Brilliant! This standalone was really engaging. It’s a billionaire with a bit of bully romance. So many twists and turns that kept me on my toes. There’s family secrets, so much history, and drama. I found the characters easy to connect with and loved having each of their POV. The emotions throughout the book – I laughed, I sighed and I actually shed a tear or two. Definitely not one to miss. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-08-08 07:18:342023-08-16 13:45:12Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Rayne East
I have been a fan of this series from the start. This has been my favorite by far. The drama and action are there. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. They need to admit it it’s there. I had to laugh when they can say they are each other’s weaknesses. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop as they worked through issues. I always enjoy seeing faces from the previous books pop into the story. I find that keeps the continuity going. I love the characters. They were so relatable. I felt like I was right there among them. I love this author’s style of writing. It’s real and down to earth. Excellent read. You should read the whole series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-08-08 07:04:462023-08-12 06:23:24Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Shelly Kittell
Cruel king is a great book with lots of heart. I loved everything about this book. Matthias was such a cruel person to Ava as they were growing up. Treated her as the help. She was / is the daughter of the help but Mr King never treated anyone any different. He saw Ava as the daughter he never had. Ava and Theo, ( one of the younger brothers of Matthias ) were best friends. Like so close and did everything together. Ava always had a crush on Matthias and Matthias always had a crush on Ava but he was warned away from her. Matthias, being the eldest King son, had certain rules to abide by. One day during a severe snow storm, Ava walks up to the main house while Mr King and all the sons except Matthias have driven into the city and they get stuck there for two days. During those two days, Matthias and Ava get very close and have an amazing 2 days together which soon comes to an end.
Ava is sent to Spend time with her Aunt and never looks back. Matthias and Ava don’t see eachother or speak for 5 long years. In those 5 years, he ends up hating her for leaving him without a word. He treats her so bad when when they see eachother again at the King mansion. This book was so good. So many feelings and lots of heart and heat. A great 5 star read
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Mulveyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Mulvey2023-08-08 06:55:142023-08-16 13:45:04Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Michelle Mulvey
Melinda and Derek’s story just melt’s you. He’s a grumpy workaholic. She’s a member of the elite that is just wanting to do the right thing and is trying to care for her grandmother. She’s Derek’s new assistant and he treats her like dirt when he comes back and learns Sienna hired her for him. Oh, these two have issues to work through but they do. As they come into their own and they both grow and get through those growing pains, you smile like proud parents or friends. This book is so well-written. It’s a short read. I stayed up last night and finished it in one sitting. I wanted to read more. I kind of was left feeling like I wanted more of their life. I will settle for what I got. It’s a sweet romance. The characters are well-written. They feel like they could be friends, especially Melinda and her grandmother. It’s a definite read that I recommend for romance lovers out there.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-08-08 06:53:432023-08-12 06:23:15Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Shelly Kittell
Jeff is living his best life, the one he was made for. Playing for a top baseball tam and not having to worry about anything. Although part of his job is coaching at the local community centre which always makes him happy especially the young kids who he can see the enjoyment in their eyes just as he had as a kid. While coaching one day, one of the kids Max who deep down is one of Jeff’s favourites drags him to meet his mom. When there eyes meet Jeff realises it’s the woman who got away all those years age.
Kia having just moved to be closer to her sister and her new job is happiest when making time for Max, picking him up from practice is the best he is always full of energy and constantly talking about his coach “Smitty”, but when they finally meet Kia is taken back to the time of there meeting and the inevitable news she needs to break to this man who has never really left her heart.
Can Kia and Jeff rekindle there lost love or will the secret she has been keeping for six years be enough to break them apart?
This is the third book in the Playing for keeps series and it just keeps getting better and better. Kia is a strong and sassy woman who against all odds has raised her son and the is her world. Jeff as a character is full of emotion and surprise when finding out he has a son but the way he embraces both of them s lovely to read.
The writing as always is engaging and flows with the story brilliantly and makes you want to keep turning the page to see what happens next. The secondary characters are a great edition to the story and we definitely need Gonzo’s story and see who can tame that man. I can’t wait to read the next book and please, please don’t let us wait too long.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-08-08 06:39:422023-08-16 13:44:57Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Angela Shirley
I found this story absolutely riveting. I was totally surprised at the turn in brothers. I was going for the other brother. The chemistry between Ava and Mattias was *BOOM* electric!! The dislike he had for her and her determination to find out why he hated her kept me glued to this story. Absolutely engaging and intriguing, one cannot put this story down because you must know what’s going on like the nosy town gossip. You can’t miss a minute. So well-written and well-done, I loved it all from the characters to the storyline. Eleanor, the housekeeper, is my favorite and her eyeraising brow when she catches those moments. This is an absolute must read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-08-08 06:32:132023-08-12 06:22:55Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Shelly Kittell
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80342799-sliding-into-home” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1687288103l/80342799._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80342799-sliding-into-home”>Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3291840.Lauren_Fraser”>Lauren Fraser</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5752079785″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Jeff and Kia are in for a big surprise when they get introduced by Max, Kia’s son. Jeff is coaching Max’s t-ball team and the last thing he expected was running into a one night stand from six years ago. When she drops the bomb on him that Max was a a result of their unforgettable night together he is thrown for a loop. How could she not have sought him out to let him know? Their chemistry is still there, but Kia has reservations about being with Jeff due to his celebrity status as a baseball player. As with any relationship these two had their ups and downs. They both only want what’s best for their son, but will that include Jeff & Kia rekindling their romance? This book, like the others in the series, can be read as a stand alone. It can be read in one sitting and once you start you won’t want to put it down.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2023-08-08 00:21:062023-08-16 13:44:31Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
The King boys have been the center of my life for as long as I remember. Theo has been my best friend since I was four, and our families are as close as can be.
Except Matthias. The oldest King son never failed to look miserable whenever I was around, and every word out of his mouth to me was cruel.
Until a snowstorm trapped us in his house, and we shared two perfect days together.
That was five years ago. Now his father’s dying, and he’s back at the estate and more vicious than ever, as if our time together meant nothing to him.
I should hate him. I should be able to forget him now that I have a chance to be happy with someone else.
There’s just one problem. I can’t stop thinking about the man who stole my heart one snowy night all those years ago.
Matthias
She thinks I don’t remember our time together. She’s wrong. I’ve never forgotten.
Not when I moved to a different continent. Not when I didn’t hear from her for five years. Not even though I’ve tried my damnedest to forget her.
I want to hate her. I should. But I can’t. All I can do is look on with jealousy as Ava finds happiness with another man.
What do you do when the one person standing in the way of your happiness is your own brother?
K.M. Scott writes contemporary romance stories of sexy, intense, and unforgettable love. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s been in love with romance since reading her first romance novel in junior high (she was a very curious girl!). Under her Gabrielle Bisset name, she writes paranormal and historical romance. She lives in Pennsylvania with a herd of animals and when she’s not writing can be found reading or feeding her TV addiction.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CRUEL-KING-ebook-final.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-08-08 00:04:562023-08-23 12:03:40Cruel King by K.M. Scott
Can these two old friends stop fighting their feelings long enough to grab hold of their second chance?
Summer’s life was not going plan. With no job or home, she found herself back in the small town she grew up in. Bluestone County. Despite being broke, she’d always dreamed of taking over her grandfather’s bar. So when she found out she was too late and her childhood friend Teddy had bought it, she might have lost it. As in banging down his door and throwing expensive bottles of whiskey at his wall kind of lost it. It wasn’t her finest moment. But talking of fine…
Retired Navy SEAL Teddy was used to dealing with tough situations. You name it, he’d seen it. Yet, nothing had quite prepared him for the sight of a raging Summer hurling an eight-hundred-dollar bottle of whiskey at his head. She certainly knew how to make an entrance. And raise his blood pressure. Having the blonde hellion back in town wasn’t all bad though. He’d missed his friend. Although he’d be lying if he said friendship was all he was interested in. Summer had owned his heart for a long time. He’d missed his chance once before, there was no way he was going to let that happen again.
Isobel was born and raised in London. She still lives along the River Thames with her husband and her substantial book collection. Ever the hopeless romantic, she fell in love with the genre from a young age and was inspired to write her own stories. When she’s not feasting on romantic comedies or binge reading her hoard of contemporary romance novels, Isobel is writing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Love-Shots-cover.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-08-08 00:03:002023-08-23 12:08:10Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed
Derek, the billionaire owner of Wilson Creations, has it all – fame, fortune, and success. But when he meets his new assistant, Melinda, he finds himself drawn to her fiery spirit and sharp wit. Despite a rocky start, the two become a formidable team, and Derek begins to see Melinda in a different light.
Together, they face the challenges that arise and find strength in each other until the end. Will their forbidden feelings be enough to overcome the obstacles in their way, or will they be torn apart by the forces that seek to keep them apart?
Adina D. Grey is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author. Born and raised in Italy it’s no surprise she has a huge addiction to coffee, dogs, and books. Her book addiction and passion for travelling led her into the creative world of words where she writes, blogs, and beta reads. Her writing covers various sub genres and tropes but she’s a sucker for a HEA, this is a cliffhanger free zone. When she’s not writing or reading you can find her entertaining her toddler and husband, and enjoying family life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Softest-Touch-Adina-D.-Grey.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-08-08 00:01:332023-08-23 12:04:30Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
I do not consider myself a person who cries easily or who cries over fiction. But let me tell you, this book had me in tears from the beginning. I don’t know if it is the combination of wonderful writing and missing my momma or what but WOW. This book definitely had me pulled in from the start. I LOVE that Liz’s grandmother had a sordid past and what a past it was. Liz is definitely selfish and wants everything to revolve around her and this time things aren’t about her, she is fulfilling the wishes of her deceased grandmother and yes Liz is a bit of a brat about it at times. I love that her Bestie and new Boyfriend have put her in her place a time or two. I really enjoyed this book and read it from start to finish in one sitting.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kelli Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKelli Harper2023-08-07 22:44:412023-08-16 13:43:55Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Kelli Harper
This series continues to deliver! This third installment is just as good as the first two and I loved Jeff and Kia’s story!
The story and characters were both well developed, something I’ve come to expect from this author. She thinks of everything and fills out the story well with all of the little details. I love how their child (of course unknown to Jeff) brings them back together, though not seamlessly. The tension, romance, and resilience between them keeps the reader engaged. Jeff may be one of my favorite characters from the entire series; I loved his patience and dedication to their relationship as well as with Max. If you’re looking for an entertaining, page-turner, this is it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Condrahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Condra2023-08-07 21:57:032023-08-16 13:48:40Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Jess Engel
This was a great sports romance! I read this as a standalone and wasn’t lost at all, but I am definitely heading back to pick up the previous books in the series now. I am addicted to this author’s writing! Their flow is marvelous, the characters are instantly loveable, and I need more. Kia and Max are both wonderful, but Kia is definitely my favorite. She has this grit that is just trying to do best by her son, and it’s incredibly endearing. Though Max is great as well because he isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and stick out the tough stuff. This is really an all-around amazing read, and I highly recommend picking it up and giving it a chance!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-08-07 20:50:202023-08-16 13:48:16Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Shannen Kern
Sliding into Home is the third book in the Playing for Keeps Series by Lauren Fraser, and to be completely honest, I didn’t think that you could get much better than book two was, but book three has now become my favorite. You can read this amazing tale as a standalone, but you would truly be doing yourself an injustice as this is a wonderful series with tantalizing characters who face some pretty interesting situations in their day-to-day lives. As I’m not much of a sports fan I almost passed on this series, but boy am I glad I gave it a try.
What would you do if you just happened to run into the one-night stand you had six long years ago? Oh and that one night stand which produced your son is the same man whom your son has been talking about nonstop, his new coach. This is exactly what Kia faces in this story.
Jeff and Kia’s story is written so well that I felt like I was a part of their ups and downs. I absolutely love that Kia is a strong, proud mom with tattoos, whose unconventional lifestyle and job has caused her to be judged, but she has overcome these criticisms. Enough good things can’t be said about this story without giving more away, so just take my advice and read it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-07 20:36:122023-08-16 13:48:01Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Donya Pedigo
Sliding into Home is book 3 in this series and while this book could be read as a standalone I very highly recommend reading this series in order as I loved every book in this series…….but this book is my favorite! The chemistry between Jeff and Kia……off the charts…but their son, Max….he was such a hoot. Baseball, drama, trust, passion and just the love of family that Jeff and Kia create. I loved their story so much.
Jeff and Kia had connected years ago having a sizzling night together, but then have never seen each other since. In that time, Kia ends up pregnant with Max but never caught Jeff’s last name nor where he moved to since he left town. Kia raises Max and does all she can as a single mom for years until Kia runs into Jeff as Max’s tee ball coach and having the courage to finally speak the truth and tell Jeff that he is Max’s father.
Jeff steps up and tries to be the dad that Max deserves and the family he always wanted were right in front of him having Kia and Max come into his life again. Kia tries at arms length at first, protecting Max and herself from any hurt that might ensue, especially when the father of her child is a star baseball player. Will Jeff be able to protect Max and Kia when lies come to light and try and disrupt this new family?
I highly recommend this book…….it was very hard to put down and I loved every page. I am already looking forward to more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-08-07 19:32:222023-08-16 13:47:39Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
When Liz’s grandmother dies, Liz sets off to spread her ashes at the Florida home. Along the way, Liz learns about another side of her grandmother through the tenet at the house. Liz also learns about herself. Opinion This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. My father in law recently died and it certainly brought back some amount of grief. I really was consumed by this book, more so than I have been in any book recently. With shorter chapters, the book seemed to fly by (even though it was quite long.) I did not want to put the book down for any of the mundane tasks like taking the kid to his XC practice. I was fortunate to have read this book while on vacation and fear that if I would have read it while working that I would have gone to work quite tired. The romance was cute. At first, I was a bit creeped out by how much he knew her but by the end it was endearing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Brown2023-08-07 19:31:512023-08-16 13:47:15Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Dawn Brown
Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)
As much as I loved Jeff and Saskia, I think I loved Max at least three times as much. I have definitely developed an appreciation of little boys and their craziness now that I have a grandson.
There were so many ups and downs for all of then but I think they impacted Kia even more with all her insecurities due to her upbringing.
I love these boys, they way they embraced Max and Kia without blinking an eye or getting mad due to less guy time.
I found this series a little later but now that i know I will be reading the rest of the series.
I’m really excited about the next boy. I’m going to enjoy seeing that big boy fall.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2023-08-07 19:14:022023-08-16 13:47:06Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Robin Rankin
Liz’s Road Trip is a sweet romance that deals with love, grief, learning about the past, and friendship. Liz has lost her grandmother and learns she did not know as much as she once thought she knew about her. Liz travels to her grandmother’s home and meets Mark. He has been writing her grandmother’s story and fills Liz in on the past she didn’t know about. The story has lots of emotions while at the same time being relatable. I enjoyed the characters and story. Also, I enjoyed the relationship that builds between Liz and Mark. Liz has a lot that she has to deal with emotionally while also taking in all the changes her life is experiencing. This is a great story if you need an emotional but heartwarming read. I look forward to reading more by this author soon.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2023-08-07 18:09:582023-08-16 13:46:58Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Sheri Schrader
I’m always excited when this author has a new book out, and I was definitely not disappointed by this latest novel. The storyline focuses on Liz Evans who has set out on a cross-country road trip, along with her grandmother’s cat, to carry out the final wishes of her grandmother. Along the way Liz learns that the grandmother that she knew, who was always collecting coupons was actually a very wealthy women, and a Hollywood icon who had many international lovers. Having been raised by Betsy, Liz is shocked by her discoveries, and even more so when she meets biographer, Mark Watts, who is living in her grandmother’s Palm Beach home, which she also knew nothing about. Mark is then able to tell Liz about her grandmother’s past, becoming a confidant in the process. As their friendship turns into something more and their relationship develops, the Liz who likes her solitude realises that she might just need a house in Palm Beach, a man and her grandmother’s crazy cat to be happy! I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming romance which had me hooked from page one. I loved the characters and the chemistry between Liz and Mark really came across in the narrative. An enjoyable and engaging read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-08-07 16:38:262023-08-16 13:40:22Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’m so glad I found it. The plot is entertaining with plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged and the characters are well-constructed.
I loved how the tension was built throughout and the way secrets were discovered/revealed. It added to the suspense and feeling of danger for Veronica. I also loved the relationships between characters and how this develops over time. Familial relationships, romantic relationships, betrayals and more were all crafted very well it all felt believable.
I don’t want to reveal too much but if you enjoy suspense novels with some romance, this is the book for you. I look forward to reading more from this author.
“Sliding into Home” by Lauren Fraser takes readers on a heartwarming journey through the complexities of love, parenthood, and second chances. In this engaging romance novel, the author skillfully weaves together the lives of Kia and Smitty, two characters who find themselves facing unexpected challenges as they navigate the twists and turns of life.
Kia, a resilient single mom and talented tattoo artist, is the epitome of strength. As the story unfolds, readers witness her struggles and triumphs, empathizing with her as she tries to maintain the facade of having it all together. However, fate has different plans when a chance encounter with Jeff disrupts her carefully constructed world. The chemistry between Kia and Jeff is palpable, and their emotional journey is a testament to the author’s ability to create relatable and multidimensional characters.
Smitty, the San Diego Hawks’ centerfielder, is not just a professional athlete but also a man grappling with unexpected fatherhood. Fraser skillfully portrays his transformation from a competitive athlete to a devoted father who is willing to go to great lengths for his son. Jeff’s determination to win Kia’s heart is endearing, and readers can’t help but root for him as he faces the challenge of convincing her that their connection is not merely a game.
The narrative is filled with humor, heart, and moments of vulnerability that resonate with readers on a personal level. The authors writing captures the essence of modern relationships and the complexities of blending families. The pacing of the story keeps the reader engaged, as they follow Kia and Jeff’s journey toward building a meaningful connection despite their past.
“Sliding into Home” is more than just a romance novel; it’s a story about finding courage to let go of the past and embrace the uncertainties of the future. Lauren Fraser’s masterful storytelling, combined with well-drawn characters and a compelling plot, makes this book a captivating read for anyone seeking a blend of romance, family dynamics, and personal growth. Whether you’re a fan of sports-themed romance or simply enjoy stories that tug at the heartstrings, “Sliding into Home” is a home run that will leave you cheering for love’s triumphant victory
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenique Bornmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenique Bornman2023-08-07 11:47:302023-08-16 13:38:42Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Jenique Bornman
Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser is a great contemporary romance
Kia Kamen, a single mother and tattoo artist, is now in control. Although it might be an illusion, it feels like a rather convincing one. Until Jeff Smith shows up by coincidence and reveals that everything was a lie. She is far from being in control of everything. Declare that, of course, he is the father.Jeff ‘Smitty’ Smith, the centerfielder for the San Diego Hawks, is accustomed to playing under pressure. He simply didn’t anticipate having to step up as a father. He might understand how to be a parent, but convincing Kia to take a risk on them is proving to be a little more difficult. Thank goodness he’s a competitive man who doesn’t understand the concept of quitting.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique romance series. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. As the story progressed, i cant wait to continue the series with the last book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2023-08-07 11:30:032023-08-16 13:38:27Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
This is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. This is a sports romance. It can be read as a standalone even though it is part of a series. The author does an amazing job with the characters. They are so relatable they feel like they are your friends. This story is a second chance romance. It is an emotional story that is very heartwarming.
In this story we are with Jeff and Kia. Jeff and Kia have history. After a one night stand Kia was left with a remind in the form of her son. When she found out she was pregnant she tried to contact Jeff but couldn’t find him. Fast forward 6 years and Kia has been finding her way. Working as a tattoo artist and raising her son Max alone. Things seem to be heading in the right direction finally. Until her one night stand comes back into her life and the secret of her sons dad is revealed. Jeff has returned home and is now a coach of a baseball team. He can’t believe his luck when Kia appears. And even though he is shocked at first by the realisation he is a dad, he is determined to be the best and make up for the time he has lost. The more time he spends with Max and Kia the more he falls in love with them both. His attraction to Kia never left and as their chemistry builds they both need to learn to navigate this new relationship and everything that involves. Can their relationship work this time or will the pressured of Jeff’s job and the pressure of parenthood put to many obstacles in their way. This is a fast paced story full of love, family drama, past hurts and jealousy. I loved the characters and little Max really brings the story together. I was totally invested in this couple and wanted them to get their happily ever after
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-08-07 09:46:562023-08-16 13:43:29Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Kerry Carr
I was so excited to get (Jeff) Smitty’s story, he is one of my favorite characters, due to how sweet he has been throughout the last two books in the Playing For Keeps series! Sliding into Home is all about Smitty finding out that six years ago he had a one-night stand with (Saskia) Kia which resulted in her unexpected pregnancy with Max, a little boy that Smitty met while volunteering at Peyton’s workplace. Peyton is Ryan’s girlfriend; we were introduced to their story in the previous book of this series. Kia runs into Smitty when she goes to the after-school program where the kids are learning how to play baseball by the team’s baseball players, including Smitty, Max’s favorite volunteer. Little did Smitty know that the hot mom would turn out to be Max’s mom and his one-night stand from six years ago. This book is an amazing feel-good story of how a family navigates this huge change in all of their lives. I absolutely love that each new book in this series brings us closer to the side characters, but still allows us to follow along with the prior character’s romances as they continue to grow and blossom. Each and every book has the best, happily ever after, it just warms my heart so much. I am so excited for the next book to come out, I am hoping that we will continue the theme of seeing more of the baseball players find their own romances, because I have fallen in love with so many of them. Be prepared to be hooked from the second you open to the first page of this series. @Brandy Rymer 08/2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2023-08-07 01:38:532023-08-16 13:42:35Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Brandy Rymer
Lauren Fraser did it again with the second book in the Playing For Keeps series! I love that this next book in the series, Throwing the Curve, is all about Kendell’s big brother, Ryan Graves. We got to get to know Ryan, Kendell, and Pete in the first book when Pete and Kendell start a fiery romance between the two even though Pete was Ryan’s best friend growing up. This next book starts with us meeting Peyton who shows up at a party, where several of the team’s baseball players are celebrating, with Andy. Little did Peyton know that Andy is married with kids but makes it a regular occurrence to step out on his family to enjoy a fling. When Andy’s wife, Carmella, shows up to the party, Peyton gets a rude awakening, and to cover his butt, Andy tells his wife that Peyton is there with Ryan Graves. This little white lie builds as Andy tells the whole baseball team as well as the team’s PR that Ryan and Peyton are an item. This leads to the two to fake date, but will it lead to a budding romance for Ryan, or will he drop the lie and walk away, cause it’s not like Ryan is friends with Andy, he actually can’t stand the cheating jerk. You will not want to skip this next story in this amazing series, where we not only get to take a closer look into Ryan’s life but also get to follow along with Kendell and Pete as their romance continues to blossom in the background. @Brandy Rymer 08/2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2023-08-07 01:21:002023-08-16 13:42:28Throwing The Curve (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Brandy Rymer
Lauren Fraser’s Playing for Keeps series is one of my favorite baseball romance series I have ever read! As someone who grew up playing baseball, I have always been a huge fan of watching major league baseball and love that this series is so realistic! Watching Kendell fantasize about her big brother, Ryan’s best friend, Pete, and pulling all her seductive tricks was just awesome. It is so fun watching these two navigate through the natural pull of sexual tension they have one for the other while trying to respect the friendship between Pete and Ryan, while still listening to the wants and needs of Kendell and Pete’s attraction to one another, will friendship win out or will it be the thrill of a relationship that had been long sought after since Kendell’s pre-teen years? The characters in this story are so realistic, they are excellently written that they could be about real people, that are trying to figure out what’s most important to them. I could not put this book down; I was cheering the whole time for these two characters to their heart’s and forget about everything else that didn’t matter. If you’re a fan of baseball and romance books, then this is the perfect mashup for you! @Brandy Rymer 08/2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2023-08-07 00:58:352023-08-16 13:42:20Everything To Me (Playing for Keeps Book 1) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Brandy Rymer
4.5/5 stars This was my first read by this author and it was great! I enjoyed the storyline and could most definitely relate to the death of her grandmother and how it affected her. This story is really lighthearted and easy to read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2023-08-06 21:50:132023-08-16 13:40:57Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Daryian Lucas
This author is AMAZING! When I saw that she came out with the 3rd book in the series I was so excited! This book exceeded my expectations and was one that I could not put down! It was a book that I completed super quick when I got off work as I had to know what was happening! If you are looking for your next great sports romance to read, look no further because this is the one to read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2023-08-06 07:39:492023-08-16 13:36:36Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
Having read Ales fair in love and war I couldn’t wait to get my grubby little hands on Smooth Hoperator ❣️📚
What is there not to love about our Sunny girl !? First off she’s a librarian ! She’s quirky and peculiar! She even crochets little goats 🐐 and she loves her grandpa Duke ❣️the only thing I could fault her for perhaps is the fact that she’s wasting her time on Sebastian when Carter , a perfect speciMAN is right under her nose …
So Carter picked up on irregularities and he didn’t like what was going down and when he starts ruffling feathers he gets threatened so he decided to go off the grid and heads home and spends a lot of time in the library and the family brewery .
Carter gets Duke on board with his theory and Sunny gets on board as well and in return Carter will do things to get Sebastian to notice Sunny but this guy is a real chop so I think she just needs to forget him and move onto Carter 🥰
It was good to catch up with old friends and skunky pets and dirty old birds 🤣I laughed hard so many times and found myself quoting bits I read to any willing ear ❣️📚there was also a bit of suspense and romance and really just a fun read where characters become friends ❣️📚
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2023-08-06 05:01:252023-08-16 13:35:54Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Heidi Sturgess
Rom com with a taste of the best era! Back to the 80s is an awesome trip down memory lane. Blaine Reynolds is a great character who loves the 80s and owns a shop to prove it. Eric is a business man with an agenda to keep. What follows is an emotional comedy of errors and discovery of what is most important. This is well written, with characters I was totally invested in and imagery of an era that I loved. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-08-06 04:37:152023-08-16 13:35:47Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review byRayne East
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