Assistant to the Villain Book 3: Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

 

Assistant to the Villain Book 3

REWARD OFFERED: Apprentice to The Villain wanted for treason (light), magical property damage (alleged), and one incident involving a weaponized scone (accurate). Frequently seen with a grumpy frog (crowned, judgmental). Answers to “Evie” or “Stop that.”

Evie Sage didn’t mean to become the right-hand woman to the kingdom’s most terrifying villain. One minute, she was applying for an entry-level position that promised “light paperwork and occasional beheadings,” and the next, she was knee-deep in magical mayhem, murder plots, and an entirely inappropriate crush on her brooding, sharp-jawed, walking disaster of a boss.

Now, with a magical prophecy unraveling, assassins showing up in the break room, and a suspicious amount of frogs wearing crowns, Evie has to figure out how to survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire―or her dignity, which is hanging by a very sarcastic thread.

Being evil-adjacent was never part of the five-year plan. But then again…neither was falling for The Villain.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219209774-accomplice-to-the-villain#SocialReviews

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Loving this series! This is probably my favorite so far. And I’m super excited to read the last book in the series after that ending! Too bad I have a bit of a wait. Things are getting quite interesting for Evie and her friends. The magical prophecy is unraveling and when they learn the missing pieces, they are set on a new mission. A mission that includes freeing Kingsley from his curse. In the meantime, they still have a traitor to find, assassins to avoid, and just so much more obstacles to overcome. But the humor is still killing me in this series. You just end up smiling and laughing the whole way through with everyone’s wits and antics. The slow burn romance between Evie and Trystan is finally making way more progress in this book! The wait was well worth it. And we still have another book to go! That ending was pretty great too. We got a lot of reveals, some of which I think to say we all knew was coming, but I think there are plenty of surprises left as we head into the final book of the series. And I can’t wait to see how it all comes together!

Assistant to the Villain Book 2: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Assistant to the Villain Book 2

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. -Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome, evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat . . . out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in trouble, and all signs—Kingsley's included—point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom's magic, and it's made The Villain's manor vulnerable to their enemies . . . including their nemesis, the king.

Now it's time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain's lair, his nefarious works, and maybe the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It's time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It's all so . . . so . . . delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203147386-apprentice-to-the-villain

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Lots of revelations in this latest book in this series! Picking up shortly where we left off, Evie has quite the plan to set The Villain free. And in doing so, they soon realize that the King is on a mission to fulfill a prophecy. And anything to do with the king’s plan means something is coming. Lots going on in this story! The mysterious Knight is revealed. All signs point to finding Evie’s mother if they have hope in defeating the king. And magic is on the fritz… including The Villain’s. I think I enjoyed reading this book more than the first now that I had the world figured out. The humor is still fantastic. We meet some new characters who I loved. And then this slow burn of Evie and Trystan’s love story makes you want to shake them. But I loved that it developed more in this one. It’s definitely a fun story all around and just when you have some questions answered, many more appear! I can’t wait to dive into the next one!

On Thin Ice Book 2: The Call-Up by KC Carmichael

 

On Thin Ice Book 2

I’ve been in love with Ryan Christianson since I was fourteen.

Eight years ago, he was my brother’s teammate, billeted in our home, and completely off-limits. Now, as I’m called up to the NHL for the first time, the moment I discover Ryan is my new linemate is also when I realize I’m still hopelessly gone for the man who calls me Baby Bouchard.

As rookies go, I’m doing well; hat-trick-in-my-third-game, heading-to-the-playoffs well. But I’ll always be just a kid to Ryan, who makes it clear there’s a line we’re not crossing. He says I’m too young, too new to the league, that getting involved would be a disaster. He’s probably right. But he’s also the one fixing my hair before media interviews, teaching me his signature backhand shot, and looking at me like he’s one second away from forgetting every reason we shouldn’t do this.

The smart thing? Finish the season, keep things professional, protect our careers.

But I didn’t make it to the NHL by playing it safe.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246634473-the-call-up

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Brandon has been in love with Ryan since he was a teenager. Not that Ryan knows. Ryan billeted in Brandon’s house and it really opened Brandon’s eyes to a lot about himself. Now, eight years later, Brandon’s dream of playing in the NHL has come true when he is called to play for St. Louis. But he can’t decide if playing on Ryan’s is the best thing ever or if his feelings are going to expose him to not just Ryan but to everyone that he is attracted to men. What shocks him the most though is that Ryan seems to be looking back at Brandon. Their chemistry isn’t just on the ice and it makes stronger the more the two of them reconnect. They know starting something as teammates probably isn’t a good idea, but it’s only a matter of time until they give in. And it may just be the best thing they ever do. I loved these two! I loved going back to this world and getting to know Brandon and Ryan. They were so fun and adorable as they fell hard for one another. Being themselves in the hockey world may not be easy, but things are slowly changing and their team was a great place to be. This is looking to be a great series and I can’t wait for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For Puck’s Sake Book 14: Penalty Shot by Crea Reitan

 

For Puck’s Sake Book 14

You miss all the shots you don’t take.

Denny

My world turns upside down when I’m thrust into single parenthood to my day-old son. Coming from a home where hatred and resentment thrived, I’m terrified of messing up my kid. Just when I’m at my lowest point, on the brink of drowning, a stranger shows up at my door and somehow, he makes it a little easier to breathe even as he makes the guilt in my chest a little louder.

Tyler

My world turns inside out with the loss of my sister - my best friend. I’m hours too late to say goodbye and by the time I get to the hospital, her newborn has already left with her fiance. Tracking them down isn’t as difficult as not falling for him. Everyday this man makes me fall a little harder as I search for the answers my sister took with her to an early grave.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250146395-penalty-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Denny has been struggling for a while. When he learns that he is going to be a father, he panics in a number of ways. The days are ticking by closer and closer to when his child will be born. He has to decide what is best for his child’s future, even if that includes him not being in it. But before he can figure it out, the mother of his child, Sally, passes away shortly after childbirth. There is no more figuring out because the moment he sees his son, he knows he loves him. He’ll take care of him. But Denny can’t help but wonder if he is still doing right by him. Then Tyler shows up. Tyler is Sally’s brother. He was on his way to move in with Sally and demand some answers about who she was marrying when he learns she is gone. Tyler always felt like there was something Sally wasn’t saying about her relationship with Denny. And when he tracks Denny down, he has even more questions, because neither of them seem to be in the other’s lives. But that’s something he’ll have to examine later, because all he wants is to be in his nephew’s life. And in doing so, Tyler and Denny realize they need one another in more ways than one. Oof, this story hits you right in the emotions! Both of their lives are turned upside down in many ways. Denny has so much to work through but I loved that he took his responsibilities for his child so seriously in all the ways that mattered. He proved to his friends and himself that him wanting to be a dad now after believing it was something he never wanted, was his own choice because the love he feels for his kid. And for Tyler, he was willing to fight for his nephew and to keep the last bit of family in his life. He never wanted to take his nephew from Denny, he just wanted to be in their lives. And I just loved that together, the three of them, became their own family. It was just really sweet. And even sweeter when you see that Dennis and Tyler are actually definitely made for one another. They get each other in so many ways and have great chemistry. I also loved getting to know these characters and seeing some familiar faces! Another great book in this series for sure!

I received an ARC in exchange or an honest review.

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 6: Wishing Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 6

A shameless flirt. A single dad. And an unexpected chance at love.

Harrison

When I left Plum Valley ten years ago, I never thought I’d return. But a call about animals in crisis brings me back to the town that inadvertently broke my heart.

What I don’t expect? Sam. The animal control officer looks every bit a cowboy wet dream, and for whatever reason, he’s latched on to me like a dog with a bone.

One impulsive night together only leaves me wanting more, but as a single parent with loads of baggage, dating isn’t easy. Could I try with Sam, the man with the quick smile and surprisingly filthy mouth?

Or am I only setting myself up for another round of heartache?

Sammy

I can’t say I’ve ever been called a wallflower. When I see something I want, I go after it. And what I want is Harrison.

But the veterinarian with the soulful blue eyes has his walls built up high. He doesn’t seem to understand that his messy life doesn’t scare me one bit. In fact, I’ve always wanted a family to call my own. A family like his.

Convincing Harrison we could work may be a challenge, but I’m up for the task. Amidst pillow forts, bedtime stories, and camping under the stars, I know I’m falling—for all of it.

I just hope I’m not the only one wishing for a happily-ever-after in the end.

Wishing Hearts is a small-town Texas romance between a busy single dad and a golden retriever of a man who knows how to work a pair of chaps. There’s shenanigans in a storage shed or two, a rambunctious little girl and her sidekick dog, family date nights, fun with rope, and one very HEA. It’s book 6 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123961429-wishing-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Okay, so turns out, this one was my favorite of this series. Harrison returns! I was actually so glad to see he got his own story. We met Harrison way back in book 1 when he was dating Wyatt. And while we didn’t get to know him well, we knew that his heart was definitely broken when he realized that Wyatt could never be fully his. He left Plum Valley and hasn’t been back in ten years. Until now. He returns when he gets a call that there are animals in need of help and just too many for one person to handle. They need a pretty big team. That’s where he meets, Sammy. The moment Sammy sees Harrison, he knows that there is something special about him and they has to get to know him. And while maybe he thinks at first they could just have some fun, he quickly changes his mind when they actually talk. And turns out, they actually live very close to one another. It’s fate. And though Sammy knows that when he falls, he falls hard and fast, he has to be careful. There is something about Harrison that tells him he needs to coax Harrison to him. Prove that he isn’t going to disappear. And when Sammy meets Harrison’s daughter, it only confirms that this may be the family he has been missing all is life. If Harrison can let him in. Harrison has been putting his daughter first all her life. He’s basically given up on love and trusting anyone with his heart. But Sammy proves each day that he is different. And is exactly what Harrison needs. I adored these two! They were ridiculously sweet. I loved seeing Harrison get a happy ending and Sammy too! The guy has never had a real family and definitely deserves one. This was a great story to end the series with!

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 5: Courageous Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 5

Mr. Right wasn’t expecting Mx. Tall, Dark, and Beautiful.

Bo

Being out and proud as a nonbinary person didn’t come easy, but I’ve finally found my place. I have an amazing work family at the cabaret bar where I perform, Chicago fits me better than my Texas hometown ever did, and I’m truly happy.

Especially once Jameson walks into my life. Our new bartender accepts me effortlessly for who I am, and the man is more than easy on the eyes. In fact, the way he looks out for me is giving me all sorts of ideas, even though those cuddles were purely platonic. Weren’t they?

But I have more on my mind than finding Mr. Right. My brother Diesel won’t stop hounding me, which means it’s time to face the very thing I’ve been avoiding for years.

I need to return to Plum Valley and confront my past.

Jameson

I’ve never met anyone quite like Bo.

Every time they’re up on stage in their makeup and heels, I watch them. When that shy blush spreads over their cheeks off-stage, I stare. And when I find them crying in the storage room after a difficult conversation with their brother, I can’t help but soothe away their tears.

I always assumed I was only attracted to women, but suddenly, I’m questioning everything. Including my reaction to the sight of Bo in lingerie. I might have a lot to figure out, like whether or not Bo is interested in me. But I think it’s fairly safe to say…

I’m not as straight as I thought I was.

Courageous Hearts is an MX romance between a man and the enby he adores, with show tunes, love bites and lace, a pan-awakening, one jealousy-inducing bull ride, and a very HEA. It’s book 5 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63328204-courageous-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Bo’s turn! Bo has long left Plum Valley. As a kid growing up there, they weren’t the best person. In order to survive, they shoved down who they were to blend in. But eventually, they realized it was time to be who they were, even if that meant losing some family. Now, they are in Chicago doing what they love. All they are missing is Mr. Right. And that is exactly who they get. Jameson is awestruck the moment he meets Bo. And it doesn’t take him long to realize exactly what he is feeling toward them. He has been looking for his person and he has finally found them and he isn’t going to let Bo go. As Bo falls harder for Jameson, they realize it’s time to go home and confront the past. Because that is the only way to move forward. But can they do it? This was probably my favorite of the series so far! I loved Bo and Jameson’s dynamic. They were just so cute and perfect for one another. Exactly what the other was looking for. And they fought and showed up for one another. Just a really great story all around!

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 4: Swan Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 4

Longtime friends. Blurred lines. And the secret that threatens it all.

Jake

There are three things my best friend Nash Dupree and I are good at. Fishing. Fighting. And another F-word that sure isn’t friendship.

Nash has been by my side for the last thirty years, but despite our long, complicated history, there are some things the town bartender still keeps close to his chest. And now those secrets are threatening to tear us apart.

That friend of mine may be running from his feelings and tackling ghosts only he can see, but I refuse to let him run away from me just because he’s scared.

I love that stubborn fool, and after everything we’ve been through, I’m not giving him up without a fight.

Nash

Since the moment I set eyes on Jake Hanson, he’s had his hook in me. No matter how hard I tried to keep the lines of our friendship from being muddled, I was powerless to resist his pull.

But the big-hearted veterinarian deserves more than I can give. And if he found out the truths I’ve been hiding, he’d see me as another pet project to doctor and mend.

I never meant for us to get so tangled together, and if we could go back to those simple days spent fishing out on my dock, oblivious to what the future had in store, maybe I could do things differently. Maybe then, I wouldn’t keep hurting Jake.

But I can’t erase my past mistakes. All I can do now is make things right. And hopefully, when I’m long gone from Plum Valley, Texas, Jake will finally understand the truth.

That he’s better off without me and always has been.

Swan Hearts is a friends-to-lovers romance spanning three decades and told in dual, alternating timelines of present and past. There’s mutual pining, an on-again/off-again dynamic, a good dose of angst, and one hard-fought HEA. It’s book 4 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61162397-swan-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Nash and Jake have been friends for thirty years. And a lot has happened in that time. Their friendship has transformed over the years to something more. But they have never let anyone know what’s between them. And their relationship tends to be push and pull. Never settling into the relationship both clearly want. So when Nash has pushed Jake away yet again, Jake needs to know what is going once and for all. The story bounces between the past and present. We get to see these two meet and how they fall for one another. And while Jake is the one all in, Nash is the one holding back. Because he has this deep fear that has truly impacted on how he lives his life. A fear that if he lets Jake in completely, then he will be leaving Jake behind in heartbreak. But the truth of the matter is that he’s hurting Jake by not telling him and not being honest about his fears. Have to say, hurt to watch Nash clearly being in love with Jake but have to push it down so hard. They could have had thirty years being completely together and happy. And while their lives together were happy, there was always something holding him back. Oof, get ready for the emotional whiplash of this story! But at least we get that well deserved happy ending.