Half Hitch (Lost Creek Rodeo #5) by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly {Review}

Half Hitch (Lost Creek Rodeo #5) by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly

Kindle Edition, 250 pages
Published May 11, 2021

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

A Wyoming cowboy surprised by love meets a young widowed Rodeo star who isn’t ready to open her heart.

Broken Hearts ranch is working its magic again with young Hazel Winters, still paralyzed by grief at the loss of her husband. She finds hope and healing with Kellie Prosper and the other women at the ranch, but more than that, she finds an opportunity for new love. But is she well enough or brave enough to accept it?

Eric Davis is happy to return to Lost Creek with his best friends in The Original Six to support the Christmas in July Rodeo the town hosts every year. He expects to rope some calves, help out with chores at the ranch, and celebrate Christmas in the Texas heat. What he doesn’t expect is to fall in love with one of the guests at The Broken Hearts Ranch.

Read book five in the Lost Creek Rodeo series to find out if Eric and Hazel can find the love they’re both craving.

   

My Review: 5 Stars

The Broken Ranch and Original Six rodeo studs have my whole heart! Just like his buddies, Eric is a charming, sweet, down-to-earth cowboy who captured my heart with his gentlemanly ways. I was delighted by his first meeting with Hazel, who caught me off guard probably as much as she did Eric. Completely unexpected, Hazel is a force to be reckoned with and I adored her spitfire personality. 

It's amazing to me that each story has a woman who is staying at this therapy ranch and a man who is a rodeo cowboy, yet they're all so different. Similar ingredients but a different recipe yields delightfully charming results and I was a sucker for this one. 

I especially loved the descriptions of the wide open skies and ranch work. Times feel simpler and are rejuvenating to the soul. Even the virtual escape was refreshing. I loved it and my heart craved the sweet romance that was offered.

Content: mild romance

My After-School Tutor (Sweet Mountain High: Year Two #1) by Randi Rigby {Review}

My After-School Tutor (Sweet Mountain High: Year Two #1) by Randi Rigby

Kindle Edition, 157 pages

Published December 1st 2020 by Sweet Heart Books 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

 

 

Wanting to be someone's first choice is never enough...

Milla

It's like the universe dumped on me from day one. It wasn't enough that I had to put up with having Jasmine--a walking, talking, breathing Barbie doll--for a sister.

"Let's make Milla short, so she'll ALWAYS have to look up to her as well."

Fine. I'd never wanted anything of hers anyway.
Until a certain blue-eyed boy crossed my path, that is.
And he fell head over heels.
For my sister.
Of course he did.
How can I help Zayn with his studies and still escape with my heart intact?

Zayn

Getting a scholarship to play college football had been my dream since I first learned to throw a spiral as a kid. And I had the talent. Just not the grades. College programs expected their quarterbacks to not only pass their classes, but to do so by a comfortable margin. That was a skill set I needed to work on.

Maybe I needed more help than I thought.
I had an online tutor who wouldn't tell me who she was.
An ex-girlfriend I couldn't shake.
And the new girl, Milla, really didn't like me--everybody liked me. I'm a likable guy.

Whatever. I could take a hit. I'd just rather be run over by a charging defensive lineman than get on the wrong side of Milla Kent. Which I somehow managed to do. Girls.
Forget math. I needed a tutor for the opposite sex.

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I loved high school. That doesn't mean I would want to go back, but I have good memories and this series transports me back to my past. I don't know a lot about football, but I loved going to the games and cheering my school on and in this first book of the new year at Sweet Mountain High, Milla becomes an assistant to the team and takes her job seriously. It would be hard to be a new student for your senior year, and I loved watching Milla figure her life out and thrive in her new environment.

Zayn doesn't make a good first impression, but his charm, animation, and sincerity made him grow on me very quickly. I loved how opposite they were from each other, yet how likable they both were. The tutor angle was a tiny bit strange, since it was anonymous, but that's kind of what made it so enjoyable. I liked the way Rigby switches back and forth between points of view and really gets into the characters heads.

If a cute high school romance is your cup of tea, be sure to check out this book and this series!

Content: mild romance; very mild violence (sports related)

Chute Boss by Sophia Summers {Review}

Chute Boss (Lost Creek Rodeo #2) by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly

Kindle Edition

Publication: February 9th 2021 by Kings Row Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

The perfect vacation: Rest. Therapy. And miles away from Reid Browning.

At first Eden thinks she's spending three weeks at Broken Hearts Ranch to heal her head. But the longer she works with Kellie, the more she realizes her head is not the only thing hurting. Images from her tour in Iraq stay hidden but not deeply enough, and she knows she will need to forget or heal or both if she is ever going to move on. As a bonus, the ranch was going to be a good opportunity to avoid the dating scene, and men in general. Or so she thought.

As a world class bareback rider, Reid has given his all to rodeo and does everything he can to forget his law degree and the fast paced life he left in Washington DC. That includes the woman he recently met who got under his skin in all the wrong ways. The trouble is, she got under his skin in the right ways too. When he escapes to Texas to support his college brothers in the Lost Creek Rodeo, he couldn't be more surprised to find her there.

Sparks fly and not always the good kind, but when circumstances throw them together and barriers come down, the two just might find a path to healing and maybe even love.

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I love that this series takes some serious issues, broken-hearted women, swoon-worthy cowboys, and melds them all into a giant pot of deliciously sweet romance. And I enjoy learning more about the rodeo life and the events that are a part of that career.

 

Reid is a bareback rider and those bucking horses would be not only thrilling, but terrifying. He has two completely different lives, yet he's solid and chivalrous. His way of coping is off-putting for Eden, and causes an intense enemies-to-love story. Both Reid and Eden experience a similar type of injury that almost forces them to bond, against their wills. Eden is a war vet and that took me by surprise, because I don't read many books where the woman is the vet, suffering the effects of her service. I loved that she was so strong and stubborn, but I wanted her prickles to be a little softer.

 

The chemistry in this book was passionate. I wasn't ever sure if it would explode into a rage or into something romantic, but those fiery emotions were definitely present, making this story very enjoyable. 

 

From a massive dog, to collisions, to dances, to journal writing, to kissing...this book drew me right in and brought a lovely story to life. 

 

Content: mild romance (kissing); mild violence (rodeo and war flashbacks)

Her Athlete's Wedding Secret by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

Her Athlete's Wedding Secret (A Maple Creek Brides Sweet Romance) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 160 pages

Publication: January 30th 2021 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

Can a fake marriage save their careers? Or will their feelings turn everything real?

Small Town newspaper reporter, Tessa Randall, dreams of scoring a job with a big city newspaper. An interview with Benson Patrick, quarterback for the New York Giants, might be the opportunity she’s been looking for. When he comes home to Maple Creek for their mutual friends’ wedding, Tessa hopes it’s the perfect chance to interview him. Only Benson isn’t being as cooperative as she’d wanted, and before she knows it, he’s proposing to her. A marriage, even a fake one, might be the edge she needs to land her dream job.

New York Giants quarterback Benson Patrick has never backed down from a dare. When the police catch him doing donuts in Central Park with his beloved truck, Ol’ Bessie, he’s afraid his career is over. After being put on suspension, his coach tells him to settle down and get married or get kicked off the team. When he goes to his buddy’s wedding at his hometown, the beautiful Tessa Randall catches his eye. If he can convince her to marry him, she might be the solution to all his problems. As long as their feelings don’t get involved.

If you enjoy fake marriages, sports romance, and small town sweet romance, then you'll love this book.

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Hale has found her stride with this Maple Creek series. The combination of small town shenanigans and quirky characters makes this series a hit. But when a fake marriage with mutual benefits between former high school classmates, a pro athlete and a newspaper reporter, and lots of swoon in a tropical location is thrown into the mix, well...it encompasses almost everything that I love about a sweet story.

Benson and Tessa aren't a match on paper per say, but they're both willing to give this fake marriage a shot to boost both of their careers, and it proves hard to hold their feelings close to their hearts. Honestly at first, Benson was kind of a selfish jerk, but when life happens, he became much more likable. Tessa is the sweetest--almost too sweet for her own good, as she's had a hard life with a mentally ill mother. Together, they are a very complementary opposites attract concoction. 

Jetting off on a romantic Caribbean honeymoon was just what I needed and watching their lives mash together was a treat. I'm already looking forward to more Maple Creek.

Content: mild romance

One Kick Wonder (Romeo Family Romance Book 10) by Jennifer Youngblood {Review}

One Kick Wonder (Romeo Family Romance Book 10) by Jennifer Youngblood

Kindle Edition, 180 pages

Published January 20th 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

Dream big. Live large. Love like there’s no tomorrow.

Life rarely goes according to plan. Sometimes the unexpected is even better than we could have ever imagined …

For as long as he can remember, Mason has wanted to pursue his dream of being a musician. He’s been chomping at the bit to jump into the industry for years, but his daddy has been holding him back, claiming that Mason still has some growing up to do. As far as Mason is concerned, he’s plenty grown, and just as talented and driven as his older brother Cash.

Mason knows that he has what it takes to soar. He only needs his shot.

Just when his life takes the turn he always wanted, love and life open up a new path of possibilities that could be even better than he imagined. If only Mason can summon the courage to embrace the unexpected.

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

The one thing that I love about this series is how the characters are connected through the Romeo family name, yet each story is so unique and different. None of that "same plot, same place, just plug a different name in" to it. And most of this delicious story took place in Hawaii, which was the perfect place to imagine.

Mason is the kicker for a pro football team, but also has a few musical bones in his body, thanks to his family genes. This man goes after what he wants and I loved his tenacity--especially when it came to Selma, but he was a little overbearing at times, putting the pressure on her. As for Selma, her dual personas are charming and hesitant, but very loyal and...trapped. Their instantaneous connection was combustible and doomed, but I adored their time together and the risks they took. I loved exploring Oahu with them and adored her bodyguard, Moose. The movie references and one-liners were a lot of fun too.

True to Youngblood fashion, the story isn't complete without some engaging tension and peril, and it came at the ideal time and in the best way. The pacing and action was believable. Youngblood knows how to deliver a book that encompasses the whole package--romance, action, and swoon.

Content: mild violence; mild romance; mild religion

Round Up (Lost Creek Rodeo Book 1) by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, and Heather B. Moore {Review}

Round Up (Lost Creek Rodeo Book 1) by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, and Heather B. Moore

Kindle Edition, 300 pages

Published January 12th 2021 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

 

 

Broken Heart? Check. Ranch retreat? Check. Handsome cowboy? ...Check.

The rules at Broken Hearts Ranch are pretty simple: no romance between staff and visitors. Ryan Prosper, rodeo has-been and ranch manager, hasn’t had a problem with that. His sister runs the therapy side of the place while he handles the ranch itself, and the balance has worked well. But when Talia James shows up for her turn at the retreat, things get a little more challenging.

Talia needs this therapeutic retreat badly, and hopes that it will be just what she needs to get unstuck after her tragic loss. The charming cowboy brother of her new therapist is a ray of sunshine she hadn’t anticipated, and spending time with him seems to do as much good as her sessions. But is her still broken heart ready for romance, and does she really have the heart to resist him?

 

   

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I may have squealed out loud when I realized that this new sports series has some connections to both the Belltown Six Pack AND the Northbrook Hockey Elite series! And add to that, there's also a connection to the Prosperity Ranch series--I think I've died and gone to heaven. I'm so excited for the rodeo setting and the dashing cowboys that come with it, and this one was the perfect introduction to the series and its characters.

 

Some people deal with so much hurt and pain and I was overjoyed that Talia was able to find peace and healing at the Broken Heart Ranch. Talia is a resilient character. Although she has obvious grief, her positive attitude and determination to heal were very endearing. Ryan Prosper was written in a way that "speaks of a country song" and caused me to visualize the perfectly imperfect cowboy--all sinewy muscles and gentlemanly manners, with a hint of roughness.

 

These characters and the plot they found themselves in was well-written. I really enjoyed the way this story came together, and although the romance was a little on the fast side, it felt authentic and was delightfully swoony. Bring on the rest of the crew--I'm ready!  

Content: mild+ romance (non-descriptive talk of teen pregnancy, kissing); mild+ language (6-8 Bible swears); very mild violence (talk of rodeo injuries)

Basketballs and Mistletoe by Julie L. Spencer {Review}

Basketballs and Mistletoe by Julie L. Spencer

Kindle Edition, 83 pages

Published November 17th 2019 

Source: Kindle Freebie

 

    

 

Too many basketballs and not enough kissing.

All Matt Bailey wants is to focus on his position as starting point guard for the varsity basketball team. When an epic kiss and a social media scandal forces him into the arms of the beautiful and spunky Trina Wynter, he finds himself in a fake relationship with a girl just crazy enough to think she can take on the world.

When Trina gets cut from the girls’ basketball team, she thinks her senior year is wasted, until a closetful of basketballs and two hundred sprigs of mistletoe bring every athlete in Grand Haven High School together for a good cause, and a great excuse for more kissing.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

I love basketball and basketball players, and what better to have them star in a holiday romance? Matt and Trina both have something in common with their dreams for senior year, but sometimes that's all dreams are--dreams. I loved the way Trina was able to think outside herself and turn her dream into a community-wide service opportunity.

I also love fake relationships, especially when they develop because of a spark of attraction and a misunderstanding situation, just as this one did. I loved the way this one played out, even in such a short amount of pages.

I did have a few mixed feelings. The story and characters were a little juvenile at times, but I can excuse that because it's YA, so of course they're true to the age. But there was a major issue thrown into the mix and although it was hinted at once or twice, I didn't feel that the full complication fit into a story so short.

Overall, this was a fun escape and these YA Christmas books are great because they always seem to take me back to a fun and memorable time in my life.

Content: mild romance

Friend Zone to End Zone by Judy Corry {Review}

Friend Zone to End Zone by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 226 pages

Published November 3rd 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

Cole
I don't suck at dating.
I suck at getting over the girl who friend-zoned me back in college.
But I have a plan: Let her set me up. Bomb the dates.
Then she can be my dating coach and I can finally prove I'm the one for her and not that jerk boyfriend she's always crying on my shoulder about.

Arianna
I've had the same boyfriend for three years, which practically makes me a relationship expert.
So when my famous best friend asks for my help, I know turning him into boyfriend material will be a piece of cake.
I'll tell him to get a haircut, maybe open a few doors here and there and the guy will be golden.
I mean, with all those muscles and jaw-dropping good looks, it really should be no problem.
There's just one thing I didn't expect: To want him for myself.

 

   

My Review: 5 Stars

 

The friendship that Cole and Arianna shares is golden, but not without its complications. Arianna has a boyfriend and Cole has a secret thing for his best friend. I'm not opposed to a love triangle with a dash of a fake relationship, and maybe that's because that may or may not have been how my husband and I got together years ago. 😬

 

Corry does a fantastic job of writing likable characters and believable relationships. No emotion is spared and I was swept away in this romantic drama. Cole is an amazing friend and support to Arianna, and I'll never look at pineapple quite the same way. Arianna is slightly naive, which leads to some major eye-opening experiences in both her private and public life, as she is a social media influencer.

 

The romance is like a wave--subtle and sneaky at first, but then knocked me off my feet, leaving me breathless. Corry writes in a way that skirts the line, flirting with some innuendo, but stays sweet and swoony. I adore this author and can't wait for more!

 

Content: mild+ romance (mild innuendo, kissing/making out, teen rebellion)

Search Angel: A Small Town Reunion Romance (Forever Home Romances Book 2) by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

Search Angel by Jennifer Griffith

Kindle Edition, 191 pages

Publication: July 28, 2020

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

A wounded athlete.
A missing father.
An old grudge.
Landscape architect and volunteer genealogy researcher Emma Shane has done everything she can to distance herself from her teenage past, where she was an orchestra geek targeted by rowdy athletes for pranks. She’s even altered her name. Now, she runs a successful business with her sister by day and after hours uses her special skill: helping people connect with lost relatives through DNA searches.

In her great new life, Emma never has to encounter any jerkface hockey players again, especially not Dempsey Dean Davidson, her high school bully.

Hockey star Dempsey Dean Davidson is a local god. As goalkeeper on the Reedsville Rhinos team, he’s got everything anyone could dream of—fame, fortune, and an awesome job. But he harbors a secret: a mysterious medical problem that could cost him his career.

As an adoptee out of foster care, he’s stuck. There’s no one to ask about genetic history. He can’t find any relatives. He needs help desperately, and there’s only one person in Reedsville with the skill to help him—and she’d rather see him tossed out of a plane onto a mountainside full of jumping cactus.

A novel that’s part mystery, part reunion romance, part learning to forgive, Search Angel is book 2 in the Forever Home Romances by award-winning clean romance author Jennifer Griffith. All books in this series have a sweet "reunion" theme, sweet and satisfying kisses, and a guaranteed HEA.

My Review: 5 Stars 

For some people, leaving the past in the past and making a new start is much needed, as proves true for Emma. Dempsey ruined her high school life and a run-in with him several years later, as a search angel, brings back many emotions--hurt, crushes, insecurities, and more. 

I loved the adventure these two took to solve an age-old mystery as their relationship is build on solid ground this time, but it was the sweetness that stole the show. The sweet kisses, friendship, and reunions. The process of forgiveness and healing is prevalent in this story and that was another facet that made this a comforting, sweet book.

These characters were fantastically written. I adored their personalities and the way they allowed themselves to be true to their pasts, as well as to their growth. All that time wasted--but can that be true? Timing is everything in a romance. The search angel angle was very intriguing and I loved the swoon most of all. I'm looking forward to Book 3!

Content: mild, swoony romance

Penalty Box (Love in the Arena #1) by Kayla Tirrell {Review}

Penalty Box (Love in the Arena #1) by Kayla Tirrell

Kindle Edition, 210 pages

Published March 20th 2020 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

   

Silas broke her heart when he left two years ago. 
Now he’s back and wants to pick up where they left off. 


Miriam loves working for the local professional arena soccer team. She’s gearing up for the Storm’s best season yet but the new lineup has one major problem—Silas Jenkins. The guy who broke her heart has returned, and she’ll have to play nice or risk losing her dream job. 

Silas made the biggest mistake of his life two years when he signed with a rival soccer team in hopes of pushing his career to the next level. He realized too late that he left the love of his life behind. Now, he’s trying to make things right. But between adoring fans and teammates with a grudge, he'll be lucky if Miriam gives him the time of day.

When Miriam and Silas are thrown together for outreach events, will old feelings be rekindled?
Or is Silas doomed to the penalty box forever?

My Review: 4 Stars
A good second chance romance is always a hit, especially when things ended on bad terms and the characters are pretty much enemies now. Silas broke Miriam's heart, but he's back now and is a changed man. He sure has his work cut out for him to win her over though.

I loved the way this author ties sports with love and they are merged together in a way that one doesn't overpower the other, yet the reader is satisfied with both. I loved getting to know this team and more bout arena soccer, and hope to read stories about each one of the team members. I'm definitely intrigued and I love Tirrell's writing style.

I expected Silas to be a cocky jerk, but watching him settle into his team and new life proved otherwise. Miriam is understandably cautious, and I enjoyed watching true love crack her shell. These characters interested me and I loved watching their story unfold, especially in spite of their challenges. This is definitely a series to read!
Content: mild romance

Out of Play (Love in the Arena, #2) by Kayla Tirrell {Review}

Out of Play (Love in the Arena, #2) by Kayla Tirrell

ebook

Publication: June 19th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

  

 
Emmeline doesn’t date soccer players. 
This rookie’s determined to change her mind. 


There’s no other way Emmeline would rather spend her Saturday nights than watching the Storm play. But being a fan is where her love stops. To her, professional athletes are just a bunch of self-absorbed meatheads who don’t know a thing about the real world. She wouldn’t date one for a million bucks. 

Between a professional soccer career and a part-time job, Grant is feeling the hustle of being a rookie. Nothing can stop him from reaching his dreams—except an unfortunate injury that puts him on the bench for weeks. It’s not all bad though. There’s a cute girl on the sidelines to keep him company. An amazing, uninterested, off-limits girl that he can’t stop thinking about.

Can Grant convince Emmeline to give him a chance?
Or will he stay out of play and miss his shot?

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm loving all the sports romances that are out right now. I've read football, baseball, hockey, but not soccer...until this series. And I love it so much!

Emmeline has sworn off athletes, but can't keep her eyes off rookie, Grant. Em's older brother, Finn, is ultra protective, but I love their relationship and the way he watches out for his younger sister. She's a teacher and capable of standing on her own two feet, but I love that family dynamic.

Kayla Tirrell writes this story as a romantic sports comedy, which makes it sweet, heartwarming, funny, and oh so romantic. As this couple connects, first through the eyes and then through social media, the reader is swept away and given a front row seat to this soccer romance, which managed to have a few surprises. I loved, loved, loved these characters, the flirting, and watching true love unfold. I'll definitely be back for more love in the arena!

Content: mild romance

Her Football Star Ex by Judy Corry {Review}

Her Football Star Ex by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition

Published May 5th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

   

 

She swore off the man who broke her heart. He's determined to win her back.

When Emerson hears a rumor that her ex-husband, NFL quarterback Vincent Lake, is bringing a plus-one to a wedding they're both set to attend, she signs up for online dating and hopes to find a guy impressive enough to make her famous ex jealous for the night.

Vincent should be on top of the world when he leads his team to the playoffs, but when his best friend accidentally matches with Emerson, it's like a dagger to his heart. He knows she deserves happiness after his betrayal broke their family apart, but watching her move on is proving harder than winning the Super Bowl.

But when they're thrown together before the wedding, and sparks reignite, Emerson begins to believe Vincent truly regrets his mistake. And even though forgiveness seems impossible, Vincent dares to hope the best love stories can come after the biggest heartbreaks.

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

I've often wondered what I would do in certain situations, but it's tough to know without actually being in the thick of things. When Emerson's husband, Vincent, cheats on her, she files for divorce, but they each discover that might have been a hasty decision, because the sparks are still flying higher than the 4th of July fireworks.

Corry does a great job of infusing a steamy clean romance with heartfelt sincerity and regret with this original story. These characters have gone through all the emotions and drag the reader along for the ride too and I appreciated that although cheating is at the center of all the trauma/drama, real remorse is felt and applied. This is one story that was really easy to settle into and enjoy.

Content: mild+ romance (talk of cheating, miscarriage, kissing--some steamy, yet clean)

Shootout (Northbrook Hockey Elite #6) by Sophia Summers {Review}

Shootout (Northbrook Hockey Elite #6) by Sophia Summers

Kindle Edition, 239 pages

Published April 14th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

A pro hockey player with a past. A broadway dancer turned ice girl, and the ice that draws them together.
Trane wondered if he would ever be the kind of guy who settled down and had a family. He had too much in his past, too much to deal with in his present to have hope that his future would be anything other than many years as one of the best goalies in the NHL. Until he meets the new ice girl.

Former dancer on Broadway, Janae, can't seem to get a job anywhere but as an ice girl for the Detroit Comets. Her plan? To make her mark in Detroit so she can get back to Broadway as soon as possible. Things are going well. Her new dance routines for the team become an industry sensation. She predicts she'll be back in New York within the year. But then she goes out with Trane Jones. And suddenly everything she thought was important might not be.

My Review: 4 Stars

I have absolutely loved this series and I'm sad to see the stories of this ragtag group of hockey pros come to an end. Trane, aka Diesel, is big and intimidating, but he has his own demons he faces and he's such an incredible man. An instant attraction forms between him and the new ice girl, Janae, and I loved watching her soften him up and wrap herself up in his protection.

In this series finale, my mind was vividly captured as I pictured not only the novel ice dancing that Janae created, but also the whirlwind romance that slid out of control, catching these characters off guard. I loved seeing the boys come together for a special event and the way they supported each other in a familial way.

This was a fun wrap up to the series and I loved learning more about these amazing men and the sport. I can't wait to see which sports series will be written next.

Content: mild romance; mild hockey violence 

Breakaway (Northbrook Elite #5) by Heather B. Moore {Review}

Breakaway (Northbrook Hockey Elite #5) by Heather B. Moore

Kindle Edition, 160 pages

Published March 10th 2020 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

He’s trying to keep his position on the team, but everything seems to be working against him. She has one job to do and won’t let anything get in her way. Especially a hockey player.

Pro hockey player Declan Rivera is nicknamed Dice for a reason. His playing is either hot, or cold, just roll the dice. And right now, things aren’t great. He’s on his fourth trade, and once again, his contract is on shaky ground. So he vows to do everything he can to please the Denver Chargers team’s owner, even if it means taking part in the dreaded social media campaign.

Camila Brandon, daughter of the Denver Chargers team owner, is hired to amp up the team’s image and get tickets sold. This is not her first time dealing with a group of pro hockey players and working with them to turn social media into positive exposure for the team. She just has to stick to her rule of never dating a hockey player. Not even a guy like Declan Rivera, who is nothing like she expects, and makes her question her own rule.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I adore this series and I especially loved reading a story about a man and pro athlete who isn't the best. Sometimes Declan, aka Dice, delivers a great game and sometimes he doesn't, but he's got a heart of gold and is a gentleman. I absolutely enjoyed every second was watching him try to win Camila over, because she's tough, no-nonsense, and definitely not about to get entangled with another hockey player.

 

This pack of hockey men really make my heart swoon! They're as tough as nails on the ice, willing to get multiple bumps and bruises for the name of the game, yet they're all so charming off the ice, and Declan is no exception. In fact, he was kind of an enigma. He was almost flippant towards the requests the owner made of the team, but the way he coddled his mom and her pampered cat, Princess, was one of the most endearing things ever! I loved unraveling his personality, one page at a time.

 

Camila has issues of her own and although her walls were built solidly and high, Declan's draw proved to be too much. I was completely captivated by their romantic connections, especially with the flirty banter.

 

An epilogue to tie up all the ends would have been fantastic, but I'm content with what was delivered. Only one book left in the series and I'm trying not to cry.

 

Content: mild romance (kissing); very mild violence, hockey related 

The Quarterback and the Ballerina by Anne-Marie Meyer and Maggie Dallen {Review}

The Quarterback and the Ballerina (The Ballerina Academy Series) by Anne-Marie Meyer and Maggie Dallen

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: March 7th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

He thought he knew what he wanted.
Turns out, all he wanted was her.
Collette

I’d kill to be the kind of dancer my mom wants me to be, but it’s just not in the cards. I’m sick of dieting. I'll never fit into the perfect ballerina mold and I’m tired of wishing that I could.

I’m over it. I’m done trying.

I’m perfectly content to dance alone in the dark while the rest of the school is sleeping.
Ethan

Coach says our football team needs discipline. That dancing alongside a bunch of prissy prima donnas is how we’ll learn our lesson.

Only problem?

I don’t have time for ballet. Not when I’m busting my butt to be the star quarterback, the dutiful son, and the perfect student…all so I can achieve my father’s dream.

When I meet Collette, I can’t help but take notice. She’s a vision of grace and beauty all wrapped up in snark and sass. And she helps me see that my own dreams aren’t so stupid after all.

I just wish she could see that in herself. But when I try to bring her out into the light, I can feel her slipping away. Her walls are built up so high, I fear they’ll never come down. I want to love her like she deserves—but that’s just the problem.

She doesn’t believe she deserves it.

For fans of Dumplin', To all the Boy's I've Loved Before, and The Kissing Booth, you'll love this brand new series by two Amazon best selling authors!

Fall in love today

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever grow too old to enjoy these clean teen romances and I sure hope that never happens, although sometimes I have no patience for the extreme drama. I always wanted to be a ballerina, but had no idea how brutal that world could be and after being planted firmly inside this story for a time, I'm kind of glad that competitive dancing wasn't a part of my coming-of-age.

 

Collette and Ethan have more in common than they first realize, especially as they each seem to come from such opposite worlds. I love finding hidden messages and meanings in stories and this one has some resemblances to Cinderella, in a modern and flipped way, yet again, both Collette and Ethan show those affinities to this beloved fairy tale.

 

I couldn't help it and was completely sucked into this story and into the lives and world of these characters. My heart ached for each of them, yet I was the front and center cheerleader for them, waving my inner pom-poms for their growth and victories. I absolutely loved how things weren't as they seemed and how self-awareness led to discoveries of self and others. And that epilogue was a perfect segue to the next book, which I can't wait for.  

Content: mild romance

Crosscheck by Rebecca Connolly {Review}

Crosscheck (Northbrook Hockey Elite) by Rebecca Connolly

Kindle Edition, 195 pages

Publication: February 11th 2020 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

  

He’s a hard hitter, she’s a straight shooter. Can they stop the sparks from flying? Do they want to?

Zane Winchester is a beast on the ice, known for racking up penalties and delivering hard blows. No one would suspect the complicated nature of his personal life, or just what it entailed. And no one, not even him, would have suspected what one unexpected encounter with a remarkable woman would do to his life.

Mara Matthews is a regular woman with a regular job and a regular life. Then she meets the father of one of her little students, and regular becomes the last word to describe her life. Zane is intense, funny, charming, and drop dead gorgeous; he shouldn’t pay any attention to someone like her. But Zane isn’t giving up, and Mara doesn’t want him to.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Why do I insist on judging? When I first met Zane "Zamboni" Winchester, I thought, "What a jerk!" He's rough and tough on the ice, but a big ol' teddy bear off--especially where his adorable daughter is concerned. I absolutely loved learning Zamboni's story, especially as it shows how stand up, respectable, utterly adorable, and extremely hardworking he is. I'm a total fan!

 

To be honest, I was a little worried that this series couldn't possibly live up to the Belltown Six Pack baseball set, but don't worry--it totally does. This group may not have been tight when they actually played together, but their banter and the way they have each other's backs almost brings tears to my eyes every single time. 

 

As for Mara, she's the perfect companion for Zane and precocious Hope. I love her playfulness and the way she interacts with this father and daughter. The romance was as sugary sweet, with a hint of spice, as a hot, delicious cinnamon roll, melting my heart like it's straight from the oven.

I can't get enough of this series and I'm dreading when it's over, but I just know another charming group will show up. Don't worry--my heart has plenty of room. 

Content: mild romance, mild language

Just a Boyfriend (End of the Line #2) by Sariah Wilson {Review}

Just a Boyfriend (End of the Line #2) by Sariah Wilson

Kindle Edition, 283 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Montlake Romance 

Source: I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

The rules of love and second chances are due for a major-league shake-up in a warm, witty, and unpredictable romance by the bestselling author of The Friend Zone.
 
Ian “Bash” Sebastian and Ember Carlson were high school sweethearts…until their single parents got married. With one thorny twist of fate, a secret young crush went from on fire to off-limits. What could a new stepbrother do but bail? Now, after almost four years, Bash has returned to Seattle, and he’s back in Ember’s orbit at End of the Line. EOL is the go-to college for second-chance scholarships. But what about love?

Sure, the old hurts are there. So is the attraction—and it’s more magnetic than ever. Still, they’re adults now, levelheaded and just fine with the friend thing. If only to make family dinners less awkward. But when they agree to start dating other people, moving on threatens to bring them closer together than ever.

Is it time to admit their past to their parents? Even trickier, their hope for the future? Because Ember and Bash deserve a love story of their own. With all their defenses down, can they make it a happy ever after?

My Review: 5 Stars

It truly takes talent to weave an unforgettable swoony romance filled with humor and mix it with an impossible family situation, that could be icky, but definitely isn't in this case, and this author has it.

Bash and Ember have some very tricky hurdles to tackle, especially as they each realize that the sizzle and fire is still alive and well after several years apart, which makes it impossible to be friends, let alone stay apart any longer. I loved watching the characters struggle through their growing attraction, while attempted to appease their families. A lot of growth occurs, mainly as both Bash and Ember recognize that they're both adults and can jump after their respective hopes and dreams.

There were so many things that I loved about this book--from skydiving to math lessons to rekindling a fading ember--and getting caught! Sariah Wilson's books are amazing and entertaining, and I can always count on her to supply an amusing story, with lots of butterfly-inducing romance, that manages to stay on the clean side of the line. I can't wait for more of this deliciously swoony series!
Content: mild+ romance (steamy clean, some innuendo)