Review: First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

A no-nonsense sports hero and a feisty female detective go head-to head in this funny, fresh, seductive novel from the award winning NYT best selling author known for her unforgettable characters, heartfelt emotion and laugh out loud humor.

He's the former quarterback of the Chicago Stars football team.

She's trying to make a success of her very own detective agency.

Her first job? Follow him.

Let's just say it's not going well. 

Not well at all....

Piper Dove is a woman with a dream- to become the best detective in the city of Chicago? First job? Trail former Chicago Stars quarterback, Cooper Graham. The problem? Graham's spotter her, and he's not happy.

Which is why a great detective needs a first rate imagination. "The fact is... I'm your stalker. Not full-out barmy. Just... mildly unhinged."

Piper soon finds herself working for Graham himself, although not as the bodyguard he refuses to admit he so desperately needs. Instead, he's hired her to keep an eye on the employees at his exclusive new nightclub. But Coop's life might be in danger, and Piper's determined to protect him, whether he wants it or not (Hint: Not!).  If only she weren't also dealing with a bevy of Middle Eastern princesses, a Pakistani servant girl yearning for freedom, a teenager who just wants to fit in, and an elderly neighbor demanding that Piper find her very dead husband.

And then there's Cooper Graham, a legendary sports hero who always gets what he wants- even if what he wants just might be an intrepid detective hell bent on proving she's as tough as he is.

From the busting streets of Chicago to a windswept lighthouse on Lake Superior to the glistening waters of Biscayne Bay, two people who can't stand to lose will test themselves and each other to discover what matters most.

Review:
Yeah baby! My Chicago Stars are back and better than ever. Susan Elizabeth Phillips proves yet again why she is and will always be my favorite author. First Star I See Tonight is fast paced romantic tale of two characters who initially don't like each other very much, but quickly find their lives intertwined and gradually develop a friendship turned love with a few incredibly entertaining bumps along the way.

The hero, Cooper and heroine, Piper are both such well developed characters. The trademark SEP witty banter kept me laughing and quickly turning the pages. The humor and romance are sure to charm even the toughest critic. The secondary characters and their storylines running alongside our romance made it even more intimate and charming. I could really visualize these characters, where they lived and who their people were.

I give First Star I See Tonight five big bright beautiful shooting stars! This book is one that is certain to be on my must re-read list for many years to come! There is a reason you are seeing this book show up on so many top reading lists- it's amazing! As I type this I sit with my fingers crossed that another Chicago Star romance will come our way in the future (Hint, Hint SEP).

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Note: I purchased this book on my own and as always all thoughts are my own

Review: Chasing Lady Amelia by Maya Rodale

Chasing Lady Amelia

Keeping Up with the Cavendishes

TERRIBLY IMPROPER
Lady Amelia is fed up with being a proper lady and wishes to explore London, so one night she escapes... and finds herself in the company of one Alistair Finlay-Jones. He's been ordered by his uncle to wed one of the American girls. How lucky, then that one of them stumbles right into his arms!

TOTALLY SCANDALOUS
Alistair and Amelia have one perfect day to explore London, from Astley's Amphitheater to Vauxhall Gardens. Inevitably they end up falling in love and making love. If anyone finds out, she will be ruined, but he will win everything he's ever wanted.

VERY ROMANTIC
When Amelia finds out Alistair has been ordered to marry her, he must woo her and win back the angry American girl. But with the threat of scandals, plural, looming... will he ever catch up to the woman he loves.

Review:
Chasing Lady Amelia is the second book in Maya Rodale's, Keeping up With the Cavendishes series.

Lady Amelia is an American and if she had her way she would still be living in America. She has no interest in becoming the proper lady everyone in London expects her to be. Let it not be said that Lady Amelia doesn't at least put her best foot forward (foot only wearing stockings that is, as her shoes are hiding in the planter in the ballroom, as they were terribly uncomfortable). After a ball that was guaranteed to cause scandal in the society pages she finds herself a little drugged (unknowingly) and lured to the city streets by a singing siren.. in the form of one Mr. Alistair Finlay-Jones

Alistair Finlay-Jones feels he owes a debt to his Uncle and the best way to satisfy that debt is to grant his wish and marry one of the American girls. Her dowry will give them the financial boost they need. He never expected one of the girls to literally cross his path and make her way to his home and bed, all in the same day. He also never expected to fall in love.

Lady Amelia spends an amazingly adventurous day exploring London with Alistair Finley Jones, but with Amelia's family desperately.. but quietly, hunting all over London for her she is forced to return to reality. Once she realizes that Alistair knew who she was all along, he has his hands full convincing her that he fell in love with her, not her money.

5 STARS for Chasing Lady Amelia. It was a delightful, uplifting escape from reality. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story, the non-stop humor and the romance, oh the romance. This is the first book of this series that I've read, so it can be read as a stand alone book. That being said, I have already purchased the first book in this series Lady Bridget's Diary and plan to preorder Lady Claire Is All That (releasing 12/27/16). All of the books in this series are written to be taking place at the same time, which adds an extra element of fun to the mix. I became a fan of Maya Rodale after reading her Writing Girls books. I loved every book in that series and have reread it more times than I can count. I have a feeling that the Keeping Up with the Cavendishes novels will be joining my shelf of favorite books as well.  If you are looking for an fun, romantic happily ever after you must read Chasing Lady Amelia!

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Add Chasing Lady Amelia to your Goodreads!

About the Author:
Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother's insistence. She is now the bestselling and award winning author of numerous smart and sassy romance novels. A champion of the genre and its readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained and co-founder of Lady Jane's Salon, a national reading series devoted to romantic fiction. Maya lives in New York City and her darling dog and a rogue of her own.

Note: I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this romance!

Review: Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

Choose the one guy you can't have...

As captain of a San Francisco tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas- the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she's in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him- hard...

Pub owner Finn O'Riley is six-foot plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don't ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it's what she wishes for at the historic fountain that supposed to grant her heart's desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story- because Pru's been keeping a secret that could change everything....

Review:
Pru has spent a good portion of her adult life making amends for a tragic accident caused by her parents. She's helped everyone involved in one way or another and her last wish is to see Finn O'Riley happy. Selflessly, she places a wish in the magic fountain. Her heart's desire is for Finn to find happiness. However, I don't think she planned for that happiness to come in the form of... well, her. Finn has been taking care of his brother and their business since his father died. He's not really taken time for himself, but he can't seem to not spend time with the lovely ship captain, Pru. From their first eye lock in the beginning of the book to their last kiss at the end of the book, Jill Shalvis reeled this reader in hook, line and sinker.

Sweet Little Lies the first novel in the new Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis is an example of contemporary romance at its best. The romance is steamy with the perfect amount of comedy and angst. The characters felt real. I want to be friends with these people. I loved EVERY single page. Heartbreaker Bay has officially made my list of favorite fictional towns. It may not be as small town, as say Fool's Gold (Susan Mallery) or Sweet, Texas (Candis Terry),  but with this tight knit group of friends it certainly has that small town feel. I can't wait to see what's next for Heartbreaker Bay!

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Review: Dreaming Up A Dare by Catherine Gayle

Hockey star Jackson Maddox and gymnast Pepper Wilson have been best friends since childhood...

Just friends. 

When Jackson needs a date to a prestigious party, he calls upon his petite and dazzling BFF to be his arm candy for the night. Nothing could be better than walking into a room with Pepper on his arm. Jackson won't ever admit how he really feels about her, because they're...

Just friends.

With her gymnastics career over, Pepper welcomes the chance to let her freak flag fly- especially with Jackson by her side. Pepper can't confess she's loved him since childhood. He's her best friend and there's no reason to jeopardize what they've got. But they're still...

Just friends.

But when a seemingly harmless game of Truth or Dare gets a little too close and entirely too personal, can Jackson dream up a dare that could give them both what they really want?

Review: 

The backstory of the life long friendship between Jackson and Pepper immediately made their relationship feel real from the beginning. The alternating POV's did a masterful job of quickly revealing that they both have similar hidden feelings for each other. The sexual chemistry is steamy from the beginning and the Truth or Dare games adds an element of fun to the equation. They've both had more than friend feelings for each other for a long time, so when they finally come together it's pretty amazing and SUPER hot! This quote is from the aftermath of their first little Truth or Dare session when Pepper is a little drunk:

"I'm not saying you're too drunk," I cut in. "I just think that this has been a lot for both of us to process for now. Maybe you should go to bed. Sleep it off. See what tomorrow brings."

"Jackson," she said not even attempting to hide the plea in her tone.

"Go to bed, Pepper." I shut the faucet off and tossed the bottles in the recycling bin under my sink. "Before I change my mind and take you to mine."

I totally loved this story and finished reading in one sitting. It felt complete and not rushed, as I find some novellas.  That being said, if Catherine Gayle were to tell me she was going to develop this into a full length novel, I would be over the moon. I feel like there is an open door to expand this story to make it even more amazing. For example, Jackson's longtime ex-girlfriend is now dating one of his teammates. A teammate that he reluctantly has to play nice with for the good of his team. Pepper's transition with her new career could also be expanded and bringing in more athletes and storylines.

Dreaming Up a Dare get's five stars from me! I look forward to more Catherine Gayle hockey romance to come.

Buy Links:
Dreaming Up a Dare by Catherine Gayle is a Kindle Worlds Novella and is available now on Amazon.com. Click here to find this book on Amazon.com!

Click here to add this book to your Goodreads! 

Author Info:

Catherine Galye is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas, with more than half a million books sold. She's a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster's next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic. 

 Author Links:
catherinegayle.com  **  Amazon Author Page  **  Facebook  **  Twitter @catherinegayle


Note: I was given an Advanced Reading Copy of Dreaming Up A Dare in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this story! 

Cover Reveal: I SEE YOU by Molly McAdams

Futures are uncertain, unpredictable-like ink spilled across then purest surface. Nearly imperceptible ripples move and flow until a unique stain is formed. The ink is permanently embedded in the surface...

During one wild night in college, Jentry Michaels is a tidal wave of ink that brands Aurora Wilde's soul. An unparalleled stain she can't forget despite the many months that have passed-and despite the distraction she'd hoped to find in her new relationship with Declan, the charmer who captured her heart soon after. Jentry has irrevocably touched her soul, and he is intertwined in her present and future in ways she never fathomed. Now Aurora is faced with keeping that night hidden though it feels as if the ink has inedibly etched their story across her own skin.

When Declan is confronted with his own personal demons, Aurora must decide if she will continue to hold tight to their relationship and a safe, reliable future with him, or if she will turn to Jentry- the guy she can't forget no matter how hard she tried...

ON-SALE: 11/1/2016- William Morrow

Pre-Order Links: ON-SALE: 11/1/2016

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About the Author:
Molly McAdams grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband, daughter and fur babies. Her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach... which roughly translates to being a homebody with her husband and dishing out movie quotes.

COVER REVEAL: Bedmates by Nichole Chase

Save Your Money for Books is very excited to participate in the COVER REVEAL today for Bedmates by Nichole Chase. Bedmates is the first book in her new American Royalty Series and is on sale from William Morrow on October 4, 2016. 

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college.But when you're the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire's latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community services as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president's son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.

Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn't have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They're like oil and water and every time they're together, it's combustible, but there's a thin line between love and hate, and it's not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.

When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he's resisted for so long beings to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn't about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie's fallen for him and she'll do anything to keep him fro the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can't lose.

 

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CLICK HERE TO ADD BEDMATES TO YOUR GOODREADS SHELF!  

About Nichole Chase:
Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal and Recklessly Royal. She lives in Georgia with her husband, toddler, superhero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you can find her writing, painting, crafting or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises. 

Review: Ghost Dance (Tulsa Thunderbirds #3) by Catherine Gayle

The night Dmitri Nazarenko won hockey's Holy Grail, he lost more than he ever bargained for. With a world of guilt weighing him down, Dima can never forgive himself for his tragic misjudgment. Turning his body into a shrine of past mistakes, he hides behind tattoos that memorialize his failures and a beard that masks his pain.

But London Hawke sees right through him, The fiery woman refuses to pity a man like him. No stranger to incurable injuries, London lets nothing stand in the way of living her life. Seeing an able-bodied man haunted by ghosts of his past is a surefire way to trigger her annoyance, and that's exactly what she finds in Dima.

When they face off, it becomes a battle of wills. Their constant bickering turns to an avoidance dance between the sheets. But she won't except sharing a bed with the past for long. Will Dima learn to fight his demons or will London leave him do dance with his ghosts alone?

Review:
Ghost Dance is book number three in author Catherine Gayle's Tulsa Thunderbird series. Dima is the epitome of a dark brooding hero. Hiding behind a beard and not forgiving himself for the accident that cost his best friend his career. London is making the best of the cards fate has dealt her. An accident has left her wheelchair bound, but she doesn't let that stop her from doing everything she wants to do in life and helping others along the way.

After taking one look at Dima, she  decides to help him move on with his life. A perfect twist of fate finds them snowed in together for several days. Dima has a a big thick (ok get your mind out of the gutter, stay with me here) emotional wall built around his heart. When things get tough, he walks away.. literally, or uses his sexual prowess to distract and change the subject quickly. The more London encourages him to open up with her the more frustrated he gets and before long running isn't an option so he goes to plan B. These two are so hot together, even though at times they don't seem to like each other very much.. but in bed they do a lot more than like each other.

Ghost Dance is an emotionally heart-wrenching and uplifting read.  I loved London's take charge attitude and as Dima began to open up he quickly earned a spot in my heart. Their story has a few unexpected twists that kept me interested and quickly tuning the pages. Author Catherine Gayle has an unparalleled ability to take real life circumstances that others may find less than sexy and turn them around giving her readers a whole new perspective on life and love. I gave Ghost Dancer 5 SHINING STARS. This reader can't wait for more from this series and author! 

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Author Links:

Facebook   ** GOODREADS   **  catherinegayle.com   **   Twitter

Note: 

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this story! 

Review: Serving Trouble (A Second Shot Novel) by Sara Jane Stone

Five years ago, Josie Fairmore left timber country in search of a bright future. Now she's back home with a mountain of debt and reeling from a loss that haunts her. Desperate for a job, she turns to the one man she wishes she could avoid. The man who rocked her world one wild night and then walked right out of it.

Former Marine Noah Tager is managing his dad's bar and holding tight to the feeling that his time oversees led to failure. The members of his small town think he's a war hero, but after everything he's witnessed, Noah doesn't want a pat on the back. The only thing he desires is a second chance with his best friends little sister.

Josie's determined to hold on to her heart and not repeat her mistakes, but when danger arrives on Noah's doorstep and takes aim at Josie, they might just discover that sometimes love is worth the risk.

Review:
First of all before you read Serving Trouble I recommend you read the novella Running Wild (it is the start to Josie & Noah's story). Without reading it's possible to still easily follow the story, but for me it just made this story even better!

A military man.. his best friends little sister and one wild night five years ago.. I knew this story was going to be good well before I turned the first page. She's a little broken, he's a little broken and once they stop fighting being together they are able to heal each other all the while overcoming many bumps and finding love along the way.

Some familiar faces from the Independence Falls series also make an appearance in this story and for fans of that series Josh (the brother with the traumatic brain injury) finds a new love interest in Noah's friend from the Marines Caroline. There is enough back story there to make one heck of a romance- I can't wait to see what's in store for this duo! I game Serving Trouble 5 Stars and can't wait for more books from Sara Jane Stone!

Buy Links:

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Disclaimer: 

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this review. 

Review: Love of the Game by Lori Wilde

A sexy sports superstar discovers his body isn't the only thing that needs healing in this newest Stardust, Texas novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde.

With major league good looks and talent, Dallas Gunslingers relief pitcher Axel Richmond was living the good life. Even if the road of the crowd could never distract him from the loss of his young son. But now with an injured shoulder and his career on the line, Axel is stuck recuperating at a ranch in Stardust, Texas... striking out only with his gorgeous physical therapist.

Kasha Carlyle has one week to get Axel back in action, or she can kiss her much-needed job with the Gunslingers, goodbye. And any chance to seek custody of the orphaned half-sister she never knew existed. She quickly learns that Axel's guarded heart also needs healing... requiring all kinds of sneaky plays and sexy moves in extra innings.

Review: 
Kasha desperately needs Axel to fully recover from his injury, and fast, especially since it was her recommendation that he try therapy instead of the risky shoulder surgery that the Gunslingers were pressuring him to try. If therapy doesn't work she can kiss her career goodbye, and her dreams of helping her newly discovered half-sister. Axel needs his career, it's all he has left that he cares about. The pair of them team up and sparks fly. I love the slow building passion masked as friendship. These two tried so hard to keep things professional, but sometimes fate has other plans.

Wow!  I loved this book so much it gets 5 STARS from this reader. Love of the Game has all the elements that make a contemporary romance magical, a sports star, a strong heroine, incredible chemistry, family values and a small town. This is Book #3 in Lori Wilde's Stardust, Texas series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone novel. It's the kind of book that you finish reading with a smile on your face and butterflies in your tummy.

PS> If you haven't read any other Lori Wilde books.. check her out, she is one of my favorite authors! http://loriwilde.com/

Buy Links:

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Disclaimer- I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this book! 

Review: All Chained Up by Sophie Jordan

There are bad boys and then there are the men of Devil's Rock....

Some men come with a built-in warning label, Knox Callaghan is one of them. Danger radiates from every lean, muscled inch of him, and his deep blue eyes seem to see right through Briar Davis's most secret fantasies. But there's one major problem: Briar is a nurse volunteering at the local prison, and Know is an inmate who should be off-limits in every way.

Knox feels it too- a shocking animal magnetism that drives him to risk his own life to protect Briar's. Paroled at last, he tried to resist her. She's too innocent, too sweet, and she has no idea what Know is capable of. But a single touch can lead to a kiss- and a taste... until the only crime is denying what feels right...

When the prison doors are open, the real dragon will fly out."- Ho Chi Minh

Review: 
I honestly went into this book a little unsure of the plot. I am not usually a fan of bad boy romance, when the boys are actually bad.. like a legitimate felon bad.. and Knox Callaghan is the epitome of the real bad boy. After reading the first teaser chapters that were released by the publisher on social media they caught my attention and I knew I had to read this book. I am so glad I took yet another chance on Sophie Jordan, she is a gamble that pays off every single time.

Briar is a nurse who volunteers to help her boss working with the inmates at Devil's Rock, in hopes of advancing her career. She knew working in a prison wouldn't be sunshine and roses, but she never expected her career decision would result in her risking her life and her heart.

Knox was dealt a bad hand. Did he commit the crime he was convicted for? Yes. Would he do it again? Probably, just not to the same extent. He sees his mistake as causing a snowball effect and he carries some heavy guilt on those big strong shoulders. The first time he sets eyes on the innocent nurse he can't get her out of his head. When he hears of a plot to hurt her, he knows he must do whatever it takes to protect her, and he does. His parole is granted shortly after and when he runs into his damsel in distress again outside the prison walls all bets are off. He thinks he's not good enough for her, and she may have to prove to him exactly how wrong he is...

All Chained Up is a story about second chances, making mistakes, learning. growing and loving. The relationship that develops between Briar and Knox feels real. If you like a story full of action and fog up your car windows, let's call the fire department HOT, you don't want to miss this book.  All Chained Up gets 5 SHINING STARS from this reader. Sophie Jordan proves yet again that she can write any genre and knock it out of the ballpark (speaking of ballparks-my favorite genre is sports romance, think you can tackle that one next, Sophie?)

Buy Links:

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Note: I was granted access to an ARC copy of this book. I LOVED this book and will be buying a paper copy for my keep forever bookshelf.. it was that good. 

5 STARS for Rushing the Goal by Toni Aleo!

Introduced in Toni Aleo's Bellevue Bullies Series, it's the Sinclair brothers' big sister's turn to find love int eh next installment of the New York Times and USA Today best-selling series, the Assassins.

Lucy Sinclair was no stranger to pain.

She grew up with three younger brothers, met a bad boy, got pregnant by him, married him, and then suffered through a nasty divorce from him. Pain. That was pain. To top it off, she even had to go through the heartbreaking divorce of her parents. Through it all, she survived. All she cared about was making sure her daughter was happy and taken care of. Despite an ex-husband hell bent on ruining her life, she fought to overcome. She's gotten to the point that she's okay with being just okay. She never cared about herself because she never had time. It was Angie and only Angie she focused on, but that all changed when Benji Paxton offered to help her daughter on the ice.

Benji knew the moment he saw Lucy, he'd never be the same. Especially when she came with a bundle of crazy that was her daughter. His heart wasn't ready for them. After years spent sobering up and finding who he was without alcohol, he never forgot he was being punished for not appreciating the love he had when he was younger. Because of his past, he had gotten used to being alone, a recluse. but even he had to admit it was getting old. He was lonely. Hockey wasn't enough anymore. He wanted a family; he wanted true love, and Lucy and Angie were just that.

Benji and Lucy were just two lost souls.
Floating through life with no purpose.
But finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future.
And that had them both Rushing the goal to be together.

Review:
I expected this book to be good going into it, because honestly I am a fan of Toni Aleo's writing, and her Assassin's and Bellevue series are both favorites of mine. This book met and exceeded my expectations. I loved Benji & Lucy's story.

Benji's not really looking for love, he's still getting over the loss of his family many years ago and his battle with alcoholism. Once he sets eyes on Lucy he knows she's special and so is Angie. He needs more of Lucy.. well more of both of them. This is one package deal he can't walk away from... ever.

Lucy's got her guard up all the time. She's is fiercely protective of her daughter, it's her job and her job alone to make sure they are both okay. Her willingness to sacrifice herself and things in her life to do what's best for Angie made her quite possibly one of my favorite fictional heroines ever.

I love the way the story introduces a child with ADHD and integrates the things that she needs in her life to cope/thrive with this disorder. As a parent of a child with ADHD, I've experienced the stigma that is associated with that label. Lucy's ex-husband's reluctance to accept her diagnosis as a medical issue and not a behavioral issue, infuriated me and made me hate him even more than I did from the start.  Benji's quick acceptance of Angie and the almost instant bond he forms with her quickly earned him a spot in my heart as well. I love that he was Angie's friend before Lucy finally opens her eyes to see the amazing man that was falling in love with her as well!

This is not your fluffy love at first sight, small fight, quick make up and happily ever after romance. Both of Benji and Lucy each are battling their own demons before they even meet for the first time. I loved the steady building, yet unpredictable at times plot. It kept me hanging on and wanting more. The character development is spot on, if you like a book that gives you "the feels", look no further.  I gritted my teeth, clenched my fists, laughed and cried as this story unfolded before me.  I gave Rushing the Goal 5 STARS. I can't wait for what's next from this series and this author!

PS> If  you haven't read Toni Aleo's Assassin Series and Bellevue Bullies books so far, stop what you are doing and read them! They are the stuff binge reads are made of! Rushing the Goal can absolutely be read as a standalone book. However, I recommend reading the earlier books in each series. For me knowing the backstory of earlier characters and their family trees made Rushing the Goal an even more amazing read. I love when a series has characters that feel like family. Toni Aleo does a fabulous job of keeping this series addict happy by perfectly inserting past characters into the current story. (PS> Shea Adler will always be my favorite Assassin).

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Review: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.

But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked.

For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable.

What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants.

Review:
WOW! Thank you Kindle Unlimited form helping me find another amazing book/author I may have missed otherwise. When the Wall of Winnipeg and Me posted as a suggested book in the Kindle Store, I read the blurb, it sounded good, so I snagged it. This book sat on my Kindle for a week before I got around to reading it... oh what precious time I was wasting. I seriously couldn't put this book down!

Aiden's a pro-football player, he's a loner, he's brooding, he's hot, a little oblivious, self-centered and maybe just a tiny bit mean. Vanessa is/was his Assistant, she did EVERYTHING for him and he barely acknowledged she was alive.. until she quit. She was moving on with her life until she opens the door to her apartment to see Aiden on the other side. Aiden needs her to come back... but in a different capacity, as his wife... to help him get his U.S. citizenship.

LOVED the slow building relationship between Aiden and Vanessa. These two go from employer/employee, to friends to so much more. The steady pace of the story allows you to really connect with each character, to feel as if you know them. Once Aiden and Vanessa finally connected romantically I had butterflies in my stomach. This book will give you the feels like no other. This book gets 5 STARS from this reader and  is one of the best books I've read recently. I tried it with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and have since purchased it. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me is a book I felt like I needed to own, not just borrow. If you love a well written, well paced, true romance you don't want to miss this book!

PS> I purchased Kulti another book by this author and it's next on my list to read. Review to come!

 CLICK HERE TO BUY THIS BOOK ON AMAZON  

REVIEW: Losing an Edge (Portland Storm #8) -Catherine Gayle

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series.

Tired of being the second-best Babcock, Levi "501" Babcock is ready to outshine his older brother. Outranking his brother proves harder than he imagined- until he meets a sinfully sexy gold-medal-winning figure skater. She might be the prize he's been searching for all along.

Bubbly and spirited Cadence Johnson is determined to escape the shackles of her former partner. Moving to Portland gives her the fresh start she's craved, but the last thing she can afford is a distraction like Levi Babcock.

When Cadence's past comes back to threaten her and her life is on the line, Levi might be the safety net she never realized she needed. But will Levi still care about Losing an Edge to his biggest rival, or can he finally step out of his brother's shadow to become the hero in his own game?

Review:
Fans of Catherine Gayle's Portland Storm series will not be disappointed with her latest release. Levi Babcock was living in the shadow of his brother on paper and also in the heart of this reader. Jamie Babcock (Icebreaker- Portland Storm #0.5, Taking A Shot (Portland Storm #2.5) & Dropping Gloves-Portland Storm #7) is one of my favorite heroes in this series, so to compete at his level Levi's story was going to have to be REALLY good, and it was!

Cadence is the sister of Cam Johnson aka Jonny (Delay of Game- Portland Storm #4), so this book is definitely keeping it inside the Portland Storm family. Cadence is coming out of a bad skating partnership and relationship. The last thing she needs is a distraction.. and Levi Babcock is most certainly a distraction. Levi has his work cut out for him, not only does he need to convince Cadence to give him a chance, he also has to avoid being assaulted by his teammate when he finds out he's making a move on his sister! Levi slowly worked his way into Cadence's heart and won this reader's heart just as subtly.

I gave Losing An Edge 5 STARS. This book could absolutely be read as a stand alone, however I recommend reading this series in order. Fans of the Portland Storm series will love the way this story comes together with many familiar faces playing a big part in Cadence & Levi's happily ever after. The plot builds at a perfect pace with Levi & Cadence's growing relationship, her search for a new skating partner and her ex's reluctance to fully let her go. I loved the protective brother, the loving Babcock family, and most of all the way Levi proves on and off the ice that there is another Babcock brother in town. Sports romance fans will love the way Catherine Gayle masterfully writes the on-ice action. There are times I felt like I was watching a real game and sitting on the edge of my seat, the details are spot on. Catherine Gayle writes a buildup to a goal both on the ice and off the ice like no other.

Click HERE to add this book to your goodreads shelf!

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Author Links: 

AMAZON    *** catherinegayle.com  ***  FACEBOOK   ***  Twitter

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this book! 

5 STARS FOR RUNAWAY VAMPIRE BY LYNSAY SANDS!

Buckle up- the Argeneau's are back in a sexy, witty new novel from New York Times best selling author Lynsay Sands.

Dante Notte has heard it said that love hurts. He just wasn't expecting it to run him over in an RV. Still, a punctured lung and broken ribs are nothing compared to a full-body shock he feels whenever he's near the vehicles driver, Mary Winslow. He needs to keep her safe from their pursuers while he rescues his brother. Most challenging of all, he needs to claim this smart, stubborn woman as his life mate.

The naked, injured, insanely gorgeous younger man who clambered into her RV insists they belong together. If Mary wasn't feeling their incredible connection in every inch of her being, she wouldn't believe it. But now that the men who took Dante's twin are after her too, trusting her gut means risking her life for an immortal who's the very definition of a perfect stranger.

Review:
Dante Notte wasn't looking for his life mate he was just trying to escape from a kidnapping. Mary is trying to keep moving on with her life after the death of her husband, she certainly wasn't looking for love, but the nanos have something else in mind!

Runaway Vampire starts with a bang. That bang being Mary running over Dante with her RV. Dante finds himself face to face with his life mate with his kidnappers in hot pursuit. He has to protect her at all costs and if they find love along the way, even better.

Lynsay Sands does it again! Just when I think I can't love her Argeneau series even more she releases a new book and hits it out of the park again. Runaway Vampire is full of the trademark humor, action and a whole lot of love that I've come to expect from this series. I love how each book subtly introduces a new storyline, while still keeping pace with the series. This book is part of the Argeneau series, but can certainly be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading it in order, it's the stuff binge reads are made of! This book gets 5 STARS from this reviewer and I hope Lynsay Sands never stops writing Argeneau books!

Buy Links:

AMAZON  ***  BARNES & NOBLE  ***  iTUNES  ***  KOBO

Disclaimer: I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I honestly LOVED this book! 

5 STARS for HOOKED BY LOVE by TONI ALEO

Things are out of control for the Sinclair boys! With two already in the NHL, Jace Sinclair is ready to follow his brothers' HUGE skates in the last Bellevue Bullies novel...

Jace Sinclair here, and I'm amazing. There is no other way to describe me. I am the leading scorer for the Bellevue Bullies, I'm the captain, and people love me: my family, my teammates, my coach and the NHL. This is my last year in college- I already have one foot in the draft. Hockey keeps me warm even when it's freezing. It's always there when nothing else is. And it pushes me to be the best that I can be. It's my one and only love.

That is until I see her against a tree with a guitar. 

Avery. 

The last thing I wanted was to meet anyone. My heart is on the bench because of what happened with my parents, and I don't want that for myself. I don't want to be hurt by anyone. I can't give them that power. 

But my heart is begging for ice time and I can't control it around her.

***
I've always been in the background. No one has ever had time for me and that's fine; I've learned to cope. Coming from a family where hockey is life, the last thing I want is some big, burly, hockey player charging at me. I don't have time for it, but Jace Sinclair isn't one to be deked around. I don't want to meet anyone. I didn't want to end up freezing the puck with him. It's not what I want.

I have demons.

I have issues.

Living in the shadows, no one even know until it was too late. But Jace wants to know. He wants me. And that scares the living hell out of me. 

We were so worried about what would happen if we fell, but we never thought what could happen in the process of falling. We never saw it coming. But it's here, and the repercussions are not pretty. We should have know that there is no way out of the zone when you are being Hooked by Love. 


Review:
Fans of sports romance, hockey romance and romance in general will not want to miss Hooked by Love by author Toni Aleo. This is book number three in her Bellevue Bullies series and tells the story of the youngest Sinclair brother, Jace.  

Jace missed out on entering the draft last season because he was recovering from an injury. He's back and starting his senior year as Captain of the Bellevue Bullies, his goal - to have an amazing season enter the draft in the #1 position and play in the NHL with his brothers. His agenda didn't include falling in love, but from the moment he sets eyes on Avery all bets are off.

Avery is finally on her own and no longer living in the shadow of her hockey playing brothers. She is going to college and pursuing her dream of making it in the music business. She has no plans to fall in love, but suddenly finds herself head over heels in love with Jace Sinclair. Her past still haunts her, but Jace's love makes her feel whole and loved for the first time in her life. She's got secrets and some of them are not easy to share even with the one who holds your heart. Will those secrets and her past keep her from the amazing love that is destined to be her future?

I gave Hooked by Love 5 Stars and declare it the perfect hat trick for the Bellevue Bullies series. At 548 pages this book is worth every single penny.  The pages are packed with a well paced story, full of twists and turns, intense character development and I found myself quickly becoming attached to Jace and Avery. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down and I read the entire story in one sitting. I ran the full gamut of emotions, I laughed, cried, wanted to punch a few people (namely Avery's family) and had butterflies in my tummy.

This is a stand alone book (however I do recommend reading the first two book in this series first, these are characters you will love to revisit and it makes their banter and interactions even more hilarious and endearing). The Sinclair brothers are a tightly knit family, so the older two brothers play a big part in Jace's story. I loved getting to know their sister Lucy a little more in this book and I really hope that she gets a book next, she's a single mom deserves the happily ever after I know Toni Aleo can give her.

To sum it up... this booked was FABULOUS and quite possibly my favorite in this series to date... Jace is pretty awesome.. just ask him :)

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Review: Tap by Georgia Cates

Craft beer and sexy men who brew it. Both, always a good idea.

A faceless name. That's all she was when I agreed to play a part in deceiving her. But then the unplanned happened.

We met. And all I wanted from her was a dirty weekend... until that wasn't enough and I longed for so much more.

Lawrence Thorn suddenly means the world to me. And that's a problem. She's my business partner's sister. Forbidden fruit. Pursuing her can mean trouble for me and Lovibond Brewery. But I don't care.

I yearn for her skin against mine. 

I crave her smell on my body.

I want to make her laugh and then hear her moan my name. 

And she does for a brief moment in time. 

But Lawrence wants more than I'm able to give. And it's a damn shame because there's no one else on earth I want more than her. 

An epic love. 

A miserable ending.

Unless it's not.

Review: 

5 Stars for Tap by Georgia Cates. The first novel in her new Lovibond series sucked me in and left me looking forward to more Lovibond love! 

Tap is a business partner of Lawrence's brother. When his partner has to enter rehab he asks Tap to "cover" for him with his sister. He doesn't want her to know where he's going. This should be easy, reply to some text messages, creatively avoid a few phone calls until his friend is back. It was easy until Lawrence decided to pay her brother an unexpected visit and Tap comes face to face with a woman he can't forget. He has to decide if he is willing to risk his friendship for a shot of at happiness.. only his past may keep his future at bay.

This story has it all! Forbidden love, tragic past events, great beer and even greater love. I enjoyed getting to know Lawrence and Tap and the other Lovibond characters. Tap is a stand alone novel with a perfectly timed happily ever after.  I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Buy Link:
Amazon

Notes:
I read this book using my Kindle Unlimited membership, it was good enough that I bought it immediately after I finished reading it... This is the kind of book that re-read dreams are made of..