The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer

4 Stars

The best way to get back at my horrible ex? Fake date Rory Miller--my ex's rival, the top scorer in pro hockey, and the arrogant, flirtatious hockey player I tutored in high school.

Faking it is fun and addictive, though, and beneath the bad boy swagger, Rory’s sweet, funny, and protective.

He teaches me to skate and spends way too much money on me.

He sleeps in my bed and convinces me to break my just-one-time hookup rule.

He kisses me like it’s real.

And now I wonder if Rory was ever faking it to begin with.

I really enjoyed this hockey romance. I liked the development between Hazel and Rory. Rory was just amazing throughout the books. There was some repetitiveness in the book but it wasn’t too bad. It was a sweet story with minimum conflict.

Book 2 Vancouver Storm

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He Falls First by Jill Shalvis

4 Stars

No one is going to convince her to fall in love again...

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

I loved this audiobook. The narrators did a good job bringing the characters to life. I liked the characters and the drama the Penny and Ryder are working through. It was interesting to read the prolog and then see how the father is after a stroke. There are still some plot points that need to be fleshed out but this is book one in the series so they might be resolved in future books.

Book 1 Colburn Brothers

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Horde King of Shadow by Zoey Draven

4 Stars

The fearsome creature came from across Drukkar’s Sea…and there was a rider on its back.

As a scholar in Dothik’s library, Klara has spent her life trying to understand the strange dreams that have plagued her since she was a child—visions of dragons and a world with no written record. Rejected by her royal bloodline after her mother’s death, Klara hides her chilling secret, knowing her rare magic could get her killed.

But when a dragon suddenly appears in Dothik, those dreams become a monstrous reality.

Sarkin Dirak’zar, king of the Sarrothian horde, cares only about finding heartstones—the dwindling power source for their revered dragons. Ice-cold and merciless, the last thing Sarkin wants is a wife, especially a weak and unwanted princess who likely won’t last one night on dragonback. Yet the key to acquiring heartstones lies in Klara’s visions, and so he gives her a cruel choice: marry him to save her people…or let Dothik burn.

Her first duty as queen? Claim a dragon of her own. What’s even more alarming is that unexpected desire begins to simmer with her beguiling but guarded husband...even though his barbed cage of a heart is only meant to keep her away.

You should have read the other books in the original series before reading this one. There are things you will not understand if you haven’t read them. Otherwise it will feel like you are dumped in the middle of a story. Other than this the story flowed nicely and was engaging. The build up between MMC and FMC was amazing to read and I liked how it all played out.

Book 1 Hordes of the Elthika

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Dealbreaker by Elise Faber and Kat Mizera

3 Stars

She’s the biggest movie star in the world.

And she’s in danger.

My specialty is security for the rich and famous, so when legendary actress Willow St. Claire asks for my help protecting her, I can’t say no.

The only problem is that I’m in danger too.

Of losing my heart.

She’s smart and sweet, beautiful and kind, and despite my determination to never fall in love again I know I’m going to make her mine.

But when her past catches up with her, the future I’ve begun to plan is suddenly at risk.

I might lose her.

And everything I never knew I wanted.

Of all the books I this series, this was my least favorite. I liked the couple, but it felt too insta love considering what Willow went through. I also felt like Dash's medical stuff went to the wayside once Willow entered the picture.

Overall, it was a fine read I just had some issues that are all me. the writing was good seeing Willow come into her own was awesome.

Book 3 Gamebreakers

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Ashes to Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

3 Stars

Back in Denver, Abby lost everything she ever loved, except for her daughter, the one memory she has left of the man she loved and lost. Now, she’s moved next to the Montgomerys in Colorado Springs, leaving her past behind to start her new life.

One step at a time.

Ryan is the newest tattoo artist at Montgomery Ink Too and knows the others are curious about his secrets. But he’s not ready to tell them. Not yet. That is…until he meets Abby.

Abby and Ryan thought they had their own paths, ones that had nothing to do with one another. Then…they took a chance.

On each other.

One night at a time.

Abbie and Ryan had so much to overcome with their pasts. I loved how Ryan was all in with Abbie and Max. He never judged her for her past. Even though it was a short story it didn’t feel like a short story.

Book 4 Mongomery Ink: Colorado Springs

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Ruined Wings by Annie Anderson

4 Stars

A Luxa will wake the Beast…

A Luxa will unbind him…

A Luxa will destroy us all…

Vale Tenebris has a big problem–she needs to get her and her sister out of the Perder Lucem like yesterday. Living with a bunch of cave-dwelling magic hunters wouldn’t be so bad if she wasn’t hiding what she is from the very people sworn to kill her.

Her escape plans crumble to dust when she has to choose between the freedom she longs for and saving her sister from the clan leader’s son. Forced to use the unruly magic, she exposes the one thing that would mean her execution.

Being put to death isn’t the worst part, either. No, that comes in the form of two dragon shifters who come to her rescue, claiming that she is the key to unbinding their king and saving the realm from extinction.

Betrothed to the Beast and thrust into an unknown world filled with daggers at every turn, Vale needs to learn how to use her magic–and fast. Because that ring on her finger won’t save her if she can’t figure out how to help the king, nor will it stop her attraction to the shifters who pulled her from the brink of death.

And the magic brewing under her skin could very well be the end to them all.

I loved this fantasy book. It is different from other books. I like the world building and character development. It ends on a cliffhanger ending and I am curious to see how the story plays out.

Book 1 Severed Flames

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Entranced by Tracie Delaney

3 Stars

Have you ever loved anyone so much that you’d give them up at the expense of your own happiness?

No? Well, I did.

Okay, that’s not the first lie I’ve ever told myself. I fought tooth and nail for the only man I’ll ever love, but in the end, I had to concede defeat. Even now, seven years later, the cruel words my brother’s best friend uttered the morning after he took my virginity still wield the power to shatter the remains of my heart.

Yet fate has a way of shaping our lives—no matter how hard we fight for a different outcome.

This is a generous 3 stars. I still don’t understand why Athena was so enthralled with Ryker. Ryker was a controlling ass and he never changed. Beyond the character issues I had I also never got an explanation for why Athena was doing what she was doing in Japan. The book was just meh and dragged on.

Book 1 ROGUES Billionaire

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Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

5 Stars

 

REVIEW HAS SPOILERS BE WARNED

 

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling—to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him—bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if—for the first time—I reached for it?

I loved this book so much. It was the best slow burn ever. I loved Ransom and Odessa’s banter. I figured out the secret very quickly but still enjoyed the journey to get to the reveal and that reveal was AMAZING. The characters felt fleshed out but still more to learn. Even though the book ends on a cliffhanger it didn’t feel like we were left hanging on everything.

Book 1 Shield of Sparrows

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Undeniably Corrupt by J Shamen

3.5 Stars

When my ex leaves me and my little girl penniless, the last person I expect to step in is my childhood sweetheart, Vander Moore.

It's been years since he walked out of my life, and now he's barreling back into it, seeking redemption, and making me an offer I can't refuse--to become his new assistant.

But everything has changed, including him. The broody, sinfully hot bad boy CEO doesn't trust anyone. Especially me.

It isn't long before we're butting heads and fighting at every turn.

He’s a walking red flag. One I need to stay far away from.

Except when life throws me yet another curveball and my daughter and I are forced to move in with him, I start to see the man behind the mask.

And all the tension and heat we've been resisting ignites, consuming us both.

But with each forbidden touch and toe-curling encounter, I give him another piece of my heart.

He says he'll do whatever it takes to keep me and my daughter safe. Even if it costs him everything.

But there are some things even this undeniably corrupt man can't hack his way out of. And it's coming for all of us.

The ending was so rushed. Beyond that I enjoyed the story. Cander was a marshmallow with Liora and her daughter. The interactions between them were fire. They both wanted to protect the other one from all the bad in the world.

Book 7 Boston's Irresistible Billionaires

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Beauty and the Boardroom by Elise Faber

3 Stars

I’m not looking for forever.

My gorgeous, billionaire neighbor has decided otherwise.

I’ve been burned by enough bad ex-boyfriends to know that love isn’t in the cards for me. I work hard, keep my head down, and avoid all romantic attachments like the plague.

The only trouble? The infuriating man who lives just down the hall doesn’t seem to understand that.

Jace Henderson is beautiful, rich, and his veneer of perpetual, carefree bachelor is hiding a soft heart.

A possessive heart.

Because he’s decided he wants me.

Not just for one night.

But forever.

And the worst part is…the more time I spend with him, the more I think I want forever too

This one was fine read but a bit too much inst relationship and not enough building. I still enjoyed it a lot. Just wanted a bit more particularly after seeing the FMC in the last book.

Book 2 Eagles Hockey: Oak Ridge Vineyards

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Restless Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

3 Stars

Never falling for your best friend's ex-husband is the first rule in keeping your friendship. But just once, Thea Montgomery would like to go on a date that doesn't end in disaster.

Between her family and her bakery, she's on the top of her game. Her personal life, however, is a different story. And getting closer to Dimitri would just make things worse.

Dimitri Carr thought he had it all: a job he loved and a woman who meant the world.

Only in the end, his wife wanted something and someone else.

He knows that starting something with Thea would cross a line, but there's no saying no to the chemistry bursting between them.

Except the moment they finally give into temptation, the danger they thought they could avoid makes itself known. And if they're not careful, finding the love of their lives will the be the last thing they ever do.

I so hated the ex-wife in the book and you’re supposed to. I loved Dimitri and Thea together. They worked well and overcame a lot to get their HEA.

Book 10 Montgomery Ink

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Loath to Love You by Ali Hazelwood

3 Stars

Under One Roof

An environmental engineer discovers that scientists should never cohabitate when she finds herself stuck with the roommate from hell—a detestable big-oil lawyer who won’t leave the thermostat alone.

Stuck with You

A civil engineer and her nemesis take their rivalry—and love—to the next level when they get stuck in a New York elevator.

Below Zero

A NASA aerospace engineer's frozen heart melts as she lies injured and stranded at a remote Arctic research station and the only person willing to undertake the dangerous rescue mission is her longtime rival.

Some stories were better than others because there was more backstory to them. I loved the writing style and how the author presented the relationships.

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Alpha King’s Second Chance Pregnant Mate by Elara Haze and KA Iris

4 Stars

I had the Alpha King’s baby in secret.

Now fate has dragged me back- and Ryder won’t lose me twice.

Five years ago, he was my first love.

My fated mate. My forever.

Until his family showed me photos of him with another woman… and promised they'd kill me before they let me wear his crown.

So I ran- pregnant, broken, and swearing I would never trust him again.

Now I’m back in our small town, trying to give my son the childhood I never had.

But at parent–teacher night, my little boy stares up at Ryder and asks the one question that tears everything apart:

“Are you my daddy?”

Now the truth is out.

His family still hates me.

The lies that destroyed us still linger.

But Ryder’s eyes tell me one thing-- he’ll burn down anything to claim us.

But do I risk my son’s safety to admit the Alpha King is his father?

Or do I keep fighting the mate bond that refuses to die and the man who is determined to claim what he lost?

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Ryder and Jasmine. Add in their kid and Ryder’s sister the book was good. I did question how the bad guy found them. I also wanted Ryder’s parents to suffer more for their part in the separation.

Book 1 Possessive Small Town Alpha Kings

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Puck Your Nanny by Sara Vincent

2 Stars

Daisy figured being a beta meant a drama-free life.

No messy mating bonds, and steady work was always easy to find. That all goes out the window when she takes a live-in nanny gig for a hockey player who's suddenly become a single "dad" to his baby half-brother. As if that wasn't enough, his pack includes two other seriously hot alphas. Not that they would be interested in a beta like her. Or so she thinks...

Nate, star forward for the Vipers, is totally in over his head. Baby duty on top of hockey? Yeah, that's a big yikes. Thank goodness for Daisy, who's a natural with the little guy. Plus, she smells amazing, but she's a beta, so it shouldn't mean anything, right? He's only ever felt this kind of pull towards his packmates...

Peter, ex-hockey star with a bum leg and a grumpy attitude, has his walls built up higher than a goalie net. But there's something about Daisy that makes him want to let his guard down. And Calvin, the Vipers' chill goalie, is pretty much smitten from the get-go. Daisy just fits with them, like the perfect puzzle piece.

Turns out, Daisy isn't the beta she thought she was. Nope, she's a late bloomer, and her inner omega is wide awake now, thanks to the three hot alphas she's living with.

The idea was there but the writing was very immature. It felt very high school writing. Add in how quickly things played out it just didn’t work for me.

Book 1 Puck You Omegaverse

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Reckless Billionaire’s Ruthless Claim by Ava Selwyn

3 Stars

He thought she was hopelessly in love with him—turns out, she was in love with his bank account.

“Why are you here again? Didn’t I tell you to stop following me?” Sawyer Stark is convinced Ellie Madden is hopelessly in love with him.

For three years, she’s been his girlfriend, bound by a convenient deal to maintain appearances until his childhood love, Olivia, returns. But Ellie didn’t get the memo. Every time he turns around, there she is, looking at him like he’s her world.

“Here’s ten thousand dollars. Is that enough to make you disappear?” he scoffs, offering cash as if it’s a solution. What he doesn’t realize is that Ellie isn’t there for love—she’s there for his wallet.

A fire stole her identity and left her drowning in debt, and Sawyer’s money is her lifeline. When Olivia finally returns, Ellie doesn’t wait to be thrown out—she vanishes on her own, leaving Sawyer stunned.

Suddenly, it’s not Olivia he wants—it’s the ‘gold digger’ who’s caught another man’s attention. Seeing Ellie with someone else ignites something Sawyer never expected.

Now he’s not just jealous; he’s furious.

For the first time, he’s not sure what hurts more—losing Ellie or realizing she might not have cared about him at all.

I had the ending figured out way too early. The book also was too long for what it was. It could have been shortened to make for a better story. The plot was interesting.

Book 4 Obsessed Billionaires, Cherished Brides

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Lucky Laces by Elise Faber

4 Stars

One moment captured on a jumbotron changed my life.

One glance at that screen and…I was Coldplayed.

My fiancé getting caught canoodling on national TV was not on my bingo card for my first season of coaching the NHL’s Oakland Eagles.

Neither was falling for a hockey player on my roster.

I’m not in the market for love, not after being humiliated, and I’m certainly not going to date one of my own players.

Only…the universe keeps pushing us together and every moment I spend with Hudson means my attraction to him grows…until I can’t seem to stay away.

And then I find out he’s playing the long game—

Because he has absolutely no intention of letting me go.

I really enjoyed Dee and Hudson's story. They have obstacles to get through being a coach/player relationship. As well as relationship issues with other people. I did feel the issues with Hudson’s family was never really fleshed out but Dee’s issues were. I loved how Jean-Michel helped them with all the hoops and the ex fiancé. Definitely one of my favorites.

Book 4 Eagle Hockey

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Fallen Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

4 Stars

Adrienne Montgomery has two major rules in life:

Never let them see you cry.

And never fall for her best friend.

On opening day of her family tattoo shop, she's already failed both of those.

Mace Knight takes pride in two things: his art and his daughter.

He knows he’s taking a risk by starting over in a new shop with the Montgomery's, but the stakes are even higher when he finally gives into the temptation that is his best friend.

But the world doesn't stop turning the moment he takes Adrienne into his arm—and his bed. Not only is someone furious about the new business in their "pristine" neighborhood, they're ready to resort to violence to get the Montgomery's to leave.

I enjoyed this audiobook. The drama was a bit over the top but I loved listening too it. I loved Adrienne and Mage together. They balanced each other out. The flow of the story was spot on what you would want in a book.

Book 9 Montgomery Ink

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Who Ordered a Medium by Jennifer Laslie

2.75 Stars

How can she move on when her dead fiancé won’t?

Josie’s world is turned upside down after the death of her fiancé. Her picture-perfect world no longer exists. But when a ghost starts haunting her house, she’s not sure who to turn to.

Sebastian isn’t just a hot stripper Josie met at her bachelorette party, he’s also the medium that shows up at her door to help her with her ghost problem.

Together, they must figure out who is haunting her house and how to get rid of them. Can they survive the supernatural while figuring out the chemistry brewing between them?

I loved the writing and the idea of the book. My biggest issue is her fiancé died and a week later she’s already in a new relationship. How do you go all in with person a to person b that quickly.

Book 1 Unfortunate Spells

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Summer Escape by Jill Shalvis

4 Stars

Anna Moore didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go on a wild quest—especially since her life no longer lends itself to wild anything—so how in the world does she end up racing against the clock with Owen Harris, a sexy, enigmatic adventurist, to prove her beloved dad innocent of stealing a million-dollar necklace?

It’s all Wendy’s fault. Her older, bossy sister, who’s seven months pregnant and on bed rest in their small Lake Tahoe hometown, is desperate to clear their departed dad’s name. Owen, though, is convinced he’s guilty as hell and wants to return the jewelry back to its rightful owner—his elderly great aunt. Together Anna and Owen go on a scavenger hunt for clues to the past (with Wendy remotely along for the ride via an earbud, supplying a running wry commentary to boot).

On opposing sides and suspicious of each other as they are, Anna and Owen still can’t deny the inexplicable and explosive chemistry between them on this heart-stopping adventure, the outcome of which will prove the necklace isn’t the only thing stolen—their hearts have been as well.

I enjoyed this listen. There’s a mystery of who stole the jewels and where they were. Add in FMC not trusting men for some very good reasons. I loved the interactions between FMC and her sister/BIL. I felt the story was more about the mystery than a romance but I still enjoyed listening to it.

Book 6 Sunrise Cove

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Knot Here for You by Tana Rose

3 Stars

I thought I found my fated pack when I was seventeen. The Werth pack promised me they would always take care of me, never let me hurt. I thought we were going to spend forever together. But in one moment of betrayal, they ripped it all away.

Shattered and rejected, I ran.

Seven years later, I’m forced to come back to the scene of my biggest heartbreak. I plan a quick visit. Get in. Sign some paperwork. Get out. No longer than twenty-four hours. But what’s that they say about the best laid plans?

As soon as the Werth pack hears I’m in town, they seek me out, determined to explain. To make me listen to the reasons they picked another omega over me. They want me to give them another chance to prove to me they still want me, that I can trust them, that they’ll never hurt me again.

I can’t say I’m not tempted.

What they don’t know? Another rejection from them just might kill me. I can’t give in, can’t let them back into my life, my heart, my body.

No, I have to make it clear: I’m not here for them.

I still hate the guys so much. I get they were all young and they were doing what they thought was best but they nearly killed their fated mate by rejecting her. Even though that’s not what they intended. Maybe loop her into the conversation would have helped. I never felt they made it up to her.

Book 1 FatedVerse

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