#BookReview & #AudiobookReview ~ The Wild Card by Piper Rayne ~ #SportsRomance #Baseball #Romance

Getting pregnant after a one-night stand with my brother's best friend was never part of the plan.

We're talking about Foster Davis here.

Chicago Colts closing pitcher.

The broody king of one-word answers.

And the man everyone knows keeps one foot out the door.

Surprisingly, when two pink lines turn my world upside down, Foster doesn't run. He steps in, he shows up, and he insists we do this together.

Pretending we're fine is easy. Pretending this is just about the baby? Not so much.

Because Foster is gentle when no one's watching.

Because he looks at me like I'm something worth protecting.

Because the walls he's built start to crack—and I'm the one he's letting inside.

Our arrangement was supposed to be simple. Boundaries were set. Co-parents and no catching feelings.

Okay, maybe a few sex lessons were added in too. Bad idea, I know.

Because the more time I spend with Foster Davis, the harder it is to remember why I ever thought he was the risky choice.

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Audiobook

Duet Narration by: Sean Masters & Erin Mallon

Also Featuring: CJ Bloom, JF Harding, Teddy Hamilton, Connor Crais, Meg Sylvan, Austin Stone & Willa Jaymes

ASIN: ‎ B0FV3NRZ2Q

Publisher: ‎ Piper Rayne Inc.

Publication date: ‎ April 2, 2026

Print length: ‎ 440 pages

ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8887144122

My Review of the Book:

The Wild Card is the amazing second book in The Dugout series by Piper Rayne. I absolutely loved Callie and Foster's story. They both are magnificent characters. They are complex, emotional, and believable. The chemistry they share is off the charts, even though they try to deny their feelings.

One of my favorite tropes is the sibling's best friend romance. This story knocks that trope out of the park! The Wild Card is sweet and spicy, heartwarming and heartbreaking, and filled to the brim with romance and emotion. 

I loved everything about the story, the characters, the setting, and the romance. The authors created a realistic and romantic world. The story flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged. The writing style and story are amazing.

My Review of the Audiobook:

The narrators for this series are spot-on. I love how each voice perfectly portrayed their assigned character. I don't typically read in a specific "voice" in my head, but if I did, Sean Masters and Erin Mallon would be those "voices." I'm excited that I was able to read the book and listen to the audiobook (I don't typically have both formats but for this book I said "Why not?!"). I alternated between formats depending on where I was and what I was doing. 

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book and the audiobook. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#BookReview: Sweet Wine by Danica Winters ~ Contemporary Romance @DanicaWinters #ShortStory

Book Information:

Title:  Sweet Wine

Author:  Danica Winters

Print Length: 34 pages

Publication Date: June 30, 2017

ASIN: B071HY4JLP

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About the Book:

If klutzy had a name it would be Annabelle Everett. What can go wrong, will... Especially when it comes to falling in love. 

In this short story, you will find yourself laughing out loud as you live through a day in Annabelle's shoes... Fancy pants ones to be exact. When she meets the oh-so-sexy wine merchant, Jim Sharp, she pulls out her finest moves and almost her hip. Through laughter and just a bit of teasing, they learn that they may have far more in common than either had assumed, and no matter what kind of luck a girl has, she always has what it takes to find the man of her dreams.

My Review:

Sometimes you find love in the strangest of places and in the most awkward of situations.  That is basically the story of Annabelle and Jim.  Annabelle owns a bookstore in a small Montana town.  She wants a little change of pace so she drives 50 miles away to join a wine club.  She meets Jim, the owner of the wine store.  After a series of unfortunate events, Annabelle sneaks out of the wine club meeting not expecting to see or hear from Jim again.  After he shows up at her book store, a sweet romance blossoms.

Sweet Wine is a contemporary romance short story that will leave you smiling.   I was completed engaged by the story. The characters are realistic, believable, and quirky.  The story is sweet and the chemistry between Annabelle and Jim pops off the page from the moment they meet.  Love at first sight completely works in Sweet Wine. 

I love the writing style of Danica Winters and am a longtime fan.  I highly recommend all of her work.  She writes wonderful paranormal series' , romantic suspense novels, and so much more.  Her ventures into several book genres works great for those of us who prefer an eclectic array of books to choose from.  

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books but has been updated in the current post.

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#BookReview ~ The Croatian Island Library by Eva Glyn ~ @JaneCable #Contemporary #Friendship #Croatia

The Croatian Island Library by Eva Glyn

About the Book:

Where books are borrowed, and friendships are forged…

When her beloved grandfather dies, Ana Meštrović buys a catamaran in his memory, which she names Dida Krila – Grandad’s Wings.

For the summer months, it will be transformed into a travelling library, delivering books to children living across the Croatian islands.

Joined by crew members Natali, a young mechanic afraid of her own shadow, and Lloyd, an older widower who needs a fresh start, the newly-formed trio all have their own reasons for needing the floating library to be a success.

Embarking on an adventure that will change them for good, they each discover that a new chapter is only a boat ride away…

My Review:

The Croatian Island Library is a wonderful and captivating novel. I loved the nautical library concept. Everyone should have the opportunity to read and in low population areas surrounded by water? A pop-up-library is amazing.

Even more amazing is the cast of characters. Three completely different personalities, capabilities, and backgrounds. I loved getting to know Ana, Natali, and Lloyd. Obi, Natali's dog, steals the spotlight several times throughout. 

There are spectacular character introductions, backgrounds, and development. I love how the relationship between Ana, Natali, and Lloyd blossoms. Things start out awkward but the author takes all of them on journey of self-discovery, leading them to wonderful friendship. 

I loved visiting Croatia (I have Croatian heritage) in this novel. The pages are filled with beautiful descriptions, vivid imagery, and spectacular would-building. I enjoyed being in this world and meeting Ana, Natali, Lloyd, and Obi.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

This was previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Visit the  Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvaGlynAuthor

Twitter: @JaneCable

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evaglynauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eva-glyn

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#BookReview ~ Montana Marine by Debra Parmley ~ #RomanticSuspense #TheBrotherhoodProtectors #Bodyguard

Montana Marine by Debra Parmley

Book Details:

Print Length: 128 pages

Publisher: Kindle Worlds; 1 edition

Publication Date: June 6, 2017

ASIN: B071G6XL5K

Publisher: Twisted Page Press, LLC; 2nd edition 

Publication Date: July 15, 2018

ASIN: ‎ B07FMCWHCT

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About the Book:

Marine Recon Gunnery Sergeant Jack “Gunny” Barr has retired and returned to Texas when he’s hired by The Brotherhood Protectors bodyguard service in Montana. His job is to protect the volatile actress Angelica Glory. She’s a bombshell and an obsessive stalker has fixated on her as a target. Lucy Wood, her shy assistant, has her hands full watching out for her. When the women are sent to Montana to lay low until the stalker is caught, Angelia has nothing to do but lay by the pool drinking rum and cola while trying to seduce the hunky bodyguard set to protect them or die trying. Jack and Lucy are drawn to each other, but working for Angelica leaves little time to see where their desires might lead. A dangerous stalker with a love obsession is determined to have the woman of his dreams.

My Review (of the 2017 Kindle Worlds publication):

Montana Marine is a romantic suspense story about Angelica, a wildly inappropriate and rude starlet being stalked by a fan. To keep her safe, Angelica's manager sends her and her assistant Lucy away from Tinseltown for a while. Hired to protect both Angelica and Lucy from the fan, Jack finds himself leaving his home state of Texas to head to Montana with his security team. 

I really enjoyed Montana Marine. Angelica is a horrible, horrible person. She treats Lucy, her assistant, like dirt, humiliating her in public, calling her names, etc. When Lucy realizes that a fan has been stalking Angelica, she makes a call that forces both of them out of the spotlight and into a Montana ranch far away from civilian life. Enter retired Gunnery Sergeant Jack Barr.

Jack's team was assigned protection detail over Angelica and her assistant Lucy. When Jack meets Lucy sparks fly off of the pages. Being a novella, the relationship between Lucy and Jack goes rather fast, but it's sweet nonetheless.  I enjoyed their interactions and they were written well. 

The story was incredible. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. The book was fast paced and perfect for a quick read when you just need a little bit of down time.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books but has been updated.

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ The Hotshot by Piper Rayne ~ #SportsRomance #Baseball #TheDugout

The Hotshot by Piper Rayne is now live!

About the Book:

Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.

Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.

One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.

Chicago Colts newest catcher.

And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.

Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.

Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.

Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.

But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

My Review:

The Hotshot is the first book in a new baseball romance series and I loved it! Leighton and Hayes are magnificent characters. They are complex, emotional, and completely believable. Their chemistry is off the charts. Leighton and Hayes have known each other forever and that's what they hoped to have at one point but circumstances led them down different paths. 

One of my favorite tropes is the brother's or sister's best friend romance. This story knocks that trope out of the park! The Hotshot is sweet and spicy, heartwarming and heartbreaking, and filled to the brim with romance and emotion. There is a lot of sadness, secrets that are revealed, and tense scenes as Leighton works on proving that she's the best fit as the guardian of her cousin's three children. 

I loved everything about the story, the characters, the setting, and the romance. The authors created a realistic and romantic world. The story flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged. The writing style and story are amazing.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books

My Rating:

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

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Duet Narration by: JF Harding & CJ Bloom

Also Featuring: Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, Connor Crais, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan & Austin Stone

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#BookReview ~ Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage by Kim Nash ~ #Romance @KimTheBookworm

Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage by Kim Nash

About the Book:

How do you mend a broken heart?

Michelle finally thought she’d found love with her hot Greek doctor. But when Demetri reveals he’s returning home to care for his sick mother, Michelle’s dream future crumbles. Choosing not to follow him feels like losing more than just love - it feels like losing who she’d started to become.

Determined not to fall apart, Michelle decides to throw herself into rebuilding her life in Sandpiper Shore, but then unexpectedly, Demetri’s brother, Makkis, arrives on her doorstep. Offering him a room seems like the kind thing to do… but the constant reminder of her lost love is difficult for her heartbroken soul.

And the more time she spends with Makkis, the clearer it becomes: there are parts of Demetri she never knew… Just as Michelle starts to heal with a little help from her friends, she’s faced with a decision: fight for the love she knows she deserves, or finally learn how to let go…

My Review:

Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage is the third book in the Sandpiper Shores series. I've only read this book but will be going back to read books one and two. 

I enjoyed meeting Michelle and getting to know her and the rest of the characters from Sandpiper Shores. Michelle's story is complex with twists, turns, and surprises around every corner. I make it sound like an action/adventure but it's not. This book is about love, loss, and second chances. There are aspects that will anger you, get you excited, and encourage you. 

Michelle has a lot happen to her in this book. Some events you expect, others surprise you. Her boyfriend, Demetri, poses an impossible choice, one that will completely upend her entire life no matter which selection she makes. Follow Michelle's story as she makes choices that she thinks are best and discovers that not everything is as it seems. 

I was engaged in Michelle's story from the very beginning. The author crafted a complex novel with likeable characters, a smooth plot, and a story that's easy to follow, even if you haven't read the previous books. I love the friendship group in the story and am glad that Michelle has such a great group of friends to lean on not just during the tough times but at all times.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Visit the Author:

Facebook: @KimNashAuthor

Twitter: @KimTheBookworm

Instagram: @KimNashAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KimNashNews

Bookbub profile: @KimNash18

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure by Amy Piper #ReedyPress #Michigan #Michigander #Travel

 

Secret Michigan: 

A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

by Amy Piper

Book Details:

Publisher: ‎ Reedy Press

Publication date: ‎ April 1, 2024

Print length: ‎ 192 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 1681065282

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1681065281

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

From the only king who ruled in the United States to the only President who was also a king, you’ll unearth the fascinating stories behind popular places. From a state with a car culture history, discover the origins of the world’s largest tire, the only state highway that doesn’t allow motorized vehicles, and what ship is a designated continuation of a United States highway. 

You’ll discover the answers to these questions and many others in Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. The book explores weird museums where you can have your picture taken holding a human skull, wonderful natural beauty where rafting over clear springs reveals the trout below, and where obscure shipwrecks lie in a shipwreck alley. You’ll learn about the people who made history in the Great Lakes State, like a hall-of-fame rock band that turned around a small-town football team’s losing season, the first Black woman to sue a White man – and win, and how a man survived the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. 

Some people would like to keep you in the dark, but local author Amy Piper pulls back the curtain to reveal secrets some Michiganders don’t want you to know.

My Review:

Secret Michigan is a fantastic guide for anyone who is interested in Michgan's mysteries. I'm a lifelong Michigander and even I didn't know about half of these places/facts/stories. I love learning new things about my state. The stories in Secret Michigan are fascinating, interesting, and definitely made their way to our "To See" list. 

Of course, I've been through The Tunnel of Trees, been captivated by the collections at the Gilmore Car Museum (a MUST SEE for car lovers), visited the Tawas Point Lighthouse, eaten donuts from Cops & Donuts in not only Clare but Mount Pleasant, too, and walked through Fort Michilimackinac on Mackinac Island, plus many other places identified in Secret Michigan.

If you plan a trip to Michigan, add a few places from Secret Michigan to your itinerary. 

 I'm happy to include the paperback I received as a review copy on my bookshelf.

This was previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.