Review ~ Until You Can't by Brittney Sahin

Until You Can'tUntil You Can't by Brittney Sahin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Until You Can't was a good slow burn type of read but didn’t blow me away. Ryan and Natalia had known each other for a long time and it seemed that they didn’t like each other very much. However I could see that they had a connection. They both were living back at home as they tried to get their lives back on track and started to spend a lot more time together. Due to circumstances that developed, they were trying to find a fake girlfriend for Ryan, and it was quite amusing, as their feelings developed.

I felt that some elements were a bit unrealistic, considering the age of the characters. Being 39 and 32 I would’ve thought that Ryan was man enough to find what he needed. Anthony was a selfish jerk too, so his element of the story really annoyed me. However, when the suspense element kicked in I did enjoy the rush. Realising their feelings I enjoyed seeing Ryan and Natalia finally give into their chemistry and learned to trust one another.


Title: Until You Can't
Author: Brittney Sahin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 20, 2022

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brittney Sahin comes a thrilling new standalone romance.

She was the girl next door. His brother’s ex. And the woman he spent a decade pretending to hate . . .

After twenty years of service, the Navy told me it’d be too risky to operate again, forcing me to retire as a Navy SEAL. Going back to my hometown to lick my wounds and figure out what came next was never the plan. Neither was having to turn to some old friends to save my younger brother’s life when he wound up in trouble. It was smooth sailing at first. Until I realized my brother lied. And I was falling for my fake girlfriend—my brother’s ex-fiancĂ©e.

He wasn’t only my ex’s brother, he was the most frustrating man I’d ever met.

The last person I expected to save me when my Jeep broke down was Ryan Rossi—a distant, broody, sexy man who’d been a thorn in my side for years. I had no time or room for him in my life. I should’ve been on top of the world after my restaurant survived its first year. Instead, I was drowning in debt and living in my childhood home right next door to that handsome thorn.

When Ryan offered help, a favor for a favor, how could I say no? All I had to do was find him a girlfriend within a week. Someone who wasn’t me. Because no way could I offer to fake date him, even if I found myself desiring him at every turn. And yet, the next thing I knew, I was in Tuscany with Ryan down on one knee. For me.

While the relationship may have been fake, the danger wasn’t. And Ryan once again proved not all heroes wear capes.

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Review ~ Tease by Melanie Harlow

Tease (Cloverleigh Farms, #8)Tease by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was another delightful read in the Cloverleigh Farms series. I enjoyed watching Felicity and Hutton, who were two awkward, long time friends! It was amusing to see how they acted on their feelings even though they didn’t really understand how deep those feelings ran or for how long they would last. They both were oblivious! Felicity and Hutton had extreme chemistry and their whirlwind romance was super sweet! They both had their quirks, but I felt that just made them even cuter! It was fantastic to see how they both had so much support from their families.


Title: Tease
Author: Melanie Harlow
Series: Cloverleigh Farms #8
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 11, 2022

Felicity I didn’t mean to say I was engaged to a hot billionaire–it just slipped out.

In my defense, I’d had a really bad haircut, a really strong drink, and I was trying to save face in front of the Mean Girl at my high school reunion.

Lucky for me, I happen to know a hot billionaire. Hutton French and I have been friends forever, and even though big social gatherings are not his thing, I called him from the coat closet and begged him for a favor–show up and play my fake fiancĂ© for the night.

Except that word of our engagement spreads like wildfire. Our families are ecstatic. We’re front page news. My little food blog is launched into the stratosphere.

Of course, I offer to set the record straight right away, but Hutton wants to give it a little time–the phony engagement is keeping his matrimony-mad mother and every matchmaking granny in town off his back.

He even suggests I move in with him to make the ruse more real.

And we don’t stop there.

We practice kissing. Undressing each other. Saying things–and doing things–we’d never dare if we weren’t pretending. Because it’s all for show, right? We’re just role-playing. Hutton doesn’t want a real relationship, and I don’t want to get hurt. But the more time we spend faking it, the more I start to wonder.

Could Hutton French and I actually be right for each other, or is it all just one big tease?

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Review ~ Reckless by Adriana Locke

Reckless (The Mason Family, #3)Reckless by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reckless was such a fun read! The connection between Jaxi and Boone built throughout the story and it was obvious that they were falling for one another. Neither acted on their attraction until late in the story, but the easy flirtiness between them was entertaining. A spanner was thrown into Jaxi’s life plan, but the change was so sweet considering the support she got from Boone. This turned into a whirlwind romance that I devoured quickly.

I really enjoyed the way that Adriana Locke built this story. Jaxi and Boone were easy to like characters and it was easy to get swept up in this world. I haven't read all the books in this series, but I found it easy to dive into without worrying about the other couples books.


Title: Reckless
Author: Adriana Locke
Series: Mason Family #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 26, 2021

“How did you get in here?”

That’s not what you want to hear when you’re staring into the sea-green eyes of the hottest man you’ve ever seen. Yet I suppose it’s a fair question, considering I’m an uninvited stranger standing in Boone Mason’s kitchen.

If you think that’s bad—just wait. It gets worse.

This charming and wealthy playboy, who can’t pay his bills on time or find his way to the grocery store (but we all have flaws, right?), is sweet. Confident. Playful. He’s almost perfect. And, to make matters worse …

He’s smitten with me.

I know what you’re thinking. You’re rolling your eyes. You’re assuming this is some opposites attract situation—or that maybe we can be friends who turn into something more.

How can this be a bad thing?

Well, it’s simple. I’m not the kind of girl you fall in love with. Just to be sure, the universe reminds me of that in an unforgettable, in-your-face kind of way.

I might have broken into Boone’s house, but I won’t let him break my heart. I won’t break his either. There’s too much on the line to be that reckless.

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Review ~ Meet Me Halfway by Lilian T. James

Meet Me Halfway (Meet Me Halfway Series)Meet Me Halfway by Lilian T. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven't read anything by Lilian T. James and I was pleasanlty surprised as to how much I enjoyed Meet Me Halfway. I liked how Madison was standing on her own two feet; she was severly over worked and studied every chance she got to build a better life for herself and her son. She got off on the wrong foot with Garrett, but I could see that his opinion was changing throughout the read.

The chemistry between them grew slowly, and Madison had a hard time letting a man back into her life, but Garett was a patient man and was willing to wait. I could see his love grow, even after knowing Maddie's darkest secrets. I did feel that some threads weren't closed properly, and the ending seemed a little rushed, but overall not a bad read.


Title: Meet Me Halfway
Author: Lilian T. James
Series: Meet Me Halfway Series
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 29, 2022

Madison gave her heart to a boy at the age of sixteen, but all she got in return was a broken heart and a swollen belly.

Alone with a baby and desperate for the love she hadn’t found, she turned to a man who sealed his claim of devotion with a diamond ring.

He promised her a family. A life. A future. But his lies had only been a cover for the personal hell he introduced her to daily.

Now, at twenty-five, Madison has long since stopped believing in love. It’s simply not a square on her bingo card.

Balancing single parenthood, three jobs, and online courses, she doesn’t have the time anyway.

So when the broody neighbor living in the other side of her duplex leaves a rude note on her door, she’s not interested.

Not in his dark hair, not in his physique, and definitely not in the dimples she’s only seen a hint of. She’s one hundred percent, absolutely, not interested.

Not even a little.

Author's Note: Head to the author's website for a full list of all content descriptions, tropes, etc.

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Review ~ Taken By A Sinner by Michelle Heard

Taken By A Sinner (Sinners, #1)Taken By A Sinner by Michelle Heard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed meeting Tess and Nikolas - they had chemistry right from the beginning. Tess began as a quiet young woman, who had been quite sheltered and she grew stronger throughout the story. Nikolas had no plans to be tied to one woman, but he was drawn to Tess, regardless of their parents getting married. Tess didn't bend to Nikolas' demands immediately, despite how much he wanted her to. It wasn't smooth sailing for Nik and Tess, there were some intense moments, but at times I felt this story was rushed. However, for my first Michelle Heard read, I quite enjoyed it and look forward to more stories from this world.


Title: Taken By A Sinner
Author: Michelle Heard
Series: Sinners #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 28, 2022

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new standalone, full-length Greek Mafia Romance novel.

Drowning in the murky waters of the mafia, I’m determined to find a way out. I have my sights set on becoming a film producer and won’t let anything or anyone stand in my way.

Then my mother marries a retired Godfather, and I get the head of the Greek mafia as a stepbrother.
Nikolas Stathoulis is set on ruining my well-laid plans. His ruthless reputation has me running for the safety of my apartment.

But he’s always there. On campus. In my apartment. Expecting me to play by his rules.
If only I can ignore his godlike features and stop my heart from doing cartwheels at the sight of him.

Greek God? Pretty much.
But he’s rude, demanding, and hell-bent on making my life a misery.

Two can play this game… Right?

STANDALONE: A Greek Mafia Romance full-length novel. WARNING: 18+ only. Please read responsibly. THIS NOVEL CONTAINS TRIGGERING CONTENT.

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Review ~ Beautifully Cruel series by J.T. Geissinger

Beautifully Cruel (Beautifully Cruel, #1)Beautifully Cruel by J.T. Geissinger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found Beautifully Cruel to be quite a good, solid read however it didn’t blow me away. Tru and Liam had a long connection, before either of acted on their connection. Liam silently watched Tru over many months, but didn’t want to cross that line due to the situation he was in. Tru was a quiet girl, but when cornered was quick witted and would stand up for herself. She got herself into a situation and Liam was determined to get in to help her.

It was sweet watching these two fall deeply for one another, despite the dangerous life Liam lived, and how hard they tried to deny their feelings. I could see how protective Liam was of Tru and that he wanted to respect her above everything. I felt that these two fell for each other a little too easily. I would’ve enjoyed a bit more danger and suspense. Towards the end there was some drama and some sweet moments between them. I’m looking forward to reading the next book, to see how much bigger this world can get.


Title: Beautifully Cruel
Author: J.T. Geissinger
Series: Beautifully Cruel #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 15, 2020

Alpha (noun):
1) Having the highest rank in a dominance hierarchy
2) The most powerful man in a group
3) Liam Black


He was a stranger to me, a dark and dangerous presence who materialized from the shadows one rainy night to save me from a vicious attack. I didn’t know his name or where he was from. All I knew was that the only place I’d ever felt safe was in his arms.

But safety is an illusion.
And not every savior is a hero.
And—as I’d soon find out—having an alpha save your life comes with a price.

Liam Black wanted something from me in return.


Cruel Paradise (Beautifully Cruel, #2)Cruel Paradise by J.T. Geissinger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading Beautifully Cruel, I was really looking forward to reading Killians book, to see who would be able to tame him and I was secretly surprised on who was able to do it. I think that as Juliet had a background in the similar area, she understood Killian well. She was quite the quick-witted thief with a heart of gold. She found it hard to let people in and had a small group of people that she trusted. Her and her friends tried to do good deeds, by robbing the people who could afford it.

Killian was drawn to Juliet as soon as he found her. He wanted to know more and was determined to earn her trust. The banter between Juliet and Killian was its own kind of foreplay. I felt that there was a lot of push and pull, and that Liam’s story revealed more background information. I would’ve liked more in this read, and to cross over storyline’s a bit more. The suspense in the end was good, but I felt like it lacked a little bit of storyline and depth. Overall it has been a good series to get swept away in.


Title: Cruel Paradise
Author: J.T. Geissinger
Series: Beautifully Cruel #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 1, 2020

Anti-hero (noun):
1) A powerful and charismatic man lacking moral character
2) A magnificent bastard
3) Killian Black


You don’t know me.
You think you do, but you don’t.
The only thing you know is my name, and even that’s a lie.

I’m king of Boston, lord of criminals, ruler of an underworld empire. Or am I?

Only one thing’s for sure: I operate alone.

Until I cross paths with a brazen little thief who sets my whole kingdom on fire.

Just as two wrongs don’t make a right, two villains don’t belong together. Especially since she’s the daughter of my most deadly enemy.

Taking her would start a war.
Keeping her would be suicide.
Making her mine would break every code of honor and defy all common sense.

Then again, where’s the fun in following the rules?

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Review ~ One Percent of You by Michelle Gross

One Percent of YouOne Percent of You by Michelle Gross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This certainly was a slow burn read as Hadley and Elijah got to know one another. Hadley being a single mum was quite wary of Elijah, especially as how their first meeting didn’t go so well. However I could see the connection grow after each interaction, even though they didn’t understand it. My heart ached for Hadley and how she worked so hard to support her little family. I loved the change in Elijah. He gravitated toward this little family and was very protective of them all. He was keen to step out of his comfort zone so Hadley knew that he was serious. I adored Lucy! She seemed wise for her age and loved her mother and Elijah fiercely! My only complaint would that it wrapped up too quickly! I wanted more of this sweet family!



Title: One Percent of You
Author: Michelle Gross
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 5, 2019

Make no mistakes about it. I know what I look like to others. Young, government-aided, pregnant mom. They see Lucy on my hip, and they see a mistake. I mean, why else would someone have a child so young, right? They couldn’t be more wrong. I’m too busy most days between parenting, work, and finishing up my last year of nursing school to let their judging gaze tear me down until he moves in the vacant house next to the apartments I live in.

His cold, blunt observation of us doesn’t differ from any other stranger. He doesn’t know me, but he’s already painting a picture of who he thinks I am in his mind. He judges my very round belly, Lucy’s inability to leave him alone, the bags under my eyes, and the fact that I could not care less what I look like anymore.

He’s a rude guy. Stays that way for months too. Then something happens, I’m not even sure what. Judgmental Guy decides Lucy and me — as well as baby Eli — are worth his friendship.

Turns out, Judgmental Guy isn’t too mean — okay, he kind of still is. But he graduates to Elijah. I build an unlikely friendship with him which deems it necessary for him to start smiling around me and my kids.

I’m wrong again. Elijah isn’t rude. He’s terrifying. His strange acts of kindness are unraveling me. Elijah is only my friend.

Right?

Oh, fudge. I think I’m wrong. Again.

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Review ~ Blind Side by Kandi Steiner

Blind Side (Red Zone Rivals, #2)Blind Side by Kandi Steiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Red Zone Rivals series that I’ve read and I found it to be quite the enjoyable read. Clay was a confident and thoughtful guy, who put those he loved first. He came from a broken home where his mother struggled a lot and he felt the need to help her constantly.

Giana was a quiet girl, with her own fashion sense. She felt like the forgotten middle child in her family and was growing on her own in college. She was outside of her comfort zone as she organised the football players to face the press.

Clay and Giana were total opposites but found that they could help each other out with people that they wanted. What they didn’t expect was for their feelings to grow as they explored each other’s minds and bodies. Together these two were sweet and I enjoyed watching them grow. I enjoyed meeting the part of team as well.


Title: Blind Side
Author: Kandi Steiner
Series: Red Zone Rivals #2
Genre: Sports Romance
Published: June 15, 2022

The hottest college football safety in the nation just asked me to be his fake girlfriend.

And I just asked him to take my virginity.

Clay Johnson has the abs of Adonis and the deadly smirk of the devil, himself. There’s hardly a day he’s not headline material during football season, and never a day he isn’t a bullseye target for every girl on campus.

He used to be the easiest of all the players for me to wrangle as the Public Relations Coordinator, but after a nasty breakup with his high school sweetheart, he’s a mess.

And a complete pain in my ass.

We meet to discuss his behavior and review media relations standards. But when he witnesses how I fall to pieces in front of my guitar-toting crush, his wheels start turning. And he cooks up this absurd plan.

He helps me get noticed.
I help him make his ex jealous.
All by pretending to be in a relationship.

What he doesn’t realize is that this bookworm is a virgin, and far from versed in seducing a musician. So, to sweeten the deal, I convince him to help me — not just to get my crush’s attention, but to knock his socks off once I have it.

But the more I come unraveled at the hands of Clay Johnson, the more trouble I have discerning what’s fake and what’s undoubtedly real — particularly, the way my heart flutters every time that breathtaking man touches me.

We set the rules. We put the safeguards in place.

But they say rules are meant to be broken.
They probably should have added that hearts are, too.
Blind Side is a fake dating college sports romance with "lessons" and opposites attract. It is a complete stand-alone.

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Review ~ Between Hello and Goodbye by Emma Scott

Between Hello and GoodbyeBetween Hello and Goodbye by Emma Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Between Hello and Goodbye was the kind of read that drew me in, and I wanted to know more about the characters. I liked the character growth of both Asher and Faith. Faith thought she was doing ok, but decided a reset was needed, even though it ended up to be quite challenging. Asher never dated girls - he had more one night stands - but there was something about Faith that drew him to her. It was sweet watching their attraction grow.

However, there was a twist thrown in and that left me gobsmacked! I couldn’t believe how much it would turn their lives upside down! Between Hello and Goodbye was a pretty intense read at times, and my heart ached for both Asher and Faith, as the timing never appeared right for them. Faith lacked comfort when growing up, and Asher always had Mason and the responsibilities. I loved Asher’s family and how supportive they were of one another. I had hope that Asher and Faith would find their time, as they were perfect for one another.


Title: Between Hello and Goodbye
Author: Emma Scott
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 26, 2022

She’s a city girl in Seattle. He’s a firefighter in a rainforest. This is never going to work…

Faith Benson isn’t your emergency contact, she’s the party-girl friend you call for a good time. The gal-pal who loves mimosas at brunch and martinis at Happy Hour. But her carefree lifestyle threatens her job at a top Seattle ad agency. There’s no one better at landing big accounts (when she shows up) but her boss demands she take a leave of absence to get her head on straight.

Faith heads to the remote Hawaiian island of Kauai, far away from the vices that get her in trouble. But a twisted ankle on Day One requires rescuing by a man who is vice personified—a gorgeous firefighter who awakens feelings in her heart she never knew existed.

Asher Mackey doesn’t get involved with beautiful tourists beyond taking them to bed and then watching them leave his tiny island. He’s devoted his life to the safety and care of everyone around him…except himself. Until he meets Faith Benson, the city girl whose vibrant, inner beauty shines a light on the dark corners of his life, showing him how safe—but empty—it truly is.

Despite their best efforts to keep their distance, Faith and Asher fall hard and fast, but there’s an ocean between them. Both are building their lives on opposite sides of the Pacific while their feelings for each other grow more profound and undeniable by the day.

Something has to give.

When Asher receives devastating news, he and Faith have to decide once and for all to entrust their hearts fully to the other or return to their safe—but separate—worlds. Because neither can endure much longer, living somewhere between hello and goodbye.

Between Hello and Goodbye is a contemporary romance about love, loss, and experiencing life in all its facets. It deals with sensitive topics that may be triggering for some readers.

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Review ~ June First by Jennifer Hartmann

June FirstJune First by Jennifer Hartmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Through the first part of June First, the opening chapters broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Seeing such a tragedy at such a young age was such an overwhelming experience. I enjoyed watching Brant, Theo and June grow throughout the years, but my heart shattered once again further into the read. It brought on a lot of tears and my heart was aching for the family that I’ve come to love. I didn’t know how they are going to pull themselves back together.

The last half of this book was challenging for not only Brant and June but also June's parents. They had suffered so much and had to learn to live again. The attraction between them continued to burn and when lines were blurred, it was extremely hard to go back. It was a difficult time for all and I understood each side. It was hard for them all to find the right path. Overall there was no denying the love they all had for each other. This was such an emotionally charged read.


Title: June First
Author: Jennifer Hartmann
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 17, 2022

Want to know what happens to a man who barely claws his way out of a tragedy, only to fall right into the arms of the one girl in the world he can never have?

Another tragedy, that’s what.

When I was six years old, my father made a choice that altered the course of my entire life.
Because of what he did, the only girl I ever loved became the only girl I couldn’t have.

In a lot of ways, I did have her…
I had her first steps, her first words, her first smile. I had her milestones, her heartbreaks, her dreams. I had her heart so woven in with mine, I didn’t know where she ended, and I began.
Only, as the years pressed on, lines became blurred—and the blurrier the line, the easier it is to cross.

They say tragedy comes in threes.
For me, that was true.
The first one changed me, the second one broke me, and the third one healed me.

But at the center of all that tragedy… there is a love story.
And at the center of that love story,
There is June.

** Forbidden/taboo relationship, please read with caution **

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