The Inheritance Games Book 3: The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Inheritance Games Book 3

Avery’s fortune, life, and loves are on the line in the game that everyone will be talking about.

To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House. The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building. Danger is a fact of life. And the only thing getting Avery through it all is the Hawthorne brothers. Her life is intertwined with theirs. She knows their secrets, and they know her.

But as the clock ticks down to the moment when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help—and whose presence in Hawthorne House could change everything. It soon becomes clear that there is one last puzzle to solve, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player.

Secrets upon secrets. Riddles upon riddles. In this game, there are hearts and lives at stake—and there is nothing more Hawthorne than winning.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58658940-the-final-gambit

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A great conclusion to this series! The final book of this trilogy has finally arrived and it was definitely worth the wait! We finally get some answers! The last secrets and riddles from Tobias Hawthorne have arrived and with it, higher stakes. Her countdown to inheriting billions is only weeks away but it will be anything but uneventful. A new player has entered the game and with them comes a big secret that has so many links and secrets tied with it. It will take Avery and everyone with her to figure it all out and survive. There is really not a lot I can say without spoilers. And for these kind of stories, you definitely don't want to be spoiled. What I love about this particular series is not only the great mysteries, riddles, and puzzles, but the characters as well. Avery is a great heroine and so are all the Hawthorne brothers. And when they work together they are stronger together and can solve some unbelievable truths. Barnes really does have a talent with this genre. If you loved the series so far, I don't think you will be disappointed in this final mystery and the end of the story. I'm sad the series is over but it was truly a great one that had me constantly thinking and trying to solve the puzzles alongside Avery. Though I was definitely not as successful as her! 

In Vino Veritas Book 4: Underdog by L.A. Witt

In Vino Veritas Book 4

Life in foster care wasn’t easy. Life after prison? Unforgiving. But I’m determined to stay out of trouble, and I’m gaining a foothold on the closest I’ve ever known to normal.

Then, thanks to a pair of escape artist dogs from the sanctuary where I’ve found work, I cross paths with my boss’s neighbor, Ty Adams. He’s a horse trainer, and winter is his quiet season. It’s also the season when he gets restless and lonely—two things I know all about. He’s not interested in love or romance. I’m just happy someone’s interested in me at all, even if emotions are strictly forbidden.

When we’re not together, I’m thinking about him. When we are together… Well, I’m definitely thinking about what he does to me and what I want to do with him.

As we keep each other warm through the Vermont winter, this feels a lot more than physical. Somehow he soothes my pain, and I wonder if I’m touching something deep inside him too. But Ty won’t let himself love anyone. I never had a chance. And now, with my past closing in, I could lose the one man I hoped I could count on. The one I thought might be different.

When his present and my history collide, is it too much to hope he’ll choose me?

CW: Sick horse and a minor accident involving a horse—no animal deaths or serious injuries/illnesses.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61383832-underdog

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

This book is another great example why I was so glad to hear that the Vino & Veritas series was getting extended! Another great story you do not want to miss. I loved L.A. Witt's first book in that series and was glad to see those characters make some cameos. Now we have some new characters that have made appearances here and there in the last few books of this extended series. Landon hasn't had it easy. He made some bad mistakes when he was younger and that landed with him jail and even prison time that made up ten years of his life. Now, it's been a year since he has been on parole and the nightmare of having to constantly watch every move you make in fear that one toe out of line will land you back in a cell is very real. Landon will never let himself go back. But life on the outside isn't easy. Especially when no one will hire you. However Landon found a great gig working at Jon and Brent's sanctuary for dogs. And when he crosses paths with the horse farm next door that leads him to Ty and another job where he continues to work with animals. Which he loves. He may also be falling in love with a certain horse trainer. Ty has no plans to fall in love. He saw what long hours working on this farm and with the horses did to his parents, he doesn't want to do that to someone else. No longterm relationships work just fine for him. Mostly. But then he meets Landon and takes a chance on him when he hires him. Then takes another chance when the two of them give in to their attraction. Things may get a bit complicated. Yet maybe just right for the both of them. But with Landon's past hanging over his head and Ty's fear of following his heart rather than his head, well, things never go as they expect. Loved Ty and Landon! They were absolutely adorable and you just want to cheer for them and let them know everything will be okay. Great story! I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

In Vino Veritas Book 3: Unmanageable by Leslie McAdam

In Vino Veritas Book 3

I’ve never been romantic. Just ask my ex-wife.

Since she broke up with me, I get my needs met any time I want, without putting my heart on the line. Exactly how I like it.

But when she is called overseas and leaves me with our child, my bachelor lifestyle ends faster than you can say, “Daddy, I want a pony.”

I need help.

Problem is, help’s come in the form of an incredibly hot nanny.

My employee.

Who is much younger than me.

And also … a guy.

I watch Scott care for my kid and can’t help feeling like he clicks into place in her life.

When he looks at me, though … I get an entirely different feeling. One that makes me long for things I can’t have.

Like him.

Unmanageable is a contemporary m/m age gap romance about a starry-eyed nanny who wants hot-air balloon

rides and singing telegrams and a grumpy single dad who most definitely does not.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61955976-unmanageable

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Scott finally gets a book! We've seen Scott a few times in the World of True North and I'm happy to see him finally get a book. This overly romantic guy definitely deserves to find his happily ever after. After being burned once more in his love life (another case of him being into the guy more than the guy is into him) and coming home to more bills that show he is in debt, Scott knows he needs to make a change. One, no more falling in love with the next guy he meets and two, finding a job to start paying the bills since his freelancer writer gig isn't working quite right. What he doesn't expect is to find Luke. Luke is divorced and lonely and a workaholic. He doesn't do relationships and doesn't do them well according to his ex-wife. But when she calls asking him to move back to Vermont for a few months while she takes on a job opportunity of a lifetime, he can't help but say yes. They did end on pretty good terms and this is his chance to spend more time with his daughter, Addie. Though being a working, single dad is a little hard than he thought. So he calls in some back up. A mistake he realizes when he hires Scott. Their attraction to one another sparks immediately and both know that acting on that would probably be a bad thing. Yet, it won't take them long to act on their feelings. Loved this story! You can't help but love Scott and his over the top ways. He just wants to find love and be loved. He has always been the giver in relationships and yet no one bothers to stick around or is right for him. And he brings out the best in Luke. He teaches Luke to loosen up and have fun and live in the moment. Their story was just so sweet. Plus, we got to see lots of fun characters from the previous books! And a sneak peek of a few characters in the next book. Can't wait to dive in to more! Another great addition to this series. You don't wanna miss this one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

A STEMinist rom-com in which a scientist is forced to work on a project with her nemesis--with explosive results.

Like an avenging, purple-haired Jedi bringing balance to the mansplained universe, Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project--a literal dream come true after years scraping by on the crumbs of academia--Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.

Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. And sure, he caught her in his powerfully corded arms like a romance novel hero when she accidentally damseled in distress on her first day in the lab. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school--archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.

Now, her equipment is missing, the staff is ignoring her, and Bee finds her floundering career in somewhat of a pickle. Perhaps it's her occipital cortex playing tricks on her, but Bee could swear she can see Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas...devouring her with those eyes. And the possibilities have all her neurons firing. But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there's only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59856881-love-on-the-brain

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ali Hazelwood is becoming a favorite when it comes to contemporary romance books. Her writing is fantastic and hilarious and her characters are just the best. Bee is a trip. Being in her head, you just never know what she is gonna say or think or do. I loved this story! When Bee is offered a position to work on an amazing project in her field of neuroscience, she is beyond thrilled. That is until she learns that her co-lead on the project on the engineering side is her nemesis, Levi. Levi, who has not liked her since their time in grad school. How can she possibly work with him if he can barely look or talk to her? It also doesn't help that nothing is going right at this new job and all roads lead to Levi being the cause of it...or is it? Bee will learn that Levi isn't exactly what she pegged him to be and there may or may not be some explanations for that. Though question is, will Bee actually see what is right in front of her? And not let her fear of love keep her from falling? I adored their story. I read it in a day, I couldn't put it down. Bee is beyond hilarious and then there is Levi. Sweet, sweet Levi, who is the absolute best. And you just want to shake Bee and tell her to open her eyes! Such a fun story with some unexpected twists and turns. I can't wait to read another book from Ali! 

 

A Mercy Thompson Novel Book 13: Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs

Mercy Thompson Book 13

Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must face her greatest fears in this chilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

The vampire Wulfe is missing. Since he’s deadly, possibly insane, and his current idea of “fun” is stalking me, some may see it as no great loss. But, warned that his disappearance might bring down the carefully constructed alliances that keep our pack safe, my mate and I must find Wulfe—and hope he’s still alive. As alive as a vampire can be, anyway.

But Wulfe isn’t the only one who has disappeared. And now there are bodies, too. Has the Harvester returned to the Tri-Cities, reaping souls with his cursed sickle? Or is he just a character from a B horror movie and our enemy is someone else?

The farther I follow Wulfe’s trail, the more twisted—and darker—the path becomes. I need to figure out what’s going on before the next body on the ground is mine.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53033939-soul-taken

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It's so nice to be back in the Mercy Thompson world! I will say that having only read each book in the series once and we are now on book 13, rereading at some point may be a good idea. There are bits here and there I can't remember full details on but it never takes me long to remember the important bits of this world whenever I start a new book. Mercy and Adam face yet another enemy. One straight out of a horror film. When one of the vampires, Wulfe, goes missing, they are tasked to find him or face the consequences of showing everyone they swore to protect that they aren't doing their jobs. Meanwhile, someone or something is out there killing people with a cursed sickle. As they dig deep into both cases they begin to realize that perhaps the two are connected. The best part of these books are always the characters and the new magical threat that comes along. Mercy and Adam are always a delight. The first chapter opens up with a scene of Mercy getting hit in the face with a pumpkin and knocking her out for a bit. And if you know Mercy that will not surprise you at all. The humor was spot on to what is one of the best parts of this series. Another great addition to this story and as always I'm looking forward to the next one. 

 

In Vino Veritas Book 2: Counterpoint by J.E. Birk

In Vino Veritas Book 2

One playboy. One perfectionist. So many secrets.

I’m considered the biggest playboy in Burlington, Vermont. The party boy. The guy who lives in the moment and makes decisions with no thought for the future. But people don’t know my past. They don’t know why I make the choices I do. Even my best friend doesn’t know the truth about me. Actually, there are a lot of things he doesn’t know…like the fact that I had a one night stand with his brother last year.

Did I mean to hook up with Aaron? Um, no. Mistakes were made, okay? But unlike most of my mistakes, this one has lasting consequences. Aaron works at the law firm where circumstances are forcing me to be their errand boy. Now we see each other every day. Aaron’s such a nervous wreck he keeps tripping over the copy machine. I’m surprised he hasn’t ended up in traction yet.

He and I are opposites in almost every way. He’s got a GPA higher than Mount Mansfield, and I’m barely going to graduate college. He grocery shops with a spreadsheet, and I’ve got YOLO tattooed on my body. But Aaron sees things in me that no one else does, and I see things in him he doesn’t see in himself. Before I know it, we’re sharing late-night office picnics, evenings out at the bar, and long, hot afternoons on my boat. I’m having the best summer of my life, but there’s no way this can end well. My bff will kill me if he ever finds out how thoroughly I’ve corrupted his brother…

Counterpoint is an opposites-attract forbidden romance featuring an incense-filled law firm, meddling friends, and angst and humor in (mostly) equal parts. It stars Jeremy Everett and Aaron Morin, who first appeared in the Vino and Veritas story Booklover, but Counterpoint is a standalone novel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61955815-counterpoint

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Another great story added to the World of True North! We get to see lots of familiar faces in this one and even faces now who get their own story. This story follows Aaron and Jeremy. Who are connected to Birk's other book in this world, Booklover. Aaron and Jeremy have a bit of a complicated history. Over a year earlier they had a one night stand that both agreed to forget. Because not only is Jamie Aaron's brother but he is Jeremy's best friend. They both aren't sure how Jamie would take it and it is better to keep it quiet. However, their paths cross once more when Aaron has a summer job at a law firm but Jeremy is hired there as well as one of the assistants since he decided to stay in Vermont for the summer. Cue the awkwardness and the attraction that hasn't gone away completely. Both of these guys are complicated characters. Aaron is still feeling guilty about running from his family over a year ago and is doing his best to make up for it. Then add in his stress about finishing up law school and bombing a previous internship. Then there is Jeremy. Jeremy has a complicated relationship to his family that has hurt him to the point where he isn't sure of his future and never wants to look forward. Better to live in the moment. But when these two are reunited, their views start to slowly shift. It'll take a lot for both to change but together they may have a shot. I loved this story. You just want to hug both Aaron and Jeremy and tell them everything will be okay and that they both deserve the other! I couldn't put their story down. Plus we see some characters who are set to have their own books coming as well. Loved this! You definitely don't want to miss this one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

In Vino Veritas Book 1: Wildfire by Garrett Leigh

In Vinto Veritas Book 1

A gorgeous new sexual awakening romance with sizzling first times, snarky British banter, and off-the-charts chemistry. 

Life doesn’t always pan out as you expect. When it explodes in my face, literally, an old friend offers me a place to heal and a job renovating the kitchen of Burlington’s coolest wine bar.

V&V is a chill fest. Living above it should be a blast. But I’m not built to be a social butterfly. Not anymore. I’m a damaged man. 

And I’m not its target clientele.

At least, I think I’m not until I come face to face with the most beautiful human I’ve ever seen. Joss is the new chef and my roommate. He has hair like spun gold and it’s as pretty as the rest of him. Crystal blue eyes. Megawatt smile.

I can’t stop staring. Or thinking about him. He chases my nightmares away. And when he spots my crush a mile off, his solution to our chemical attraction blows my mind.

An experiment of sorts. Science. Is this sexual exploration or sex education?

Either way, Joss is only here for the summer. He’s leaving.

I can’t fall in love with him.

I can’t.

Shame my foolish heart never got the memo.

WILDFIRE is a heartfelt MM friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort romance in the True North world, with a brooding lumbersexual, a wild-hearted chef, sweet angst and all the Vermont food. Content warning: contains mentions of depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation, and PTSD recovery.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61400549-wildfire

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So happy to be back in the World of True North! Specifically this fun series set at Vino & Veritas. We get to see some favorite characters return and get some pretty awesome new ones. Like our leading guys Kai and Joss. Kai has been in a funk. He is suffering from PTSD after experiencing something pretty traumatic at his last job. Lucky for him, his friend Tanner is there to help Kai keep afloat and be there for him while he sorts himself out and gets back on his feet. What he doesn't expect is for Tanner and Jax to hand him a new roommate. Joss is a longtime friend of Jax and comes to be the new chef at Vino & Veritas. Joss never stays in one place long since he always has an itch to be on the move along with being diagnosed with ADHD. He has long since accepted that there are things about himself he can't change and is happy to be who is he. Though, when he meets Kai, for the first time ever he wonders if he found a place to stay for good and someone to stay there for. What I absolutely loved about Kai and Joss is that both have these pretty big issues but instead of it hurting any chance of friendship between them, it just brings them together. Kai understands Joss way better than anyone ever has besides Jax. Kai has the patience to wait Joss out and figure out what he needs when his brain is going a mile a minute. He doesn't try to change Joss or fix him because he truly doesn't see anything wrong. Then Joss watches Kai and knows he is dealing with some pretty big stuff but makes himself available in whatever form he thinks Kai needs. Feeding him or sitting there and talking with him. He understands Kai just as well as Kai gets him. I loved their story and how these two guys can truly look past everything that makes them different and care about one another with no reservations. You don't want to miss this first book bringing us back to this world!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.