Book Review: Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

Series: Hot & Hammered Book #1

Format: ebook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Georgette Castle’s family runs the best home renovation business in town, but she picked balloons instead of blueprints and they haven’t taken her seriously since. Frankly, she’s over it. Georgie loves planning children’s birthday parties and making people laugh, just not at her own expense. She’s determined to fix herself up into a Woman of the World... whatever that means.

Phase one: new framework for her business (a website from this decade, perhaps?)

Phase two: a gut-reno on her wardrobe (fyi, leggings are pants.)

Phase three: updates to her exterior (do people still wax?)

Phase four: put herself on the market (and stop crushing on Travis Ford!)

Living her best life means facing the truth: Georgie hasn’t been on a date since, well, ever. Nobody’s asking the town clown out for a night of hot sex, that’s for sure. Maybe if people think she’s having a steamy love affair, they’ll acknowledge she’s not just the “little sister” who paints faces for a living. And who better to help demolish that image than the resident sports star and tabloid favorite?

Travis Ford was major league baseball’s hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he’s flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can’t even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his… bat. And then there's Georgie, his best friend’s sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme—that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job—he agrees. What’s the harm? It’s not like it’s real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there’s nothing fake about how much he wants her.

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

This was a fun book full of tropes I'm not a fan of. The characters are interesting and easy to like. But this combines unrequited love, dating a friend's sibling, and fake dating. The over-protective older brother thing just always rubs me the wrong way. 

Georgie is a fun heroine. She is navigating growing up and having her family see her as an adult. I think this is a relatable situation. I enjoyed reading about the interpersonal dynamic especially between her and her sister, Bethany.

Travis is a former baseball who was forced out by an injury. He also had a tough history. Personally, I like damaged characters like this. (I am not analyzing what that says about me) I do wish his childhood was explored more. He is a pretty standard romance hero. 

The romance was cute. There's some fake-dating elements. It's super tropey. Georgie and Travis have good chemistry and push each other (in a good way). I found the sex scenes a little off-putting though. It was very aggressive which on its own doesn't bother me. But it felt like it didn't make sense. Maybe I'm just too judgy.

I enjoy the female friendships/sequel bait. I am definitely interested in the next book. It is about a struggling married couple and I'm all about that.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Fluffy by Julia Kent

Stand Alone-I guess

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 267

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Prosaic Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

It all started with the wrong Help Wanted ad. Of course it did.

I’m a professional fluffer. It’s NOT what you think. I stage homes for a living. Real estate agents love me, and my work stands on its own merits.

Sigh. Get your mind out of the gutter. Go ahead. Laugh. I’ll wait.

See? That’s the problem. My career has used the term “fluffer” for decades. I didn’t even know there was a more… lascivious definition of the term.

Until it was too late. 

The ad for a “professional fluffer” on Craigslist seemed like divine intervention. My last unemployment check was in the bank. I was desperate. Rent was due. The ad said cash paid at the end of the day. The perfect job! 

Staging homes means showing your best angle. The same principle applies in making a certain kind of movie. Turns out a “fluffer” doesn’t arrange decorative pillows on a couch.

They arrange other soft, round-ish objects.

The job isn’t hard. Er, I mean, it is — it’s about being hard. Or, well… helping other people to be hard.

Oh, man…

And that’s the other problem. A man. No, not one of the stars on the movie set. Will Lotham – my high school crush. The owner of the house where we’re filming. Illegally. In a vacation rental.

By the time the cops show up, what I thought was just a great house staging gig turned into a nightmare involving pictures of me with an undressed star, Will rescuing me from an arrest, and a humiliating lesson in my own naivete.

My job turned out to be so much harder than I expected. But you know what’s easier than I ever imagined?

Having all my dreams come true.

Review

I first heard about this from a Faceback ad. Normally, I just scroll on by, but the cover caught my eyes. Then, I read the description and decided I needed to read this.

Overall, it was a decent book and I have no major complaints. But there was an immaturity...I guess I'll call it. Mal's outlook and personality was all over the place. And she kept complaining. I understand conflicts are needed, but it was a little annoying. There were also some continuity issues that just made her annoying. 

There is a positive female friendship. Personally, I'd find the three of them annoying, but you can tell they really care about each other. I probably will check out Perky's book, but don't need to read it asap.

The romance was cute. It was superficial in a Hallmark movie kind of way-of Hallmark featured porn and porn references. There wasn't anything wrong with the romance, but I think it could've been more flushed out. The hero was a real nice and likable guy. It is sort of an unrequited love story which is a trope I'm not a big fan of. This wasn't too moony for Will. She did dwell a tad too much on her high school self.

Speaking of which, does anyone else hate reunion story lines. I've always had a problem with them because they feel unrealistic. Now, that I've been to my own 10 year high school reunion I feel even more stronger about it. People need to grow up. Maybe I just graduated with some really mature people.

These seems like a very negative review, but I didn't hate it. There were just a ton of tiny things I found a little annoying. Sorry for all the negativity.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Top Secret by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

Stand Alone

Format: ebook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, M/M

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

LobsterShorts, 21

Jock. Secretly a science geek. Hot AF.

LobsterShorts: So. Here goes. For her birthday, my girlfriend wants…a threesome.

SinnerThree: Then you’ve come to the right hookup app.

LobsterShorts: Have you done this sort of thing before? With another guy?

SinnerThree: All the time. I'm an equal opportunity player. You?

LobsterShorts: [crickets!]

SinnerThree, 21

Finance major. Secretly a male dancer. Hot AF. 

SinnerThree: Well, I’m down if you are. My life is kind of a mess right now. School, work, family stress. Oh, and I live next door to the most annoying dude in the world. I need the distraction. Are you sure you want this?

LobsterShorts: I might want it a little more than I’m willing to admit.

SinnerThree: Hey, nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries...

LobsterShorts: Tell that to my control-freak father. Anyway. What if this threesome is awkward?

SinnerThree: Then it’s awkward. It’s not like we’ll ever have to see each other again. Right? Just promise you won’t fall in love with me.

LobsterShorts: Now wouldn’t that be life-changing...

Review

Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy are back with another M/M romance. And it definitely delivered. It was fun, engaging, and full of great characters.

A lot of M/M romances (I've read) are pretty angsty. Keaton and Luke don't have perfect lives, but there isn't a ton of angst. Instead there is tons of humor and great banter. There's also an enemies-to-lovers element which is executed pretty well. The two main characters interact a lot through a dating app which I love. I'm a sucker for textual communications.

Keaton and Luke begin their app convos because Keaton's girlfriend wants a threesome for her birthday. Ms. Bowen and Ms. Kennedy say there is not a cheating element to this story. I can see why that is their standpoint, but I think it's actually more of a personal view on these grey areas.

Sometimes surrounding Keaton's girlfriend are what stops me from giving this five stars. I like her...it's other stuff.

Keaton and Luke were both great characters and I love their interactions. Keaton always has fun animal facts which I think is adorable. I'm also full of useless information so I can relate. They both had personal struggles which aren't related to their sexuality. I really liked that being gay/bi is not the only identifier for them and the only conflict.

This was such a fun and exciting read. It was a joy to read and I highly recommend it.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Hot Response by Shannon Stacey

Series: Boston Fire Book #4

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 270

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Carina Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Gavin Boudreau lives for the job, but he also believes in “work hard, play harder.” As the youngest guy in Ladder 37, he figures he’s got plenty of time before settling down becomes a priority. Soft, pretty women who aren’t looking for promises are exactly his type, and he’s comfortable with that. Working with a gorgeous EMT isn’t going to change who he is.

The last thing Cait Tasker needs in her personal life is a firefighter whose challenges on-scene have been a thorn in her side from minute one. Her plate’s too full for a man anyway. Back in her childhood home to help her family cope with an unexpected tragedy, she’s got enough to handle without throwing a hot, testosterone-laden fireman into the mix.

As long days on the job lead to long nights together, Gavin and Cait will discover how far temptation can take them—and what happens when the one you thought was all wrong for you turns out to be the person you can’t live without.

Review

Is this my favorite Shannon Stacey book? Or has it been a couple months since I read one and I forgot how amazing she is? Who knows, but I freaking loved this. The characters, the romance, the friendships, the world. Seriously, I feel like I'm part of this firehouse family every time I pick up one of these books. 

Gavin and Cait were both great characters and I loved how they foiled each other (look at me using that $200K English degree). He was so nice and I loved how he always found humor in things. And I really appreciated how seriously they both took their jobs and how passionate they were. I understand Cait's family situation, but sometimes she frustrated me. I'm definitely more in line with Gavin's thoughts on it. 

The romance was fun and well-paced. It had some enemies-to-lovers, but wasn't full blown which was nice. I loved that they had to navigate real things like crazy work hours to even go on a date. Sometimes I read romance novels and I wonder if these people even have jobs because they just band all day and night. I'm happy for them but I have bills to pay.

Can I add how much you can tell Ms. Stacey respects first responders. she puts so much care into showing their stories. Firefighters are often treated as sexy, but she really takes the time to build great characters and things like the firehouse family. The hero isn't just a firefighter so we can have firefighter abs on the cover. And I'm so grateful for this. 

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: A Perfect Amish Match by Vannetta Chapman

Series: Indiana Amish Brides Book #3

Format: eBook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Romance, Inspirational, Contemporay

Publisher: Love Inspired

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

After three failed relationships, Amish bachelor Noah Graber would rather disappoint his parents than try again. But when matchmaker Olivia Mae Miller agrees to provide courting lessons, Noah’s perfect match becomes clear—it’s Olivia Mae herself! With ailing grandparents at home, she hadn’t planned on love or marriage. Might a future with Noah be everything she’s been missing?

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

This was just precious. It's my first Amish romance and my 2nd Inspirational. I like the sexy times in my books, but never felt this was lacking for not having that. And I would definitely read more of these-especially books by this author.

The romance was sweet and well-paced. I don't know much about Amish culture, but it felt realistic. I loved the innocence, but not naivete of the characters and their love. 

Olivia Mae and Noah were both good and likable characters. And they both have nice families which I love reading about.

Dealing with Alzheimer's disease added an extra layer of emotion to the story. It was really nice to read a romance about a caregiver. So many people deal with the stress and strain of that. The whole story felt real and was written respectfully. 

Overall, this was a very calm and enjoyable read. It may be weird to call a book calm, but this was a relaxing and easy read. Sometimes you need that instead of battles and crazy tension.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Mixtape: A Love Song Anthology

Anthology

Format: ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

What’s more romantic than a love song? A mixtape full of them.

Twelve bestselling and award-winning authors have curated an anthology of brand-new, standalone stories inspired by love songs.

Review

I picked up this story because of Elle Kennedy's story. I haven't even heard of the other authors. (Sorry) That's the good thing about anthologies: you can explore new and different authors.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the anthology overall. The first story actually got my first 1 star ever. Overall, there was the one 1 star, two 2 stars, seven 3 stars, and 2 four stars. The Elle Kennedy story was my favorite and very sweet. The other story I really enjoyed was "Say Yes". 

It is a pretty diverse anthology especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ and sexual kinks/fetishes. The diversity is good because it exposes you to different things, but it also limits the possibility of a five star read overall.

I did review a handful of the individual stories on my blog if you want to check those out.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Toothpaste Kisses by Xio Axelrod

Mixtape Anthology

Format: ebook

Rating: 3.5 stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M

Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Twelve bestselling and award-winning authors have curated an anthology of brand-new, standalone stories inspired by love songs.

Review

I am having a real hard time settling on a rating for this. Is it 3 stars or 4?

If this was a full-length novel it probably would've been 4 stars. There is a ton of potential to these characters and story. But neither were developed as much as I would've liked. I find this to be a common problem with novellas.

The art was probably my favorite part and I'm not even an artsy person. But I could feel how passionate Mal and Pell were about the paintings. And I could picture them-probably not exactly as the author intended, but my interpretation. 

In the end, I just wish their was more to this story than there was. The romance felt a little rushed. And I came away wondering if these two were just a one-night stand/fling or a HEA.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Broken Hallelujah by Sierra Simone

Mixtape Anthology

Format: ebook

Rating: 2 stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance, F/F

Publisher: Self-published 

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Twelve bestselling and award-winning authors have curated an anthology of brand-new, standalone stories inspired by love songs.

Review

This is kind of weird, but this is my first F/F story. If you have recommendations send them my way because this one was pretty disappointing.

Now, after some reflection, I do not believe there's anything technically wrong with this story. It's more of a personal preference kind of issue.

The love story is a little dark and twisted. I'm sure for some people they would love it, but not me. The one woman-Devon-came across creepy and maybe a tad unstable. The other woman-Jacey-made some questionable decisions as well. But honestly, maybe with more story (like a full-length novel) things could've been further explored.

I'm not against reading another book/story by this author, but I'm also not dying to check out something. 

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Say it First by Nikki Sloane

Part of the Mixtape Anthology

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Twelve bestselling and award-winning authors have curated an anthology of brand-new, standalone stories inspired by love songs.

Review

This was such a cute story. I've never read a book by Nikki Sloane, but now I definitely want to check her books out. That's the good thing about anthologies like this-they expose you to new and different authors.

Jamie and Anna were both good and interesting characters. And I loved their-occasionally awkward-interactions. Especially when they were texting. I'm a huge fan of texting and letter/email writing in stories. I couldn't help, but smile reading their text exchanges. 

Ms. Sloane may have tried to shove a little too much into this story. That's a common issue in novellas. It isn't a big problem, but it did stop it from being a five-star read.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Guys My Age by Saffron Kent

Mixtape Anthology

Format: ebook

Rating: 1 star

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Age Difference

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

What’s more romantic than a love song? A mixtape full of them.

Twelve bestselling and award-winning authors have curated an anthology of brand-new, standalone stories inspired by love songs.

Review

I have never given anything a 1-star rating. But there is nothing redeeming about this story. I only forced myself to read this so I could write a review. Except the sex scene. I didn't read that because I thought it was inappropriate.

Looking at this author's Goodreads it looks like they (she?) writes edgy romances. To be honest that is not typically what I read, but this went beyond edgy into uncomfortable.

There is a substantial age difference in this story. She is 18, he is 33. And they have known each other since she was 3. I could've been fairly OK with it if she was 23 and he was 38, but not 18. And he knowing her that long was what really made it wrong for me.

This may come across judgy, but I felt violated by this story. I'm so glad I already read the Elle Kennedy story so I knew the whole anthology wasn't going to be bad and a disappointment.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Overnight Sensation by Sarina Bowen

Series: Brooklyn Bruisers Book #5

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports/Hockey

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

There's this girl...

Heidi and I have been trading hungry looks all year, and everything she does makes me smile. But I don't do girlfriends, and I certainly can't get involved with the league commissioner's daughter. I need shots on goal, not a hookup and a widely misunderstood paparazzi photo.

Can I resist her, though? The way she teases me should be a game penalty for interference with my libido. 

There's this guy...

Jason wants me, but he won't admit it. That man looks at me the way a hockey player eyes the lunch buffet after practice--and I love it. 

But when victory is finally within my grasp, I blow it and humiliate myself. Even then I can't even avoid him--as the team intern, I'm in constant view of his hard body and cocky smile. 

I need another chance. Jason Castro is about to learn the true meaning of an overnight sensation.

Review

I read this so fast-I only put it down because my kindle needed to be charged. Sarina Bowen always sucks me in. She has some sort of magic for my brain.

The world of the Brooklyn Bruisers is so well down. It feels so real and I love the found family of the team. I am always a sucker for male friendships. Becky and Heidi's relationship and interactions were also A+.

Heidi was a fun heroine, but not my favorite. I did like how hardworking she was. Heidi wanted to be independent and was willing to stand up for herself-including to Castro.

Castro was also great. I loved how he would quote Dickens and Shakespeare-and that this was just expected and understood by his teammates. His backstory was a little typical/cliche, but still worked and made me emotional.

They had a pretty fun romance. It's a pretty standard one-one night stand turns into more. But it was done well and I was rooting for them the whole time. I especially liked that they both supported each other and their goals. They do have great chemistry immediately.

Potential Spoiler:

I particularly liked that Castro wasn't afraid of Heidi's dad. And he was never afraid to stand up to him. I respect that.

This book was everything I wanted. Now, I want to know if there is another book coming, because I need Silas' story. He's intriguing and I'm always a fan of a goalie book. 

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Say Yes by Elle Kennedy

Stand Alone-Part of the Mixtape Anthology

Format: E-Book

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

Review

I want to read this whole anthology but I needed to read the Elle Kennedy story first. I figured I would do a quick review of it.

This was such a cute novella. And she packed a lot in a short story and a short amount of time.

The hero-name redacted for reasons-was amazing. He was funny and sweet. He kept asking the heroine-Emilia-out in a non-creepy and adorable way. I also liked her. She's so honest and owns who she is. Their interactions were fun to read and they have great chemistry.

The epilogue thing was perfect. It was short, but explained so much. I don't need more, but I would love more from these characters because they are great.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Tangled Like Us by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Series: Like Us Book #4

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Jane Cobalt is an American princess. The loyal and painfully curious twenty-three-year-old has inherited immense pressure to preserve the Cobalt legacy. But for Jane — sex, love, and life have been a series of royal failures. 

After a friends-with-benefits ended in disaster, she's sworn to a “no sex” hiatus for, well, eternity — and she has no intention of letting anyone in her bed and definitely not her heart. 

Twenty-eight-year-old Thatcher Moretti is painfully professional. As the stern 24/7 bodyguard to Jane, thinking about unbridled sex with his sweet client is a sin. One that he keeps committing. 

But the real act is a hard line he’d never cross. 

When a family member betrays Jane's trust, the media becomes obsessed with matchmaking the perpetually “single” Jane Cobalt and unwanted attention suddenly compromises her safety. 

Thatcher would do anything to protect her, and one solution may level the threats: 

Become the fake boyfriend to an American princess. 

Entwined together with boiling chemistry, new “professional” parameters, and an oath, unsaid feelings threaten to rise and change everything. 

Review

I've been putting off this review for some reason. I think I don't have a lot to say, but I want to write something to support Krista and Becca.

I did really like this story which I expected. But it just wasn't quite a five star read. There isn't anything in particular. Maybe I'm just always comparing the Core 6 books with the Like Us books. LiLo is my OTP and nothing can compare.

This is a fake dating trope which isn't one of my favorites. But this was helped by the fact that Jane and Thatcher own their attraction for one another. A lot of times there's denial and-in my opinion-unnecessary drama. And they do have really good chemistry. And I definitely had to Google something that happened in a sex scene-you read and you learn.

I liked getting to know Thatcher. I know a lot of people disliked him because of the Farrow situation, but I was not one of those people. And I loved the relationship between him and his twin-Banks. I know that meant a lot to Krista and Becca because they are twins and you can tell.

Jane is definitely odd, but she is 100% herself. That is something to admire and I really like seeing a character like that. 

The ending was not what I expected, but I am very happy with it. And I can't wait for the next book. There is no release date yet, but it should be out this year.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Stand Alone

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 317

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Christmas Gift

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Berkley

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic.

Review

There has been soooo much hype and love for this book. Including from people who I usually have the same book taste as. I was certain I would love this just as much as them. I purposely didn't read it on a week/work day because I was so sure it would suck me in like crazy and stop me from sleeping.

But it ended up being pretty blah.

It was a perfectly good romance novel, but it wasn't anything special.

Stella is an interesting character to read about. You could read her anxiety when she was off routine or outside of her comfort zone. But she was still a very typical romance heroine-insecure, sexually inexperienced, and prettier than she knows. She just has a "reason' for all of this. There is nothing particularly wrong with these characteristics, but it isn't anything groundbreaking.

Michael was kind of bland for me. I could tell I was supposed to swoon over him and he's a nice guy, but he didn't feel as fully developed as he could've been. I did really like his mom and sisters.

The romance was ok. I have no real issues with it. Maybe a tad too much sexy times. I appreciate sex is a part of Stella's growth, but a few more conversations would've gone a long way to build up the believe-ability of the romance.

I'm not opposed to reading another book by Ms. Hoang like The Bride Test. But I'm also not dying to read it either.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: By the Hour by Roni Loren

Series: Pleasure Principle Book #2

Format: ebook

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotica-esque

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Dr. Elle McCray has a plan. Work hard. Be the best. And do it alone. After her ex-husband’s betrayal, she’s learned being feared is a hell of a lot easier than being humiliated. So when trouble personified, Lane Cannon, dares to flirt with her, she shuts him down cold. Too gorgeous. Too cocky. And his job as The Grove’s sexual surrogate is to sleep with patients. No, thank you.

Former escort Lane Cannon has spent enough years with people looking down on him. Stupid. Trailer trash. Rent boy. He’s heard it all. He’s worked too hard to shed his past to let some haughty doctor cut him down. But something about Elle’s ice queen act has his dominant instincts perking up and his body taking notice. He can’t walk away.

After an evening of verbal sparring turns into a night of steamy hate sex, Lane’s ready for round two. But Elle proposes a business deal. How better to keep things strictly physical than to pay him for his services? 

Lane wants her, not her money. But he’ll play along in exchange for one thing—all the control. It’s only supposed to be a dirty little fling between colleagues, but these two are about to learn a lesson in love…by the hour.

Review

This was a great way to start 2019. I'm in love with Roni Loren's writing and characters. I don't even know what to say. 

This is an interesting story. In some ways it reminds me of Lilah Pace's Asking For It. They both address sexuality, sexual kinks, and explore what all of that means.

I don't want to go too much into content, because this is a book you should just read in my opinion. The heroine's journey and how sex plays a roll in that was probably my favorite part of the book. Ms. Loren does a spectacular job of writing a cold woman who is understandable and empathetic. Women in romance are often more criticized then the men which is sad, but also makes this writing even better. 

The hero was great and easy to love. I'm not sure I fully understand his job, but I will do some research because it is interesting.

Sorry for the vagueness. I read this with no info and think that's a great way to read it.

Highly recommend!!!

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Flare Up by Shannon Stacey

Series: Boston Fire Book #6

Format: ebook

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Carina Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Nursing a broken heart while everybody around him seems to be drowning in happiness has Grant Cutter wondering whether staying with Engine 59—or even Boston Fire—is in his future. It’s tempting as hell to pack up what fits in his Jeep and hit the road. But then a 911 call brings the woman who shattered his heart back into his life, and he knows he won’t ever be able to fully leave her in his rearview mirror.

For a few months, Wren Everett had thought the nightmare of her past was behind her and she might live happily ever after with Grant. Until she got the phone call letting her know the time her ex had spent in jail for assault hadn’t cooled his temper or determination that she belonged with him. Cutting ties with Grant was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do, but it was also the only way to keep him safe.

Now that Grant is back, he’s not letting Wren push him away again. And even with the trust issues between them, Wren dares to hope she and Grant might have a future together after all…if they’re willing to fight for it. 

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

I was so excited about this book and was pumped when NetGalley approved me for an e-ARC. 

Shannon Stacy is a fantastic writer. I love the world she has built in the Boston Fire series. Not enough people talk about world building in romance. So I was already invested in these characters. But this is also a reunited-lovers story. That is my favorite trope. 

Grant was a great hero. He's justifiably a little standoffish when he first reconnects with Wren, but he isn't the jaded hero who shows up all the time in romance novels. I love reading about male characters who are open to being in a relationship. 

Wren is actually the more withdrawn character. I really liked reading her journey and growth.

They were a fun couple. And I like the push and pull of their interactions as they reconnect. It is a different dynamic than you see in a lot of romance. That's probably why I love this trope so much.

I have a really tiny issue wiht this book. And it's probably a personal issue. Grant's best friend's name is Gavin. These names are just too similar for me. I kept confusing who was who. Like even when writing this I had to look up the hero's name to make sure I got it right. I haven't read Gavin's book (it's the only one I haven't read in this series) so maybe reading that will help. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The ending had a feeling of being a series ending which would make me sad. I really like these characters. At least Ms. Stacey has other books I can read to get me by.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Remedial Rocket Science by Susannah Nix

Series: Chemistry Lessons #1

Format: ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Haver Street Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

College student Melody Gage is craving a night of no-strings fun when she meets charming out-of-towner Jeremy, and that’s exactly what she gets. Until three years later, when Melody relocates to Los Angeles and finds herself thrust back into Jeremy’s orbit. 

Not only does her hunky one-night stand work at the same aerospace company where she’s just started her dream job, he’s the CEO’s son. Jeremy’s got a girlfriend and a reputation as a bad boy, so Melody resolves to keep her distance. Despite her good intentions, a series of awkward circumstances—including an embarrassing crying jag, a latte vs. computer catastrophe, and an emergency fake date—throw her together with the heavenly-smelling paragon of hotness. 

As the billionaire playboy and nerdy IT girl forge an unlikely friendship, Melody’s attraction to Jeremy grows deeper than she’s ready to admit. Will she risk it all for a shot at her happy ending?

The debut novel from author Susannah Nix, Remedial Rocket Science follows in the tradition of contemporary romantic comedy favorites like Penny Reid, Sally Thorne, and Jennifer Crusie. This lighthearted slow burn romance is the first in a series of standalone rom-coms featuring geeky heroines who work in STEM fields.

Review

I don't remember where or how I first heard about this book, but I do remember buying it right away. My sister is a Professor and big into STEM. So, I was interested in the story, but I also wondered if it was a romance novel she might have interest in.

And I ended up a little disappointed. Melody was a decent character and not a super stereotypical "smart" girl. Sometimes she seemed a little whiny which bothered me. Jeremy, the hero, was a good guy. He probably would've been better if the story was written in dual POV. But I always prefer dual POV in my romance. 

The story was a little more dramatic than I was expecting. Like kind of soap opera drama. And there was some cheating. I really don't like cheating. In this tory it was just really glossed over like it wasn't an issue. That just bothers me.

The romance was relatively cute, but overall this felt very bleh. I probably won't keep reading the series which is sad, but that's the truth.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Heat Exchange by Shannon Stacey

Series: Boston Fire Book #1

Format: ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Carina Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Lydia Kincaid's shipping back to Boston, but she's not happy about it. She left to get away from the firefighting community—her father was a firefighter, her brother's a firefighter and, more important, her ex is a firefighter. But family is number one, and her father needs her help running the pub he bought when he retired. Soon, Lydia finds it hard to resist the familiar comfort and routine, and even harder to resist her brother's handsome friend Aidan. 

Aidan Hunt is a firefighter because of the Kincaid family. He's had the hots for Lydia for years, but if ever a woman was off-limits to him, it's her. Aside from being his mentor's daughter, she's his best friend's sister. The ex-wife of a fellow firefighter. But his plan to play it cool until she leaves town again fails, and soon he and Lydia have crossed a line they can't uncross. 

As Aidan and Lydia's flirtation turns into something more serious, Lydia knows she should be planning her escape. Being a firefighter's wife was the hardest thing she's ever done, and she doesn't know if she has the strength to do it again. Aidan can't imagine walking away from Boston Fire—even for Lydia. The job and the brotherhood are his life; but if he wants Lydia in it, he'll have to decide who's first in his heart. 

Review

After getting book for in this series from NetGalley, I had to read the whole series.

This follows Lydia who has married to a firefighter and her dad was one. So, now she's basically sworn off firefighters. But she ends up in a relationship with her brother's best friend, Aidan, who is also a firefighter.

Most of the tension comes from her dislike of firefighter life/culture and Aidan being her brother's best friend. Her dealing with how firefighters act and bond was interesting to read. And it's a realistic struggle for a couple which I'm always a fan of reading. However, I really dislike the whole can't date your best friend's sibling trope. 

Lydia and Aidan are both fun characters. The romance was well done other than the brother/best friend thing. The story felt like it ended a bit abruptly. An epilogue would've helped with that, but I also love epilogues in my romances.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Under Control by Shannon Stacey

Series: Boston Fire Book #5

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Carina Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

When faced with the opportunity to change shifts while staying in the same house, veteran firefighter Derek Gilman jumps at the chance. His new schedule means not working Saturdays, which means more time to spend with his two kids. His divorce may have been amicable, but being a firefighter and a single dad is a lot to juggle. And when fate brings a gorgeous, wealthy woman into his life, he’s pretty sure he can’t handle more than he already is.

Olivia McGovern loves plans. She planned to start her own business and planned its growth. It’s earning her seven figures now, but her personal life simply doesn’t exist. Getting trapped in a broken elevator figures in exactly nowhere, and freaking out in front of a sexy firefighter definitely isn’t on the agenda. Especially not one with two kids and an ex.

What would have been a random incident with an attractive stranger becomes something more when a charity event brings them back together. They’re from different sides of the tracks, literally—with friends, family and careers to consider. But as Derek and Olivia are discovering, chemistry doesn’t allow for plans, and love doesn’t bother with logistics.

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

This was my first Shannon Stacey book! I've heard about her for years, but never pulled the trigger. I totally wish I had read her before. This was a really good book.

I'm not sure I've ever read a firefighter story before. I liked it. The firehouse kind of creates a found family. That is one of my favorite things to read.

The romance was well-paced and well-written. Olivia and Derek have demanding careers which they really care about. They have to navigate that work-life balance. That felt very natural and realistic-sometimes romance novels ignores those realities of life.

Derek is divorced and has kids. I don't particularly like stories with kids, but this one worked. Again, I liked that Ms. Stacey addressed the difficulties of dating after divorce and dating someone that has kids. 

I really enjoyed these characters and the world. I immediately borrowed the other books in the series from the library. And I can't wait for the next one in the series.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Hard Sell by Lauren Layne

Series: Wall Street Book #2

Format: ebook

Pages: 252

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Montlake Publishing

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

This was a quick and fairly fun read. However, it was a little disappointing. It felt unpolished.

The characters are interesting. The friendships (male, female, large group, etc.) is probably the best part. The hero and heroine-Matt and Sabrina-have a lot of potential. That's what is disappointing. Looking at their past, they should be very compelling, but instead it's never developed enough. I think it's that the emotion of their emotion of their various situations is never really explored. This means even thought they shouldn't be, Matt and Sabrina both come across one-dimensional. 

The romance was good and fun to read. IT was an interesting play on the enemies to lovers trope. I liked their bickering. They had a good push and pull to their interactions that built a strong chemistry. There was a lot of mentions to previous interactions from before this book. It would've been nice to get some flashbacks of those interactions to more fully flush that out.

While this is my least favorite Lauren Layne book, I do still really enjoy her writing. I will continue to read her books and would even read the others in this series-especially what I assume will be the next one.

Thanks for reading!

Holly