Desire or Defense

About the Book:

Desire or Defense: An Enemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance (D.C. Eagles Hockey Book 1) by [Leah Brunner]

Title: Desire or Defense
Series: DC Eagles Hockey #1
Author: Leah Brunner
Release Date: April 18th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

I’m not the hero in this story.

I’m the villain…

The notoriously angry, grouchy, D.C. Eagles defenseman that just can’t keep his temper in check. The temper that leads to a fifteen game suspension from the NHL.

As if that’s not bad enough, I’m forced into a short term youth-hockey coaching gig. Which my manager swears will “rebuild my image.”

But what I didn’t expect was for a gorgeous, spunky blonde to stomp onto the ice on day one and lecture me about being rude to her little brother.

Something about this spitfire of a woman, and the boy she’s so protective of, has my defenses melting.

And if I’m not careful, I’ll burst into flames, forever melting the ice I’ve carefully kept around my heart.(This is a closed-door romcom with mild language. Trigger warnings include: parental substance abuse & dealing with grief/loss of parents).

Book Review:

Ahhh! This was just a wonderful start to a new series. I am already invested in the characters. Desire or Defense is the first book in Leah Brunner’s Hooked on a Feeling. Okay, so Brunner is an excellent writer and I was super excited for this new series. It was just as good as I had hoped!

Andi was a lot of fun. I loved her spunk and how she cared for her brother, she was just trying her best. Andi was a strong character and it was fun to get to know her and see her match Mitch. It was hilarious to see that she didn’t know anything about hockey but how she would do anything for Noah.

Mitch was such a complicated character, but I loved his depth. He was struggling and he didn’t know how to deal with life. It was sweet to read about him connecting with Noah and then Andi. They broke down his walls. Mitch had to learn to fight for his future and hope for the best even when obstacles came.

Mitch and Andi were fun to read about. They had great chemistry and I loved seeing them fall in love. I loved how they connected over Noah and how they tried to be their best for him. The side characters were a lot of fun and I can’t wait to read the next books! I enjoyed reading about their interactions and how they stood by each other. The whole team needs their own books!

Desire or Defense is a must read! It is a closed-door hockey romantic comedy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Rook to King

About the Book:

Title: Rook to King
Series: Love and Treasure #1
Author: Carina Taylor
Release Date: April 13th, 2022
Genre: Romantic Adventure

romantic adventure

Bodie King

My entire life revolves around convincing people to do what I want. Some people call me a con man. Some people call me…other things. I prefer to call myself a broker. (I even made business cards, so it must be official.)

Charming someone into helping me has never been a problem—until now.

The Bennetto chess set is rumored to lead to a priceless fortune. Who better to find it than me? I need an authenticator to help me buy the missing pieces of the chess set. The problem is finding someone who knows the set but is still honest—a quality I lack.

Enter Gracen Winthrop. She’s knowledgeable. Annoyingly trustworthy. And, most importantly, available.

After some persuasion, she seems to catch the treasure hunting bug as well. Unfortunately, I don’t actually want to share.

Now Gracen refuses to be left behind, despite a homicidal, grudge-holding ex-employee of mine chasing after us. I can’t protect her…but turns out she can handle herself just fine.

The closer we get to the chess set, the slower I want to find it. Because once I find the missing pieces? I’m going to disappear into the sunset, never to see Gracen again.

But Gracen has her own secrets…and how could I expect her to ever love a con?

Book Review:

This was such a fun book! I have read almost all of Carina Taylor’s books, but this one had a very different, heist movie vibe to it.

I loved Bodie! He was such a sweetheart underneath all his conman exterior. But it was also fun to read about a morally gray MC. He is not the good guy, and he is unashamedly a thief and a conman. But he also plays by a different set of rules. It was fun to watch him try and grapple with who he was and who he wanted to be.

Gracen was an awesome character! She had so many layers to her, and it was fun to see her character grow and change. I feel like the big reveal for her character felt very genuine too which I loved. It didn’t seem to come out of nowhere. Let’s just say that there is more to this antique expert than meets the eye.

My favorite part was the banter between Gracen and Bodie! It was just perfect. So funny and on point for both of these characters. They drove each other insane in the best way possible 😉

The side characters in this one were hilarious! I loved Oscar and Gracen’s family. They were so much fun! Gracen’s family is insane but in a super awesome, dysfunctional way. And I loved all of the Fletcher and Saidy cameos. Poor Fletcher was so frustrated by Bodie, and it was so funny!

I loved the action in this book. The plot was entertaining and exciting without ever taking away from the characters and their development. I would recommend this clean adventure romcom! There is some mild language and action.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Somebody to Lean On

About the Book:

Somebody to Lean On: A Small-town, Friends-to-Lovers, Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love in Charlotte Oaks Book 2) by [Jess Mastorakos]

Title: Somebody to Lean On
Series: Love in Charlotte Oaks #2
Author: Jess Mastorakos
Release Date: April 26th, 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Do I want to kiss my best friend? Yep. Always have. Too bad it’s not that simple.

Jackson Wilson and I are long-distance co-guardians of our friends’ daughter, and even though we’re best friends and we’re totally committed to Phoebe, this isn’t a romcom where the best friends get together in the end.

Unfortunately.

But now, Phoebe and I have nowhere to go but Jackson’s tiny Tennessee town. And even though it’ll be hard to ignore my feelings, we’ll raise this adorable, sassy ballerina—while patching up the injury-prone busybodies of Charlotte Oaks—side-by-side, as friends.

Except … what’s with that fire in his eyes? And why is he smiling at me like that?

Uh-oh. I don’t deserve to ride off into the sunset with Jackson and Phoebe. And if we go there and it blows up, Phoebe is the one who’ll pay the price, and not even a pair of former combat medics have the skills to repair that kind of damage.

Then again, this job has taught me that there are no guarantees in life or love, but the reward is always worth the risk.

Am I brave enough to risk everything for a chance at a romcom-worthy happily ever after, or are we destined to stay in the friend zone forever?

Book Review:

This was a cute book! Somebody to Lean On is the second book in Jess Mastorakos’ Love in Charlotte Oaks series. Mastorakos is a talented writer. I am loving this new series and this was a great friends to lovers.

Bailey was a complicated character, she was dealing with a lot. However I loved getting to know her, she was just trying her best to care for Phoebe. I liked how strong Bailey was and how she connected with Jackson’s family. Bailey had fallen for Jackson years before but she was scared of the future and to let him know. Bailey had to learn to let Jackson in and even reach for her dreams.

Jackson was a sweetheart. He truly cared for Bailey and Phoebe. Jackson wanted to give Bailey his heart but he was trying to wait on her time. I enjoyed reading about Jackson and seeing him interact with his brothers and family, it was fun. Jackson had to learn to be brave and reach out to Baily

Bailey and Jackson were just so fun together! I was super excited for this one and it was great. I loved the characters and their interactions! The family relationships were so sweet. Phoebe was a great attention to the story and I love how she brought Jackson and Bailey together. The town was hilarious and their antics had me laughing.

I would definitely recommend this book. I think that it had the perfect blend of serious, funny, and romance. You need to read Somebody to Lean On! Somebody to Lean On is a clean contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

That Time I Kissed the Groomsman Grump

About the Book:

That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by [Julie Christianson]

Title: That Time I Kissed the Groomsman Grump
Series: That Time I #1
Author: Julie Christianson
Release Date: April 24th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

The second dumbest thing I ever did was let my brother’s best friend kiss me …

BRADY

Yeah, I shouldn’t have kissed Natalie Slater.

Not on the porch. Or at the beach. Or in the storage closet. Especially not the storage closet. But to be fair, she kissed me first. Six months later, I’m still thinking about it.

Trouble is, I’ve made promises that tie me to our small town, while Natalie can’t wait to escape. I’ve got no business pursuing her or my secret ambitions. My future’s set, and good people here are depending on me. Too bad my gut’s not listening to reason, and I’m being pulled toward different dreams: the career I’ve always wanted, and the woman whose smile I can’t forget…

NATALIE

Brady Graham and I used to be friends. For a while there, I was even the teensiest bit attracted to him. But Brady’s sister is marrying my brother, and my brother is Brady’s best friend. How awkward would family dinners be if things went south? We need to let our mutual attraction fizzle out.

Except…nothing seems to be fizzling. With all the time we’re spending together as Maid of Honor and Best Man, our attraction’s just burning hotter. Then the guy decides to show me his secret soft side. Hot and vulnerable? So. Not. Fair.

Because the only heat I need in my life is the sunshine in Los Angeles. I’ve made commitments on the west coast, and I can’t risk being sidetracked by Broody Brady.

I just need to put three thousand miles between me and his so-not-fairness…

Book Review:

Such a cute story! Both Brady and Natalie know that a relationship is not a good idea. Brady is tied to their small town and the people in it. He can’t pursue her or his secret ambitions. Yet he feels pulled towards his dreams of the career he has always wanted and the woman who he can’t forget about. Natalie is ready to leave and has started making plans for a life in Los Angeles. Besides with Brady’s sister marrying Natalie’s brother and her brother being Brady’s best friend, they don’t need to add any awkwardness. They just need some time to let things settle…right?

It was so exciting to read this after being able to read That Time I Kissed my Brother’s Best Friend! You got to see the beginning hints of Brady and Natalie there. Natalie was so sweet. She felt a bit out of place in their small town where everyone had known everyone since birth. But she was so willing to help and to support, especially with Kasey’s wedding. I admired how she sought to be upbeat and encouraging, especially with Brady. She had to think through why she wanted what she had been pursuing. Brady was so sweet. He was a bit gruff, but definitely showed his tender side with Natalie. He felt like his commitments were weighing on him. He was so responsible and considerate.

It was fun to watch the antics of the wedding preparations and planning. Both Brady and Natalie had good relationships with their siblings and it was sweet to see how they tried to support them. I also loved how Brady and Natalie supported one another. They were both trying to look out for the other. As always, the side characters were hilarious! I love how Ms. Christianson’s books make you so invested in the whole cast of characters. I loved the small town vibes and the super-involved family! I enjoyed seeing old characters coming back into the story too! This is a closed-door romance that is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Matched with Her Athletic Boss

About the Book:

Matched with Her Athlete Boss (Romance by Love, Austen Book 3) by [Britney M. Mills]

Title: Matched with Her Athletic Boss
Series: Romance by Love, Austen #3
Author: Britney M. Mills
Release Date: April 2nd, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Being matched isn’t for the faint of heart. Especially after the relationship train wreck I’ve been through.

After a rough year, both in relationships and her career, Kenzie Sullivan has sworn off dating and decided to take the self-employment route. She never thought it would lead her to landing Trey Hatch, her longtime crush, as a client. She tries to keep life separate, but Trey keeps worming his way through every wall she puts up, giving her a sliver of hope that something could happen between them.

Trey is ready to share his busy hockey life with someone. When his agent sets him up to be part of a matchmaking docuseries, he’s not sure that’s the way to find love. But after spending time with Kenzie, and convincing her to try the matchmaking app again, he’s hoping she’ll be one of his matches.

As their relationship progresses, will they stay friends or take things to the next level?

Book Review:

This was cute and fun! I was super excited to read this book because I really enjoyed the previous book and it did not disappoint. Matched with Her Athletic Boss is the third book in Britney M. Mills’ Romance by Love, Austen series.

Trey and Kenzie were super sweet to read about. I loved how they connected and how they really seemed to care about each other. Kenzie was such a unique character, she had a lot of past hurts to work through. However I loved her stubbornness and her kind heart. She was working hard to make her new business work, she never expected to fall in love along the way. Trey was also a sweetheart. I loved how he was looking for a family. It was cute to read about him connecting with Kenzie and falling in love.

The romance was sweet and the characters were engaging. I liked how it also showed Kenzie’s family and their interactions, it was lovely. It was fun to read about Kenzie and Trey falling in love. I like the way Mills did her matchmaking part of this book, it was perfect.

I would recommend Matched with Her Athletic Boss to those who enjoy relatable characters and a sweet romance. Matched with Her Athletic Boss is closed door romantic comedy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

More Than a Silly Crush

About the Book:

Title: More Than a Silly Crush
Series: Cowboys of Stargazer Springs Ranch Rom Com Series #4
Author: Remi Carrington
Release Date: April 15th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

I only saw him as my best friend’s little brother . . . until I married him.

Getting pregnant before the wedding wasn’t my plan, but surprise! Then my fiancé (correction, ex-fiancé) tells me to take care of the problem. And that’s how he becomes my ex.

But being a single mom in this small town won’t be easy. Maybe not even possible. I’m a large animal vet. It’s not like I can take my baby to work with me.

Then my best friend’s younger brother drops to one knee and proposes so that I won’t be a single mom.
After hours of pondering, I accept Parker’s impulsive proposal.

Romance has never been part of our relationship, but he treats me better than anyone I’ve ever dated. He’s caring, protective, and more than a little good looking. Way more than I deserve.

But I really didn’t think about the day-to-day of married life. Or what it would be like to see him without a shirt all the time. He’s no longer the scrawny kid who liked to tag along. He’s a full-grown cowboy and quickly becoming my best friend. (Well, my other best friend)

Just when I think maybe a happily-ever-after is possible, tragedy strikes.

Now that there’s nothing to save me from, I have to let him go. But walking away from my knight in shining armor will absolutely shatter my heart.

Book Review:

Ripped and Shipped

About the Book:

Ripped & Shipped: An Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating Romcom (Getting Shipped! Book 7) by [Savannah Scott]

Title: Ripped and Shipped
Series: Getting Shipped #7
Author: Savannah Scott
Release Date: May 5th 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

If you had asked me if I’d ever be dating Chris St. James, well, let’s just say it’s more likely Jimmy Choo would name a shoe after me.

Which, Jimmy, if you’re out there, the “Ella Mae” would definitely be a big seller. Call me, Mkay?

But, back to Chris. Sure, he’s handsome. I mean, his arms are as big as my legs! He’s got those lips that would make Michelangelo pause and grab a rock to start sculpting. And when you top his looks off with the whole hero-vibe he has going for him. Yes. He’s a fine specimen of manhood.

But, Chris is closed off, and judgy. And even if he weren’t, we’re from two separate sides of our town.
Remember Romeo and Juliet? That didn’t end so well, did it?

Besides, Chris and I don’t have any desire to date, or even talk to one another most days.
We’re not exactly what you’d call friends.

But, here’s the thing. You never know what situations life is going to throw at you. And right now, I’m in a doozie. Which means, Chris St. James–yes, that brawny, broody man–is now my boyfriend.

Well … He’s not really my boyfriend.
But don’t tell anyone.

Book Review:

I was so excited for this book! And a little nervous because I was so excited 🙂 But I shouldn’t have worried because Savannah Scott did not disappoint! Ella Mae and Chris finally get their HEA.

Okay, I honestly am not sure if I really liked Ella Mae from the first couple books, but as I kept reading the series, you get the feeling that there is more to her than meets the eye. And there is so much more to her than the annoying cell phone obsessed influencer. She’s kind, funny, and somehow a perfect mix of insecurity and confidence. I loved her! She was dealing with so much, and I loved getting to pull back the layers to her character.

Chris was such a sweetheart! He’s a soldier through and through, and he is not amused by Ella Mae’s antics. But it was so sweet to watch him fall in love with her! He got to see past all of her walls to who she really was. And it was adorable to see how she made him relax and enjoy life. He didn’t really know how to have fun before being with her. And I love how he steadied her and made her open up.

The town was more frustrating in this one. You really got to see how badly Ella Mae was treated, and it’s very irritating! But let’s just say that there’s a happy ending.

I loved this book! It was the perfect ending to the Getting Shipped series! It is a clean romcom with only some swoony kisses 🙂

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Wild about My Fake Fiance

About the Book:

Wild About My Fake Fiancé: A Sweet Friends-To-Lovers Romantic Comedy: Wild About You Series by [Anne William]

Title: Wild About My Fake Fiance
Series: Wild About You #3
Author: Anne Williams
Release Date: April 4th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pretending to be Isaac’s fake fiancée should be a walk in the park,
Hello, all expense paid trip to Lake Tahoe!

Clearly we both have a lot of secrets,
His is absurd family wealth,
Mine is nine months of a growing waistline.
That’s right, I’m secretly pregnant.
But for now, I just have to help him out and put on a good show.
I was a Broadway actress, this shouldn’t be that hard.
But when it comes to Isaac, how much of this is really acting?
The one thing that’s no secret is that we’ve liked each other for a while now.
I should enjoy this while I can, because it’s temporary. It’s fake.
I’m a party of two, and once he finds out, there is no way he’ll want us.
Will he?

Book Review:

This was such a cute book! This is my first book by Anne William, and I loved it!

Skylar was such a fun character. There were layers to her, and I loved watching her learn to trust Isaac. She had been burned in the past, and she was trying to turn her life around for herself and for her baby. Skylar is pregnant at the beginning of the book, but nothing is shown at all. I loved watching her learn to trust Isaac and also hope for a better future.

Isaac was such a nice guy! He seemed like a flirt, but in reality, he was a total softie. I loved how much he adored Skylar. It was definitely an adorable he falls first book.

This was a fun, short read! I wanted to keep reading, but it wasn’t stressful at all. I love books that make me smile and laugh without making my heart hurt. I would definitely recommend this clean closed door romcom!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Royal Gone Rogue

About the Book:

Royal Gone Rogue: A Sweet Royal RomCom (Sweet Royal RomCom Series Book 2) by [Emma St. Clair]

Title: Royal Gone Rogue
Series: Sweet Royal Rom-com #2
Author: Emma St. Clair
Release Date: February 248h, 2021
Genre: Romantic Comedy

“You can’t choose a wife based on a spreadsheet.”

“It’s a RUBRIC.”

“Even worse!”

With the king’s health in decline, the time is short for Crown Prince Phillip of Elsinore to choose a suitable wife.

Preferably NOT one of the many titled women who seem only interested in the crown.

Like the logical, responsible man he is, Phillip treats this task the way he does everything else–analytically, with measurable data points.

Leaving Elsinore in secret, Phillip travels to a tiny Italian village to meet the woman best matching his qualifications. The plan is to present Alessia with a proposal of marriage and return to the palace before anyone notices his absence.

What he didn’t plan for: FEELINGS.

His–almost immediate, gut-punching attraction like he’s never felt.

Hers–seeming dislike and distrust like he’s never experienced.

Phillip’s very practical plan has been replaced with a new one: to stay on and win Alessia’s affection at any cost.

Even if the cost is walking away from the crown …

Book Review:

I loved this book! I have been waiting for Phillip to get his HEA, and this was just adorable. Plus, it was cute having a Cinderella style romance.

Phillip was just so cute! I had already liked him from Royally Rearranged, but I loved getting to see him in his own book. It was fun to see him opening up with Alessia. In so many ways, he thought he was a robot, but when he met Alessia everything changed. He had always had to be the responsible one in the family, but Alessia helped him relax and be a person instead of a prince.

Alessia was such a fun character! She had to work through a lot of fear in her life and decide whether she wanted Phillip. She was such a strong person, so I loved how Phillip supported her and made her want a life outside her tiny village.

The romance in this one was little instalove, but I feel like it fit the two of them. They were both such sensible people, so it was fun to see them unravel a little! And the interactions between them were so cute. I loved all the swoony but clean kisses.

And the royal family comes back in this book too! Callum has totally redeemed himself in my eyes, and I loved getting to see Phillip’s sister too. Their family dynamic was hilarious, and I loved getting to see more of Callum’s side of the story.

I would totally recommend this book! It is a fun, clean romcom that is the perfect blend of serious and hilarious moments 🙂

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

The Nice Guy

About the Book:

The Nice Guy: A Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy (It's Amor Rom-Com Book 1) by [Abi Sabina]

Title: The Nice Guy
Series: It’s Amor #1
Author: Abi Sabina
Release Date: April 20th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Here’s my advice: Never fall for your boss when he is a walking red flag.

After finding out that my boyfriend cheated on me, I packed my bags and moved to Sunshine Falls.

My uncle’s ready to retire, and he has always dreamed of me taking over his partnership at the animal clinic in town.

My surprise comes when he introduces me to my new partner, and it’s the cute guy I was talking to at the coffee shop.

It’s okay, though. I’m not looking for a relationship. My priorities are my career and starting over.

Ivan and I clash at every turn, and our transition is anything but smooth. Throw in the exotic animals that keep showing up, and I think we’re doomed.

The one thing we can agree on is to make my uncle proud.

When Ivan starts to open up to me, it’s difficult to ignore my feelings. Throw in turtle-shelled glasses, and I’m putty.

I’m tempted to break my rule, but I know the consequences that come with dating a co-worker, and I won’t go through that again.

Book Review:

Okay, so this was just too cute! I am so glad that I found Abi Sabina’s books this year. The Nice Guy is the first book in her new series, It’s Amor, and you do not want to miss it. I just loved it!

I really love books that feature family relationships and give you a whole new set of characters to love. Madison and Ivan were wonderful characters that drew you in. There were so many things that I enjoyed about this book. I loved the family relationships and sibling banter showed. Ivan and Luna had the sweetest relationship and Sara and Mia were perfect little sisters. The unique pet owners and pets were just too much fun!

Ivan was just so much fun, especially because he was kind of awkward. However I loved his kind heart and how he generally cared for the people in his town. He had to learn to let Madison in though and be ready for new changes. Madison had to grow on me but I grew to love her. She was such a strong female character, I loved how she stood firm in her briefs and how she challenged Ivan to be better. Madison had to learn to work with Ivan and to understand that sometimes different isn’t bad.

The romance was sweet. I like how Ivan and Madison became friends first before they fell in love. I enjoyed their interactions and it was sweet to read about them falling in love. I think that this book did a great job of setting the stage for this new series while still being a good book. I also like how the plot came along, nothing felt forced and the characters’ reactions to different things made sense. The family scenes were some of my favorite parts of this book because it reminded me of my own family and our family gatherings.

The Nice Guy was just everything I hoped for it to be! I am beyond excited for the next one, I know that it is going to be good! You need to have this book on your TBR. The Nice Guy is a closed door romantic comedy

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.