Tag Archives: Julie

The Best Friend’s Guide to Taking Risks by Scott & Flockton

Posted on by
10

The Best Friend’s Guide to Taking Risks by Kadie Scott & Nicole Flockton

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Everyone knows that the biggest risk you can take with your best friend is to cross a certain line.

When it comes to relationships, Hunter Lancing is not a risk taker. Between his parents’ terrible divorce and his own bad decisions, he’s been burned. Computers make more sense to him. Everything has a rule. Everything is defined. Like his computers, his best friend is defined, constant, and comes with rules he won’t break.

Part-time children’s party princess Natalie Morgan dances to the beat of a drum no one else can hear. The only person who truly gets her and is never scared off by her sometimes zany ideas is Hunter. But she has a big problem. Natalie keeps having all these…feelings…for her bestie.

But on a weekend getaway, a game of risky dares and one-upmanship that was supposed to just be for laughs may just end up with both of them crossing the friend zone line.

 

Review:

The Best Friend’s Guide to Taking Risks by Kadie Scott and Nicole Flockton is a standalone novel. I do like a good friends to lovers read sometimes, and this one hits all the right spots.

Kadie Scott who also writes under the pen name of Abigail Owen ,who writes some amazing paranormal romances (which are some of my all time favourite books). Nicole Flockton is a new author to me, but I think I’ll be visiting her site to see what books she writes. The dual writing doesn’t always work for me, but in this case the reading is easy. Full of descriptions that have you visualizing the story as it unfolds.

Hunter has a well ordered life. After being burnt by previous relationships, it’s safter to have one night stands, that way his heart stays unharmed. The one thing he can rely on is his best friend Natalie, she’d never let him down or hurt him. And so he’d never cross that line (even though he’d thought about it!)

Natalie is just a joy to read, she reminds me of a fairy, spreading joy and glitter wherever she goes ? her job is also her company. She works as a Princess catering for parties, she makes her own costumes and gives it 110% she loves bringing smiles to the partygoers faces, what she doesn’t like is the put downs and snide comments some parents make!

A road trip puts the two characters together in a close environment, he’s looking at relocating to Texas, so a planned visit to the area he might move too seems like a good idea, the downside….. Natalie turns it into a a fun filled weekend with almost kisses and heated glances.

But can Hunter move Natalie out of the friend zone and into a lover he can have forever?

If you want a fun filled, feel good read, then you won’t be sorry if you grab this one. A friends to lovers story that will have you laughing at their antics and keeping fingers crossed for the princess to get her Prince. There is a little angst in here, but nothing worth a trigger.

Loved the karaoke and the dares these two made each other do. I also loved Natalie’s sisters (please can they have books too?) Can the two tell each other how they really feel? Or will they keep each other in the friend zone?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

Share

Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

Posted on by
9

Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Apple

Description:
The second set of battles of the Card Holder tournament has commenced.

After months of rigorous training under platinum card user Brochan Cordis, Neela Blydes begins the remaining half of the solo rounds, determined to succeed and become Card Holder of the Queen of Hearts of Domain. Though focus is critical in her battles, another set of burdens consumes her mind.

During the day, Neela searches for her connection to the leader of the rogue organization and the reason behind the death of her father. At night, her dreams are overtaken by darkness and distress, with one filled with destruction and death. Despite any brief moment of happiness that blesses Neela, nothing is enough to overcome the fears it plants within her.

Not after she wakes to a room of living shadows.

 

Review:

Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi starts where book one ends, so it does need to be read in order as it will make a lot more sense. 

Neela is still suffering from a huge personal blow. But training for the next round of the competition helps her get through the day. Brochan (her trainer) has been a great help) when he’s not training her, then he’s acting like a buffer (keeping her occupied) trying to help her work out who killed her father, and why do they want her dead?! And what’s with the nightmares? Are they linked to her past, or is it a glimpse into her future?

But that’s not going to stop her competing in the tournament. She has to beat Ember Redd, and then she needs answers that she’s convinced he has. The shadows that frighten Neela need more investigation, us there a purpose or a reason for these shadows? 

Then we have the rogue organization that may or may not want to bring down the Card Holders Domains (magic holders can enter the tournament to win the right to rule different areas). Original characters like Brochan and Amil are a welcome return, and new characters such as Morissa (start out as antagonists) add a new dimension to this thrilling read. 

Another really good read, as the author takes us on an emotional journey of discovery and growth. Neela is such a great character, she suffers blow after blow, but still tries to remain positive. Really well written and again quite a lot of thought and detail.    

Two More Lives will have you gripped until the last page. There is double dealings and betrayal, there is also Neela dealing with the loss of loved ones, and a budding romance ? we have laughs as well, so it’s not all doom and gloom. We get the mystery part as Neela continues to find answers to all the questions she has in her head. The fight scenes are detailed enough for it to play in your head. 

I’d happily watch this as a movie or tv series. It’s engrossing and thought provoking. I’d probably put this in the YA category and I’d also warn that there might be a few triggers that could upset people. So read the warnings before diving in. And now after that ending, we have to wait for book three! 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

 

Share

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope – a Review

Posted on by
10

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description
Love may blossom where it’s least expected in the delightful and heartwarming Pine Creek series from Amity Hope.

Widow Amelia Baumann has sworn to never love again. She’s content to live peacefully in Pine Creek at her friend Mary’s warm, comfortable farmhouse. But then Samuel Kurtz shows up and becomes Mary’s permanent guest, making it hard to keep her feelings in check. Especially after Samuel’s six-year-old niece, Ruthie, whom he’s been raising as his own daughter, completely steals her heart.

When the bishops from another district threaten to send Ruthie to live with her distant aunt, so that she’ll have two parents raising her instead of just Samuel, he hatches a plan.

Amelia reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with Samuel–only because she loves Ruthie and can’t bear to see her torn from the only father she’s ever known. Not because Samuel’s kind green eyes and charming laugh draw her in. And as long as she and Samuel are in agreement that they will simply remain friends…what could possibly go wrong?

Each book in the Pine Creek series is STANDALONE:
* Pine Creek Courtship
* Pine Creek Marriage

 

 

Review 

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope is the 2nd book in her Pine Creek series.  Can a marriage of convenience turn into something more? This is a heartwarming story of two people thrown together for the sake of a little girl. But it turns into something more…..

Living with her friend Mary, Amelia is enjoying the quiet life. Losing her husband was a blow, so Amelia now throws herself into caring for her friend, and being there for her community. But meeting Ruthie and Samuel stirs up feelings Amelia needs to bury, that path will only lead to more heartache! 

Samuel is coming back to where he had happy childhood memories. He’s now a father, but Ruthie isn’t his daughter, she’s his niece? His family isn’t happy with the arrangement, so he’s moved away from his home and family, and had arrived on his aunts doorstep looking for sanctuary. 

Ruthie just stole the book for me. She was just too cute. Her attitude and comments had me smiling every time she appeared. So will either of them voice their true feelings? Or will the feelings they begin to have for one another never get voiced? 

Book two in this sweet romance will have you falling in love with additional characters, Ruthie and Mary for me made this book. Ruthie is a cute six year old and Mary is Amelia’s friend. It’s not necessary to read the first book (I haven’t) it won’t spoil the enjoyment for this book. 

So if your looking for a sweet romance or just wanting a slower paced romance, then grab this book and enjoy. Nicely written and really well thought out. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Share

Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

Posted on by
13

Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Injured pro baseball player Ryan Bower has plenty of reasons for not sleeping. But thanks to a steamy romance novel that’s ignited the imaginations—and libidos—of pretty much everyone in Kissing Creek, Ryan’s kept awake by the sound of his parents. Having sex. Unforgivably gross. And Ryan is almost certain that the town’s adorably quirky and troublemaking librarian is responsible.

Sloane Rickman adores everything about her little town—with the exception of its very tall and infuriatingly sexy Golden Boy. Ryan Bower may be a ball-playing hottie, but where exactly does he get off telling her what books to recommend to her oddball little book club? Good thing he’s only in town for the fall.

Now Sloane and Ryan are stuck planning the main float for the town’s parade. But somewhere between arguments over paint colors and papier mâché flowers, their fights keep turning into red-hot kisses. And between Ryan’s demanding ball career and Sloane’s life in Kissing Creek, they face the biggest game of their lives…if they’re ready to play for keeps.

 

 

Review: 

Kissing Games by Stefanie London is the second book in the Kissing Creek Series, and I loved it. It’s not necessarily essential to read the first book (they all stand on their own really well) but reading this book will have to trotting off to find the first book (which is a great read also ?) It has hilarious moments where I laughed out loud (a little inappropriate when your at work with headphones on) ? It’s also got a few moments where you just want to shake Ryan and tell him to sort himself out before he loses the best thing he’s ever had! 

Ryan is home recovering from a sports injury, as soon as he’s healed he’s away from his hormonal parents (that had tears rolling down my face) in fact the whole town seems to be in the grip of something got and heavy! But at least it’s taking his mind off of his career, essentially he’s too old for baseball (professional level anyway) but he’s unsure where he’s heading, so he’s a bit of a grump at the moment! 

Sloane is the local librarian at Kissing Creek, she loves it there. She loves the small town feel, and finally feels like she’s found a home she can settle and put down roots. Somehow these two characters are forced together to organise a float for the coming town parade. Ryan can’t think of anything worse! The banter between these two is such a joy to read, they bounce off of one another, and you’ll find yourself chuckling at odd moments. But if Ryan isn’t going to be here for much longer, then there is no point starting anything, is there? 

If you love the small town Romance/ semi sporty feel romance then grab this book and be prepared to laugh through most of it. ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Share

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean – a Review

Posted on by
11

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Bookish Arabella Bromley never gave a fig for society’s rules—until her sister ran off with a man below her station. Now Arabella is desperate to restore her family’s ruined reputation to favor amongst the ton. She’ll have to marry quickly and well. But in order to carry off her plan, Arabella needs a duke… and she has just the rakish fellow in mind.

The Duke of Whittsley has an ungentlemanly tendency to disregard the rules. Unfortunately, a sense of mischief doesn’t excuse a high-ranking noble from family duty—especially where it concerns producing a son. And that’s where he can’t quite resist Arabella’s distinctly outrageous plan: if he saves her family, she’ll give him an heir.

Now the deal’s been struck. They have one year to achieve their goals and ten iron-clad rules to keep them on track. Like long, scorching kisses and ensuring they’re both exquisitely satisfied. And the only thing that could ruin their plan is the one thing they never planned on: love.

 

 

Review :

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean is a historical romantic novel. Arabella’s family is a bit of a quandary! The family name and reputation are in ruins! The shame that has been bestowed upon the family!! 

The older daughter has run off to be the man she loves, but that’s not the issue, the issue is the gentleman is below her station in life, basically a commoner and a lady shouldn’t be seen together let alone run off with him! And she wants her younger sister to have the excitement of balls and being called on, that won’t happen if society shuns her! So marrying someone of good standing seems like the only solution open to Arabella, and Silas Spencer is just the Duke she’s looking for…..

Arabella is such a character, being the middle child her life should have been simple! But that’s not the case. She has a wicked sense of humor and a very strong sense of right and wrong. Convincing the Duke to see her way of thinking did have me chuckling. 

The Duke of Whittsley Silas Spencer really doesn’t like the pomp and ceremony that society brings with it. He just wants to have fun, but being the last Duke in his line now brings a whole lot of responsibility, he needs an heir, but not necessarily a wife (and the heir really should be in wedlock!) so when Arabella approaches him with a preposterous and outlandish proposal the Duke isn’t sure what to think. I have to admit, I wasn’t a big fan of Silas at first, his attitude and manner was just a little off putting, but with time I grew to like the character. 

Setting rules in a relationship can only spell disaster, pretending that it’s only for connivence is only going to make for heartache. And both these characters are playing a dangerous game. There is a secret that Silas needs to keep undetected, there is also the fact that the more time they spend together the harder it is to follow those rules. 

Michelle McLean Is one of my favorite historical romance authors, her mixture of drama and humor has me one clicking her work. She writes about strong Independent women who know what to do in a crisis. Always well thought out and executed really well. Love the descriptions of the balls/gala that are planned. 

I loved the ending, it just worked. To see what I mean your going to have to read the book ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Share

Hit by the Cupid Stick by Abigail Owen – a Review

Posted on by
15

Hit by the Cupid Stick by Abigail Owen – a Review

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

Description:
All’s fair in love and…whatever this is.

This Valentine’s Day, when a cupid accidentally shoots himself with his own arrow, he falls for a siren whose only job is to lure men to their deaths.

Charismatic and irresistibly fun, Chance Eroson is a cupid who gets a kick from pairing odd couples and being right about them. Used to getting his way, the only person who shuts him down is the siren who has ruined more than one of his pairings before they started. But his bigger problem is he wants her. He’s always wanted her.

Elodie Sirenian uses her power for good, only hunting evil men. But after so long, and so many horrible people, her cynicism has settled deep inside. She can turn on the charm when she doesn’t mean it, and they fall for it. Every single one. Every single time.

Except Chance. He’s the only person—man or god—who has ever challenged her.

But a cupid’s magic is temporary. There’s no way a true love match is possible. Not this time.

 

Review:

Hit by the Cupid Stick by Abigail Owen is part of the Brimstone Inc series, it’s not necessary to read the others in this series (I’ve only read two books in this series before this one) 

Chance is a Cupid, not a cute little angel with wings and a bow (a huge misconception his race have to contend with!) but a strapping god that wears suits and a smile that makes women go weak at the knees. 

Elodie was born and raised a siren. Luring men to their deaths is not just a job for her, it also feeds the monster that lives within her. Except Ellie (Elodie) only uses her gifts for catching evil men, those that prey on others, those men Ellie is happy to kill. Using her gifts on a daily basis has made her jaded, love is for fools….

Both have feelings for one another, they’ve known each other for a long time, a little flirting here and there, but mainly staying away from one another’s business. Chance thinks Ellie is amazing, but she’s not going to look at someone who is in the love business! And Ellie tries not to think of Chance if she can help it. Why would he look at someone who kills? 

This couple shouldn’t have worked. But it did, and it works really well. Opposites might attract, but when you throw in an accidental arrow finding a wrong target, then you can be assured chaos will soon ensue….It’s funny, it’s cheesy, and so sweet it may leave you with toothache. ? A little angst, but it only adds to this books charm. 

I have to admit, I love reading Abigail Owen’s books. Her Infernos Rising and Fire’s Edge series are two of my favourite series to read again and again. She mixed magic with supernatural and just a sprinkling of mythology and another (although short) story is born. 

There are characters that have been in previous books (which was lovely catching up with) who pop in and try to help this couple as they navigate the choppy waters of love. Elodie thinks the love arrow will wear off soon, Chance knows better…..

Can he convince his Siren to give them a chance? His previous matches might have been odd couples, but they’ve worked. So it stands to reason that they’ve got a pretty good chance, right? 

If you are a fan of this author, grab it. If you love Paranormal Romance then grab it. And if you are a fan of themed (Valentines Day) romances, then this one will have you smiling most of the way through it. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

Share

The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman – a Review

Posted on by
11

The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description
Lexi’s Reminders

* Work.

* Don’t think about your birthday tomorrow. Or debt, your crappy apartment, and nonexistent social life.

* Re-stock wine and ice cream because that’s coming.

* Die in a raging blaze of humiliation when the super-hot and very delicious fireman waiting in your office is not in fact the strip-o-gram birthday present you suspected.

* Reschedule the fire safety inspection you 100 percent failed because of said humiliation.

* Figure out how you, in fact, agreed to fake dating Mr. Not a Strip-O-Gram Fireman to help him with a bet.

* Oh yeah, and do not fall for this guy. Seriously, they call him One Night O’Neil. Red flags all over the place.

* Remember, this is fake dating, even though his very talented, very real lips are doing some sexy things you definitely like.

* Realize bending one tiny rule can’t be that bad, can it?

* Except bend too far, and something breaks. Something you can’t get back.

 

Review:

The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman is the 2nd book in her Mile High Firefighters series. I love these stories and the author that writes them, which I am automatically clicking on. Her use of words brings the emotions and the characters to life. 

Lexi is just great, she says what she thinks, and sometimes that gets her into trouble. Her center for kids needs updating, and what better person to help her than a fireman! She just had to remember he isn’t to be taken seriously! 

Dyson has a bit of a reputation as a one night stand, no one gets a second date. You can‘t help being that way after your fiancé was caught in bed with your best friend! He needs a “fake girlfriend” to take to his sisters minds off of trying to get him to date properly. 

The sparks that fly off these two is just electric, both think that the other one isn’t really interested in getting serious. And Lexi has sworn off dating after the last relationship went nowhere but heartbreak! 

Fake romance is what this author does best. Entertaining throughout the book. It’s really hard to put it down one you’ve open it up. The secondary characters were just as fun. The sisters needs stories (and the fire crew could be ideal ?) and there are a couple of characters that Dyson knows who could do with a prod in the right direction. 

So if you like a RomCom with a little angst, but plenty of laughter and embarrassing moments, I’d recommend this one. You don’t need to read the first book, but after reading this one I wouldn’t be surprised if you go back for seconds. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

Posted on by
13

Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Hunter Evans risked his life again and again as a firefighter until the night he died saving a child…only to be reborn as a vampire. Now the man who lived his life as the quintessential “nice guy” must find a way to conquer the deadly urges that threaten to turn him feral. When his own actions put a beautiful woman in danger, he vows to protect her…even from himself.

Alice Darlington has a secret of her own: she sees ghosts. She thought she’d done a good job of keeping it under wraps—until now. A terrible threat from her past is hunting her down in order to use her power for dark purposes. Now she’s on the run and doesn’t know who to trust or where to go.

When Hunter and Alice team up to battle the dangers coming at them from all sides, they’re forced to rely on each other. But Hunter doesn’t know how long he can keep the beast inside him away from the woman it craves…

The Vampire Motorcycle Club series is best enjoyed in order:
Book #1 Bane’s Choice
Book #2 Hunter’s Hope

 

 

Review :

Hunter’s Choice by Alyssa Day is the second book in her Vampire Motorcycle Club series. I have not read the first book, but I’m definitely going back to read it. I’ve not read this author in a while (I loved her Atlantis Series)

This series concentrates on a motorbike gang, but not an ordinary MC gang, this one has vampires riding the bikes. It did remind me a little of Patricia A. Rasey’s Sons of Sangue Series. 

Hunter is considered a “young” vampire as he’d only recently been turned. He’s fighting his revulsion at the the decision to take his old life away and replace it with a new one! And it’s one he’s not sure he can get a grip of! His new diet is causing him anxiety and stress, he thinks he’s going to kill someone’s with his newfound strength and hunger! But all that changes when he meets Alice….

Alice can see ghosts! She’s been able to see them for a long time, hiding the fact from everyone she knows. But when her past comes back to “haunt” her, she’s unsure where to go, can she really trust this stranger who holds a dark attraction for her? And how will she cope when she finds out there is more than just ghosts in her world… Vampires, demons and werewolves for a start! 

I really liked the premise of this story, it’s a little slow and not much interaction with the MC part. But it has great dialogue, parts had me chuckling. It also shows us how newly turned vampires deal with their new life. And the ghost element was a great addition (usually the female is just some ordinary human who stumbles into the supernatural world. I also liked how the couple work together figuring out who and what wants Alice. Maybe I’ve read too many MC books lately, maybe I’ve read too many dark romances to fully appreciate this one, I found it a little tame, there could have been more battles, it could have been a little darker. But it’s still a great read, and I’ve added this series on my TBR list. 

I’d recommend it for those who like their vampires a little less dark and who fight their basic urges ?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Share