Plum Valley Cowboys Book 3: Unconventional Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 3

One summer. Three men. The proposal that ropes them together.

Cooper

I came to Texas with a single goal: to find my bio-dad before the end of summer. Instead, I found Will, a spitfire of a man with sharp blue eyes and a swoon-worthy drawl. When he proposes adding benefits to our newfound friendship, I’m all in.

The problem? I’m smitten. With not one, but two men. Because Will has a friend that makes me smile like no other. My time in Plum Valley is coming to an end, but if I’m not careful, I’ll be leaving my heart behind when I go.

Will

Spending summer break back home with my best friend was not supposed to be complicated. But then Tru and I kissed, and for the first time, I don’t know where we stand. Now Cooper, the new ranch hand, is mixed up in matters, and I’m even less sure of what it all means.

The three of us fit together effortlessly, but I worry it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. I don’t know how to get out of this tangled mess, and truth be told, I’m not sure I want to.

Tru

To me, it’s simple. Will and I are exploring what it means to go from friends to more. But as an asexual man, there are certain activities I’m uninterested in. Will likes Cooper, and Cooper is all about Will. And me? I have no problem sharing.

But as summer ticks down, I learn a few lessons. One, I feel more at home in Plum Valley than anywhere else. Two, I’ve been harboring major feelings for Will. And three, Cooper’s infectious optimism isn’t something I’m ready to part with.

Time’s almost up. Yet I’m nowhere near ready to say goodbye.

Unconventional Hearts is a lighthearted poly romance between a Southern charmer with a hero complex, a blunt-as-can-be sweetheart who doesn’t need saving, and a lovable golden retriever of a man who has a song for every occasion. There is no cheating and one very HEA. It’s book 3 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60897289-unconventional-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Will’s turn! Kinda funny to go from book one where he was born and see him growing up to getting his own book now as an adult. Will is exactly the guy you expect after seeing him as a kid. Full of heart and standing up for those he loves. This adult Will is about to head home for the summer from college with his best friend by his side. A best friend who he has been having some feelings for, especially after they shared a recent kiss. Tru is asexual but that doesn’t mean he is looking for love. He just never imagined that the spark he rarely gets would be with his best friend. And he wants more of it. He also knows that he loves to see Will happy too. And when they first arrive in Texas and before they move their friendship to more, he sees how will looks at Cooper. The new guy on the farm. Cooper has come to Plum Valley to look for his father. He never knew the man, but after losing his mom earlier in the year, he wants to at least get some answers. What he never expects is to find Will and Tru. He immediately gets sparks of attraction with Will, especially after they hook up. But then there is Tru. And the more the friendship between them becomes stronger, the harder it is to remember that by end of summer he’ll be leaving. It may take these three a hot minute to figure what they are to one another and what they could be, but I loved seeing how the bond them form together gets stronger. The three of them worked together so well. No jealousy and no feeling left out. They fit in the way that made them all comfortable and were able to give one another exactly what they needed. Another great story in this series!

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 2: Virgin Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 2

Can an inexperienced cowboy wrangle the adult movie star of his dreams?

Hawthorne

I’ve lived in the same small town my entire life. And I like it, for the most part: being a rancher, taking care of my chickens, and even my meddlesome family. What I don’t like are the limited dating options. I’m gay, and at thirty-six-years-old, I’ve never been with a man.

When I enter a contest to win my favorite adult entertainer’s support for our town’s first Pride Parade, I never expect to win. And I definitely never expect to find myself in a friends-with-benefits relationship with the man.

The problem is, I quickly realize I want more. But could someone as confident, sexy, and independent as Silver ever consider building a life with a simple cowboy like me?

Mateo

My work is my life. Filming under the moniker Silver, I’m happy enough. I’m making good money, I’m free from my crummy past, I’m well on my way to the career I actually dream about, and I’m not looking for any complications.

Enter Hawthorne Moore, with his sweet-as-molasses drawl, that adorable gap-toothed smile, and the beautiful way in which he begs, and suddenly, I find myself getting in too deep. And that’s a problem, because I’ve spent years building up these walls around my heart, and I don’t know how to bust them down.

Can I work through my trauma and lasso myself a cowboy, or will I lose the only man who’s ever loved me?

Virgin Hearts is a friends-with-benefits-to-more romance that includes a flirty performer, risqué photo shoots amongst peeping bovine, an endearing cowboy whose cock (ahem, rooster) rises at dawn, dom/sub undertones, and one very HEA. It’s book 2 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60636716-virgin-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It took Hawthorne a long time to figure out he was. Growing up in a town where being gay was treated with negativity was a big part of that. And watching his brother’s best friend be mistreated just added to it. But things have changed and are continuing to change. And with those changes, Hawthorne can be who he is. Though that doesn’t mean finding love is easy. So when his nephew wants to have throw the town’s first pride parade as a surprise to his dads, Hawthorne of course agrees. And when it comes to funding well he has a crazy idea. Enter a contest that his favorite adult entertainer is throwing with his company. Winning is a long shot…until it isn’t. And Hawthorne never expects to connect with the man behind the persona of Silver. Mateo is everything Hawthorne could want in a man. But can he convince Matteo to take a chance on them? Mateo never expected to have feelings for Hawthorne. He has always kept a wall up to avoid love for many reasons. But Hawthorne threatens to break them down bit by bit. And Mateo is truly helpless to stop it. So can he get past his trauma and let him fall for his cowboy? I really loved getting to know these two. Hawthorne is so sweet and definitely deserves someone to love him for who he is. And same for Mateo! His childhood was anything but nice and he has so done so much to overcome it. He definitely deserves the love that has always been denied to him. These two were just adorable and I loved watching them fall head over heels for one another!

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 1: Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 1

Best friends. Unrequited love. A story that spans decades.

Wyatt

At twelve, he was my best friend. At sixteen, he became my crush. And now, at thirty-four, he’s the man I’m still pining after.

Falling in love with Easton was never part of the plan. But now that I’ve done it, I can’t seem to stop. It doesn’t help that we’re living under the same roof. Or that Easton is so dang sweet I want to lick him from head to toe.

But Easton is straight, and all the cattle in Texas won’t change the fact that he’ll never look at me the way I see him. I want someone who can love me back. And I won’t be able to find that while I’m hung up on my best friend.

It’s time to find a way to say goodbye.

Easton

I always knew I was a little bit different than everybody else. When kids my age were hooking up, all I wanted to do was sit on the ranch with Wyatt and plot out our future. I didn’t need anyone else.

When Wyatt leaves Plum Valley, he takes a piece of me with him. When he returns at the moment I need him most, he helps me to heal and feel whole again. We have a good life now, Wyatt and I, best friends still after all these years.

So when I happen to catch my friend down on his knees in the barn, I don’t understand why, all of a sudden, I’m thinking things I shouldn’t be. Now, I can’t stop wondering and wanting.

But would taking that chance with Wyatt risk the best thing in my life?

Fool Hearts is a small-town, longtime friends to lovers romance with a whole lot of pining, a bi-awakening in a barn, swoon-worthy cowboys, a roller coaster of emotions, and one very HEA. It’s book 1 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60387417-fool-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Wyatt and Easton have been best friends their entire lives. Growing up together, nothing could tear them apart. You couldn’t find one without the other. So when Wyatt realized he was in love with Easton when they were teenagers, he wasn’t surprised. But he knew heartbreak was inevitable. Because Easton had never looked at him that way. And with their town making it clear they didn’t really like anyone who was anything but straight, Wyatt knew that one day he would have to leave. Wyatt and Easton’s love story spans over years. The ups and downs of so many life events. Like when Easton actually looked at someone and fell in love and it wasn’t Wyatt. Like Wyatt leaving when he knew he couldn’t stay and watch his best friend be with someone else and the town finding out Wyatt was gay. But despite the obstacles, they held close to one another. Especially when there comes a day when Easton needs Wyatt to come home. Despite the years going by with these two being nothing more than friends, it becomes oh so satisfying when that day finally arrives. Because it is clear that these two were always meant to be together. It just took them a bit to get to that point at the same time. But I loved their friendship and how it developed into so much more. It was a deeper love by the time they got a chance to acknowledge what they were to one another. Just a great story all around!

Assistant to the Villain Book 1: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

 

Assistant to the Villain Book 1

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer―naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

After all, a good job is hard to find.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257687-assistant-to-the-villain#SocialReviews

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Evie is in desperate need of work so she can support her sick father and little sister. She just never expected to literally fall into the arms of her next employer. Or that her new boss would be the one known as The Villain. The evil guy causing all sorts of havoc in the kingdom. She is the assistant of The Villain…and she loves it. There is definitely more to her boss than meets the eye. And the more she gets to know him and those who are also in his employment, the more she believes that she is exactly where she belongs. And that maybe this villain isn’t so bad. Well, mostly. And when there seems to be a spy amongst their midsts, she’ll do whatever she can to help track them down. This story was actually quite hilarious. It’s definitely a more humor fantasy than anything else. What office humor would look like in a fantasy world. And Evie is hysterical. She’s clumsy, funny, sarcastic, smart, and just overall a really good person. I loved trying to guess what she was going to do or say next. Especially when it comes to The Villain. Oh, and his point of view scenes were so fantastic as well. I loved seeing his reactions to Evie. I’m sensing a bit of a slow burn forming for these two. Feelings are definitely there, but fully acting on them is doing to take a while is my guess. We have an interesting world and characters! I also thought we had a lot of fun twists in this story as well. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. 

Northern Roots Atlantic Book 4: Hollow Heart by Eve Holmes

 

Northern Roots Atlantic Book 4

Not everything that looks broken needs to be fixed — it just needs the right conditions to grow

Growing up on the red sand beaches and farm fields of Prince Edward Island, Silas Gallant and Levi Campbell were each other's whole world. They were best friends who understood each other in a way no one else ever could.

But as the easy freedom of childhood gave way to the weight of expectation, the life they shared slowly began to shift. Levi left the island to chase a future in agricultural technology and a world bigger than the fields he grew up in, while Silas stayed, rooted in the safety of his family's potato farm, and in the belief that people will always leave.

Years of silence and hurt pass before their distance closes, and Levi finds himself contracted to support a farm back on PEI. On the same red soil he once ran with his best friend. Old hurt lingers, turning familiarity into tension neither of them knows how to navigate — until slowly, they begin to let each other back in, and question if they ever truly split apart.

Among summer sunsets, red sand beaches, lighthouses, and open fields, Silas and Levi begin to find each other again — learning that they were never meant to stand on opposite sides of the same ground.

And that without each other, their hearts could never be whole.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250019349-hollow-heart

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I am obsessed with this series. Each book just gets better and better. I adored getting to know Levi and Silas. Their story begins as children. Two best friends who understood one another in ways many couldn’t. Especially for Silas who struggles in a number of ways but Levi has endless patience for his best friend. Their love story is a wonderful slow burn as these two grow up together and soon find themselves lost to one another as distance becomes their enemy. Then, Levi returns. And it’s time to repair the hurt and distance between them. And in doing so, they may just realize that this deep friendship of theirs can be so much more if they are brave enough to try. I loved these two. I couldn’t put this book down. This series is just filled with beautiful and complex characters. Their journeys in life can be rough at times but when they find the one they are meant to be by their side, they become so much stronger. I loved watching them overcome the obstacles that hold them back and come out the other side being exactly who they were meant to be. I loved seeing how Levi and Silas’s friendship may have had their obstacles and they had to find their way back to one another. And then when they do, they learn even more about themselves and who they could be together. A wonderful story. I couldn’t put it down!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Peach State Fratbros Book 3: For Frat’s Sake by Devon McCormack & Riley Hart

 

Peach State Frat Bros Book 3

DAX

Miles Tanner hates me for no reason.

Me—lovable, easygoing, sexy-as-hell Dax Armstrong, always there when a fellow fratbro needs a hand…or if that fratbro would like to enjoy more than just my hand…

Miles is the broody artist-type who just got off probation for starting the fire at Sigma Alpha.

Basically, a walking red flag.

But for a guy who’s always looking to start a fight with me, I can’t wrap my mind around a night when I was a little too tipsy and he helped me back to Alpha Theta Mu.

Since then, he’s hot and cold. One minute he’s telling me to stay away from him. The next, he moves in for a touch.

Or a kiss.

In these unguarded moments, all those problematic, confusing red flags fade to the background.

Maybe he’s right and I shouldn’t mess with him, but for frat’s sake…where’s the fun in that?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242284253-for-frat-s-sake

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Definitely my favorite of the series so far! I absolutely fell in love with Miles and Dax and just everything about their story. And I loved seeing how these two fell for one another, especially when they seem like such opposites. Miles currently has a reputation at school for being a loner and the guy whose prank accidentally caused a fire at one of the frat houses. Since then, no one really seems to really think much of him past what they’ve seen. Especially when he acts more grumpy than anything and clearly has stay away vibes. But there is a lot more to Miles than that. First off, there was more to that accident than anyone knows and second, Dax seems to be the only one who realize that Miles wears a mask. Dax has never had a problem with anyone. Everyone seems to like him just fine. Except for his dad and now Miles. He is sunshine and outgoing and can’t seem to get why Miles act like a super nice guy one minute but brushes him off the next. And the more their paths cross, the more Dax wants to know. Neither are prepared for attraction between them to spark so brightly or the feelings that follow after. But these two carry a lot more hurt and grief than anyone truly knows. They understand one another so well and for the first time, the two of them find safety in the other’s presence. Absolutely loved their dynamic. These two simply just needed one another. Needed to find their person who they can let their guard down. I loved getting to know them and watch them fall so hard for one another through all the hard things they are going through. Great story! And I’m looking forward to the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Bridge Kingdom Book 6: The Tempest Blade by Danielle L. Jensen

 

The Bridge Kingdom Book 6

A fugitive on the run, Ahnna has one goal: return to Ithicana with warning of the greatest threat her homeland has ever faced. But as she escapes into the wilderness, it is with the man who broke her heart hunting at her heels—and James wants more than justice. He wants revenge.

Desperate to prove his loyalty to his family, James ventures into dangerous territory to capture his father’s killer. But the longer he follows Ahnna’s trail, the more his certainty of her guilt is tested—and the more the passion they once shared reignites.

As schemes twist tighter and war brews, Ahnna and James discover that the enemy isn’t each other—it is the masterminds manipulating them both in pursuit of power. Yet their greatest obstacle remains, because their loyalties are to opposing sides in the battle to come. As the storms of the Tempest Seas lower their defenses, James and Ahnna must choose where their hearts lie: on the battlefield, or in each other’s arms.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239779236-the-tempest-blade

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Now that is how you end a series! Oh man, that was so good! Especially after that last cliffhanger, I had no idea how anything was going to play off. Last we left off, Ahnna was running for her life after being framed for killing the king of Harendell. The plan so perfectly set that even James, the man she had fallen in love with, believes she is guilty. But there are several other moving pieces going on. The real villains have spun so many threads of deception that finding the truths and evidence will fall not to just Ahnna and James, but to our other favorites of the series: Lara, Aren, Keris, and Zarrah. Going for no spoilers here, but this story was just so great. And it was super long in the best way. It was fast paced, we got to see multiple point of views, and it was just something that kept you on your toes the entire read. Just when you think you figured one thing out, something else happened. I was constantly wondering how Ahnna and James were going to make it through the story with a happy ending when so much was against them. But I loved how it all played it out in the end. It was a satisfying way to end the series and James and Ahnna were the best to bring this series to a close. I loved their dynamic and how they grew so much in this book and even the last. And that after everything, the love they had for one another just became stronger. Great story all around and I am going to miss being in this world!

Sins of the Zodiac Book 3: Cinder Vale by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

 

Sins of the Zodiac Book 3

The dragons are lost.

The elements are at war. Enlisting isn’t optional.

And I’m falling for a man who wants me dead.

I’m a wielder of hearts and summoner of corruption. Heir to nothing and born to a fool in the wrong damn month.

But I’m also one of only two Fae in this divided land of hellions who might be starting to see through the lies we’ve swallowed for so long.

In the year we turn twenty-one, conscripts from across the warring nations of air, fire, earth and water are sent to Never Keep – the only place in our besieged continent where our magic can be Awakened.

But something is wrong inside Never Keep. Something which might extend far beyond the reaches of this desolate fortress. Within the gothic walls of this frigid castle in the snow, we’re left to hold our own against the brutal Fae from the opposing lands.

The Reapers are merciless. The Royals are lying. The Werewolves run rampant and Vampires roam the wastelands in bloodthirsty covens. But even though death lurks in every shadow of the Keep, it’s the least of my worries.

I’m delving into secrets the stars don’t want me uncovering, making alliances with Fae born to be my enemy, falling for a sinner while promising my heart to a different heathen and somewhere amid it all, I’m supposed to win a war.

I thought the only thing I had to do was survive my magical instruction.

Turns out, fate doesn’t favour the wicked.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232736952-cinder-vale

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

For once a cliffhanger that doesn’t rip your heart out but! Leaves us definitely wanting more considering who just made an appearance. So now I’m super excited for book 4! But let’s talk book 3 first! So, picking up where we left off, lots going on. Vesper unfortunately had to betray Bastien a bit by bringing him to her people, but these two are playing a dangerous game of politics to find their freedom. And for Vesper to finally avenge her sister in arms. These two aren’t done with one another yet in the best of ways and they’ll also have to work together to help Vesper finish fixing the keystones. Meanwhile, Everest has been embraced by her father and people when she became the Void and is now trying to finish this war. But finally getting what she wants isn’t what she thought it would be. Add in the guilt about her killing Kaiser, well, she is a little bit confused on all her feelings. Little does she know that Kaiser is alive and what she did was actually break a spell on him that took away his emotions. He now has to learn to deal with that but also is desperate need to find Everest. And while the war between all four of these elements are in constant motion, there is a bigger threat coming from the Reapers. So we finally get some allies and team ups with our favorite characters. Overall, a lot going on. And I think we are hitting what is my favorite part of these series is which is seeing everyone come together for the bigger cause. I feel like we got a lot of character development with several of the characters in this book, which I also loved. And like always we get a cliffhanger but for once this one was quite good in my opinion. Just made me excited to see more and what comes next now that new players have entered the game. Can’t wait!

Shatter Me: The New Republic Book 2: Release Me by Tahereh Mafi

 

Shatter Me: The New Republic Book 2

The searing second volume in a new series set in the #1 global bestselling Shatter Me universe ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment.

Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. Now she wants revenge. To save her sister she needs to get back home and destroy the system that created her. Rosabelle’s greatest strength is her ability to deaden her mind and body; it’s the only way to survive the surveillance state of Ark Island. But lately her heart has been beating harder; her thoughts are spiraling; her defenses are coming undone.

And there’s only one person to blame.

James Anderson had a plan. Now he has nothing but problems. Rosabelle might be the ally they need in a fight against The Reestablishment, but no one wants to trust an enemy assassin. It doesn’t help that Rosabelle’s not much of a talker, doesn’t work well in groups, and kills people on instinct. Taking her side has cost James nearly everything—but keeping her alive might help save his world.

If only he could convince his older brother.

Aaron Warner Anderson has a headache. Something dark is coming, and Rosabelle’s arrival is just a prelude. In her, he sees shades of himself he can’t trust, and he can no longer get a read on the girl. She’s a dead battery, emanating no emotional feedback. At least not until James walks into a room…

Volcanic tension, breathless reveals, breakneck action—and a dystopian world that never stops raising the 

Welcome back to The New Republic.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237100532-release-me

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Dang. Another freaking cliffhanger. Still, I’m glad to be back in this world with a new series! I devoured this book. The fast pacing makes it so easy to fall into and just not look up until you’re done. And with the way the previous book ended, I was eager to dive back in to see what happened next. Rosabelle may have decided to destroy the system that created her but any trust she may have gained has definitely shattered. Not that anyone besides James was willing to hear her out. Now, she has to find a way to get back home and quickly. Or else, it may just be too late to save anyone. James is paying the price for bringing Rosabelle into their world. But deep down he believes that she can help them. But proving that, especially to his brother, is nearly impossible. And the connection between Rosabelle and James just grows more intense. And as for Warner, well, he is being Warner. Protecting everyone the best he can but never taking a moment to breathe. He is doing his best to stay ahead but he knows he is missing some pieces. And something bad is coming. He knows it. So much going in such little time. At this point, I just really need the next book to finally see how it all plays out. But I loved seeing so many familiar faces and the constant banter between them all. Easily the best part of this book. Another reason I couldn’t put it down. And I can’t wait to see what happens next after this latest cliffhanger! 

Cranham Kings Book 1: Hostile Game by Becca Steele

 

Cranham Kings Book 1

From USA Today and WSJ bestselling author, Becca Steele, comes an all-new M/F standalone enemies to lovers college hockey romance.

As the daughter of the head of the Thorpe Syndicate, my life was decided for me from the beginning. I was expected to look a certain way. Act a certain way. To put the syndicate above my own desires. To marry the son of the head of another crime family in a deal brokered by my father.

The night my arranged betrothal was announced was when everything changed.

My brother’s best friend chased me into the woods and stole my first kiss.

Now, my engagement is drawing closer. I’m doing my best to survive one day at a time, keeping my head down while I attend classes at Cranham University, a former Victorian prison and home of the Cranham Kings hockey team.

But he’s there, a constant reminder of what happened in the woods. His hateful gaze tracks me in the hallways and the lecture halls. I loathe him. Yet when he’s flying across the ice with his teammates, I can’t help but notice him.

And the way he makes me feel? That’s a secret I’ll take to the grave.

Tensions are rising. Something is brewing, and my family risks being caught up in it all. I don’t know who I can trust, and as for Jay?

He’s a complication I can’t afford, because the consequences would be devastating for us all.

Hostile Game is part of Cranham Kings, a college hockey romance series of M/F and M/M interconnected standalones. Please note that this series contains darker themes.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244393450-hostile-game

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Being born in a mafia type world, Nova knew her life wasn’t her own. But an arranged marriage? It’s the last things she wants. At least her fiancé feels the same way about her. They are both there because they have to be, not because they want. Now with the engagement coming closer and closer, things are starting to feel real. But there is a complication. Her feelings for her brother’s best friend, Jay, has started to shift from something that feels very opposite of hate. She always thought he hated her but it’s starting to look like it was his way of shutting down his feelings. They can’t be together. They both know it. But they can’t seem to stay away. Jay knows Nova can never be his. He’s done his best to push her away and just stay away. But it’s only a matter of time until his control snaps. And with tensions rising between all the syndicates and his own family getting dragged into something, he knows he has to figure out what is going on before it’s too late. This was a great start to this new series! We got a lot of interesting characters. I’m looking forward to a lot of them getting their owns books. I really liked Nova and Jay’s story. Their tension and chemistry were great and I was on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out how these two could find their happy ending. Great first book to kick this off! I can’t wait for more.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shield of Sparrows Book 2: Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry

 

Shiel of Sparrows Book 2

RITES OF THE STARLING is the epic, heart-pounding sequel to Devney Perry’s #1 New York Times-bestselling SHIELD OF SPARROWS. A princess journeys across a cursed realm to find the truth about her family, only to discover her quest intertwines with the fate of a lost warrior. Love, danger and magic collide in a captivating romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros.

Calandra’s five kingdoms are on the verge of destruction. The crux migration is coming. And in the wake of a devastating attack, I’ve been separated from the man who owns my heart.

I’m lost. Terrified. Homesick. Hunted by monsters, driven to exhaustion, and kidnapped by a powerful priest, the only thing keeping me going is the little girl counting on me to keep her safe. It’s my turn to become the Guardian.

Our lives change one fateful night. A night of death. A night of monsters. A night of truths. That night, I learn the real meaning of fear—and the depth of my own strength.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. But what if I embrace my crown? What if the secrets I uncover save our realm?

What if my sacrifice means salvation for the man I love?

For too long, I’ve feared the monsters we make.

It’s time to discover the monster within.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241058997-rites-of-the-starling

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This story just keeps getting better! So this was awesome and now I’m super excited to get to the final book of the series. Too bad I have to wait another year. So lots of twists and turns in this story. And some new things as well. First, let’s start with Odessa. After the last battle, Odessa and Evie are separated from Ransom. One of the Voster leads them on their bit of a side quest while Odessa plans to get her and Evie to Quentis. There she hopes they’ll be safe and Ransom will know her well enough to head there. They just gotta survive first. Meanwhile, we are introduced to a new point of view character, Caspia. Who is from another continent and when she has a vision about the death of her sister, she leaves with her cousin to find her. And let’s just say a lot goes down and she will discover a lot on her journey. And that’s really all I can say without spoilers. I will say though, I had a theory early on in the book about Caspia’s connection to Odessa’s journey, because how can you get a new point of view character and not wonder what it has to do with our main, and I ended up being proven right which was pretty sweet. But this book explains A LOT. So many questions are answered. Things are falling into place and by the end we know what our heroes need to do next. I really just couldn’t put the story down. I loved all of it. And I really can’t say much without spoilers, but trust me, you do not want to miss this! And I can’t wait to see how this series ends!

Desert Football Book 5: Blindside Lesson by Christie Gordon

Desert Football Book 5

Getting a tutor was supposed to be about passing my class. Instead, it became the one thing I wasn’t prepared for.

Tex (Travis)

Football is my future. The draft. Everything I’ve worked for.

Walking into my tutor’s apartment, I don’t expect Colton Reed—quiet, brilliant, and tempting in a way that hits me hard.

He’s not my normal type. He’s not supposed to be an option.

He’s my tutor.

But he looks at me like I matter, like I’m more than a jersey and a body built for the line.

Every study session blurs into something closer. Heavier. Harder to walk away from.

I’ve never been confused about who I want.

But Colton makes me want things I can’t afford to lose.

My career. His job. Both our hearts.

And once I fall, I fall hard.

Colton

I like rules. Order. Lines that don’t get crossed.

Tutoring Travis Rowlings should’ve been simple.

Help him pass. Keep it professional. Don’t get attached.

Except he’s warm and earnest and looks at me like I’m something worth choosing.

And wanting him terrifies me, because I’ve never wanted a man like this before.

I’m not out. My father wouldn’t understand.

And falling for Travis could cost me everything I’ve built.

But every secret kiss and stolen moment pulls me deeper.

Pretending this doesn’t matter is becoming impossible.

I’m falling for my student.

And I can’t stop.

Blindside Lesson is book 5 in the Desert Football series, featuring a golden-hearted offensive lineman, a guarded graduate-student tutor, bi awakening vibes, forbidden attraction, secret dating, emotional vulnerability, found family, and heat that builds until it breaks.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246640268-blindside-lesson

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Tex’s class is a little bit harder than he expected, he knows it’s time to get a tutor. He just never expected to fall for Colton. The moment they meet, Tex knows he is in trouble. Colton is sweet and smart and just everything Tex could want. But is there a chance that Colton feels the same? Colton has been through a lot. He lost his mom when he was eighteen, his dad was barely around and he has just never coped well with his grief. He likes to be in control. And he knows he needs it. But he never expects to get feelings for Tex. He has spent so long hiding that part of himself and Tex threatens to break down every wall he has. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to keep those walls up and it’s only a matter of time until they come crumbling down. Can Colton be brave enough to embrace his feelings for Tex? Tex and Colton were a great match. I loved that Tex was able to help Colton get the support he needed and be there by his side as he gained his confidence to be the person he was always meant to. Tex was also just so sweet and supportive. He didn’t rush or push Colton, he let him know he was there by his side in any way he needed. A great way to end this series! You don’t want to miss this one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Matchmaking in Granville Book 2: Hounding Hank by DJ Jamison

 

Matchmaking in Granville Book 2

An unexpected love will soon be Hounding Hank...

Matchmaking Mamas helped my best friend, Maverick, and his rival neighbor find love. If they can help those two, it should be a piece of cake to find me a guy, right?

The dating pool of available men is small, but finally after weeks of waiting, the Mamas come through for me. Hank is sweet and charming via text, and we instantly connect over our love of dogs.

And when I lay eyes on him for our first date--holy heck, is he hot!

It seems like a perfect match.

Until Hank gets a look at me and just about swallows his tongue--and not in a good way.

Hank was expecting to meet a woman. Instead, he got me.

The Matchmaking Mamas have epically screwed the pooch, and left Hank and me to clean up the mess. But there's a friendship in the making that might be worth all the trouble--if I can just keep my inconvenient attraction under wraps.

I don't want to hound Hank about my unreciprocated feelings, but the closer we get, the more I start to wonder...

Could Hank still be my Prince Charming, or am I barking up the wrong tree?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246206559-hounding-hank

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Jamie has waited patiently for love to find him. But he just never seems to have any luck. Even after signing up with Matchmaking Mamas. He’s waiting and waiting until finally he gets a message that he matched! Their texts prove there is definitely a connection between them. Easy conversations and lots of similar interests. But when Jamie arrives at their date, Hank isn’t expecting him. He’s expecting a woman. Turns out Hank got the wrong Jamie’s number. Jamie can’t help but be disappointed. And when the two of them strike up a friendship, it makes it harder for Jamie not to catch feelings. What is he going to do? Meanwhile, Hank thought it wouldn’t hurt to let the Matchmaking Mamas do their thing, but when they get it wrong, he can’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Though, the connection he feels with Jamie makes Hank wonder if they can at least be friends! But things start changing for Hank the more time he spends with Jamie. Could it be that he is actually having feelings for Jamie? And maybe he isn’t straight after all? He’s never felt this way about anyone. Maybe it’s time to take a leap because he knows that losing Jamie is the last thing he wants. These two were so cute! Poor Jamie. He just wants to find love and just when he thinks he has a chance, it’s pulled out from him. But not for long! Hank definitely likes Jamie and I love that he comes to realize that his feelings for Jamie are so strong that he wants to fight for them. He wasn’t afraid to try after realizing what he was feeling. They were just very sweet all around! Another great story and I can’t wait for the next one! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.