What a wonderful extended epilogue this turned out to be. I always love it when authors give us these short little stories that are so delightful. I had a blast with this where we see a wedding and the beautiful reuniting of the twin de Wolfe brothers. It was so poignant and perfect in every way. I just couldn't get enough of it. And now I can't wait for the next adventure for this author to take me on!!!

 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Loving Lies is the second installment in the "Granton University" series and this is one of this author's first series and I have been meaning to work my way through her backlist. This has been a trilogy I have been wanting to get to for quite some time. After the first book, I really couldn't wait but to step inside this one. I was very impressed with this one, and definitely had Linda Kage's balance of humor and emotion that she portrays so talently. Loving Lies was so intriguing in the set up especially as we are dealing with the after effects of a shooting. I would say if you are triggered by such events, to be aware before picking this one up. Loving Lies is a story of secrets from all avenues, its a instant love attraction but takes time for our couple to truly find their way together and delivers in all the swoony feels.

First Line
It was a good day to be a good person.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Jonah Abbott
Jonah is suffering from Amnesia after being shot by the boy we know as "Einstein". He is thoughtful and a bit of a grouch. But lights up when Tess is near.

The Heroine: Tess Simpson
Tess is bright and bubbly and beyond sweet. She is more of a follower than a leader. But is coming into her own and finding her own path of strength and forging ahead.

Summary
Tess Simpson has a kinda and caring heart and she suffers when she sees others suffer. When she drags her best friend with her to volunteer to work at the hospital, she hears of a amnesiac who is alone, has no one that has visited him. When she visits him, there is an instant attraction between the two. And even though Jonah senses that she is lying to him, he plays along with her game. He doesn't trust easily and when his memory returns, he wants to know if she is out there to deceive him or if she is real. When the truth comes out on who Jonah truly is though, he is caught in a horrible scandal that was unknowingly brought by Tess. Even though Tess had honest good intentions it went completely wrong. And now she is determined to find her way back to him despite the rumors that he was part of the bullies of Einstein. And when Jonah and Tess find their way together amidst the drama and chaos, they find a love worth fighting for and where healing can truly begin for both of them...

What I Loved
Loving Lies is a breathtaking romance that will take your heart by storm. I honestly couldn't get enough of this one here. I just wanted so much for this couple to find their way and they most definitely do and its delightful. There was so much charm and delights to this book especiall in the early chapters with Jonah and Tess. And I found it hilarious how Tess gets so nervous around hot men and how she just verbally stumbles. I knew this lie would get her and it does haha But in a different way than you would expect. The ways in which this couple finds their way back to each other was so fun and while it was a bit of a emotional road, the author really guides the reader through the angst and trial and to the glorious swoons. I absolutely loved the third act, it was everything I could have hoped for and more. I just want to live in their moments together. And seeing Jonah find healing and a solid HEA was very well balanced with the story.

What I Struggled With
I didn't really struggle with anything in here to be honest. I felt like everything was done just right.

Overall View
Loving Lies is a stunning portrayal of love and loss, of redemption and healing, and forging your own path that matches your heart...

Favorite Quote(s)
After everything that’s happened, I’d think we’d have learned by now that every second we have is a gift we shouldn’t squander by worrying about things happening too fast. If we have a chance to be happy, then we should grasp it with both hands and hang on tight for as long as it lasts

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: College Student, Athlete
Themes: Football
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Amnesia, Grumpy Sunshine, Instant Love Connection

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
a blend of both

Song This Book Inspires
All Out of Love by Air Supply

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order if you can

Steam/Spice Explanations

Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments. 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
DarkWolfe is a story that I was very eager for because it features another half to a story that I had read previously from this series. In reality I think you should read DarkWolfe and Shadowwolfe together as they are twins and they both suffer a tragedy but yet go different paths. I was very intrigued to get the story from DarkWolfe and seeing the POV from Troy as I have already read Scott's view of the event. And Troy definitely went a very different route in facing grief than Scott ever did. I really adored Troy. He was left and abandoned by his twin and forced to face up to the grief. And we see how that has worn on him but in some ways he is more closed off to love than even Scott. But this story was very different than I expected it to be and I adored seeing these two who begin as enemies and form a strong bond to each other and work together in their arranged marriage that I just loved seeing.

First Line
She was cold to the touch.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Troy de Wolfe
Twin to the first born of William de Wolfe. A powerful knight in his own right and just as capable of being a leader and a fighter. He is a widower having lost his wife and two daughters in a accident. Has one surviving son in training.

The Heroine: Rhoswyn Whitton Kerr
Rhoswyn was the only child to her father, and when her mother passed, she was trained as if she was a son and a warrior. All she knows is how to be a man and to fight on the battlefield.

Summary
When the de Wolfe go to protect their lands and people from raiders on the Scottish border, they claim the tower on a Scottish land, but Troy finds himself the honorary warrior to not only battle their best fight to claim the land but no matter who wins or loses both of them will be forced to marry because this fight will be one pitting a man against a woman. But Troy and Rhoswyn are both pawns in this game. And even though at first they are enemies, they quickly call a truce with each other and start working as a couple in their new marriage that neither of them have had a choice in. But as they start to work together in learning what it means to be husband and wife, there is a dangerous plot that could destroy everything that they are working to build...

What I Loved
DarkWolfe was a delightful installment and I had a blast breezing through this one here. It was really interesting seeing how Le Veque set this one up. Just be warned that it takes a while before our characters meet each other, about 30%. It didn't bother me though, it really was needed to set up their marriage and their battle haha But I really enjoyed seeing how these two get on. The heroine does have a lot to learn though. And I felt like Troy is just the perfect teacher. He is so patient and understanding with her. Even the third act conflict definitely made sense. What really impressed me the most was that when it matters, these two make a truce and make the best of the circumstances that they are both thrown in. They act like adults when it comes to being responsible and giving honor to their parents, which back in medieval times, was pretty vital to survival back then. I loved the family connections that we see focused on.

The relationship that builds between Troy and Rhoswyn was so wonderful to see. They both are like babes when it comes to learning what it takes to building home. Rhoswyn knows literally nothing on what it means to be a wife or being a chatelaine. And does she learn but not without some help from friends of Troy. I really enjoyed seeing Troy and Rhoswyn find their way together. They never give up on each other and keeping working on their marriage which I found so encouraging. We see some great depth in the last act especially and boy does Le Veque really tackle on the emotion so brilliantly there. You will definitely need your box of tissues with this one.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't too much that I struggled with, I kinda wish that the relationship had been more flushed out and it could have used at least another 50-100 pages to focus on the romance more. We spend the first 30% of the book building up to their first meeting, so I do think there could have been more relationship building time put into the story.

Overall View
DarkWolfe was a superb read that delivered in the atmospheric vibes that I adore seeing a medieval romance and all the feels that the author placed in the story captured the moments perfectly! Definitely eager for more!

Favorite Quote(s)
“I am not strong,” he said. “I simply did what needed to be done. Running from grief does not make it go away.”

“Things like this… they happen, Atty. Women die and men die. It is the way of life. But I would like to think that in the grand scheme of things, a death serves a higher purpose. Mayhap we do not understand what the purpose is when it happens but, in time, we will see the light. We will see that everything in life happens as it should.”

You were in the dream and you told me that I must come to you. I am here if you want me and for the rest of my life, I shall belong to you and only you. And I will adore you until the day I die.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance
Time Era: England= Plantagenet + House of Lancaster
Character Types: Warrior/Soldier, Knights and Ladies, Highlander, Widower, Single Parent, Single Dad.
Themes: Family Saga, Kick Ass
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
Somewhere-Glee Cast

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments. 

 Bound by Wreckage was a really heartbreaking story. This is where you need to be careful if you are triggered by certain elements of sexual assault. The heroine is basically being raped by her brother, and used by his men. She literally is treated like a sex slave and she has no hope in the world. Until she meets Nox. there is a encounter that allows her the opportunity to escape this life and have hope once more but her life is in danger as is the club if its found out who rescued her and placed her in a safe place. But their relationship is forbidden as long as her brother is alive.

This is a story that tackles some tough issues but it also delivers a poignant story. This is definitely one of my more recent favorites. I was on board with their relationship from the beginning but the serial plot does give us a cliffhanger here so I can't wait to pick up the next read. 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
The Outlaw Hearts has always been a personal favorite of mine. I haven't been able to find a couple that can even come close to compare to Jake and Miranda. The way that we have seen their relationship grow over the decades is beautiful and simply majestic. Rosanne Bittner has crafted a masterpiece with this series. And when she announced that she would be doing another Jake and Randy novel, I was more than thrilled. Don't get me wrong, I want some Lloyd and grandson Jake and get their books, but I don't think I will be ever ready to say goodbye to this couple. They will live on rent free in my mind forever. If you are a fan of the series, than Shadow Trail is going to be a delight to read. We see more happening with the Harkner family. A woman from Jake's past comes and throw a hurdle in the way of our couple but we see how Jake and Randy come together in such unity along with their children and their families and seeing the ways in which they overcome the conflicts ahead of them and come out stronger in the end.

First Line
There it was. Something Miranda had not seen in years. The look in his eyes was pure outlaw Jake, that one side of him she had never been able to control.

Summary
Jake and Randy Harkner have been settling into their ranch life in the lovely mountains in Colorado. They are surrounded by their children and grandchildren, and learning to adjust to the changes of the turn of the century. Its now 1902, and life is very different from when they were first married. Their son Lloyd is struggling with his marriage as they lost a child and his wife is struggling with post partum depression. Then we have a woman that comes from Jake's past, a past that he never revealed to his wife, Randy. A woman who betrayed him in the worst way but she comes bearing secrets that Jake never imagined. But his greatest fear, is losing Randy to these secrets that he never revealed. But as Jake and Randy take on this conflict with courage and strength, they along with their family are tested in ways that will only bring them closer than ever before....but will the danger that is looming ahead be one that they can survive and conquer in the end?

What I Loved
I wish that I could say just EVERYTHING and just leave it at that. haha but I definitely want to get a more in depth look at this story for you all. I know this series can be intimidating. But trust me when I say that its completely worth the reading of. From the first moment I first read this couple in "Do Not Forsake Me" I knew that I would be hooked forever. And with each book, this author has delivered on so much complexity and depths to their relationship and seeing them grow so dearly together is such a wonderful thing to witness as a reader. What I really respect about how this author has written this couple is that their connection is so intimate and deeply intrenched and also seeing how their relationship reflects so positively on their family. And seeing their family grow is a beautiful sight to see. This series also testifies about the beauty of "FAMILY" and how important it is and seeing it portrayed so well in a historical romance is reflective in such a relative way.

Shadow Trail will deliver in so much depth, adventure, and intimacy. We have the secrets from Jake past and I thought Miranda had known everything by now, but....apparently not. And there are scenes in this book where we see Jake at the edge of a cliff, emotionally and mentally. This secret is a burden that he has been carrying for decades, and the way in which it connects to Miranda, BRILLLIANTLY WRITTEN! I was so easily swept away in their story and their vibrant connection to each other. And I just want to do a beautiful shout out to Miranda in this book. She never ceases to amaze me and truly inspire me. Her character, is a heroine that makes me want to be a better human being. These special moments where she is able to dig deep with Jake and make him see hope and love when he is so lost in despair is a miracle to see. The strength and fortitude she has to stand by his side and really showcases unconditional love. I also think if you want a relationship that you can relate to in real life, this is the couple you need to read and devour.

Shadow Trail takes a story of dark hidden secrets and brings together romantic love with family love in the best of combinations. The way this family comes together for Jake will humble every reader that reads these books. Seeing another adventure happen with danger and intense emotions that are played out through the story was such a poignant experience. I absolutely loved how Jake and Miranda go on their adventure together to bring back a member of their family and get justice for wrongs done. The plot of this story kept me on edge all the way through and I had such a blast with these characters and seeing the conflict that they overcome. It was everything that I could have hoped for and more. I definitely took my time reading this one because I didn't want it to end but I am also eager to see what the author plans next for this couple and their family. Bring on Lloyd and Grandson Jake!!

What I Struggled With
The only aspect I wish could have been a bit more spread out is the ending. It felt a bit rushed. It definitely had a satisfying HEA feel to it. But I kinda wish it had been stretched out a bit more. But that's just me wanting more of this family. I swear this book could have been 1000 pages and it wouldn't have been enough.

Overall View
Shadow Trail is a tale of devotion, strength and unconditional love that will capture hearts and souls with rich emotion, vibrant storytelling and endearing characters and I guarantee you will fall deeply in love with Jake and Randy just as I have!

Favorite Quote(s)
“Who do you belong to?” he asked softly as he nibbled her ear. So many times he’d asked the question since the first time they did this in the back of a covered wagon ... so many years ago ... somewhere on the high plains ... young and achingly in love. “Jake Harkner, now and forever,” she always answered. “You bet,” he answered. “And we are going to keep doing this as long as we still have breath in our bodies. Tu eres, mi vida, mi querida esposa.”

“All I’ve ever needed to be happy is you beside me. You are my safe place.”.

“Woman, you have always been in charge, even that first time we met in that supply store. I took one look at you and knew I’d been roped and tied.”

“You are my peace,” he told her. “You always have been. When I am with you it’s like riding out of hot, rocky, barren land into a meadow of lush green grass and rippling water and shade trees.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, American West
Character Types: Cowboy/Rancher, Teacher, Married Pairing, Tortured Hero, Alpha Male
Themes: Western, Family Sage, Kids/Children Involved, Danger
Tropes: Epic Love

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
The Rest of Our Life by Tim McGraw, Faith Hill

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes! You must read these in order. Although if you have to read it by itself, the author does good on background information.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments. 

 

This was a charming quick fun read! I really had a fun time with this one but not as much as the other novella I read from this author recently by this author. This started out a bit slow for me. And there was a level of angst that I wasn't prepared for. My major issue with this one was that I never felt like the angst reasons for them was never fully resolved. It did have some swoon moments in the later half which was fun. The story just wasn't quite executed as I would have wanted. But still a solid quick read that got me some fabulous points for the romance readathon.

 

 Novella Review

So this was a blast of a read. I really had so much fun returning to this couple and getting an extended epilogue. This novella is just more of a story with the short epilogue that we received at the end of "Extreme Exposure" and this story is basically about our hero and heroine who are engaged and go into a bet of who can cave to sexual pressure before the wedding day. But this doesn't turn out to be a fun bet as either of them imagined that it would be. It ends up putting some harm into their relationship, and soon they will have to dig deep into why they took the bet in the first place and was it worth their love or hurting each other in the process.

This novella was charming. I love those extended epilogue type of novellas that we get that get more depth in a event and really enjoyed seeing our couple overcome the conflict that they were faced with and realize the truth of what was going on for them. If you enjoyed the first book with our couple, than I highly recommend this one here which will charm and delight ....give you some laugh out loud moments and some smexy swoon moments to remember. 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Fighting Fate is the first book in the Granton University series. And I finally have been able to get to this series as I have been wanting to read it for a while now. This was a wild and angst filled story that tore through my emotions so deeply and yet I couldn't get enough of this one here. There was something so tangible between our couple that hooks you in so completely and you just want more for it. Its definitely new adult, but our characters have a maturity to them due to experience that I found quite refreshing. They are far from perfect but we see them go through an honest struggle in this one here and it has such a strong tone of relatability to it.

First Line
Paige Zukowski dressed in the dark, her fingers fumbling over the buttons on her blouse.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Logan Xander
Logan is a deeply tormented soul, he has so much pain and guilt weighing on him. His family won't claim him and he just wants to get through college safely and go somewhere quiet in his life where no one knows him.

The Heroine: Paige Zukowski
Paige has come to the university in honor of her brother but she will soon have to face up to the anger that she has building inside of her from losing her brother.

Summary
Paige Zukowski has come to Granton University in the name of her brother. Coming to college here was his dream. But when he was killed in a sport rivalry fight, she is determined to go into business and marketing like he was going to. What she didn't expect was that his killer would be in her classes and grief group and would work along beside her. Logan Xander lives with a heavy burden. A burden of killing someone and it tortures him emotionally and mentally. We have a story where we these two go through a slow and painful transition of distrust and hate to a relationship of slow tender love that builds gradually between them in a vibrant way, but they are headed toward disaster when everyone finds out they are together and something is coming soon that will test the boundaries of their love...

What I Loved
Whew! This book blew me straight out of the water and into a sky of torment and poignant love. I honestly am so speechless after reading this book and its been three days since I originally read it. But seriously this one really tore me apart and I honestly don't know how to handle it. I have read a ton of tormented heroes, but this is the first one that I have seen quite so tortured and it killed me seeing Logan's struggle. We see him face up to a truth, and quite frankly, what happened with him and Paige's brother was a accident gone wrong. But his family kicked him out and the way he has treated even himself is bad to the point of suicide. Seeing his guilt and hurt from it just urges the reader to want to give this man a hug. He so deserves it. He needs so much love and support, which he never received.

As for Paige we see so much hurt and grief and especially anger she is holding within her. And its so tough to witness. My heart just tored apart for her. I wasn't necessarily a fan in how she treats Logan, you can see that she hasn't even come close to dealing with her anger about it and has been keeping it all bottled up. And when she is near Logan, she is forced to face up to it. Probably the best scene for this was when they are in the grief support group, and she shares her story and then she witnesses the pain that Logan is going through and that it's not quite as simple as she had thought. She had seen him as this evil ogre who murdered her brother, when it was merely an accident and when she sees signs of him attempting suicide and not enjoying life and in so pain, she realizing he is suffering just in a different way but its just as valid. We really see how she has to face up to her grief and pain and work through it and that is when love starts to build between them.

I honestly adored both of these characters. They were so endearing to read, and each of them have a heart of integrity and good souls to relate to. It is kind of hard seeing how the heroine treats the hero especially in the beginning, but once she starts to see another side to him that is when it gets really really good for them. I adored Logan so completely. He is such a good hero and loved his heart and sweet pained heart. And when it matters, he is such a protector and fights for the heroine. And once they resolve their issues, seeing them together is so charming. They make such a great team once their issues become resolved and truly come together through the pain they both feel to love and acceptance.

What I Struggled With
As much as I loved this book....I did struggle with the emotional turmoil in this story. And check content warnings for the end as there is some things with a school shooting to be mindful of.

Overall View
I found Fighting Fate to be a story of heart, deep emotion, battling grief and pain and learning to accept the past and embrace the future and love when it really matters! This is a story that will dig deep into your soul.

Favorite Quote(s)
After living for three years in a house where no one wanted to deal with their problems, she was awestruck by the courage and strength it must take for Logan Xander to admit daily he was flawed and for him to actually do something to correct his character.

“I know you never meant to kill him. I know it was an accident. And I know how much you regret it. I forgive you for having any part in Trace’s death. It’s not your fault he’s gone, and I’m sorry I’m admitting it three years too late.”

“I can’t remember the last time I really wanted a girl. But I want you, Paige. In every way possible. I know it hurts you to hear this, but you’ve healed me like nothing else has. You’ve made me feel . . . forgiven. And hopeful. And complete.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Character Types: College Students, Protector
Themes: Heart/Emotional, PTSD, Slow Burn, Taboo, Tear Jerker, Danger Elements
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Mostly Relationship Conflict, slight plot conflict in the third act.

Song This Book Inspires
Over and Over Again by Nathan Sykes, Ariana Grande

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
Good Boy is the first book in a duo series and in Good Boy this is where we get Blake's book. If you are familiar with Jamie and Wes than you know how colorful of a personality Blake is. I was so excited when I heard he had a book and I instantly went after this one here and I am so happy that I did because Blake's book was everything that I could have hoped for and more. It also really emulated everything you would come to expect from Blake and what his love story would be like. Everything sexy and adorable all wrapped up in one package of delicious writing that only these two can do when they get together. There is something about how these authors write when they write together that is so gravitating.

First Line
Even though the restaurant staff has already done its magic, I'm fussing over the dining table one more time.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Blake Riley
Professional NHL player, lover of animals, has tons of energy and is close to his family. Big boned and muscled but loves to play and be the "life" of the party.

The Heroine: Jess Canning
Always on the hunt for "the career", feels she has disappointed her family, but is finding herself in Nursing.

Summary
Jess and Blake had a one night stand when her brother was sick, and ever since neither of them have been able to forget that night. But Jess is determined to not screw up her brother's wedding and then she runs into Blake once again and is reminded of what they once shared. But she knows Blake, he has flair and drama and she doesn't need him ruining her role as a event planner. Blake Riley is determined to win over Jess, he can't stop thinking about her and wants more of her, but she is being stubborn. but through a course of events, they both end up in the same city and come into some scenarios where they have a fake relationship but soon they start to build their own relationship without even realizing it. But Blake is determined to show Jess that he is serious about them being together.

What I Loved
There was so much to love about this book and sincerely and truly I had a blast with Blake. I just loved seeing him in the "Him" series and in this one here we see how much of a trooper he is here. And even though previously we have seen him with so much drama and flair and has such a colorful personality, but in "Good Boy" we see him with such a colorful personality and its such a blast to see. I was laughing all over the place with his fun shenanigans especially in trying to charm Jess into her panties. But when he does get in them....he definitely knows how to please a woman that is for sure. But we also get to see the heart of who Blake is. He has such compassion and is such a rock with his family and he also has a tough past of being betrayed which is why he hasn't been in a serious relationship since Jess.

Now Jess was a true delight to read if I am being honest. I admired her heart and her drive to find her passion even if she has to make a ton of mistakes first. I loved how she isn't afraid to have new sexual experiences and can be spontaneous on occasion when the need arises. She has her own backbone and stands on her own with Blake but at the same time, when he needs a listening ear, she is always there and constant and steady. She has such a balanced personality in how she treats others and I really admired that she deeply. There is a bit of tension for her as she figures out her nursing degree and if its something she wants to do. But Blake really helps her find her path through it all and it was so endearing to see that. And then the reveal to her brother was delightful, when Jamie and Wes react to Jess and Blake being together?? PRICELESS!! I bookmarked it even so I can reread it later down the road haha

And the ending was the sweetest part of the story, there was something so unique and fun about seeing these two together and the development of the relationship on a emotional level was poignant and heart wrenching as we see the true heart of Blake and Jess and how right they fit for each other. And Jess makes a fabulous WAG. Just sayin'

What I Struggled With
Nothing. Loved every minute of this one here.

Overall View
Good Boy is a book of delight and depth. Its a story to entertain, make you laugh out loud, and give you all the feels in the most unexpecting moments.

Favorite Quote(s)
His need to protect. To make everyone happy…” Even if it means sacrificing his own happiness, is the unfinished sentiment. And my heart clenches painfully, because I know it’s true. As over the top as Blake is, he lives his entire life for other people.

“Embrace the nutty, J-Babe. Move in. Study for your tests on the couch with the puppy. Sleep naked in my bed.” I take a step closer and touch my lips to hers. “You make Blake Riley Smiley.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Athlete, Hockey
Themes: Lots of Laughs, Hot Smexy Times, Love of Animals
Tropes: Brothers Best Friend

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

Song This Book Inspires
How Do You Sleep?-Sam Smith

Recommendation For Reading Order
No you can read as standalones if needed

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.