The Lair of the Wolven Book 1: Claimed by J.R. Ward

The Lair of the Wolven Book 1

A heart-pounding new series set in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, with a scientist fighting to save the timber wolves—and getting caught in a deadly trap herself...

Lydia Susi is passionate about protecting wolves in their natural habitat. When a hotel chain develops a tract of land next to the preserve, Lydia is one of the most vocal opponents of the project—and becomes a target.

One night, a shadowy figure threatens Lydia’s life in the forest, and a new hire at the Wolf Study Project comes from out of nowhere to save her. Daniel Joseph is both mysterious, and someone she intrinsically wants to trust. But is he hiding something?

As the stakes get higher, and one of Lydia’s colleagues is murdered, she must decide how far she will go to protect the wolves. Then a shocking revelation about Daniel challenges Lydia’s reality in ways she could never have predicted. Some fates demand courage, others require even more, with no guarantees. Is she destined to have true love... or will a soul-shattering loss ruin her forever?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55711656-claimed

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

J.R. Ward has hinted for a long time about the wolven and finally we get the first book of the wolven series! Like a lot of Ward's books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, there is always more than one story going on that will even connect in unexpected ways. The main heroes of our story are Lydia and Daniel. Lydia's main goal and her job is to protect wolves in their natural habitat. But with a hotel being built right smack in the middle and wolves dying because they are being poisoned, she is having a hard time doing her job. So she takes things into her own hands. The Wolf Study Project may be falling apart the more she looks into helping the wolves, but she won't stop until she has answers. No matter the cost and no matter what she might find. She won't be frightened off. Then there is Daniel. A drifter who winds up looking for a job at Lydia's job as a gatekeeper. Daniel is the definition of mysterious. There is too many unknowns about him. Lydia and Daniel end up working together when they discover some leads about who is hurting the wolves. Their journey together leads to the most unexpected places and of course romance between the two. Meanwhile, the other part of this story Xhex. A beloved character in the BDB world and she is having a rough time. Nightmares she thought she finally put behind her have remerged and they are getting worse as each night passes. And when V gives her one word: wolven, everything changes. I will say it took me a little bit to get into this story. I mostly wanted to get to Xhex's part of the story! But you can't help that when you see familiar characters. But I will say by the time you hit near the end of the story there are so many unexpected twists that I just didn't see coming. And I definitely want to know more. This felt like a beginning and with that end of the story, I definitely can't wait for book two!
 

Wolf Born Trilogy Book 3: Awakened Magic by Jen L. Grey

Wolf Born Trilogy Book 3

Something boils inside of me, making me lose control.

All throughout my childhood, I was complacent vying for my father’s approval. Of course, that never happened and I finally relinquished the fantasy when he attempted to kill my fated mate.

Making matters worse, I learn that my life was a lie.

The man who claims to be my father hunts me. After all, he has all the power and control. But I’m going to find myself and bring him to his knees.... Or die trying.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58225872-awakened-magic

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

This story picks up immediately where the last one ended. Which was a good thing because the previous book had one hell of a cliffhanger. I couldn't wait to find out what happens next. Things are getting crazier in this series. Sadie's not-dad has lost his mind even more and enough is enough. Sadie and her friends will band together to end this fight once and for all. Constant action and this book had SO many plot twists I did not see coming. It definitely packed a punch in this conclusion of the series and it was a very satisfying ending to the story. 
 

Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 5: Last Guard by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity Book 5

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to a world devastated by change in her award-winning Psy-Changeling Trinity series, where two people defined by their aloneness hold the fate of the Psy in their hands…

Termed merciless by some, and a robotic sociopath by others, Payal Rao is the perfect Psy: cardinal telekinetic, CEO of a major conglomerate, beautiful—and emotionless.

For Canto Mercant, family and loyalty are everything. A cardinal telepath deemed "imperfect" by his race due to a spinal injury, Canto cares for the opinions of very few—and ruthlessly protects those he claims as his own. Head of intel of the influential Mercant family, he prefers to remain a shadow in the Net, unknown and unseen. But Canto is also an Anchor, part of a secretive designation whose task it is to stabilize the PsyNet. Now that critical psychic network is dying, threatening to collapse and kill the entire Psy race with it.

To save those he loves, Canto needs the help of a woman bound to him by a dark past neither has been able to forget. A woman who is the most powerful Anchor of them all: Payal Rao. Neither is ready for the violent inferno about to ignite in the PsyNet…or the passionate madness that threatens to destroy them both.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56120060-last-guard

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

I adore this series so much. Every new book gets better and better as we explore new characters, visit old ones, and learn more about this crazy world Singh created. I knew I was going to love this latest addition when I learned that one of our main characters of the book was a Mercant. You can't NOT love the Mercants. The family is a powerhouse of the most interesting characters who are all about family and loyal to the core to one another and those they claim as their own. Canto Mercant is no exception. Head of intel for their family and who will be the right hand man of his cousin Silver when she takes their grandmother's place, he fantastic. Blunt, hilarious, but with a heart of gold and pure protector. Canto's life wasn't easy. He is a cardinal telepath was deemed imperfect due to this spinal injury, when he was born he went to his father who left him at a horrible place where he was abused and nearly killed. If not for his mysterious 3K. Another child left to be "fixed". They formed a bond in blood when they were children but were separated. Canto has spent his life searching for her because he would be dead without her. Years later, he has realized that the Anchors need to step out of the shadows and stabilize the PsyNet. As an Anchor himself, he takes it upon himself to gather those like him and find someone to be their voice. This leads him to Payal Rao. 

One look at Canto and Payal knows he is 7J. The boy who's hand she held and who had cared for her at her most wildest. Reunited, their connection is stronger than ever but Payal has grown up in a family that is more dangerous than anything. Psychopaths ready to off the other at a moment of weakness. Payal had to learn to keep her Silence and survive. Her abilities are ones she had to learn to keep control over and not let the little wild girl out or else be destroyed. Now she is being asked to be the voice of the Anchors and work with Canto to help them save the PsyNet. I loved their story and their romance. These two souls who were beaten down and survived anyway. They found one another once more and this time won't let the other go. 

The Anchors have such a fascinating history and it was nice to finally see them brought out of the shadows and learn more about them. Canto and Payal were such great characters. I loved both of them together and apart. Another great thing about this story was we got more Mercants and bears cameos. How can you not love that? Bears are just...bears. Anyone who has read the series knows what I mean! So much humor and love in this story. Great, great story! You will not be disappointed in this latest book of the series!

True North Book 8: Waylaid by Sarina Bowen is Out Today!

True North Book 8

RELEASE DATE: JULY 20TH, 2021

It’s a tale as old as time: the bad boy meets the good girl. He makes a daring proposition. Then the boy gets a mysterious head injury and loses a year of his life…

The first time I meet Rickie, I don’t know what to make of him. The second time we meet, he doesn’t remember the six hours we spent together. Or standing me up afterward.

I’m not the same, either. I’ve got secrets. I’ve told lies. Bad boys aren’t my type, anyway. Even the ones with troubled gray eyes.

But now we’re roommates. Cue the awkward moments in the hallway when he’s wearing only a towel and a smile. He’s determined to win me over, and his talented hands weaken my resolve.

It’s all fun and games until my past rears its ugly head and his secrets come to light, shaking our fragile connection, maybe even breaking it…

Note: this is Daphne Shipley's story. Contents include Vermonty ice cream flavors, nerdy awkwardness, tattoos, and a playboy grandpa.

Check Out My Review Here:

https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2021/06/true-north-series-book-8-waylaid-by.html

 

Speakeasy Taproom Book 6: Firefly by Krystyna Allyn

Speakeasy Taproom Book 6

It’s my last night in New York. And the woman of my dreams is three feet away, expertly twirling a bottle of vodka behind the bar and making the perfect pour. I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful as Melody, with her enigmatic eyes and a gorgeous smile. All I have to do is introduce myself. And then...

I choke. And my chance for something--anything--with her is gone.

Months later, I think I’m dreaming when I see her doing bartender tricks here in Vermont. Now all I can think about is having those long, beautiful, fingers performing their magic on my body.

But I’m pretty sure she’s hiding something. It’s painfully obvious she’s keeping me at arm’s length just when I need to hold her close. She brings out my protective instincts, but I’ve got problems of my own. If I’m not careful, I’ll destroy everything I’m trying to build.

Losing her again might break me this time, because now I can’t imagine life without the light of my Firefly.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55548152-firefly

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My Review 5/5 Stars 

On Trevor's last night in New York he meets Melody. Immediately he is drawn to the talented, kick ass, and beautiful bartender with the firefly tattoo on her wrist. He gathers his courage to talk to her and then he leaves. Realizing that he'll be back in Vermont in the morning and starting something would be unfair. Months later, he is surprised to see Mel working at Speakeasy. He may have lost his chance once, but he won't be doing that again. He'll do whatever it takes to prove to Mel that he isn't going anywhere and that the spark between them is worth fighting for. Mel's life hasn't been easy. Her mother is basically the worst. She has the worst boyfriends, treats Mel horribly, and has taught Mel not to trust anyone, especially a man. But Mel finally puts her foot down when her mother's latest boyfriend, no fiancé, steals thousands of dollars from her. In retaliation, Mel calls the cops and leaves Brooklyn. Months later, she is finally making a home for herself in Vermont and she sees Trevor again. The sparks between them are still there but can she let her guard down enough to let him in? And Trevor has his own family issues, can he open himself to show Mel he means to stick around and won't throw her aside? This book had such great characters and lots of plot twists. I was wary thinking that I could probably predict Mel's attitude and the blow up of keeping secrets. But! There was a lot of story to be told and plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. Another great story to this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Speakeasy Taproom Book 5: Wildflower by Mae Wood

Speakeasy Taproom

When the prize is love, sometimes you get stung. But if you’re lucky, you just might hit the sweet spot…

Juliana Burton needs a medal at Speakeasy's beer festival to push her brand-new brewery into the spotlight. She thinks she knows how to do it, too--with a beer made exclusively from Vermont hops, barley and the best honey in the state. Too bad the only thing standing in her way is a six feet tall, smokin’ sexy, and her secret high school crush.

After a very public disaster in Boston, Riggs Lyon is home with his teenage son in tow. Riggs is taking over the family beekeeping business with an eye to offload it and start life over somewhere where "Lyin' Lyon" isn't a joke. Selling honey to Juliana doesn't make business sense. She can't afford the high prices Lyon honey fetches in specialty shops and farmer's markets. But somehow, he’s having trouble saying no to anything she asks for, whether it’s in the hive or in the bedroom. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56324595-wildflower

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

When Juliana and her friends move back to Vermont their plan to open a brewery and earn a medal at Speakeasy's beer festival is a goal no one can distract them from. These women know, live, and breathe the industry. They are ready to make their mark and create some awesome beer. Enter Juliana's very big and very handsome distraction. Her secret high school crush, Riggs. It may be almost 30 years later since high school, but being around Riggs again, Juliana can't help the feelings that are bubbling. For Riggs, moving back to Vermont with his teenage son was the escape he needed after a public disaster that his now ex wife caused. She may be in jail, but the rumors are not. He had left Vermont and didn't think he would be back, yet here he is and things have changed. Especially, when Juliana shows up. To him, she was his once best friend's little sister, and now he doesn't see her that way. Things may start off rocky with them and when Juliana needs to buy his family's honey and Riggs needs a little help with beekeeping they strike a deal to help one another out. A deal that leads to quite a bit more... But they are on a timeline and neither think they can handle anything serious. Not with so much going on in both of their lives and for the idea that Riggs doesn't want to remain in Vermont much longer. But love doesn't always work that way! Juliana and Riggs and story was really great! Their banter was a lot of fun and their second chance romance even better. Another great story in this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Busy Bean Book 5: Studfinder by L.B. Dunbar

Busy Bean Book 5

Who does that sexy silver fox think he is, sitting in her spot in the Busy Bean Cafe?

Over forty, with zero filter, Rita Kaplan loves her coffee, her hiking boots, and her law practice. Life hasn’t always been carefree, though, and Rita’s past holds the scars of poor decisions after deep loss. She survived, though, and no smirky silver fox is going to get in the way of her happiness. Even if he knows how to use his drill, screwdriver, and every other tool in his box to tempt her . . .

Former arson investigator Jake Drummond could add ex-con to his resume if he had one. Instead, he’s serving the final year of his sentence on probation. This involves mandatory AA meetings, hosted by a feisty local attorney, and working on a renovation project, supervised by the same annoyingly attractive whirlwind, who also believes she owns the exclusive rights to a comfy couch in his new favorite coffee shop. Soon she’s everywhere, including the few places she shouldn’t be--like in his bed and in his heart.

Can opposites lower their walls and construct something everlasting . . . or will their connected past lead to demolition for two hearts in need of a rebuild?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56920362-studfinder

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So glad we got Rita's story! Who wouldn't want the story about the woman who scares everyone away from her couch at Busy Bean and the brave man who refused to give up his seat? Clearly they were meant to be! And there was more to those characters than I could have ever predicted. Jake was recently released from prison after serving a crime he did not commit. He was not only a volunteer firefighter but an arson investigator. Why would he set a fire when he knows the dangers and has spent his life putting them out? The evidence was flimsy and the state needed someone to blame. Now, Jake is out and he just wants to move on. And then he meets Rita, his rival at Busy Bean and now his supervisor while he works on a renovation project that is part of his probation. Sparks fly between them but a relationship between them may not be the best idea. Not only that, they unknowingly share a bit of a past. Rita's life hasn't been easy. She lost her the man she was going to marry in an accident that scarred Rita. Not only that, but decisions afterwards in her grief led her to a spiral she has worked very hard to climb out of. Despite the pain and struggles Rita and Jake have gone through, perhaps they can find a second chance at love. I loved their story! There were so many complications and twists and turns to their story. I spent it trying to figure out the truth of who started the fire that led to Jake's sentence and how Rita and Jake would react when they realized their pasts were connected.  Truths were revealed that challenged them to forgive and overcome and it was just done very beautifully. Great addition to this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Vino & Veritas Book 18: Undone by Leslie McAdam

Vino & Veritas Book 18

My new roommate has the worst taste in men.

I mean, Murph’s special. He’s funny and flamboyant and full of life.

While I’m straight, even I can tell these guys aren’t good enough for him.

I had to yell at one date, toss another one out the door, and throw a beer in another’s face.

Kind of embarrassing, really. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.

I ask my sister what’s wrong with me and she says I’m jealous.

Jealous? Please. Me?

Come on.

Only thing is, I hate the thought of Murph kissing any guy. Ever.

Except, maybe ... me?

Undone is a contemporary m/m romance about a dreamy insurance agent that might not be as straight as he thinks, an adorable bartender who adds sparkle wherever he goes, and maybe one or two jokes about swords.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58418320-undone

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The final book of the Vino & Veritas series and it was great! After meeting Murph a few books earlier, I was super excited to see he was getting his own book. He was such a great character, I wanted to know more about him. And in this story we do. Murph is moving to a new place which means a new roommate. A roommate that immediately sparks his interest but Murph has no idea if this guy is attracted to men. And after some shameless flirting it turns out Jason is straight. Right? Jason has been going through the motions with his life. He's the ultimate people pleaser, especially when it comes to this Dad. He works at the family business because it is expected of him. He doesn't do relationships, he just has one casual hookup. He feels like he lives in this gray area. That is until Murph enters his life. This colorful, funny, and flamboyant man who sparks something in Jason. He loves hanging out with Murph. He's comfortable and there is this energy and life about Murph that is totally addicting. Jason thinks he sees Murph as just a friend, but it doesn't explain his reactions when he sees Murph going out with other guys. He becomes a tad bit irrational and protective and dare he say jealous? This story was a bit of a slow burn between Murph and Jason and it was done oh so well. It's clear that Jason hasn't really looked deep within to figure out who he is and what he wants from life. Meeting Murph gives him a chance to actually think for himself and ask what and who he wants. It was such a great portrayal of someone figuring out who they are and what they wanted. And as for Murph, he's been heartbroken and burned before. He wants to be seen and listened to and Jason does that all for him. But he is scared he won't be enough or that Jason will realize he can do better. Murph's own personal journey was also so great as he learned to believe in himself and that he deserves love. A wonderful story and a fantastic way to end this amazing series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vino & Veritas Book 17: Showstopper by Regina Kyle

Vino & Veritas Book 17

I swore I wouldn’t do this again. Mix sports, school, and sex. But right now the only thing standing between me and the NHL is six feet of frenemy packed into a pair of form-fitting jeans that have me thinking all kinds of things I shouldn’t. Mostly how to get him out of them.

I don’t just want Kolby. I need him. Because I’ve got to pass this theater class--yeah, I said theater--if I’m going to keep my spot on the team. When tutoring sessions turn into dates-not-dates over Shipley Cider at Vino and Veritas, I realize it’s going to be harder than I thought to keep my hands on my stick and off of Kolby. Worse, I think I might be falling for him. But I’m not ready for that. I want to keep this thing between us on the down-low for now.

But Kolby hates secrets. Especially his own . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56759008-showstopper

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I adored this story! Especially that it was not only a Vino & Veritas novel but it crossed over to the Moo U Hockey series. Best of both worlds. This story hooked me right from the beginning. Kolby and Adam are such fantastic characters. After transferring to Moo U after an incident at his last school that was better off left behind, Adam just wants to focus on school and hockey. He is being recruited to play for the NHL and he won't jeopardize his chance. Unfortunately for him being a transfer isn't always the best when it comes to academics. Being last to pick classes means getting stuck with some pretty unappealing classes and for Adam that's Improv. A theater class that makes him want to run and hide. It's one thing to play hockey in front of everyone but to act on stage? No thanks. But it isn't totally awful when Adam shares a class with Kolby, the guy who couldn't change his schedule but is actually in Adam's class and a theater major. Oh, did Adam mention how hot Kolby is? Adam knows he shouldn't be looking for relationships so he tries to squash down his feelings for Kolby, not that Kolby makes it possible. Kolby works 3 jobs to attend Moo U. His parents basically disowned him when he came out to them so he moved to Vermont is doing everything he can to stay and graduate. When Kolby meets Adam he doesn't expect the force that pulls to him toward Adam. He's different than what he expected. And when Kolby needs to learn to skate for a future audition, he takes the chance to spend more time with Adam. And it isn't long until these two give into their feelings. But there are some complications that threaten to break them apart. Like Adam's reluctance to tell the world he is bi. He isn't hiding it, but he wants to establish his rep with hockey first then there is the reason he moved to Moo U in the first place. And as for Kolby, he's had his heart broken before and his family situation isn't exactly great. He's not so sure he ready to put it all out there. It'll take a little of bit of bravery for the two of them to find a way to be together. 

I absolutely loved this story. Like I said earlier, the great crossover of series, hockey, and Kolby and Adam. Their chemistry was great. There were so many threads to this story I loved. Their personal stories and their journeys to overcome it. Just when you think everything is okay, there is a new twist. Their falling in love story. The hilarious banter between them and the entire improv class thread. So hilarious! The unpredictability of it all. I couldn't put the book down. A really great addition to both of these series. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Vino & Veritas Book 16: Unforgettable by Marley Valentine

Vino & Veritas Book 16

One night with Reeve Hale wasn’t enough. I knew it when I kissed him, I knew it when I slept with him, and I was certain of it when I walked out of his motel room the very next day.

So when the shy, gorgeous man is introduced as our newest employee at Vino and Veritas, I can’t help but conjure up all the ridiculous ways to convince him to repeat that unforgettable night. Like asking him to be my fake boyfriend at my sister’s upcoming wedding.

Only, I didn’t expect him to say yes.

Playing pretend shouldn’t feel this real. Especially when Reeve is planning on leaving Vermont after the summer.

We agreed to one night. We negotiated a fake relationship. But I’m the one who broke our terms. I wasn’t supposed to fall in love and he was never supposed to be so unforgettable. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58352354-unforgettable

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Reeve just wanted one night out of his comfort zone. To be anything but himself. And to be brave and see what happens. What he doesn't expect is that his first one night stand leaves him with having feelings. That, and the man he thought he would never see again ends up working at the same place Reeve just got a new job. Lucky for Reeve, he isn't the only one feeling something after that night. Oz doesn't do relationships. He's happy with his life for the most part and didn't really expect for things to change. But then he meets Reeve and everything changes. From the moment he sees Reeve at Speakeasy he knows things are about to change. And after their night together, even more so. But he keeps to the rules of a one night stand and tries to let it go. He doesn't expect Reeve to show up at his job a few weeks later... Their chemistry is undeniable but both of them know they can't be more than friends. Reeve is leaving in a few months and neither are looking to get their hearts broken. But it doesn't stop Oz from asking him to his sister's wedding and to be his fake boyfriend to get his family off his back. And it certainly doesn't stop Reeve from accepting. Loved their story! This wasn't the typical fake relationship and fall in love pretending kind of story. This was more of the "we both know we have actual feelings for one another but we are going to try really hard not to let anything happen because this has a deadline." Oz and Reeve try hard not to fall for one another but they both know that it is going to be impossible. No matter how many rules they make up to try and keep themselves in check. A future can't happen for them...not unless someone is willing to be brave and take a leap of faith. There were so many little twists and turns to the story, and Oz and Reeve were such great characters. Just another great addition to this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Vino & Veritas Book 15: Limelight by E. Davies

Vino & Veritas Book 15

Save the bees, ride a rock star.

Formerly famous . . . and planning to keep it that way.

After my band kicked me out, I ran away to Vermont, changed my name, and kept my head down. So far, it’s working and nobody knows who I am. Or who I was. Until I see geeky poet Caleb stumbling through his first open mic night and I can’t help rescuing him. He’s as sweet as the honey my bees make and sexy enough to make me rethink so many things. But I can’t tell him my secret, or I’ll lose the anonymous life I worked so hard to build.

Everyone warns me he’s too good to be true.

I can’t believe a gorgeous, successful winemaker like Tag is into shy, geeky little accountant me. But he helps me blossom and believe in my talent, and works his way into my heart and my bed… not necessarily in that order. I’m falling for a man for the first time, and now I know what the missing number in my equation has always been.

When lies are revealed, though, someone’s going to get stung . . . 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56759002-limelight

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This book was adorkable. I loved this story and I loved our main characters, Caleb and Tag. Both were adorable and dorky, especially Caleb. You can't help but love them the moment their story starts. Tag has spent the last four years starting a new life under a new name. He was once part of very famous band but after the band kicked him out, he just wanted a new life. He doesn't miss the old famous one and he loves what he does in Vermont. The only thing he is missing is someone to share it with. Enter Caleb. The shy, geeky accountant who pulls all his courage together one night at Vino and Veritas to share his poetry. But the moment he gets on stage, he freezes. That is, until his saving angel rescues him. Tag grounds him as he reads through his poems and the moment they lock eyes, it's over for both of them. There's no going back. Caleb is looking for love and a relationship and his own happily ever after. And he may not have dated before but he knows he'll never meet someone like Tag again. He'll be brave and hold on to him. They fall into a fast, deep love that feels right in every way. But reality threatens to crash around them. Tag needs to tell Caleb about his past. The good, the bad, and the ugly. But he is terrified the moment he does, he'll lose Caleb. Can he do it before it's too late? Ugh, I loved their story so much. This book was hilarious and sweet and you just can't help but cheer for them. Their romance is pretty fast but it's done so nicely. Their chemistry jumps off the page. Great, great story! Another fantastic addition to this wonderful series! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Vino & Veritas Book 14: Stronghold by Ana Ashley

Vino & Veritas Book 14

The last place Judson wants to be is back home in Burlington, living with his mother. Not so long ago he was a world-class chef with the lifestyle to prove it. Now he’s serving drinks and flying under the radar until he can get the hell out again. But when his childhood best friend reenters his life, looking finer than any entree at a Michelin five-star restaurant, he wonders if it’s time to update his menu of life choices.

Working through past wounds with Skyler won’t be easy, though--especially with a reality-show television camera following (not quite) their every move. When their loyalty is tested, will their newly built stronghold be sturdy enough to withstand the storm?

Stronghold is a sweet and sexy romance for childhood friends to lovers, with some creative use of maple syrup and a TV crew determined to keep appearing out of nowhere. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58375849-stronghold

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I loved diving back into the Vino & Veritas series. And this one in particular definitely made it as one of my favorites from the series so far. You can't help but love Judson and Skyler, the sweetest characters who deserve the happy ending with one another. Judson and Skyler have been friends since the day they were born. Literally. Their mothers met the day they gave birth at the hospital. They have been in one another's lives ever since. That is until the day after graduation. Where a misunderstanding leaves Judson running away from his life in Vermont with no explanation to Skyler. About ten years later and Judson has returned from his life in Europe that has blown up in ways he simply wants to forget. What he doesn't expect is to see Skyler again. The boy turned man that he always secretly loved but knew that nothing would ever happen between them and after that graduation night, it only solidified that idea. However, Jud learns some things about Sky. Like how Sky is working at his family's farm, creates his own maple syrup and products, oh, and that he is also gay. Sky never thought he would see Jud again. His best friend who left him without a goodbye. Taking their dreams along with him. He wants answers and he wants Jud back. Especially that he never told Jud how he felt about him. Jud and Sky now have a second chance when it comes to love but they also have a chance to make their dreams come true when they enter a TV show contest that allows them to open a restaurant for a week in their town. If they win, they could open the restaurant they always wanted. But there are still complications and unexpected surprises heading their way that can threaten their happy ending. Ugh, I LOVED this story. It was so good and I couldn't put it down. It was sweet and romantic and just had me cheering for these two to figure everything out and admit that they don't want to let each other go again. You can't help but love these two characters. Like I said earlier, definitely a favorite from this series so far! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Wilder Irish (book 10): Wild Night by Mari Carr

Wilder Irish Book 10

Frenemies Romance

After a few too many drinks at a Halloween party, Kelli spends the night in the arms of a man who rocks her world. However, when she learns her mystery Mr. Right is Mr. Hell No, Colm Collins, she’s ready to run for the hills.

But Colm refuses to accept just one wild night with her. He wants them all and the sexy man plays dirty.

goodreads.com/book/show/50770252-wild-night?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=i3Mbxs8BwU&rank=2

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

So my pet peeve is reading books out of order but since this one was free and the summary sounded pretty good, I decided to go for it. And it was pretty hilarious and good story. There was definitely some background characters and information I figured was from previous books, so naturally I'm very curious. But Kelli and Colm's story was great on its own. Kelli and Colm have known one another since they were kids but have always butted heads. And Kelli is actual best friends with Colm's twin, Padraig. Never did the two of them look at one another with the possibility of more. How can they when they are constantly fighting? But one night changes it all. A city blackout, a silly game, and quite a big miscommunication, they spend the night together and it was one both would never forget. And after about of week they realize that they had spent the night together. And now there is no going back. Colm's never believed in love but he remembers his grandfather talking about that click moment. And it's finally happened with Kelli. And Kelli had a plan. A plan to no longer deal with men and have a baby on her own. But plans change and now Colm has to convince Kelli that they are now in a relationship and one he won't let go of But can he convince her? Definitely a fun story. Colm and Kelli are absolutely hilarious and a great couple. I may just have to check out the rest of the series now!

Speakeasy Taproom Books 3 & 4 Out Today!

Speakeasy Taproom Book 3

HOMECOMING BY REBECCA NORINNE

Release Date: July 1, 2021

Amazon: https://geni.us/AmazonHomecoming

Apple: https://geni.us/AppleHomecoming

Kobo: https://geni.us/KoboHomecoming

Nook: https://geni.us/NookHomecoming

Google: https://geni.us/GoogleHomecoming

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2NXqswY

Series Page → https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/speakeasy-taproom/

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

About the Book:

Who knew falling in love with my fake girlfriend could feel so real?

I don’t have time for distractions, which is a huge problem since my new next-door neighbor Rosalie Wentworth is very distracting. She’s kind, beautiful, and makes me laugh like no woman ever has before. 

Unfortunately, the two of us add up to one really sad country song—I’m nursing a bruised ego following a broken engagement and she’s suffering through a messy divorce—so I vow to set my attraction aside and focus on being her friend instead. 

That’s easier said than done, however, since her mom is convinced Rosalie and I are perfect for each other. When one of her matchmaking schemes goes a step too far, Rosalie and I hatch a plan of our own: pretend to date for a couple of months to get her mom off our backs.

It’s foolproof, really. 

Only, what started as a fake relationship is starting to feel very real, and now I don’t know if I can go back to the way things were before. Because it turns out if home is where the heart is, then Rosalie is mine.

Check Out My Review Here:

https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2021/06/speakeasy-taproom-book-3-homecoming-by.html

Speakeasy Taproom Book 4

SIDEWAYS BY LISA HUGHEY

Release Date: July 1, 2021

Amazon: https://geni.us/AmazonSideways

Apple: https://geni.us/AppleSideways

Kobo: https://geni.us/KoboSideways

Nook: https://geni.us/NookSideways

Google: https://geni.us/GoogleSideways

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/39BTnPj

Series Page → https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/speakeasy-taproom/

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

About the Book:

She’s a political princess and media darling... 

There’s no such thing as bad publicity. Yeah, right. Tell that to the PR firm that handles Tracy’s very prominent political family. Pushed by scandal from Boston to the boondocks, now she’s on the other side of the serving tray, dishing up beer and burgers, hoping no one recognizes her. But there’s something very familiar--and maddeningly tempting--about the new caterer at Speakeasy. 

He’s a cranky recluse...

Colton was the star of the celebrity chef circuit until he wasn’t anymore. Now he lives in a remote country cabin and spends his time alone, far from the spotlight and liking it that way. Until the gorgeous new waitress at Speakeasy starts poking at his resolve and suddenly all he wants is to see her let down her hair. And spread it all over his pillow. She’s got secrets he knows he won’t like, but he can’t stay away from her.

She lives in the spotlight, and he hates attention. When her public life collides with his private one, can their love write a fairy-tale ending after all?

Check Out My Review Here:

https://myfuture-mybooks-mylife.blogspot.com/2021/06/speakeasy-taproom-book-4-sideways-by.html