is doing everything she can to make sure her kids have a good life and her youngest son has the medical help he needs is admirable. Jolie being the amazing person she is, rubs off on Cy, which causes the turn around in his outlook.

Cy’s family is a real piece of work! His father, mother and two brothers are extremely greedy, and the way they view the world and what the world owes to them had my mouth hanging open! Their characters were a great added element to this story.

I would highly recommend this book to any romance lover, the story is touching, beautiful and sexy. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Cy and Jolie in the next book!

View all my reviews

Protecting His Heart: a Lawson Family Novel (Lawson Family Series Book 2) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Protecting His Heart (Lawson Family, #2)Protecting His Heart by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Protecting His Heart: A Lawson Family Novel by Tracey Cramer-Kelly is book two of the Lawson Family Series. This book can be read as a standalone but the series is so good you just have to start with book one. This book is very well written and once I started it I couldn’t put it down. There are many elements to this book. There was a bit of suspense that definitely kept me on the edge of my seat while reading.

Rachel has dreams for her life just like anyone else. She’s also given up dreams like a lot of people. She won’t give up on the idea of marriage and a family though. She thought her boyfriend was the right before for that dream but it turns out he may not love her like she loves him. That doesn’t stop her from being loyal and forgiving though. Ian moved back to town as the town Sheriff determined to protect the people. He didn’t have the easiest past and it seems to still haunt him at times. Will Rachel and Ian be able to fight their demons?

The characters in this book are so relatable and realistic that you would swear you know them. I couldn’t get enough of this book!

View all my reviews

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide – Review by Heather Lovelace

Falling For His BadassFalling For His Badass by Jessika Klide
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Klide writes an engaging and fun tale that had me hooked on page one. I loved the characters and found myself cheering Lizzy on. Personally I found the book to be a quick read and one that I couldn’t put down before finishing. This was a new author for me and I look forward to reading more from her.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
View all my reviews

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide – Review by Madison Degraffenreid

Falling For His BadassFalling For His Badass by Jessika Klide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide

5-Stars

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide was a refreshing romantic novel. I loved how easy the novel flowed from beginning to end. I was easily hooked. Lizzy and Brody were excellent main characters and the author did an amazing job on them. They were both easy to relate to and visualize. I loved how Brody seemed to fall head over heels for Lizzy and was patient with her on a few hang ups she had. I also loved how the story plot unfolded. I was laughing at various times with this book. I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. It is one I had no issues reading in one sitting. I highly recommend it!

View all my reviews

Protecting His Heart: a Lawson Family Novel (Lawson Family Series Book 2) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Maura Harper

Protecting His Heart (Lawson Family, #2)Protecting His Heart by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

PROTECTING HIS HEART is book 2 in the Lawson Family Series and while I think this could absolutely be read as a stand-alone, there are a lot of references made to the Lawson Family as a whole so I think it would be helpful to read book 1 first.

As I prepare to write this review, I realize that this story had no sex and no cursing (if there was any it was minimal enough that I overlooked it). This is the story of family of choice vs family of origin, redemption, forgiveness and love.

This is a quick book. There are some scenes that involve DV which I think could trigger some and was actually surprised that there wasn’t a little bit of a warning. The main characters are two people dealing with demons, some in the past and some in the present. Each is dealing with it in their own way.

I think the way the author navigated a very tough subject was done well. It wasn’t overly glorified and it shows that people do come out the other side with some resiliency, outside help, and the support of good friends.

I look forward to future installments of this series.

Review by @Mauraharper

View all my reviews

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Kerry Baker

The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian is the first book in the Holmby Hills Series. This is a quick read that is the perfect way to while away an afternoon.
Allyson Simonian is a new author to me and this was quite a nice way to be introduced to her work. Although the story itself I didn’t find to be overly captivating it gave me a great insight in to the type of writing this author favours. I found it easy to connect with the characters and though the story was well developed.
I do wish the story had been a full length novel. At times the book felt like it was slightly rushed and would have benefited from a more drawn out story. The characters would have had a greater depth to them. However I definitely enjoyed what I read and was never tempted to put the book down at all. This has certainly piqued my interest in this author and I look forward to the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Protecting His Heart: a Lawson Family Novel (Lawson Family Series Book 2) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Karyn Taylor

Protecting His Heart (Lawson Family, #2)Protecting His Heart by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Protecting His Heart is the 2nd book in the Lawson Family Series by Tracey Cramer-Kelly. This book can be read as a stand-alone, however in my opinion you would enjoy this book more if you read Calling The Curveball first as these characters and the rest of the Lawson Family are introduced there.
I just knew that I was going to find this book heartbreaking from the knowledge you gain about the 2 main characters in the first book. Police Officer Ian McCleary was taken in by the Lawson family when it became obvious that his father was physically abusing him. Ian can’t help being drawn to the beautiful Rachel when he suspects that her boyfriend Josh is abusing her, both verbally and physically.
I loved the interactions between Ian and Rachel particularly as their feelings towards each other grew. Ian is desperate to get Rachel away from her abusive relationship and does everything in his power to do so. I also loved the interactions with the rest of the family. It was great to see Jamie and Kira again and get an update on their relationship. The more I read of Ben Lawson, I really can’t wait to see what the author has in store for him. I’m thinking it might be an explosive read.
This book will take you through just about every emotion possible. If you are like me, you may need to keep some tissues handy – just in case you get something in your eye.
I thoroughly recommend this book, it’s definitely worth the 5 stars.

View all my reviews

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Liz Vrchota

The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have never had the pleasure of reading anything from Allyson Simonian prior to Chase: The Men of Holmby Hills. I was a bit unsure of what to expect given that but when I saw the cover I was immediately drawn to the story and needed to know how things would unravel between the covers. I am glad that I picked this up, and I ultimately enjoyed the novel enough to be back for more in the series. I did struggle with a few moments and some character situations that arise. I think for me these were mostly personal past struggles came to light and I was connecting in an uncomfortable way. My only technical issue with the book itself was the way this story was rushed. I could have used more details and some more coping and seeing the characters cope than I feel they were given. It did make it a quick read however and I was able to devour it in a single sitting.

Chase is an actor who on the outside looking in has everything. Money, women, and luxuries most of us only daydream about. Now here is where I would maybe add a small trigger warning…. Someone wants to destroy Chase, mainly his character. I was baffled when I found out who exactly was out to get Chase and there is where I wanted some more details and dialog. The first attack on his character comes in the form of a falls rape claim… told you triggered…

Then we get to meet Carrie. Chase finds her delectable and even more so thinks she will improve his standing as far as his character goes. However, when things start to heat up and more and more pressure is put on Chase, Carrie starts to waiver in her belief that the two are compatible or worth the mess. You will have to find out what happens on your own, but I do recommend it as a quick afternoon read for those rainy days you just want to snuggle in with a book and a hot drink. I am looking forward to seeing where the series will go and book two toutes the story of Aiden.

Review by @lizaileen
View all my reviews

Protecting His Heart: a Lawson Family Novel (Lawson Family Series Book 2) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Lucy Berson

Protecting His Heart (Lawson Family, #2)Protecting His Heart by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Protecting His Heart (Lawson Family Series,#2) by Tracey Cramer Kelly. This is the second book in the Lawson Family Series and also the second book by this author that I have read.

Ian is a police officer who was saved by his best friend and his family. He has a horrible childhood and is now back in his hometown to protect and serve. And that is exactly what he has planned. Especially when it comes to Rachel.

Rachel wanted to be a nurse and have a family but gave all of her hopes and dreams up for Josh. When things become worse with Josh, she knows that she has to get out. When Ian comes in and helps her, this might be her chance, but when a part of Ian’s past comes back, will he be able to let her in and lower his walls?

Can they both put their past behind them and move forward it will the past always pop back up and haunt them???

View all my reviews

Protecting His Heart: a Lawson Family Novel (Lawson Family Series Book 2) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly – Review by Jenni Bishop

Protecting His Heart (Lawson Family, #2)Protecting His Heart by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Protecting His Heart: a Lawson Family Novel (Lawson Family Series Book 2) by Tracey Cramer-Kelly is a sweet emotional romance story that will pull on the ol’ heartstrings. The story and the characters have a depth to them that is both broken and loving. There is a lot of power to forgiveness and once achieved it leads to healing. It touches on the darker side of life where one of our characters has a past that continues to haunt him into adulthood. The other has learned there is a better life out there if only to reach out.

Ian has grown up as part of his best friend’s family where he learned what love and happiness is. He feels being a cop helps due to his horrible childhood but hoping to help the one person who needs it the most turns out to be harder than he ever imagined. When he
comes face to face with his past he doesn’t know what he should feel.

Rachel wants a happily ever after but knows what she has now is anything but, but how does she get out of the mess she is in now and survive doing so?

The story is well paced and well written and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas (The Hills of Texas Book 4) by Kadie Scott – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas (Hills of Texas #4)Claiming the Cowboy for Christmas by Kadie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. This is a sweet, hot romance story that will warm your night and is a great book to start your holiday reading season with. I was pulled in right from the start and was engaged until the end. The characters bring the story to life as well as kept me turning pages. Ashley finds herself back home to plan her twin sister’s wedding and to her ex to boot. What will happen when her cowboy crush goes as her plus one? You don’t want to miss this one, I highly recommend this book.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide – Review by Angela Hayes

Falling For His BadassFalling For His Badass by Jessika Klide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide is a very sexy contemporary romance- there is also military aspect to the story, some drama, sparks, chemistry, secrets, and more.
The characters are really endearing and surprisingly complex- they were really well crafted, entirely realistic and believable. It was really easy to become completely invested in them and their story.
If you like a really fun, and sexy read- then this is definitely the book for you! Dive in, you really won’t regret it!

Thank you, Ms. Klide!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Falling For His Badass by Jessika Klide – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Falling For His BadassFalling For His Badass by Jessika Klide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author has caught my attention from the first book I have read of hers. I never hesitate to pick up her books, she didn’t let me down in this one either. The story line is fun, easy, and engaging. Her characters are connectable and made the story realistic. They bring steam and fun to the story. Lizzy is a little shy with relationships and goes for safe guys. She goes on a trip where she meets Brody, not her typical guy. Will she find herself falling for him? This is a must read.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen – Review by Karyn Taylor

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance is a great enemies to lovers & step brother/sister romance novel from T. Christensen. I had never read anything by this author before but these are 2 tropes that I enjoy reading so decided to take the plunge. I’m so glad that I took a chance on this book as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
17 year old Greer and her mum have just moved into her mum’s new fiance’s mansion. Her soon-to-be step brother Beckett does not like this one little bit as his dad has always told him to be wary of gold digging women. He certainly does not want Greer at his posh private school, so decides to make her life hell.
I absolutely adored Greer as I see so much of myself in her. I have to admit that for a big chunk of this book I really did not like Beckett although he grew on me and became more likeable. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Greer and Beckett, both trying to deny their growing feelings for each other. As well as the two main characters this book has some really great secondary characters who add a lot to the story. My favourite of these was Beckett’s father, with the way that he did so much to make Greer feel part of the family.
Although set in a high school this book has adult content, so may not be suitable for younger teens. I would definitely recommend this book for more mature readers.

View all my reviews