Book review: The Temporary Wife, by Catharina Maura

The Windsors #2

Luca & Valentina

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In this second book of this series, we get the second Windsor sibling, Luca, who gets his turn at an arranged wedding.  He accepted his fate, reluctantly, but he has issues.  Luca has been working with Valentine for eight years.  Although initially, he resented that his grandmother placed her to work with him, after years of rife, rejecting her, trying to fire her, suspecting her of being his grandmother’s spy, now he can’t work without her. Through the years, he’s learned she’s his most trusted and competent employee.  

However, as soon as his grandmother announces his chosen bride, Valentina resigns and throws Luca’s world upside down.  His solution: marry her, against his grandmother’s wishes and against his family’s usual customs.

Same as The Wrong Bride, this book was just as fascinating and a riveting page-turner.  Both Luca and Valentina are fascinating.  You know they have been in love for a long time, but were in denial.  Valentina has severe trust problems, a product of her mother’s negative and constant advice.  

The story is long and convoluted, as dramatic as the previous one, full of steam, full of family antics, and a scheming grandmother.  I don’t always appreciate the grandmother’s meddling although most of the time she means well.  There’s a secret regarding Valentina, very surprising, and Luca’s reaction, very romantic.  I enjoyed this book as much as the previous one, and loved seeing Raven and Are’s story from the perspective of Luca and Val.  Loved the angst and the steam, found it super romantic and just as yummy dramatic as the previous one.  

Purchase links

https://hi.catharinamaura.com/luca

About the author 

Catharina Maura is a USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author. She writes angsty, fast-paced contemporary romance novels that break your heart before they lead you to a hard-won happily ever after.

Cat lives in Hong Kong with her husband and a dozen houseplants that all have names. When she isn't daydreaming about future characters, she's exploring the world and seeking out new adventures. 

You can find Cat's socials and latest updates here: https://hi.catharinamaura.com/bio

Publisher's Note: Each book in the Windsors series features a different Windsor sibling, and as such, each book can be read as a standalone. The Temporary Wife contains a guaranteed happily-ever-after and no cheating.

Book review: Cannon, by Sawyer Bennett

Pittsburg Titans #6

Cannon & Ava

Love this one!  Cannon West is the new head coach of the Pittsburg Titans, and he’s using a different coaching style from the previous coach.  He motivates and delegates, lets his assistant coaches do their job, promotes the well-being of his players, no yelling allowed.  The team is doing well and he’s happy and very busy.  

He goes everyday to this coffee shop, not just for the coffee but for Ava, the manager, who gives him witty banter.  After several weeks of idle conversation, he invites her for drinks, they have a one-night stand that causes her to be late to work and gets fired.  In remorse, he keeps up with her progress in finding a job, and in doing so, finds love, for the second time.

The interesting part of this story is that Cannon is a widower, nine years past.  He’s moved on from his loss but there are still some repercussions that affect his love life.  As in, his career is first, every time.  Not until Ava arrives on the scene!

This is a super cute love story as we see Cannon erase all the lines he had traced on previous relationships.  Ava is wonderful, intelligent, witty, kind and sexy.  Irresistible! It was cute to see Cannon fall like a sack of bricks and see how Ava regains her self-esteem after a cheating ex-boyfriend.  I loved to meet up with all my Titan friends, and read about Brienne and Drake from a different POV.

It’s always fun and sexy times with the Titans and I love this series!

Purchase links

► Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jIoTiV
► Nook: https://bit.ly/3xvyLER
► Apple: https://apple.co/3uHwGnB
► Google: https://bit.ly/3Ef1O0U
► Kobo: https://bit.ly/3JEJNdq
► Print: https://amzn.to/3mB5h1U

 

► Buy the digital or signed paperback direct from Sawyer Bennett: https://bit.ly/STORE_Cannon

** Digital files will be delivered via BookFunnel for reading on the device of your choice **

About the author 

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter: sawyerbennett.com/signup

Note: 

All books in the Pittsburgh Titans series can be read as standalones. See the entire series here: https://sawyerbennett.com/bookstore/the-pittsburgh-titans-series/

Book review: The New Guy, by Sarina Bowen

Hockey Guys #1

Hudson & Gavin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How angsty and how perfect!  Hudson Newgate and Gavin Gillis are both new guys.  Both are new to the Brooklyn Bruisers hockey team, Hudson as a defense skater and Gavin as the team’s new athletic trainer.  They met in a bar, had a lustful moment and thought that was it.  But then next day, they met again, this time in their professional work place and surprise! They’re both new employees of the hockey team!

Both had their issues.  Hudson was on his fourth trade in five years.  He was yearning for stability, he wanted to stay put for a long time.  So he had no time for a relation because he needed to impress his new team and stay here.  He was also having problems accepting his sexuality.  His father, a former NHL legend, is also his agent, and he had a full agenda for his son to improve his game.  He was constantly calling and messaging, very intruding.  I couldn’t wait for Hudson to get tired of his father’s antics and fire him!

Gavin is a widower with a seven-year-old daughter, Jordyn.  He’s just moved from New Hampshire, looking for a good job and better conditions to raise his little girl.  You could say he was escaping a very intrusive and obnoxious monster-in-law, Jordyn’s grandmother, who had clear and unflattering views of Gavin’s parenting.  All her badgering made Gavin question his choices.  I felt for the grandmother who missed her grandchild but she was clearly doing it wrong! You could tell Jordyn was a happy child, happy to sing Frozen songs with her aunt and go to hockey games with her dad.

I had a great time reading this book. I loved Gavin, loved his punk-rock sister Reggie, loved feisty little Jordyn and felt for Hudson and his yearning for stability.  Their love story was fragmented, Gavin was afraid to love and lose again, Hudson was afraid to lose focus.  And yet, when they were together and in sync they were stronger.  

The story was phenomenal, great pace, great characters, yummy steamy scenes and an adorable child who stole everyone’s hearts, starting with Hudson.  I loved that when Hudson babysat Jordyn, she was the one calling the shots!  He had to take training in saying no to a child. Super entertaining and riveting!

Purchase links

Amazon: https://geni.us/New-Guy-Amzn
Apple Books: https://geni.us/New-Guy-Appl
Kobo: https://geni.us/New-Guy-Kobo
Nook: https://geni.us/New-Guy-BandN

All links in one place: https://shor.by/NewGuy

ADD TO GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63355404-the-new-guy

About the author 

Never miss a new book or sale! Subscribe to Sarina's newsletter at: http://geni.us/SBsignup

Sarina Bowen's contemporary and LGBT romance novels have hit the USA Today bestsellers list twenty times. Formerly a Wall Street derivatives trader, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University. She lives in New Hampshire with her family, nine chickens, and far too much hockey gear.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com

Book review: Say You Love Me Again, by Carrie Aarons

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this book!  Hollywood, rockstar, celebrity divorced couple, second chance, all my faves! Sophie and Levi Truin were gifted, magical, each successful in their own fields.  He’s a rockstar, she’s a model. When they met, they clicked, and in less than one year they were married, and had a baby girl soon after.  After three years of incredible bliss, it all came down like a house of cards, and seven years after, they are the epitome of a divorced couple who excel at co-parenting.  They live close by, share equal time with their daughter Hart, and have a very amiable relation.

It all sounded to be too good to be true and as you read, you learn of all the undercurrents.  There’s a strong theme of postpartum in the book, it caused the demise of their marriage and it became Sophie’s crusade.  When she had their daughter, she got severe postpartum depression; she didn’t know how to deal with it and her husband didn’t support her.  Years after, with many counseling sessions under her belt, Sophie emerged a much stronger woman but still damaged because she was the cause of their divorce.  She now runs a non-profit to help woman with this condition.

You can tell immediately that this couple still love each other immeasurably.  They keep a polite distance but maintain a loving relation.  When Levi’s old song-writer collaborator emerges from the past, Sophie has a tantrum.  When she accepts a dinner invitation from a neighbor and friend, Levi has a tantrum.  Levi decides to go on tour and invites Sophie and Hart to join in, and off they go.  And this is when the story started to burn and get yummy!

I loved the angst and the yearning!  Clearly, the love between Sophie and Levi was strong.  I appreciated that the author moved the plot slowly to enjoy the slow burn. Initially, there was a lot of character rumination and I was afraid it was going to be a blabby book but as the action developed, it turned out perfectly balanced in prose and dialogue.  I was kept riveted as the characters dealt with their issues and got closer and closer.  I felt frustration and anger at the invasion of the paps in their life, all the insulting innuendos and questions.  They truly live in a bubble and have to be super careful of what they say and how they act in public.  Imagine taking your child to a zoo and have a fan follow you around taking photos! Unbelievable.  Thank you to the author for such a memorable depiction of the life of celebrities and a wonderful second chance love story! It was a great read!

Purchase links

  https://amzn.to/3m0NjIS

About the author 

Author of romance novels such as Fleeting and Love at First Fight, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. A former journalist, she prefers the love stories of her imagination, and the athleisure dress code, much better.

When she isn't writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in the suburbs of New Jersey with her husband, two children and ninety-pound rescue pup.

Visit Carrie's website: authorcarrieaarons.com

Sign up for Carrie's Newsletter: bit.ly/authorCAnewsletter

Like Carrie's Facebook page: facebook.com/carrieaarons

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Book review: Rush, by Samantha Towle

Gods series #2

Ares & Arianna

If the first book in this series was good, this one was outstanding.  The female character is an alcoholic, six months sober.  For many years she had been a party girl, surrounded by loser boyfriends and bad choices until one drunken car crash brought her world down.  Her father, who is the NY Giants football team coach, took her to rehab and gave her a job in the Giants football headquarters.  She was prepared to face the scorn and disgust of everyone there, but the only one who rejected her was the quarterback, Ares Kincaid.

Ares’ attitude against drunks comes from dealing with his alcoholic father, who failed at several rehab attempts and left the raising of the young Kincaid twins, Lo and Missy, to him and his big brother Zeus.

I loved how the author portrayed Arianna.  She presents how Ari fell into her addiction and all the turmoil of a recovering alcoholic, the urges, the insecurities, the feelings of unworthiness, the loneliness.  She also showed us a woman who faced her past mistakes and was determined to stay sober and overcome her shady past into a brighter future.  I loved her and how strong she was.

We met the Kincaid siblings in Ruin, and we know that Zeus and Ares are paying college for the twins, Missy and Lo.  Missy frequently comes to stay with Ares in New York and she’s the one who befriends Arianna.  Whilst Ares was disgusted by Ari, Missy was open and accepting, and gave Arianna her first taste of a sober friendship.

I loved the banter between Ares and Arianna, how her sassy comebacks reeled him in and the attraction between them evolved into feelings.  Ari and her father had a fractured relation, product of his neglect during her childhood.  This was another process where Arianna had to deal. 

The author treated us to a wonderful story, very heartfelt, full of steamy scenes and family moments, the redemption of a woman who had a crappy childhood, the reconstruction of her relation with her father, and a very sweet love story.  I was entranced and delighted with this story!

Purchase links

https://amzn.to/3KFV7tP

About the author 

Samantha Towle is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. 

A native of Hull, she lives in East Yorkshire with her husband, their son and daughter, and three large furbabies.

She is the author of contemporary romances, The Storm Series, The Revved Series, The Wardrobe Series, The Gods Series, and standalones, Trouble, When I Was Yours, The Ending I Want, Unsuitable, Under Her, River Wild, Dead Pretty, The Two Week Stand and Sacking the Quarterback which was written with James Patterson. She has also written paranormal romances, The Bringer and The Alexandra Jones Series. With over a million books sold, her titles have appeared in countless bestseller lists, and are currently translated into ten languages. To receive an email when Samantha releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter - http://samanthatowle.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up

Book review: Ruin, by Samantha Towle

Gods series #1

Zeus & Cam

I loved this book! First book I read from this author and it won’t be the last.  I love surprise baby stories but they have to be believable and this one is.  Angsty, sexy, precious little girl, hunky famous boxer, second chance, all details I love.  

Zeus Kincaid is a world-famous boxing champion, but there’s something missing in his life, and it’s his high school sweetheart, Cam.  When his boxing career was about to take off, Zeus broke up with Cam.  There’s a hole in his heart all these five years from missing her.  

Cam was broken after Zeus dumped her and refused to deal with her pregnancy.  Five years later, she has a precious little girl, Gigi, they live with her Aunt Elle, and they have a good, simple life going.  Gigi is well loved and well cared for.  

When Zeus sees Cam dancing in a nightclub, he’s astounded because she was supposed to be a ballerina with the New York Ballet.  She refuses to talk to him, so he looks her up at her house and gets the surprise of his life, a little girl with his eyes.  Turns out his manager hid this information from him and he never knew he had a daughter.

The book deals with Zeus forming a relation with his daughter and trying to make up with Cam.  It’s full of angst because Cam was too broken and betrayed.  Zeus is also betrayed by his manager.  His siblings all rally around and welcome Gigi to the family.  Aunt Elle stays uncommitted as she studies Zeus and his actions.  But the truly heartwarming part of this story is a father and daughter meeting and falling in love.  There were some heartbreaking scenes as a father yearns for those missed years!

Cam was a bit too stubborn forgiving Cam for something he truly didn’t do.  He didn’t betray her, he just did what was necessary so she would let him go.  And then he paid heartily for that mistake!  There’s a lot of redemption, accusation, betrayals and forgiveness in this book which had me in angst heaven.  Cam was a little frustrating in her stubbornness of not letting go of her grudge.  Very entertaining and heartfelt!

Purchase links

https://amzn.to/3IuQmkl

About the author 

Samantha Towle is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. 

A native of Hull, she lives in East Yorkshire with her husband, their son and daughter, and three large furbabies.

She is the author of contemporary romances, The Storm Series, The Revved Series, The Wardrobe Series, The Gods Series, and standalones, Trouble, When I Was Yours, The Ending I Want, Unsuitable, Under Her, River Wild, Dead Pretty, The Two Week Stand and Sacking the Quarterback which was written with James Patterson. She has also written paranormal romances, The Bringer and The Alexandra Jones Series. With over a million books sold, her titles have appeared in countless bestseller lists, and are currently translated into ten languages. To receive an email when Samantha releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter - http://samanthatowle.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up

Book Review: Three Strikes and You’re Mine, by R.S. Grey

 Quirky, funny and adorable!  Chloe is a pastry chef who lost her job in a restaurant and got this job taking care of a house in the Hamptons.  The owner arrives unexpectedly for the summer with his daughter and it turns out he’s Luke Allen, retired pitcher of the New York Pinstripes.  With no reason for staying, she pitches a deal to be their chef.  Once they try her food, both are convinced so she stays.  I have to say I was hungry all the time while I read this book.  All the delicacies and the breads and the desserts had me drooling!

Although initially they tried to keep a distance between employer and employee, little Harper broke all the boundaries, getting attached to Chloe. The chemistry between Luke and Chloe was irresistible!

Chloe and Luke’s attempts at keeping a distance were the source of most of the funny moments, since Chloe usually went ga-ga when Luke was nearby.  Chloe’s reactions to what was happening around her is the source of all my chortling while reading this!

The author wrote a book that was engaging and entertaining, writing a Chloe that has clumsy moments, word vomit, and outstanding talent in the kitchen.  Whoever said the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach hit it in this story!  Luke is an unassuming man, no ego in spite of being a talented and famous athlete, and little Harper was intelligent and caring and loving.  You could tell she needed a woman in her life and Chloe was it!

Secondary characters were fantastic! I loved Chloe’s riotous Italian family and Luke’s super active sister, Tate, who could run nine miles and keep a conversation.  She’s fun and supportive.  Can’t wait for her story!

Purchase links

Amazon: https://bit.ly/ThreeStrikesRSGrey 

About the author

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels. She lives in Texas with her husband and daughter, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com

Author Links:   

Website |  Facebook | R.S. Grey’s Little Reds Facebook Group | Newsletter | Instagram

Book review: Princess of Hawthorne Prep

Hawthorne Prep series #4

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Apart from the gazillion sexy times in this book, Delilah evolved, very slowly, from a meek and scared student to a young woman with spine.  It took a very arduous journey of stalking and tricks from her ex-boyfriend Jasper and being bullied to the point of degradation by Austin Hawthorne.  

Poor Delilah spends most of the book like a pariah in the school, scorned and insulted by the other seniors, faced Austin and Summer’s anger for accusations of events she had no explanation for, after one of Jasper’s tricks that involve incriminating photos.  

Apart from her personal problems, there is also the situation of her mother having an affair with the school headmaster, who happens to be married.  This is like a melodrama, everything that can go wrong goes wrong.  What never stops is the sex, even when Austin and Delilah were in the outs.

I only liked the last fifth part of the story, when Delilah finally got the guts to say to heck with everyone and stood on her own.  It does have an HEA but by this time I had no joy.

Purchase links

https://books2read.com/princessofhawthorneprep

About the author

Jennifer is a USA Today bestselling author who has published seventeen New Adult and Mature Young Adult novels.  Her novels have been translated into both German and Dutch.  Audiobooks are also in the works.  She has a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  She spent five years working as a high school counselor before relocating with her family.  Jennifer lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Instagram | Amazon | Bookbub | Goodreads | Website | TikTok | Newsletter

 

 

Book review: Jasper Vale, by Devney Perry

The Edens #5

Jasper & Eloise

Total fascination! This is one of Devney Perry’s best!  I was completely riveted by this story, and fascinated with Jasper Vale.  Initially, I thought that Eloise was a little immature by the way she wanted to keep their Vegas drunken marriage a secret from her family, but then as I continued to read the book, I saw her through Jasper’s eyes.  Her biggest feature is her tender heart and her spontaneity, the way she always expresses her feelings, her kindness and empathy.  For a guy like Jasper and his previous life, she was like a magnet he couldn’t resist.

Eloise’s only ambition is to own the Eloise Hotel.  Her parents have been giving pieces of the estate to all the Eden siblings. Griffin got the farm, Knox got the restaurant, Lyla got the pastry store, and Talia got her inheritance in money to pay for her medical career.  Mateo is still flying planes in Alaska.  And Eloise is vying to get the hotel, but a past problem with an employee marked her as “too tender hearted” and made her parents continue to make her jump through hoops to qualify as owner.  

In this story, we fall in love with Eloise and Jasper as they fall in love with each other.  In order for Eloise to appear responsible in front of her parents, they agree to fake their marriage.  And of course, the inevitable happens.  Both are irresistible!  Jasper’s past makes a come back and Eloise helps him through.  And meanwhile, we watch as Eloise opens Jasper’s barriers and makes a stone-faced man learn to smile and laugh.  Even better, she made a man who hated cuddling turn into a cuddler!  Moreover, we learn that underneath that hard interior is a man with a kind heart.  And Eloise? With Jasper’s help, she’s growing into what she’s always been, an unapologetic tender heart.

There’s a slight suspense in the story that ends in a super dramatic scene, completely surprising.  And the bonus epilogue is everything I didn’t know I needed.  Now on to Lyla’s story which promises to be outstanding!

Purchase links

FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wfKUfJ

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/JasperVale

Goodreads: https://geni.us/VtVvUdB

About the author 

Devney is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who lives in Washington with her husband and two sons. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her family. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop.

 

Connect with Devney

Website: www.devneyperry.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kncXnb

Amazon: https://geni.us/nAXkP

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/devneyperrybooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/324585607979213/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/devneyperry

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/devneyperry

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2v1Hr7t

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/devneyperry

Book review: Hail Mary, by Kandi Steiner

Red Zone Rivals #4

Mari & Leo

Great second chance, enemies to lovers story!  I love it when a girl transforms herself into a better version of herself, never letting go of her real essence.  Mary Silver was overweight, emo, and pimply when she was in high school.  She mostly hid in her room gaming Halo with online friends, until she started gaming with the Leo Hernandez, football star in her high school.  They were great online friends but when they met in person it was a disaster and she hated him afterwards.  Years later, in college, Leo is in North Boston U playing football and Mary is his neighbor.  He’s obsessed with her but she hates him, and he has no idea why.

Most of this book is spent in the misunderstanding that Mary hates Leo because he rejected her when they met in person.  Leo lives with a hole in his heart for the girl who ghosted him in high school.  It’s crazy to live under a delusion to finally learn that reality is different.  We get to live a lot of angsty foreplay, witty insulting banter between both.  The chemistry is strong but Leo can’t get rid of his cocky attitude and Mary is stuck to her grudges.

Both are wonderful persons.  I loved Leo’s attachment to his mother, the respect he has for her, and his love for tostones!  I loved the scene where he prepares them, exactly how they should be done, and with garlic sauce, my favorite.  I loved all his Spanish phrases.  Likewise I hurt for Mary’s issues with her mother who seems to be a constant nagging and scolding presence.  

I love how the author develops their love story as she gets them to know each other and overthrow their barriers first, before the truth comes out.  I love how Mary managed her image, from the pimply teenager to the curvy bombshell she currently is.  She went for her dream to be a tattoo artist even against her parents wishes and lived apart to sustain her goals.  

Lovely story and lovely characters, great finale for this series, with all of the characters making short appearances through the book!

Purchase links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QqAF1f

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/HailMaryKS

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3GeXksA

About the author

Kandi Steiner is an Amazon Top 5 bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing "emotional rollercoaster" stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance -- in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you're a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she's your gal.

An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women's Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her "freedom of press."

She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.

When Kandi isn't writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, playing with her fur babies and soaking up the sweetness of life.

 

Connect with Kandi

Website:  www.kandisteiner.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7319216.Kandi_Steiner

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kandi-Steiner/e/B00JDJOINE 

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kandilandks/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KandiSteiner

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kandi-steiner

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/kandisteiner

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner

Pinterest: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner

Book review: Never Enough, by Roxie Noir

Dirtshine #1: Gavin & Marisol 

Enchanting! Rockstar romances are my kryptonite and if you add fake girlfriend, it’s even better!  This is a new to me author and I loved the book, already got the next two in this series. Her writing is a perfect balance of wit, great pace, and wonderful characters.

Part of the plot involves two ex-junkies, so we’re also reading about the edgy world of addiction and rehab.  Gavin was the frontman of the rock band Dirtshine. Several months earlier he was in a drug scandal where he and another band-mate overdosed and ended in coma, and a roadie died.  After rehab and therapy, Gavin is again with the band, trying to fix his reputation. The other band mate, Liam, was Gavin’s childhood friend and original founder of Dirtshine with Gavin.  After leaving rehab, Liam went right back to his addictions so he was evicted from the band.  There’s guilty conflicts with Liam and he was a total jerk.

Gavin’s PR manager decided he needs a fake girlfriend to reassure his fans he’s living a good, normal life. He met Marisol Gomez in a secret concert, liked how unimpressed with him she was, and chose her. And of course, it got complicated!

I loved how the author developed the story. You don’t get endless babbling, the dialogues and action all serve to move the story forward, there are secondary characters that add dimension and you know they’re coming in future books, but they don’t intrude too much. You’re enveloped in this lovely couple as they discover each other and fall in love. 

Marisol is a law student, daughter of Guatemalan immigrants. She’s specializing in immigration law precisely to help other immigrants like her parents.  I found her to be such a well rounded character, full of personality and intelligence.  I loved Gavin’s character, full of passion, guilt, art, and a genuine desire to be Marisol’s forever.  

Truly entertaining, angsty and sexy and romantic, great read!

Purchase link

https://amzn.to/3KbVrjX

About the author

Roxie is a romance author by day, and also a romance author by night. She lives in Los Angeles with one husband, two cats, far too many books, and a truly alarming pile of used notebooks that she refuses to throw away.

Join her mailing list for release updates, free bonus scenes, and tons more!

http://www.roxienoir.com/newsletter