#BookReview ~ Walk of Shame by Avery Flynn (The Downside of Dating, Book 2) ~ @AveryFlynn @entangledpub #SportsRomance #Hockey

Walk of Shame by Avery Flynn

One night. No strings. And a really good puck.

About the Book:

Five years ago, Astrid O’Malley experienced the ultimate in public humiliation. Being dumped at the altar by her childhood sweetheart was horrifying enough. That fact that he was a professional hockey goalie and her dad was his coach? It was all anyone in sports could talk about.

Eff hockey. Eff goalies.

These days, Astrid lives a life (mostly) free of hockey and free to pursue whoever she wants with exactly zero shame in her game. Like tonight’s hook-up. This guy’s nailed the lumberjack aesthetic perfectly. Especially when he has the stamina and creativity to back it up.

Because the rule is: it’s one night only. Which is gonna be a problem because she’s just discovered he lives in the apartment upstairs.

And he’s joined her dad’s team. As the goalie coach. To train her ex.

Now Astrid is in some kind of hockey hell–filled with her ex, her family, and the best sex of her life. And somehow she’s been roped back onto the team.

Puck my life.

My Review:

Walk of Shame is the second book in The Downside of Dating series.

Walk of Shame is a fun romantic comedy. I fell in love with both Astrid and Cal. They are fantastic characters individually but put them together and they are extraordinary. The chemistry and steam is off the charts. The snark, competitiveness, and genuine affection between the two mains was enjoyable to read. I loved watching Astrid and Cal's love story unfold.

Walk of Shame is a cute romance between two unsuspecting characters. One was burned by a hockey player and hardened her heart. The other was consumed by hockey. They thought their lives were great until he walked into her bar, then they realized was great really meant.

The book is perfectly paced, well-written, and the setting and world-building expertly crafted. I devoured Walk of Shame because once I started reading the book, I was hooked and couldn't put it down.

Avery Flynn is a one-click author for me. Every book is phenomenal. The themes, settings, and multitude of characters are unique, likable, and imperfectly perfect.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

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#ContemporaryRomance #Book #Review ~ Breaking All the Rules by Amy Andrews ~ @EntanbledPub @AmyAndrewsbooks

Sometimes you gotta toss your whole life into a burning dumpster to find what’s most important...

Book Details:

Publisher: ‎ Entangled: Amara 

Publish Date: January 24, 2023
Paperback: ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1682815633
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1682815632

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Goodreads

About the Book:

Beatrice Archer has always done everything she’s supposed to —worked her ass off, ignored her non-existent personal life, and kept her mouth shut. Now she’s over it. The rat race, respectability…the underwire bras. She’s taking her life back. Starting with moving to Nowhere, Colorado to live life on her own terms.

Now Bea gives exactly zero forks. Beer for breakfast. Sugar for everything else. Baggy sweats and soft cotton undies FTW. Then a much younger and delightfully attractive cop is called to deal with her flagrant disregard for appropriate clothing outside the local diner (some folks just don’t appreciate bunny slippers) and Bea realizes there’s something missing from her little decathlon of decadence…and he might be the guy to help her out.

When it comes to breaking rules, Officer Austin Cooper is surprisingly eager to assist. He’s charming, a little bit cowboy, and a whole lot sexy. But Bea’s about to discover that breaking the rules has consequences. And all of the cherry pies in Colorado can’t save her from what’s coming…

My Review:

When Beatrice Archer's life gets upended by a misogynistic boss, she uproots her life in LA and moves to a small town in Colorado. There, she becomes the exact opposite of her corporate persona and what her father and grandmother expect from her. Bea lets her guard down and shows her new neighbors, and the townsfolk of Credence, a side of her that no one has ever seen. In fact, it's a side of Bea she's never actually seen, herself. As a newcomer, she's under a microscope of scrutiny, as her pajamas and bunny slippers can attest to, from the folks in this close-knit town. The citizens even go so far as to call the cops on her and Officer Sexy...I mean...Officer Austin Cooper may just be exactly what she needs.

I absolutely loved this book. There is laughter, fun, sexiness, and some steam between the pages. Lovers of everything romance will enjoy the heck out of Breaking All the Rules. The characters are wonderful. I loved how Bea left LA for Colorado and took her life back. A bit unconventional, but it worked for her. Her romantic interest may be a bit younger (something Bea had a hard time rectifying within herself for some reason) but they meshed quite well. I'm married to a younger man, and let me tell you, I enjoy him a whole lot more than the men I dated/married who were older than me ;). Besides, age is just a number after you reach a certain age of adulthood. 

I highly recommend Breaking All the Rules and I'm glad I was provided a paperback copy. I will display this book proudly among my cozies, paranormal/urban fantasies, and other contemporary romances. Thank you Entangled Publishing!

My Rating:

#Review ~ The Duke’s Secret Cinderella by Eva Devon ~ @EntangledPub #HistoricalRomance #NeverAWallflower #thedukessecretcinderella

The Duke’s Secret Cinderella

Eva Devon

Entangled – Amara

February 21, 2023

Adult Romance, Retelling

Purchase from Amazon:

https://amzn.to/3ZmSh0Z

About the Book:

Charlotte Browne could just kick herself. What on earth possessed her to tell the Duke of Rockford that she is a lady? But something about the duke's handsomeness and kind intelligence makes Charlotte blurt out the teeniest, tiniest falsehood. Now it's too late to admit she's just plain Charlotte of no particular importance—with cinder-stained hands, a wretched stepfather, and no prospects for marriage...

Rafe Dorchester, Duke of Rockford, has done what every self-respecting duke must do—avoid marriage at all costs. But the only thing stronger than the duke is his mother. When she lays down the highest ultimatum, he'll need to find a duchess. Immediately. Only, when he calls on a potential bride, he instead finds the pert, fresh-faced Lady Charlotte. Rafe was warned to never mix the business of marriage with pleasure, but when it comes to her...oh, business would be a splendid pleasure.

One passionate, illicit kiss sends Charlotte fleeing, leaving only a delicate blue ribbon behind. For Rafe can never discover her secret, or it will ruin her beloved sister's chance at marriage. But the duke knows that when you've found the one person that ignites you, body and soul, nothing can keep you away.

My Review:

The Duke's Secret Cinderella was a fascinating fairytale retelling. The story has a twist in that their isn't a wicked stepmother. Charlotte has a wicket stepfather. He's actually more than just wicked. He's cruel, heartless, and power- and money-hungry. As such, he's pulled Charlotte out of polite society and banished her to the servant's quarters, all while his children maintain their stations within the ton.

When Charlotte is downtown trying to free one of the servant's from horrific conditions in the debtors' prison, she is accosted by a street person. A handsome gentleman intervenes and even assists Charlotte in securing the release of the servant. Upon the rescue, Charlotte learns she's been aided by none other than the Duke of Rockford. What ensues is a tale of deceit, maltreatment, and unspeakable behavior. This is also a tale, however, of love, chemistry, and revelations. 

The path Charlotte and Rafe travel is a bumpy one. Charlotte tells Rafe a small white lie which, throughout the book, escalates. The lie, and its snowball effect, opens the door for Charlotte's stepfather to twist and misconstrue her tales into something more beneficial to him rather than her or others involved. The ending, while epic, is also sad and maddening. Justice is served but, as in real life, it doesn't take away the pain and loss.

The Duke's Secret Cinderella was fun, eye-opening, and a fantastic retelling. I enjoyed the characters, even the bad ones, because they had a part to play in making this story so good. The twists, turns, and ending were surprising and I didn't see them coming. The author wrote a wonderful historical romance as the Cinderella fairytale re-imagined. I really enjoyed this book.

I was provided a paperback of this book to read.

My Rating:

Planes, Trains, and All the Feels by Livy Hart #NewRelease #Review #RomCom #ContemporaryRomance @EntangledPub

 

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BFMX3PCJ
Publisher: ‎ Entangled: Amara
Publication Date: ‎ May 23, 2023
Print length: ‎ 333 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3os98Tj

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62039347-planes-trains-and-all-the-feels

About the Book: 

As the black sheep of the family, choreographer Cassidy Bliss vowed she’d do anything to get home in time to help with her sister’s wedding and avoid family disappointment…again. She just never expected “anything” would involve sharing the last rental car with the jerk who cut her off in line at the airport this morning. But horrible times apparently call for here-goes-nothing measures.

Driving across the country with Luke “life can be solved with a spreadsheet” Carlisle must be a penance for some crime she committed. Because the second he opens his mouth, it’s all she can do to not maim him with her carry-on. But somewhere between his surprisingly thoughtful snack sharing and his uncanny ability to see straight to the core of her, her feelings go unchecked.

Suddenly, their crackling chemistry is just one more thing they have to navigate—and it couldn’t come at a worse time. But after a lifetime of letting the expectations and needs of others drive her life, Cassidy must decide if she’s ready to take the wheel once and for all.

My Review:

Planes, Trains, and All the Feels has it all. I laughed, cried, got angry, and grinned like a fool. Forced proximity brought them together but feelings made them stay together, oh and a emergent need to travel across the country.

When a cross-country trip turns into a nightmare, unlikely duo Cassidy Bliss and Luke Carlisle try to make the best of the trip. I loved how two strangers united with the same goal - get to California. Each had their own reasons but I enjoyed watching them together as they learned about it other and got to know one another better. 

I loved Cassidy and Luke and how they interacted. I am a huge fan of Berkeley, and everyone should aspire to have a best friend just like her. I really hope we get a book where she's the main character. 

The book is perfectly paced, full of ups and downs, and written well. I love the author's writing style, voice, and how the point-of-view bounces between Cassidy and Luke. Be prepared to become so engrossed in this story the world around you disappears. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#Review ~ The Matchmaker and the Cowboy (Windsong Book 2) by Robin Bielman #ContemporaryRomance #Cowboy #Designer @RobinBielman @EntangledPub

ASIN: ‎ B09RVV6V8B
Publisher: ‎ Entangled: Amara
Publication Date: ‎ October 25, 2022
Print length ‏ : ‎ 309 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fjiI6y

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62674342-the-matchmaker-and-the-cowboy

About the Book:

Callie Carmichael has a gift for making bridesmaid dresses—some even call them magical. Somehow, every person who’s worn one of her dresses has found love. Real love. And as long as that happily-ever-after is for someone else, Callie is happy. Because she’s fully over getting her heart broken…which is why her new roommate is definitely going to be a problem.

After being overseas for six months, Callie’s only choice is to stay with her best friend’s ridiculously hot brother, Hunter Owens. Cowboy, troublemaker, and right now, the town’s most coveted bachelor. Only, Hunter isn’t quite the player she thought. And if it weren’t for her whole “no more love” thing, their setup could get confusing really fast.

Now, Hunter wants Callie to make him a best man suit—a “lucky for love” kind of suit. But what happens if she makes the suit and he finds true love…and it isn't her?

My Review:

The Matchmaker and the Cowboy is a fantastic contemporary romance. Callie Carmichael is back home after six months in Africa. Her future plans include building up her business creating and making bridesmaids dresses, especially for the Maid-of-Honor. She loves watching the wearers of her designs fall in love, as long as it's not her. After her parents as role models and the horrible relationships she's endured, Callie isn't looking for love. Try telling that to her new roommate, her bestie's brother. 

This book is full of emotion, realism, laughter, and love. I enjoyed every second of the banter and flirting between Callie and Hunter. Their chemistry is off the charts, realistic, and believable. The book is infused with laughter, snark, and intense emotional scenes. There are several themes running through this book that will keep the reader intrigued, engaged, and invested in the stories. An enjoyable, fast-paced book with wonderful main and secondary characters, The Matchmaker and the Cowboy is a must read!

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

ARC Review ~ The Matchmaker Bride by Ginny Baird @GinnyBaird ~ Contemporary Romance ~ Blue Hill Brides Series @EntangledPub

 

A delightful romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Ginny Baird...

Successful Boston matchmaker and television personality Meredith Galanes’s reputation is on the line. During a guest appearance on a morning talk show, she’s broadsided by questions about her own romantic attachments, just as she’s trying to secure a syndication deal. Afraid to admit her love life is a total disaster, Meredith blurts out that she’s seriously involved with a very special man—a boatbuilder in Maine. She never expects that small slip to get spun into a story about her supposed engagement.

Or that the paparazzi will track the guy down…

Derrick Albright is laid-back about many things. Being hounded by the press about some imaginary engagement to a woman he’s only met once—and couldn’t stand—isn’t one of them. Then Meredith actually shows up at his cabin in Blue Hill, Maine, with an apology, a pot roast, and a proposal—play along until she secures her TV deal, and she’ll help him win back his ex.

It’s a simple plan, but if they have any chance of pulling it off, they’ll have to survive each other first...

Each book in the Blue Hill Brides series is STANDALONE:
* The Duplicate Bride
* The Matchmaker Bride

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ASIN:‎ B08JKB381B
Publisher:‎ Entangled: Amara
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Print Length: 271 pages

My Review:

Meredith Galanes has a problem. As a renowned matchmaker and tv personality she has successfully paired up many couples. Her successful tv show showcases her matches, proving she has the magic touch when it comes to setting couples up. This isn't Meredith's problem, though. Her problem stems from her inability to successfully match herself. Her love life has been nothing but one disastrous date after another. While trying to secure a syndication deal for her tv show, Meredith appears on a talk show and their main question involves her love life. She can't go in front of the entire viewing audience and admit that, while she can pair other couples up, her attempts at romance are epic failures. What's a little white lie in front of the camera?! Meredith has no idea that her little white lie would be escalated to the point that her new, fake boyfriend would be hunted down by the press.

Derrick Albright is a boatbuilder in Maine. He lives a quiet, laidback life. That all changes when reporters come knocking on his door wanting him to comment on his relationship and engagement to Meredith Galanes, matchmaker extraordinaire. There has to some mistake. Derrick has only met Meredith once and spent a lot of time trying to avoid her. Now, she's on his doorstep trying to explain away the reporters all while trying to butter him up with a homecooked meal, a proposal, and a guarantee she can find Derrick's ex and get them back together. First, they have to learn to get along or the entire plan will go up in smoke right along with Meredith's successful matchmaking empire.

Meredith and Derrick are an amazing couple of characters in The Matchmaker Bride. They were constantly bickering, in total denial of any feelings and chemistry, yet tried to convince the world they are perfect for one another. Their dance was one filled with missed opportunities, longing glances, cute moments, and miscommunications. All things that helped make this enemies-to-lovers/fake engagement romance novel hard to put down. 

I was engaged in their story from the very beginning and devoured the book. I enjoyed this contemporary romance. The author's writing style is smooth and conversational. The characters have depth and development. The setting was written well, and I was able to visualize the story as I read along. While this series is listed as each story being a standalone, I highly recommend you read the books in order so you understand what happened in book one between Meredith and Derrick. The author does a great job bringing in all the details from The Duplicate Bride into The Matchmaker Bride, I found myself searching for Meredith and Derrick's interactions in The Duplicate Bride as a refresher.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#ContemporaryRomance #Review ~ Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London ~ #Romance @EntangledPub

 

What happens when two people who’ve given up on forever find it in each other…?

Single men are as scarce in Forever Falls as a vegetarian at a barbecue. That is, until Ethan Hammersmith moves in. After his fiancée gave him an ultimatum, he left Australia and never looked back. He isn’t in America to find a new girlfriend, though. He’s searching for the father he never knew. But now it’s like he has a flashing sign above his head that says “available.” Thankfully, the manager of the local diner is willing to give him cover—if only she weren’t so distractingly adorable.

Monroe Roberts, town misanthrope and divorcée, knocked “forever” permanently off her wish list ever since the love of her life skipped town with the cliché yoga instructor. And good riddance. She’s got this struggling diner to keep her busy, trying anything to boost sales…until a hot Australian strolls in and changes everything. Monroe’s restaurant is packed full of women who aren’t there to order food, unless Ethan is on the menu. This could sink her business faster than ever. So—light bulb—what if they pretend to be together?

It sounds like the perfect plan. Until they realize there is some very real chemistry in this fake relationship. But is it enough to heal two hearts that have been so deeply wounded?

Amazon https://amzn.to/3hncqjm

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54860295-forever-starts-now

My Review:

Monroe Roberts has lived in Forever Falls her entire life. Her family is the single most important thing to her. When she's betrayed by her husband three years prior, Monroe becomes a shell of herself and vows to never give her heart to anyone ever again. Besides, she's the manager of the local diner and it's in jeopardy of being closed down for good. She can't allow that to happen to her employees or the owner, who Monroe has known her whole life. When a new guy comes into town, though, her whole life changes. 

Ethan Hammersmith is only in Forever Falls temporarily. He's on a quest to find his birth father after his world comes crashing down in Australia. Ethan isn't looking for a happily-ever-after or even a happily-for-now, until he walks into The Sunshine Diner. As the object of the town's female population's desire, he just wants to remain under the radar while he searches out the next location where his birth father may have resided. When Ethan catches a glimpse of the diner's manager, he knows his heart is going to be in trouble.

Forever Starts Now is a sweet and steamy romance that had me devouring the book. Monroe and Ethan have so much baggage it's no wonder neither want to look for a partner. Sometimes, though, attraction, connection, and feelings don't care. The chemistry between Monroe and Ethan was off the charts and the author did a fantastic job making the reader aware of and feel it waft off the pages. The emotions, romance, and conflict in this supposed fake relationship story were impeccably written, completely believable, and filled with so much realism I felt like I was there in the story with the characters. 

Stefanie London just climbed to the top of my must-read romance authors list, where she is in good company with many of my other favorites. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Paranormal Romance Review ~ The Warrior King (Inferno Rising #3) by Abigail Owen ~ @AOwenBooks @EntangledPub #PNR

Meira Amon is the most reserved of the phoenixes, finding computers easier to deal with than people and their messy emotions. But she wants revenge against the Rotting King Pytheios for the murder of her parents just as much as her sisters. Offering herself as a queen for their ally, dragon shifter King Gorgon of the Black Clan, only makes sense.

Just one problem…

Samael Veles worked his lowborn ass off to become the fiercest warrior of the Black Clan. He has pledged his life to protect his king at all costs. Yet somehow, in the middle of war, he took one look at a woman in a reflection and gave up his heart. When that woman turns out to be the phoenix promised to mate his king and help bring peace to their kind, he has no choice but to accept it.

Until her fire unexpectedly destroys the king after they’ve wed. Now Samael must choose between his loyalty to his clan and protecting the queen who might be his mate from his people’s wrath, one of which will unlock a destiny no one could have ever imagined…

Add to Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52731970-the-warrior-king
Purchase from Amazon https://amzn.to/3cr4VFs

ASIN: B087P5DJ86
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Publication Date: March 8, 2021
Print Length: 305 pages

My Review:

Love from afar during a crisis fills the pages of The Warrior King. Meira Amon knows in her head that mating the dragon king of the Black Clan, and aligning herself with his people, is the only way to work toward revenge on the Rotting King. When a different dragon views her through her magic mirrors though, her heart has other ideas. If she doesn't see him again, Meira can maintain control.

Samael Veles is nothing but loyal to King Gorgon. As one of the fiercest Black Clan warriors, Samael takes his position seriously. Falling for his King's betrothed was never part of his plan. What is part of the plan includes ignoring his feelings and his dragon for the good of the Clan.

When calamity strikes the Black Clan, Meira and Samael face difficult decisions, dangerous situations, and the wrath of those around them.

The Warrior King is an epic paranormal romance. One I couldn't put down, reading it all day today. Once I began Meira and Samael's story there was no putting it down. I was hooked, engaged in the characters, story, and setting from the very beginning. Throughout the book I anxiously awaited the ending, wondering how, if Meira was promised to another, she and Samael could be together. Maybe they couldn't be, and I was headed for heartbreak.

This book is simply amazing. The longing and intense chemistry between Meira and Samael is off-the-charts hot from the minute they viewed each other through the looking glass. The drama fueled my intense need to binge this book. I loved how the author drew me in with her fiery (pun intended) hero and heroine, evil baddie, relationship twist, and epic dragon showdown. I enjoyed the slow-burn romance, the climactic battle, and the fierceness of Meira, Samael, and the rest of the characters. There is also a sadness that I felt to my bones.

I love the author's writing style, conversational and easy to follow. The pacing of the story is perfect, not too fast, not too slow. There aren't any boring or dull spots, as the author created 3-dimensional characters and a 3-dimensional world. I was engrossed in this book from the very beginning and was drawn in by the action, romance, snark, and strength of both Meira and Samael. Abigail Owen is a favorite and I can't wait to dive into more of her books.

I was provided a copy of this book to review but my thoughts, opinions, and praise are my own.

My Rating:

Contemporary Romance #Review ~ Wishing for a Cowboy (Wishing River #3) by Victoria James @VicJames101 @entangledpub

 

Janie Adams has been a single parent to her nephew since he was a baby. Fifteen years later, she’s finally found out who his father might be, so the two of them travel across the country to find him. She’d do anything for this kid. But when they arrive in the small town of Wishing River, Montana, and Janie finally meets the ruggedly handsome cowboy she’d been told had abandoned his son, his shocked response changes everything.

Aiden Rivers can’t dispute this is his kid when he sees his own features staring back at him, but he had no idea Janie’s sister was pregnant when she left him. He didn’t even know she had a sister—clearly they’d all been lied to. Now he has fifteen years of fatherhood to make up for and no idea how to be a dad. This was never in his plans.

Janie sticks around to help him ease into parenting, everything from showing him how to lure a sulky kid out of his bedroom to keeping up with the latest teen-speak. Together, they surprisingly make a good team, this city girl and country boy. But when the past catches up with them, Aiden and Janie must decide what’s best for the boy who's connecting them, not only for each other…which could mean splitting them apart.

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ASIN: B087P68N1F
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: March 9, 2021
Print length: 214 pages

My Review:

Wishing for a Cowboy is a sweet but complicated contemporary romance about a devoted aunt, an equally devoted nephew, an absent mother, and a father who didn't know he carried the title. Janie Adams has been single-handedly raising her nephew. Finances are tight and when her sister finally let her know who Will's father is, Janey and Will head out of town to Montana to request help. Aiden Rivers is shocked to learn Maxi was pregnant when she left him 15 years ago. Had he known, his and Will's lives may have been different. As it is, Aiden is resentful of Maxi for keeping his son hidden, grateful for Janie stepping up and raising his son when Maxi abandoned him, and surprised to feel like the trio could be a family.

This book is wonderful. The characters are flawed but lovable. The setting was written perfectly, and the world building is great. I enjoyed learning about Janie and Will and then about Aiden. Watching the slow-burn romance develop between Janie and Aiden was exciting and stressful at times. I was engaged in their story. I was engaged in the story between Aiden and Will. Learning he was a father 15 years after the child was born had to be a complete and utter shock to the system. Aiden handled things as well as can be expected and I loved watching Aiden and Will's father-son relationship flourish.

There is a reason that Victoria James is one of my all-time favorite authors - she writes impassioned and realistic contemporary romances. Her writing is realistic and her subject matter for each book is believable. Her heroines and her heroes are not perfect, but they are perfect for one another. To date, I've read most of her books and each one manages to evoke emotional responses from me. At the very least, I always tear up during some part of the novel. Her characters are believable and realistically written.

Victoria's writing is phenomenal. Her characters, the plot, themes, drama, and passion pull the reader in and keeps them engaged. There is true emotion that can be felt by those readers that become one with the books they read. I get lost in the novels and put myself right into the middle of them. I feel for the characters and drawing on my emotions is what makes a book worth 5 stars for me. If I hurt with them, cry with/for them, laugh, or get angry, then the author did a fantastic job and has written the perfect book for me. Victoria James is amazing!

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: