Meeting Mr. Anderson by Elle Nicoll

2.5 Stars

Some people go to Hollywood to chase their dream.

My Hollywood dream is in seat 4A.

After the stunt my ex pulled, no one would blame me if I swore off men forever, especially one like Mr Jay Anderson, Hollywood’s sexiest heartthrob. Maybe undressing me with his striking blue eyes as I perform the safety demonstration on a flight to LA is normal behaviour for him. Maybe not. But I know one thing for sure, he should come with a warning label. Because once you meet a man like Jay Anderson, there is no going back. With his dirty blond hair and those eyes; he’s a beautiful, X-rated fairy-tale. But beauty is a magnificent smokescreen. And a fairy-tale is just that… a tale. It’s never as simple as happily ever after, not when you’re meeting Mr Anderson.

My god have an actual conversation. All of the issues were because FMC wouldn’t talk with MMC. I get it is a book and there needs to be drama but my god was it old really fast.

Book 1 The Men

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Aaron’s Patience by Tiffany Patterson

2.5 Stars

Never trust a billionaire . . .

Aaron thinks he can have anything—or anyone—he wants, including me. But when I discovered I was the other woman, I vowed never to see him again.

Except he’s not the only one with a secret. When a chance meeting brings us together again, I can no longer hide the truth.

Now he wants what’s his—our six-year-old twins. And he insists I’m part of the deal. If I don’t marry him, I’ll be forced to give up my children.

I’ll do whatever it takes for the twins, only I’m not the innocent girl I once was, and there’s no way I’m giving him a second chance.

But when someone dangerous from my past comes looking for me, I start to see a new side to Aaron that makes me question what’s beneath his need for control.

Now the man I vowed never to trust may be the only person who can protect me . . .

I enjoyed this book sort of. Aaron was a dick from beginning to the end of the book. I get why to certain point but it would have been nice to see more growth with him. I still don’t understand why FMC didn’t want her dad involved in the kids life. I am still baffled by why she forgave Aaron for his antics.

Book 1 Townsends of Williamsport

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The Violence of My Affection by Sorcha Black

2 Stars

When we pick up a stranger who would make Satan blush, my husband's fantasy goes off the rails.

Now, the man won't leave us alone. I’d call him a stalker, except we invited him into our bed.

He’s a force of absolute chaos and seems determined to ruin our (currently) long-distance marriage…and now, he wants to get me pregnant?

Loïc is charming. Loïc is unpredictable.

He’s impulsive and dangerous.

If only toxic wasn't so tasty.

The story was interesting. If things with MMC was more clear it probably would have been a 3 star book. I kept questioning whether it was all in his head or if it was an actual person.

Book 1 The Violence of my Affection

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Not Mine to Love by Rosa Lucas

3 Stars

Patrick McLaren: CEO of McLaren Hotels. Helicopter pilot. Part-time adrenaline junkie who treats frostbite like a mild inconvenience. The kind of man who can silence a boardroom with one raised brow.

Which is deeply unfortunate, because I, Georgie Fitzgerald, have been sent to his remote Scottish hotel to overhaul their IT systems. That means weeks of working in close proximity to him and his lethal combination of jawline, arrogance, and disdain.

And I know exactly what he thinks of me, because the man doesn’t bother hiding it.

I’m his best friend’s little sister—the pity hire who tanked her interview and only got the job because my big brother pulled strings. The tech gremlin occasionally allowed out of her cupboard to reset the router before being shoved back in again.

He climbs mountains for fun. I break into a sweat ordering coffee. He’s brooding intensity in a bespoke suit. I’m anxious energy and catastrophic overthinking in a cardigan.

It doesn’t matter how hard I work to prove myself at his company. He doesn’t notice. He doesn’t notice much about me at all.

Which is fine. It’s not that I want his attention. It’s just… I can’t help being shy. I can’t help that I’m still rebuilding myself after someone else tore me down.

But maybe I’m tired of being anxious, apologetic, router-resetting Georgie who lives in the background, worrying about what everyone thinks. About what he thinks.

Maybe it’s time to reclaim my narrative.

And maybe that includes claiming him.

Patrick was an idiot and ruined the book for me. I liked Georgie and was curious why she had the issues that she had. When she forgave him I felt it was too quickly and I still do believe that.

Book apart of Billionaire Brits

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Accidentally Yours by Christina Lauren

4 Stars

Serendipity works wonders for a woman and her seemingly unattainable crush in a funny and flirty short story by Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners and My Favorite Half-Night Stand.

When marketing consultant Veronica accidentally crashes the wrong Zoom meeting and brutally critiques their presentation, she’s shocked to receive a job offer from the company’s intriguing CEO. Their professional email exchanges quickly turn flirty, but Veronica’s mind keeps drifting to her reserved but gorgeous new neighbor. As Valentine’s Day approaches, she’ll discover that sometimes the most improbable meet-cute can lead to the perfect match.

I loved the email exchange between MMC and FMC. Listening to the book was so worth the listen.

Book 1 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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Second Act Romance by Julie Soto

4 Stars

Two musical theater costars, separated by fate, reunite for a showmance to remember in a sizzling and banter-filled short story about second chances by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Soto.

When food poisoning takes out the lead in their Valentine’s Day production of Oklahoma!, TV sensation Colby J. Turner swoops in to save the show. But for leading lady Bex Hardgrave, this last-minute casting is more drama than she bargained for. Eight years ago, their onstage chemistry sparked real-life fireworks—until a misunderstanding brought down the curtain on their budding romance. Now they’re sharing the spotlight again, and their old connection is threatening to steal the show. As showtime approaches, Bex and Colby will have to decide if their second-chance romance deserves its own standing ovation.

Who knew food poisoning would lead to a second chance at love. I loved the give and take between MMC and FMC. MMC wanted her when they first worked together but it was a missed connection. Now he has the chance to be with her and is unwilling to miss it. It was such a good read.

Book 3 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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The Joy of Sorrow by Kitt Lynn

3 Stars

Tansy

I was ten years old when I learned how vile alphas really are.

Despite that, I still dreamed of finding a passionate, sensitive pack that would love me endlessly. I fantasized that they'd destroy anyone who dared to hurt me. But as I got older, I realized that alphas like that don't exist.

They're all vicious, hateful men, determined to destroy everything in their path.

I swore I'd die before I let anyone claim me. I was determined to grow old in a care home, surrounded by other mateless omegas. Safe in my own quiet corner of the world, where no one could touch me ever again.

But that dream is dead.

I've been snatched by some kind of black market that sells omegas to unworthy alphas. There’s no running. No hiding. No way out. But I'm done being the victim.

If they want to claim me, they’re going to bleed for it.

The book was ok. It needed better development of the world and character development. But it was an interesting read.

Book 4 The Black Market Omega

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Coming Home by Wendy Smith

2 Stars

Coming home is bittersweet for Adam Campbell. His mother has cancer, but for some reason doesn’t want him there. One of his brothers welcomes him home with open arms, another treats him like dirt.

Then there’s Lily—the girl who left Adam at the altar twelve years ago. The girl who broke his heart. Adam left and didn’t look back after that happened, but being home stirs up all those old feelings.

Secrets will be revealed, including the horrifying truth about why Lily stood him up, and that she didn’t abandon Adam. Adam abandoned her.

This was an interesting concept but the writing style didn’t work for me.

Book 1 Copper Creek

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A Play for Love by Trillina Pucci

3 Stars

Years ago, during a college production of Romeo and Juliet, Rory and Oliver shared one unforgettable stage kiss before fate pulled them apart. Now, while drowning her Valentine’s Day sorrows at brunch, she spots him: her former Romeo, wearing nothing but gold shorts and wings, playing Cupid for the lovelorn masses. Their chemistry still sizzles, but even with the stars finally aligning, these former leads will need more than Shakespeare’s guidance to turn their second chance into a true romance002E

I struggled listening to this one. It needed to be longer to make it work. The idea was interesting and I wanted more to flesh it out.

Book 4 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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Too many Options by Jillian West

4 Stars

Cove Nash knew she was going to follow in her uncle’s footsteps from a young age, and she’s finally making it as a musician. Pack life would only get in the way, so it’s not an option. After all, not every omega wants or needs alphas...

But life on the road isn’t anything like she expected, and her suppressants are making her sicker with every passing day. 

Ravvi Sinclair has been in love with Cove for as long as he can remember, and his little brother, Damian, wasn’t going to be left behind. Add in Declan Clark, who was roped into handling Cove’s personal security, and no one outside of the omega is particularly happy to be on tour.

Still, the guys know the realities of the music industry, and they won’t abandon her to that, even if she’s intent on fighting them every step of the way.

Cove has to learn that it’s not possible to do everything alone, and sometimes that thing you fought the hardest against is actually what you needed the most.

I forgot how much I love this series. I enjoyed Cove and her men. They fight and then come together which was awesome to read.

Book Ruined Records

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Summoning the Orc by Saam King

3.5 Stars

Is accidentally summoning a hot monster at work a fireable offense? Asking for a friend…

Becca loved books about women finding their fated mates. But since she was stuck in the real world, she figured she’d just have to focus her attention on being the best enchanted tomes librarian anyone had ever seen. It would’ve worked, too. If only she hadn’t accidentally pulled an orc through a magical portal and changed everything…

As chief of a clan of one, Rok worried he’d never have a family of his own. Then she summoned him. All it took was one look at the beautiful Becca and he knew she was his. So, navigating a strange world while wooing a human woman who doesn’t speak his language shouldn’t be too hard…right?

When the witches of the tome threaten to send him back to his own realm, will Becca and Rok decide their potential happily ever after is worth fighting for?

Guess there’s only one way to find out…

Book one was way better than this one. I was very confused when I started the book and had to double check I read book one. I have read it but this was just weird. I enjoyed the plot and the characters but struggled with how the book started as other worlds were not explained in this book or book 1.

Book 2 Kingverse Orces

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Death to Valentine’s Day by Catherine Cowles

 

4 Stars

What’s worse than Valentine’s Day after a brutal breakup? Being trapped in a snowstorm with your ex’s brother and maybe a murderer. A witty and chillingly romantic short story by #1 Amazon bestselling author Catherine Cowles.

After her boyfriend’s betrayal, the last thing Maia St. James wants is to celebrate Valentine’s Day. And when her friends force her out for a Death to Valentine’s Day masquerade ball at a mountain lodge, the last thing she expects is to kiss a masked stranger, especially when he ends up being her ex’s older brother. But that’s the least of her problems. When a guest is found murdered, the party becomes a mystery. And Maia must unmask a killer before her second chance at romance is cut short.

 

I loved all the characters in this book. The drama was all about them coming together was so good. The twist at the end was so good.

Book 5 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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Valentine’s Slay by Navessa Allen

 

5 Stars

Roses are red, violets are blue, Emma’s not dead, and her gravedigger’s hot too. This Valentine’s Day, love claws its way out of the grave in #1 New York Times bestselling author Navessa Allen’s steamy and hilariously dark rom-com.

Louisiana gravedigger Noah Evans’s Valentine’s night shift takes an unexpected turn when his high school crush starts screaming from her freshly dug grave. Whoever tried to bury Emma six feet under is in for a nasty surprise—they should have checked for a pulse because she’s got unfinished business, starting with the hot gravedigger who just saved her life. As they unearth a deadly family conspiracy, Noah and Emma discover that old flames burn even hotter the second time around—especially when someone’s trying to kill them.

 

I loved this book so much. I want to relisten to this book as it was so good. The plot was interesting and the characters were awesome. I want more in this world.

Book 6 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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Never Trust a Hockey Player by Jarica James

4 Stars

They say hockey players always protect their own. But my pack proved that was a lie.

After spending my heat completely alone, resulting in a near death experience and a hospital stay, I knew I had to cut my pack out of my life.

One phone call to my brother and I find myself back in my hometown. The local hockey princess has officially returned. Surrounded by my family's hockey legacy, I fall easily back into that life.

A job with the Westgrave Wardens, my brother’s team, seems like exactly what I need to get back on my feet.

The only issue is that I swore off ever trusting a hockey player again… and five of the men that make up the Westgrave Wardens starting lineup are trying to prove that they deserve a chance.

Everything seems perfect… until the media learns that I walked away from my pack. Gossip quickly turns vicious and the Wardens band around me to shield me from the worst of it.

But when their team comes under fire, I know it’s time to fight.

I’m an omega who survived being forgotten and I won’t let anyone steal my voice again. I tell the truth and watch my exes fall from grace, begging me for forgiveness.

I loved how this played out. Even with apologies, some things can’t be forgotten even if they are forgiven.

Book 1 Breakouts and Baddies

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Heart of the Wolf by Michelle Love

3 Stars

A forgotten woman. A Norse god's intervention. And a fate always destined to find her.

Brielle accepted long ago that she was destined to spend this life alone, forgotten in a place where she was unwanted and unloved.

When visions of a forbidden blonde Dane haunt her, she dreams of a life different from the one she is trapped in. One of love and devotion, surrounded by warmth. Then, her vision becomes a reality. A massive white wolf protects her from an attack in the woods.

She collapses at the feet of the creature, only to awaken in the arms of her handsome Viking.

I liked the relationship between Brielle and Leif. It was slow going but so worth reading.

Book 1 Cold Hearts

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Axel by Samantha Whiskey

3.5 Stars

The NHL’s been at my door since I was 18. But I’d never leave the Swedish Hockey League— Not while raising my little brother. But now he’s grown and the Carolina Reapers show up with my greatest weakness: Langley Pierce, their new head of PR.
I’ve never been able to say no to her.
She’s fierce, independent, and the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. She also has a stubborn streak wider than my entire country. One comment from her smart mouth about never dating again, and I propose.
No, really, I actually propose: A six-month marriage contract in exchange for signing with the Reapers. I want to date this woman so badly that I’m going to marry her first.
I’ll use each day to show her how a queen should be treated.
Our wedding day started a countdown I’m powerless to stop, and the faster the months fly, the harder I fall.
She’s sworn she’ll never choose a man over her career, and I promised never to ask her to. Until I’m forced to.
How can we move forward when we started this whole thing backwards?
If I can’t convince her this marriage is anything but fake, the next document we sign will crush us both.

I loved Axel so much. The FMC not so much. She waffled so much throughout the story and she was so rude to Axel. She acts like he wants to force her into a specific role but all he does is want to love her. Enjoyed the writing and the world that I will continue reading.

Book 1 Carolina Reapers

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The Brood by Devney Perry

4 Stars

The last thing Wilder Abbott needs is a houseguest. Solitude has been his stoic companion for nearly a decade. He prefers to brood over his mistakes in seclusion. Besides, he gets enough social interaction as a high school science teacher in Calamity, Montana.

But when his oldest friend calls, begging for a favor, Wilder begrudgingly agrees. For the next two months, he’ll give up his guest room to his friend’s little sister.

Iris Monroe isn’t the girl Wilder remembers. Gone is the shy, quiet mouse ten years his junior who always had her nose in a book. Grown-up Iris talks too much and asks too many questions, especially about his past. And her bright smile and clear blue eyes are hard to ignore.

Two months. He just has to survive two months. Except Iris is as nosy as she is beautiful. And his secrets prove hard to hide when she’s living under his roof.

I enjoyed this book. The age gap and friend’s little sister tropes were fun to read. They worked well together and the way they both wanted the other to be happy was perfection. The twist with MMC former wife was interesting.

Book 6 Calamity Montana

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Pucking Feral by Lenore Rosewood

 

4 Stars

For two months, I've been hiding in the last place my NHL ex-fiancé would ever look.

The home arena of the Ghosts, his team's fiercest rivals.

And it's working. No one knows I'm here.

Until Wraith—the mute, scarred "monster" power forward fans whisper about—discovers me sick and weak in the maintenance tunnels that are his sanctuary.

Instead of turning me in, Wraith helps me hide. And when the team's new winger, Valek, discovers me, my feral-alpha-turned-personal-guardian-angel attacks him to protect me.

I finish the job with a fire extinguisher.

Now Valek's recovering in the Ghosts' pack house with a concussion, and I’m hiding in Wraith's loft.

The Ghosts are offering me a choice. A home. Protection from my ex without strings attached.

The problem? I don't know how to trust anymore.

Not when the last alpha's promises ended with me burning off my mark.

I LOVED this book if not for the cliffhanger ending. The ending was surprising and I can’t wait for book 2. The characters were well developed. I loved that FMC was all in with the one mate who everyone was scared of. I enjoyed her interactions with the rest of the mates.

Book 1 Ghostverse

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Misfit Monsters by Eva Chase

3 Stars

Three delinquent monsters with fearsome powers. One girl made of pure sunshine. Can she save this team of misfits?

My past? Let's just pretend it never happened. All I want is to spread enough joy to make up for the pain I've caused.

So it'd be nice if my unexplainable powers would stop going haywire.

When I start blitzing my fellow monsters as well as mortals, the authorities of the supernatural world give me a final chance to avoid banishment.

I’ve got to join three monstrous criminals on a dangerous mission no one wants to take. Strange creatures are attacking innocent humans, and we have to stop their rampage.

It’s up to me, a frigid winter fae, a brutal basilisk shifter, and a chaotic kitsune to figure out what’s gone wrong—and fix it. Which would be a lot easier if my teammates didn’t see me as a ditzy pipsqueak.

And if they weren’t so distractingly, deliciously handsome.

Um, don’t tell them I said that part.

I’m sure my cheerful optimism will win them over so we can get home in one piece. That is, as long as I don’t blow us all up along the way...

I was irritated with reading this book and not sure if I will continue the series even though it ends on a cliffhanger ending. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story and there wasn’t a lot of explanation as to the world development.

Book 1 Pack of Outcasts

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The Brawl by Devney Perry

4 Stars

On Ronan Thatcher’s first week in Montana, he spots the most beautiful woman in the world. Love at first sight? Nah. He doesn’t believe in love. But he wouldn’t mind a date or two with the local beauty. Ronan is the type of man who gets what he wants, and he wants Larke Hale.

Except Calamity’s sweetheart has sworn off men. The last time Ronan was rejected was, well . . . never. Yet Larke dismisses him without even batting those pretty brown eyes.

Bruised ego in check, he’s about to walk away when a teenager marches into his office and asks to hire Ronan as her lawyer. Something about a bad grade and a ruined grade point average that will inevitably destroy her future. He’s about to lecture the kid for being melodramatic until he learns that the teacher she wants to sue is Larke.

Suddenly this frivolous lawsuit seems like a bright idea. Ronan wants Larke’s attention and this is guaranteed to snag it. So let the brawl begin.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I loved Ronan and Larke. I really wanted them to take in the kids but how it played out was still nice.

Book 5 Calamity Montana

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Catch her Heart by Julia Jarrett

4 Stars

I’m the oldest virgin in major league baseball. And I’m in love with a woman who’s about to marry someone else.

Listen. It’s not like I planned to still be a virgin at twenty-eight. Or to fall in love with the team trainer, who apparently would rather date a guy who wears polo shirts instead of baseball pants.

But life doesn’t always go according to plan.

When I first laid eyes on Lark Miller, I knew she was something special. Unfortunately, so did her boyfriend.

For years I kept my feelings hidden. I accepted my role as best guy friend, and focused on my career. My priority needs to be securing another contract with the Vancouver Tridents so I can help my parents retire. I can’t afford any distractions.

But then the day comes that Lark shows up at my door, and tells me she’s ended her engagement. Not only that, but she’s broken up with polo shirt guy.

And then she kisses me.

My fantasy becomes my reality. Lark wants me. Me. She’s perfect, we’re perfect, everything is perfect. I’ve got the woman of my dreams, and the best part is she understands how important baseball has to be for me right now.

But remember what I said about life not going according to plan?

My name is Dan “Monty” Montgomery: Formerly the oldest virgin in baseball, and now the newest expectant father.

I loved this book. Dan being a virgin and yearning for Lark made the book. I loved when they got together and his reaction to her saying she was pregnant. It was so sweet and he was all in.

Book 3 Vancouver Tridents

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Time Will Tell by Hannah Bonam-Young

3 Stars

When a mysterious time capsule leads a Toronto teacher to England, she discovers some loves are worth crossing oceans—and decades—to find, from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Bonam-Young.

When a history teacher receives a letter from her deceased grandmother revealing a secret love affair in the 1950s, it leads her to a time capsule hidden decades ago. But it’s the charming grandson of her grandmother’s lost love who changes everything, proving that sometimes the heart knows exactly where—and when—it belongs.

Cute and quick read. Narrators were amazing.

Book 2 The Improbable Meet-Cute: Second Chances

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The Bully by Devney Perry

3 Stars

Nellie Rivera is trading traffic for tranquility. When the quiet streets of small-town Montana beckon, she leaves Denver behind and moves to Calamity. It would be the perfect adventure if not for Cal Stark.

When her archnemesis dares to show his face one Saturday morning, declaring he is moving there too, she vows to make his life a misery. The town isn’t big enough for the both of them and besides . . .

She was here first.

Cal has been a thorn in her side since high school. He might have bullied her back then, but she’s not a modest teenager anymore and has learned a few plays of her own. If all goes to plan, she’ll run the former pro quarterback out of town within a month.

There’s only one problem. Cal has the same plan. He wants Calamity bad enough to pull out all the stops. And after one kiss, she realizes that he doesn’t play fair.

This was my least favorite book in the series so far. I was irritated by the main characters. I didn’t like them and it never got better.

Book 4 Calamity Montana

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