Who doesn't want to experience a little excitement now and then ... and if there was someone like Gavin to show you how? Yes, please!

Lemmon definitely knows how to deliver swoon-worthy heroes. Gavin is so supportive, sexy, and fun. Typical "confirmed bachelor" he doesn't know what's coming for him but we know :) He's gonna find out that his little bit of fun showing Hallie how to break the rules is going to turn into something much deeper. It was fun to be there to see him fall, to watch him discover a more loving and caring side to himself, not just the playful and somewhat detached guy he's always been. It was also enjoyable to see Hallie grow a little bit into herself, to be someone a little more sassy and daring. letting lose and taking chances.

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

Zoe has had a rough few years and she's doing her best to raise her nephew & figure out what she wants to do with her life. Overall, she's doing quite well. Then a night out has her meeting Jacob in a bar and even though nothing comes of it then fate will keep bringing them together. 

Jacob is fresh off a difficult divorce and not looking for anything during a night out with friends. He saves Zoe from a troublesome drunk because it is the right thing to do, not knowing that it will mean he won't be able to forget her. Luckily he runs into her again a few months later ... only to stick his foot in his mouth. It's time to salvage his reputation, prove that he's a better man than she thinks, and maybe discover a new love.

I will say there are a few issues. The sex scenes weren't as smooth as they could have been and they felt a little awkward compared to the way the rest of the book was written. There are also quite a few times when things don't match - people who have met before don't react like it or conversations are held but a few pages later it's like it never happened. The copy I read was due for at least one more edit and I'm hoping they caught some of these. But I would definitely say that the love story is more than worth it even if these things aren't fixed.  

The romance between Jacob and Zoe is sweet and I enjoyed watching them move past some early stumbles, get to know each other, and fall in love. Jacob is awesome with both Zoe and her nephew Jacob. Together they grow into a wonderful, supportive family unit. 

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

When a romance starts with a little white lie, you can expect that things are going to get a bit out of hand and Luna delivers with a deft hand, mixing in humor and fun with a big dose of drama. And does she give her readers drama – family drama, romantic drama, personal drama … all mixed together with sweetness and heat to deliver a satisfying HEA.

Both April and Brody are relatable – they experience doubt about their choices and their worth, but they are good with each other. They are supportive and caring, there when the other needs them, and they understand & accept each other faults and all. They make a perfect couple, they just haven’t realized it yet. Good thing a week at a destination wedding might just give them a chance to see what’s been in front of them all along.

But it isn’t going to be easy. First they have to deal with April’s super-competitive (and super-suspicious) family, resentments that have been simmering for a lot of years, and moments of self-doubt as their feelings begin to deepen. Tensions run high, emotions spill over, and old wounds have a chance to be healed but only if they are willing to stand up and ask for what they want.

(Part of a series, but easily can stand on its own.)

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

From reading other reviews on Goodreads, it looks like Albert has quite the following, especially for her military romances, and I’ve got to say that I can see why. Her writing is enjoyable and her characters are likable. Throw in a story-line that handles some of romance’s most popular tropes well and she delivers a satisfying read.

My favorite part is the support that solid, oh-so-serious Derrick gives Arthur and the enjoyment of life that the more laid back Arthur teaches him in return. They appreciate each other for who they are and prop each other up whenever they need it, balancing each other out. And, unlike a lot of romances, they talk! There is honesty between them as they face their concerns about themselves, their fake-becoming-not-so-fake relationship, and their future. It’s refreshing to not have a lot of miscommunication and drama or a third act that blows everything up before we finally get where we want to go.

Sailor Proof isn’t quite perfect though. While Derrick does a fantastic job of helping Arthur feel more comfortable within his family, I think there was an opportunity for them to really understand him and embrace him for who he is. For there to be a bit more of an adult relationship to develop between them all. Arthur does let go of some of his hurts and gets a better understanding of how things work in the other relationships in his family but I felt like there was a chance for more for this odd man out.

I also am not sure why Derrick didn’t feel like he was good enough for Arthur. I get that he’d been on his own for a long time, most of that spent in the military separated from people, and his last (and only real) relationship went belly up but it seems like there was more going on there. He’s a good, strong man and I was so happy for him that he found someone that fit him as well as Arthur. I’m just not sure why he didn’t get it sooner

Warning: Maybe, possibly, some minor spoilers ahead

I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything by Swank or Casella but I gotta say I really enjoyed myself with Jingle Bell Hell. It’s fun and humor, mixed together will all kinds of feels. While there’s a bit of drama over Jase’s past, it’s handled well, plus I appreciate that it wasn’t drawn out through a big part of the book. And Mary comes at it with maturity, owning up to her reaction to the news … well, eventually. Which is pretty much the way both of them make their way through all of their ups and downs, with reason and facing it head on. It’s not a smooth ride but they manage to come out the other side together.

If you are looking for a entertaining, sweet read, you can’t go wrong here.

(Part of a series but can easily stand on its own.)

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

4.5*s

Naomi has been embracing her quiet life, loving & supporting her family & friends without drawing a lot of attention to herself. Falling in love with a man who thinks nothing of throwing himself on top of an alligator was so not part of her plans. But then she wasn't in Donovan's plans either, since he usually doesn't stick around long enough to get emotionally attached. Here they are though ... now what?

I really like Donovan and Naomi together. He shakes things up for her a little, helping her find a new passion, while she helps him realize that he's loved and appreciated. There's plenty of heat between the two, but there is also a lot of time spent exploring their feelings and learning more about themselves as well as each other. And it isn't a Bayou book without it's fair share of hilarious moments, flirty banter, and Autre hijinks.

Nicholas definitely knows how to give her readers a great mix of humor, fun, and spice. I haven't read many of her stories but now that I've found her I look forward to every single one of her Bayou books. These Louisiana boys are all swagger, orneriness, & trouble - they need a smart, sassy woman to take them on and I love every minute of it. It is definitely a hoot to watch them lose their hearts.

(Standalone but it helps to have read at least some of the rest of the books to truly enjoy their eclectic, boisterous, loving group. It wouldn't surprise me if the last couple of chapters have you searching for the rest of the books!)

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

Riley and Lucy have been friends forever, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. A kiss in high school hinted at the possibility of something more but the timing wasn’t right. Now, for the first time, they are in the same place and single at the same time. While they may tell everyone that there is nothing romantic between them, some long buried feelings are starting to surface. And spending time together at a romantic getaway, even with a small chaperone, is only making things more complicated.

Neither Riley nor Lucy has had the greatest history, and trusting in their emotions is hard, so taking a chance on losing a friendship that means so much to both of them is scary. But I felt like Mann does a good job of having them work through their feelings, understanding the seriousness of risking what they have for something more, and making sure that their attraction is real.

Blending together tender moments, holiday charm, and just a smidge of spice to heat things up a bit, Mann’s latest is the perfect read for those looking for a feel-good story to curl up with and while away a few hours. A delightful mix of friends-to-lovers and Christmas enchantment, it’ll leave you happy and satisfied, maybe even wanting a little more of the magic the Top Dog Dude Ranch can bring.

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

Brant is pretty much perfect – caring, sweet, understanding, and patient (oh and hot) – which may annoy some (because seriously who is THAT perfect) but honestly the story is really about Cait. And she needs someone that is just that good to support her. She’s had a hard life and had finally found a safe place to land, only to have things shaken up with the discovery of her birth mother. And sisters! Sisters that come with awesome friends and the chance of a different future but only if she’s willing to let go of her past and take a chance.

I really enjoyed Cait’s journey. She was hesitant at first to get involved with Brant but when she does decide to give a relationship with him a try she gives it her all. It’s not immediate, she has to work on it, but with help from Brant, her sisters, and their friends she finds herself opening up and looking toward a future together on Silver Island.

I usually avoid romances that have a character that is not into relationships, mostly because they usually involve more drama than I prefer, but I also know that Foster is really good at what she does. And she once again proves it with Brant and Cait’s story. There’s a lot of emotion but not a lot of tumultuousness. Giving readers all the feels and a satisfying read, without a roller coaster ride to the happy ever after ending.

(While this is technically a stand alone, there are A LOT of characters from previous – and future – books that make an appearance. It may be confusing for some, but Foster does provide a family tree for those that want to see how everyone relates. And maybe figure out what books to add to their TBR pile

Based on the blurb, you know going in there will be hijinks, mixed with a good amount of humor. And while I enjoyed the farce that Hugh manages to drag everyone into, it probably won't be for everyone. It's not exactly a believable story line but I found myself just sitting back, relaxing, and letting myself enjoy it.

Hugh has more than his fair share of charm, handsome, and funny. But he's also tormented by secrets and convinced that he'll never be good husband material. As with most of the book, a little straightforward communication would solve pretty much all of his problems.

Poor and desperate, Minerva has different problems brought on by her agreement to help Hugh in exchange for enough money to take care of her family. She quickly finds herself over her head and juggling too many things, watching as everything quickly goes sideways.

Full of great supporting characters (a couple of whom I hope will be get their own HEA in the next book), comedy, and lots of drama, Never Fall for Your Fiancée is lighthearted and fun, not to be taken too seriously but enjoyable all the same.

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

Chance may have brought Rami and Fen together again but they have to decide if they are brave enough to follow their hearts. Both have been through a lot since the last time they saw each other but one thing hasn’t changed – the connection drawing them together. Time, meddling family, and a touch of fate just might show them a way to HEA.

Fen has come a long way since the events that chased him up the mountain in the first place but he hasn’t quite been ready to put himself out there completely. Running into Rami again has him thinking about what he’s willing to risk. Rami has his own complications to consider. His life has pretty much been on hold since he became responsible for his nephew. And while Fen may be amazing with kids, can he take a gamble with both their hearts?

I really enjoyed Leigh’s newest – emotional, heartwarming, minimal angst, plenty of heat, sweetness, and familial bonds all wrapped together with a big holiday bow. Both main characters are enjoyable & complement quite well and Rami’s family, with their rapscallion children, are just as awesome. I love how well everyone fit together, and the scenes with Rami & Fen with the kids are some of the best moments in the book. It’s a slow burn but full of so much heart it’ll have you wanting more. Definitely looking forward to reading other books from this author.

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