Camrose U Book 1: Zone Entry by Maia Kinley

 

Camrose U Book 1

My new teammate and roommate is the perfect golden boy with a fake smile that pisses me off. So why do I want to kiss him?

Caleb

My new teammate pisses me off. Everyone else is falling over themselves when Golden Boy flashes a fake smile. Me? I just want to wipe it off his face.

Off the ice, there’s no escaping Nick Sandoval’s dimples and plastic grin—because he’s my new roommate.

And on the ice? We need to get our act together, or else our final year of college hockey’s going to waste.

I can’t ignore him, and I won’t put up with that bullshit front he puts up for everyone.

Especially when I push his buttons just right and get a glimpse at something no one else has seen—the real Nick Sandoval.

He’s passionate, snarky… and hot as sin.

Nick

I’m in control on and off the ice. I don’t cause trouble and I don’t draw attention.

Until now.

Because Caleb Jennings is determined to make my ice-cold control shatter. He’s antagonistic, impossible to ignore, and has made it his personal mission to wind me up.

My game’s a mess when we’re on the ice together. When I get back to my room, I can’t escape because he’s there as well.

Caleb turns me into a person I don’t recognize. A version that fights back. A version that wants things I really, really shouldn’t.

And one of those things I want… is him.

Zone Entry is an M/M dislike-to-love romance, perfect for readers who like the tension between roommates, hockey teammates, and hormonal college men.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221136411-zone-entry

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Nick likes to be in control. He keeps his head down the best he can and tries never to purposely draw attention. He does this on and off the ice. Everyone on campus thinks he is the nicest guy around and always has a smile. Truthfully, the smiles aren’t real most of the time. But no one calls him out on it like Caleb. When Caleb transfer to his school to play on Nick’s hockey team, he is the first to call Nick out. To make it worse, they are roommates. Nick tries to keep his control but Caleb smashes it at every turn. But is that a good thing or a bad thing? Caleb transferred to be closer to his family. But the one thing that really bothers him is Nick aka the Golden Boy. The moment he gives Caleb his face smile, Caleb snaps. He wants to figure out who Nick really is. Never did he expect to break down Nick’s walls and find someone he actually could like. Someone he may even have feelings for. And when Nick starts to feel it too? Well, they both know they are in trouble. I really enjoyed this story! Nick needed Caleb in his life. To be pushed a bit and learn that he can make choices he wants and not what he assumes others want from him. And Nick is there for Caleb when it matters most. They balance one another so well. I just really loved these two and watching them fall hard for one another. Can’t wait to pick up the next one!

The Morettis: A Complete Collection by Beth Bolden

Come meet the Morettis . . .

The sweetest, busiest, nosiest, most romantic Italian family, all with hearts of gold and the skills to send your tastebuds to heaven.

Meet Gabe Moretti, who makes his Nana's meatballs out of the food truck he owns with his cousin, and can't help but antagonize-and swoon over-the sweet man with the sad eyes who happens to own a food truck with the exact same name.

Meet Ren Moretti, who's sworn off love and relationships, until the ex-soldier who visits his food truck wants more than just Ren's meatball subs. He wants a partner and a future, and it's Ren he's got his sights set on. Can a lifelong bad boy change his spots?

Meet Luca Moretti, all work and no play. He's sent to Indigo Bay to turn around his aunt's failing Italian deli, and discovers the playful local baker who's determined to turn his frown upside down.

Meet Enzo Moretti, who's left Indigo Bay to pursue his mural art dreams, but then finds himself back in his hometown for one hot summer. The only way to cool down is with the owner of the gourmet ice cream shop. Neither are looking for love, but the only way to combat Enzo's matchmaking mama is to pretend they're falling head over heels.

Meet Rocco Moretti, who's just moved to Christmas Falls and bought the town's adorable, picturesque coffee shop. But he's hardly filled with holiday cheer when the changes he makes goes down like coal in the town's stocking. Coming to his rescue is the town's deputy mayor, who convinces him to go all-in not just with coffee, but with love.

Meet Marco Moretti, who's so busy running his family's restaurant to have a relationship. But then an old childhood friend shows up in Napa, ready to bail Marco out from a sudden pastry-chef-emergency. Maybe love can be sweet after all.

Includes On a Roll, Ride or Die, Sweet as Pie, Cherry on Top, Flake It Til You Make It, and Piece of Cake, a novella currently unavailable anywhere else.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251913758-the-morettis

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

The ultimate collection of the Morettis is here! This was a great way to dive in and make me go back to read series I haven’t just yet. If you are familiar with Beth’s world, the Moretti family is a big one. This collection holds 6 of their stories. This big Italian family will win your heart in every book as you watch them fall in love. Each successful in their own ways, they are just a big fun group to get to know!

But there is a new story in this one not yet seen! And that is the one I want to focus on here. Piece of Cake is about Marco Moretti! Marco is in desperate need of a pastry chef. Especially when his last one got upset and left because she thought he was flirting with her and he was very much not. He learned in his 20s dating coworkers/employees was not a good idea. He just likes to be nice and friendly to his staff. And this time, it was taken quite the wrong way. So when his sister tells him about an old friend returning to Napa who would be perfect to hire for a bit and train one of their staff, he jumps at it. But seeing Andrew after all these years was quite a wake up call. They’ve both changed so much. And this time, it’s Marco who has the crush. So what can he possibly do? Absolutely adorable these two. I wish we got a whole book for them but this novella was great! And it was about time for what I believe was the last Moretti who needed to fall in love. 

A great collection all around! You will not be disappointed!

For all my other reviews, please see the original book! They were all quite wonderful!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Indigo Bay Book 2: Cherry on Top by Beth Bolden

 

Indigo Bay Book 2

When Enzo Moretti's mom lures him home to paint one of his famous murals in Indigo Bay, he expects an awkward family reunion.

Not an awkward matchmaking attempt.

And not Will Johnson, the new owner of Cherry’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and it turns out, also who she’s been boasting to about all Enzo's perfect qualities.

He's perfectly embarrassed, all right.

When Will suggests pretending to date might be easier than fighting his determined mama, Enzo knows he should say no. That Will is as tasty as his frozen desserts doesn’t matter. Enzo isn't staying.

Instead, he plans a series of very public romantic dates. Dates that only end up proving that, yes, Will is as sweet as his ice cream, and no, Enzo isn't as immune to romantic entanglements as he thought. The longer they continue the charade, the less it feels like a game of pretend and more like a truth he can't avoid.

But can Enzo really admit his mom got it right—and stay in the town he's always wanted to leave? It'll be tough to live down that "I told you so."

Even tougher to leave Will behind.

Because what he never expected is for Will to be the cherry on top of this matchmaking sundae. He's one tasty treat Enzo never wants to finish.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213590472-cherry-on-top

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Enzo has grown up a lot since the last time we saw him. First meeting Enzo in the previous book, he was angry and miserable in his hometown of Indigo Bay. Itching to get away but not being able to until his cousin was able to step him and tell Enzo’s mom it was time to let him go. Years later, he got the education in art he wanted and has become a very famous and incredibly talented mural artist. He’s hardly returned home and he enjoys it that way. But when his mom guilts him to coming home and promises he can work on a mural in his hometown, he caves. Not realizing that his mom had a secret agenda. One that includes setting him up with Indigo Bay’s new ice cream parlor owner, Will. For months, Will has been during Giana’s attempts to set him up with her son. A son that isn’t even living in Indigo Bay. He has done his best to evade her. What he doesn’t expect is how when he does meet Enzo the sparks that fly between them before they even realize who one another is. Or the fact that Enzo’s mom tricked her son to come home with the promise of painting on mural on Will’s building. Something she never asked him about. Relentless mothers! Deciding that they aren’t going to be left alone until they actually date, Will proposes to fake date. But who would have thought that fake dating would be so fun? Or feel so real? They have a lot to figure out if they want to make what is happening between them real but one thing they know for sure? That their feelings for one another grow stronger the more they get to know one another. I loved these two! They were so much fun. I loved how much Enzo has grown and how he comes home a different person than when he left. Will and Enzo are so perfect for one another. Very sweet and just a great couple all around!

Indigo Bay Book 1: Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden

 

Indigo Bay Book 1

Luca Moretti is grumpy—and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Wrangling six—Italian—siblings and the family's restaurants would make anyone cranky. But when his mother requests that he save his aunt’s struggling Italian deli in charming, picturesque Indigo Bay, he has no idea that he's about to get an overdose of sweetness.

Luca expected his aunt’s stubbornness—she’s a Moretti, isn’t she?—and his cousin’s resistance to actual work, but the last thing he expected is the absolute ball of sunshine known as Oliver Billings.

Oliver loves Indigo Bay. Loves owning his small artisan bakery, Sweetie Pie’s. Helps nice old ladies cross the street. Even volunteers for the local Sweethearts Festival.

Sweet isn't really Luca's style, or so he thinks. But when he discovers Oliver can be a little spicy too, his prickly exterior begins to crumble like a well-baked crust.

If Luca isn't careful, he's going to develop a taste for sweets—and a particular baker’s pie.

And one or two servings will never be enough.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123139607-sweet-as-pie

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Luca takes his job as head of the family business very seriously. He comes off a bit cold and grumpy but you can’t doubt his love for his family. But running several restaurants doesn’t leave a lot of time for his personal life. But nothing is more important to him than his family. So when his mother tells him that his aunt needs help with her deli across the country, he can’t say no. But he knows it will be a fight to get his aunt to make the necessary changes if she wants to say the deli that is associated with the Morretti family restaurants. Luca plans to be there for as long as it takes to turn things around but hopes it won’t be that long. He never expected a reason to want to stay. Oliver runs a successful bakery and cafe and just loves his job. He doesn’t have much time for dating but at the moment, he’s okay with it. When he meets Luca, he knows he is in trouble. Especially since he knows Luca won’t be staying long. But he can’t resist the connection between them. So he’ll live in the moment and hope that when it’s time for Luca to leave his heart won’t be so broken. Loved these two! It’s so nice to see grumpy Luca find someone who can handle him and stand his ground. They balanced one another so well and also gave each other motivation to actually take time for themselves outside of their work. They were just super sweet together and I loved that they weren’t afraid to keep dating one another knowing it was going to end. They put their hearts into it and in the end, they knew to fight for one another. Great story all around! 

Food Truck Warriors Book 6: Ride or Die by Beth Bolden

 

Food Truck Warriors Book 6

Can Ren’s bad boy heart be wooed and won?

Ren Moretti likes his life—and his hookups—just the way they are: fast and loose.

He only ever hooks up with someone once, and relationships? Forget it. Never gonna happen. No guy has ever persuaded him to bend, break, or alter his one date and one night rule.

Until Seth Abramson.

Seth has always tempted Ren—but it’s not a secret that Seth won’t settle for just one night. A few dates won’t cut it, and he’s not interested in playing around. He wants it all, and he intends to win Ren’s heart.

But that’s the one thing Ren’s never given up. He guards it closely and fiercely, until one day, when he realizes it’s no longer his to protect, it’s belonged to Seth all along.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58943707-ride-or-die

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

And it’s finally Ren and Seth’s turn! Ren has never wanted a relationship. He is fine with his hook ups. One night and that’s it. Why do more than that? When he first sees Seth, the chemistry between them is insane. Ren figures he knows exactly comes next. Until Seth says no. Because for Seth, he wants more than just a hook up. And he knows deep down that Ren can’t be just one night for him. Months pass and the tension between these two is still there and getting worse by the day. But Seth is still firm in his decision. He truly wants to get to know Ren. He knows that there is so much to learn and that they could be really be something if they take the time to do it. But convincing Ren of that isn’t easy. Until… Seth meets Ren online. While he knows who Ren is, Ren can’t say the same. But there is something different here. Ren is opening up for once and now Seth just has to find a way to tell Ren. I really loved these two. You know things are about to get messy with some hidden identities but after that, I loved how they really just connected and weren’t ready to let go of it. Ren feels so different with Seth and it shows from the beginning. I love how their relationship develops. They both deserve someone wonderful and that is who they get. Great way to end the series!

Food Truck Warriors Book 5: Wheels Down by Beth Bolden

Food Truck Warriors Book 5

Shaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more.

Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year. But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival. 

He’s struggling to keep his food truck and to maintain appearances, but what Ross doesn’t realize is that Shaw Finley, the bartender from the Funky Cup, has seen right through his charade. 

Shaw offers the couch in his apartment over the bar, suggesting that saving money on rent might help salvage Ross’ failing prospects. 

Even though he doesn’t really consider them friends, Ross discovers that Shaw is great to talk to, easy to look at, and he likes him. Late nights and lazy mornings and evenings with only the polished wood of the bar between them lead to an attraction that Ross can’t deny—and that Shaw doesn’t even try to. 

But falling in love isn’t as easy as falling into bed together, and Ross isn’t even sure what he feels is love, until he figures out that it couldn’t possibly be anything else.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59118788-wheels-down

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Ross hasn’t been having a good year. And the worst comes when his now ex-business partner goes off the rails and Ross is just realizing how bad in shape he left their business in. Struggling to keep his business alive, isn’t easy. He is drowning and it’s only a matter of time before it overcomes him. But lucky for him, someone throws him a life jacket. One he doesn’t want to accept at first but later realizes that he needs it. Shaw knows Ross isn’t as bad as everyone thinks. Or used to think now considering what has come to light. Shaw likes him. And seeing Ross struggle makes him want to help. And when Ross eventually does accept Shaw’s offer to live with him to save some money, Shaw is relieved. The downside? Now he has to really hide his feelings. Because his crush has leveled up so much the more they spend time together. Shaw is falling hard and he can’t help but wonder if Ross could ever feel the same. Reading people and understanding them isn’t something that comes easy to Ross. Even his own feelings at times could be hard to read. But he starts to figure out quick that what he is feeling for Shaw is so much more than friendship. He wants him. But telling him? A little trickier. But he’ll give it his best shot. I loved these two! I loved getting to know Ross more since we’ve only gotten glimpses of other people’s thoughts. And Shaw has always been pretty great. These two fit together so well. I loved watching them fall for one another. They really were perfect for one another. One more book left in this series for me! Can’t wait to start it!

Food Truck Warriors Book 4: Full Speed Ahead by Beth Bolden

 

Food Truck Warriors Book 4

Lennox’s favorite escape is the Food Truck Warriors . . .until it needs his protection.

Ash isn’t running from his past—he’s already left it way behind. He’s built a business from scratch, using all the lessons that his father taught him, and every day at his food truck is a challenge he was born to tackle.

But when a stalker appears, hinting that he knows the secrets Ash has tried so hard to bury, he needs more help than his food truck friends can provide. He needs a professional.

Lennox is a mystery. He’s been coming around the Food Truck Warriors for months now, and nobody knows if that’s even his real name. But Ash is fascinated by the man, and the feeling seems to be mutual.

When the threat to Ash becomes a little too real, Lennox intervenes, and finally, the electricity between them transforms into something very much like love. But now their safety—and their hearts—are on the line.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57829928-full-speed-ahead

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Ash has had his eye on the mysterious Lennox. The quiet guy who runs a security company and keeps coming back to the food truck lot. Specifically to Ash’s truck. Ash can definitely feel something between them, but getting Lennox to come out of his shell is a little trickier. But when what started off to believed as pranks has escalated at the food truck lot. And all signs are pointing to Ash and his past. A past he didn’t want anyone to know. But Lennox is there to figure out who is after Ash and why. He’ll protect Ash no matter what. Lennox has been drawn to Ash for a while, but his past has made it hard to be comfortable in the light when he was so used to the shadows. But when Ash is in danger, Lennox won’t hang back and do nothing. And in doing so, it gives them a chance to actually know one another. But can they figure out who is after Ash and stop them before things get out of hand? I really liked Ash and Lennox’s story! Ash is exactly what Lennox needed. He brought Lennox out of his shell more and go after something he wants. And for Ash, he’s never felt the way he feels for Lennox for anyone before. He knows that Lennox could be the one for him. If they give it a chance. Great story all around! And I’m off to the next one.