Category Archives: romance reviews

Review: BUSINESS OR PLEASURE by Rachel Lynn Solomon

IMG_5929BUSINESS OR PLEASURE by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Publication Date: July 4, 2023

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis

IMG_5922A ghostwriter and a struggling actor help each other on the page and in the bedroom in this steamy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk.

Chandler Cohen has never felt more like the ghost in “ghostwriter” until she attends a signing for a book she wrote—and the author doesn’t even recognize her. The evening turns more promising when she meets a charming man at the bar and immediately connects with him. But when all their sexual tension culminates in a spectacularly awkward hookup, she decides this is one night better off forgotten.

Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.

Chandler’s determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought it was, he’s distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when they’re not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure—or if there’s a way for them to have both.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this sexy little contemporary romance. For me it was refreshing and new in several ways. Each of them had vulnerabilities and issues I could relate to, which made me invested in their future. I adored Finn. He wasn’t the stereotypical alpha male, but instead a bit of a nerd (Lord of the Rings fan which made me love him more.) and a bit unsure of himself. Chandler had her own hidden insecurities that made her the perfect one to understand Finn. I loved how they dealt with issues – honestly and maturely. Especially about Finn’s poor performance in the bedroom. It was refreshing to not deal with angst, tantrums, or drama. The book didn’t need that to drive the story. This novel dealt with OCD and self-doubt, but in a way that was not preachy. It was real, humorous, sexy, and fun.

*Review copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her next book, Business or Pleasure, will be published in July 2023. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon or online at rachelsolomonbooks.com.

Review: LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood

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LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood

Publication Date: June 13, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

IMG_7474Rival physicists collide in a vortex of academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans in this delightfully STEMinist romcom from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.

The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people-pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and arrogant older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And he’s the same Jack Smith who rules over the physics department at MIT, standing right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

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If you like quick banter and fast, rambling inner thoughts – then this book is for you. Elsie is a genius yet has such an inferiority complex that it makes her quite the people pleaser. This in turn does her no favors in life. I loved her quick wit and laughed at some of her inner thoughts. However, her need to please seemed a bit extreme and not consistent with her level of intelligence. Her blindness to other’s treatment frustrated me, especially her mentor. Jack is also a physicist that at first came across as controlled and brooding. It didn’t take long to see he was a rather caring person and up to the task of pulling Elsie out of her self-imposed misery. The storyline was filled with a bit too much science and academia for me, but that is a personal opinion. I just seemed to get lost in it all and found myself skimming a few places that dragged. It is a verbally fast paced book, (If that makes sense), that had me smiling quite a few times.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links
Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

Ali Hazelwood is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis, as well as a writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).

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Review: MRS. NASH’S ASHES by Sarah Adler

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MRS. NASH’S ASHES by Sarah Adler

Publication Date: May 23, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

IMG_5531A starry-eyed romantic, a cynical writer, and (the ashes of) an elderly woman take the road trip of a lifetime that just might upend everything they believe about true love.

Millicent Watts-Cohen is on a mission. When she promised her elderly best friend that she’d reunite her with the woman she fell in love with nearly eighty years ago, she never imagined that would mean traveling from D.C. to Key West with three tablespoons of Mrs. Nash’s remains in her backpack. But Millie’s determined to give her friend a symbolic happily-ever-after, before it’s (really) too late—and hopefully reassure herself of love’s lasting power in the process.

She just didn’t expect to have a living travel companion.

After a computer glitch grounds flights, Millie is forced to catch a ride with Hollis Hollenbeck, an also-stranded acquaintance from her ex’s MFA program. Hollis certainly does not believe in happily-ever-afters—symbolic or otherwise—and makes it quite clear that he can’t fathom Millie’s plan ending well for anyone.

But as they contend with peculiar bed-and-breakfasts, unusual small-town festivals, and deer with a death wish, Millie begins to suspect that her reluctant travel partner might enjoy her company more than he lets on. Because for someone who supposedly doesn’t share her views on romance, Hollis sure is becoming invested in the success of their journey. And the closer they get to their destination, the more Millie has to admit that maybe this trip isn’t just about Mrs. Nash’s love story after all—maybe it’s also about her own.

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I can’t believe this is Sarah Adler’s debut novel. I loved it! I’ll admit I wasn’t sure at first, but Millie was just too delightful not to fall in love with. Her quirky behavior never became stupid or forced on the page, it was just fun. Hollis was the perfect counterpoint to her. The author effortlessly portrayed his reluctant romantic hiding behind snippy behavior. It was a joy to watch their relationship blossom amid quick and witty banter. And my-oh-my, that romance turned nice and steamy.

Amid the storyline there were some flashbacks to Mrs. Nash’s life and love. Normally I do not like flashback scenes as they tend to pull me from the story. That being said – It was done effortlessly and blended perfectly into the story. I got two love stories in one. Overall, the book was a fun and emotional journey that will stay with me. Sarah Adler is now on my list of favorite authors.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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Sarah Adler writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband and daughter and spends an inordinate amount of her time yelling at her mischievous cat to stop opening the kitchen cabinets. Mrs. Nash’s Ashes is her debut novel.

You can find her at sarahadlerwrites.com, or on Twitter (@sarahaadler) and Instagram (@sarahadlerwrites).

Review: SUMMER READING by Jenn McKinlay

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SUMMER READING by Jenn McKinlay

Publication Date: May 16, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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When a woman who’d rather do anything than read meets a swoon-worthy bookworm, sparks fly, making for one hot-summer fling in New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay’s new rom-com.

For Samantha Gale, a summer on Martha’s Vineyard at her family’s tiny cottage was supposed to be about resurrecting her career as a chef, until she’s tasked with chaperoning her half-brother, Tyler. The teenage brainiac is spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition, and there’s no place Sam, who has dyslexia, likes less than the library. And because the universe hates her, the library’s interim director turns out to be the hot-reader guy whose book she accidentally destroyed on the ferry ride to the island.

Bennett Reynolds is on a quest to find his father, whose identity he’s never known. He’s taken the temporary job on the island to research the summer his mother spent there when she got pregnant with him. Ben tells himself he isn’t interested in a relationship right now. Yet as soon as Sam knocks his book into the ocean, he can’t stop thinking about her.

An irresistible attraction blossoms when Ben inspires Sam to create the cookbook she’s always dreamed about and she jumps all in on helping him find his father, and soon they realize their summer fling may heat up into a happily ever after.

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This book turned out to be a delightful story. At first, I wasn’t sure about Sam, and it took a little bit for me to get to know her. The writing almost made her defined by her dyslexia and not who she was as a person. Her personality did come through after a bit, and I found that I liked and could relate to her. Ben was almost too good to be true, so his immediate attraction to her was confusing. It was a pleasure to read how their personalities came through and the relationship grew. I also loved watching Sam’s relationship with her brother evolve. That made me smile as much as the romance part of the book. I have to say that I think the book was a bit wordy, but the story is a true feel-good escape and nice introduction to Martha’s Vineyard. I do believe the next book will be about Sam’s Friend, Em. I liked her and look forward to what Ms. McKinlay has in store for her.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle | Paperback

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Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romantic comedy series. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Visit her website at: www.jennmckinlay.com

Or follow her:
Facebook: JennMcKinlayAuthor
Instagram: @mckinlayjenn

Review: GHOSTLY GAME by Christine Feehan

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GHOSTLY GAME (A GhostWalker Novel Book 19) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: May 2, 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

IMG_5079It’s fight or flight in this sultry, suspenseful GhostWalker novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Gideon “Eagle” Carpenter is used to rolling with the punches life has thrown at him. It’s the only thing that’s kept him alive. He and his team of GhostWalkers have seen and experienced it all. He does his best to live with all the sins written on his soul. Then he hears the laughter of a woman with the ability to erase—even for a few precious moments—the darkness of his past.

Laurel “Rory” Chappel has always been a nomad. She’s accustomed to taking care of herself, despite the physical challenges she lives with. She thinks she’s too weak to find real love, but that doesn’t stop her interest in Gideon from turning into a full-on addiction. He’s all rough edges and danger contrasted with a tenderness that makes her feel safe. Still, after a life spent in motion, she’s not sure she knows how to stay in one place.

Gideon hopes he can persuade Rory to take a chance on him with every electric touch. But soon, life conspires against him, forcing the GhostWalker to risk everything to protect the woman he loves….

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I believe this is my favorite Ghostwalker installment. I immediately liked them both and understood their reactions to each other and the danger around them. Rory’s past, though forgotten, caused her nightmares and made her afraid to trust. Gideon has many demons from his past as well, yet they help each other break open their shells and find love. The romance was sweet, yet turbulent..I loved it. I didn’t realize until I finished that this book was not as steamy as Ms. Feehan’s usual style. I didn’t miss it at all. It flowed smoothly and believably. The storyline was almost twofold. Separate mysteries swirling around with a lot of drama and danger. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I enjoyed it all.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

Amazon Series Link

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image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

#GhostlyGame #NetGalley

Review: BAYOU BELOVED by Lexi Blake

 

IMG_4809BAYOU BELOVED (Butterfly Bayou Series Book 6) by Lexi Blake

Publication Date: March 28, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

IMG_4802When a woman returns home to Louisiana’s Butterfly Bayou, her high school crush finally notices she exists, in a small-town contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.

Quaid Havery always planned to follow in his father’s footsteps. He went to law school and then came home to take over his dad’s legal practice. Being the only lawyer in small-town Papillon, Quaid is pretty sure he’s seen everything. After all, he was once asked to sue an alligator for defamation of character. He’s prepared for anything the town can throw at him, until he encounters Jayna Cardet. She’s gorgeous, smart, funny, and unlike any woman he’s met before….Except he has.

Jayna never thought she’d return to Papillon, but when her life gets turned around she must learn to live in the close-knit community again. She certainly never dreamed she would practice law in her little town, but she finds herself in the courtroom, and the opposing counsel is her former high school crush, Quaid. It wouldn’t be so bad if the man had developed a beer belly, but Quaid is more handsome than ever. And instead of ignoring her like he did in high school, he’s made it plain that he wants to get to know her.

Thus begins a courtship destined to end in a wedding or a war. Either way, the locals are popping some corn and eagerly awaiting the outcome.

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I’ve enjoyed the stories in Papillon. The townspeople are delightfully quirky and yet real. Quaid, the town’s lawyer, is almost too good to be true, like a vintage sitcom. I liked him immediately yet couldn’t understand his attraction to Jayna. She was a bit caustic, and it took me quite a bit to warm up to her and feel she was a good match for him. Their chemistry grew and was enjoyable to watch in their legal battles, as well as their blossoming relationship. The banter between them, friends, and family was fun, as well as the court cases. I did feel that all the family drama was a bit much for this book. Especially when everything just magically resolved. But overall, it was a fun nice read about a town and people I like. 

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

Amazon Series Link

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About the Author

imageNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

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Review: JANE & EDWARD: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edwards

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JANE & EDWARD: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edwards

Publication Date: March 21, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

0FCA6F83-69CB-4667-9670-E68D8FEB1849This powerful reimagining of Jane Eyre, set in a modern-day law firm, is full of romance and hope as it follows the echoing heartbeats of the classic story.

A former foster kid, Jane has led a solitary life as a waitress in the suburbs, working hard to get by. Tired of years of barely scraping together a living, Jane takes classes to become a legal assistant and shortly after graduating accepts a job offer at a distinguished law firm in downtown Toronto. Everyone at the firm thinks she is destined for failure because her boss is the notoriously difficult Edward Rosen, the majority stakeholder of Rosen, Haythe & Thornfield LLP. But Jane has known far worse trials and refuses to back down when economic freedom is so close at hand.

Edward has never been able to keep an assistant—he’s too loud, too messy, too ill-tempered. There’s something about the quietly competent, delightfully sharp-witted Jane that intrigues him though. As their orbits overlap, their feelings begin to develop—first comes fondness and then something more. But when Edward’s secrets put Jane’s independence in jeopardy, she must face long-ignored ghosts from her past and decide if opening her heart is a risk worth taking.

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I can’t believe this is a debut novel for Ms. Edwards. I loved it and could not put it down. I’ll admit that I don’t remember the storyline of Jane Eyre, so I was not stuck comparing different aspects of the story.

Jane was so calm on the outside, seeming to take life day by day. But on the inside her thoughts were spot on and relatable to me. I liked her immediately. I loved how she grew to find that she always had strength and courage inside her. Then there is Edward. He was a quirky and temperamental tornado that most saw as a jerk. But Jane and the reader saw through that early on. He too had his demons to overcome. I think they recognized and related to each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Yes, he screwed up badly, but I couldn’t dislike him for it. I even admired and understood Jane’s response. That made it a joy to see how the story resolved itself. Witty dialogue, fast paced writing, and a lovely romance.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

Melodie Edwards has a BA from the University of Toronto, a master’s degree from McMaster University and Syracuse University (2023), studied comedy writing at the Second City Training Centre, and works in communications. Jane & Edward is her first novel.

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Review: IN ISABEAU’S EYES (Kentucky Nights Book 1) by Lora Leigh

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IN ISABEAU’S EYES (Kentucky Nights Book 1) by Lora Leigh

Publication Date: March 21, 2023

Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Contemporary Romance

Synopsis291DE0A0-D8E2-492E-89C0-3E60A75DB276The first novel in a new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh—you’ve met the Mackays; now it’s time to meet their friends.

Danger is stalking Isabeau Boudreaux. After the deaths of her parents ten years ago during a violent attack that left her blind, remnants of her vision are returning. But a series of accidents has convinced her friends the Mackays of Somerset, Kentucky, that someone wants her dead. When a roadside blowout proves to be almost fatal for Isabeau and her good friend Angel, Angel’s brother mercenary Tracker Calloway knows this was no accident.

After a particularly bloody job, the last thing Tracker wants to do is get involved. But whoever is after Isabeau almost hurt his sister, and Isabeau is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Tracker is determined to protect her but knows staying away from Isabeau is impossible. He begins a steady seduction to tempt the innocent woman into a world of hunger like she could have never imagined. And keeping her is the only option—if he can save her from an unknown enemy as her sight begins to slowly return.

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Donna 4 stars

I liked Isabeau. She was strong and resilient, able to stand up for herself without being a harpy. Yes, she made some silly mistakes in judgement, but that is also part of the story. Tracker was Ms. Leigh’s typical alpha male (with all the good and bad thrown in). He appreciated her strengths and helped her along. As happens, there was no real build up to their romance and instead combusted rather quickly. I enjoyed their chemistry and didn’t mind their insta-lust. The story itself was exciting and yet a bit confusing. I wanted to rate this book a 5, but it all got rather convoluted with so many characters that were just there – like we were supposed to know who they were. The Mackays from the Nauti series were included in the book and it has been quite a while since I’ve read them. I should have gone back to refresh my memory as to the relationship. Then so many other characters that were treated as if I should know who they were and why they were there. Like I said – confusing. It brought me out of the story at times. Now that I have a feel for this series, I can’t wait for the next book.

*Review copy provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback 

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Lora Leigh lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky, often found absorbing the ambience of this peaceful setting. She dreams in bright, vivid images of the characters intent on taking over her writing life, and fights a constant battle to put them on the hard drive of her computer before they can disappear as fast as they appeared. Lora’s family, and her writing life co-exist, if not in harmony, in relative peace with each other. Surrounded by a menagerie of pets, friends, and a teenage son who keeps her quick wit engaged, Lora’s life is filled with joys, aided by her fans whose hearts remind her daily why she writes.

She can often be found daydreaming and plotting and planning with the varied characters that fill her imagination when she isn’t planning her flower gardens, watching the horses romp outside her home, or spending time with the family and pets she fills her life with. Writing is her passion, her peace, and her lifeline. She hopes you enjoy the stories, and that you visit her website http://www.loraleigh.com often for updates and news on characters and upcoming books.

Website | Facebook | Amazon

Review: THE LOVE WAGER by Lynn Painter

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THE LOVE WAGER by Lynn Painter 

Publication Date: March 14, 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

E317A2B0-B81B-4309-A1B1-9CBC0D4E29C3Two people make a wager on who can find love first, not realizing what they should be betting on is each other, in this new romantic comedy by Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of Mr. Wrong Number.

Hallie Piper is turning over a new leaf. After belly-crawling out of a hotel room (hello, rock bottom), she decides it’s time to become a full-on adult. She gets a new apartment, a new haircut, and a new wardrobe, but when she logs onto the dating app that she has determined will find her new love, she sees none other than Jack, the guy whose room she snuck out of.

After agreeing they are absolutely not interested in each other, Jack and Hallie realize they’re each other’s perfect wing-person in their searches for The One. They text each other about their dates, often scheduling them at the same restaurant so that if things don’t go well, the two of them can get tacos afterward.

Spoiler: they get a lot of tacos together.

Discouraged by the lack of prospects, Jack and Hallie make a wager to see who can find true love first, but when they agree to be fake dates for a weekend wedding, all bets are off. As they pretend to be a couple, lines become blurred and they both struggle to remember why the other was a bad idea to begin with.

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I enjoyed this fast-paced witty story. Hallie and Jack were both people I identified with, and they had me grinning throughout their journey. The banter between them was easy and never felt forced for the sake of laughter. Their blossoming friendship pulled me in and kept me invested in their relationship. The sexy time was also fun and hot, making the story flow into a lovely romance. The friends and family around them added to the group camaraderie that I always enjoy in a book. The storyline was entertaining, even when some situations made my eyes roll.  A fun read that still has me smiling.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.  

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Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

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About the author

Lynn Painter is the USA Today and New York Times Bestselling Author of BETTER THAN THE MOVIES. She writes romantic comedies for teens and adults, and when she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found binge-watching rom-coms or shotgunning energy drinks.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Review: THE PHANTOM by Gena Showalter

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THE PHANTOM (The Warlord Series Book 3) by Gena Showalter

Publication Date: February 7, 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

A5CB9EDA-0B57-4217-88CA-AAF59BC87559New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter delivers The Phantom, the newest book in her dark and sexy Rise of the Warlords series.

As the son of a war god, Roux Pyroesis has suffered unending pain—he’s caused it, too, dispatching his foes with alarming ease. Now, he’s tasked with cutting out the heart of a powerful queen who rules an ancient prison realm inhabited by the most vicious immortal females in existence.

Blythe the Undoing is a decorated harpy warrior determined to annihilate Roux, the invader who killed her beloved consort. Nothing will stop her. Even if she must trap herself for eternity by sneaking into the brutal realm and taking the crown, pitting herself against the merciless male she’s sworn to despise.

Having never known desire, Roux is ill prepared for the stunning beauty who challenges him at every turn. For the survival of his army, duty comes first. Always. But what happens when the flames of Blythe’s hatred burn out and she craves him too…but only one of them can live?

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Cori 5 Stars

Gena Showalter never disappoints! This was my first read this year because I knew it would be a good and I want to start the year off right. THE PHANTOM is an enemies to lovers troupe with instant chemistry between the characters. Gena Showalter is master at creating unique and exciting new paranormal worlds that draw the reader in. I instantly got swept up again in the Warlord series world and drawn into Roux and Blythe’s story. It kept me glued to the pages and had plenty of action, steamy hot romance, some humor and unforgettable characters.

The Warlord Series is a spin-off series from The Lords of the Underground Series but you do not need to read it before picking up this series. I highly recommend the LOTU series though. It’s one of my favorites. Each book in the Warlord series is a standalone but I recommend reading them in order.

I highly recommend this book and this series for paranormal romance lovers. Gena Showalter always delivers an unforgettable story that I end up rereading. She’s on my auto-buy list.

*Review copy provided by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

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About the Author

411A3C05-FDF9-4C09-BE5D-F743C622384CGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she’s appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours…hours! Her books have been translated in multiple languages.

She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfan

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