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Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: Big Apple Series Book 1 by Alexa Summers – Review by Moriah Venable

Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1 by Alexa Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Touchdown is the first novel in the Big Apple series by Alexa Summers. This is my first novel by this author.

Lexi Driver is a sportscaster who is very well liked by her fan based and has climbed the ladder in an occupation predominantly held by men.

While interviewing a player, she catches Brett Brock in a midst of a wardrobe malfunction which goes viral.

With the incident hurting both of their careers, some reactions are positive.

After the news dies down, Brett wants an apology but Lexi doesn’t she how she is at fault when it was the cameraman that looked in that direction. To retaliate, Brett makes plans to humiliate her.

I really enjoyed the sports romance which is genre of romance I don’t read much and each time I do, I always wonder why I don’t read it more often.

Lexi was very well written and relatable character who has made a name for herself in a field that women don’t get into often.

Lexi and Brett relationship started with humiliation and dislike but ended with a great romance and I love stories like that. Where I can read the progression of the relationship and what makes the characters start to warm up to each other.

There was vast amount of characters and I hope we see them again with their own novel.

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The Confectioner’s Guild (The Confectioner Chronicles #1) by Claire Luana – Review by Moriah Venable

The Confectioner's Guild (The Confectioner Chronicles, #1)The Confectioner’s Guild by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Confectioner’s Guild is the first novel in the Confectioner Chronicles by Claire Luana. This is my third novel by this author.

Wren is a confectioner apprentices working in a confection shop. When a mysterious man shows up asking questions about her cupcakes, she is unsure of who he is or what she wants. Reluctantly she goes with him to meet the GuildMaster and thrown in a world she never knew existed and discovers an ability she never knew she processed.

But when the Guild Master is poisoned after eating of her cupcakes, she only has a limited time to prove her innocence and find out who really framed her before the king’s inquisitor arrives.

I’ve read a few books by this author and must admit this is my favorite so far.

While the beginning was confusing, I was interested in what was going on. I also love Wren’s character. She was funny and it was great seeing her passion for baking especially all the love and care she puts into the frosting of her cupcakes.

I fell in love with the cover and did not quite understand the title until I started reading the book. With a interesting concept, fun characters and world about magic, I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.

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Must Love Fashion (Darling Cove Book 1) by Deborah Garland – Review by Moriah Venable

Must Love Fashion (Darling Cove #1)Must Love Fashion by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Must Love Fashion is the first novel in the Darling Cove series by Deborah Garland. This is my first novel by this author.

Gwen Mallory has a lot going on with her applying to Must Love Fashion ad. Her dream comes true when she begins working for Prada. She is also in the process of a divorce and with her mother fighting cancer, she get regular mammograms. When a lump is found, Gwen has another one.

Former model Andrew Morgan is not the Manager for Prada and still grieving his wife who passed from cancer a few years before. Meeting Gwen, the new PR, was not the best meeting. He is angry and very rude to Gwen but is there a chance that this may help Andrew move forward?

When the two have to go on trip together, will the sexual tension finally have an outlet or will the two deny their growing feelings?

I really enjoyed this novel. Gwen was someone I would relate and felt she was a strong character. Not only with putting up with Andrew’s rudeness but with starting over and finding a new job in the midst of a divorce. I also felt for Andrew who was shell of his former shelf was fighting his feeling for Gwen because of his grieving and feelings for this late wife. I enjoy that conflict because I know a lot of people struggle to move on when losing a spouse and often feel guilty when they start to fall in love with someone new.

This was a very enjoyable novel that made me laugh and smile as I read. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a cute and relatable romance.

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The Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher – Review by Moriah Venable

The Nearness of YouThe Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Nearness of You is a novel by K.G. Fletcher. This is my second novel by this author.

A chance encounter makes way for possible love and opportunities.

When Lounge Singer Lauren meets Super model David Randle she is drawn to his good looks. David invites Lauren to his sister’s wedding but there is a spark between the two. Bonding over music, fashion and life experiences which bring them closer together.

But not all in happy for the new couple but David’s assistant wants nothing more than to tear the new found love apart.

I really enjoyed this novel and the cover and premise just pulled me in.

I enjoyed Lauren’s ambitions to make it into show business one day but it was nice to see that she was comfortable where her life was. Lauren was really likable and related character and her romance with David felt natural instead of forced.

I really like David. He was such a sweet character. With all the ups and downs the couple went through, it was sweet roller coaster of me eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

For anyone in the mood for a quick but enjoyable romance, I recommend this novel.

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Michael’s Heart by Lori Thomas Harrington – Review by Moriah Venable

Michael's HeartMichael’s Heart by Lori Thomas Harrington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Michael’s Heart is a novel by Lori Thomas Harrington. This is my first novel by this author.

Colbie is a lover a music who is waiting for her big break in the music industry but until that day she writes little songs while taking care of her daughter.

After being involved in a terrible accident, Colbie finds herself on the other side where she meets Michael and has this feeling that he is the one she has been waiting for.

To soon, she goes back and wakes up in the hospital with a painful recover ahead. The experience gives her the inspiration to write songs but she still has feelings for Michael.

She meets another man who she is attracted but he feels cold. While she starts to have feeling for this man, is it possible to love two men at once?

Words cannot describe how much I love this novel. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel but it was beautifully written with a protagonist that I was lovely and amazing to read about her journey and her love of music.

I enjoy a good contemporary romance and this one will stay with me. Colbie was a strong characters whose love of music defined her and her heart was worn on her sleeve especially her time with Michael who I loved. He treated Colbie with such care and kindness.

I don’t want to give too much away. I highly suggest you read this novel. Definitely will feel a lot of emotions while reading.

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The Jack by M.K. Harkins – Review by Moriah Venable

]The Jack (The Immortal Series Book Two)The Jack by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Jack is the second novel in the Immortal series by M. K. Harkins. This is my third novel by this author.

A half breed, Archer, is torn between two races, The Jacks which are a race who kill for sports and The Readers, a race that is trying to save mankind.

Years before, Archer betrays the Readers and ever since has been living alone and filled with unrequited love.

But when Archer becomes drawna to Sadie who is not only a Seer but has been given the task of killing him, which side will win? Will Sadie be able to kill him or will her heart sway her from her mission?

I really enjoyed this novel. I love novels where people have forbidden love and are able to overcome the obstacles to finally be happy with someone.

Even though it’s set two years after the first book, I really didn’t feel lost at while reading and was very engaged in the plot.

I liked Archer’s characters who is trying to seek redemption and I loved his journey and really felt for him.

I hope we get another book in the series.

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The Boss Man (Manly Series 4) by Teddy Hester – Review by Moriah Venable

The Boss Man: A Steamy Contemporary Romantic Suspense Novel (The Manly Series Book 4)The Boss Man: A Steamy Contemporary Romantic Suspense Novel by Teddy Hester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Boss Man is the fourth novel in The Manly Series by Teddy Hester. This is my first novel by this author.

Jack, who moves from North Carolina to Texas, is a construction worker to help with a construction job that is behind on a deadline.

Jillian, who has overprotective brothers just wants to feel like she can contribute and be equal in her family eyes.

When she is hired to be on Jack’s crew, will sparks fly? Can the two have a happy ending or will Jack push her away?

I really enjoyed the novel. From the beginning, the writing and voice of Jack pulled me in. The cover also caught my attention making me wonder in what direction this book would go.

I will admit that the names of the characters pulled me out a little cause I kept thinking about was the nursery rhyme but once I got use to and the story progressed, it didn’t bother me anymore.

I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

Review by @moriah-venable

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Summer Fling by Tarrah Anders- Review by Moriah Venable

Summer FlingSummer Fling by Tarrah Anders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summer Fling by Tarrah Anders is a stand-alone novel. This is my sixth novel by this author.

The novel opens in a hilarious way with Emma waking up next to guy after a drunken night. She quickly gets rid of him before her roommate sees him. Thought she promised herself she wouldn’t get involved with tourist after her last heartbreak, her feelings for this guy may make her think different.

Royce and his friend/ business partner Cyrus have gone to Sweeney in order to start a veterinarian clinlic with Cyrus having a bit of roots there. While not impressed with the town at first, he is impressed when he sees the girl again and finds out her name is Emma.

While reluctant at first, Emma agrees on a date which goes well. But when she found out he will be going back home for a few days, she wonders if he will ever come back.

Could a blossoming romance just be for the summer or will love blossom for more than just a season?

I love anything Tarrah Anders writes and this novel was no different. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts and felt so real it was like watching a movie in my head.

Royce cute and sweet gestures with Emma just made me love him all the more.

I can’t wait for another novel by this author.

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Casstiel; Born of Lightening: Dragon Shifter (Dragonkind – 52 Realms) by Sheri-Lynn Marean – Review by Moriah Venable

Casstiel; Born of Lightning: Dragon Shifter (Dragonkind ~ 52 Realms)Casstiel; Born of Lightning: Dragon Shifter by Sheri-Lynn Marean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Casstiel is the second book in the DragonKind~ 52 Realms series by Sheri-Lynn Marean. This is my first novel by this author.

Nine years after his mate Maya is killed, Casstiel is still walking the Earth but filled with anger wishing to join his mate. He seems oblivion but it eludes him.

“I’m dying, yet I live without you.”

His main focus now is to destroy enemy and find whatever he is searching for.

“No, he’d not stop until they were all burned to ash and scattered to Tartaria’s four corners. Or, until he found what he was looking for.”

What Cass leases expects is the what he is searching for is not a thing but a person and this person is not only his enemy but she is also what is tying him here. She may very well be able to bring him back from himself.

I love paranormal romances with it being one of my favorite genres. I do not read dragon shifters very much but I really enjoyed this.

I love when males find love again after losing a mate and being able to move forward instead of being stuck in the depression and finding someone that help them move forward.

I will have to read more by this author as well as more dragon shifter novels.

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Beneath A Blue Moon by Carrie Pulkinen – Review by Moriah Venable

Beneath a Blue Moon (Crescent City Wolf Pack, #2)Beneath a Blue Moon by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beneath a Blue Moon is the second novel in the Crescent City Wolf Pack series by Carrie Pulkinen. This is my second novel by this author.

When Chase Beauchamp gets the assignment to investigate a witch, he is not thrilled about it, considering his hatred for them, but with a string a murders occurring in the French Quarters, he does the assignment. But when his wolf wants to claim her as his mate, things could get a little messy.

Following the events of the last book, Luke and Chase go wedding cake tasting for the upcoming wedding. At first sight, Chase feels drawn to the witch who owns the bakery and it unsure if she can be trusted.

Rain Connolly just wants to get rid of the hex and not be a outcast and when she meets Chase, sparks fly. She has spent the past seven year trying to unbound her powers and see Chase as to way to finally do it.

But will the two be able to be together?

With the introduction of Chase in the first book, I was excited to have a book about him and get more of his backstory. I was curious as to why he didn’t like witches and how that feeling would hinder his growing feeling for Rain as well as how that would affect their relationship.

Rain I felt wasn’t so flip flop like the heroine in the first novel and that she owned a bakery which I felt was also different. I generally don’t see a lot characters that are witches own bakeries. She was determined and was very interest character to read about.

Like the first book, I enjoyed the mystery and was hooked from the beginning. While this is a standalone and doesn’t have to read in order, there are some small events that may be mentioned as well as characters that may have their own book later on.

For fans of paranormal romance, I highly recommend this series.

Review by @moriah-venable

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Burning Britely by Deidre Huesmann – Review by Moriah Venable

Burning BritelyBurning Britely by Deidre Huesmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Burning Britely is a standalone novel by Deidre Huesmann. This is my first novel by this author.

A story about self-acceptance, friendship, and family, it follows two boys Jeff and Braeden. Jeff is not good with talking to people nor is he one to join a crowd. He feels the most comfortable studying and has his future all planned out.

“Studying wasn’t exactly a thrilling hobby, but he liked it just fine. It was comfortable, soothing, and predictable. It also helped him toward his goal of graduating senior valedictorian. Sure, he was a junior now, but what was the point if he hadn’t hit the ground running? He knew the stats—even taking the seniors into account, his GPA was fifth highest in the school.”

He’s only a junior but his main goal is to be senior valedictorian.

Braeden is popular, and track star. After an event brings them together, Jeff finds himself drawn to Braeden, a boy who is his opposite. While use to being unknown, Jeff is now hearing whisper everywhere he goes and kept help but feel flustered whenever Braeden’s name is mentioned.

It was a short read and I wish it was longer but it pulled me in from the beginning and all I wanted to do was read.

I really hope at some point, we get to see these characters again. Maybe in college.

For someone looking for a quick, lovable and enjoyable read, I recommend this.

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Intentional (Intentional, #1) by M.K. Harkins – Review by Moriah Venable

IntentionalIntentional by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intentional is the first novel in the Intentional series by M.K. Harkins. This is my first novel by this author.

Newly engaged Mattie Taylor is happy with Jeremy, preparing for their wedding but with only a month before the big day, she finds him in a composing position.

She packs up her things and moves to Mercer Island and starts new life for herself. While there, she meets Cade and starts to feel happiness again even though she still has feelings for Jeremy.

But when Jeremy re-enters her life, will she be able to listen to her and trust that things were not what they appear or she will move on with Cade?

I knew from the premise that I was going to enjoy this book, but I wasn’t prepared for how much. I finished this one sitting and I can’t wait to read the next book.

I was confused by the beginning at first because I expected to get right into the story but instead we got an introduction to the characters and their professions as well as how Jeremy and Mattie meet and grow close. We also get a glimpse of Mattie’s friendship with Sarah.

I will admit, I didn’t see that revelation though I was right on part of it, but it was a real shocking. Mattie talking to Cade at the hospital had me tears while I was reading at work.

I look forward to reading the next book.

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An Unexpected Home (Cedarville, #1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Moriah Venable

An Unexpected Home (Cedarville #1)An Unexpected Home by Bree Kraemer

An Unexpected Home is the first novel in the Cedarville series by Bree Kraemer. This is my first novel by this author.

Leah Gibson, 28 year old accountant, moves to Cedarville, Ohio to help her friends Carly and Mel run their dance studio. After a little hesitation, Leah decides to start life anew to get away from the press and media after the betrayal of her father and uncle.

‘Home, she realized, was not just a place you slept or kept your things. It was more than that. It was a place that you felt comfortable and wanted. Even loved.’

When she arrives she meets Brandon who is not only Carly’s 33 year old cousin but also the local acting police chief after the former police chief had a heart attack and he was next in line. There is an instant attraction between the two but of course the two try to deny it.

The night Leah comes to town there is a break in and Brandon tries not to sound accusing when someone says they saw Leah’s car pass by during the time of the break in. Leah feels like she is being questioned because of her past, but answers the questions anyway.

The next day she goes to see him but leaves when she starts having a panic attack and leaves. She comes back to apologize and explains that she wants to sleep with him but Brandon refuses because he likes her and wants more than just that.

When an expected visitor comes into town, will they ruin the growing relationship?

While initially hesitant, I really enjoyed this story. The novel is told from alternative third person perspectives of Leah and Brandon.

Brandon is one of those types of guys who dates but wants nothing serious and the women he sees know that. But the moment he lays eyes on Leah, he likes her and wants more. He doesn’t like being called ‘boss’ or ‘sir’ but it protective of those he cares about.

“I will say this . I have women that I can go to when I want sex and they know that it is just sex. But I don’t sleep around.”“Why can’t I be one of those women?” He heard the words and he knew what she was asking but for some reason it made him angry. “You just can’t,” he said and turned putting his back to her so he could go sit back down.”

I love stories where people are starting over and making a new life for themselves.

Of course the path getting there, isn’t easy. But it’s great and makes me hopeful, when reading.

Leah and Brandon I felt had amazing chemistry, making the novel more fun to read.

With great romance, suspense and characters one can relate to, it’s a novel you don’t wanna put down.

I can’t wait for the next novel.

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Playing Fate (Endgame Series, #1) by Leigh Ann Lunsford – Review by Moriah Venable

Playing Fate (Endgame Series #1)Playing Fate by Leigh Ann Lunsford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Playing Fate is the first book in the Endgame series by author Leigh Ann Lunsford. This is my first book by this author.

The novel is told between the POVs of Saylor Lewis, a 19 year old in her first year of college. She is from a small town and with the passing her father years before, believes that her father stopped loving her causing her to have trust issues. Her only goal is to study to retain her scholarship. She wants to be more social but still finds comfort in her own room. She moves into a house with two other girls, Emmberlee and Avery. The other point of view is Deacon who lives next door with the boys Caden and Mason. They have all grown up together. The boys play baseball but because of circumstances their original plan changes.

“As long as I could remember, we were all going to the Major Leagues. Our junior year we were scouted, and we all hand a future laid out in front of us. Cue Adriane…she blew my world apart, changed my plans, and Mason and Caden weren’t ready to give up the dream. They took it in stride when we couldn’t go to the majors. They followed me to college, and we are still learning to navigate this world. Caden has accepted it, but he doesn’t let it much bother him. He just ducks and rolls…block anything that will leave a lasting impression in his life.”

Saylor initially feels like an outsider but soon becomes part of the group. She feels an attraction to Deacon but because she hears about “Julie” all the time she believes that she is his girlfriend and doesn’t understand why he’d be pursuing her when he is with someone.

“Since I left my life, in New Mexico, I haven’t forged relationships. I was a loner by nature, even though I longed to fit in. I’m a regular oxymoron.” Saylor wants what any teenager wants: To feel like you belong somewhere. To find people who care about you.

She soons finds out that Julie is not his girlfriend but in fact his 4 month old daughter. The mother left and gave him all rights. Which makes her start to feel different towards him but still have her defenses up.

Deacon knows that Saylor is guarded because of her childhood, her father left, and is willing to wait for her to let down her defenses. She is obviously attracted to him but isn’t sure about starting a relationship with him because of her trust issues.

With the arrival of Deacon’s ex, thinking that he will get back with her, causesher to end things. With both of them miserable, the others excluding Emmberlee,who is the cause of bringing Adriane back, devise a plan to reunite Deacon and Saylor.

I really enjoyed this book. I related to Saylor because of her trust issues and her desire to want a new start by going away to college. I just wish she was not so back and forth. But I understood that too. I really didn’t like Emmberlee. I liked her at first but then her personality changed. I was hoping she would redeem herself.

I loved the scene when Saylor learns the truth about her father. Such an amazing scene. I really did love Saylor and Deacon’s relationship. And I fell so in love with Julie. Such a cute baby.

I am interested in reading Emmberlee’s story. Maybe we will learn more about her.

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