I adored Jill and Grady together. They provide support and understanding to each other, stepping in when the other stumbles or loses confidence, as they handle their individual anxieties and traumas. It gives them a connection they didn’t expect.

As with Down & Dirty, book 2 in the series has great characters and I liked the direction their relationship takes. This one isn’t as angsty but their HEA still takes a bit of work and I’m here for it. I also enjoyed the way that she normalizes mental health in their story.

I am so glad I found Lowe. Her Holden Cove series has been so enjoyable and I feel like she’s just going to keep giving us great reads.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Pavlov has become one of those writers that I trust is going to give me a book I love. I was a little hesitant with Lulu – I’m not always a fan of the prickly, black catty kind of heroines – but I adored her. She’s feisty, sassy, and complicated. Her interactions with Rafe are entertaining and they fit together so well as their fake relationship develops into something more real. And speaking of Rafe, he makes a pretty darn good fake boyfriend. And an even better real one. He’s good for Lulu, supporting her and centering her with she needs it. I loved it.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I liked these two. Skylar does make some assumptions about Corey but she quickly finds out that he’s nothing like what she thinks he is. He’s caring, with more depth and understanding, seeing her like no one else does. And while he’s already a good guy, Corey grows thru his relationship with Skylar, realizing that there’s more to life and their relationship than he would have imagined.

There’s a bit of angst – they got together under less than truthful circumstances so it isn’t surprising. It makes sense for their situation and their personalities, not drama for drama’s sake, and it is resolved in a way that worked for me.

While writing this review, I found out this is the first work by Lowe and I am pleasantly surprised. The pacing was a smidge off (it drug just a bit) but the characters were really well done and I liked the way their relationship evolved. I’m excited to see what comes with book 2!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Tortuga gives readers a low angst and sweet comfort read. It’s not easy – there is a lot of hurt and stress and adversity. There’s so much trauma from the last few years and it’s going to take a lot of love, patience, and work to get on solid footing.

West has the opportunity to circle back to the man who got away. But Trey’s life is so much different than it was before. It doesn’t take West long to recognize how strong, resilient, and amazing Trey is. And how adorable his kids are. He may be there to help take some of the weight off of Trey, but the man does not need saving.

I have to say tho that Trey deserves the chance to throw a few fits and I kinda wish that he had a bit more resolution for his own story. There is no return medically, and he did get some help around the ranch, but of all of them he seemed the one to come out of it with less. West got his dream job and his ex back, the kids got a nanny, but Trey basically got some help and a boyfriend. I loved the family they all made together but I don’t know. His world pretty much imploded and a part of me just wanted something more for him.

Hats to Boots is a quick and emotional read. I enjoyed being there as West found a place for himself in Trey’s family and they built a community on the ranch. Things get complicated but with a big dose of love and support they figure out how to make it work.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I think Austin is one of my favorite heroines. She is unabashedly loud, bold, and a bit nerdy. She’s smart AND smart-mouthed, keeping Gio on his toes. And he is there for every moment. He’s more than attracted to her brains, her body, and her sass. He’s also, probably partially because of his love for his twin sister, a darn good boyfriend. He may be cocky but he also works at being supportive and a good communicator. I loved him from page 1.

Hit Me with Your Best Shot is somewhat spicy and not very angsty but definitely a lot of fun. The banter between them is fun and cheeky and entertaining and I just adored them together. Their humorous meet-cute definitely sets the tone for the story and Ney delivers for the rest of the book. And based on the epilogue, I’m so here for the next book in the series.

(There were a couple of off things that I don’t know if it is because it is an ARC but … I mean, if their Houston is the Texas Houston then it doesn’t get cold enough for a back yard ice rink … minor things but they pulled me out of the story for a minute and may bother other readers more.)

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Flirting with Fire is a low angst, only slightly steamy, pretty quick read. I liked both Dex & Meyer and found them cute together. They have a little bit of drama with each other early on – a mix of leftover feelings from high school and a bit from how Meyer coming back to town might affect their lives – but then it’s all about them settling in to their romance.

If I do have any complaints, it’s that those feelings were an issue for pretty much half the book and then their relationship went from 0 to 60 in an instant. I think there needed to be a little more resolution of their dynamic and a deeper friendship created before they moved on. But it’s a small complaint as overall I got a kick out of the two of them together and the dual POV worked well as they danced around each other.

If you are looking for a light, fast read with enjoyable characters, cute banter, and quirky small town fun, Flirting with Fire is a good choice. I found it to be the perfect read for a lazy spring day, relaxing and enjoying two good & decent men find a HEA with each other.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Dom & Sven’s romance felt lighter than the previous books in the Redemption Ridge series (it can be read as a stand alone) but it was no less enjoyable. The beginning of the book takes us thru their first meeting and the months that follow as they slowly get to know each other better & Dom takes the time to get to a more stable place emotionally. I appreciate that they had that opportunity and didn’t just jump into any kind of relationship.

When Dom has to face his past, Sven comes along to provide moral support and a buffer. Bringing with him all his larger than life personality and confidence. And a chance to take their friendship to something more. It’s been a long, slow courtship for them. And for us :)

Dom’s family is a hoot and Sven fits right in. By the end of the book, I wanted to enjoy one of their holidays. While I do wish we’d gotten a few more Christmassy shenanigans, overall I was satisfied as I turned that final page.

I’ve loved every book in the Redemption Ridge and while I’m sad to see it end the fact that we finish with Sven is perfect. He’s been such a high point in the last couple of books – supportive, sassy, and fun. I’m looking forward to seeing what Walker has in mind next.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Constantine & Modesty are such a great contrast. She's poor, lower class but raised by her clergy father to be giving to others. He's had everything (except his father's love & acceptance) and while he has a big heart underneath he's been trained to show a cold, perfect facade to others. Marriage and time spent together has her seeing that loving, struggling man underneath and she starts making him want for something more. But a secret from his past threatens it all. 

While I didn't think this one had quite the emotional punch as Duke of Luhst, I did enjoy it. I found the mystery of the blackmail to be well done and I really liked when the villain was unmasked. I do feel that maybe we needed a few more close moments between Constantine and Modesty. To see just a little more of them growing closer together and falling in love because I liked them both so much. The epilogue tho is a delight and I couldn't have asked for a better resolution for them.

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

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Piper Rayne just keeps getting better and better. Just like the previous stories, the found family part of this is just the best. I love how the guys have each other’s backs and now that each is finding their other half, the women are connecting as well. This shows so well with the help and support they provide to both Conor and Eloise.

And I SO ah-dored these two together.

Eloise is working her way to figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life. She spent years with a man who didn’t love and support her the way he should have. Then she meets Conor. And, for not having had a serious relationship before, he is the best at it. He doesn’t always make the best decisions, but he’s earnest, funny, and all in with his support of Eloise. He so much wants to build her up and keep her spirits up. It’s just the sweetest.

We know that these two are going to end up together, since it is their book, but I appreciated the journey to getting there. It isn’t easy thanks to the way they met, who Conor is, and Eloise’s journey. With patience, love, and the support of their friends, they eventually figure things out.

(Part of a series, but can be ready on its own.)

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Returning Your Love is pretty much ALL the angst. We get Jamie who has just had a life changing injury and Chaz whose marriage is on rocky ground. They end up back in each other’s lives and long denied emotions come out, and quite a few secrets, leading to all sorts of complications.

I feel for both of them and I do appreciate that Burke emphasizes mental health & professional help. (I am loving all the authors that have their characters address it and not just going with love fixes everything.) Chaz has a lot of issues – with his marriage, his friendship with Jamie, and his parents. It takes a while for him to come to terms with things but he puts in the work. It’s not easy, on him or Jamie, but it ends up being worth it.

As well as angsty, this one is also steamy … eventually, once they work thru their feels. It’s raw, raunchy, and spicy. These two have so much pining and suppressed feelings that when they get to that point it leads to so much sizzle.

This is my first book by Burke, but she’s prolific & well liked and I can see why. She piled it on her characters but she takes good care of them as they address their issues and try to figure out what the future holds. I’ll be keeping my eye out for what she has in store next for the men of Pippen Creek.

(Be sure to check out the author's website for content warnings.)

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**