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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Is What It Is was the first book that I read by this author, but it will not be the last. It is a contemporary romance full of passion, chemistry, romance, angst, bitter ex-lovers, rivals, and drama that all unfolds in a tropical location. When Toni goes on vacation with her new, not quite boyfriend, Clive, that she has only been seeing for three weeks she is expecting fun in the sun as well as between the sheets. Instead, she ends up in a dive of a motel with dirty sheets, broken bedsprings, and creepy crawlies skittling across the floor. Added to that Clive is being a total jerk to her and she regrets agreeing to go on vacation with him. Deciding to make the most of her trip alone, she leaves Clive sleeping and finds classier accommodations. While enjoying the new hotel she runs into Mickey, a drop-dead gorgeous guest staying at the hotel who comes to her rescue when Clive confronts Toni. Mickey and Toni are instantly attracted to one another and are enjoying each other’s company until his ex decides to interfere and ruin things for them. Toni falls hard for Mickey, but he is not keen on doing the love thing which breaks her heart. Can Toni and Mickey have any chance at a future together?

This was a great read with a beautiful tropical setting and characters that are easy to become invested in. Both Toni and Mickey have less than perfect track records with past relationships and the whole love thing. Past relationships also seem to be part of the present, interfering in any chance they have for love or a future together. It was interesting to see how Toni and Mickey navigated through these issues that popped up as they were getting to know one another. I loved this author’s writing style and the dash of humor that was sprinkled throughout. A great read that I highly recommend!

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Kerry Baker

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great second chance romance, secret baby romance that fits perfectly with the overall feel of this series. This book was a great story from the moment I started reading. I loved the characters in the book and how they discovered each other after so many years.
This book is one of my favourite tropes and the author has done it so well. I was engaged with the story and the characters and wanted them to figure everything out. It didn’t take me long to read this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Emily H

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Toni Cooper is going on holiday with the man she has been seeing, only to figure out he is even more of a dud then she thought. Deciding her vacation is going to be solo she meets Mickey Wilson who she instantly connects with. As they explore the chemistry between them Mickey’s ex decides to interfere and has Mickey worried that she is going to ruin what he and Toni are building.

This was a fun quick romance. I liked the chemistry between Toni and Mickey. Mickey radiates charisma. Looking for a short holiday romance this is a good one to pick up.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Cindy Mayberry

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Annie Miller and her siblings set out on a new adventure. Annie has found the perfect place for her B&B. Her next goal is to get her B&B up and running. Craig has come to Montana to see his cousin get married. So while on vacation he needs to find something to do. Two very different people, one bound to Marietta and one lives in Portland. This is a small town romance that had me within the first couple of pages. The story is romantic, funny and unexpected. The author may be new to me, but now she is not. I will be looking for more as this story captures my heart. Even if it did mess with my emotions. It was well worth the time and money spent on this book. This is a must read for those romantic readers.

Review@cinful

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Angela Shirley

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annie Miller has had tragedy in her life, losing both your parents is a trauma but when you lose them together in the same accident you become lost but knowing she had to look after her brother and sister they decided to make a break and move to a town which held both good memories and a new start for the family.

Marietta was the place that her parents had taken them on holidays and the right place to make a new life, buying the B and B and making it home was all Annie was thinking about. Her sister was getting married in a few weeks and all the arrangements were getting sorted, but Annie worried about the business, she had a few bookings but nothing to make it a living which she needed to do. Although Janie has suggested her godson a big marketing man from Portland, Annie had reservations about working with the handsome man from the big city.

Craig O’Sullivan is becoming disillusioned working for a big firm, with the new contract they have just won meant that a smaller marketing company folded and that does not sit right with him, so when his Aunty Janice calls saying she needs help with his cousin’s wedding plans he sees this as an opportunity to escape the race for a bit and unwind. When he arrives to the small town of Marietta, he is pushed into helping Annie with her marketing strategy for the B and B but once he meets her the sparks fly and he can’t get her out of his head.

They decide to see where these sparks go but can they both agree on the short-term fun or when its time to say goodbye can they or are there hearts too invested in each other.

I loved this story; it was fully of swoon moments and just a good romance from start to finish. This is the first book I read by this author and loved the storytelling that flowed from the page. The character of Annie was lovely and although her confidence had been hit with a shovel by her ex-partner, I loved the willingness in the end to take a chance and go for what she wanted. Craig’s character was a perfect accompany to Annie and although he seemed confident and sure on the outside there was the doubt in him that he would be hurt and abandoned just like his parents had done all those years ago and that giving your heart always meant heartbreak.

The secondary characters were brilliant and enhanced the story and showed the families merging as one, please tell me that Riley and Mitch get together in the end as that chemistry was also jumping off the page and deserves a book of there own lol. Thank you for letting me invade and feel that these people could be my friends to.

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Trish Ann

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick read for me. I had a really difficult time liking Phoebe. She agitated me and I had a difficult time connecting with her. With that said, it didn’t take away from the overall plot for me. I really liked Laurent a lot and he saved my overall feelings for the story.

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A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was amazed at how many things Maria did and what she was thinking. I get that she wanted her mom to approve her but OMG a guy that she one time meet ends up in bed with her. Talk about music into her ears. Not only that she offered to pay for his band. Oh, she wants everything from him.
The author Tami Lund did an amazing job with Maria and Oz. I have to maybe go back to a book and read the other two as well to get a full story. But this story was like wow…

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Angela Shirley

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laurent has lived in and worked at his families Vineyards for what seems like forever, but getting to his position in the company has taken hard work and determination, although he always felt like he was missing something in his life when his best friend and really love of his life Phoebe left all those years ago.

Phoebe left the small town which had her heart years ago, leaving everything and everyone was one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make but with all the tragedy that has happen in her life she wants comfort and familiarity and to collect on a promise hopefully Laurent has not forgot about. Leaving him was the hardest thing of all but over the years of roaming the world and not wanting to settle down it always leads her back to Vine Valley and the unconditional love of a man.

Standing there in the tasting room was the scariest thing Phoebe had done but seeing him all the old feeling came flooding back and will he be able to forgive her and help her in this dilemma.

This is the first story I have read by this author, and it was a heartwarming read, the chemistry between the two main characters was a joy to be a part of and the angst and pain felt in some of the conversations were real and to the point. I love a flawed character and Phoebe unfortunately was a product of mental abuse and sheer tragedy in her life, with her only escape was running.

Laurent character was a great counter to Phoebe’s but with his utter loss and being heartbroken when she left not knowing where or why she vanished as imprinted on him and with him wanting to trust and be with her moving forward. I also thought the secondary characters added to the flow and depth of the story.

I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author and hopefully more in this series.

Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Rayne East

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Second chances and baseball
This contemporary sports romance is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. It follows Kia and Jeff as they navigate their second chance romance which comes with a ready made family. I really enjoyed their story and it was easy to get swept up in the dialogue and storyline. Another great addition and looking forward to the rest of the series. Recommend.

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book #3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Angela Hayes

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Sliding Into Home is the fourth book in the Playing for Keeps series by Lauren Fraser. It is a contemporary sports romance with a secret baby trope, angst, drama, chemistry, single mother, professional baseball player, jealousy, meddling, tension, and emotion.
This is Kia and Jeff’s story- who had an encounter six years earlier that left more than an impression on them. Now, secrets are about to come to light. What happens makes for a great read.
If you are looking for a quick and easy sports romance that has some emotion, angst, interesting characters, and drama- then this might be the book for you.
The series contains:
-Too Far (Book #1)
-Everything to Me (Book #2)
-Throwing the Curve (Book #3)
-Sliding Home (Book #4)
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Fraser does next.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Lauren Fraser.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Paloma Fierro 10/07/2023

Annie is a chef working on her dreams. She moved to Marietta and bought the perfect bed and breakfast place, now the problem is, there are no guests in sight. This may have something to do due to the lack of proper marketing, and so she happens to know the perfect man for the job. 

 

Craig is a hotshot from Portland with a great marketing job, he does not require love from a woman, since he can get plenty of attraction from his multiple dates, oh but for how long could that work out? He will find out how romance can change the way of his life forever. 

 

Romantic and delicious, this book will take you to a mountain voyage in an afternoon.

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Gillian Fawell

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap, #2)Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll admit this book originally threw me as it was not entirely what I was expecting but then that was a good thing! I fell more in love with the characters as I went along and loved all the sidekicks, plus the fact that the leads were not your typical alpha male and stunningly beautiful but unaware heroine. It was definitely a page-turner with plenty of laughs sprinkled in – a great read!

 

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Beverly Finnie

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap, #2)Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well let’s start by saying I really enjoy this series. Especially Smooth Hoperator. This book had me laughing out loud more than the previous book. Despite the humor the author wrote a wonderful story with twists and turns in regards to conspiracies, fake romances, and protection. But is any romance ever really fake?
Carter has the brilliant idea to convince Sunny to help him. Be her fake boyfriend to light a fire under the butt of the guy she’s crushing on. However, what happens when lines are blurred and those feelings become real?
He’s trying to protect his family from some bad people. Running from a career in politics after getting caught up in something bigger than him. Now Sunny and Duke are his ticket to protect those he cares about. Do they succeed?
I love books that actually make me laugh. And the author gave Grandpa Duke some of the best lines.
Though this book is part of a series, it works very well as a standalone novel. Yes, the story connected to the previous book. However, that’s because each book focuses on a different Brooks sibling of an extremely tight knit family. I look forward to where the author goes next with this series.

@placexba
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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Wendy Rennewanz

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sliding into Home

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
***No spoilers in this Review***
I read this book without reading the synopsis on it because I liked the other books in this series so much I decided I wanted to read it no matter what. I definitely suggest doing the same! I think this book maybe my favorite in this series! I felt like I never knew what Kia was going to do and I like it not being super predictable! Keep fighting for what they want

Would love to have an update on Kia, Smitty, and Max!

Can’t wait to read more books by Lauren Fraser!

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Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Julie Johnson

Smooth Hoperator: A Fake-Relationship Romance (Love on Tap)Smooth Hoperator: A Fake-Relationship Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sylvie Stewart has done it again! I loved meeting the Brooks family in the first installment of this series and now we get to know more about Carter in this story. I can’t imagine growing up in this family and surviving the antics that take place amongst all these boys!

Carter is a bit grumpy. He’s been through a lot though and maybe he’s entitled to his grumpiness. Enter Sunny who is the exact opposite…bubbly, quirky, and just a fun soul to be around. It’s true that opposites really do attract!

This is a second book in a series but can easily be read as a stand alone. There is a lot of humor interspered with the romance and makes for an enjoyable read.

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Ale’s Fair in Love and War (Love on Tap Book 1) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Julie Johnson

Ale's Fair in Love and War (Love on Tap, #1)Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve not read anything by this author prior to this book but I love the humor she interweaves within the story that she writes.

Hollis (I love this name by the way) is the dog groomer next door to the bar that Cash owns with his brothers. These two DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, get along. Sarcasm is strong between the hedges and a few pranks are executed. However, when the bar is hit with an inspection citation, Hollis considers coming to the rescue.

This is a pretty steamy (much more than I anticipated) read but the storyline itself was enjoyable. I love how Cash’s parents chose their names. The humor of the story had me laughing out loud. Overall, an enjoyable read.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the continuation of Damon and Skylar’s story and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one! I enjoyed them a lot and this author writes their stories in a way that pulls me into the story and I couldn’t put it down! They had so many ups and downs and many of their moments weren’t pretty ones. I was rooting for them from the very beginning and I really enjoyed their story! I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future and I would recommend to anyone that loves a good angsty high school romance.
Happy Reading!

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Emily H

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annie Miller is hoping her bed and breakfast in Bramble Lane, Montana picks up and she knows one person who could help but he is much to of a big wig, not to mention handsome to ask. When Craig arrives two weeks early for his brother’s wedding he finds Annie just as alluring as she was the last time. Getting her to accept his help is harder then he thought, but he has ideas and the two agree to explore the chemistry between them the only condition though is not to expect more then a fun few weeks. What happens though when feelings get involved for them when they both don’t believe in happily ever afters?

Great chemistry, both Annie and Craig want more but are so closed off on not getting hurt that they are unwilling to risk it. It takes those wonderful characters surrounding them to open their eyes to what could be. I thought this was really entertaining and will go back to read the first book.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have not read a book by this author prior to this book and I was blown away! This a cute wholesome romance novel that I enjoyed reading. I could not put this book down whatsoever. The writing for this book was so cute and was a great lighthearted read that had me smiling and laughing as the story went along. I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful author!!

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Christine Baranek

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Is What It Is
By: Marina Hanna

Toni began by going on a romantic trip with her boyfriend. However, she ends up this trip without this boyfriend because it isn’t working out the way that she had planned it. She leaves the trip and she ends up at a different (read: better) hotel. At this hotel she meets a man and it definitely leaves her with amazingly hot and steamy nights. This man, however, doesn’t like those three little words. He doesn’t say them. Is this something that she can look past? Is she going to be able to convince him to change his mind? This was a quick read. It says it is a holiday read, but it is more a vacation read. It is the perfect beach read full of romance and comedy and just a couple that you want to root for. I definitely recommend pick this one up this summer!

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Jenni Bishop

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Is What It Is by Marina is another fun brilliantly written contemporary sea sun and surf romance tale that had me completely captivated right from the very first page. It is a quick read that has everything to keep you engaged. This is not my first read by this author and I have loved everything I have read.
The wonderful characters make it easy to dive in and are so easy to fall in love with. I became very invested in them and their story.
Marinas wicked sense of humour is beautifully woven in this fun story. I loved every minute of it. Hearts maybe broken on a beautiful Mediterranean holiday.
With lots of passion, some sizzling chemistry, a dash of angst and a little drama and some super sexy times makes for some fabulous reading.
You know when you find an author and her words just click and you can’t get enough. Well, that is what happens when I read her work.
You are truly missing out if you don’t dive into Marina’s work.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Jenni Bishop

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sliding into Home is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series by Lauren Fraser. It is a second chance romance sports romance with a secret. It can be read as a standalone, but I encourage you to start at the beginning as the characters cross over.
The characters feel real. We get to see sides to them that are not all polished. As we go through the journey of their lives, we feel it all the pain and emotions that go with it.
With tension, doubts, jealousy, drama, trust issues, fears, meddling parents, anger and angst it is a smorgasbord of emotions. But let’s not forget the passion and chemistry.
This is Kia and Jeff’s story. Baseball is his life, but he is about to discover that there is one thing that may just change his mind. Max steals the show though.
Sliding into Home is told in multiple POV’s which gives us a deeper look at the character. It is a quick and engaging baseball read.
I look forward to the rest of the teams’ stories.
Is love a good baseball romance this one is for you.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sliding Into Home is Book Three in the Playing for Keeps Series. This story centers around the characters of Kia and Jeff. Six years ago, they met and hooked up for a one-night stand. Afterwards Kia discovered that she was pregnant, but she was unable to find Jeff to tell him. Jeff went onto to pursue a career in major league baseball which explains why he could not be found. Kia did not let this deter her from having a future and she moved forward with her life becoming a successful tattoo artist. She is determined, smart, hardworking, feisty, and a great mom to Max. When she runs into Jeff at her son’s baseball game she is surprised and knows that she needs to tell him that Max is his son. Jeff is now Max’s baseball coach, and he is just as surprised to see Kia after all these years. When Kia tells Jeff the news that he is Max’s father the two must navigate through how they will co-parent Max as well as work through all the external forces that seem determined to create unnecessary stress in their lives. Jeff could have easily walked away but he is determined to be a good dad to Max as well as be there for Kia. As Kia and Jeff spend more time together, they begin to develop intense, undeniable feelings for one another. A well written story with a fantastic storyline and great characters. This book will draw you in and have you rooting for Jeff, Kia, and Max to get their happily ever after story that they all deserve. A great read full of family, drama, stress, love, passion, hurt, jealousy, lies, and love.

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Kerry Baker

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun, light hearted and entertaining romance story that was enjoyable from start to finish. I though the characters were interesting and had a great connection. I loved how their relationship developed and I wanted to see them work things out.
This is a new author to me and I enjoyed the story I read. I liked the way the story unfolded and how I wanted to know more about what was going on. This is a great book and I am looking forward to see what else this author has to offer.

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Shelly Kittell

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Toni thought she was going on a romantic trip with one boyfriend and dumped him because the trip, quite frankly, was a bust. She went to a much better hotel and had the adventure of a lifetime. The challenge was that the guy didn’t believe in saying “I love you.” The story takes us on their journey. Can they get past this? I found it a quick read. It had some nice humor, a bit of entertaining romance. You do find yourself giggling in spots. I wanted to root for them because it’s hard when someone doesn’t believe in love. It’s a good book that I think rmance readers may enjoy.

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Shelly Kittell

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An adorable second chance romance that will have you rooting for true love. Oh my, I found myself rooting for Max. Who wouldn’t? Max is a sweet little boy that deserved to have a mom and Dad. Kia and Smitty are two people that deserved that second chance and they will protect Max at all costs. Watching them work out their parenting issues while the spark burned between them was charming. This is one of those couples you just want to cheer for. You also give a big happy yell when some changes are made in Kia’s life. I loved the plot. The story sucks you right in from the beginning. It is very good and very intriguing. It Keeps you engaged and wanting more. I enjoyed this story so much. The romance, humor and the fact that it’s a quick read. A definite must read for romance lovers.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Toast for Laurent is about 2 long-lost lovers finding each other after 20 years. Laurent is a wealthy vineyard owner who was very much in love with Phoebe, however, she is a “runner”. Phoebe having mommy, daddy, and their marriage issues is a runner – she runs from life, love, and anything uncomfortable. Well, 20 years ago she ran from Laurent and left him heartbroken. However, they made a pact that if by the time they were 40 and not married they would get married. Phoebe’s younger sister is getting married and is always criticized by her family so she wants to make good on their pact. She happens to be a successful businesswoman for the local hotel in the city Laurent lives in. At the story’s beginning, she is walking into his vineyard/bar and demanding he marries her. This begins the second phase love story. Love was never the problem so can they each learn from the past and begin a future of happiness?

I enjoyed this romance story. I think it isn’t often they have a male leader that isn’t really the problem in the story, and I quite enjoyed that perspective. Laurent is a likable, caring, loving, handsome, level-minded, and successful individual. You can tell he loves with his whole heart and will fight for what he wants. He is quite patient with Phoebe who is really the problem of the love always falling short. Phoebe was an okay character. She is someone who is scared and afraid to love, afraid to be happy. I appreciate her growth in the story but there were many times I really wanted to slap her. I hate that she thought when things were convenient for her they should be for him. I really just wanted her to get over herself a lot of the time and woman up. Also, one thing I would have liked a little more is their after story, would have felt better about where they were going, but overall enjoyable read.

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Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Emily H

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap, #2)Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carter is determined to uncover evidence that he found out while pursuing his career in politics was ruined. Now he is back home in Asheville, North Carolina running the family brewery but he can’t deny he is not happy with his new path. Carter has been spending time at the library where he meets Sunny a quirky walking encyclopedia of a librarian. Little does he know that Sunny is the granddaughter of Duke, a conspiracy theorist, who he needs information from. Seeing Sunny mooning over her neighbor who has no clue she thinks of him more than a friend. Carter makes a deal with Sunny to be her fake boyfriend to get her the man she wants and in return she helps him track down a source who can help unravel the corruption that had him step away from his career. Neither though planned on feelings getting involved.

This was delightfully hilarious. I love a book with quirky characters, throw in a pet skunk and a bit of romance and I am all in in this book. I laughed out loud several times and really enjoyed Sunny, she is such a breath of fresh air and is polar opposite to Carter. I liked seeing Carter grow into his own brand of crazy with Sunny. Wonderful read.

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is book four of the series. This is the conclusion to Damon and Skylar’s story. You have to at least read book 3 before diving into this one. I could NOT put this book (or any of the series for that matter) down. I read it in a day!

Damon and Skylar have run into some road blocks. Gia is now privy to their secret and she’s not happy. Gia uses her newfound popularity to dump on Skylar and she’s decided the only way to right the wrongs is to take what Gia dishes out. Damon isn’t willing to go down without a fight though.

This book was a great conclusion to Sky and Damon’s story. The characters are great. You can see the growth Damon has went through since the beginning of the duet. Gia is not my favorite person. Her character decline was so well written, I still don’t like her. This book is so good! Definitely recommend the series.

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Rayne East

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poignant, romantic tale
First book in the Vine Valley series this spicy story was an entertaining read. Filled with drama, chemistry, romance and humour, I quickly devoured it. Laurent and Phoebe were easy to relate to and had me hoping for their happy ever after. A brilliant afternoon delight. Recommend.

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