God this book was sweet and hot and sad and just everything. And yet nothing at all that I expected or predicted. Every time I thought I knew where things were going I was just completely wrong and it was even better than I could have hoped. 

Maverick and Rosie we kind of knew from his relationship to previous characters and of course his time as a King. But Emmie was completely new to us and was just the most beautiful breath of fresh air. 

Everything about the way their relationship progressed just felt so realistic. I couldn't get enough of watching Maverick fight to convince Emmie she was his. Especially since it was so obvious Emmie had completely fallen for Rosie as much as him. 

And like I said the twists and turns were nothing I anticipated and everyone made me feel so much. My heart kept breaking for everything Emmie had been through. But it also made me love her more that she woke up each day and chose happiness. She absolutely deserved the way Maverick loved her and I can't wait to see her happily ever after grow as we get more of these characters in the future.

https://amzn.to/42C7nTv

 

So, I saw some tropes and read that it was an introductory novella for a new series, and I thought it sounded awesome. And in I dive only to get so invested and have it end. Unfinished and with me dying to get the rest of the story. 

 

Because Camden was exactly the slightly unhinged, morally grey, alpha hole I needed to read right now. And even though I wanted to slap Harper more often than not I actually ended up liking her. And I can't blame her for the way she reacted to Camden.

 

But honestly, I couldn't put this down and when I hit the end of it, I immediately ran off to see when the next book is out because I absolutely can't handle any waiting between my books. And I don't have an answer, and I really need to see what's going to happen next.

 

https://amzn.to/3QWOGoa

 

 

Sarina Bowen is an author that I never check the blurb for. And I can honestly say that the way she writes I am absolutely thrilled regardless of if it's a hockey romance, the female hockey franchise, a MM romance or any of the amazing other tropes and themes she's written. Because her writing is so good I honestly think she could make me invested in dirt.

 

This book started off with a very upset Jethro and an equally unhappy Clay for different reasons and the same cause. And I completely sympathised with them both. Then we got to see their history and I was even more understanding of their animosity. 

 

But geez these two guys brought the chemistry. And they completely defined the whole forbidden romance. Normally that adds to the steam and excitement but in this case it just added to the angst and made my heart hurt for them. Because they had so many things to work out. And then Jethro just went and made it all look like it was easy, and I fell even more for him.

 

Seeing Newgate get his happily ever after was just the cherry on top. And the news clipping at the end of the book just tipped me over into grinning like an idiot. I can't wait to see what's next from this team. And if MM is your thing you are going to love every word of this book. And if it isn't read any other book from this amazing author and then maybe try dip your toe in because I swear, she does it like few others can.

 

https://amzn.to/43y0zsd

 

 

HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT

Sara Ney

Release Date: March 10

 

Blurb:

USA Today bestselling author Sara Ney sizzles with a fast-paced, sexy romp about a sassy fan-girl and flailing hockey star in this hilarious stand-alone...

 

I didn’t mean to roast Gio Montagalo, goalie and crown jewel of The Houston Baddies hockey team. Honestly, I was screaming at the TV in a sports bar like any self-respecting sports junkie does when their team is on a losing streak! So when his twin sister sidles up on the stool beside me, laughing at my commentary, I figured I’d made a fan, too. What I didn’t expect? For her brother—the guy I called “a flashy ice peacock with the reflexes of a sloth”—to hear about it.

 

Yikes. What were the odds?!

Next thing I know, Gio is in my DMs with a challenge: “Hold up a sassy sign at my game and hit me with your best shot. Roast me in front of everyone.” For him, it’s fun. For me, it’s humiliating. But I did it. Glitter included. And because the universe thrives on chaos, the Baddies won.

Now Gio thinks I’m his good luck charm, begging me to show up with more signs. He also wants to see me—off the ice.

What does a hot, hockey hunk want with a bookish girlie like me?

 

I try to keep my distance. Mostly. 

Soon, Gio is showing up at my job for swoony kisses and trying to charm my dog—also named Gio—and failing because my dog hates him at first sight. I wonder if this whole “lucky charm” thing has less to do with hockey and more to do with the overwhelming, undeniable pull I feel toward him. Or maybe it’s fate’s way of showing me that sometimes, the guy you roast on national TV can be the one you accidentally fall for.

Fast-paced and hilarious, Hit Me With Your Best Shot is full of electric chemistry—and tons of spice. Austin Adam's life just went from shouting at the TV screen—to becoming part of the show.

 

My Review

Buy Link:

https://books2read.com/HMWYBSSaraNeyKU

Available in KU

 

Meet Sara Ney:

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte’s, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.

Connect with Sara Ney:

https://linktr.ee/authorsaraney

 

 

I feel like I really screwed myself over reading this book right now. I am so burnt out and stressed out and I was hoping this would distract me and help me hide from reality for a while. Unfortunately, my brain just didn't allow that to happen so I know I missed a load of giggles I would normally get from the delightful Sara Ney.

 

Now in saying that I did enjoy the book. The characters were so unique and quirky, and the premise was super cute. I love it when the super fan gets the star and does it without being weird and fawning all over their celebrity. Austin was such an awesome little heckler, and I really enjoyed the flow of their relationship. 

 

But Gio was such an awesome boyfriend. And with him being all cranky in the beginning I really wasn't expecting that. And throw in the fact that he went out of his way to meet her based on his sisters shove I was loving it. I did guess the plot twist but that didn't take anything away from the story.

 

I am obsessed by the epilogue, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. When I saw that it was written by Nova I thought we were going to get her commentary on Gio and Nova. Especially on how over the top crazy Gio was. What we got however feels like one massive tease for the next book. And knowing it's Nova's book I'm looking forward to seeing more Gio and Austin.

 

https://amzn.to/4iehFjl

 

 

 

I always make the mistake of picking these books up to read a few chapters before bed because they always make me happy. Cue midnight and me forcing myself to put the book down so I can adult in the morning. Only to spend the next day tired and trying to sneak off to keep reading. 

 

The thing is I absolutely love the whole huge, interconnected thing but I'm now at the point I can hardly keep who's who straight. And I don't even care. Then the parents pop up or a cousin and I can't believe how much I love everything about this series and the ones preceding it.

 

Killian and Lilah have such a secret history and when it was all revealed I felt terrible for them. But I am so glad they sorted out their past and got on with living their beautiful happily ever after. And despite the fact I spent ¾ of the book waiting for the drama to happen and the bad guy to be revealed I could almost have lived without it.

 

Everything about them together was so hot and so sweet. I am dying to see who's up next and see the next chapters for so many characters we have already met and fallen in love with along the way.

 

https://amzn.to/3QgUhFy

 

 

NOT YOUR BIGGEST FAN

Sara Ney

Release Date: January 28

 

Blurb:

USA Today bestselling author Sara Ney sizzles with a quick-witted, sexy romp about an eager entrepreneur and a cocky football star who couldn’t be more different—or more into each other.

Harlow James is destined to rock the dating world. The creator of Kissmet, the app helping singles find love, she’s in New York to secure advertisers. But the sassy, small-town girl can’t help meddling in other people’s business.

When she runs into a muscular stranger at her go-to food truck, Harlow doesn’t realize he’s Landon “Andy” Burke, the NFL’s most-wanted free agent, in town to talk contracts. She just sees a hottie about to get burned by undercooked street food. Though she tries to warn him, he shrugs her off, making a little wager instead.

In a messy twist of fate, Andy finds himself in the same hotel as Harlow. When she collects on their bet, they make a mind-blowing—and bed-rocking—connection. But after the weekend, she goes home to Green Bay to her goofy dad and corgi, ready to focus everything on work again. Kissmet, however, has other ideas, when Andy knocks on her door…

 

My Review

Buy Link

https://books2read.com/NYBFSaraNeyKU

Available in KU

 

Meet Sara Ney

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte’s, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.

Connect with Sara Ney

https://linktr.ee/authorsaraney

 

THE BIG SKATE

Elise Faber

Release Date: December 26

I’ve sworn off love…until her.
The only problem? She can’t stand me.

Gorgeous, single mom Ivy wants absolutely nothing to do with me.

She thinks I’m a player—and maybe I am.

She thinks I don’t take anything seriously—and maybe I don’t.

She thinks I can never make her happy—but I’ve never been more focused on anything else. Not ever. Not even on hockey, and I live and breathe the sport.

She doesn’t understand that she’s become my reason for existing—

That if there’s any game in my life I’m willing to do anything to win…

It’s claiming her heart as mine.

My Review

Grab Your Copy!

https://geni.us/TheBigSkate

 

 

Meet Elise Faber:

 

USA TODAY bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. 

 

To find out about Elise Faber’s  upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here

For more information on Elise Faber and her books visit: https://www.elisefaber.com/

 

I read the blurb for this book, and it was entirely what I was in the mood for. I couldn't wait to get my grabby hands on it. Then I read the first page and realised it was part of a series, and I haven't read the first two books 🤦‍♀️ Ordinarily I would just grab them and read them first but it's Christmas and my reading time has shrunk to the bare minimum. So, I pushed through my fomo and I'm glad I did.

 

This is the first book I've read from this author; despite having several on my TBR and now I'm going to have to add the rest of this series. Because honestly the secondary characters were awesome, and I can't wait to get to know them better. I love when there's a series around a friend group that I wish were real and I was apart of.

 

Knox and Ivy had off the chart’s chemistry from the first page. And we were given just enough background on Ivy to understand her reluctance but also to keep us guessing. Knox was the perfect hockey playing hero. And I loved that he loved Evie just as much. He was stepdad goals along with being book boyfriend goals.

 

I really enjoyed the story and even though I read it in sporadic bursts over several days it was interesting enough that every time I picked it back up, I could just jump right in. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.

 

https://amzn.to/4fCagbo

 

 

I am so obsessed with Bella Matthews books it's bordering on a problem. The minute I could I stuck off to read a chapter or two before bed. Cue the book hitting me in the face around the 50% mark because I can't bring myself to put it down. Then I'm having to adult all day before I finally get to finish it. And now I'm miserable because I've finished it and have to wait for the next one.

 

I really love the whole marriage of convenience trope, and a single parent is just icing. Add in the fact this is part of a large sporting family dynamic and I really couldn't ask for more. There are so many amazing secondary characters and the very much loved first generation I really am in my happy place every time I pick one of these books up.

 

Addie and Leo were sizzling hot. And although their relationship progressed quickly it felt really natural and organic. The way Leo instantly took to Izzy and Lennox and loved them like his own had my ovaries exploding every time he loved on them. Then we got the whole growly, possessive “my wife” and sign me up for one please.

 

The book had all the spice, sweetness, romance and drama that I want to stay wrapped up in all things Kroydon Hills. So, I guess I'll just go back to not so patiently waiting for the next one.

 

https://amzn.to/4idKKMe

 

 

This book has given me a very upsetting realisation of just how lacking my stalker skills are. I was looking for something to read last weekend when I thought I'd see what was recommended to read after The Pucking Wrong number and to see when the next book in that series was coming out. Then I thought I'd see what else the author might have for me to read, when I saw this was releasing at the end of the week. Cue the longest week of waiting. Luckily for me Jase's book is next in this series, and I think he's going to have some good ideas I can steal to up my stalking game. 🤞 

 

Anyway, while I was not so patiently waiting for this to release, I checked out the blurb and realised that Parker is Disney's baby brother. And I was really hoping that he was going to turn to big brother for some hint on how to win over Casey. And maybe we would get some cameos and some pearls of wisdom from the circle. 

 

Parker and Casey were both awesome characters with their share of grief weighing them down. They had awesome chemistry, and I couldn't get enough of them. But for the first half of the book Parker wasn't quite psycho enough for my expectations. He had moments and I was expecting a few different twists and turns to the dark side that didn't come. But he started to get a little more dubious in the second half so I ended on a high.

 

Although that said I had withdrawals every time I had to put the book down.  And now that we have to wait so long for the next books in both of these series that I'm currently obsessed with I really am going to have to dive into the back catalogue and see if I can find some new psychos to add to my book boyfriend list.

 

https://amzn.to/3ZfsOs4

 

 

This series is complete catnip for me. I don't know how to even explain how it hits every one of my reading kinks before I even realise I have them. And each book is so different, but all of these guys are so completely the same slightly unhinged perfection.

 

Camden was a little less full on in the psycho department, but then it worked for a guy with nick names of hero and grandpappy. He still had the instant lightning bolt obsession and the completely over the top jealousy and possessiveness I would expect from a circle of trust member. 

 

Anastasia made me so glad that she had Camden to slay all her dragons. Because if ever there was a character who needed a hero, she was it. Everything about her story broke my heart. And seeing her fight and struggle and work so hard I couldn't help but admire her. But I admired her even more when she finally realised she wasn't fighting alone and let Camden help her shoulder the weight.

 

Now the only downside to having read this is the fact we have to wait to get Logan's book. 

 

https://amzn.to/46opjCC

 

 

I'm going to be honest, my little goldfish brain read this book almost entirely as a standalone. I know I've loved this series, but it's been almost a year since I read the last one and I could not really remember a lot of them. And honestly it sucked because my fomo kicked in and I wanted to remember them all, but it read beautifully as a standalone. 

 

Jack and Everly were complicated. They both had very strong personalities and had butted heads for years. Everything about their relationship felt so organic and I really enjoyed watching them both get pushed a little outside their comfort zones.

 

Jack has always taken care of everyone and been their hype guy. But after getting injured he's forced to sit back and accept help from Everly of all people. And for Everly, she's just graduated college and is trying to figure out how to adult. 

 

The chemistry was hot to watch. Especially while they were both fighting their sudden and inconvenient attraction to each other. But seriously the book read as if I was watching it play out with friends, and I didn't want to put it down. I'm sad there isn't a next one, but I can't wait to see where this author plans to go next because I know I'll be one clicking it.

 

https://amzn.to/3YyOqPM

 

 

Ilsa Madden-Mills is an instant one click author for me and is one of those authors I picked up from her debut novel and then anxiously await each new release. And although her writing style hasn't changed, her novels are all unique and different. So I pick up her books not knowing what to expect but knowing I'm not going to be able to put it down. 

 

I picked this up not realising that it was part of a series and the characters are known to us from an earlier book. And despite my goldfish memory I was so excited to be back in the bookstore and laughing at Jasper. Although I was surprised that we didn't get more Emmy and Graham. 

 

Jane had so much going on, both privately and professionally and I found it really easy to understand her. And on the surface, it was hard to see what Jane and Jasper had in common. But the more we got to know Jasper I realised that he had almost as much going on he just kept it hidden. 

 

The story was easy to get caught up in, even if my kids did their best to keep me preoccupied. There was so much sweetness with just the right blend of drama. And the epilogue was super cute. I can't wait to see what Ilsa is going to give us next.

 

https://amzn.to/4hDc7iH

 

 

This book was exactly what I needed. While also being exactly what I wasn’t expecting when I picked it up. The first book in the series was set in college and I assumed this one would be too. But once I picked it up, I didn’t care at all that it wasn’t set in college because I was so busy falling for these characters and waiting for the drama bombs to start dropping. 

 

From the first page I was in and needing to know exactly what had happened to get Vi to that point. Then we jump to the first chapter and Declan was beyond perfect, and an idiot, at the same time, but in all the right ways and for all the right reasons and I just couldn’t get enough of him. Their relationship happened so organically and realistically and just smoothly but with so many little strings left dangling that I couldn’t put it down. I had so many theories of how things were going to be revealed and what was going to be the fallout of each revelation.

 

We got the perfect amount of the OG characters and a great introduction to some new characters. But I was so busy obsessing over Vi and Declan and how perfectly they handled everything involving Tucker. I had all the feels while reading this, but the main one was just pure swoon over Declan. I am off to add the next one to my kindle. Toodles

 

https://amzn.to/4d0Brft

 

 

This book kept popping up in an obsessive alpha Facebook group I'm in, so I one clicked it. Then I read the blurb and didn't want to pick it up. Then I made the mistake of checking some reviews. When I saw one saying that she ended up with the wrong guy, I assumed that meant not the guy who I had already decided from the blurb that she should obviously be with.

 

Then my little brain decided I would probably be best not to read it. So, I tried to pick a different book to read and literally nothing grabbed me. I thought I would just read this for an hour before bed and if I didn't get into it, I could read something else in the morning. Now I'm here all like what day is it? 

 

I have been in a serious book fog. It's obsessed my brain every second I have had to put it down. I had to keep checking the chapters to see who's point of view we were going to be getting next and if that point of view would still be present towards the end of the book. Because getting three different main characters points of view was awesome. I was so besotted with one of them, I enjoyed another, and I loved to hate the third.

 

Now I'm not going to tell you who was who or anything, but I am going to say that I am so happy I picked this book up. I'm going to one click the next one right now even though I need to adult for a bit. Because yeah, the heroes were both obsessive, one slightly more, hotter, better and just everything than the other. The book was hot. There was no cheating. Everyone and everything was very clear and man was it hot AF.

 

Can't wait to go stalk this author and check out her other books and heroes. Because one of these guys is going to be living in my head rent free for a few days and I could not be happier about it.

 

https://amzn.to/4bqgfOF

 

 

Since I first picked up a Maggie Rawdon novel I've been obsessed. Unfortunately for me and my absolute lack of patience I stumbled on her early, but each book has just further increased my stalkerness. So, when I saw the sign up for this I jumped on, blindly. Then I received a few teasers and saw it was Ramsay's book. Yay. And it was going to be dark. Double yay.

 

What I missed somehow or probably ignored because I was so focused on the two previous things and a few others was that this was a second chance romance.  I HATE second chance. And even more so when one or both characters have moved on. First what went wrong the first time that you called it quits? How can you get over it now if you couldn't work through it then? Also, now there's this whole other person that you claim to love? 

 

So, as I'm reading this I'm just hating everyone. And I really didn't want to. I wanted to be lost in it, I wanted to love Ramsey and Hazel. But I just couldn't. I got too caught up in all the water under their bridge and I drowned in it.

 

That said the actual story outside of them I was caught in. The secondary characters and the town, I am there for. The next book in the series I am blindly jumping on because every single one of my issues with this book was a me issue and I still had to read it to the very last page. So, if you're like me and can't stand second chance, maybe give this one a miss. But if you don't mind second chance then jump right in and discover what an amazing storyteller this author is.

 

https://amzn.to/3BGVlyB

 

THE BREAK OUT

Madi Danielle

Release Date: October 4

  

Blurb:

I don’t date hockey players.

 

I never have and never will.

 

Which is why I’ve brushed off this specific player that has continued to try to get my attention. The thing with this specific player is that he can’t stand my brother. His teammate. And I can’t stand him.

 

Colton Wheeler is persistent, and even if it’s just using me to get under my brother’s skin, he’s determined to wear me down. The chemistry between us is tangible, no matter how much I want to deny it. 

 

But the more I learn about him, the more I feel there may be a pull that is more than just physical. I want to continue to hate him, but it’s getting harder to remember the reasons I should.

 

My Review

Buy Link:

https://a.co/d/bbo9P12

Available in KU

 

Meet Madi Danielle:

Madi is 20 something trying to figure out what “adulting” is. Madi has been writing stories since she was a teenager she continues to express all her emotions in her writing. She’s also an avid reader. Madi lives in the PNW where she attended college after moving from the unforgiving heat of Arizona. Madi spends her free time with her husband, daughter and family of pets (3 dogs and 2 cats). 

 

Connect with Madi Danielle:

https://linktr.ee/madidaniellewrites

 

 

 

Honestly, I am not even sure why I was so desperate to get my grabby hands on this. I've not read anything else from this author and I had no idea it was part of a series. I just saw some teasers, got all hot and bothered and had to read it. Then it landed on my kindle, and I realised it was the third book in the series. So, I went off to GoodReads to see if it could be read as a standalone and couldn't find anything to help my dilemma. So, I'll start with yes it can be read as a standalone, but I think it potentially has spoilers for the previous books. Plus, all of those characters are all through this along with parts of their stories so if you plan to read the others maybe do it in order.

 

Now as mentioned I started this one semi convinced, I shouldn't be reading it so it took me a bit to get over myself and enjoy this. But by about the 30% mark I was invested. Brynn had started to settle into her new life and Colton was a massive, self-centred jerk.

 

I could completely sympathise with Brynn, and I felt her loneliness despite being surrounded by friends who were all busy with their own things. Colton was a whole other story. I loved to hate him. He was such a self-fulfilling prophecy I just wanted to slap him and scream at him to get over himself. 

 

Then the chemistry kicked in between these two and damn did it get hot fast. And I need to admit that at least 50% of this book was pure smut and I was so here for it. With that said there was also a pretty good story spread through this and we got some great character growth from both of them. And once Colton did pull his head out, he was pretty swoony.

 

I don't think I'll be adding the first two books onto my TBR but this was a solid read and I'll be keeping an eye out for the author in the future.

 

https://amzn.to/3ZS1Etk

 

 

I read the tropes and trigger warnings for this book and I immediately had to get my grabby little hands on it. Then as soon as it landed on my kindle I dove in. I didn’t read the blurb, I didn’t check on GR to see if this was part of a series. I just went in completely hyped to read a book that hit all of my happy places. Then page one I see the playlist and I’m thinking this book is my spirit animal. Over half of the songs I love and the other half are songs I don’t know from musicians I love so obviously this book was written just for me. Sadly it just wasn't to be. 

 

The prologue had me settling in, ready for wherever this little journey was going to take me. But then I just couldn’t connect to the author’s writing style. I found it was very much tell, and not show and I am personally then struggle to get lost in the story. It felt disjointed but then I don’t know if that was because I wasn’t getting caught up in the book and so my attention wandered and then I missed things. I feel like maybe I needed to read the first book in the series because I still have no idea what happened to Lincoln but it was like a shadow over the story at times. 

 

I really didn’t connect to the characters which I really wanted to but I just felt a whole lot of meh. The story could have been good and I really liked the premise but it felt like it was rushed. And it played out almost in point form, over days rather than weeks or months. Normally I don’t have an issue with young college kids being too mature and world aware for their age but these guys felt like toddlers putting on a batman costume and thinking they are batman. I don’t want you constantly telling me you're bad and tough. Yes your actions also kind of backed that up but there was no real proof that anything you got away with doing was anything more than dumb luck, then you claim it’s because you’re a “blackwood” and your dad is so influential but at no time did either of those things come into play except when you were telling a teenaged girl to shut up. 

 

I don’t know. I didn’t enjoy it but judging from the reviews on the first book maybe it’s a me thing. Maybe it would be different if I had read the first book and got some background on all of these brothers. Or maybe this can’t be read as a standalone and I’m an idiot for reading it as such. Either way if this is your kind of book, enjoy. 

 

https://amzn.to/3B6VKde