Review ~ The Rules of Dating a Younger Man by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

The Rules of Dating a Younger Man by Vi Keeland
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed all the books in this series, so it was no surprise that I would pick up Brayden and Alex’s book. Brayden was the type of character I love! He is kind and thoughtful and was doing something that was close to his heart. Alex was older than the women that he usually dated, but he was drawn to her immediately. I could see the sparks grow between them and it was not long until he wanted to be all in.

Alex, I liked her when with Brayden. She was not looking for anything, but soon her feelings were growing and she was convinced to take a chance. She was close with her step daughter - Caitlin - and a lot of the time she worried more about Caitlin’s feelings before her own. Being an adult, I wished she had more confidence in herself and would take the opportunities when she could, as we live only one life.

Thank goodness for Alex’s BFF Wells. He constantly put Alex back on track and allowed her to explore her feelings. Other than a small bump in the road, Caitlin was pretty level headed and encouraged Alex to take a leap. They all just wanted her to be happy. And honestly, Brayden and Alex were great together!

This wasn’t my favourite read of the series but I was so happy to complete the journey of these 4 friends.

Title: The Rules of Dating a Younger Man

Author: Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Series: The Law of Opposites Attract #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 15, 2024

I was the last of my group of friends to find “the one.”
The guys would always tease me that I needed to hurry up and settle down.
But I was in no rush.
Until I met someone worth rushing for.
Alex was one of the weekend volunteers at Ryan’s House—a charity I founded to build housing near hospitals.
Little did I know she was the same person I’d been arguing with over email before the project started. At the time, I’d thought Alex was a dude.
In reality? She was a smoking hot blonde who captivated me from the moment we met in person.
Our chemistry was off the charts, and I fell hard pretty fast.
Unfortunately, Alex insisted I was too young for her. I hated that she felt that way. Because age was just a number.
Not only that, her words didn’t match the way she looked at me—like she was very interested.
I lived for the weekends we’d spend out of town volunteering. Alex and I side-by-side hammering during the day, while sharing intimate dinners together at the hotel at night.
Eventually, the walls she’d put up to protect her heart began to crumble.
Until fate threw us a doozy that I wasn’t sure we could come back from.
If I’d thought our age gap was the biggest hurdle, I didn’t know anything yet.
Rule number one for dating an older woman who insists you could never be together?
Don’t fall in love.

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Review ~ Not Made to Last by Jay McLean

Not Made to Last by Jay McLean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

I liked getting to know both Olivia and Rhys. How they met was quite amusing, but I soon got to see that Olivia had secrets that she was hiding from everyone. I liked how close she was to her brothers and would do anything to protect them. Having Rhys in her life threatened everything that she was trying to hold together.

Rhys had his own issues but felt at peace when he was with Olivia. There was something about her that drew him to her. He went out of his way to get her into his life and the longer that they were together the stronger their connection became. There were a few hiccups and things fell apart for them as secrets unravelled.

Some parts of this read that were so good and my heart ached for Olivia. Rhys was quick to overact at times, but took his time to realise what his heart wanted. There were a few moments that annoyed me, but overall it was a good read.

Title: Not Made to Last

Author: Jay McLean

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: April 5, 2024

Two simple words hold the truth of our love: wait and hope.

Olivia
Rhys Garrett—recent high school graduate, ex-captain of the basketball team, and my brother’s rival both on and off the court.
Oh, and he’s also the guy I just hit with my truck.
Awesome.
To be fair, he had it coming.
Why else was he dressed in all black, in the middle of the night, if not to hide out amongst the darkness?

Rhys
I wasn’t looking where I was going or what was around me. I didn’t even see the headlights. Just felt the impact. And I thought, as strange as it was, that getting hit by a car may be the best thing that could’ve happened to me.
Until I opened my eyes…
…and she told me her name.

Some might call it fate, destiny, kismet…
A collision of souls.
One night.
One chance encounter.
The problem?
One night wasn’t enough.
But the more time we spent together, the more truths came to light.
And soon, we’d discover that what we once thought was meant to be…
…is not made to last.

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Review ~ Say You Want Me by Corinne Michaels

Say You Want Me by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the first book in this series I knew I had to read more as I’ve just fallen in love with these brothers and their small town of Belle Buckle. Wyatt was one of my favourite characters in the first book and I really enjoyed getting to know him better. He and Angie had chemistry since they first met so it was fun to see them together now that they are going to be parents.

Angie struggled a lot with her feelings. She’d lost hope of falling in love and having children, so she panicked alot to begin with. Once she accepted it, I liked the change in her and how she slowly let Wyatt win her over - they were so cute!! Wyatt was just the perfect gentleman and I could see that he had fallen hard for Angie. He constantly wooed her and even some of the townsfolk tried to help him win Angie over.

It wasnt smooth sailing for them either. My heart broke at one stage and it was a difficult time for everyone. Angie wanted Wyatt regardless, but he struggled with his emotions and pushed her away. I just wanted him to fight harder! This truly was a fantastic read, and again I ran through so many emotions. Corinne Michaels executed this story perfectly! I cannot wait for Travis and Graces story.

Title: Say You Want Me

Author: Corinne Michaels

Series: The Hennington Brothers #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 29, 2016

There’s no way I’ll fall for Wyatt Hennington.

He can keep his Southern drawl, irresistible smile, and those pick-up lines all to himself. I made the mistake of sleeping with him not once, but twice. I’m not stupid enough to give him round three, especially after he left me in the middle of the night so I could see myself out. I vow to return to Philadelphia and forget him.

It proves easier said than done.

When the doctor informs me I’m the winner of door prize number two, I put my life on hold and head back to Bell Buckle. Three months and if we can’t make this work, I’m gone.

The problem is—when the cards are stacked against us, and I can’t bring myself to leave him, I’ll finally know if he truly loves me or if all my fears were real . . .

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Review ~ Say You'll Stay by Corinne Michaels

Say You'll Stay by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this read. My heart shattered for Presley at the start and her heartbreak continued to grow the more time that passed. She had to deal with so much - what she lost and having to push through for her sons. She had to make decisions that lead her back to her home town, the last place she ever wanted to go back to, and inevitably, her first love. It was tough for Presley as she dealt with old feelings.

Presley was amazing, it took her time to find her feet, but I did love the way that being back at home began to breathe life back into her. She was angry to begin with, but the longer time passed the more she grew, and her anger turned into happiness. Her boys were happier and her old friends and family supported her through everything. Being around Zach was hard for her as they both had a lot of baggage to unravel.

They both struggled with past mistakes, but there was no denying the chemistry that was still between them. I loved Zach, he was such a nice guy and time was good for him. He was patient with Pres and waited for her to come to him. He was amazing with the kids too. They had hurdles along the way, but they had such a big support crew. Corrine Michaels nailed this read - it had all the feels and such amazing characters.

Title: Say You'll Stay

Author: Corinne Michaels

Series: The Hennington Brothers #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 20, 2016

One word.
Stay.
It was all he had to do. Instead, he got on that bus and took my heart with him.
That was seventeen years ago.
I moved on. Marriage. Kids. White picket fence. Everything I ever wanted, but my husband betrayed me and I was left once again.
Alone, penniless, and with two boys, I had no choice but to return to Tennessee. He wasn't supposed to be there. I should've been safe. However, fate has a way of stepping in.
This time around, the tables are turned. It's my decision. Second chances do exist, but I don't know if we can repair what's already been broken . . .

** This book is a STANDALONE **

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Review ~ Before We Came by Sloane St. James

Before We Came by Sloane St. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book by Sloane St. James, and for her debut novel it wasn’t too bad. After I read the blurb I was intrigued, but didn’t realise what the direction was going to be. It was interesting, but I wasn’t fully convinced on Birdie’s early years. When she and Lonan crossed paths, I was excited by these turn of events, and couldn’t get enough of them together. They were soul mates but they both had struggled.

Seeing Lonan and Birdie together was fantastic, they had amazing chemistry. Birdie tried to take things slower, but Lonan knew what he wanted. I felt they both probably should have taken their time as they both had suffered trauma as children. I liked how strong Lonan was and his change in life was good for him. I wished they communicated a little better though. I liked Birdies family, they suffered so much.

I would’ve preferred to experience more through this read. There was a lot of inner dialogue and at times I skimmed that as it was a bit repetitive and I just wanted to see the characters together. I liked how it wrapped up and for her debut book, I thought it was a good start!

Title: Before We Came

Author: Sloane St. James

Series: Lakes Hockey #1

Genre: Sports Contemporary Romance

Published: March 27, 2023

Birdie
My mother's funeral unraveled decades of secrets hidden from me—horrible secrets. I’ve learned my past is more sinister than I could have ever imagined. Everything has been a lie, right down to the name on my driver’s license. Now there’s only one direction for me to turn: to the people who have been searching for me all these years.

One of those people is my new-found brother’s best friend: Lonan Burke, star defenseman for the Minnesota Lakes. The physical attraction we share offers an easy distraction as I discover who I am. The more we give in to each other, the more he wants to keep me. But I’ve already spent my life in captivity—I want to be free.

Lonan
She’s back. We were kids the last time I saw her, but my innocent crush from childhood is full-grown now. And it’s not so innocent anymore. She’s a breath of fresh air from the series of one-night stands since being drafted into the NHL. I’ve got one shot with her, and I’m not taking it for granted.

When her story hits the media, I offer her a place to hide. For the first time, my frigid condo feels like a home, and she’s made me believe the future I’ve always wanted is within reach. Birdie is it for me, we've always been inevitable, and I'll spend the rest of my life proving it if it means I can spend it with her.

Note: This 18+ spicy hockey romance features dirty-talking, praise, a brother's best friend, suspense, forced proximity, second-chance love, angst, and of course, a happily ever after.

CW: Kidnapping, fatal car accident details, manipulation, suicide mentioned. Off-page childhood emotional and physical abuse. Off page child death.

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Review ~ Broken by Sadie Kincaid

Broken by Sadie Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Broken was a pretty good read, I enjoyed getting to know both Nathan and Melanie. Nathan’s family were pretty awesome whereas Mel’s brother and mother were nasty. I didn’t like them at all and despised how badly they treated Mel. They belittled her, made her believe that she was the reason their father died and blamed her for a lot of things. I loved the way that Nathan’s family accepted her into their family.

I liked how Nathan and Mel grew to love one another, although their marriage was like a contract to begin with. They had great chemistry and it was sweet seeing them together. I liked watching them grow together as a couple. They opened up to one another, but not 100%. Things would’ve been smoother if they didn’t hold things back. Their story wasn’t always smooth sailing. The first hurdle threw me a bit.

I didn’t like the nasty streak in Nathan. I could see that they loved one another, but he was quick to push Mel away. The other 95% of the book he was amazing, doting on Mel through everything. He helped her through a heartbreaking period of time that would break anyone’s heart. Mel was such a kind and loveable character. She dealt with a lot and her sister Ashley was her priority. A few moments I felt were odd, buyt overall it was an enjoyable read.

Title: Broken

Author: Sadie Kincaid

Series: Manhattan Ruthless #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 16, 2024

You want to know the secret to everlasting happiness?

Never fall in love.

That was the wisdom my father imparted to us James boys after our mom died, and it’s a piece of advice that’s served me well.

Until dear old Dad asks me for a favor over Sunday brunch. No big deal, right? I love making my old man happy. Except this “favor” is a lot more complicated than picking up his dry cleaning. Dad wants me to marry and provide a few heirs for the James empire, and he’s even done me the courtesy of handpicking my bride-to-be. Lucky me.

But if I’m being honest, I’ve grown tired of the endless cycle of dating, the constant small talk, and the ever-shrinking pool of women I haven’t already invited for a sleepover.

I’m a lawyer, so contracts are kind of my thing. And that’s all marriage really is—a contract negotiated between two parties. What could possibly go wrong?

Enter Melanie Edison, the five-foot-four brunette with curves in ALL the right places. A veterinary nurse with the smartest mouth I’ve ever heard. And I have more fun not dating her than I did dating any woman before, even with Melanie’s absurd no-sex-before-marriage rule.

But when our business arrangement becomes so much more, I end up breaking my most important rule. And that’s when it all goes to hell.

I have no idea how we can ever repair the damage that’s been done. I’m not even sure I want to. And maybe going back to my old life won’t be so hard.

Except it’s too late. I broke my rule.

And she broke me.

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Review ~ Fight for Me by Corinne Michaels

Fight for Me by Corinne Michaels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

From the start of Fight for Me we were able to see why Declan left and why he pushed Sydney away. It was a bit of an odd reason, and I couldn’t see why the brothers didn’t stand up to their ass of a father. Anyway, years later Declan returned due to a clause in their father’s will.

Sydney didn’t want anything to do with Declan, and honestly I hoped she would be strong, but she was quick to get intimate with him. I wanted her to be feisty but she wasn’t as strong of a character as I hoped. Declan didn’t feel worthy of Sydney, but you could see that they belonged together. Declan seemed to pop up everywhere and I felt it was a bit stalkerish at times. Sydney tried to run from the issues that she had and Declan tried to fix everything for her.

This was an ok read, there were a few moments that annoyed me, so it wasn't all that I would hope it would be.

Title: Fight for Me

Author: Corinne Michaels

Series: The Arrowood Brothers #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 19, 2020

From New York Times Bestselling author Corinne Michaels comes a new emotional and riveting standalone second chance love story.

I fell in love with Sydney Hastings when I was ten years old.
At sixteen, we whispered promises of forever.
When I was twenty-two I broke them all. I left her and promised never to return.


After my father's death, I’m forced to go home to Sugarloaf for six months. She'll be everywhere, no longer just in my memories and regrets.

When we’re together, it’s as though time never stopped. She’s still the one I want, but I don’t deserve her. Instead of apologizing, I take that beautiful, broken woman in my arms. But after that, it’s her turn to leave me.

Now I have to fight. For her. For us. For the life we both want …

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Review ~ Powerless by Elsie Silver

Powerless by Elsie Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a sweet and entertaining read, and although it’s the only book in the series that I have read, I was totally swept away in the world and the characters.

I enjoyed getting to know both Sloane and Jasper, how their connection began when they were young, and to see how they grew into such amazing people. From the beginning I was able to see how unhappy Sloane was and I loved that Jasper saw her.

Jasper swept her away when she needed it most and the growth in the characters was amazing. They began to open up more to one another but still had some issues they needed to face along the way. I loved seeing Sloane getting stronger and believed more in herself and was not willing to be a puppet anymore. Jasper just needed faith in himself and to believe. I loved how much support they each had around them too. They bottled some things up but talked it out when prompted. The support networks were fabulous, and I’d like to see more of them.

Elsie did a fantastic job with this book. She hooked me and I’m looking forward to more from this world.

Title: Powerless

Author: Elsie Silver

Series: Chestnut Springs #3

Genre: Sports/Contemporary Romance

Published: February 10, 2023

Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That’s all this was supposed to be. Afterall, I’ve been living in the friend zone for years now.
But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn’t looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn’t touching me like one either.
To his fans, he’s the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he’s still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.
The man I’ve loved in secret for years.
So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he’s the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I’m there to return the favor.
But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn’t feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I’ve ever wanted and thought I could never have.
Our feelings aren’t straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.
Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me.
But after years of turning me away, he’s going to need to prove it.

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Review ~ When We Lied by Claire Contreras

When We Lied by Claire Contreras
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finn and Josslyn were drawn to one another, and obviously had great chemistry. Finn had ulterior motives wanting to get to the bottom of an incident that happened four years prior. He dug into Josslyn’s past, uncovering a lot of secrets and Joss recovered a lot of memories from that time.

I love all the books that I have read by Claire Contreras so far, however this one fell a bit short for me. Sure, it had its steamy moments, but I just didn't connect to the characters at all. The storyline had some suspenseful elements but were a bit far-fetched for me. I had an inkling about the twist, so it was no surprise to me as the story unfolded.

Title: When We Lied

Author: Claire Contreras

Series: Fairview Hockey #2

Genre: Sports Romance

Published: May 2, 2024

A brand new hockey romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Claire Contreras set in the same world as Until I Get You...

Finneas Alexander Barlow is a walking thirst trap. Tall, hot, and broody. Tousled brown hair, chiseled jaw, alluring green eyes, perfect teeth, well-groomed beard, broad shoulders, and lips good enough to bite. He’d look like a Disney prince if the prince was a broody ahole.

Four years ago, a fated meeting led to an inevitable hook-up. Just one. It’s his rule. One-time hook-ups, no information exchanges, and no repeats. I knew that even before he established his boundaries, and he kept his promise. I hadn’t seen or heard from him since.

A year ago, when tragedy struck, he came back to town and sought me out. Gone was the disarming grin and the innuendos he’d once used to make my knees go weak. Unfortunately, his ire was equally debilitating. Now he’s back as the face of Fairview’s brand new professional hockey team and he’s looking for answers I don’t have. Finn won’t accept that, though. He’s as determined to uncover my secrets as I am to keep them. He pushes as hard as I pull. It’s only a matter of time before the rope snaps. Now I can only hope I'm the one left standing.

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Review ~ The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant

The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this read! Sabrina and Grayson were so fun to read about! I loved their one night in Hawaii, where they bonded over good deeds, and how they reconnected back in Sabrina’s hometown of Snaggletooth. Grey was there for revenge at first, but the more he got to know Sabrina, the more he fell for her. Her dog Jitter was super cute throughout this read too, and was able to make anyone love him

This small town and its residents were amusing, and I could see why Sabrina knew so much gossip and it was fun watching Grey unravel all the puzzles that she told him. They were a competitive pair, which was fun to watch as Sabrina fought for her cafe. I liked seeing Laney and Theo again too, and how Emma was doing after her almost wedding.

Oooh.. and Zen! They were an amazing person, and I loved how much they loved his uncle and would do anything for him and their Mimi.

I enjoyed this read a bit more than the first and am excited to carry on with this series!

Title: The Gossip and the Grump

Author: Pippa Grant

Series: Three BFFs and a Wedding #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 5, 2023

He's the last man I should've picked for a one night stand...

See that guy over there? The insanely tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, scowling, “I don’t drink coffee” suit?

Surprise! He’s the new owner of my family’s mountain café.

The café that has been my life purpose since I was born in the kitchen there almost thirty years ago.

The café that he’s planning to completely gut and renovate for revenge against my family.

He’s also the funny, charming, irresistible guy I spilled all of my secrets to last week.

During the hottest one-night stand of my life.

As my dog would say, woof me.

Secrets and gossip keep getting me in trouble, and I swore I was done with both, but now my family’s café is on the line.

It’s time to use every last trick I know to uncover every secret this man is hiding.

I don’t care how much I liked him our first night together, or how much I keep seeing glimpses of that man beneath his gruff exterior.

One of us has to go.

It won’t be me.

The Gossip & The Grump is a one night stand to enemies to lovers romcom featuring a woman desperately trying to unlearn everything she knows about everyone, a grumpy misfit hiding a secret heart of gold, an unfortunate incident with powdered cheese, and the world’s biggest lap puppy. It stands alone, but you wouldn’t go wrong to read The Worst Wedding Date first.

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