The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t usually enjoy crime mystery, but this book was excellent. Angie escapes but her friends aren’t so lucky. Everyone thinks she snapped and killed her friends, so she gets locked away in a nuthouse. Very suspenseful.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74579488-throwing-the-curve” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Throwing the Curve” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671641551l/74579488._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74579488-throwing-the-curve”>Throwing the Curve</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/5271422542″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Ryan and Peyton have found themselves in quite the predicament thanks to one of his teammates. Peyton is unknowingly dating a man with a wife and children. In order to save face his teammate says that Ryan and Peyton are dating. These two can’t stand one another but go along with the sham for the sake of not only Peytons reputation, but the team. Will they be able to get it together enough to make everyone believe in their fake love?
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 2 in the series and while I didn’t read book one I was able to read this book and not feel lost. The MMC Pedro is not a knight in shining armor but he still draws you in. A violent past with guilt causing him to drown it out with alcohol makes him belief he deserves the bad and no good. Until the FMC Anne comes along. While she knows he has demons to face she believes that people are a product of their past and at heart are inherently good. She sticks by him but he doesn’t know if it’s enough to face all of his past
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn’t realize this was a series until I started the book, so I am definitely going back to read the first one now! Even without reading the first, I was able to follow along well enough and enjoy the entire story. I feel the author did an amazing job with this emotional romance. I especially enjoyed the beautifully written scenery throughout the story which helped pull everything together for me. It was absolutely a book that I breezed right through and needed to know what was going to happen next. I’m excited to see what the author has planned for the third book! I highly recommend picking this up and reading it in order to get the full effect.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good read! I was thrown a little off by some of the reality TV stuff mentioned in the book, it’s not really my thing, but besides that this was a really good book. The chemistry between Abi and Fin was phenomenal. I enjoyed their banter and coming together even if forced proximity isn’t my favorite trope. I didn’t feel like I missed anything from the first one, so this can be read as a standalone. I’m excited to read more from this author in the future!
Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Married Blind is the first book I’ve ever read by Morgana Bevan and one of the few Hollywood themed romances I’ve ever read. Neither the author or the theme of the book disappointed.
Something as simple as Finn describing his ideal woman as a fiery redhead vs your stereotypical “hot blond” was enough to pique my interest in the storyline overall. I enjoyed that the book showed both Abi and Finn’s perspectives and the banter was fantastic. After reading this I realized it was part of a stand alone series and I look forward to reading more. Morgana Bevan is definitely an author I look forward to reading more this year.
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first book was beautiful and this second book is stunning. This book shows how people can be redeemed. Pedro, there is just so much more to him. Him and Annie are so wonderful. I just love historical romances and this author really knows how to make them amazing.
Throwing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Loving this series! This can be read as a standalone, though it is the second in the series; it is oh so good!
The author writes an entertaining story with a fun concept. I really enjoyed the main characters, Peyton and Ryan, as well as their story. Peyton finds herself in a terrible situation with her so-called boyfriend and ends up in a fake relationship with Ryan, the star pitcher! They often don’t see eye to eye, but their attraction and chemistry is undeniable. Can they really see each other and turn their fake relationship into a real one?
This was page-turner with all the right things: sports, drama, steam, tension, and romance! A great read!
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash. This is such a fun book. I loved the first one so I knew I would enjoy this one as well. Its the story of Elinor who is a ghost talker in the 1800’s and her best friend is a doctor and a woman which is unheard of in that time. Both Elinor and her best friend are looked at as oddities in their time. Elinor is beside herself with excitement because she got an invitation to the Winter Revel’s where Chef’s compete. She is dreaming of all the food she is going to eat. During this event someone tries to kill her father, the King. The Duke who is sweet on Elinor helps her try to figure out who is trying to kill her father. When the prime suspect ends up being one of Elinor’s favorite chef’s she knows she has to prove his innocence. Will she find out who the real killer is before its too late? Read this fun fantasy, ghost read to find out!
The Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This entire collection is a really great series to read! You start with learning a bit about the main characters in this family, the lust that drives them, and SO many crazy secrets! If there is one thing each member of each story is known for it is the secrets they fail to keep! The author does her job of making the reader invest in the lives of each character in the series, but within each book drawing a focus on the leads. It makes for interesting reading time, and the ending of the collection will have you shocked and ready for more!
Steele Resolve by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author has given yet ANOTHER layer of complexity to this Hawke family, and I was in shock by the end of book 6! This was one of the best of the series in this collection, and it is only a novella! We learn about the boss, Steele, and how he has an amazing night with this guy, Byron. Of course, the secrets of his involvement in the mafia, and Byron’s connection to the Hawke family get Steele pressed into a corner. It always seems that these incredibly steamy romances cause the main character of the story to have a dangerous decision to make! You will be thoroughly surprised at the craftiness of the author once you hit the ending! Do not forget to read all of the other books in the collection! I hit my aha moment a few times once i concluded the series!
Tainted Saint by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In true Hawke Family Collection fashion, we have more weaved romances in book 5! This is the first novella in the collection, and in it we learn about Saint, the bouncer from the club, who has a crush on Caroline! Little does she know, her identity is not quite concealed at the masquerade ball and she is also full of lust for Saint! Get ready for the thrill ride as these two run into each other and create a tornado of their immeasurable lust! Another great one in the series! Don’t forget to read the others FIRST!
Building Storm by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 4 brings the first three books together, in a tough tragic time for Storm, but we must not forget that the weave of romance is deep in the Hawke Family. Storm must deal with the death in the family that has struck her so tough, in the midst of getting her life back together. Her life is indeed in shambles, however she runs into yet another beautiful man in this series of books. Landon is escaping his own personal hell and comes across the beautiful Storm. Their lives become intertwined and their own love story ensues. A chance meeting at a party brings this unlikely pair together, and their bond brings much more drama to the family than ever before! This was a really emotional book!
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elinor is invited to attend the king’s Winter Revels – where chefs compete for the king’s favor. She is thrilled to be attending because life has been a tad boring, and her favorite chef will be competing! Elinor brings her friend, Dr. LaRue, along so they can both enjoy good food and some relaxation. However, when the king is poisoned and there is trouble afoot, who better to help the king’s man, Duke Archambeau, solve the mystery than Elinor? Can they find the culprit before it’s too late?
This continuation of the series did not disappoint! I feel like I was drawn in even more to the mystery of Elinor and the duke! The other characters and their issues were well rounded and a fantastic addition to the story. I am truly enjoying this author’s work. They explain what is happening well enough that you do not feel inundated with information.
Throwing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and entertaining sports romance, which kept me happily turning the pages. For star pitcher of The Hawkes, Ryan Graves’ his teammates are the most important thing to him, until he meets Peyton. When Peyton Sharp finds herself at a party with a married man she’s horrified, even though she had no idea that he was married. In being a good teammate Ryan helps out his cheating teammate, only to find himself with a fake girlfriend. Peyton somehow finds herself in a fake relationship with Ryan and she’s not happy. However, Ryan soon finds himself falling in love with Peyton, but she appears to hate him. This was a heartwarming and fun romance with likeable characters and a storyline which held my attention. The chemistry between Peyton and Ryan sizzles off the page, and I was hoping they would both get their HEA.
Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elinor is a Ghost Talker in league with the Morpheus Group. She works with the local authorities and her friend, Dr. LaRue, who works in the morgue to solve murders. When a man related to the king winds up dead, a crown goes missing, and everything is hanging on both to be solved before it becomes a political nightmare… Elinor finds herself adding yet another accomplice to solve this mystery. The widowed Duke Archambeau is the king’s man, not one to look for help, and definitely NOT a believer in Ghost Talkers. However, as he finds himself in need of Elinor’s help, he can’t help but become a little intrigued by the whole ghost talking thing, as well as Elinor. Will they be able to solve the mystery before it causes political unrest? Can Elinor resist the lure of solving Duke Archambeau’s supposed ghost?
I really enjoyed this book. It was quick moving, well written, and I loved all the characters. I couldn’t help but love Elinor’s frankness with the duke, and how he just didn’t really know what to do with her. I like that they didn’t instantly fall in love, but all signs point to a slow building relationship. This is a fresh hearted and informative read. I am looking forward to reading the next installments of this series. I truly cannot wait to see how their relationship continues to grow!
Throwing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Throwing the Curve
By Lauren Fraser
This is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. It contains some of the same characters that were featured in the second book, but it definitely functions as a standalone.
I loved watching the dynamics between Ryan and Peyton play out. From the fact that they were pretending being together for a party to actually developing feelings. I think it is an accurate portrayal of those situations where everyone tells themselves that it is a one time thing but inevitably someone ends up feeling something. I also liked Ryan this time around. He was a character in the second book and I wasn’t a fan of his, but this time around he definitely seemed like more human and relatable.
This is the second book I have read by Lauren Fraser and It most definitely will not be my last. I truly love her writing and her ability to develop characters. Her books are not to be missed.
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Everything to Me
By Lauren Fraser
I loved this book so very much. The characters were so well written and their story was so believable. I loved how well the author portrayed Pete. How he was feeling just jumped off the page. Kendall is one of the most likable characters I have ever read. I truly wish there would be a spinoff about her and her job. I loved everything about her, her complex relationship with her family, her situation with Pete, and her job. I definitely recommend this romance to everyone! It is so good and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Stone Sober by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In book 3 of The Hawke Family Series, the author keeps with the pace of family, love, romance, and more secrets! Nora is a stripper, we learn about her sister and brother in law in book 1, and is off limits to Stone! She is the younger sister of his sister in law, and that won’t stop him from loving her. In the midst of her claimed profession, she is still so innocent and has a purity about her, that normally he would take advantage of! With Nora, however, he wants so much more. Unfortunately his past haunts him. Take time and delve into the story of these two as we continue to unfold the Hawke Family Story.
Whispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an entertaining read. The descriptions were great. The characters were fantastic. I think it was very well written. It really brought you to another place, to the world of Jessa. I loved the mysteries surrounding Jessa and her family. I hope to read more in the series.
Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read many books by this author as she is one of my top ten and this book was once again a great read. I love how she is able to bring the characters to life. I find that the characters begin to grow and evolve throughout the story and that adds to the feeling as though I am right there in the heart of the action. I also love how she is able to balance out the drama and romance making such a well rounded book. I find that the characters have a real electric chemistry and I really look forward to reading more from this author and this series. I really do highly recommend this author.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book number two in the wonderful Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series and after reading the first book I could not wait to get my hands on this one. Oh, my goodness, IT WAS BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK! I could not believe it. I loved that the location changed and that the author managed to develop the main character even more in this story. I could not put this book down. I read this book until the wee hours of the morning because I had to get to the ending. And it was perfect. Please, please, please do yourself a favor and pick up this book to read.
Throwing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this books! I appreciate a good romance story and this did not disappoint. I also enjoyed the baseball elements. I loved that he coached the kids and that just added more appeal. I’d read more by this author.
Tortured Skye by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In book 2 of the Hawke family collection, we learn a bit more about the characters in the story. Just like real life, the tangled webs we weave seem to be endless! Gabe is Savage’s right hand man at the strip club-but ALSO his best friend! Well, after the lies and secrets in Savage’s story, we are led to Gabe and his own book of lies. How could he fall in love with his best friend’s sister? How could he even think of starting a relationship with her knowing the trauma she has faced in her life? Continue this second story and dig deeper into the struggles of love and more steamy romance!
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series I was looking forward to this novel, and I was not disappointed. It can be read as a standalone story, however, I do recommend reading the previous book as it’s so good! Set in Portugal, during 1872, and Pedro Daun is an aristocrat haunted by his sins and his murky past in Mozambique. Pedro shuts himself in his winemaking property, drowning himself in port, having lost his bride to an Englishman. Anne Maxwell moves to the Douro to help her new sister-in-law, but she dreams of finding the perfect man who will love her unconditionally. When Anne and Pedro meet Anne can see that Pedro yearns for love, and Pedro craves her touch, but he does not want her soiled by his past sins and so dose not act like the perfect prince from her dreams.
Things take a dangerous turn when a conspiracy is revealed and a false accusation is made against Pedro, turning the couple into fugitives. As Anne and Pedro try to hide from a treacherous enemy, they also try to prove that Pedro is innocent. The more time the couple spend together, the closer they get and their passion grows. However, for them to have a future, Pedro must forgive himself for his past and let Anne in, and Anne needs to understand that love isn’t like it is in fairy tales. This is a wonderful historical romance with likeable and relatable characters, an amazing setting and an intriguing storyline, all of which kept me hooked throughout. The descriptive narrative brings the stunning scenery vividly to life and the added historical details made me feel immersed in the era. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster as I followed Anne and Pedro’s epic love story, and I was left thinking about them long after I had finished the last page. An enjoyable and engaging read, which I highly recommend.
Savage Collision by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This couple meets unexpectedly when Danika walks into her brilliant sister’s strip club owner’s office to protest him tainting her life! Little did she know, he would devastate her with his good looks-and blow her natural mind! Savage holds a secret that will blow Danika’s mind just as much as yours, as the reader, but of course it doesn’t end there. The layers in the first book in this series are enough to fill you up for the full series! Get ready to read a steamy but FULL story about these two!
The Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a collection of the six books in The Hawke Family series. Each of them have a unique, but still interconnected story. They need to be read in order. The Hawke family is made up of biological siblings with their partners; also it has members who are adopted in the sense of a found family. They are fiercely loyal to each other, and always focused on the best interests of each individual. Sometimes this leads to angst within the characters who struggle with knowing the choice they want to make might not be what the family members want them to choose. Ms. McNamee does an excellent job of not only building suspense into each book, but also creating a consistent world within. By the time I reached the end of each story, all the questions I had were answered. There is good representation of a person with different abilities. Contained within book 3 are some BDSM descriptions. Of course all of the storyline is awesome, but Ms. McNamee also gets an A+ rating for the spicy parts. The explicit descriptions were just perfection!
The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love. by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautiful and twisted story takes place in Portugal in 1780. It is an intoxicatingly slow burn romance with so very many twists and turns.
Julia Costa, a Portuguese Vinter Widow, was left with a huge debt from he late husband, and now she is fighting with everything she has to save her vineyard.
Griffin Maxwell is your typical Victorian English businessman.. A man who feels he is entitled to everything in his path, even a fighting widow’s heart.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I highly suggest you take the time to read this gorgeous story!!
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This historical romance was fantastic……..this is book 2 in this series and I would recommend reading book 1 first. I can say that while I did enjoy book 1, I loved this book, being 2nd in the series with my every being.
Can I say……I was not happy with Pedro in book 1….not what so ever and never ever in a million years I would end up liking him so much in book 2…..I know get it…..and my heart…. Pedro is haunted by his past and wants love. Pedro truly believe he once had love, but choice in the matter…it did not happen. A chance encounter and ending up on the run, he meets Anne.
Anne… I loved Anne so much and just her being so kind….she is helping her brother and also travels to help the other neighbors understand and learn how to take care of their vines..and an encounter she meets Pedro…and Pedro at first did not take to kind to Anne…and both end up on the run. Why are they running?
Will Pedro and Anne connect and Pedro find what he is looking for?
Chemistry, banter, intensity for sure…..I Loved Pedro and Anne in this story so much!
Well Done!!
Throwing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is sports romance. It is the 2nd book in the Playing For Keeps series. It’s is an enjoyable read. I felt so sorry for Peyton. She starts the story finding out the guy she is dating is a married man and to keep this secret she is forced to pretend she is dating another member of the team Ryan.
Ryan has some preconceived ideas about who he things Peyton is. Namely just a women who threw herself at a famous baseball player just to make herself look good and hes not scared to tell her that.
Even though they hate each other they need to put on a good show to convince everyone they are a happy couple.
But what happens when pretending turns real. When anger and hate turned to attraction and want. Will Ryan see how wrong his impressions of Peyton are or will they continue to fight and push away from each other denying their attraction.
This is a story full of angst, friendship, and finding love when you least expect it.
