Legends & Fury Book 2: Hat Trick by EM Lindsey

 

Legends & Fury Book 2

“For five million dollars, would you send a relative to jail?”

"Bud, I would pay five million dollars to send a few there."

Problem number Almost everything the world thinks they know about me is a lie.

Problem number Two people know the truth.

Problem number One of those two is a stalker and he's having a blast using that information against me to get his way.

The good news is, the second person who knows the truth about who I am seems pretty dedicated to taking my stalker down.

The bad news is, it’s NHL goalie Vanya Maximov, and he and I had a one night stand that I can’t stop thinking about. And while Vanya might be walking sunshine so bright he can make even my blind ass see light, we have no business being together.

I’m a mess, and while Vanya is everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner, he deserves better than me.

If only he was willing to listen to reason. If only he was less stubborn and able to give up on a lost cause.

But with his ability to give me exactly what I want—a little pain with my pleasure—and his refusal to treat me like I’m fragile, something dangerous starts happening.

I’m beginning to think that maybe—just maybe—he’s right, and I am worth everything he sees.

Hat Trick is the second book in the Punk as Puck spin-off series, Legends and Fury. It’s a high heat, friends to lovers romance with a sunshine NHL goalie who also might be a golden retriever in disguise, a PPHL goalie with big black cat energy, a stalker, and no faith in himself, hooking up in a friend’s car, praise and pain, high stakes romance, hockey bro banter, tons of chirping, and the swooniest happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249897076-hat-trick

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s Micah and Vanya’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to their story and it did not disappoint! Something has been going on with Micah for a while and now the truth is revealed. He has a stalker. A stalker who has made him terrified, blackmailing him, and refusing to leave him be. When his stalker tracks him down to a club in New York, lucky for Micah, Vanya is there to intervene. But the secrets have been building inside Micah for some time now and he is reaching his limit. Add in the fact that he has feelings for Vanya and when they hook up for the first time, Micah knows he is in trouble. But Vanya is so good and Micah feels like he doesn’t deserve him. So pushing him away is what must be done. Too bad, Vanya is patient and always there at the right time before Micah’s stalker can hurt him. Vanya has liked Micah for quite a while a now. But he knows he must be patient. That Micah has a lot going on and isn’t ready for the love that Vanya so desperately wants to give him. As they navigate how to get rid of Micah’s stalker once and for all, they also get a chance to see just how good one another can be together. Loved this story! I knew I was gonna like these two. Vanya is the sunshine that Micah needs in his life along with someone who is patient and kind and cares so deeply for Micah. Who can see past the mask Micah has donned for himself. And when Micah let’s himself believe he can be with Vanya, he is what Vanya needs too. Another great book in this series. And I can’t wait to see who is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Food Truck Warriors Book 1.5: Kiss & Tell by Beth Bolden

 

Food Truck Warriors Book 1.5

This New Year’s, Alexis’ kiss is on his list.

Jackson Finley loves his job. His bar, the Funky Cup, is everything to him—except that he’s beginning to realize that maybe there’s more to life than sixteen hour days and too many spreadsheets to count.

When Jackson runs into Alexis and his delightful Greek food truck—and the best hummus he’s ever had in his life—it’s almost enough to remind Jackson that all work and no play makes for a very dull boy.

But when he bumps into the charming Alexis a second time, during his annual New Year’s Eve party, Jackson knows that when the clock strikes midnight, there’s only one thing he wants: his lips on Alexis’ lips.

For one night only, he can have it all.

But nothing ever goes to plan, and when Jackson realizes he actually likes the guy, and wants more than just kisses?

Jackson is going to need some holiday magic.

Kiss & Tell is set in the Food Truck Warriors universe, but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57188835-kiss-tell

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Jackson knows he is working too much and that he has no life outside his business, The Funky Cup. He doesn’t need the reminder from his brother or anyone else. He’ll make changes. He will.  Eventually. But he never imagined the kickstart to that plan would be Alexis. Alexis runs an amazing Greek food truck outside his bar and the moment they set eyes on one another, sparks fly. Even better, they get one night together on New Year’s Eve and it is everything that Jackson could have wanted. The night is perfect. And just shows how much Jackson is missing out on outside of work. And he wants more. Specifically, with Alexis. But Alexis is leaving and asking him to stay and give up an opportunity to help his business wouldn’t be okay. He just wishes there was a way so Jackson didn’t have to say goodbye. Loved these two! Their chemistry was fantastic and they were just super adorable together. I loved that when it came down to it, they realized that giving up one another would be a mistake and sometimes you have to push your own happiness ahead of work. A very sweet novella! 

Food Truck Warriors Book 1: Drive Me Crazy by Beth Bolden

 

Food Truck Warriors Book 1

Lucas loves his job. Too bad he’s not allowed to take a bite out of the boss.

Considering all the crap Lucas Barnes has done to achieve self-employed independence, taking a job making fish tacos for a local food truck should be a no-brainer. In the off hours, he can even work on his dream business: health-conscious energy bars.

But it turns out the hardest part isn’t the long hours, the stifling heat inside the truck during a Los Angeles summer, or even the non-vegan menu, it’s his new boss.

Tony Blake is over-confident and an enthusiastic carnivore—and also one of the hottest, funniest, most charming guys Lucas has ever met. Even when Tony is driving him crazy, he’s completely irresistible.

Lucas knows hooking up with the boss is off-limits, but Tony is a tough guy to resist. And with the two of them spending the steamy summer evenings tucked in each other’s pockets . . . it turns out it’s not a question of if, but a question of when.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54917844-drive-me-crazy

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Tony meets Lucas, he is sure that his brother is trying to set him up. And he can’t decide he is annoyed about it since Tony is still trying to let go over his anger at his ex who treated him bad or if he is happy that Wyatt picked a very sweet and very good looking guy. But turns out, Wyatt hired Lucas to help Tony this summer at their food truck since Wyatt won’t be able to put in much hours with what he has going on. Now, Tony just thinks that Wyatt is torturing him. Because Lucas is everything Tony wants in a guy. Though Lucas is looking for anything but a relationship. Lucas is determined to get his healthy energy bars to the right distributor. But until then, he’ll juggle his job as a personal trainer and his new job at Tony’s food truck. But the worst part isn’t even the unfriendly other hire that is constantly glaring at Lucas, but the fact that Tony seems to be breaking down every wall Lucas has in him. He doesn’t want a boyfriend. But how come that sounds less scary if it’s with Tony? As these decide how to act on the chemistry that is between them, they also have to work together to figure out who is stealing from Tony’s food truck. This was a fun one! I had a read book 2 of this series a while back since it crossed over with another series, but it’s taken me a while to get back to the rest of the series and I’m glad I’m finally there! Looks like we have a lot of fun characters to look forward to and I can’t wait to see where this series goes. 

Duke Brothers Book 6: The Moment It All Began by Lani Blake

 

Duke Brothers Book 6

Meet The McAllisters.Growing up as Lyntacky’s unofficial hippies, the McAllister kids mastered two things loyalty and survival. They band together like pros, recycle like champions, and can whip up an herbal remedy for whatever mysterious rash you’ve picked up. Love wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was a baby.

Jay wasn’t a genius, but he was close. A man who remembered everything, solved problems others couldn’t, and used to think brains could fix anything. These days, he preferred peace, quiet, and zero complications. But Blue Jay was the complication he never saw coming—confident, beautiful, infuriating, and a girl from his past.

Blue Jay McAllister was having a week. Her designs were stolen, her career circling the drain, and her only comfort came with a corkscrew. Then fate decided to throw in one more twist—Jay Haddon. Once upon a time, she’d called him the least fashionable man alive. Now he was standing there looking like trouble in a suit. And after one amazing night together, she had a brand-new problem.

Lyntacky was like most small towns. It had its interfering locals and families who could trace their roots back hundreds of years. Where Lyntacky stood out from the rest was their love of Square Dancing and the Duke brothers. Both were trouble. Neither had plans for leaving.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242588374-the-moment-it-all-began

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jay’s turn! The sixth honorary Duke finally gets a story. And who better to match with him than a McAllister? Though Jay and Blue Jay grew up together, they weren’t really that close. But when they run into one another in New York City, Blue Jay ends up confiding in Jay a bit. Then one thing leads to another when they realize that they have quite the amount of chemistry. It’s a one night stand, at least that is what they tell themselves. But then why can’t either stop of thinking of the other? Life is pretty hectic though, especially for Blue Jay. Because the day she saw Jay was the day she quit her job. After years of loyalty, they decided to stab her in the back and steal from her. No way was she sticking around for that. Now she has to figure out what to do next. So she heads back home. Back to Jay. Jay has a pretty secretive government job that he can’t talk about. Fits seeing as he doesn’t talk about a lot of things. Like his bad childhood. But his best friend, Dan Duke, and his family were quick to bring him into their family. Even still, it’s not easy for Jay to open up. And he finds himself wanting to with Blue Jay. And when he learns that Blue Jay and him are having a baby? Well, both their lives are about the change in a lot of ways. But when it comes to one another? Guess, they’ll have to discover if this spark between them can be so much more. As always, love being back in Lyntacky! Such a great group of characters. You’ll laugh the entire way through with their antics. I loved getting to know Jay and Blue Jay. They were truly a great match and absolutely perfect for one another. And it was so sweet to watch these two fall hard for each other. Another great book in this series for sure!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

All’s Fair in Love and Pizza by Lane Hayes

 

A bake-off between enemies…what could go wrong?

Mateo

Can you believe this? Haverton’s football hero is opening a bagel shop next to my pizzeria and he’s selling—wait for it—pizza bagels. The nerve!

And this guy isn’t above using his fame to attract clients. It’s annoying and yes, I’m feeling a little crusty about the situation. My temper has gotten me into a few binds, but a pizza bagel war? This is a first. 

I’m gonna crush him.

Rob

After years of playing in the pros, I’m beat. All I want is to open a bagel shop in the town that gave me a shot at the big time. I’d love some peace and quiet too, however, I won’t be getting that with Mateo Cavaretti next door.

Geez, I can’t believe I had a crush on that guy in college. Sure, he’s still incredibly good-looking, but he’s a grouch. And while I like my business partner’s idea to settle our dispute with a classic bake-off, Mateo and I can’t be in the same room without fireworks going off.

Okay, some of those fireworks are extra sexy and that might be a problem.

Or is all truly fair in love and pizza…and bagels?

All’s Fair in Love and Pizza is an MM grumpy/sunshine, small-town romance featuring former teammates, a culinary challenge, and a HEA worth fighting for. 

*A portion of All's Fair in Love and Pizza was originally included in the Delicious Anthology. This new version has doubled in size to 40k words and a whole lot of bake-off shenanigans!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249747978-all-s-fair-in-love-and-pizza

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

After retiring from the NFL, Rob moves back to his college home town to open up a bagel shop. The bagel shop is something his family has done for many years and Rob felt it was his turn to pick up the legacy. And next door to his new business is Mateo and his family’s pizzeria. Mateo and Rob played college football together and while they weren’t close then, they weren’t unfriendly either. But when Rob tries to make a joke about making pizza bagels, Mateo doesn’t take it well…or realize it’s a joke. After heated conversations and instigating one another left and right, they soon find themselves in a pizza bagels war. And the only way to settle is to have a town bake-off. It blows up larger than either wanted or expected, but when their teams work together to take advantage of the hype for their businesses, Mateo and Rob realize that have to play along. And soon they find themselves spending more time together where their heated conversations spark into all out attraction where neither of them can keep their hands off the other. These two were a lot of fun! They both knew they were being ridiculous with their war but were also stubborn enough to keep it going. And it soon just turned into more of a reason to be around one another. I also loved that they were able to open up to one another on some deep personal levels as well. It really turned their relationship to so much more. A sweet and fun story you don’t want to miss for sure!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Fae Spark Trilogy Book 2: The Steel of the Wicked Heart by Jen L. Grey

 

The Fae Spark Trilogy Book 2

I was under the Dusk King’s protection… until the Night Court proved it meant nothing.

Kai left me behind in his perfectly guarded castle safe, contained, and more alone than ever.

Then I woke up bound, trapped, and deep in Night Court territory.

They didn’t ask questions.

They didn’t make threats.

They already knew what they wanted from me.

I wasn’t a prisoner.

I was a sacrifice.

Too bad for them… I don’t break that easily.

I escaped.

And when Kai found me, something between us had changed.

The way he looked at me like I was his to protect.

The way my body reacted like it already knew him.

Like whatever was pulling us together wasn’t something either of us could stop.

Now we’re racing back to the Dusk Court with enemies closing in, secrets unraveling, and a bond neither of us is ready to face because the moon is breaking.

Whatever is coming with it won’t just destroy kingdoms…

It will destroy us.

Read this fated mate, dark romance with a sassy Southern heroine and a vicious stoic king who killed for his throne and will kill for her. Perfect for readers who love touch her and die, grumpy sunshine, who did this to you, found family, and antagonists to lovers.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245908933-the-steel-of-the-wicked-heart

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Picking up where the last book left off, Hannah has found herself kidnapped and on the way to the Night Court. They are keeping her alive…for now. But what could they want with her? But the last thing Hannah is is a victim. And she’ll save herself before letting anyone hurt her. Doesn’t mean someone isn’t coming after her though… Kai may be trying hard to push down the feelings that come with the mate bond, but it’s harder to justify why. For what he feels for Hannah is very strong. And he knows he will have to tell her soon what she is to him. But first, he needs to go after her. As the two of them fight their way home to the Dusk Court, they start to realize there is a lot more going on here than they realize. And can they stop it before it is too late? The story continues! Hannah is still a sassy strong heroine who won’t make anything for Kai. And I love it! She’s fearless and not afraid to stand up for herself. She’s definitely not afraid to pushback. And Kai has definitely found his match. But can he finally tell her what he feels toward her? Another crazy cliffhanger and I’m excited to see how this series ends!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

State of Us Book 4: Forgiving Utah by Bree Wiley

 

State of Us Book 4

Sometimes you have to break before you can rebuild yourself.

Devon

I learned my worth a long time ago.

From the moment I was born, I was taught to believe that love is conditional. I’m only kept around as long as I’m useful.

Christian is no exception.

He needs a distraction, a new project, and who better to play with than someone who pretends to feel nothing at all?

The hot shot wants to save me, but I'm beyond redemption. And the moment he decides I'm worth something is the moment I have the power to destroy us both.

Christian

I've been chasing adrenaline my entire life.

The rush of a loud engine, that moment my feet catch air at high speed. My bike and my friends are all I ever needed.

At least, until they moved on without me.

Now nothing feels the same.

When a ghost from the past drops into my lap, I tell myself it's temporary. Just something slow and steady to keep the loneliness at bay.

Trusting Devon burned me once—I'd be a fool to do it again.

The more I get to know him, though, the more I see beneath his mask.

I just hope it's not too late to love him the way he deserves.

Forgiving Utah is a full-length MM second chance romance containing themes and situations not intended for readers under the age of 18. Both characters are consenting adults. This story features a bi-awakening, dirt bikes stunts, messy found family and a guaranteed HEA.

This is the final installment of the State of Us series and must be read AFTER Exposing Colorado.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247715211-forgiving-utah

**********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finally! It is Christian and Devon’s story. And the way I have been longing to read this is unreal. So naturally, I devoured it. It’s probably my favorite of the series and was just a great to end to this series as a whole. There are so much between Christian and Devon. And after the last book, things were super bad between them and just everything that happened the group. Devon left has been following a pretty destructive path since. And just when things seem to go from bad to worse, Christian is there. He may be still angry about the past, but he won’t see Devon hurt. It’s time these two figured out what their feelings are for one another once and for all. And it’s time for the two of them to start healing in general and move on from the past. Rebuild themselves and the future that has been changing for quite a while. And they finally, finally do in this story. Are there some rough patches? Of course, but I loved how these two by the end found exactly what they’ve always wanted in their partner. Throughout the series, you knew there was just so much more Devon than he was letting you see. The poor has been hurting for a long time. And all he ever really wanted was for someone to choose him and not let go of him. Having Christian finally be that guy was everything! And for Christian, he is watching so many of his closest friends move on with their lives with their partners and his fears of guarding his heart against Devon hold him back until he realizes just what Devon means to me. Loved these two. Loved that they got their happy ending at last. Definitely gonna miss this series!