This is the second of this series that I’ve read and I enjoyed it just as much – Jenshak has definitely converted me to a reader of new adult romances. I will say there were a few moments that stretched reality just a little, mostly around Hendrick’s career, but the writing is so smooth and the characters are so charming that I just didn’t care.

Hendrick and Jane are adorable together. They are flirty and fun – Jane with her upbeat take on life and Hendrick’s with his broody sexiness. Her safety issues have them spending a lot of time together quickly which has them falling fast, not insta but close, however it works here. Jane works well with both Hendrick and his life that it feels right.

I do wish we’d gotten more of the girls together, because I remember that was one of my favorite parts of the other book. But I feel like Jenshak makes up for it with the brother dynamic. I’m really hoping this is her way of introducing us to the next series because these guys are all the feels with how they support each other and do what they can to handle all the things that life has handed them. With Jane there as a badly needed feminine touch and outside voice, it’s just a heart squeeze to see them come together.

The mystery of who is threatening Jane is a lesser concern over the romance and family dynamic but I feel like it was well done and I believed the person could have done it. I think if that was something important to you as a plot point then you might be disappointed in how it wasn’t more of a focus but if you are coming at it as a romance with a little bit of a suspense for drama then I think you’re good :)

Looking forward to what Jenshak has in store next (and hoping it has one of Hendrick’s brothers getting his HEA).

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

4.25*s

I have to say I really wished they’d found some way to get Miles and Bryce a story without moving him to Chicago. I felt so bad for him, having to leave his friends (yeah, I understand the reality of the sport but this is a work of fiction), and I don’t quite feel like they gave him a connection with the new team to replace that just yet. It helps to amplify his issues, especially with Bryce’s articles, but I like him so much I just wish he’d been treated a little better

I’ve only read one other book by Bliss (earlier this summer actually) and it had a bit of a different feel than this one. With Never Too Soon, the characters had an initial connection but they spend some time deciding whether they want to act on it. Cinder on the other hand is very much an insta-love story and then we see how that plays out.

Asher runs into Olive in a parking lot after not seeing each other for about a decade. While they were in the same circle as kids, Olive moved away at 16 but is now back to go to graduate school. His grandma, in all of her meddling glory apparently, pushes him to invite her to a get together they are having that day and … well, the rest is history. Before the party breaks up they’ve pretty much have decided to live happily ever after together. Not having read the rest of the series, I’m not sure if this is normal for this group but from the reviews I think that it might have been surprising to some readers. So just a warning in case that isn’t your kinda of thing :)

I liked the characters, individually and together, so I didn’t mind so much. I just went “oh-kay” and then accepted it. It’s not overly realistic but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. There are a few bumps in the road but for the most part their relationship is drama free, sweet, and enjoyable.

While the book can stand on its own, I kinda wish I’d read more in the series because I would have liked to have known Asher a bit better going in and his whole clan is fantastic together so I would have loved to have more of that. Their interactions are full of love and humor, teasing and support, and the occasional butt-kicking when it’s needed. Olive didn’t have that growing up and I’m happy that she finally gets that with Asher’s family.

I get the idea (granted it’s based on a whopping two book of her’s that I’ve read) that Bliss might be for a particular audience. Not everyone is going to enjoy a slow burn romance, whether it starts with insta-love or a little more caution, but I think that if that’s your thing her characters will be enough to keep you coming back.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

3.5*s

So I almost didn’t give this one a chance. I’m not a fan of the darker romance trend (mafia, biker gangs, etc.) and this one seemed like it would fall into that category when I first started it but I decided to give it a few more chapters. While there is a touch of that, and it is the reason that Ryder doesn’t feel like he’s good enough for Dakota, it isn’t the focus.

Instead we spend time with the will they/won’t they as Ryder struggles against his feelings, for Dakota and about himself, and Dakota believes that he doesn’t want her as more than a friend. While I enjoyed the back and forth, getting to know the two of them and seeing them struggle with their feelings, it did drag a little in the middle. But once the truth comes out, and Ryder and Dakota have to face the consequences of his past, it definitely picks up. (I think that it needed more of the danger element actually – the part that I didn’t think I’d want, yeah I get the irony.)

The story is told with moments of flashback that explain how Dakota and Ryder have gotten to this point. As we get Ryder’s story, my heart just went out to him. He goes through a difficult period where he loses himself, gets caught up in things that he shouldn’t, and sets himself on a path that he can’t get off. It costs him so much and it takes a long time for him to start the process of saving himself. There’s a lot of gray area there that makes his actions with Dakota understandable, although it doesn’t make him breaking her heart any less devastating.

The characters definitely make this story for me. The heartache and struggle they go through, but also the amount of care and love they have for each other. Dakota’s son, Kayden, is just the cutest and the way Ryder loves him will melt even the hardest heart. This is the first of Jackson’s stories that I’ve read and I’ll definitely give the next one a shot (hello, Ezra!)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

3.75*s

There’s just something about charming small town romances that makes them a delight to read. They inevitably have an entertaining supporting cast and quirky moments, and Millikin’s latest firmly lands in that category. She balances heartbreaking moments with lightheartedness as Georgia and Rhodes dance around each other, facing their past and figuring out a future.

Rhodes leads with his heart and it makes him a delightful book boyfriend, and while Georgia starts out being controlled by her hurt, it doesn’t take long for their feelings to overcome their pain. I do feel like Georgia was suddenly “OK, I’m over it. Let’s be friends” which just didn’t mesh with the attitude that she’d been expressing up to that point. I think maybe if there had been a little more discussion, even within her inner monologue, it would have been just a little better.

Overall, though, Millikin’s newest is a low angst and sweet second chance romance that leaves readers with a satisfying HEA.

(Some characters from other stories make an appearance but this story can stand on its own.)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

4.5*

I’m amused that the things I liked the most about this story are the things that have it getting some lower * reviews. I mean I get that everyone has their own preferences (there’re lots of romances that are loved that I didn’t even finish) but it’s just funny that those are specifically what is called out :)

Life After Love is definitely slow burn and low angst, with very little conflict between the two main characters. Instead it’s about Merrick finally starting to get over the death of his husband and choosing to move on with his life. Meeting, and falling in love, with Drew is definitely not something he expected but maybe something he needed. (The little encouragements from Josh are touching and the push that he needs at the right time.)

I enjoyed both Drew and Merrick as characters. They are good-hearted and sweet together, making me pull for them from the first page. Merrick has a lot he needs to face, just getting up was hard for a long time after Josh died, but a change of scenery and new friends are definitely helping. Drew shows a lot of patience and understanding as he gets to know Merrick and his daughter (who is just the sweetest). It’s easy to see why Merrick opens up to him and gives him his trust & eventually his heart.

The supporting characters are good for Merrick as well. From Drew’s meddling sister and her friend, to Luke and Benny at the cafe, everyone is welcoming to the little family and there for both Drew & Merrick when they need it. Definitely need to see more of Merrick’s sister and best friend. Both are good eggs, full of heart and support. And I’m hoping that Harper gives us more of Josh’s brother. We didn’t get to know him well but he seemed like a stand up guy who’s hurting as well. Drew’s friend definitely needs a resolution … ok, so there’s a lot of opportunity here. I hope you have big plans Harper!

This is a new author for me and obviously I’m looking forward to finding out what’s in store for us next.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

I’m back & forth on age gap romances and I’m not always sure what makes them work. I feel like Logan is right to be a little concerned about their relationship – mostly because of his connection to her brother and the bad optics. But Ruby is smart, with a good head on her shoulders. Her life up to this point hasn’t been all that easy and I feel like that helps her be more mature for her age.

I’m also a little conflicted on their steamy times. I mean, I’m not one to kink shame (and I’ll be honest for all the wide variety of spice I read, I’m personally pretty vanilla) but I think because there is such an emphasis on their age difference that it could also parlay into a power balance issue. Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely HAWT and I love that they both have a chance to explore that side of themselves together. I just wonder a little about adding that to a story when there was already an imbalance in their relationship.

OK, so that’s the less than positive, but I will say overall I enjoyed the crap out of this book. Lynn does a fantastic job of giving us characters to pull for – Logan is struggling with his new, high-pressure job and trying to figure out how to take care of his daughter in his limited free time. It’s obvious that he loves Amelia but it’s a complication that he didn’t need right now. Throw in his growing desire for his new (young) nanny and it doesn’t take him long to crack. And crack beautifully he does :) While I can worry about their dynamic in a real world situation, I can also find it hot as all get out in a fictional one . . . bossy, growly, and sexy, OH MY.

Ruby is running from a heartbreak back home and taking a little time to get her feet back under her. I can appreciate her need to do it on her own, especially with the wonderful relationship she has with her brother & his family. It would be super easy to let him fix it all. But that self-reliance has her in Logan’s sphere, which leads to new trouble as she struggles to connect with his daughter while also having to resist the oh-so-sexy single dad. (I’m impressed she lasts as long as she does, honestly.)

With her sassy mouth, independent personality, and the care she puts into winning over his daughter, it’s harder and harder for Logan to resist Ruby the more time they spend together. There’s the typical third act troubles, but I appreciate how both of them recognize the roll they play in it. And definitely take advantage of the opportunity to make up after a fight … *whew*

Steamy, humorous, and full of feels, Risky Game was a fast read and a great addition to the Nashville Steel series.

(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

4.5*s

I am always so happy to get my hands on a new book by Melissa Foster. Her characters are invariably engaging and her writing can turn something simple into a story that draws you in & won’t let go. The fact that this one focuses on an older hero and heroine, a couple that are grown but not done growing, is refreshing. And I was delighted by their journey from being new friends into more.

Both Declan and Nicole are moving into a new phase of their lives – figuring out where they fit with their friends and family, and learning what they want for themselves going forward. The way they do this together, going on delightful adventures, getting closer, and growing as people is just a fun read.

There’s very little drama and angst here, instead it’s a story about self discovery filled with delightful characters, humor, and small town charm. Oh, and a good amount of heat, of course.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

This book is said to be a standalone and I’ll have to disagree. While it is an individual romance for Gideon and Eva, and she does have her own adventure as the main plot of the story, it does directly tie into Maisy & Rhys from the first book and will be a part of the next story as well. As an interconnected book, readers should not start here to truly enjoy it. (I think that will help with a decent amount of the negative reviews.)

As a returning reader, I enjoyed getting to continue in this intriguing world that Barth has created – full of mythical creatures and a battle between good & evil. Her three heroes are great together, thru a shared traumatic past they have created a family. One that is slowly expanding as they meet and fall in love with strong women. It’s fun seeing these big, tough soldiers fall in love and learn to open up & share their lives with more than just each other.

Of the three, Gideon is the more outgoing and flirty. He’s working his way through the female population of both the normal and supernatural world … until he comes face to face with one that is not impressed by his charm. Some are not going to enjoy his attitude, but having gotten to know him before and then having his history laid out in this story it definitely becomes a lot more understandable.

Eva grew up as an entity of good in hell, which made her childhood … difficult. All she’s wanted is to get out and become normal, and now is her chance. She just needs to work with Gideon and the other Nephilim but something more is going on than they would ever have guessed. Add in an unwanted attraction to the playboy she’s been paired with, who has more going on than she would have ever guessed, and things quickly become very complicated

These guys have not had it easy (especially Zavier – and I cannot wait for his story!) but they still have big hearts and a deep seated need to protect. It makes for fun interactions as they start to realize that those big hearts have been stolen by spunky women with smarts, attitude, and guts. (Seriously, I cannot wait to get the last book!) It all happens in a world filled with angels & demons, mythical creatures, and Lucifer as the most fabulous, and proud, grandfather. I’m not 100% on my religion & mythology but I think that Barth does a good job of creating a complicated world full of all sorts of interesting creatures. And I can’t wait to see how she wraps it up. (Did I say that already? Well, I can’t.)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**