Tag Archives: Romance

Some Like It Hott (Hott Springs Eternal 3) by Serena Bell-review

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Some Like It Hott (Hott Springs Eternal 3) by Serena Bell-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 14, 2025

She’s nothing he wants. And everything he needs.

I’m Mr. Serious, the guy they call “all work and no play.” So of course my grandfather’s sadistic will has put me in charge of fun at the family’s wedding resort. I have just a few weeks to come up with an all-ages activities program for the resort’s guests—or lose my family’s land forever. Meanwhile, the clock’s ticking at my finance firm, where I’m up for a huge promotion—if I can prove I’m a team player.

Worse, I have to work with the reigning queen of fun, Natalie Archer. If there’s a party, Natalie’s there, and she’s the one dancing on the tables. She doesn’t think much of my suits, ties, cufflinks, and spreadsheets, and I don’t think much of her fun-first–safety-last attitude. But for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about her gorgeous curves, wild curly hair, or sparkling smile. I’m a man who values self-control—and I’m running low.

Natalie launches Operation Fun to help me loosen up and win the promotion I’ve been chasing. Now we’re spending days and nights together—and learning that some activities are a lot of fun for both of us. But as our deadline approaches and our collaboration heats up, Natalie and I find ourselves asking a big Opposites may attract, but can they live happily ever after?

•••••

REVIEW:SOME LIKE IT HOTT is the third instalment in Serena Bell’s contemporary, adult HOTT SPRINGS ETERNAL erotic, romance series focusing on the HOTT siblings: Quinn, Shane, Preston, Tucker, Rhys, and their sister Hanna (Wilder at Last 5/ Wilder Adventures)-a spin off from the author’s WILDER ADVENTURES series. This is New York investor Preston Hott, and Natalie Archer’s story line.

SOME BACKGROUND: The HOTT Springs Eternal series focuses in the aftermath of the death of the Hott family patriarch. Grandfather Fox Hott has a number of stipulations and guidelines if the siblings are to inherit the family fortune. Each sibling is required to honor their late grandfather’s request if their sister Hanna is to keep the HOTT Springs resort in Rush Creek. If the orders of the will are not adhered to, the land and everything on it will be sold to an international mining company.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Preston and Natalie) SOME LIKE IT HOTT follows Natalie Archer when she is hired as the activities coordinator for Hott Springs Eternal Lodge but from the outset she is paired with Preston Hott, a financial investor who wants nothing to do with his grandfather’s will. A caveat in the will forces all of the Hott siblings to partake in the build-up of the Hott Spring Resort, and Preston is tasked with developing an all-ages activities program and festival alongside our story line heroine. As our couple ‘endure’ a trial of sorts partaking in all of the potential activities, Preston finds himself drawn to a woman he should not want, as his time at Hott Springs Lodge draws to an end.

The world building follows Natalie and Preston as they navigate the activities and events planned for Hott Springs Lodge. Natalie continues to struggle with a recent betrayal, as Preston battles the ghosts from his past, ghosts he has yet to reveal to his siblings and friends.

The relationship between Natalie and Preston begins as grumpy/sunshine . Preston doesn’t want or need someone else telling him what to do but Preston has no idea about setting up activities at the lodge, something Natalie is overly excited to do. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, we are reintroduced to the Hott siblings and some of the significant others: Preston’s PA Franklin: Natalie’s ex Lloyd; as well as her bitter and controlling mother.

SOME LIKE IT HOTT is a story of family and friendships, power and control. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are stubborn and determined.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Hott Shot
Hott Take

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied for review

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CABIN FEVER BABY (Crescent Cove: The MacGregors 1) by Taryn Quinn

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CABIN FEVER BABY (Crescent Cove: The MacGregors 1) by Taryn Quinn-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27 ,2024

It started out as a holiday countdown.One week to create the biggest and best family Christmas celebration to bring together my scattered family.

Until a massive snowpocalypse hits Crescent Cove.

I was trapped like one of those perfect houses in a snowglobe—completely alone.

Until a stranger crashes into my yard.

And my lonely Christmas gets very, very steamy. What else is there to do when we’re stranded alone under nearly five feet of snow for days and days?

But our winter fantasy can’t last forever.

And I haven’t been very truthful with just how famous my family really is.

I really like just being Hudson’s angel in our little snowglobe.

No paparazzi, no social media influencers, no screaming fans.

Will my snowy stranger want to stick around after he learns my secret?

Or will I spend New Year’s alone?

••••••

REVIEW: CABIN FEVER BABY is the first instalment in Taryn Quinn’s contemporary, adult THE MACGREGORS erotic, romance series set in the author’s CRESCENT COVE WORLDS. This is senior executive advisor at Eden Advertising Hudson MacGregor, and PA Ocean Hawkins’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Ocean) CABIN FEVER BABY focuses on the week before Christmas. Ocean Hawkins has arranged for her entire family to spend the Christmas holidays together at an exclusive cabin near Crescent Cove but a massive snowstorm has delayed the arrival of everyone she loves, and an accident throws a stranger into the mix. Enter advertising executive Hudson MacGregor who was expected to spend the holidays with his family, nearby. Trapped in a cabin behind six feet of snow, Ocean and Hudson finds themselves dancing around one another, a dance that will quickly lead to something more but as the days pass, and the family arrives, Hudson considers Ocean’s lies by omission a lack of trust in their growing relationship, and a lack of trust in our story line heroine.

The world building follows our couple in the approach to the Christmas holidays, as they learn about one another’s positives and negatives but Hudson soon realizes that Ocean is holding back, secrets that will ultimately pull our couple apart.

The relationship between Hudson and Ocean is quick to develop as time spent together forces our couple to come to terms with their current situation but Ocean is keeping secrets, secrets meant to protect her ‘famous’ siblings but secrets that will push Hudson out of her life. The $ex scenes are erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and over-protective secondary and supporting characters as both Hudson and Ocean each have several siblings and loving parents, as well as a community of friendships and supporting in and around Crescent Cove.

CABIN FEVER BABY is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is entertaining, engaging and romantic; the romance is seductive; the characters are strong-willed, determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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HIS OBSESSION (Mafia Masters 1) by Delta James-review

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HIS OBSESSION (Mafia Masters 1) by Delta James-review

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Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 16, 2024

Rule 1: Never witness a mob hit
Rule 2: Never fall for the don
Rule 3: Rules are made to be broken

I shouldn’t have been there.
Shouldn’t have seen the man die.
Shouldn’t have felt his blood on my skin.

But now, I belong to Callum Kavanagh, an Irish mob boss.
Dangerous, ruthless, and entirely too intoxicating for my own good.
His whispered threats wrap around me like silk.
His touch ignites something I can’t explain.

He says it’s for my safety. I know it’s about control.

My life was safe before I crossed him.
Predictable.
Now, it’s a web of secrets, blood, and power, with Callum at the center.

He’s not just my captor. He’s my obsession. And I might just be his.

But obsessions like ours? They always end in flames.

•••••

REVIEW:  HIS OBSESSION is the first instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult MAFIA MASTERS erotic, paranormal, Mafia romance series. This is panther shifter / Irish Mobster Callum Kavanagh, and socialite Isolde Fitzwilliam’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Callum and Isolde) HIS OBSESSION follows in the wake of our heroine witnessing a murder at the fundraiser for the Fitzwilliam Foundation. Caught between fear and reprisal, Isolde finds herself at the mercy of businessman Callum Kavanagh, a man with more secrets than Isolde could have ever imagined. A murder, a large donation and the threat of the mob forces Isolde to reluctantly obey our story line hero when she becomes the target of some powerful men.

The world building reveals a family connection, money laundering, murder and blackmail, and the existence of the supernatural, and our heroine is about to discover all is not as it appears to be.

The relationship between Callum and Isolde begins as protection. Callum knows immediately that Isolde is his mate but Isolde struggles with Callum’s overwhelming need to protect, unable to accept the danger coming her way. Forced on the run with a man she doesn’t know, Isolde must come to terms with what is happening, and a shocking realization that her own future is about to change. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include several members the O’Neill Syndicate, and organized crime. We are introduced to Callum’s ex Deidre, as well as museum curator Siobhan, and Isolde’s father James Fitzwilliam.

HIS OBSESSION is a fast paced story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and enchanting; the romance is limited but impassioned; the characters are desperate and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Jericho (Cerberus MC: Tennessee 3) by Marie James-review

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Jericho (Cerberus MC: Tennessee 3) by Marie James-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 2, 2025

I knew there was no point in looking back at what could’ve been when she couldn’t even lift her eyes to me when her father ordered my death.
She didn’t fight for me, didn’t fight for us.
I knew better than to get tangled with a mafia princess.
I knew how it would end, only instead of dead, I was left in a much worse situation, having to know she was still alive and being unable to go to her.
Bitterness swam inside of me. Seven years of hatred building because of her silence.
But then her father died, leaving her at the hands of the very man who left me alive.
Not helping her isn’t an option, but I second-guess stepping back into her life when I discover the secrets she’s been keeping all this time.

•••••

REVIEW:JERICHO is the third instalment in Marie James’ contemporary adult CERBERUS MC: TENNESSEE erotic, MC romance series- a spin off from the author’s original Cerberus MC series.This is Aspen Reese-Gaines, and Nolan ‘Jericho’ Parson’s story line. JERICHO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jericho and Aspen) JERICHO follows in the wake of the ‘rescue’ of our story line heroine. Approximately eight years earlier, Jericho, as Luke Gannon, went in undercover to infiltrate the world of crime lord Ivan Reese, only to find himself falling in love with his only daughter. Having been promised to her father’s right hand man Damien Gaines, Aspen watched as her world imploded, and the man that she loved, left for dead, never to be seen again. Fast forward approximately eight years, wherein Nolan “Jericho’ Parson will reconnect with the woman that broke his heart, a woman with a secret he never expected to hear. With the help of the member of the Cerberus MC, a rescue and recovery operation was set into motion, a rescue that will bear witness to the pain and emotional distress forced upon one woman in the face of heartache and betrayal.

The world building follows the rekindling relationship between our story line couple but Jericho struggles with the betrayal by the woman he loved, a woman who was forced to choose in an effort to save her life. Jericho knew loss but the discover of the truth meant a second chance with the woman he loved, and a future with the family he never thought he would have.

The relationship between Jericho and Aspen is one of second chances. Aspen destroyed Jericho’s heart when she refused to acknowledge their love. Left for dead, Jericho would find a family with the Cerberus MC, a family that would die to protect the people they love.The $ex scenes are limited but provocative and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include several members of the Cerberus New Mexico including Kincaid, as well as the Tennessee MC members: Hemlock, Ace, Jersey, and counselor Caitlyn. The requisite evil has many faces.

JERICHO is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, trauma and dysfunction, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic, emotional and heart breaking; the characters are broken, charismatic and struggling; the romance is impassioned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hemlock
Ace

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Let’s see…where to begin…

I’m a full-time author, mother of two boys, and wife of 18+ years. Dog Mom to four great danes: Maximus, Nala, Freya, and Hagrid.

I’ve spent almost my entire lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Currently residing in a sleepy little town in East Tennessee.

Writing is my passion, and I absolutely love being able to sit down and put all of my thoughts and emotions into my stories.

I love dogs, coffee, making handmade cards, and steamy romance novels!

Keep up with Marie James and subscribe to her newsletter.

To learn more about Marie James & her books, visit here!

Website/ FACEBOOK / Twitter / Bookbub / Instagram / Amazon Author Page / Book and Main / Goodreads / Pinterest / Youtube/ Reader Group/ NewsLetter/

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The Highlander Burns for Vengeance by Julie Johnstone-review

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The Highlander Burns for Vengeance (Return of the Highlanders) by Julie Johnstone-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 30, 2024

Divided by treachery, bound by an edict, they must decide their to love or to hate.

After years of captivity, Graeme Stewart has returned home with a burning desire for vengeance, and it’s all directed at the Campbell clan. They attacked his home, killed his parents, and imprisoned him for eighteen long years. So when the king demands Graeme handfast with his enemy’s sister to end the warring of their clans, he intends to use her to get the revenge he yearns for. But Maisie’s courage and character surprise him at every turn, conjuring admiration and stirring desire. Now, with revenge within his grasp, he must make a choice before it’s too either cling to the malice that kept him alive or release it for the chance at love.

The vengeful and unreasonable Highlander intends to destroy her family, and Maisie Campbell is bound to him for a year and a day. She hates everything about Graeme, except the way he kisses, which is a force that nearly brings her to her knees. But lust does not a marriage make, and the man is hell-bent on proving her brother a traitor and herself treacherous, so she sets out to prove otherwise. Yet, as questions of her brother’s character arise in her own mind and Graeme displays an honorable, fiercely protective nature, Maisie faces a seek a truth that will doom the brother she adores or remain blindly loyal to those she’s always held dear and lose the man she has come to love with all her heart.

••••

REVIEW: Revenge/passion/deceit and loyalty all in one book? sign me up.

Graeme Stewart returns home after being held captive for many years! He’s seeking revenge against the ones who held him! But fate has a different plan…..

Being commanded by the King to marry (handfast) his bitter enemies sister to retain peace between his clan and the Campbell’s has Graeme firstly refusing, then realising he can access the clan through his bride, he can use to her get his revenge. Bitterly he agrees…..

Maisie has no option but to tie herself to the bully Graeme Stewart, thank goodness it’s not forever. It’s going to be a hellish year, but Maisie is a Scot of her word. But if he’s expecting a meek and mild woman, he’s surely mistaken.

Both are extremely hostile towards one another, distrust is easier to maintain than trust. Both are seeking the truth, but what happens when Graeme’s truth muddies Maisie’s? She’s sure her brother is a just and good man, he’s the leader of their clan. But doubts begin to creep in…..

I love this series. I’ve read the previous two books (but not necessary to enjoy this book.) The characters are brought to life with this author, as is her descriptions of the scenery and feelings these two have towards one another. I really like how fact and fiction are woven together to create something so compelling, that I didn’t stop reading until the last page was done.

This book’s full of intrigue and mystery, and a few twists. We see Graeme’s love for his nursemaid/nanny (she was captured with him) we learn of his distrust and immense dislike for the Campbell clan. And we begin to put pieces together of what really happened on the day Graeme was taken prisoner….

Maisie is a great character, she’s no wallflower, she knows her own mind and speaks it. But she’s only a woman, and they were used to broker deals, and form alliances.

Graeme is part of a clan that as children were separated to keep them safe. Their parents were murdered and the children were scattered to keep them safe. So technically Graeme doesn’t know his clan, it’s only what his beloved Eppie has told him through the years. But he’s loyal and he will have his revenge!

Other characters we see are added to the story, and there are a few you need to keep your eyes on 🤐

As time passes distrust turns to trust, and the characters begin to like one another, love isn’t far away, but how can they put aside their differences and doubts to be with one another? Can Graeme really trust a Campbell? And if Maisie finds out her clan had something to do with her husband’s imprisonment, can she turn her back on them?

Another fantastic story from this author. I’m not going to spoil the rest of the book.

But I think you’re going to love this book if you’re a fan of historical romance. If you like your book full of action and suspense then this one I highly recommend.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Secrets of a Highlander’s Heart
Tangled Up with the Highlander

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

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VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT by MJ Sweets-a review

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VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT by MJ Sweets-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper/

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2024

With loved ones exiled to memory, the three species were left with strained relations and an ever-growing hatred. For over a century, Humans, Vampires, and Lycans remained isolated from one another. Only the occasional meeting of the three leaders brought any sort of interaction between the species. That was, until one night…

With the horrors of her past descending upon her, Livia finds herself face-to-face with the castle of the vampire king, Orion. Despite the king’s desire to rid his castle of this human intruder, something compels him to keep her close, no matter what. Unfortunately, whereas fate can bring two souls together, it can also force them apart, but a forbidden love will not be broken so easily.

••••••

REVIEW: VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT is the first instalment in MJ Sweets’ adult, paranormal, fantasy series focusing on the three kingdoms- Humans, Vampires, and Lycan. This is vampire King Orion, and human Livia’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Orion and Livia) VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT follows the building relationship between our story line couple as Livia struggles to survive as human in a world dominated by lycans and vampires. Livia lived most of her life within the lycan compound but was forced to run to save her own life. Tossed between the vampire kingdom and the human kingdom. On the run from the lycans who have targeted our story line heroine, Livia found herself the consort to the vampire king, the soulmate of a man who spent most of his time staving off war and the advancement of his enemies.

The relationship between Orion and Livia is one of fated mated. Livia is a human living in a world of the supernatural but a world in which she grew. Orion knows immediately that Livia is his soulmate but Orion takes his time claiming the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous including vampires, lycans, humans, elves,fairies and pixies. From royalty (King Reon, , Crown Prince Cesteil, Prince William, King Darian) to merchants, security and specialities ( Caelestis the healer), and the mundane, everyone becomes suspect in the wake of the number of threats and attempts against our heroine’s life.

VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT is a slow building story, with a few familiar plot-points similar to a now famous trilogy made into a four-part movie series. There is some redundancy; and some aspects that I have questioned including whether or not the worlds had experienced an industrial revolution; there is a mention of only one motor vehicle on the road, and a clock, yet everyone else rides horses, in carriages, carry swords and daggers etc. There is no worldly reference to any other automation or timeframe. The villages and towns have no names other then the kingdom of lycans, kingdom of vampires, yet the human kingdom where the Elves have now laid claim to land, were once filled with electronics and technology, yet no history is revealed as to the loss of available automation and machinery.

VAMPIRE KING’S CONSORT is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, racism and speciesism, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed and dramatic but did suffer with some issues; the romance struggles with time spent apart; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Her Wicked Highwayman by Lauren Smith -a Review

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Her Wicked Highwayman by Lauren Smith -a Review

 

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Description:
Rafe Lennox:

Notorious highwayman…

Infamous rake…

Adopter of orphans…

If there’s one thing about Rafe Lennox that the women of London know…it’s that his heart cannot be tamed, except perhaps by the little Scottish orphan he has claimed as a daughter. That doesn’t stop every eligible woman in London from trying to convince the outrageous flirt to put a ring on their finger after they tumble into his bed.

But Rafe has never been tempted by love to marry, until he robs a coach one night and he steals a necklace from a brave and beautiful woman. Rafe wants nothing more than to seduce the young lady into his bed, but another highwayman is encroaching on his territory, robbing the rich before he can get to them, and until he can stop this his competitor he has no time to woo. When he discovers the other thief is a woman…the infamous rogue’s heart is stolen forever. 

Has the black sheep of the Lennox family finally met his match and perhaps his end?

 

 

Review 

Her Wicked Highwayman by Lauren Smith is the 19th book in her wonderful The League of Rogues series.

Notorious Highway man, rake and womaniser, Rafe Lennox is all that and more, but what most people don’t know is that he adopted a young girl and calls her “daughter”.  He’s sworn never to love or marry…..

But all that changes when he holds a coach up and meets Diana, young, brave and beautiful. He’s instantly smitten and has plans to woo this young creature. But there is a fly in the ointment! Another highwayman is also robbing stage coaches! Does he ignore this fact, or does he plan to uncover this new rival and set him up to take the fall in both his and this new highwayman’s misdeeds? 

What happens when he uncovers the mystery man’s identity and finds out it’s a woman?! (Sort of guessed that one almost immediately 😉) 

Diana is now mistress of the manor, but it’s failing fast! She needs an income before the creditors come and take it away from her. Marriage is an option, but Diana wants to marry for love and that doesn’t look like it, so another avenue needs to be found and fast! 

This one has been my favourite in the series so far. We’ve met Rafe throughout the series, and I was thrilled to finally read his story. And for a few questions to be finally answered. Their first meeting might have been by chance, but Rafe wants to know more, and will do anything to make that happen….

The main characters are really likeable. And i absolutely loved how they found one another. Both have sad pasts, and that is yet another connection between the characters. Additional characters (especially Rafe’s daughter Isla, who was absolutely adorable) are never added for filler sake. And catching up with his brother and sister was a nice surprise (Ashton “Wicked Rivals” book 4 in the series, and Joanna’s book “Never Kiss a Scot” is book 10) 

And the villain of our story? Well, you’ll need to read the book in order to find out. 

Heartwarming and sad at the same time, angst filled and with loads of adventure, (all the things I’ve come to expect and love about this author). You’ll be rooting for the highwayman and booing at the “supposedly” good guy 😉 

I’m hoping Rafe’s friends will get books soon 🤞

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommended this book and the whole series (which you can dip in and out of, no need to really read in order.) 

🦋 Julie 

 

 

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I Do With You (Maple Creek 1) by Lauren Landish-review

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I Do With You (Maple Creek 1) by Lauren Landish-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

Hope Barlowe is a vow away from a lakeside wedding to her high school sweetheart. Next, check off her follow-up two kids, a dog, a home, and a happy ever after. But suddenly, ever after seems like a very long time. Instead of saying I do, Hope thinks I can’t and bolts for the woods—right into the unpredictable life of a handsome tattooed hiker.

Days into a three-week getaway, struggling musician Ben Taylor is in search of inspiration. He never thought he’d find a bride stumbling through the bramble. Right away her sweet baby blues, confounding dilemma, and spirited independence strike a chord. Ben has found his muse, and he’s falling fast. Hope is finding something just as important—herself.

Soon enough Hope and Ben have all of Maple Creek talking—and divided. Where do they go from here? If Hope has learned anything, it’s that happiness is more than a checklist, and dreams can change in a heartbeat.

••••

REVIEW:I DO WITH YOU is the first instalment in Lauren Landish’s contemporary, adult MAPLE CREEK erotic, romance series. This is Dental hygienist Hope Barlowe, and musician Ben Taylor’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hope and Ben) I DO WITH YOU follows in the wake of the wedding that never was. Hope Barlowe was struggling in the weeks before saying her ‘I do’s’ but never expected to turn around at the altar, running into the woods beside the lake. Enter Ben Taylor, a struggling musician, hoping to find his muse, a man with secrets that will threaten his future with our story line heroine. Staying clear of her ex-fiance means having to face the people of Maple Creek, a town of busybodies and law enforcement all connected to the man Hope pushed away. As Ben and Hope begin a dance around one another, someone else is about to destroy the small bit of happiness for our story line couple.

The world building focuses on the building romance as Hope battles with the townsfolk of Maple Creek but Hope has supporters, many of whom believe she should have walked away years before. Ben Taylor has a secret, a secret he is not allowed to reveal, a secret that is about to push Hope out of his life.

The relationship between Ben and Hope is one of immediate attraction but meeting Hope within minutes of her disappearance from the lakeside wedding means Ben will become the focus of those struggling with what happened and why. Falling for Hope was easy but breaking her heart was not what he wanted to do. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters including Hope’s extended family: sister Joy, brother Shephard, and their parents; Hope’s ex fiancé Roy Laurier, and Ben’s childhood friend Sean.

I DO WITH YOU is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and jealousy, family and friendships, relationships and love The premise is inviting and imaginative; the characters are quirky and animated; the romance is sensitive and seductive.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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