Playing Hurt (Aces Hockey: Book 6) by Kelly Jamieson

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept

Date of publication: July 17th, 2018

Genre: Sports, Romance

Series: Aces Hockey

Major Misconduct – Book 1

Off Limits – Book 1.5

Icing – Book 2

Top Shelf – Book 3

Back Check – Book 4

Slap Shot – Book 5 (review here)

Playing Hurt – Book 6

Where you can find Playing Hurt: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

He’s playing hurt. She’s laying low. And they’re both flirting with disaster.

“Kelly Jamieson is my go-to author for hockey romance.”—Jami Davenport

Chase: The last thing I’d ever want to do is let my team down. After overcoming my bad-boy reputation, I was dominating on the ice. But things aren’t going so well this season, and even my parents think I’m partying again. Now I’m really worried about my career. The only bright spot in my life is the Twitter flirtation I’ve struck up with pop princess Jordyn Banks. Turns out she’s a huge hockey fan—and she’s willing to wager a date on her favorite team. . . .

Jordyn: Even though I’m an L.A. fan now, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Aces, since I grew up in Chicago. Then I lose a bet to Chase Hartman, and suddenly I’m up close and personal with a pro athlete who’s anything but soft. Not only is Chase the hottest guy I’ve ever met, but he’s also secretly super sweet. As if I had time for a relationship . . . yeah, right. But when I suddenly have nothing but time on my hands, he’s the only one who understands. Now, with both of our careers at stake, Chase is tempting me to put my heart on the line too.

My review:

I needed to read Playing Hurt. I needed to read a romance where I didn’t have to use my brain to figure out complex plots/relationships. I was able to relax and enjoy reading this book. Which is something I haven’t been able to do in a long time!!

Playing Hurt is the 6th book in the Aces Hockey. This book can be read as a stand-alone. While the other characters from the earlier 5 books are in Playing Hurt, they do not take over the book. Which is something I liked.

The plot of Playing Hurt was cute. Chase starts flirting with Jordyn over Twitter. Eventually, they go on a date after she loses a bet to him. Sparks fly but nothing happens. It wasn’t until Jordyn suffers a vocal injury that lays her up for a year that she reconnects with Chase. That is where the story takes off.

I liked Chase, even if he was a stubborn SOB. Why was he stubborn? Well, he refused to go to the Dr and checked out. Even when he was in obvious pain. So yeah, that was the one part of him I didn’t like. Everything else, I loved. He was romantic (hello, surprise trip to Aruba!!) and more importantly, he knew how to communicate. Well, except for his injury. I did feel bad for him. His parents were jerks. Withholding love because he wanted to quit hockey as a child. That was awful.

I loved Jordyn. She was down to earth. She was sweet. She knew how to hold her own with Chase. My only issue with her was that she was almost too nice. There were a few points in the book where I wanted her to do something naughty to spice up her character. She was almost too sugary sweet. But that aside, I loved her. She was perfect for Chase. She was the ying to his yang.

The romance part of this book was sweet. I loved how the author chose to keep their relationship on a slow burn for the first half of the book. It made the chemistry between them insane. Sparks flew when they interacted. Be it Twitter, text, face to face or phone. And in turn, those sparks made for some pretty intense sex scenes.

I loved the end of the book. While it was your typical happily ever after, I had no issue imagining Chase and Jordyn lasting in real life.

What I liked about Playing Hurt:

A) Chase and Jordan’s Twitter romance

B) How romantic Chase was

C) How realistic their romance was

What I disliked about Playing Hurt:

A) Chase being so stubborn. I wanted to smack him upside his head

B) Jordyn being sugary sweet.

C) Chase’s parents

I would give Playing Hurt an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is some very mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are no trigger warnings for Playing Hurt.

I would reread Playing Hurt. I would recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Playing Hurt.

All opinions stated in this review of Playing Hurt are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Jilliand by Clare Gutierrez

Jilliand

3 Stars

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group, River Grove

Date publication: April 17th, 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction, General Fiction

Where you can find Jilliand: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

“Bruised, bloody, and barely dressed, she knew it was over. She had no doubt the Vikings would search for her if she tried to run—especially now, with their companion lying dead. It would be dark soon, and she had no idea where she could go or hide. Jilliand knew they would come for her. The Vikings were not likely to let this go—especially it being an attack by a woman. She was defeated. Weak and shaking, she stared at the man’s body. I think tonight I die. ”

My review:

I haven’t read a lot of books that have taken place in the Viking Era. So, I was pretty excited to read Jilliand. I have a genuine interest in the Viking culture and was looking forward to reading about it. While the book did cover that, I felt it was lacking in some areas. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed reading the book. I loved that the author took her time to research the Viking culture. I also liked that she made Jilliand a strong female character. I also liked how Jilliand seemed to overcome the odds. But there were things I didn’t like about the book. I felt that Jilliand was a little too progressive for the time. Not a lot of women traveled alone during that time. Also, not a lot of women knew how to fight. I also felt that she was too easily accepted at the Viking village. Everything else I have read points to the exact opposite for slaves. I also didn’t believe that Jilliand’s brother didn’t know how she was living when she was a child? Please.

Jilliand’s storyline was interesting. Jilliand was an abused, young girl who was going to be married off to her father’s closest ally. But, on the eve of her arranged marriage, Jilliand is set free. Given clothing and a short dagger, she makes her way to a nearby village. It is there that she settles down with a family. Her freedom is short-lived. She is soon captured by the Vikings in a raid. Ruik, the sea-king of his village, falls in love with her. But language stands in the way, as does Jilliand’s attempts to escape. Eventually, she ends up at his village and they are married. But a huge tragedy happens and Jilliand is separated from Ruik, for years. Taken in by her brother, Jilliand is treated as a treasured, if eccentric sister. What happens next, though, will bring Jilliand back to Ruik. But will it be too late for them?

I liked Jilliand and I admired her for overcoming awful beginnings. But I couldn’t quite connect with her. She was progressive for that era. Females were only there to have children. They contributed little to society other than that. So for Jilliand to be taught how to fight struck me as a little odd. There was an explanation about why she was taught but still. Saying that she was a very strong and positive female character. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around how she was portrayed.

I thought her relationship with Ruik a bit Stockholm Syndromeish. I know that captives can fall in love with their captors after being with them for a while. So, that part is believable. But to have the village accept her? I don’t think that would have happened. She came in as a slave and she would have been at the bottom of the totem pole. Instead, she was treated very well and accepted as Ruik’s wife almost from the beginning. I also felt that their relationship was flat. There was no sizzle to it. I didn’t get the warm fuzzies when they were together. It was blah.

The subplot with Jilliand’s brother didn’t sit well with me either. I could believe that a king wouldn’t go wage war on the man who kidnapped his mother and forced her to marry him. I also couldn’t believe that he left Jilliand with that man, knowing how he was. It didn’t sit right with me.

I will say that I liked the end of the book. Jilliand was magnificent. I loved the surprise at the end. I was expecting it and but it didn’t make the ending anymore happier for me.

What I liked about Jilliand:

A) Jilliand being a strong female character

B) The research that went into the book. It was unbelievable and I learned so much about the Viking culture

C) The ending.

What I disliked about Jilliand:

A) She was too progressive for the era

B) Her relationship with Ruik

C) The subplot with her brother

I would give Jilliand an Older Teen rating. There is sex but it is not explicit. There is violence. There is no language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 16 read this book.

There are trigger warnings in Jilliand. They are child abuse, attempted rape, kidnapping, and slavery. If you are triggered by any of these, I recommend not reading Jilliand.

I am on the fence about rereading Jilliand. I am also on the fence about recommending this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Greenlove Book Group, River Grove, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Jilliand.

All opinions stated in this review of Jilliand are mine.

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

I Think I Love You (Oxford: Book 5) by Lauren Layne

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept

Date of publication: July 10th, 2018

Genre: Romance

Where you can find I Think I Love You: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Series: Oxford

Irresistibly Yours – Book 1

I Wish You Were Mine – Book 2

Someone Like You – Book 3

I Knew You Were Trouble – Book 4 (review here)

I Think I Love You – Book 5

Book Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A game of seduction between two best friends goes deliciously wrong in an irresistible Oxford Novel that brims with wit and sexual tension. Library Journal hails Layne’s work as “exemplary contemporary romance.”

Brit Robbins knows that dating in New York City is hard—she just hoped to have it mastered by age thirty. But after yet another promising suitor says they have no sparks, Brit decides it’s time to torch her dating game and try a new plan. And who better to coach Brit through the art of seduction than the guy who first gave her the “let’s be friends” card?

Hunter Cross has always figured there’s nothing his best friend Brit can do to surprise him. But Brit’s request is a surprise he doesn’t see coming—and one he’s definitely not ready for. Hunter and Brit have always been careful to keep things perfectly platonic, but the fake dates and faux flirting are starting to feel like the real deal. And soon Hunter realizes he has taught Brit too well. Not only has she become an expert at seduction, the man becoming thoroughly seduced is him.

Lauren Layne’s New York Times bestselling Oxford Novel series can be read in any order:
IRRESISTIBLY YOURS
I WISH YOU WERE MINE
SOMEONE LIKE YOU
I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE
I THINK I LOVE YOU

Don’t miss any of Lauren Layne’s hot reads:

The Love Unexpectedly series: BLURRED LINES | GOOD GIRL | LOVE STORY | WALK OF SHAME | AN EX FOR CHRISTMAS

The Sex, Love & Stiletto series: AFTER THE KISS | LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH | JUST ONE NIGHT | THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE

The Redemption series: ISN’T SHE LOVELY | BROKEN | CRUSHED

The I Do, I Don’t series: READY TO RUN | RUNAWAY GROOM | JUST RUN WITH IT

My Review:

I enjoyed reading the last two books of the Oxford series. I was bummed when the author left a note at the end of I Think I Love You saying that this is the last book in the series. I became attached to the characters and the world they are set in. I did get a little weepy when I read that.

I also want to point out that all these books can be read as stand-alone. But, I would suggest reading them in order. That way, you aren’t confused (as I was in I Knew You Were Trouble) about some of the backstories. Also, if you are going to read I Think You Love You, you should read I Knew You Were Trouble first. That way, you aren’t going “Whaaaa” during some scenes.

The plot of I Think I Love You was simple. Brit is having a hard time keeping a boyfriend. After her last boyfriend broke up, she figured something was wrong with her. So, she decides to change her dating game. She also decides that she needs some help in the seduction game. The perfect person? Her best friend, Hunter. Hunter’s friend zoned Brit after their first date. Instead, they became besties. Who better to teach the art of seduction than your bestie? But can Brit keep Hunter in the friends with benefits zone, or will she start to fall for him? The same goes for Hunter.

I liked Brit. She was hilarious. I also felt her pain about dating. When I was single, way back when, I had a hard time with guys too. I didn’t have a male bestie to help me with my seduction game. I loved how she propositioned Hunter. I was dying laughing. What I didn’t like was how desperate she sounded when she was talking to her friends. Hello, because you turn 30 doesn’t mean suddenly you are undateable. It rubs me the wrong way when I hear/read that.

I liked Hunter. I did feel that he was more realistic about what would happen with Brit. I loved the surprise when she propositioned him. I laughed my butt off. I liked how he dealt with all their friends’ ribbing and concern. He was a likable guy.

The romance between Hunter and Brit wasn’t there until after she told him what she wanted. Which was great because up until then, I got to see how comfortable they were with each other. I also got to see exactly why Brit couldn’t keep a boyfriend. Let’s say that Hunter marked his territory when it came to Brit. After that, the romance was a little tepid. But it was too scorching hot real fast. Like a chapter fast.

The sex scenes were everything that I expected from them. They were comfortable enough with each other not to have issues with being naked with each other. The sex itself was hot. Scorching hot. The first time they had sex, it was a little awkward. I mean, isn’t it always? But every time afterward, it wasn’t. As I said, they were comfortable with each other.

The end of the book was great. I loved how Brit and Hunter realized that they loved each other. It was also a little bittersweet because the series was ending. The epilogue was even more so!!

What I liked about I Think I Love You:

A) Brit. She was awesome

B) Hunter. Loved him

C) How comfortable they were with each other

What I disliked about I Think I Love You:

A) How desperate Brit sounded at the beginning of the book

B) How turning 30 is portrayed as the end of dating

C) Being the last book in the series.

I would give I Think I Love You and Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is no violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are no trigger warnings in I Think I Love You.

I would reread I Think I Love You. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review I Think I Love You.

All opinions in this review of I Think I Love You are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall

The Subway Girls

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin

Date of publication: July 10th, 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction

Where you can find The Subway Girls: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

In 1949, dutiful and ambitious Charlotte’s dream of a career in advertising is shattered when her father demands she help out with the family business. Meanwhile, Charlotte is swept into the glamorous world of the Miss Subways beauty contest, which promises irresistible opportunities with its Park Avenue luster and local fame status. But when her new friend—the intriguing and gorgeous fellow-participant Rose—does something unforgivable, Charlotte must make a heart-wrenching decision that will change the lives of those around her forever.

Nearly 70 years later, outspoken advertising executive Olivia is pitching the NYC subways account in a last ditch effort to save her job at an advertising agency. When the charismatic boss she’s secretly in love with pits her against her misogynistic nemesis, Olivia’s urgent search for the winning strategy leads her to the historic Miss Subways campaign. As the pitch date closes in on her, Olivia finds herself dealing with a broken heart, an unlikely new love interest, and an unexpected personal connection to Miss Subways that could save her job—and her future.

The Subway Girls is the charming story of two strong women, a generation apart, who find themselves up against the same eternal struggle to find an impossible balance between love, happiness, and ambition.

My Review:

I like reading women’s fiction and historical fiction, I have had issues finding books that can focus on both of those genres. They are few and far between. So when I read the blurb for The Subway Girls, I almost didn’t get this book. I almost passed it over. I am glad that I didn’t because I would have missed a fantastic book that takes place in 1949 and present day.

I liked how the storylines mirrored each other. I didn’t get confused when going between the time periods because they were doing (or trying to get into) the same field of work. Even the mindset of the men (past and present) were the same. The only time the storylines stopped mirroring each other was when Charlotte was in the Miss Subways contest and Olivia was working on finding a way to keep her job. Even then, it was only for a couple of chapters. Then it was right back to mirroring each other.

I thought Charlotte was progressive for her time. She was trying to get into a field that was dominated by men (think Don Draper). She was optimistic until she got the last rejection letter. I liked how she called the guy and told him to keep her in mind. She had no real interest in doing the beauty contest, she entered on a whim. She needed the money but thought that she would at least have a job if they got back to her. I loved her reaction to being asked to do something that she was uncomfortable with. I was chanting “You go girl” the entire time.

I liked Olivia but I felt that she wasn’t as developed as Charlotte’s character was at first. Then she gained depth. She was a strong person but she also had a certain vulnerability to her. I didn’t get her being in love with her boss. I felt that the book didn’t have to go that way. I also felt that her co-worker was a little too hostile to women. Considering what happened at the end of the book, I wasn’t surprised. But still. I liked how she made time for her elderly next door neighbor and her grandson.

Rose’s betrayal set the tone for the last half of the book. Not going to get into it but Charlotte did the absolute right thing when she did what she did.

I loved how the author brought the two storylines together. How I didn’t see what I didn’t see is beyond me. The author did a great job at keeping Ben’s grandmother’s identity a secret. There were a few red herrings thrown out. Same goes for Olivia’s Subway Girls revival. I was so mad when the events happened the way they did.

I should mention that the contest was based on a contest that was run in New York City. The author had an afterward where she described how she took that contest and made it her own.

The end of the book cleared up some details that I figured out but needed to see in print. I like that it ended happily but realistically.

What I liked about The Subway Girls:

A) That it was based on a real contest.

B) Well developed characters

C) Interesting plot with plot twists that I didn’t see coming.

What I disliked about The Subway Girls:

A) Olivia’s relationship with her boss.

B) Charlotte not being taken seriously in her career choice

C) Rose’s betrayal

I would give The Subway Girls an Older Teen rating. There are sexual situations but nothing graphic. There is language. There is mild violence.

There are no trigger warnings in The Subway Girls.

I would recommend The Subway Girls to family and friends. This is a book that I could see myself rereading.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Griffin, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Subway Girls.

All opinions stated in this review of The Subway Girls are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

One for the Rogue (Studies in Scandal: Book 4) by Manda Collins

One for the Rogue (Studies in Scandal, #4)

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Date of publication: June 26th, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Studies in Scandal

Ready Set Rogue – Book 1

Duke with Benefits – Book 2

Wallflower Most Wanted – Book 3

One for the Rogue – Book 4

Where you can find One for the Rogue: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

LOVE IS THE GREATEST DISCOVERY OF ALL

Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance—and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle, an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory… .annoyingly handsome though he may be. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Even if that means entering into a dangerous flirtation. . .

Lisle was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But now that he understands how much he’s underestimated her—a woman whose beauty is matched only by her genius—Lisle is desperate to prove his respect…and prove himself worthy of her. But is he too late? A bitter rival, desperate to steal Gemma’s scientific findings, is still at-large. Can Lisle help uncover the culprit and keep her safe—forever, in his loving arms?

My review

I like it when historical romances take a different spin. I love reading Regency Era romance but sometimes they follow the same plot. So when I come across one that does something different, I have to read it. One for the Rogue does that.

Gemma is a geologist with an interest in fossils. Her interest in rocks, sand, and fossils are not a passing fancy. She is an expert in her area and in any other era would have been considered a genius. But, this is the Regency Era. Upper-class women were only valued for their dowries and bloodlines. Any woman who was interested in anything scholarly was labeled as a bluestocking and shunned by Polite Society. So, it was interesting to see the direct opposite of that happening in this book.

Gemma and 3 other gifted young women were invited to stay at a well-known woman scholar’s house for a year. During that time, they will be able to pursue their area of interest. If they manage to stay in the house for the year, they inherit everything that is in it. Out of the 4 girls, Gemma is the last one left and she is the most determined to finish her year. But, she needs to decipher the clue left behind by her benefactress. The only thing is that the clue is half-finished, with her benefactress dying before it could be complete. What she wasn’t counting on was a rival being murdered the same night she finds the artifact left for her. She also wasn’t counting on developing romantic feelings for her brother-in-law. She needs to push aside those feelings, find her fossil and the killer before the killer finds her.

Gemma was a breath of fresh air. She didn’t care what society thought of her. She wanted to be left alone, with her fossils and rocks. She wanted to be taken seriously by her male contemporaries. She wanted nothing to do with love. She had no time for it. I loved it. I loved how she decided that she was going to solve Sir Everard’s murder. Forget the constables, she was going to solve it herself. I also liked how she roped Cameron into helping her. I also liked how direct she was. She told Cameron that she didn’t want to marry him (after being caught kissing) but she would have him for a lover. LOVED it!!!

I did like Cameron but he rubbed me the wrong way. Until Sir Everard’s murder, he went back and forth on what he thought of Gemma. It wasn’t until Sir Everard’s murder that he started taking her seriously. I also thought his view on marriage was very skewed. He took something that he saw as a teenager and let it dictate what he thought about marriage. Listen, if I found out what he did, I would have thought the same thing. But, I wouldn’t let it affect me years down the road. I did think that he let himself be caught kissing Gemma. I believe that he wanted to be caught. Just the vibe I got from that. I liked that he was with Gemma every step of the way during her “investigation“.

I liked that the author didn’t have to dedicate much time to build up a relationship between Gemma and Cameron. They already had a relationship from the earlier book. That left time for the author to build up the romance. It also left time for the author to develop their relationship from not liking each other to falling in love.

There is sex in One for the Rogue. I know that most people like reading “clean” historical romances. Not this chick, I like sex in these types of books. It flushes the book out. What was surprising to me was how in charge Gemma was. She was a virgin but she knew what she wanted out of her relationship with Cameron. She wasn’t afraid to tell him. She didn’t want to marry him. I found it silly that Cameron was being forced to marry Gemma. After being caught kissing <eye roll>. If I had to marry every guy that I kissed, well, let’s say that I would have a lot of husbands…lol.

Image result for funny eavesdropping quotes

I did find it frustrating that Gemma jumped to the conclusion about things after hearing only half a conversation. Like my grandmother used to say “Don’t do no good listening in on other people talking. You only hear half of what is said and assume the other half.”

I loved the mystery part of One for the Rogue. It kept me on my toes and left me surprised when the mystery was solved. I was not expecting the murderer to be who it was.

The end of One for the Rogue was typical. All the storylines were wrapped up in a way that satisfied me as a reader. I do hope that there is a book that gives the chaperone her own love story. She deserves one!!!

What I liked about One for the Rogue:

A) Gemma. She was ahead of her time in this book.

B) Zero relationship build up for Gemma and Cameron.

C) The mystery angle. Kept me on my toes

What I disliked about One for the Rogue:

A) How smart women were treated in the Regency Era

B) Cameron and his issue with marriage

C) Gemma jumping to conclusions. Drove me crazy

I would give One for the Rogue an Adult Rating. There is explicit sex. There is mild violence. There is no language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are no trigger warnings in One for the Rogue.

I would reread One for the Rogue. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Paperbacks, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review One for the Rogue.

All opinions stated in One for the Rogue are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Date of publication: June 26th, 2018

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Trigger Warning: Traumatic loss of a child

Where you can find Before and Again: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Mackenzie Cooper took her eyes off the road for just a moment but the resulting collision was enough to rob her not only of her beloved daughter but ultimately of her marriage, family, and friends―and thanks to the nonstop media coverage, even her privacy. Now she lives in Vermont under the name Maggie Reid, in a small house with her cats and dog. She’s thankful for the new friends she’s made―though she can’t risk telling them too much. And she takes satisfaction in working as a makeup artist at the luxurious local spa, helping clients hide the visible outward signs of their weariness, illnesses, and injuries. Covering up scars is a skill she has mastered.

Her only goal is to stay under the radar and make it through her remaining probation. But she isn’t the only one in this peaceful town with secrets. When a friend’s teenage son is thrust into the national spotlight, accused of hacking a powerful man’s Twitter account, Maggie is torn between pulling away and protecting herself―or stepping into the glare to be at their side. As the stunning truth behind their case is slowly revealed, Maggie’s own carefully constructed story begins to unravel as well. She knows all too well that what we need from each other in this difficult world is comfort. But to provide it, sometimes we need to travel far outside our comfort zones.

My Review:

I did something that I keep swearing that I’ll stop doing. I judged the Before and Again by its blurb. I figured it would be one of those chick lit books where the heroine was insufferable. Guess what. It isn’t. Instead, this is a beautifully written book about accepting loss and second chances. I will warn everyone, you will need Kleenex. You will cry. Not a “maybe” you will cry but a definite yes you will cry.

I felt bad for Mackenzie/Maggie. In a short amount of time, she lost everything. She decided to start over in Vermont because of the media frenzy that surrounded her court case. She fought hard for every bit of peace and quiet. When her ex-husband showed up as the new owner of the spa that she worked in, she could see her hard-won peace of mind slipping. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to handle it if my ex showed up. I would have lost it. I don’t blame her for acting the way she did. She was dealing with a lot.

What got me the most with this book was the amount of pain and guilt that Maggie had. My heart broke every time she thought about Lily. When Edward showed up in her town, it brought back all those memories that she tried to suppress came back…good and bad. Everything that she didn’t get a chance to resolve started bubbling up. My heart broke during those scenes between Edward and Maggie. So much was left unsaid 5 years before. So much that it drove them apart.

I will be honest, I didn’t like Grace at all. She was self-absorbed. I thought her friendship with Maggie was one-sided for most of the book. Maggie tried to be there for her and kept getting pushed away. Even when Maggie was instrumental in finding out Grace’s big secret and getting her help, she was still ungrateful. She kept pushing her away. Made me think that she was an ungrateful idiot. Plus, her reaction when Chris was first brought in for questioning grated on me too. More concerned about what people would think about her than the trouble her teenager was in.

The storyline with Maggie’s mother was another one that had me ugly crying during it. The regret that her mother had been almost tangible. I felt bad that it took 5 years and a broken hip for the reconciliation to happen.

The end of the book was what I expected. Everyone’s storyline got wrapped up. Some I was happy with and some I was not. I did think that Grace’s big secret should have been revealed earlier in the book. I felt that it was kind of a letdown when she finally told what it was. I also didn’t like how Maggie’s brother showed up out of nowhere after no contact for 5 years. And acted like everything was OK. Everything was not OK.

What I liked about Before and Again:

A) Well written characters

B) The storylines. Fantastic

C) Great world building

What I disliked about Before and Again:

A) How much this book made me cry

B) Grace. Couldn’t stand her

C) Maggie’s brother showing up out of the blue

I would give Before and Again an Adult rating. There is sex. There is violence. There is language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are trigger warnings in Before and Again. They would be a traumatic loss of a child.

I would reread Before and Again. I would also recommend this book to family and friends

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Before and Again.

All opinions stated in this review of Before and Again are mine

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Broken Promise (Sons of Broad: Book 3) by Tara Thomas

Broken Promise (Sons of Broad #3)

3 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperback

Date of publication: June 26th, 2018

Genre: Romance, Suspense

Trigger warning: Kidnapping, Torture

Series: Sons of Broad

Shattered Fear – Book 0.5

Hidden Fate – Book 0.6

Twisted End – Book 0.7

Darkest Night – Book 1 (review here)

Deadly Secret – Book 2

Broken Promise – Book 3

Where you can find Broken Promise: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

In this next novel in the explosive, brand-new romantic suspense Sons of Broad series from Tara Thomas comes a novel of deadly secrets and hidden danger. In the sultry streets of Charleston, one family, ruled by its powerful, take-no-prisoners sons, has risen to the top. But a merciless enemy is out to destroy them…and everyone they hold close…

Exclusive bonus content available only in the print edition!

SHE SWORE TO KEEP HER PROMISES.

BUT CAN SHE KEEP THEM SAFE…AND PROTECT HER HEART?

Charleston Police Officer Alyssa Adams made a promise years ago to protect innocent women from harm. Now, she won’t rest until she can reunite every lost daughter with her family.Bring closure to every grieving husband. And, most of all, find out what happened the night her own sister disappeared, more than ten years ago…

As the eldest of the Benedict brothers, Kipling will stop at nothing to protect his family from a threat that aims to destroy them once and for all. But when a long-lost sibling is kidnapped by a powerful adversary, Alyssa is the only one he can turn to get her back.

As Alyssa and Kipling band together to find their lost siblings, a powerful attraction builds between them that they can’t ignore. As the truth comes to light, will one broken promise tear them apart?

My review:

I should keep a list of what I don’t like when reading a series. Everyone knows my extreme dislike of picking books up mid-series. But, that’s not the case here. This is a whole different dislike. I don’t like skipping books in a series. Like picking up books mid-series, I get lost. I miss a huge chunk of the story between book 1 and book 2. That wasn’t the case with Broken Promise. The author did a great job of explaining what happened in the last book without overwhelming this one.

Now, I betcha you all are wondering why I rated Broken Promise a 3. I couldn’t get into the book. Alyssa and Kipling’s relationship seemed forced. That, in turn, made the sex scenes a little uncomfortable to read. I didn’t like how Jade was treated by/her entire relationship with The Gentleman. And those are the reasons why I gave it a 3.

I did like some parts of the book, believe it or not. While I didn’t like them in a relationship, I did like Alyssa and Kipling. I also liked the relationship that Kipling had with his brothers. I also liked how Jade was tied to Alyssa. Actually, that part of the book was bittersweet.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I couldn’t get into the book. I must have some sort of connection to the plot in order for me to like it or dislike it. I couldn’t with this book. I know it was because of the tandem storylines that were going on. The Kipling/Alyssa storyline and the Jade/The Gentleman storyline. Normally tandem storylines don’t bother me. But this one did.

I felt that Alyssa and Kipling’s relationship was forced. They went from battling each other about what was going on to magically falling in love while dealing with a serial killer. Not realistic at all. So, because I felt the relationship was forced, it made the sex scenes uncomfortable to read. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sex scene. I also like a sex scene where the woman likes it rough, which Alyssa did. But I couldn’t get into it. Which made me sad.

Jade’s relationship with The Gentleman was beyond screwed up. He took an innocent 5-year-old and shaped her into a ninja killer (yes, you read that right). The abuse Jade suffered was barely scratched at but what was revealed was awful. Which brings us to why he did to Jade what he did. Let’s say that he was one disturbed dude. He also took his anger over Helen out the wrong way. I was surprised at who The Gentleman was, though. It was not who I thought it would be.

What I liked about the book

I loved Alyssa. She was a good cop. She was determined to solve her sister’s cold case. She had a feeling that her sister’s murder was tied to The Gentleman somehow. I did feel bad for her. Her family was horrible. Her stepfather was a bully and her mother allowed it. I was glad Kipling was there and stood her stepfather down. Because of that, they got a huge break in her sister’s case and what is going on with Kipling’s family.

I also liked Kipling. When The Gentleman contacted him with the news that he had Jade, Kipling jumped to action. No question. That was his sister and he was going to find her. Even though I found their relationship forced, he did look over Alyssa too.

I liked his relationship with his brothers. He worried about them and tried his best to protect them. But, in the end, it was his brothers that came to his rescue. That is the type of relationship that siblings should have.

I can’t discuss how Jade is tied to Alyssa. But I will say that it came as a huge surprise. I was as shocked as Alyssa was when she connected the dots. My exact words were “Dayum“. Talk about bittersweet. I also got beyond angry with certain other people in Alyssa’s life about that. Not cool, that they did.

So to recap…

What I disliked about Broken Promise:

A) Couldn’t get into the book

B) felt Alyssa and Kipling’s relationship was forced

C) Jade’s relationship with The Gentleman

What I disliked about Broken Promise:

A) Alyssa. Enjoyed her character

B) Kipling. Also enjoyed his character

C) How Jade is tied to Alyssa

I would give Broken Promise an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are trigger warnings in Broken Promise. They are kidnapping and torture.

I am on the fence about recommending Broken Promise to family and friends. I am also on the fence about rereading this book. I am willing to read more books by the author.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperback, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Broken Promise.

All opinions stated in this review of Broken Promise are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Knocked Up (Crazy Love: Book 2) by Stacey Lynn

3 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept

Date of publication: June 12th, 2018

Genre: Romance

Series: Crazy Love

Fake Wife – Book 1 (review here)

Knocked Up – Book 2

Where you can find Knocked Up: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes baby in a baby carriage. Just not necessarily in that order. . . .

Braxton: I should probably be dead or in jail right now. Instead, thanks to some tough love, I worked my ass off and now I own a string of tattoo parlors throughout the Pacific Northwest. And yet the one thing I’ve always wanted—a family—still seems out of reach. When my best friend gets married, I’m just hoping to blow off some steam with the super-hot maid of honor. But after Cara Thompson tracks me down to tell me she’s pregnant, she’s more surprised than I am when I tell her I’m all in.

Cara: For the first time in my life, I’m living for myself—not for my parents and their ridiculous expectations. I gave up on my MBA, dropped out of the Ivy League, and moved to Portland to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. And what’s the first thing I do? Get knocked up. For a tatted-up sex god, Braxton Henley seems way too eager to “be there for me.” Is this guy serious? Maybe. He sure is patient. Because he won’t back down until I admit what I know in my heart: that our one-night stand might’ve led me to the one.

The steamy standalone novels in Stacey Lynn’s Crazy Love series can be read together or separately:
FAKE WIFE | KNOCKED UP

And don’t miss her passionate Fireside series:
HIS TO LOVE | HIS TO PROTECT | HIS TO CHERISH | HIS TO SEDUCE

My review

I was excited when I saw that Knocked Up was out. I had enjoyed Fake Wife, so I figured that I would enjoy this book. Which I did, for the most part. My issues with the book are that there was so much extra going on that I couldn’t enjoy Braxton and Cara’s story. Plus the drama was too much. I also didn’t like the way that Braxton kept jumping to conclusions about Cara. That added more drama to the book. All those reasons are the reason I gave Knocked Up a 3-star rating.

Cara drove me crazy. There is being independent and then there is being over the top independent. Braxton wanted to take care of her and the baby but she refused. My eyes almost rolled out of their sockets, that’s how much I was eye-rolling. There was one point in the book where I wanted to shake her and say “Duuuudddde, let him take care of you. Stop being so stubborn“.

Besides driving me crazy with her über independence, I did like Cara. She was sweet. She loved her friends. She loved her job. She loved her unborn child. I felt awful that her brother died. I felt even more awful at how her parents treated her. I thought, at first, that it was all in her head. Until they showed up at her apartment and said what they said. Then I understood why she was so independent. She was shoving her lifestyle in her parent’s face and telling them to take a flying leap.

I liked that Cara had far from a picture perfect pregnancy. Her having hyperemesis gravidarum made her more normal in my eyes. I didn’t like that she was so sick but I loved that she became more relatable. Most romance novel pregnancies are all sunshine and unicorns. So it was refreshing to see one that I could connect with.

Where do I start with Braxton? I liked that he stepped up when Cara showed up at his tattoo parlor and told him she was pregnant and it was his. I liked that he wanted to date Cara. I liked that he wanted to be in this baby’s life. But, he came with baggage. So. Much. Baggage. I almost couldn’t handle it.

He was a **reformed** man whore. I say reformed because he stopped sleeping around the minute Cara told him she was pregnant. That’s wonderful. But his past didn’t stay in the past. Cara and he had an uncomfortable confrontation with his last one night stand. I don’t know how Cara didn’t freak the heck out on him after what that chick said.

His relationship with Stella made me wonder exactly what was going on with them for a while. She got as salt AF when Cara showed up. She tried to destroy their relationship. She warned Cara off him. She was the one that showed Braxton those pictures of Cara with her friend. I didn’t understand why he still employed her or even was her friend after all that. And her apology was lukewarm. Again, don’t know why he stayed her friend. Anyone tried to mess with my relationship would have had a foot up their butt while going out the door.

The chemistry between Braxton and Cara was insane. The sparks were between them from the moment Cara showed up at his tattoo parlor. It deepened the more the book went on. Which is why it sucked when Stella did what she did. And it was also gratifying when Braxton and Cara talked. Because you could see the feelings there. It wasn’t just sex.

Speaking of sex, it was hot. Scorching hot. Braxton and Clara didn’t hold back because she was pregnant. What impressed me was that he still used condoms even though Cara was pregnant. Because he was a “reformed” man-whore who hadn’t been tested. But once he was, it was bareback all the way. It’s not like he could get her pregnant….lol.

The end of Knocked Up was cute. The book ended the way I thought it would. The epilogue was fantastic. I figured out the baby’s name pretty early on. So it wasn’t a surprise to me.

What I liked about Knocked Up:

A) Cara. She had a backbone and stood up to Braxton. Not a lot of female main characters do that

B) Cara’s relatable pregnancy

C) Braxton taking care of his responsibilities

What I disliked about Knocked Up:

A) Cara being over the top independent

B) Stella’s behavior.

C) All the other drama in the book. Took away from the main plotline.

I would give Knocked Up an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are no triggers in Knocked Up.

I am on the fence if I would reread Knocked Up. I am also on the fence if I would recommend Knocked Up to family and friends. I would read other books by the author.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Knocked Up.

All opinions stated in this review of Knocked Up are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

Jar of Hearts

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books

Date of publication: June 12th, 2018

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Where you can find Jar of Hearts: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

This is the story of three best friends: one who was murdered, one who went to prison, and one who’s been searching for the truth all these years . . .

When she was sixteen years old, Angela Wong—one of the most popular girls in school—disappeared without a trace. Nobody ever suspected that her best friend, Georgina Shaw, now an executive and rising star at her Seattle pharmaceutical company, was involved in any way. Certainly not Kaiser Brody, who was close with both girls back in high school.

But fourteen years later, Angela Wong’s remains are discovered in the woods near Geo’s childhood home. And Kaiser—now a detective with Seattle PD—finally learns the truth: Angela was a victim of Calvin James. The same Calvin James who murdered at least three other women.

To the authorities, Calvin is a serial killer. But to Geo, he’s something else entirely. Back in high school, Calvin was Geo’s first love. Turbulent and often volatile, their relationship bordered on obsession from the moment they met right up until the night Angela was killed.

For fourteen years, Geo knew what happened to Angela and told no one. For fourteen years, she carried the secret of Angela’s death until Geo was arrested and sent to prison.

While everyone thinks they finally know the truth, there are dark secrets buried deep. And what happened that fateful night is more complex and more chilling than anyone really knows. Now the obsessive past catches up with the deadly present when new bodies begin to turn up, killed in the exact same manner as Angela Wong.

How far will someone go to bury her secrets and hide her grief? How long can you get away with a lie? How long can you live with it?

My Review:

I like a good mystery. I also like a good suspense. I have found it hard to find a book that can keep the suspense up while unraveling a mystery. So, I have become very picky about what I read. When the publisher approached me to review Jar of Hearts, the blurb caught my attention. I was very interested in a mystery about what happened after the murder and trial. I thought that it made for an interesting storyline. So I accepted. I am glad I did. Not only did this book keep the suspense high but the mystery was fantastic.

When I started reading Jar of Hearts, I had no pity for Geo. She showed little to no remorse for her part in Angela’s death. She was more worried about what was going to happen to her in prison and that made me not like her. But, as the book went on, her remorse and sadness started to show. I started to pity her when it was revealed what happened that night. The trauma she endured that night shaped her into the woman that she was 14 years later.

I liked how the author kept what happened the night Angela died under wraps until almost the end of the book. I wasn’t surprised at what happened. I was surprised at Geo’s role in it when it was revealed. What happened afterward took me by surprise also.

Geo’s relationship with Calvin was complicated. He was her first love but she also hated and feared him. He wanted to own Geo completely and wasn’t afraid to use physical violence or mind games to get her to stay with him. I had no issue seeing him turning into a serial killer. His transformation started the night that Angela was killed.

I thought that the second storyline of the other serial killer was pretty good. I thought I had it figured out until Geo last flashback. Looking back, there were hints but I didn’t see them. I was surprised at who it was and who that person was to Geo. I was also surprised at who came to Geo’s rescue.

The storyline with Kaiser didn’t make sense to me at first. I didn’t need to know that he was sleeping with his partner. That was unneeded information. But his relationship with Geo and Angela was. I do think that his relationship with Geo after jail was complicated. I was not expecting what happened to them to happen. Now that came out of left field.

I know that the book stressed that Geo and Angela were besties and had been besties for years. But I didn’t see that. I saw a spoiled girl used to getting her own way ruling her friends. The whole cheerleader practice fiasco was what made me feel that.

The end of Jar of Hearts was one shock after another. All I can say about it is “Wow“. The epilogue got me too. I guess some people deserve their happily ever after. I wasn’t expecting who Geo was experiencing hers with.

What I liked about Jar of Hearts:

A) The suspense was kept high throughout the book

B) Everything was kept under wraps until the end of the book.

C) Interesting storyline

What I didn’t like about Jar of Hearts:

A) Geo showing little to no remorse in the first half of the book

B) Kaiser’s storyline. Didn’t need the sexcapades with his partner. Him doing the police work was fine.

C) Geo and Angela’s friendship. Screamed friendemies to me. Also Geo and Calvin’s relationship. Super creepy

I would give Jar of Hearts an Adult rating. I would suggest that no one under the age of 21 read this book. There is explicit violence. There is language. There is sex with a few rape scenes thrown in (F/F, M/F). There is also a brutal scene of a body being dismembered.

There are trigger warnings with Jar of Hearts. They would be rape, attempted rape, domestic violence, and assault.

I would recommend Jar of Hearts to family and friends. I would give a heads up about the triggers. This is a book that I can see myself rereading.

I would like to thank Minotaur Books, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Jar of Hearts.

All opinions stated in this review of Jar of Hearts are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Scotland or Bust by Kira Archer

Scotland or Bust

3.5 Stars

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, Entangled: Indulgence

Date of publication: June 11th, 2018

Genre: Humor, Romance

Where you can find Scotland or Bust: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

After dumping her boyfriend, Nicole Franklin impulsively jumps on a plane and heads to Europe. Sure, money and a job would have been nice to line up first. Even a visa, for that matter. So now she has to play tour guide at an Outlander experience for the most obnoxious man on the planet. Until she stumbles into the wrong bed in the middle of the night and wakes up in Harrison’s arms. Now his family thinks they’re engaged, and the entire village is betting on how long before she’ll be running for the hills.

Harrison Troy has a reputation in the town for burning through assistants. And the bubbly new one he’s just hired is likely no different. But his family quickly has them “engaged.” He should be upset, but she’s the perfect buffer for his interfering family. She says she doesn’t need another man in her life–even if he comes with a castle–and that’s fine with him. So why can’t he stop thinking about the woman who is charming everyone in the town, and maybe even him?

My review:

When I started reading Scotland or Bust, I was excited. I mean, hello Scotland. I have a slight obsession with Scotland. I **might** have watched Braveheart a gazillion times. And I might pick up any romance (well, any book) that has Scotland the background in the book. So, needless to say, when I saw that Scotland or Bust was set in Scotland, I jumped on it.

My excitement over reading the book faded as I read the first chapter. Harrison was a complete and utter idiot (the nicest word I could put down). Nicole came across as too trusting. I mean, who would say yes to an offer of employment from a complete stranger. And then drive away with him? Not me, that’s for sure. It is safe to say that by the middle of the book, I was ready to DNF it. It was too much. But the author did manage to pull me back in.

Nicole was way too trusting for me. Like I said above, who gets into a car with a stranger and agrees to be his temporary assistant. I did like that she took Harrison’s family’s eccentric in stride. I mean, her first sight of his grandmother was her naked on the castle ramparts. So, yeah. I also found fault with her uprooting herself to work in Europe. It isn’t that easy in real life.

I didn’t care for Harrison. There had to be a reason why he went through as many assistants as he did. They don’t up and quit on you for no reason. I also didn’t like his disdain for his family. They embarrassed him. Half the book was him making excuses to Nicole about why his family was the way they were. He blamed his grandmother being Scottish as the reason. Also, I thought that his dislike for the Outlander series a bit much. I mean, that series was his bread and butter. He shouldn’t have been that outspoken about his dislike. It made him seem like a jerk for 90% of the book.

I actually liked Harrison’s family. They were one of the more real families that I have read in a book in a while. I laughed when reading his scenes with his grandmother in it. She was a free spirit. I did find it weird that she ran around naked but other than that, she was great. I almost broke a rib laughing when she gave Harrison her engagement ring to give to Nicole. Which she kept under her boob. I understood Harrison’s reluctance to give Nicole a boob sweat covered ring.

The villagers were an eccentric lot. I did get a giggle out of the bet that was being placed on how long Nicole was going to stay with Harrison. I also laughed when they turned the bet into how long the engagement would last. Resourceful people…lol.

There was chemistry between Nicole and Harrison. From the kiss that they had on the airplane (granted it was to “help” Harrison with his fear of flying) to the end of the book, it was there. The sparks that those two threw were off the wall. Which lead to some pretty hot sex. Those sex scenes were insanely hot.

The end of the book had your typical HEA. The author did a great job of wrapping all the storylines up. I was happy with how it ended.

What I Liked About Scotland or Bust:

A) That it was sent in Scotland

B) Harrison’s family

C) Nicole and Harrison’s chemistry

What I disliked Scotland or Bust:

A) Harrison’s disdain for his family

B) Nicole being too trusting

C) Harrison’s disdain for The Outlander

I would give Scotland or Bust an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are no trigger warnings for Scotland or Bust.

I would reread Scotland or Bust. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Entangled Publishing, Entangled: Indulgence, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Scotland or Bust.

All opinions stated in Scotland or Bust are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

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