3.5*s

Rowe brings a story that balances suspense, danger, and emotion. WIth Caleb not being able to remember anything about his life before he wakes up hurt and surrounded by rubble, he’s running on pure instinct. It also allows him the opportunity to embrace the man he is at heart and not just who time and circumstance has turned him into. WIth the help of Jenna and her spunky daughter Gracie, Caleb has to work fast to figure out who he is and why someone wants him dead.

Overall I enjoyed this book (although there may be a bit too much of instalove for some), and it can definitely be read on its own, but I think that it would have even more of an impact for someone who has read the series. It seems that each of the Stockton’s has had to fight to let go of their childhood and find their way back again. With Caleb being the last to return, there is probably a lot more feels for someone who has been there every story. I’m not saying not to give it a shot, but maybe start at the beginning – if the rest of the books are anything like this one, you should be set on reading materials for a while :)

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

Either Molly works some magic on him or Holden isn’t as much of a grump as he pretends to be, because he’s pretty awesome, in a gruff and foul-mouthed kinda way. He wooed me just as much as he wooed her, every step of the way. And, though I’m surprised that Molly hadn’t found a way to address her problems up to this point, I’m happy that it brought these two together.

He’s a Keeper is definitely that – the characters are fun, their interactions are adorable (and hot), and it’s an easy read to a feel good ending. And while you can see the drama coming a mile away, I appreciate the way that Travis has them evaluate their feelings and come back together. It’s a satisfying HEA to a satisfying story and I’m definitely looking forward to what is coming up next with this series.

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

Parker really is the golden boy – patient, kind, and understanding right from the start. If you are looking for any growth from him, you aren’t going to get it, but there’s plenty on Jamie’s side to go around :) And I find it interesting that there are a number of reviews that didn’t like the book because of Jamie’s recovery from the abuse she’d received at the hands of her ex. I don’t know if they only want strong heroines … or those that quickly get over their troubles … or … I’m not sure. It’s not easy for her to get her confidence back. She feels like a failure for letting it go so long and still bears some of the emotional scars from his words. It’s hard for her to come home and face people she knows, people that seem to have everything together. With Parker’s help she starts to let go of some of her past, to realize she’s tougher than she thinks she is, and that she can start over with her daughter. It’s not easy for her and it does take some time, but she gets there.

Small Town Hero is a slow build but satisfying read about second chances and finding yourself again.

**part of a series but can be read as a standalone**

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

3.5ish *s

I’m sure returning readers already have an investment in Jana & Kane’s HEA but as a new reader I enjoyed it as well – and didn’t feel too left out not having that background. Both characters are strong and pretty sure they know what they want out of life. Which has them bumping heads just as much as … more enjoyable activities. Forced to work together as owner & coach, their relationship changes but it’s hard to turn off the attraction so things quickly get complicated.

While I really liked Jana & Kane (individually and as a couple) and enjoyed their story, there were a couple of suspension of disbelief moments for me. The fact that Kane went from player to head coach in an instant is a little much, definitely something he normally would have worked up to. Jana as new owner is a little easier to understand as she’s been heading there her entire life. Also they both had reasons for not wanting certain things relationshipwise but that changes towards the end and the way it is handled felt a bit rushed to me. Overall though, I liked the book and the way Piper Rayne delivers it, so I’ll definitely be looking for more stories to add to my TBR pile.

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

Marnie may have taken a bit of a hit when her fiance walked out on their wedding, but she’s not out. She just needs someone to show her the strong, confident person hiding underneath her baggy Star Wars shirt. Griffin wants to be that person, he just needs some help to fight his own demons and realize that he’s worthy of love.

I’ve only read one other book by Casella and I have to say I’m missing out. Marnie and Griffin’s story was fun, sexy, and easy to read. I loved all the quirky characters and the slightly off the wall, entertaining storyline. Lying as a central part of the story is tricky for me but it works here. And while with a fake boyfriend story you could expect a lot of “is it real” drama, Casella does a good job of avoiding that trap. Instead we get a low angst, light-hearted, slow burn romance with a good dash of humor and a bit of heat. I’m pretty sure I need to add this author to my must read list!

(Start of a new, spin-off 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.**

3.75*s

Killer Smiles completes Fenske’s Assassins in Love series with a flourish. I really enjoyed Sebastian & Nic’s dance on their way to a HEA – funny, sexy, and dangerous.

Sebastian has always been drawn to Nic’s sass & strength, working together finds him sharing secrets that he’d prefer stay hidden. Nic definitely has her reasons for not trusting men, especially smooth talking ones but time spent with Sebastian, seeing the man under the smile, has her evaluating what she knows to be true. It can definitely change things … if only they can stay alive.

While I really enjoyed the way Fenske wraps everything up, I really wish that Seb had gotten a little more chance to resolve some of his issues. The man has a lot of guilt from his past and there is a lot there that needs to be addressed. I think that if anyone can help him, it’s going to be Nic, but it got just a little bit rushed there at the end. Overall though, she does a wonderful job combining humor and intrigue, with a satisfying mixture of heat and danger. While I’m sad to see these guys go, I’m looking forward to what Fenske has in mind for her readers next.

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

I will say that the blurb doesn’t really do the book justice so I expected a different kind of story. (I think others did too based on some of the reviews.) It’s a slow build, as Tae works to decide what to do with the questions of her past as well as her growing feelings for Riggs. Riggs also struggles with his emotions, his relationships with Tae & his brother, and what he should do with his life now.

As always, Shalvis is wonderful at delivering quirky characters, heartfelt journeys, and satisfying HEAs. Tea and Riggs (and April as well) have a lot to work through – it’s messy, full of feels, with plenty of moments of heat and humor. The Friendship Pact is a feel-good read perfect for those warm, lazy days of summer.

(Part of a series but only because it is set in the same town.)

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

The newest collab between these two bestselling authors is full of disastrous dates, steamy moments, and two people who shouldn't finding themselves falling in love.

Rory is pretty much perfect - he's generous with his money and power, he's kind and understanding, and he's commanding in the bedroom. Which makes him pretty darn irresistible to Bryn.

Bryn is struggling with her self-worth. Her last relationship ended badly and left her with a lot of doubts, about herself and her job as a matchmaker. Quickly realizing her early assumptions about Rory and his motives, she finds herself with another issue - resisting her latest client.

Angela Denise brings readers a humorous rom com with a near-perfect hero and a heroine who needs to learn to trust herself again. A delightful combination of comedy, heat, and emotion, with enjoyable characters and a satisfying HEA, Matchmaking a Billionaire gives readers a reason to want to return to Highland Hills again and again.

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

If you are looking for the perfect book boyfriend, you shouldn’t look any further than Gage. He’s kind, caring, supportive (to Jenna & the team), and settled. There’s not a lot of drama with him, or in the story, and he’s there for those that need him.

Jenna is struggling a little with her confidence after a fire left her with scars. Moving to Pittsburgh is scary but meeting Gage on her first day is definitely a bright spot. She may not trust in him wanting her in a romantic way but she can definitely see that he’s a stand-up guy. And it doesn’t take long for him to convince her of his sincerity, and her own attractiveness.

Gage is an easy read full of feels, taking us through Gage & Jenna’s relationship and her progress in recognizing herself as the person she is under her scars. There’s some team drama that is setting up future stories, but minimal troubles for our hero & heroine – just a sweet relationship that naturally unfolds between two likable characters.

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