Book review: LOVE DEEP, by Louise Bay

Colorado Club Billionaires #2

Fisher & Juniper

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved Fisher and Juniper! They made more sense to me than the characters in the first book, Love Fast.  Both Fisher and Juniper had situations that kept them where they lived. Fisher has a company that represents artists, the studios are in New York, his base is there and many of his clients are there.  He’s the type who wants to meet with his clients face to face, not through online meeting apps, as others do.

Juniper is a single mom, her daughter Riley is her whole world, and she believes she will give Riley the best childhood right here in Star Falls, where they know everyone and they’re safe.  In a word, she was stuck on her town and not budging.

Juniper is an artist, but she gave up her chance at going to New York University to study art when she got pregnant.  Now, she works as a teacher assistant to pay the bills, and paints when she has time.  So, she doesn’t consider herself an artist and doesn’t feel comfortable when her paintings are praised.  

Fisher was struck on Juniper the first time they met at Grizzly’s bar.  He was also struck on their wings!  As they spend time together, Fisher falls more and more for the charms of the little town, and for Juniper.  Her bright smile, her genuine behavior, not entitled, not out to get something from him, captivate him and he wants more.

What I loved about this book is that a temporary fling was what Juniper and Fisher could have, given their circumstances, and they were clear and accepting of this.  However, as time goes on, as Fisher realizes the charm of the town, how much he’s falling for Juniper, and how much he likes Riley, he starts wanting more, and chaffing against the restrictions they imposed on themselves.

I loved the transition of their initial stance, to wavering on the brink of commitment and how they helped each other with their purpose in life.  Both learned to compromise in favor of a strong love, and both gained a lot because of it.  I also loved seeing characters from a previous book, Beau Cove and Vivian Cross from Dr. Fake Fiancé.  I couldn’t resist and did a nice re-read!

I found this story incredibly romantic and wonderful to read!

Purchase links

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱!

https://geni.us/LoveDeep

Audiobook Narrated by Shane East and Samantha Brentmoor

Audible US: https://geni.us/LDaudio

Audible UK: https://geni.us/LDaudioUK

Add to 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔: https://geni.us/lovedeepgr

About the author

International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes contemporary romance novels that make you laugh - the kind she likes to read.

Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry when she grows up.

Louise loves the rain, RHOBH, London, days when she doesn't have to wear make-up, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne (not necessarily in that order).

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

 

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Book review: HELL OF A MESS, by Abbi Glines

Mississippi Smoke #8

Luther & Lace

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Abbi Glines books are so addictive and I am having a great time with this Southern Mafia series.  The stories are enthralling, there’s passion, love, humor, sex, and some gritty Mafia stuff just to make it more spicy and dark.  However, this book was more of a love story, how a man who was completely against marriage and being tied to only one woman, falls hard for a woman who sees him as a hero.

This story stars Luther, one of the old guys in the group, Linc’s and Garret’s contemporary, and a grandfather.  But that doesn’t take away his sex appeal, and it’s amply shown by how fast Lace gets stuck on him, despite the age gap.

After being badly beaten and dumped behind a dumpster, Luther and Locke rescue her, take her to Luther’s and Linc’s mansion, and have the doctor they have on call attend to her.  She spends days in the hospital room they have in the basement, Luther accompanies her every morning, reading to her while drinking his morning coffee.  And getting roasted by the guys for it!

I loved how they connected, Lace sees Luther as her savior, and Luther feels a strange compulsion to protect her.  In spite of the strange circumstances, there’s trust on both parts, and Luther starts to like her, to like being with her and have conversations.  She feels safe with Luther, and in spite of having amnesia from her trauma, she knows this is the first time she gets affection from someone, after her mother died.  Once she recovers her memory, she remembers that she only had abuse from her father and he used her for his purposes.

There’s some action, but there’s more love and sex and feelings, and I enjoyed it hugely.  I was indifferent to Luther before in the series, but now I think he’s a wonderful person and just right to bring Lace to life.  The story has a huge plot twist midway through and it completely blows everything we thought was going to happen.  Kudos to the author for making it so fantastic!  There’s some angst and some scenes that made me want to cry.  So you could say that this book has everything and is a whole experience.

Purchase links

https://geni.us/HoMAG

About the author

Abbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, Field Party, and Existence series. She never cooks unless baking during the Christmas holiday counts. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. She finally moved to New England into a home that is 200 + years old with it's own ghosts. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but alas she being born in Alabama, her life in New England is as close as she will get. When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is reading, and/or watching Netflix like the introvert that she is. 

You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways:

www.abbiglinesbooks.com

TikTok @abbiglines

Twitter: @abbiglines

Instagram: @abbiglines

Snapchat: abbiglines

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

Book review: LITTLE PIECES OF LIGHT, by Emma Scott

I’m always a little afraid of starting a book by Emma Scott because I know she’ll take my heart through a wringer. And she did! She makes me cry but also gives me immense happiness. What a beautiful story, so much emotion and heart! I felt profound feelings of loss and love, two lovers who are soulmates, have the perfect chemistry, and as the story evolves, they also evolve into a perfect entanglement.

Xander has felt loss in his childhood when his mother left him and his father.  His father is a wonderful man, a genius, who through the development of the story goes in a mental decline due to neurological illness.  Xander, who is also a genius, feels the weight of honoring his father by continuing his work. He also feels an enduring love for a little girl who gave him grace when he was lonely and sad, just after his mother left.  Through the years, he wrote her many letters without a response, but he never forgot her.

Likewise, Emilia never forgot that remarkable boy she met at a park who captivated her with his brilliant and beautiful mind, his kindness and for seeing her, not just the rich girl.  

When they meet again, both have their destinies written for them, but once they get past their miscommunication, their closeness is too much to sustain any level of separation, because they are entangled, endlessly and completely.

While Xander’s father was a fountain of love and joy (and worry), Emilia’s father was evil through and through.  Xander felt pressed on continuing his father’s work, and Emilia felt oppressed by her father’s expectations.  I felt suspense and worry as the book progressed because their love was so beautiful but it felt like everything was against them. There are sub-plots that add levels to the story and show us that family is not just the one you grow with, but the one you make with friends.  

I hurt for Emilia’s hope of saving her family and keeping them together, but also marveled at her fortitude when her house of cards fell down. Xander was so strong, feeling like life was giving him punches one after another, and yet standing strong, loving and being there.  His brilliant mind was such that he absorbed and admired the brilliance of Emilia’s creativity and how it shone similar to his. There’s a scene I loved where he shows her how he sees the world in equations while she sees the same things with her images.  Very Impressive!

There’s a meaningful phrase in the book, referring to the origin of the atoms that comprise our bodies:

“I love to think we’re pieces of the huge stars that light up the universe. They came together to make us, then dissolve away when we die. But we never wink out for good. We just keep going, our little pieces of light, coming together again and again, forever.”

But for me, the little pieces of light were bright moments during the story that stayed in my mind and gave me joy, like when Xander’s Math club had a party in Xander’s house and honored his father; when Ms. Alvarez helped Emilia obtain entrance and financial aid to UCLA; the few times that Emilia’s mother stood up for her; when Xander’s team won the first regatta and he won the respect and admiration of the coach and the team; when the doctor treating Dr. Ford and said he was kind and full of joy and his favorite patient.

As in all her books, the author shares some of her life experiences.  I felt her immense sadness and loss in the final scenes when Xander and Emilia’s worlds crack down, and also felt her resilience when both our lovers get up and forge on, honoring the people they lost.

Purchase links

About the author

Emma Scott is a USA Today and Wall St. Journal bestselling author whose books have been translated in seven languages and featured in BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, New York Daily News and USA Today’s Happy Ever After. She writes emotional, character-driven romances in which art and love intertwine to heal, and in which love always wins. If you enjoy emotionally-charged stories that rip your heart out and put it back together again, with diverse characters and kind-hearted heroes, you will enjoy her novels. Visit www.emmascottwrites.com

Follow Emma Scott

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Email: emmascottpromo@gmail.com

Book review: LUCKY, by Sawyer Bennett

Pittsburg Titans #18

Lucky & Winnie

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sawyer Bennett hit it out of the park with this one! Lighthearted, entertaining, so cute and approachable! Who hasn’t watched and been entertained by TikTok? I usually cringe, laugh, and love the reels posted there, and it turns out that Lucky and Winnie are stars in the app.  Lucky’s posts are cocky, funny, sometimes ridiculous, he doesn’t have any shame on showing his dance moves, and he has a huge following.  Winnie is more like the average girl, showing her vulnerabilities and her desires of finding a decent, average man to date.  Best of all, her posts include Buttermilk, her judgy pet, a rabbit who thumps his disapproval quite frequently, especially about his meal times.

When Winnie starts a challenge, thirty days of dating a nice, average man, and asks her followers for recommendations, Lucky chances on it, and offers himself as a date.  And he’s struck dumb when Winnie doesn’t want him because he’s not average; he’s a famous pro hockey player!

It’s so cute when Lucky strives to be average, he couldn’t even if he wore a disguise. At least he carries great snacks all the time!

It took some convincing but Winnie gives in and dates the guy.  He’s a great date, hits all the bookmarks of what an average date would do, follows her guidance, and they’re having a blast.  Until the media, which was positive up to now, starts to turn dark and bullying.

I loved many things about the story, but what I loved the most was Winnie’s vulnerability and Lucky’s goodheartedness.  He may be over the top, but underneath is a genuine guy who greatly appreciates a woman who is real, and it not afraid to be seen without makeup.  Together they are dynamite, but the public was not kind.

I perceived the message about social media, that it’s not all positive and to be aware of the pitfalls.  Cyber bullying is real and dangerous, and I love that the author addressed this issue. Apart from that, I loved the love story, the team mates who are always there wanting to know what’s going on, willing to help out, the girlfriends who embrace Winnie, and the steamy times. Oh, and Lucky’s calls to his momma asking for love advice!

Purchase links

📱Ebook: https://geni.us/STORE_LuckyEbook  

🎧 Audio: https://geni.us/STORE_LuckyAudio 

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).

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:  https://geni.us/SawyerBennett

Book review: CRAZY IN LOVE, by Laura Pavlov

Rosewood River #4

Bridger & Emilia

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the kind of book I love to read. It’s so engaging, so entertaining, that it’s a joy to read. I loved it from start to finish.  Lighthearted in spite of some angsty parts. I actually didn’t know how the author would redeem Bridger Chadwick because he was such a jerk to Emilia throughout all the series.  But she not only made him into a decent man, she made me love him! 

Bridger thinks Emilia is the author of “The Taylor Tea”, which has targeted his family many times, and he’s always rude to her.  In one last episode, he called her out in her own flower shop, caused someone to egg the shop’s walls and windows, and she’s demanding an apology.

The ruckus that forms from this demand is a hoot.  The girlfriends form a boycott from the pickleball tournaments, the brother’s chat runs rife with insults and scolds.  And there’s a very prominent excuse for an apology, a Japanese toilet with all the bells and whistles, that causes a big scandal.  This infamous toilet felt like another character in the book!

Then, as the book evolves, I realized that Bridger is a grump on the outside, and a softie on the inside.  He’s full of good feelings, just hides them in defense.  Once Emilia proves her innocence (read the book to find out how!), Bridger realizes he had a drudge that was not fair, based on lies, and had caused a lot of misery to Emilia.  And our romance is on to a blast!

I loved how they grew to friendship and to love, all Bridger’s attempts to help Emilia with her new business and her relationship with her parents.  She brings light to his darkness, laughter to his grumpiness, and I was delighted with how they were together.  I loved the sex scenes full of laughter and how she opened his heart to love.  

So the story is full of laughter and steam, some hysterical moments (Rafe’s proposal scene), a man who is given lessons on love by his niece Melody and nephew Beefcake, and a mother who finally convinces him he’s her shiniest light.  The book is mostly lighthearted, I smiled a lot through the story, but has a lot of family love, emotions, and anger.  A complete fiesta of tropes and love!

Purchase links

FREE with #kindleunlimited 

Ebook: https://geni.us/crazyinlove

Paperback: https://geni.us/CrazyinLovePB

Hardcover: Coming soon!

Audible: http://bit.ly/4ppqw5Z

Narrated by Jason Clarke & Vanessa Vasquez

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4litbfI

About the author

Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome almost-grown kids, and dog-whisperer to one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. Laura resides in Las Vegas where she is living her own happily ever after. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves to hear from readers!

 

Connect with Laura

Website: https://www.laurapavlov.com/

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