Vino & Veritas Book 9: Turnabout by Laurel Greer

Vino & Veritas Book 9

“Auden and Carter are the swoony heroes I didn’t know I needed in my life! Turnabout is spectacular, and everyone should read it.” USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen

I don’t have time for an unplanned visit home to help out in my father’s struggling letterpress shop. My stint in Vermont will have to be short, for a couple of reasons:

One, I’m a busy executive trying to climb the corporate ladder.

Two, my ex is still my dad’s right-hand man in the shop. And I am not over him.

Nothing has changed at the Burlington shop. Auden still has his infuriatingly sexy Scottish accent. He’s still hot, and still stubborn. Between operating the antique press with his shirtsleeves rolled up, and moonlighting at Burlington’s hottest inclusive wine bar, he pushes every one of my attraction buttons.

My falling-in-love-again buttons, too. Except I’m his polar opposite. I love change, and taking chances. Everything he avoids in life.

So why am I trying to convince him to reach for more than we’ve ever dreamed of—the possibility of forever?

Turnabout is a second-chance romance with interfering family, groveling, and a large helping of artisan stationery geekery.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56485515-turnabout

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I have to agree with Sarina Bowen's words when she says that Turnabout was spectacular. It definitely was! loved our heroes Carter and Auden. This was definitely another favorite of mine in this series. So this story starts when Carter gets a call from his dad informing him that his mother left and ran away to Paris. His mom was fed up with his dad's work ethic and was tired of waiting for him to take a break. To save his marriage he chases after her and asks Carter to help at the letterpress shop he owns. The same shop that Carter ran out of years ago after a huge fight with his dad. Leaving not only the family business behind but Auden, his boyfriend who he loved more than anything but wouldn't (and couldn't) leave with him. Coming back home to a place where his dad refused to listen to his ideas and to the love of his life isn't easy, but he will do what he can to save his parents' marriage. So Carter works things out with his current job so that he can work remotely while working at the letterpress shop. Auden has learned that taking risks could end horribly. His parents took a risk with their farm when he was a kid and the end result was no money and his father leaving and not coming back. Security is important to him. But Carter threatens that when he returns. He still is hurting when Carter left him behind years ago, though he later remembers not telling Carter why exactly he couldn't leave with him. But with Carter back, feelings are resurfacing and Auden isn't sure he can handle starting something with Carter just for him to leave again. And the same goes for Carter in that aspect. But, their chemistry is undeniable. The moment they enter one another's lives again, they can't deny the spark between them or the love that never really went away. After all these years, can they find a way to be together and stay together? I really did love this one. I couldn't put it down. Auden and Carter were great characters and I was rooting for them to figure out how to be together and make it work. A love like that doesn't go away no matter how long it has been. Great, great story and another great addition to this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Moo U Hockey Book 7: Darkroom by Kate Willoughby

Moo U Hockey Book 7

Indi

I'm not gonna lie, being a twenty-one-year-old virgin is ridiculously embarrassing, bordering on pitiful. And if there’s anything I hate, it’s being pitied. So I’m getting my V-card punched this semester. It’s time to stop dreaming about being swept off my feet. Instead, I’m planning a down-and-dirty one-nighter with a certain hot hockey player I’ve been eyeing.

Hudson

As a top draft pick from a family of hockey royalty, I'm under so much pressure that I’m losing my edge on the ice. I need something to snap my brain out of this self-destructive stress-loop. Like a hot night of fun. That’s where Indi Briscoe from my photography class comes in. She’s flirtatious and funny one moment, sweetly shy the next. But then she wants me to pop her cherry.

Jesus. Did I mention the pressure thing? Am I crazy for starting something with her? Or would I be a fool for saying no?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56719708-darkroom

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

This series just keeps getting better! I loved Indi and Hudson's story. Indi is on the path of becoming a doctor. She works hard and studies as much as she can to make her dream a reality because she wants to help others. But she isn't without her own issues. Born with a birthmark on her face, she has spent her life hiding it the moment she discovered make up. Constantly bullied as a kid, she has done whatever it is to protect herself. Meanwhile, Hudson has had a life of pressure. He comes from a family of NHL players and he is on his way to being one as well. But the team that has recruited him after he graduates checking in on him, his father's constant critiques to "help", and the new position of being captain of the team, his anxiety and stress levels hit their max. The calm in his storm is Indi. After they meet, sparks fly, and for the first time the both of them feel like they have someone they can talk to and truly connect with. But they aren't without their issues. Indi has to find a way to tell Hudson about her birthmark and find it in herself to accept who she is and that she is not alone. And when Hudson's game has been off in the ice, he has to acknowledge that perhaps it isn't just the pressure that is getting to him but something more. I loved their story and couldn't put it down. Both of these characters were so great. I loved seeing them grow and discover themselves together and on their own. They made one another better and stronger despite the conflicts thrown their way. Such a great addition to the series. So far Moo U Hockey has been amazing and I'm not surprised! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Moo U Hockey Book 6: Halftime by Kim Findlay

Moo U Hockey Book 6

There’s no halftime in hockey, but maybe there’s one in love…

Drunk dialing your girlfriend to tell her that you didn’t really cheat is a bad idea--a lesson Seb Hunter learned the hard way. It was no surprise when she cut him completely out of her life. Now he’s finally moved on, and he’s looking forward to sophomore year at Moo U. Until his ex arrives on campus.

For goalie Faith Devereaux, cheating is a hard pass. She grew up knowing all too well how destructive infidelity can be. She’s gotten over Seb and picked the college of her dreams. The fact that he’s a student there will not be a problem. Hockey is her priority. Not guys, not dating, definitely not exes.

But when an exhibition game forces them into close proximity, it isn’t long before their old attraction flares. Regaining trust is hard, though, when the heart plays a good defensive game.

But when the goal is love, one more shot might be all they need.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56719274-halftime

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Seb and Faith were together for two years until a drunken phone call led to probably the biggest misunderstanding of his life. A year later, Seb faces Faith when she enrolls in Moo U. Faith knows her ex goes to Moo U and plays hockey but that isn't going to stop her from doing the same. Faith has grown up in a house where her dad constantly cheats on her mother yet her mother never leaves. Faith's one rule is never be with a cheater and she spends the last year reminding herself of that as she gets over Seb. But there is something she doesn't know. Seb actually never cheated. A drunken night, a huge misunderstanding, and a drunk phone call leads Faith to block Seb before he can sober up enough and explain what happened. Lucky for Seb, he has a great friend on the hockey team who doesn't want to see two people stay apart because of a miscommunication. The air gets cleared and Seb and Faith reestablish a friendship between one another. And eventually something more. Their chemistry has always been there and their connection deep, but it doesn't mean their insecurities are gone. Faith especially has to learn to trust. Can she find her trust in Seb to keep the best relationship she has ever had? Or will her fears drive him away? Their story was so good and another great one to this series. You want to cheer for them both, especially knowing that their history is complicated and their fears are deep. You want to root for them to work past it all because they are great together. Great story! Can't wait for the next one! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Moo U Hockey Book 5: Overtime by Kat Mizera

Moo U Hockey Book 5

Hotshot hockey star Patrick Graham has been groomed for the pros since before he could walk. Fast forward to his junior year of college, and he’s having the time of his life. What could be better than pucks, partying, and having his pick of campus women? But if Patrick doesn’t buckle down and get his grades up, he could find himself benched for the championships. Could a beautiful brainiac be the solution to his problems?

Nineteen-year-old Master’s student Ellie McGinn could do so many things with her biology degree, but her mother is pushing her toward a future she doesn't want. Tutoring a hockey hottie seems like the perfect opportunity to start making her own choices and living life on her own terms.

When learning turns to yearning, will they be ready to face the heat and heartache that love can bring?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56718938-overtime

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This series seriously gets better and better. It's Patrick Graham's turn and his story took me by surprise. The previous book was his twin's brother's and we see one aspect of him there but his story in Overtime has the focus on him and we get to see Patrick in a new light. After having a pretty rough fall semester, Patrick knows he has to step up his game academically to remain on the team. No more partying and hooking up all the time. He needs to focus. And his brother, Pax, has the name of a tutor who he thinks could help him out. Ellie is a nineteen-year-old genius. She has been in college for five years already and has two undergraduate degrees and is on her way to a masters. But, she has never really done normal before. Never time for relationships, her focus has always been on studying and trying to figure out how to tell her mother she doesn't want to be a doctor. When Ellie and Patrick first meet there is an unexpected connection between them but before they have a chance to explore it, circumstances separate them. But! A few days later it turns out that her student to tutor is Patrick. The chemistry between them is instant and intense. For Ellie she has never had a boyfriend or any form of a relationship, everything is no new. And for Patrick who is used to just hooking up isn't ready when he finds a real meaningful connection with someone. They understand one another in a way that is so different and rare and powerful. Their romance is a whirlwind with crazy highs and lows. Because how can either be comfortable planning a future with someone they are just getting to know? But how can they not when it feels different from anything they have had before? I loved their story. I couldn't put it down. Clearly, since I read it right after the previous book. There were so many twists and turns to their story. I loved both of their characters and how they were with one another. And how they faced the challenges of finding the one despite only knowing one another for a short time. Great story! Definitely another favorite of mine from this series so far! I can't wait to read more and I can't wait to find more books by this author! From a lot of details in this story, I ended up looking up her other works and saw that she crosses off characters with another hockey series that she wrote. So looks like I will have to get my hands on those!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Moo U Hockey Book 4: Gametime by Jami Davenport

Moo U Hockey Book 4

One drunken night and one case of mistaken identity turns a friendship inside out...

You’ve seen the hockey twins around campus--they look identical, but you can tell them apart by their actions. Patrick is the one who’s busy charming women. Paxton is the one in the library.

Until one night when Paxton parties a little harder than usual. Next thing he knows, he’s waking up naked next to Naomi, the girl of his dreams. He bares his heart before an awful realization sets in. He’s not the twin she thought he was...

Naomi is the only child of a hockey legend. Partying hard is the best way she knows how to rebel against her controlling father. After a particularly crazy night, she realizes her big mistake. Her hookup isn’t the guy she’s been crushing on. It’s Paxton, her friend, the guy who gets her, who she can always count on. The guy she’d never want to hurt. And yet, the sex was good. Better than good.

Now she’s wondering if the wrong twin might be the right one after all . . . 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56718576-gametime

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

Paxton has had feelings for Naomi since freshman year, the problem? She has been interested in his twin brother since then too. But one drunken night leads to a hook up neither will forget. Seeing as Naomi thought she was sleeping with Paxton's twin, Patrick. And Paxton thought Naomi finally realized that Pax is the one for her. A whole lot of awkward is an understatement. But, it was just the catalyst they both needed to realize that there is something between them. After their hookup Naomi begins to see things a lot differently. Could her best friend be the one she should have been after this whole time? Both have a lot going on. First off, Pax has lived in his brother's shadow for a long time. And when the assistant coach tells him he needs to step up and try to put himself first just a bit on the ice if he is serious about playing pro hockey. In doing so, it changes the dynamic between him and Patrick and maybe even the whole team. Things are changing and Pax has to find the confidence to change his game and go after what he wants. And it doesn't help that things are now complicated with Naomi. Can they actually be something more or will she always wish he was his brother? Meanwhile, Naomi can't stop thinking about Pax and becomes conflicted about her feelings toward the twins. There is also pressure that her father was pushing her toward Patrick since he is the hockey star despite the fact that Patrick hasn't shown interest in her. Naomi has to really dig deep and figure out who she is and what she wants for once. This was another great story in this series. Paxton is definitely a favorite. I loved how he really pushed himself to be better and go for what he wants instead of settling in the shadows. Great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pandava Series Book 4: Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Chokshi

Pandava Series Book 4

Aru Shah and her sisters--including one who also claims to be the Sleeper's daughter--must find their mentors Hanuman and Urvashi in Lanka, the city of gold, before war breaks out between the devas and asuras.

Aru has just made a wish on the tree of wishes, but she can't remember what it was. She's pretty sure she didn't wish for a new sister, one who looks strangely familiar and claims to be the Sleeper's daughter, like her.

Aru also isn't sure she still wants to fight on behalf of the devas in the war against the Sleeper and his demon army. The gods have been too devious up to now. Case in point: Kubera, ruler of the city of gold, promises to give the Pandavas two powerful weapons, but only if they win his trials. If they lose, they won't stand a chance against the Sleeper's troops, which will soon march on Lanka to take over the Otherworld.

Aru's biggest question, though, is why every adult she has loved and trusted so far has failed her. Will she come to peace with what they've done before she has to wage the battle of her life?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36323801-aru-shah-and-the-city-of-gold

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

This series really does get better and better. I picked up this latest release of the Pandava series and I could not put it down. The previous book left us with a pretty big cliffhanger and now it picks up where it left off. Well, almost. Turns out Aru has been asleep for two months and when she wakes up she meets the sister she didn't know she had: Kara. Kara is also the Sleeper's daughter but she has been watching how the Sleeper has been changing and she can't stand to sit back and watch anymore. She wants to help Aru and she wants to be part of a real family. Aru decides to put a little trust in Kara and together they escape. When they are reunited with Aru's Pandava sisters and Aiden, she learns that her mom has gone missing as well. And to make matters worse, the Sleeper is planning to march his army on Lanka. They have less than a week to stop to make it to the city of gold and ask the ruler to lend his army. Their mission leads them to many trials that has them facing some of their greatest fears and insecurities. Like I said, I couldn't put this book down. So much time has passed since the first book and you really get to see how these characters have grown since then. The myths told get more interesting and the adventures, more exciting. And so much happened in this story, just when I thought it would end, I still had pages left to go. There is one more book left in the series and I cannot wait to see how it will end. 

King of Scars Book 2: Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

King of Scars Book 2

The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.

The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54589790-rule-of-wolves

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

First off, I have to say re-reading the entire Grisha world before reading Rule of Wolves was an excellent decision on my part. I didn't realize how long it has been since I read the Grisha Trilogy and the Six of Crows duology. And I didn't re-read when I opened King of Scars when it came out a few years ago. So I needed a refresher and it was super necessary. It reminded me why I loved the Grisha world and all the awesome characters. And Rule of Wolves was a tribute to all of those books and characters. No one was left behind or forgotten. And I loved every moment of it. What a great way to end Nikolai's duology. Though really it wasn't just him. It was Zoya and Nina's story as well. And honestly, quite a few others. From beginning to end it was insane and unpredictable. Nikolai is fighting to prevent a full out war and learning to master the demon inside him. Zoya is trying to understand her new abilities while being the general Ravka needs her to be. And Nina is hoping to save Fjerda from becoming an enemy with no hope of redemption. The stakes are higher than ever. I couldn't put the book down. I had to know more. There were so many surprising twists and turns. My favorite thing about the book was bringing in characters we have met and loved in other books. I loved that. I loved seeing them again and how they contributed to this story. This was such a satisfying story in so many ways. And really it starts all the way back in Shadow and Bone. And as much as it could sound like an ending for a lot, there is a promise in those last few pages that makes me believe that we aren't totally done with this world just yet. And I truly hope that is the case. Great, great book and series.