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Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by katie stapleton

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Ladies of the Links #2Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love love a flirty novel with a sports theme, so I am thrilled that I chose to read this book before the first one of the series. It read well as a standalone and I loved that the hinge point of this book was revealed right away, you knew the issues as the characters got to know each other and overcome obstacles. It made it less nerve wracking to read and fun to see where everyone ended up. The best part of the book is that it involves a football player and I LOVE FOOTBALL most of all. Not only that, I happen to be a fan of the actual current TE #87 for the KC chiefs so it was easy to imagine him in that role. Fun story, excited for the next!

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by katie stapleton

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Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)Sacrifice Bunt by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked the first book in this series, but I LOVED this book. It was humorous and flirty. Zara, the lead character is witty, fiercely independent, and good at what she does. She is the perfect complement to Noah and the background characters really support the story masterfully. I didn’t want to put it down, and am excited to read the next book in the series!

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by katie stapleton

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love a book that combines some flirty romance with sports. This book delivers that and more! I loved the closeness of the main characters with the supporting characters, they really feel like a great group of friends that you would know. The scenes just pop off the page. A quick read second chance. Definitely recommend!

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen Book 3) by Morgana Bevan – Review by katie stapleton

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen, #3)Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book, though third in the series, reads well as a standalone. The author did a great job of engaging the reader with a story that you want to read in one sitting. It is perfect for a rainy day read to escape reality for a little while and delve into a romantic whirlwind. The characters are unique, and I love a strong female lead as Catrina is an attorney in this book. Though I love a graphically charged romance book just as much, it is nice to enjoy a steamy book that leaves a bit to the imagination as well. Well written and fun characters!

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by katie stapleton

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was incredible. Marjorie’s vision is brought to life by their collaborative words. It is heart wrenching and eye opening. Quite honestly, I feel like this should be required reading in high schools. History is important to experience through the eyes of oppressed peoples. I think that many people would experience a different world than they’ve been taught by reading this book. I am eager to read the rest in the collection. Especially at this time in the world, we can take many lessons from Native peoples to better connect with the earth and others. Brilliant.

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A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by katie stapleton

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A River of CrowsA River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot adequately describe how great this book is. I was hooked immediately and the book twisted and turned in ways I never expected. The characters are mired in tragedy and trauma, yet are hopeful and real. The events that unfold are intertwined spectacularly. The writer has a masterful grasp of story telling! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a good book. Stunning.

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The Sweet Temptations Trilogy (Sinful Delights) by L.M. Mountford – Review by katie stapleton

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The Sweet Temptations Trilogy (Sinful Delights)The Sweet Temptations Trilogy by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book set was a quick read, and I am glad that I was able to read the set versus having to wait book by book. I love that the author didn’t use a lot of fluff or euphemisms for the sex scenes, as it made it seem more realistic. That said, it is hot and heavy from the very beginning so be prepared for this explicit steamy read! This is just the perfect quick pick up without needing a huge, in depth backstory. Each book in the set stands alone and was a fun read. Excited to read more from this author!

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The Challenger (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 2) by Rowan Rossler – Review by katie stapleton

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The Challenger: A Sports Romance Saga (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 2)The Challenger: A Sports Romance Saga by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so different from the 1st, that I almost entirely forgot it was a series. Rowan does an incredible job of detailing the nuances of the world her characters are part of, and you actually learn a lot of profession culture within the pages. The characters are complex, layered with well developed back stories, and realistic expectations. Each book has it’s own world that weaves in and out of the others seamlessly. The romance is steamy, the buildup is frustrating, and ultimately a HEA. I cannot wait for the third book in this series.
This book deals with a romance in the world of international tennis, the characters are diverse, and the book sprinkles in a good amount of spanglish for the reader. It makes you feel like you know Flynn and Chavez personally and have a front row seat to what they get up to. Masterful work!

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by katie stapleton

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Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy (Pierce Brothers Book 4)Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story dealt with heavy topics without being too heavy. It was flirtatious, with a touch of realism – this book was a quick, fun read! It works as a standalone if you haven’t read the other books in the series. After reading it though, I want to go back and read the others in the series. The characters are well balanced for each other. All in all would definitely recommend!

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by katie stapleton

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love thrillers, and this book did not disappoint! Action packed from the start, and a great mystery to the end. This is the first book I read in the series, and it read well as a standalone. That said, I am definitely going to go back and read the first 2. I love the author’s writing style. The details lend a realism to the book and starting with a winter scene gives it a cold and dreary beginning. I am looking forward to reading more from Winter Austin!

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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by katie stapleton

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Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This thriller cleverly tackles a serious topic – elder abuse. The story focuses on a woman taken to an institution by her kids and left there with no way out and hardly anyone to believe in her sanity. The author does a masterful job of entrenching the reader in the hopelessness of her plight, and you cannot help but keep reading to see if everything turns out alright. The most heartbreaking thing for me was the fact that her son surrendered her dog to a shelter… my pets are my world and I would never forgive someone who did such a thing. There were aspects of realism, fantasy, and drama. Definitely recommend!

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Vaughn’s Xena (Dirty Rockhard Billionaire Book 1) by M.I. Rosegold – Review by katie stapleton

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Vaughn's Xena (Dirty Rockhard Series, #1)Vaughn’s Xena by M.I. Rosegold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book and definitely was not prepared for the unexpected twist!! I am eager to read more from this author – her descriptions jump off the page. The scenes are super spicy, the characters are unique, and I like that it explores an atypical relationship in Xena’s demisexuality. The only thing that seemed ironic to me was that, in her innner narrative, Xena tries not to swear yet she can be so explicit otherwise. I got used to it though as a character quirk. Overall a compelling read and now I must read the next one to find out what happens!

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase – Review by katie stapleton

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl, #2)Sharing His Nanny by Tori Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the book before I realized who Tori Chase is… I was thinking about how steamy and explicit the details were and how much I liked the writing style as much as my favorite guilty pleasure author – Deborah Garland 🙂 A pleasant surprise indeed.

This book has everything if you’re looking for lots of sexy, strong characters, a good story, a little taboo, and a variety of interests. Hot hot hot. Didn’t want to put it down.

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The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by katie stapleton

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The HusbandsThe Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love when books branch out from such a singular, heteronormative style. It’s fantastic to read books that are inclusive. My only complaint with this book was that it was too short!! I’d love to revisit the romances; this would be a great book to create a series! It was a quick entertaining foray into a romance oft not found in novels. Loved it.

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The Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee – Review by katie stapleton

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The Hawke Family Complete CollectionThe Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The best thing about this is that it was the complete collection of the Hawke family so you could delve into it and immerse yourself in the world for a while. The characters are complex, distinct, and well developed. I didn’t want the series to end! Perfect for some winter break reading while by the fire. You will not want to put it down! Gwyn’s writing style is CAPTIVATING!!

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

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Taming Beckett (The Playmakers, #1)Taming Beckett by G.K. Brady

I love nothing more than a steamy sports novel with a cabin scene! This book felt realistic and I loved how the main characters could really be honest with each other without judgement. We journey through their friendship while tension builds throughout the book, and I did not want to put it down! Good read for a snowy day by the fire and a cup of hot cocoa. Definitely recommend

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Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by katie stapleton

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Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This historical fiction book focuses on a murder mystery. The language throughout is a perfect example of what you would imagine 1904 to sound like, replete with surprises. The author did a masterful job of researching the time period to make it accurate and plausible. Go on a journey that will leave you second guessing until the end. Very enjoyable!

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Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by katie stapleton

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SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Janet Fogg is a master of visualization through words and emotions. This book was tragic and beautiful and harsh and hopeful. It took an emotional ride through a tragic historical time we’ve all heard about and made it somehow more human. I could not put it down. Highly recommend.

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by katie stapleton

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Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Samantha Shannon has done it again! This book was SO MUCH FUN! I have a cat who is very much like Lucas. His adventures and his friends are just what I imagine my cat to be. The illustrations really bring the words to life and the cadence of the story is very smooth. Coupled with the activities at the end of the story, this is another book that really delivers a good time!!

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by katie stapleton

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

I cannot get enough of this world Amy McKinley has created! The Mafia Elite series is one of my favorites and I will quickly pick up any book that she writes!! All of the characters have unique personalities and there are thrilling twists and turns throughout each focused story.

This prequel is just what we needed. It gives us more insight into how the families are connected and shows us a rare glimpse of what the women in different families do to maintain their independence when they are promised to marry someone whom they did not choose. I couldn’t put it down! I am glad to have these little insights into the interworkings of these Mafia families.

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A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by katie stapleton

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A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Christmas. I love a HEA. I love dogs and cats. What could be better than an anthology that combines all three? Nothing. The stories are fun and heartwarming, challenging and thought provoking, and they all paint the pictures of the season so well. These stories are quick enough to read again and again. I love that the stories are compiled like this, and each story is better than the one before. It is the perfect way to get in the mood for the holidays.

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by katie stapleton

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn’t realize this was part of a series, but it read well as a standalone. It was a very intense novel dealing with a heavy topic. There is a TW for rape and sexual assault, so heed that before you start reading. That said, this is a very important topic to read stories about. The details are stunning and you can really feel the anxiety and despair come off the page. The main characters, Kate and Tilly, have been through more than their fair share of trauma and loss, yet are still able to help each other navigate the hard times. I also like that the series tackles abuse from people in positions of power. I know that many victims have a hard time coming forward about abuse and more still are either not believed or not taken seriously. There are perpetrators at all levels and it is good to read a very realistic depiction.

I lived in Cruces when I was younger, so I know a lot of the references to southern New Mexico. I felt like I was there while reading the book, particularly in the details of Kate’s gated haven. It felt a little nostalgic and definitely had some heart racing moments throughout the book. I will be on the lookout for the next book in the series!

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Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by katie stapleton

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

The only thing better than knowing there are more of these books, is knowing that you can get them all in a set!! I was an immediate fan from the first book I read in the series, had to go back and read those I had missed, and have not missed a single one since!! They are all unique characters, have strong female leads, build details over the series, and I never want to stop reading when I start.

My favorite series I have discovered lately. You will not be disappointed!

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Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by katie stapleton

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

I love that this is not the only installment we are going to get of these characters! The book was fun and flirty and frustrating – a complete package!

I am a huge fan of 90’s rom coms and this was nostalgic for that type of story. The author did an incredible job of creating an homage to “You’ve Got Mail” and it even included pets! There is definitely a niche for romantic literature that includes dogs and cats because so many of us really incorporate their lives and attitudes into our own. I love doing anything that I can bring my dog along to, so the main events of this book were something I can completely relate to. The characters were unique but universal – I am sure every one reading has a friend like Kenna, and knows the jerk from high school like Bryce.

Couldn’t put this one down, and can’t wait for the next book in the series!

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The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by katie stapleton

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

I think the thing that makes this book so frightening (but very good) is that it is extremely realistic. You can imagine this really happens with tourists in a packed spring break town. The author clearly knows his way around the landscape of the story. Each detail makes it seem like this could be a newspaper expose rather than a novel. The characters are well built and I learned some things too – particularly about the VSRT!

I love a story that has a strong woman lead – this has two. FBI Special Agent Brenda Reynolds is fierce, caring, and loyal to her ethical code. Angie, the sole survivor of an attack, is the other main lead and she has some very strong instincts as well. The even better character than these two is the Golden Retriever, Cody. I love animals and have had some amazingly smart dogs in my life. Seeing them as a focal point in a novel is the perfect security for the thrill ride of the murder mystery. The tension between Brenda and Jake is palpable too and I can’t wait to read more about their budding partnership in future installments!

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by katie stapleton

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

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! This is the first Deborah Garland book I have read, and I have to say I went and bought 3 others immediately. I also read this book twice!

The author has a knack for hot, steamy scenes that jump off the page. This book was by far my fave of the ones I have read because I love the idea of Noah – tattoos, piercings, abs… what more could you want? Callie is a great character too, I love her sassy commentary. Getting caught up in their world at a cabin in the winter is a perfect fantasy. All in all, the book gives you a little bit at a time, leaving you craving more!! The additional thriller aspect of the security firm and Noah’s haunted past gives the book even more substance.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!

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In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by katie stapleton

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In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I read in this series – and I can say that it functioned well as a stand-alone. The plot was intriguing, and I learned a lot from reading it! The author clearly researches every aspect of her story and brilliantly entwines facts and details that make it feel real and authentic. I am happy to say that I will be purchasing more books in this series because I love the writing style and the mystery aspect.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was that the main character/heroine is an independent woman who has a grown child and grandchild. You rarely happen upon books that have a detective type older than 20’s. This was a refreshing aspect. Additionally, the rest of the characters varied in age and substance. Definitely recommend!!

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

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

The intrigue of this book kept me reading straight through, I didn’t want to put it down until I found out how it ended! The author masterfully weaves emotions and situational complexity with the characters.
Mavis is a woman who fell in love as a teen and suddenly disappeared without a trace. The book takes us on a journey, and ultimately, she must choose between brothers. I would be lying if I said it was easy to choose who to root for!
I loved the writing style and story told from character points of view, and it all blended together seamlessly. Would definitely recommend.

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My Darling Rogue (A Wicked Rogues Romance Book 1) by April Moran – Review by katie stapleton

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My Darling RogueMy Darling Rogue by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not the sort of book I would normally seek out to read, but I was intrigued and ultimately very impressed! The author does a great job of setting the scene, delving into juicy detail, and building characters and tension. Gabriel is a strong, take charge, possessive male and just what Celia needs in her life after the shadows of her past. Good story, lots of steamy scenes. Overall a very entertaining read!

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by katie stapleton

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

I absolutely love this series! The characters are true to form from the other books… the writing is engaging… and most of all, you can’t wait to see what happens next in this mafia family world!! Each book brings different stories and twists from the last, but they blend seamlessly together. This is a thrilling, sweet, steamy foray into a family that lives fast and bonds faster.

When Mia put herself in danger to warn the family previously, I was eager to learn more about her. Her relationship with Nico is unique and fits so well with his personality type. I love the dialogue between all the women in the family and that they look out for one another.

Following the alliance in this book that brings the Chicago and New York families together, I cannot wait to read about the Veretti boys. I would love for this world to continue building so we can learn how everyone moves into their new roles and what happens next!

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