Ryker by Samantha Lind

3 Stars

After years of trying to get back home to be closer to my daughter, I finally secured a spot on the newly expanded San Francisco Shockwaves.

Juggling being the newly appointed Captain of the team and taking on full-time fatherhood to a teenager sends my life into chaos.

I quickly find myself needing someone who can pick up the pieces and keep my life in order as I certainly can’t do it alone.

I just never thought my savior would be the sexy woman next door- the one I can’t keep my mind or eyes off every chance I get.

This was a perfectly fine hockey book. I liked Ryker and Avery slowly falling for each other. Ryker’s daughter was an amazing side character and brought a lot to the story. The three of them together made a good read. The co-parenting was also a bonus. They worked together to make sure their daughter was happy and well adjusted.

Book 1 San Francisco Shockwaves

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Bone King and Starling by Elizabeth Stephens

4 Stars

They call him the bone king.

A massive, beast of a male who worships the gods and is all too willing to provide them their sacrifices. Human sacrifices. He and his warriors have come to visit Winterbren, a poor little village on the outskirts of Wrath and my home.

I’ve never been more grateful to be a thrall, for my low status will ensure that I remain outside of his notice. But when he requests — nay, requires — a willing female to warm his furs for the duration of his stay, his selection falls to me. All I can do is pray to the gods that I survive the night…

And beg the bone king for mercy.

This book has some very dark elements but was such a good read. You do end up dropping into the story without much world building but you get the gist the more you read. I want more in this world and with these characters. I loved Calai and Starling particularly when she saves him. Again dark themes plus virgin and so much spice.

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Always a Fake Bridesmaid by Carrie Ann Ryan

4 Stars

The moment Ewan McBride entered my life, my world tilted on its axis.

When we part, I promise him I owe him anything for saving my daughter’s life.

What I didn’t expect?

Being his fake date to a wedding—in two days.

It was only supposed to be a favor, but we can’t deny the attraction.

Only he lives a state away and my life is in Colorado with my daughter and the Montgomery's.

This can only be one night that feels all too real.

Yet I know walking away will be the hardest thing I ever do.

This was a short and spicy read. I loved Ewan and Livy. It is an insta love but it works. I so want more details on the wedding drama but that wasn’t what the book was about so I get why it wasn’t included.

Book 1 Clover Lake

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Sing Sweet Nightingale by Rebecca Rennick

4 Stars

Lottie Pickle is known to the world as Alexandria, the famous glittering pop star. But the limelight is starting to burn and the things that once appealed to her as a young aspiring singer no longer shine with the brilliance of newly formed diamonds. Not to mention her overbearing momager who works her to the bone to make hit after hit. In the only way she knows how to escape life in her gilded prison she dawns a disguise and runs away. All the way to the small, quiet, unknown town of Snowberry, Montana. Here she hopes to blend in and enjoy her small piece of sanctuary in the woods. Sanctuary that's interrupted by the town's mayor and-unbeknownst to her-owner of the cabin she's renting. But there's more to the tall dark and handsome Hunter Evans than just being town mayor, he's also a wolf shifter. And that's not all, supposedly she's his mate. What more could a girl have to deal with while hiding from the paparazzi, a controlling mother, and millions of fans? Nothing much, just a blackmailing mob boss elf who wants the town of Snowberry for himself. Caught between the unspoken rules of the non-human world and his need to protect his newly found mate, Hunter must decide; break the rules and keep the girl, or follow the rules and possibly lose his mate and the well-hidden haven they've built for non-humans?

This was such a cute cozy para romantic comedy. I loved every minute of reading it. Has some very spicy parts as well. Hunter and Lottie and the side characters were well written and so loveable. I did want more with the mom getting her due. It ended up feeling like a foot note to the overall story but felt like it was more apart of the story. Will definitely be picking up the next book.

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If You Hate me by Helena Hunting

4 Stars

Hate is a gentle word. Eternal loathing is more accurate.
Pro hockey player with a filthy reputation and an even filthier mouth? That’s Tristan Stiles, also known as my brother’s best friend and my ungodly hot new roommate.

I thought it would be fine, just a quick stay after I rage quit my job while I look for a new place.
I was wrong.
It’s not fine.
We fight. We bicker. We taunt each other like it’s a brutal Olympic sport.
Tristan never wears a shirt and looks like my every sexy nightmare come to life, complete with perfect abs.

He was my secret crush growing up, but I’m not the little kid wishing for his attention anymore.
If we can’t keep our clothes on, we’ll both go down in flames. I’m addicted to how he makes my body feel. I can’t stop falling into his bed.

That line between hate and love? It’s looking pretty thin.
Now I’m wondering how either of us will walk away unscathed.

 

Who doesn’t love a good brother’s BFF plus a whole lot of hate sex. I loved all the humor and the hate between Tristan and Rix. The grovel was also so good. It just overall was a good read.

Book 1 The Toronto Terrors

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Knot that Simple by Amy Oliveira

3 Stars

"You are an Omega..."

Even as I say the words it doesn’t feel true. My hand tightens around Alice’s tiny fingers and I consider running, but there’s something deep inside that tells me to listen. There’s something better for my daughter than the life I’ve been able to give her.

When we move to the omega village I think I’ve lost my mind, but it’s the people around me who are willing to supply us with everything we need. It feels too good to be true, and when I’m handed two one way tickets to Ireland, I realize it’s time to pay up.

What would three men want with me when the father of my child didn’t even want us?

Tadgh is the first to make me feel at home, Osian is the calm I’ve needed after so many storms, but Lorcan? He’s the one I’m struggling to crack but want to call Daddy.

Can three fisherman and a remote Irish village really equal happy ever after for two girls no one has ever loved?

This was a short and quick read. Not a lot of world or character building. I felt like things were missing but they may have been in book 1. I still enjoyed the overall story and the spice level.

Book 2 Lost Omegas

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Set me on Fire by Sam Hall

4 Stars

What’s hotter than a handsome firefighter? Three of them.
When our passion ignites like wildfire, we decide to give in to our delicious urges and share one crazy, unforgettable night.
I even get a little souvenir to remember them by: a positive pregnancy test. Oops.
It’s time to mummy up, and that includes getting a steady job… at their fire station. But it’s fine; they don’t need to know my oven’s been stuffed with one of their buns.

So who’s the daddy? Could it be:
Knox—with grey eyes that stare right into your soul, he leads his team into danger with barely a backward look and he’s just as commanding off the job.
Charlie—the hyperactive guy with a heart of gold. The only thing he takes seriously is putting out fires and now, me.
Or Noah—my high school crush is all grown up, but now I’m back in his life, he’s not willing to let me go.

I don’t know, so I decide it’s best not to tell them.
But somehow they find out anyway, and they’re not upset—they’re ecstatic.
The guys are 100% in, caring for me, protecting me, making sure I have everything I need.

Hmmm. Maybe I don’t need a paternity test, after all. Maybe I just need them.

This why choose was well paced and a nice mix of character and plot. I loved the guys and Millie. The one who cause problems is obvious but was still a good read. I loved that each guy had their own personality and you could tell them apart. Sometimes in Why Choose books this isn’t done and it ends up being a bunch of people who are all the same or one note. One of the biggest issues I had with the book was the length of the book but I still loved it.

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Alpha’s Revival by Reece Barden

4 Stars

Rex is an Alpha without a pack. Rejected by his fated mate, he's not interested in second chances.
He just wants to be left in peace to lick his wounds and rebuild his life.
When he starts a new business, his sister-in-law comes to help, but Leah is exactly the kind of happy, bubbly woman he normally can't stand to be around. It doesn't matter how attractive she is.

And let's not forget she knows nothing about shifters.
Even if he wanted to keep her, he can't. Not without facing the one thing that has the power to strike fear in his heart and turn his world upside down all over again. His mate.

Leah knows what she wants and she won’t give up until she gets it.
The second she lays eyes on her handsome brother-in-law, she knows Rex is the one for her.
Even if he pretends to be irritated by her mere presence, she knows he feels it, too.
She's not sure what’s holding him back, but it won’t work, not with this stubborn human.
He can run, but he can’t hide.

When trouble comes to Grey Ridge, and Leah gets caught in the middle, will Rex be too stubborn to go after what he wants? Or will he be too late?

I loved this second chance at a fated mates. The ending makes me want to keep reading to find out more in this world. My biggest pet peeve with this book was trying to keep everything a secret as long as they did because she clearly saw something was going on. I know why it was a secret but Leah ended up being hurt by the lack of transparency. She had a vested interest in keeping it a secret as it would affect her sister so it just irritated me that it took so long to reveal to her. I loved the connection between Rex and Leah. The way they interacted showed the chemistry and made it such a good read.

Book 3 Shifter’s of Grey Ridge

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Royal Hunt by Raven Storm

3 Stars

Eve was only trying to get out of horrible betrothal. At least, that's what she told herself when she snuck out onto the balcony during the royal feast, and had her wicked way with the first man she met.
How was she supposed to know that while that was going on, the royal family was being murdered just beyond the wall?
And the man she was with was a drunken, disgusting mess. There was no indication he was anyone at all of importance!
Yet keeping the new crown prince of the realm alive is only the beginning of her worries. With the murder of the royals came the fae; creatures with magick who descend every hundred years or so to force the humans underneath them to compete in death games. They call it the Royal Hunt.
Now it isn't just about saving the prince's life, but her own, and every human living in the kingdom.

I loved the concept and how things played out. However, it dragged and we still have book 2 to get through for the full story. The first half of the book was a solid 4 while the second half was more like a 2. I loved that she was trying to screw up her betrothal when she mistakenly picked one of the royals to be ruined. They had a lot of chemistry between them. When the fae came out and started the “games” is where the book lost me. It wasn’t explained well for me and it was a drag to read. I will read the rest to find out how things end but hopefully the second book will be better.

Book 1 Royal Fae

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Slide Tackled by Tonya Clark

3 Stars

After four years of losing herself in a relationship that was all about her ex, Devyn Hansley’s new beginning presents itself when her soccer pro, playboy brother invites her to move in with him.

Devyn’s plan to stay away from relationships is sidelined when she meets the team’s deaf goalkeeper, and her anti-dating rule flies quickly out the window.

Kasen Mickelson know the rules when it comes to dating her best-friends’s sister: stay far, far away. But the wager was her idea--and Devyn doesn’t seem like the type of woman who likes to lose.

And Kasen’s certainly not going to let her win.

I loved the first book in this series with the coach. This one was just meh. I didn’t really feel like there was a good connection between Devyn and Kasen. I just wanted more between them.  There could have been more angst with the him being deaf, the fact that it was BFF’s sister, or even something with his job.  

Book 1 Storm Series

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Fumbled by Alexa Martin

2 Stars

Single-mother Poppy Patterson moved across the country when she was sixteen and pregnant to find a new normal. After years of hard work, she's built a life she loves. It may include a job at a nightclub, weekend soccer games, and more stretch marks than she anticipated, but it's all hers, and nobody can take that away. Well, except for one person.
T.K. Moore, the starting wide receiver for the Denver Mustangs, dreamt his entire life about being in the NFL. His world is football, parties, and women. Maybe at one point he thought his future would play out with his high school sweetheart by his side, but Poppy is long gone and he's moved on.  
When Poppy and TK cross paths in the most unlikely of places, emotions they've suppressed for years come rushing back. But with all the secrets they never told each other lying between them, they'll need more than a dating playbook to help them navigate their relationship.

This book was fine until T.K. disappeared for weeks with no word to his kid. Like Poppy’s one request was to not hurt their kid and that’s exactly what he did.  When he comes back all is good with no mention of his disappearance. First missing out because you don’t know is fine but when you do know and you still leave you’re the dick.

Book 2 The Playbook

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Nanny by Lana Fergusen

3 Stars

Suddenly unemployed and on the brink of eviction, Cassie Evans is left with two choices: get a new job (and fast) or fire up her long-untouched OnlyFans account. But the job market is terrible, and as for OnlyFans. . . . Well, there are reasons she can’t go back. Just when all hope seems lost, an ad for a live-in nanny position seems like the solution to all her problems. It’s almost too perfect—until she meets her would-be employer.
 
Aiden Reid, executive chef and DILF extraordinaire, is far from the stuffy single dad Cassie was imagining. He shocks her when he tells her she’s the most qualified applicant he’s met in weeks, practically begging her to take the job. With hands that make her hindbrain howl and eyes that scream sex, the idea of living under the same roof as Aiden feels dangerous, but with no other option, she decides to stay with him and his adorably tenacious daughter, Sophie.
 
Cassie soon discovers that Aiden is not a stranger at all, but instead someone who is very familiar with her—or at least, her body. Given that he doesn’t remember her, Cassie is faced with what feels like an impossible situation. As their relationship heats to temperatures hotter than any kitchen Aiden has ever worked in, Cassie struggles with telling Aiden the truth, and the more terrifying possibility—losing the best chance at happiness she’s ever had.

Cassie is too forgiving in this story. Aiden is a jerk and uses her but all is forgiven because she loves him. The writing was fine but a weak FMC just ruins a book for me.

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Axe Backwards by Daphne Elliot

3 Stars

Once in a while, after life gets you down, the universe throws you a bone. And if you’re really lucky, it comes in the form of a tattooed baby-wearing firefighter with piercing blue eyes and a heart of gold.

When Noah Hebert swung his axe and rescued me from a coffee shop bathroom, I had only a vague sense of who the tattooed lumberjack was. Turns out he’s more than broad shoulders and a thick beard. He’s a devoted single dad and my new neighbor.

Soon after, we find ourselves falling into an easy friendship. I help him with his fussy baby, and he helps me survive my ex-husband and little sister’s wedding. Despite my vow never to risk my heart again, my defenses quickly crumble. The sight of him rocking his sweet baby in those muscular, inked arms only makes matters worse. And when he defends me to my toxic family, the sparks of attraction between us catch fire.

I moved back here with a mission. Grow the food pantry and make our little town a better place. I can’t get mixed up with the grieving single dad, even if he likes to braid my hair and slow dance in the kitchen.

He moved across the country to escape the flames of his past and protect the little girl he now calls his own. But our town is sitting on a bed of secrets ready to ignite.

And when the heat causes my world to go up in smoke, I’m not sure it’s possible to sift through the rubble and find our happily ever after.

I loved the last one. This one was just ok. I didn’t really like Victoria and Noah together. It was very similar to the last one and that couple and drama was way better. I am still confused by Noah’s guilt over his friend’s death. Victoria needed to grow a backbone and kick him to the curb.

Book 4 Maine Lumberjacks

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Phantom by Greer Rivers

3 Stars

The man behind the mask won’t stop until she’s his.

Scarlett Day has been my obsession ever since I witnessed her dark side.

I was content with being her secret. Content with being her protector from afar… until a dangerous enemy sets his sights on her.

I will do anything to protect her. Even keep her against her will.

Now that she’s mine, I can’t let her go.

I’ve mastered the darkness. She tempts me with her light.

But when my mask is gone, will she fear the monster underneath?

It was fine. Sol doesn’t understand why Scarlett doesn’t trust him and messes everything up. The not trusting her continues throughout the story and nearly gets her killed because of this. Which is why the 3 stars.

Book 1 Tattered Curtain

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Inked Obsession by Carrie Ann Ryan

3 Stars

When men in uniform showed up on Eliza Wilder-Strong’s doorstep, she knew her life would be irrevocably altered. She not only lost her husband, but the future she’d carefully planned. A year later, she’s looking to start over—beginning with a solo healing vacation. Only she never expects to see a familiar, tempting face along the way.

Beckett Montgomery refuses to want his little sister’s best friend—especially because she’s a widow. Yet there’s no stopping the connection between them. As the temptation to give in intensifies, so do the reasons they shouldn’t stay together.

Painful ghosts from both of their pasts stand in their way and sometimes it’s the living that can haunt you when you’re not looking.

Eliza is dealing with a lot since the death of her husband. All the drama was a lot but Beckett is there to help her. He was amazing with her. The stuff with Eliza’s husband was interesting and is what the majority of the book is about.

Book 2 Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins

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Playing Hard to Get by Monica Murphy

3 Stars

Knox Maguire, offensive tight end on the football team, is the king of our college campus. He’s also the opposite of me in every way.

I'm quiet. He's loud.

I'm shy. He's definitely not.

Everyone loves him. No one knows me.

Fresh out of a breakup, I don't really trust him, and why should I? Knox is the ultimate player. When I become his English tutor, I tell myself we need to keep things between us strictly business. Watching my mother deal with my ex-athlete father long, long ago taught me to stay far away from that type of man.

Yet Knox is impossible to resist. Next thing I know, we're getting hot and heavy in the library―and that was never part of the plan. When Knox admits he can't stop thinking about me, I have a realization.

I can't stop thinking about him either.

Instead of keeping my distance, I pull him in closer. Until somehow, we're spending all of our time together and I find myself falling for Knox. Hard.

Will this actually work between us? Or am I getting played?

Knox and Jo Jo were such opposites that it worked well. Knox’s vow of celibacy is what causes all the drama and makes Jo Jo think he doesn’t want her. There was a lot of humor throughout the book and I enjoyed it.

Book 1 The Players

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These Bonds the Unite Us by JC Belenac

3 Stars

The mask is off and her secrets have been revealed.
Omen Powell never imagined she'd meet her Fated mates on the job. Nor did she imagine their relationship would quickly come crashing down around them.
Now, this omega has been rejected. Her identity leaked for the world to see.
With her anti-designation family hunting her down, she’s on the run and battling something few omega’s survive. Her life is on the line and the only ones who can save her are the men who abandoned her.
Primordial Covenant has spent years searching for their Fated omega, but she isn’t who they thought she was. Blinded by their pasts, they walk away, leaving her on her own.
When they realize the mistake they made, will they be able to win their omega back, or has Fate decided this pack is knot meant to be?

This book and the first book should have been one book. There wasn’t enough information in this that justified a second book. The plot was dragged out and I was bored during parts of the story. Add in the lack of groveling by the guys who rejected her. This book was a bit of a disappointment.

Book 1 Soulbound Omegaverse

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Inked Devotion by Carrie Ann Ryan

3 Stars

Brenna Garrett needs time to think about a major decision but finds herself bringing Benjamin Montgomery with her. The problem? He's her best friend's twin, so there's no escaping that familiar face.

Benjamin didn't want to leave his family in a lurch, but Brenna isn't the only one who needs a break. Only a drunken mistake leads to a night of passion with unintended consequences.

When it turns out they can't walk away, they'll have to make a choice: Remain just friends or start something new and possibly risk everything.

Including themselves.

I liked Ben and Brenna story. Friends to lovers was a nice adjustment to what I have been reading. I loved that they both were dealing with the issues about a baby but in slightly different ways. I did love how it worked out.

Book 3 Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins

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This Fate that Guides Us by JC Belenac

3 Stars

When the photography job of her dreams falls into Omen Powell’s lap, she finds herself face to face with the band she’s spent the last year fantasizing about.

Primordial Covenant, the masked musicians whose sultry melodies and poetic lyrics have taken the music world by storm.

Meeting the men behind the masks, their comforting scents and easy affection turn her life upside down. She was prepared for two months of sleepless nights and concert crowds, not for falling in love.

Everyone has secrets, this omega more than others. Forced into hiding after escaping her anti-designation family, Omen wears her own mask. One designed to keep her safe.

Can she set aside her fear of the past and take off her mask? Or are she and these masked rock stars just knot meant to be?

This book ends on a cliffhanger ending. I enjoyed the drama and the trauma Omen and the guys were dealing with. The guys screw up so much and Omen ends up on the run from her birth family and rejected by her mates. The book had so many feelings and it was an interesting read.

Book 1 Soulbound Omegaverse

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Pack Apollo by Brandy Slaven

3 Stars

Welcome to North Five University a place where both independence and packs can be found.

Billie Bardot has lived in poverty her whole life and wants nothing more than to make something of herself. Disregarding North U's reputation for omegas finding their packs, she wants to be able to support herself and her mom without any help. Working at the bar pays the bills, but she can dance circles around social media. When word gets back to Pack Apollo, they decide she's exactly what they need for their business and maybe for their pack too.

The book had potential but need more fleshed out characters. Even if a book is short it still needs good character development. I also felt the ending was rushed with not enough groveling for what happened between characters.

Book 1 North Five University

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