Take Me Home by Carrie Elks

4 Stars

Once upon a time Gray was Maddie's big sister's boyfriend. The most popular guy at school who never noticed a dreamer like her.

Then he left town to become a superstar and never looked back.

Ten years later Maddie is waiting tables in a diner, when Gray walks through the door and sends her heart spinning.

From the way he flirts with her it's clear he has no idea who she is. And she's in no rush to tell him.

The chemistry between them is addictive. But secrets never stay secret for long in a small town like theirs.

They're playing with fire. And it's about to consume them both...

This was such a palate cleanse. Low angst. Gray is back in town to help family, sees Maddie after years away. Doesn't recognize her. Flirting ensues. Figures out who she is, and confusion happens for him. He shouldn't want her, but he does. She has a past trauma that comes into play, but it all works out to HEA. Really sweet book. Will be picking up future books.

Book 1 The Heartbreak Brothers

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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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Crossroads by Devney Perry

3.5 Stars

I met West Haven when I was eight years old. He taught me to play poker when I was nine, and we made paper airplanes together when I was eleven. He kissed me when I was sixteen. He was the best part about my family’s summer vacations to Montana. He was the boy who stole my heart. I was twenty-three when life ripped us apart.

Years later, I’m breaking my vow and returning to the ranch, not as a guest but its new owner. West might want me gone, but even he has to admit the only way to save his family’s legacy is with my help.

It’s not easy working side by side and facing those old memories. But this situation is only temporary. We’re at a crossroads. And as long as I don’t let myself fall in love with West Haven again, maybe this is our chance to put those ghosts to rest. Maybe this time we’ll finally be able to say goodbye.

I enjoyed this one a lot but Indy was a lot and West deserved better. The story flowed nicely and was well developed. I loved learning about their history when they are kids and what led to their separation. Once they met up as an adult it was interesting to see how they grew and worked so well.

Book 1 Haven River Ranch

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Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis

4 Stars

When Olive Porter’s off-the-grid parents go missing, she reluctantly seeks out Noah Turner, her ex and the only person she both trusts implicitly and not at all.

As a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, Noah’s used to living under intense pressure. Or he was until he got injured on the job. Now unhappily recuperating at home while being smothered by his loving but nosy family, he’d love nothing more than a good distraction.

So when Olive shows up looking like a million bucks, he has to do a gut and heart check. Because nope, no matter what, he can’t fall for her again, the woman who once blew up his entire life and never looked back. How ironic then that his own personal hell (Olive) is also his ticket out of town. The question is, will the risk be worth the reward?

I really enjoyed listening to this book. Olive has had an interesting life. I liked Olive with Noah. Loved that the his sister and mom and her grandma were trying to push them together. They both fought the valiant fight to their HEA. When you find out why Olive left that was heartbreaking and I still don’t know exactly why Noah’s dad did what he did. Overall, good listen.

Book 7 Sunrise Cove

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Varsity Dad Dilemma by Lex Martin

3.5 Stars

That’s what I thought. Until someone drops off a baby with a note pinned to her blanket that says one of those jocks—either Rider or one of his roommates—is the father. The problem? Baby mama doesn’t mention which of these numbskulls is the sperm donor.

I wouldn’t care about their paternity problems—not the slightest bit—except my brother lives there too. Which means that adorable squawking bundle might be my niece, and there’s no way I’m leaving her unattended with those bumbling football players.

They need my help, even if they don’t know it yet. Once we solve this dilemma and figure out who’s the daddy, I’m out.

I’ll just ignore Rider and those soul-searing looks he gives me every time I reach for the baby. He broke my heart three years ago. He won’t get a second chance.

This book had a pacing issue. The beginning quarter and the last quarter made sense and flowed nicely. It was the middle part that slowed the book down. Characters needed to be developed better. Rider was an idiot multiple times, but I did like his grand gesture to win Gabby over.

Book 1 Varsity Dad

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Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws

3.5 Stars

Help Wanted: Grumpy mountain man seeks baby momma. Job is an incubator position only. Surrogate must be impervious to grunting as the form of communication and nosy brotherly neighbors. Rustic mountain range housing available upon request.

I wanted to pummel my irritating brothers when they posted their own version of a wanted ad to help me with my life.

But I can’t fault the results once the right woman lands in my lap.

Becoming a single father is not a decision I made lightly. In fact, it’s the biggest decision of my entire life.

Which is why when I interview Trista, I know she’s perfect.

She’s wild, she’s opinionated, she wears cowboy boots. Even my pet goat loves her…

She’s the exact type of person I was holding out for.

And to my great horror, I realize on our first night of attempting this baby-making dance—when the lights are low, the cheap wine is flowing and the home-insemination supplies are laid out on the kitchen counter—I want to do a lot more than just make her my surrogate.

I want to make her mine.

I enjoyed the audiobook. It was a slowish story to get to the HEA but it was worth the wait. It was different as Wyatt’s niece picks Trista to have her uncle’s baby. Trista had every intention on walking away once the kid is born as she doesn’t feel she would be a good mom. The way they make the kid is interesting… Once they finally admit they don’t want to end their relationship it was so cute and I loved it.

Book 1 Mountain Men Matchmaker

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Knot my Type by Evie Mitchell

3.5 Stars

He doesn’t do relationships.

She doesn’t do flings.

Everything they thought is about to unravel…

Frankie

When you say you're a sexologist, people imagine Marilyn Monroe. They don't expect a woman who uses a wheelchair. As the host of the All Access Podcast, I'm breaking barriers, crushing stigmas, and creating sexual connections that are fulfilling for my fans. I'm like cupid, but with pink hair and fewer diapers.

Only, I've hit a snag. A lovely listener wants some advice about accessible rope play and I'm drawing a big fat blank. Which leaves me with no option but to get out there and give it a go.

Which is how I meet Jay Wood—rigger, carpenter, and all-round hottie.

I'd be open to letting him wine and dine me—only Jay isn't my type. He's not a one-girl kind of guy. Monogamy isn't even in his vocab, and I'm not a woman who'll settle for being second choice.

But there's something about Jay has me tied up in knots.

And it's making me think, maybe I could compromise and accept a little Wood in my life. Even if it's only temporary.

Jay

Frankie's funny, intelligent, and ridiculously sexy. This should be a no-brainer. A little fun in the sheets, and a little romp with some ropes—simple.

Only the infuriating woman has commitment written all over her.

It'll be fine. I'll just ignore the chemistry bouncing between us.

Yep. Totally fine.

So... why does my heart feel frayed? And why is it I can't help but consider taking the ultimate leap of faith—tying myself to Frankie. Permanently.

The best scene in the book was when MMC finds out FMC can’t get into his bathroom because the door width is too narrow for her chair. She won’t ask for help and was planning on using the gas station down the road. He doesn’t think it was acceptable and started demoing his room for her. It was so freaking sweet. The issues with his ex was just meh but I enjoyed the reading of these two together.

Book 1 All Access

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Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws

3.5 Stars

Help Wanted: Grumpy mountain man seeks baby momma. Job is an incubator position only. Surrogate must be impervious to grunting as the form of communication and nosy brotherly neighbors. Rustic mountain range housing available upon request.

I wanted to pummel my irritating brothers when they posted their own version of a wanted ad to help me with my life.

But I can’t fault the results once the right woman lands in my lap.

Becoming a single father is not a decision I made lightly. In fact, it’s the biggest decision of my entire life.

Which is why when I interview Trista, I know she’s perfect.

She’s wild, she’s opinionated, she wears cowboy boots. Even my pet goat loves her…

She’s the exact type of person I was holding out for.

And to my great horror, I realize on our first night of attempting this baby-making dance—when the lights are low, the cheap wine is flowing and the home-insemination supplies are laid out on the kitchen counter—I want to do a lot more than just make her my surrogate.

I want to make her mine.

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Wyatt was a bit of a grump and he never gets better but he is so sweet with Trista. Trista was a bit to sunshiny and it did grate. I also questioned if she really would have been ok walking away. The give and take between them and how it went from just a transaction to all in was fun to read.

Book 1 Mountain Man Matchmaker

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Rejected Runaway Mate’s Baby for the Lycan King by Elara Haze and KA Iris

4 Stars

I got pregnant with the Lycan King’s baby-

then he rejected me and our child for being human.

I thought I was saving a wounded wolf.

Instead, I saved Fenris Mourningstar- the Lycan King.

A monster in a crown who dragged me to his castle, caged me, and called me his pet.

His pack called me human filth.

He called me mine.

When a guard dared to insult me, he killed them.

Then he pressed me to the wall, his breath hot against my throat, his growl vibrating through my skin.

He worshipped my curves like a man starved-

until I was on my knees, begging for more.

Then I got pregnant his child.

And before his court, he tore us apart.

“No child of mine will have human blood.”

Now I’m disgraced, hunted, and still aching for the monster who destroyed me-

the only man my body can’t forget.

But when he finds me again…

I won't surrender to the bond.

He will have to beg for forgiveness for rejecting us.

I enjoyed this book so much. I loved that MMC kept kidnapping FMC. The book flowed nicely. The breakup was hard to read mostly because in my head there were so many things they could have done differently. When FMC found out why he broke up with her in the way he did she took charge and fixed the issue and also didn’t make it easy on MMC when she came home.

Book 2 Possessive Small Town Alpha Kings

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Rulebreaker by Elise Faber and Kat Mizera

3 Stars

She’s everything I shouldn’t want.

But that’s never stopped me before.

I didn’t become a billionaire before the age of thirty by playing it safe. I’m a risk-taker…except when it comes to matters of the heart.

Until Lily.

The pop phenom is all legs and curves, with a boisterous laugh and a wicked sense of humor—everything that drives me crazy. She drives me crazy.

But the more we butt heads, the more I crave the sound of her voice…the feel of her body against mine.

Except I’m positive she’s hiding something from me. Something big.

I let someone else keep secrets once—I won’t allow that again.

She’s mine.

And I won’t stop until she knows it.

I enjoyed this book for the most part. There was one point that I got incredibly angry with the Lily and had a rant about her for being ridiculous. I didn't think he owed her an apology at all for being angry with her over her lie of omission. Besides this I really enjoyed them coming together and getting their HEA.

Book 4 Gamebreakers

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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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Falling Stars by Lex Martin

4 Stars

Falling for the guy who broke my heart years ago wasn’t on my to-do list when I snuck into his condo.

Maverick Walker was my best friend, my safe place—the boy I trusted with my whole heart—until one reckless kiss in high school ruined everything. Now, he’s an NFL football player, and I’m a struggling small-town hairstylist, newly single and expecting a baby. With my ex gone and someone vandalizing my business, my life feels like it’s crumbling beneath me.

When my best friend Paige suggests hiding out in Maverick’s swanky condo to regroup while he’s recovering from an injury in New York, it seems like a lifeline.

Except he comes home. Unexpectedly. When I’m half-dressed.

Now I’m stuck in his orbit again, unprepared for the way he still makes my heart race. Maverick is charming, ridiculously hot, and as off-limits as ever. But I have bigger problems than his smoldering smile—like figuring out who’s targeting me and why they won’t stop.

As the threats escalate, so do Maverick’s protective instincts. But with his life in New York and mine in Texas, our worlds couldn’t be further apart. And yet, with danger closing in, his arms are the only safe haven I have left.

But how do I let him protect me without risking my heart again—when loving him feels as out of reach as a falling star?

I really loved Maverick and Baylee’s romance. The friends to lovers is always hard to write well because of having to balance the romance and the friendship. This book balances out nicely. I loved how in Maverick was from the beginning of the book after his accident. He kept getting her things for her kid even though he didn’t have too. Baylee makes a hard decision for them when she breaks up with him cause she doesn’t want him to be forced to pick between her and his love of football so she takes herself out of the equation. You know what he is going to pick but how he tells her was amazing and I loved it. The mystery part of who is doing the vandalism was interesting choice. How they are caught was heart breaking. I did want more on that but it wasn’t vital to the story. Can’t wait for the next book.

Book 2 Wild at Heart

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Bottles and Blades by Elise Faber

 

4 Stars

I fell in love with a billionaire. I just didn’t know it. Jean-Michel Dubois is the owner of the professional hockey team, the Oakland Eagles, and established the world-renowned Oak Ridge Vineyards.

And…he’s fallen for me.

Me. The boring woman who spends her time studying, baking cookies, and nannying for an adorable little girl.

A relationship between us makes no sense—I’ve tried to make him see that.

But he’s a successful businessman for a reason.

He's ruthless and goes after what he wants.

And he’s decided…That’s me.

I loved seeing how this book played out. The age gap between Jean-Michel and Tiffany was large but it worked. I loved how Tiffany got on with Jean-Michel’s daughter. One thing I wanted more on was what happened with the ex-wife. It was a big part of the book but seemed by the end it was swept under for the relationship.

Book 1 Eagles Hockey: Oak Ridge Vineyards

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Rustler Mountain by Maisey Yates

3 Stars

Tourists may flock to Rustler Mountain, Oregon for its Wild West reenactments, but for locals, the feuds between the outlaws and the lawmen are still very much alive in this new series from New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates - ideal for fans of Lyla Sage, Elsie Silver, Jennifer Ryan and Robyn Carr.

 

Every year, thousands of people come through Rustler for the rodeo, historic home tours, old-fashioned candy making demonstrations, sharpshooter shows—and to see the site of the 1800s shootout in which notorious outlaw Austin Wilder was killed by Sheriff Lee Talbot. Now Millie Talbot, the sheriff’s descendant, wants to bring back the town’s Gold Rush Days. But she needs the current Austin Wilder’s support to make her dream a reality. . .

 

The Wilders are rumored to be as true to their last name as their ancestors. Nonetheless, Austin is agreeable to helping Millie. But he wants something in return. Austin is working to clear his family name by writing the true history of his outlaw ancestors and Millie might just hold the key.

 

When Millie wrangles Austin into helping plan Gold Rush Days, he figures it’s a chance to get to the truth of the past. . . . But when sparks start to fly between this bad boy and good girl, will either of them come out of it unscathed?

 

Who doesn’t love a librarian with a cowboy. I loved these two finding their HEA and getting the town to get over their prejudice. The world and characters are well developed. I am invested in reading more from the Wilders.

Book 1 Rustler Mountain

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Must have been Love by Carrie Elks

3 Stars

Inheriting a rundown bar from the father who abandoned me should be my chance to start over.

Instead, it puts me directly in the path of Hudson Fitzgerald—single dad, small town royalty, and the most insufferable man I’ve ever met. He’s rich, broody, and way too good-looking for my peace of mind.

Oh, and he wants me gone.

But I didn’t come here just to tuck my tail and run away. I came to prove I’m not the hot mess everyone thinks I am. Even if that means going head-to-head with Hudson every single day.

He thinks I’m chaos in a crop top. I think he’s a control freak with a stick where the sun doesn’t shine. But beneath all that tension is something else. Something electric.

And when he kisses me? Let’s just say, for a man who claims he doesn’t do messy, he sure knows how to make a mess of me.

I was only supposed to be here long enough to fix up my bar. I never meant to fall for the man who runs this place like he owns it.

But in a small town like this, love has a way of sneaking up on you.

The book was ok. I really hated Hudson and I can’t really forgive him for what he did to Skyler. I loved Skyler and all of the secondary characters, particularly Skyler’s brother and Hudson’s sister. Hudson had a lot going on and some of that might explain his issues but the way he handles some things in the book just frustrated me throughout. It didn’t matter what anyone told him he was determined to believe what he thought and push everything else away.

Book 1 The Fitzgeralds

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Love Me Today by AL Jackson

2 Stars

A jaded single dad. A woman returning to her small-town roots. Neither was prepared for their paths to collide…

I should have known I was in trouble when I backed my old, beat-up truck into the shiny Range Rover.

The driver looked like a gorgeous fallen angel – one who’d been booted right out of paradise for being a giant prick.

Good thing I’ll never have to see him again.

Except when I show up for my new job to teach a little girl how to ride her horse, I find the same icy blue eyes glaring back at me.

Paisley Dae is completely reckless. She’s also the best trainer in this small town. And Evelyn gets the best.

Protecting the little girl is my one focus.

Only the sassy trainer in her cut-offs and cowgirl boots quickly gets under my skin. Distractions are dangerous, but she soon becomes everything I crave.

One reckless night of giving in, and Caleb and I spiral into a web of passion.

But when I begin to unravel the secrets hiding in this place, I find there is more riding on this job than I thought.

Caleb and Evelyn are worth any sacrifice – only Caleb has to decide what he will sacrifice for me…

I was so bored reading this book. I didn't like Caleb at all. he was a dick from beginning to tend. Paisley just came across as a pushover to me. Not liking any of the characters makes for a very long read. Jumping around on the timeline also didn't help. Overall, just a pass for me. 

Book 1 Time River

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Shadow of You by Catherine Cowles

4 Stars

It was supposed to be a fresh start. A small town where I could hide my little girl from the shadows that haunt us. A place where I could keep us safe.

The last thing I expected was him.

A surly, broody mountain of a man who helps me save an injured deer in a snowstorm.

Now, Roan Hartley keeps showing up with his glowers and grimaces. But they only make his rare smiles and the gentle way he talks to my daughter mean that much more.

When forces from my past find us, Roan is determined to keep us safe—even if that means sleeping on my ancient couch every night.

As days turn to weeks, his touch has my walls crashing down. But someone out there doesn’t want me to find happiness. He doesn’t want me left breathing at all…

FMC is on the run from a past that won’t stay in the past. She’s trying to raise her niece the way her sister would want her raised. When the past finally catches up to them will she be able to keep everyone safe?

I loved this book. Roan was this big scary dude but was such a marshmallow towards Aspen and her niece. Aspen had such a backbone and was so loving towards everyone even with everything she survived. Part of a series but it does stand alone, and the other books aren’t necessary, but I still want to go and read them. I figured out who the bad guy was about halfway through the book, but I liked how it was revealed. They were a very interesting choice. I was left with some questions. Like did the one asshole get additional time and did Aspen ever get an apology from two of the people who were the biggest dicks to her? Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it.

Book 4 The Lost and Found

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That Feeling by Alexis Winter

3 Stars

I've broken wild horses that were easier to tame than Brooklyn Dyer.
The moment she conquered my mechanical bull in those tight jeans and that ridiculous tourist cowboy hat, I knew she was trouble.

The kind of trouble you spend all night praying never ends and a decade trying to forget.

But Monday morning brings a punch to the gut I never saw coming—she's sitting across from me at our family brewery's board meeting. Not just as some new hire, but as our social media director with plans to make me the damn poster boy for Slade Brewing.

I've spent 37 years mastering this ranch and my emotions—I don't need some city girl with marketing schemes and dangerous curves dismantling both.

Yet here I am, shirtless on my horse while she snaps photos, thinking about how badly I want to bend her over my saddle.

I told myself not to give in, but those full hips and that attitude of hers make me want to misbehave.
She's a defiant little thing that needs to learn a lesson about teasing a man like me.

She’s one of those girls alright—Mysterious, driven, all kinds of sexy.

Just when I let my guard down, her ex appears with a ring, I discover she's carrying my child, and a bullet meant for someone else nearly ends it all.

They say a cowboy's greatest strength is knowing when to hold on tight and when to let go. But with Brooklyn, I'm beginning to think some feelings are worth fighting for—even if it might destroy us both.

This is a generous 3 stars because it was an interesting take on age gap. I skimmed some as there is a huge pacing issue. They were all in within the first half of the book and Brooklyn does end up pregnant almost immediately after they hook up. I also was not a huge fan of Brooklyn. She was too … brass is the best word I can come up with. She was almost bratty in her attitude but not in a good way. She goes in planning on manipulating Tyler to get what she wants, and it rubs me the wrong way. The rest of the book is about other dramas in the community. I did like the writing style so I will probably pick up something else and see if they are better.

Book 1 Slade Brothers

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